Month November 2022

Driven by Kerena Swan @KerenaSwan @rararesources #crime #mystery #policeprocedural #bookreview

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I am delighted to share my review today for Driven by Kerena Swan. This is the second book in the series, and the first I have read! Check further down the post to also stand a chance of winning a paperback copy of the 1st book 🙂

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour for this fabulous book.

Every mother’s worst nightmare
It was only for a couple of minutes, while dropping Noah off at nursery. Little did Melanie realise that leaving her sleeping son in the car would end up being the biggest regret of her life.

A teenage challenge turns sour
For teenager Woody, stealing cars with his new friend helps alleviate the tedium of a life of poverty and boredom. This isn’t what he wants to do with his life but for now, he feels accepted. Except on this occasion, his actions have consequences that could change his life forever. Is it too late to turn his life around?

How far would you go to save those you love?
While DI Paton is on the case of the missing child, he is quickly drawn into a web of deception that hits dangerously close to home. He soon finds himself torn in two, not knowing which way to turn: save his career or his family? Will he be able to crack the case before he himself cracks?


Purchase Links – Amazon UK – US

MY REVIEW

I really liked the synopsis for this book, it suggests that there are three stories wrapped in the cover. There is also more to this than the synopsis suggests, so I had better be careful what I mention!

This is the 2nd book in the series and it is the first one I have read. I did get the feeling that there is more to be garnered from reading the first book, but Driven does work well as a stand-alone.

DI Paton is struggling with balancing his home life and his work life. This does lead him to make the odd mistake, but when it involves the kidnapping of a child there can be no mistakes.

There is also the part that involves the teenager, Woody, now I know what he did was awful but I have to say I had a bit of a soft spot for him as I learnt more about him.

From discovering a child has been kidnapped to the story as it ended was a fabulous journey that was full of tension, suspicion and more than a few shocks and twists along the way.

The story flowed at a wonderful pace and because of the various characters and the different subplots, it kept me eagerly turning the pages. This is one of those stories that you don’t want the author to swap between the characters because you need to know what happens to them. Obviously, this is the format of the story and it is a great way of keeping me reading it means I start to suspect and usually get various things wrong. There were some wonderful routes that the author took and these did surprise me.

It is a book where you may think about a character one way only to find that there is a history that has shaped them. Stereotyping people is a great way of setting the reader up to get their suspicions and observations wrong. The storyline is tense and it is actually quite dangerous and not necessarily for the most obvious of reasons.

I really enjoyed this one and I do like the little teaser that the author has left for the next book. This is a series I can definitely see myself carrying on with, I do like Paton’s sidekick or left-in-command!

For a police procedural with a twist, I really enjoyed this one. One for crime and mystery fans and also one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Before coming to Hobeck, Kerena had published three novels, Dying To See You, Scared to Breathe and Who’s There? and has built a solid fan base around her writing career thus far. She is a juggler extraordinaire: driving forward a successful care business she runs with her husband yet finding time to write. She loves to write, here and there and everywhere when she’s not working. We don’t know how she does it but we are glad that she does! Kerena talks about her writing, her influences and how she came to Hobeck in this video.
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Social Media Links – Website – Twitter – Facebook

There is an amazing #GIVEAWAY chance to –

Win a paperback copy of Blood Loss by Kerena Swan (Open to UK Only)


*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch #fantasy #crime #murder #mystery #bookreview

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I am delighted to share my review today for Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch. This is the first book in the Rivers of London series and I am so glad there are lots more to read since this one was first published in 2011.

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Probationary Constable Peter Grant dreams of being a detective in London’s Metropolitan Police. Too bad his superior plans to assign him to the Case Progression Unit, where the biggest threat he’ll face is a paper cut. But Peter’s prospects change in the aftermath of a puzzling murder, when he gains exclusive information from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost. Peter’s ability to speak with the lingering dead brings him to the attention of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, who investigates crimes involving magic and other manifestations of the uncanny. Now, as a wave of brutal and bizarre murders engulfs the city, Peter is plunged into a world where gods and goddesses mingle with mortals and a long-dead evil is making a comeback on a rising tide of magic.

MY REVIEW

I have had this book on my kindle for far too long. (3rd August 2012 to be exact!) When I first saw this book I knew it was one I wanted to read but over time it has slipped down the list and now I have discovered it!

This is a police procedural of sorts, it does have police officers, and detectives and there is a chain of command and all that gumpf. But in with this, there are also ghosts, ghouls, auras, vampires and other things that lurk in the shadows.

Peter Grant is a probationary police officer, he has been given his first assignment. It isn’t to the detective department as his fellow officer is going to go, but to work alongside DCI Thomas Nightingale. He is a one-man department within the MET and he has decided to take on an apprentice. Yes, an apprentice!

Nightingale is the officer that is called when bizarre and other world events happen. River of London is a wonderful introduction to the Gods Goddesses and other creatures of the Thames and tributaries. Peter will have to tiptoe the shores and the politics of the river rulers as well as keep on the right side of other detectives who are reluctant to accept that Nightingale does in fact have his uses.

This was a brilliant story to sit down with and it soon became one that I knew I would not put down until I had finished it. A one-sitting read that has many twists, and unexpected occur5ance, with danger lurking around and within the walls.

At times this is quite funny and I love the writing style of the author. A mix of fantasy and mystery that have been warped or wrapped around a crime and police procedural genre. I can see now how this book has garnered so many great reviews and why it has become a popular series. I will definitely be reading the next book very soon and I would definitely recommend this to readers who like crime with a fantasy twist.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ben Aaronovitch’s career started with a bang writing for Doctor Who, subsided in the middle and then, as is traditional, a third act resurgence with the bestselling Rivers of London series.

Born and raised in London he says that he’ll leave his home when they prise his city out of his cold dead fingers.

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My Week In Books (w/e 27th November 2022) #booklove #bookupdates #MeAndMyBooks

yvonnembee 2 Comments

Hello and welcome to another weekly round-up of books I have read. I cannot believe this is the final week of November already. Not only has the month flown by, but the whole year also has to be perfectly honest.

The weather has not been the best again down here in Cornwall. lots of rain, wind, hail and thunder. There is an excellent side to the rain though, and that is that the reservoirs are filling and we did get a small rebate on our water bill.

On the reading front, I have finished all my Blog Tour commitment books for the year, although I already have several lined up for January, February and March already 🙂

Here is what I have been reading…

Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley – this is a wonderful festive fiction story that I adored. I didn’t realise there was another book that has one of the characters in it until a fellow Book Blogger told me about it. My full review was published last week and here is the link if you want to read it.

Rivers of London (Rivers of London, #1)

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch – I bought this book on my kindle in 2012 and have just found it again. This is a brilliant book and I am so glad there are more in this series. A mix of police procedural, supernatural, fantasy and mystery. It is a genre I do enjoy and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next books. Full review to follow.

The Source

The Source by Sarah Sultoon – this is another book that has been sat on the shelf for too long and it is a fabulous read. Some very tough topics that have been approached very well. A story of two timelines and one that has far-reaching implications. Corruption, abuse, scandals, institutional abuse and an amazing read. Full review to follow.

The Thunder Girls

The Thunder Girls by Melanie Blake – yep another one that has also been gathering dust! Once again another fabulous read. The Thunder Girls were a band in the 80s, they split up and now 30 years later there is a chance for them to reunite. There are problems with this though, they all went their separate ways, there haven’t spoken since the split and there is a huge amount of animosity between them. This is the tip of the iceberg compared to what is going on behind the scenes. Full review to follow.

It has been great reading books that have languished for far too long on my shelves. I am finding that they are brilliant and were definitely worth getting them when I did. I dare not admit how many I have still to be read on my kindle and on my actual bookshelves 😬🤪

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Wishing you all a fabulous week ahead,

Take Care

Yvonne xx

Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley #festivefiction #contemporaryfiction #chicklit @orionbooks #NetGalley #bookreview

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I am delighted to share my review today for Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley. This is a title I saw on NetGalley and decided to request for review. What a wonderful story this was and my thanks to Orion Books for accepting my request to read this.

Merrily Ever After

Two strangers. One big secret. And a Christmas to remember . . .

Merry has always wanted a family to spend Christmas with, and this year her dream comes true as she says ‘I do’ to father-of-two Cole. But as she juggles her rapidly-growing business, wedding planning and the two new children in her life, her dream begins to unravel.

Emily is desperately waiting for the New Year to begin, so she can finally have a fresh start. She has always put her family first, leaving little time for happiness and love. When her beloved father Ray moves into a residential home, she discovers a photograph in his belongings that has the potential to change everything.

As past secrets come to light, will this be a magical Christmas for Emily and Merry to remember?

MY REVIEW

This was such a gorgeous story to read and it is based around two women. They live in the same town but don’t actually know each other. One runs a candle shop the other works as a school secretary.

Merry has a wonderful-sounding shop that sells candles, the name of the shop is Merry and Bright and it sounds amazing. It is the run-up to Christmas so it is a naturally busy time, she also has a wedding to get ready for.

Emily has settled for a secretary job as it fits better with her father. He has dementia and is becoming more confused, Emily looks after him but has to contemplate a change for him into a care home.

A chance meeting between the two women happens while Emily and her Mum are out shopping, when they bump into each other again they recognise each other. However, Emily knows something about Merry now and isn’t sure how to broach the subject.

If you are after a book that will tug on the heartstrings then this is one that should be on your list to read. Yes, it is a festive-themed book as it does include Christmas markets, a wedding and the obvious festive season. This is simply a time of the year, the story that hides underneath the glitter and baubles is one that is simply gorgeous.

Both women are facing changes ahead for different reasons, and the sense of family is strong in each woman. I have to be so careful about what I say as there are so many wonderful moments within this story, there are several layers that are gradually unwrapped and believe me when I say you may need a tissue or more.

This is a story of discovery and of acceptance. Looking towards the future and allowing changes to happen as well as settling some secrets of the past. I do hope I have intrigued you with this title and you pick it up to read because it is fabulous. One for fans of contemporary fiction, festive fiction, and families and it is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cathy Bramley is the author of the best-selling romantic comedies Ivy Lane, Appleby Farm, Wickham Hall, Conditional Love and The Plumberry School of Comfort Food. She lives in a Nottinghamshire village with her family and a dog.

Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, never without a book on the go and now thinks she may have found her dream job!

Merrily Ever After

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The Summer Escape (Isles of Scilly #3) by Hannah Ellis @BooksEllis @rararesources #contemporaryfiction #family #friendship #bookreview

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I am delighted to share my review today for The Summer Escape by Hannah Ellis. This is the 3rd book in her Isles of Scilly series and each book is a fabulous story to read. They can be read as standalone, but they do work much better when read in order.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this fabulous book.

Single-mother Beth desperately needs a break.


Grieving the loss of her mother, she sets off to the Isles of Scilly with her five-year-old daughter, Ellie.
Their holiday cottage is utterly charming, but it’s meeting Trystan – the owner of the cottage – that makes Beth’s stay so perfect.
When their holiday fling starts to feel like something more, she knows she’s in trouble. Her life is in Plymouth, while he lives in London. Besides, Trystan has already admitted he’s not ready for a family.


Is he prepared to take a leap of faith for Beth and Ellie? And with the odds stacked against them, can they find a way to make their relationship last beyond the lazy days of summer?

Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

Oh, it was so nice to go back to the Isles of Scilly for the 3rd book in the series. The previous books have focused on one of the Island families, this time it is the turn of Trystan. He lives and works in London but does come back to the Isles when he can. This time when he returns he can’t stay in his usual cottage.

In the cottage are Beth and her daughter Ellie. They had been on holiday for a week and the weather had been awful, quite typical for my neck of the woods. They are convinced that they should stay on for a few days more as the weather has now brightened up. The cottage belongs to Trystan and his mum rents it out for him, so he is just going to have to stay with her for a few days.

This is another gorgeous story from this author. Each time I come to this series I am hooked. The close family on the island is great to come back to and the banter they have with each other is great. Trystan has recently split from his partner of 10 years. Beth doesn’t have an obvious partner, but she does have a daughter.

Bringing two people together is a nice idea, but there are other circumstances that also need to be considered especially when there is a child involved, I have to say I liked how the author approached this and how there were some awkward situations. Nothing, however, should be taken for granted, as Beth is a single Mum she is very protective of her daughter and after all, they are only on holiday!

This is a wonderful and tentative story that works its way along at its own pace, not too rushed and at times with some amusing outcomes. It was a chance to learn more about the family and especially Trystan and I am delighted to see who the author has her sights set on for the next story!!!

This is one for those who like a holiday romance, contemporary fiction, family and friendships and a really wonderful heartwarming story. I would definitely recommend this one, and also the previous ones in the series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

– Hannah Ellis spent many years working in childcare before deciding she’d like to write books. When she’s not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.


Social Media Links – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

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On The First Day Of Christmas by Faith Hogan #NetGalley #festivefiction #contemporaryfiction #romance #bookreview

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I am delighted to share my review today for On The First Day Of Christmas by Faith Hogan. This is a lovely Christmas-themed story and one I really enjoyed. My thanks to the publishers for granting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

On The First Day Of Christmas

This Christmas, everything will change…

When Liv Latimer says goodbye to her fellow nurses and finishes work for the holidays, she’s looking forward to a Christmas to remember with her boyfriend Eddie.

But as she leaves the hospital, tragedy strikes and Liv is faced with a choice. Will she ignore her instincts and go home as planned? Or will she stay, and potentially change the course of her life as she knows it?

Whatever choice she makes, Liv is about to discover that fate finds a way…

From the bestselling Irish author of The Ladies’ Midnight Swimming Club comes an emotional and uplifting festive story about love, family and how a split-second decision can change your life. 

MY REVIEW

I have read a few books by this author and she always manages to create a story that is addictive and has some wonderful moments. This one is a slightly different style, not a straightforward read as such but a duel story that runs parallel. The main focus is Liv, a nurse who works in Dublin. She has lost her sister and lives with her boyfriend Eddie. She finishes her shift at the hospital and is making her way home when there is an accident. This is where the story splits.

I am not going to go into too much detail about the storylines, but they do have similarities in certain aspects of Liv’s life. Both of the stories flit back and forth between each other, and there is a difference in the printing style in the copy that I received, so it did make it easier for me to be aware of the changeover.

The author took me on a journey through the life of Liv and her potential future. her story is one of sadness and family and with the support of her best friend she manages to continue on and keeps a busy work life. The decision to work more shifts rather than deal with her feelings and the truth makes this an addictive story. This is a story that feels closer to real life in the respect that not everyone is always able to live happily ever after.

The author uses the two storylines to great effect, which makes this a very thought-provoking read. While it is about family and friendship it s also about the future and accepting what has happened.

The format of this story did initially throw me but once I realised what was happening I was able to settle into this a lot more. I would like to mention more about the stories but this would just ruin it and if I was to try t explain more I would confuse you more than you probably are now!

This is a cleverly laid out story, it does flow really well and the author gave a very thought-provoking and poignant story. It is one for those who like contemporary fiction and romance novel with something a little different about it. I really enjoyed it and I would happily recommend it.

On The First Day Of Christmas

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My Week IN Books (w/e 20th November 2022) #booklove #bookupdates #MeAndMyBooks

yvonnembee 2 Comments

Welcome to another wrap-up of books I have read over the past week. I have been watching Twitter with interest and to be honest, I am quite appalled by some of the things I am seeing. I have tiptoed into another site and am tentatively finding my feet, I do need to spend a bit more time on Mastodon though. Here is my link if you want to give me a follow 🙂

@yvonnebastian@mastodon.world

Too wet and windy just recently to go in the garden but I did notice some of my narcissi have started to open. Me and the other half noticed that the birds are now starting to come back to the feeders and they are going mad for the fat balls as well as the seed. Our two dogs have got this feeding station sussed out. They know if they snuffle around the grass under the bird feeders they can usually find some seeds and bits to eat. Those two would never starve I can tell you.

Right, here are the books I have read…

The Orphanage Girls Reunited

The Orphanage Girls Reunited by Mary Wood – I do love this author’s books and this is the next book in the Orphanage Girls series. It is a fabulous historical fiction story that sees friends Ellen and Ruth coming back together after being split up. Addictive reading and is heartbreaking at times. Keep an eye out for the Blog Tour in December for my full review.

A Child for the Reich

A Child for the Reich by Andie Newton – this is a heartwrenching historical fiction that tells the story of a mother trying to find her daughter. Her daughter had been taken from her to be Germanised and become a good German citizen. This is a stunning book to read and the full review will be part of the Blog Tour in December.

The Family tree Mystery by Peter Bartram – I adore this series and it is set in 1967 in Brighton. Colin and his girlfriend Shirley are discovering something about Shirley’s past. As a journalist, Colin does get some interesting leads. A brilliant story that has some great humour and is one for fans of cosy mysteries. Full review as part of the Blog Tour in December.

There we go another good week for books,

Wishing you a good week ahead

All the best

Yvonne xx

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The Will by Rebecca Reid @RebeccaCNReid @RandomTTOurs #suspense #family #bookreview

yvonnembee 6 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for The WIll by Rebecca Reid. This is a fabulous story that had me blind-sided a couple of times.

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging for my e-copy of this book from the publisher –

The Mordaunts aren’t like most families…


For one, their family home is Roxborough Hall – a magnificent, centuries-old mansion in the Norfolk countryside. For another, the house isn’t passed down from parent to child – but rather to the family member deemed most worthy.


Cecily Mordaunt is dead. On the evening of her funeral, her family will gather for dinner and each will be given a letter, revealing who is the next custodian of Roxborough Hall.


The house is a burden, a millstone, a full-time job…but they all want it. And some are willing do anything to get it.


One family. Eight letters. Who will get what they deserve?

MY REVIEW

The synopsis is short but more than enough to convince me that I wanted to read this book. I mean, a death, a will, a large house and family, that in itself is a pot simmering waiting for the inevitable to happen.

The thought of owning a large house is great, but when you are one of several that want it then tensions arise. I will admit the Mordant family are not backstabbers, they come across as polite and civil, although not all of them are like that. There is some behind-the-scenes sniping and manipulating, but then it is what makes the story so interesting.

The author has set this story up brilliantly, the house is to be left to one of the family, and it is not passed down to the eldest son or anything as archaic as that. Instead, it is down to the wishes of the recently deceased Cecily.

The author swaps back and forth between the present family and Cecily’s life growing up. I enjoyed both of the timelines but the present-day one is the one that takes precedence. Gradually the author lets you know about each of the family members, introducing them as such. They are a mix of siblings and their children.

With a reasonably large family group, it was easy to keep p with who was who. They each want the house, each one has their own plans for what they would like to do with it. The author works some brilliant subplots into this and I was never sure who was going to be the best one to own the house.

This is a mystery wrapped around the family group and it makes for a wonderful story. the characters are likeable on the whole, with the odd exception. This is a mix of contemporary fiction and mystery. It is a wonderful read and one that I would definitely recommend .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Reid is the author of the novels Perfect Liars, Truth Hurts and Two Wrongs, and the nonfiction book The Power of Rude. She is a freelance journalist and columnist for the Telegraph’s women’s section and a regular contributor to Telegraph culture. She is the former digital editor of Grazia magazine and has previously written for Stylist, the Independent, the Guardian, The Times, Marie Claire, the New Statesman and Glamour Magazine. She regularly contributes to Good Morning Britain, Sky News and various BBC radio programmes. She holds an MA in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway.

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In the Shadows of Castles by G.K. Holloway @SilverWoodBooks #historicalfiction #bookreview

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I am delighted to share my review of In the Shadows of Castles by G.K. Holloway. I had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series in 2017, the book was 1066: What Fates Impose and it was a fabulous story so I was absolutely delighted when Glyn got in touch to see if I wanted to read the next one.

1066: What Fates Impose

Here is the link to my review for 1066: What Fates Impose

In the Shadows of Castles

It’s the 1060s, and William of Normandy is establishing a new and brutal regime in England, but there are those who would defy him. As Norman soldiers spread like a plague across the land, resistance builds, but will it be enough to topple William and restore the rightful king to his throne? The English have the courage to fight, but the Normans, already victorious at Hastings, now build castles seeking to secure their tenuous foothold in these lands.

And what of the people caught up in these catastrophic events? Dispossessed but not defeated, their lives ripped apart, the English struggle for freedom from tyranny; amongst them, caught up in the turmoil, are a soldier, a thane and two sisters. As events unfold, their destinies become intertwined, bringing drastic changes that alter their lives forever.

Firmly embedded in the history of the Conquest, ‘In the Shadows of Castles’ is ultimately a story of love, hope and survival in a time of war. 

PURCHASE LINK – AMAZON UK

MY REVIEW

This book continues on from 1066: What Fates Impose. I read and adored that book so I was absolutely thrilled to the author had continued the story. With William on the throne, the Normans are brutally and savagely destroying all the English that they come across. Rebels and uprisings are quickly quashed by Williams’s army and the countryside is left like scorched earth. Any food is taken, livestock destroyed, houses burned and people murdered no matter their age.

Having a Frenchman wearing an English crown doesn’t sit well with many. There are obviously some who have lands, estates and money that want to retain their possessions and so they do show some support. William doesn’t only have to deal with the English, he also has to stop the grumbling from within his own ranks, as his people want to go back home to their families.

With the rebels of England, and with the support of the Welsh, Scots and Danes there is bloodshed around most of England. Nowhere is safe, churches do not provide a safe sanctuary anymore as they are destroyed as quickly as they come across. Villages, towns and cities are filled with bloodshed and William is gradually building castles and fortifications where he can to maintain his hold.

With the first book, I adored how the author brought his obvious knowledge of this period of English history to life. I am delighted to see that this still runs true with his latest book. Being able to read a fictionalised story really does bring the past to life, it makes it easier to absorb and remember. No list of dates and people who lived and died, but instead a proper action-packed read from start to finish.

Having a fictionalised account gives the reader a chance to get to know a character, but it does come down to the research and this is where the author really does know his subject. There will be obvious things that may be added or altered, but for me as a general reader, it means I can immerse myself directly into the story.

And what a story this one is!

With England at the start of a new era under the reign of William, the Battle of Hastings is still fresh in the memory. There was a successor named but he was obviously not crowned as William was instead. The country is in turmoil, it is under siege and communication is slow or misunderstood, sometimes deliberately. The author uses four main characters to give a more personal look at lifestyles and what could have happened. Two friends and two sisters are drawn together as they battle their way out of skirmishes, and are hunted, are followed and lied to. There are obviously more characters than this, but while there is a lot the author keeps the action flowing wonderfully as it goes from one group to another, crisis crossing the county.

The whole feel of the book has a wonderful pace to it. It is an action-adventure story, one also of life, death, loyalty and of the future. It is a brilliant read from start to finish and it is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

G. K. Holloway did several jobs after leaving school before taking A Levels at his local college and later a degree in History and Politics at Coventry University. Once he had graduated, he spent the next twenty years working in education in and around Bristol. After reading a biography about Harold Godwinson, he studied the late Anglo-Saxon era in detail and discovered a time of papal plots, court intrigues, family feuds, loyalties, betrayals, assassinations and a few battles. When he had enough material to weave together fact and fiction, he produced his award-winning novel, ‘1066: What Fates Impose’, the first in a series about the Norman Conquest. G. K. Holloway lives in Bristol with his wife and two children.

Find G.K. Holloway on his Amazon Author Page or Goodreads Author Page

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The Highland Girls at War by Helen Yendall @HelenYendall @rararesources #WWII #saga #historicalfiction #Giveaway #historicalromance #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for The Highland Girls at War by Helen Yendall. This is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from her.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of the book.

Can the Highland girls prove everyone wrong? Don’t miss this poignant and heartwarming WW2 novel for fans of Rosie Clarke, Dilly Court and Rosie Archer, from the author of A Wartime Secret.

Scotland, 1942.
The Lumberjills, the newest recruits in the Women’s Timber Corps, arrive in the Scottish Highlands to a hostile reception from doubtful locals. The young women are determined to prove them wrong and serve their country – but they’re also all looking for something more…

Lady Persephone signed up to show everyone she’s more than just a pretty face – but it’ll take more than some charm and her noble credentials to win handsome Sergeant Fraser over.

Tall, strong Grace has led a lonely life working on a croft, with just her mother for company. All she wants is to find her place in the world – even if that’s a thousand miles from home.

And Irene misses her husband terribly, so until he returns home from the frontline, she’s distracting herself with war work. But one distraction too far leads to devastating consequences…

Can the Lumberjills get through their struggles together – even when tragedy strikes?

PURCHASE LINKS – AMAZON – UK – US

MY REVIEW

This is the first time I have read anything from this author and this book was a wonderful one to read. The setting is Scotland during WWII. As some women join the WVRS or become LandGirls, there is another group they can enlist with, this is The Womens’ Timber Corp. I seem to remember something about this but I am not sure from where. The WTC was set up in 1942, the aim was for women to take over the forestry jobs of the men who had to go to war.

The story focuses on a small group of women, you couldn’t get a much different group as they come together to do what they can to help. A mix of Scottish women, a couple are married, some are engaged, some come from other jobs and there is even an English Lady!

The author brings this group of women together and over the course of the story, they start to form friendships. The work is tough, some that have come from crofts or small holding are more used to the physical work, whereas others come from shop or factory backgrounds. Each of them though odes brings their own personality and it seems that all have a reason to be there.

The women are not the only ones in the forest, there are some Candian Lumberjacks that have been stationed close by. The girls much prefer their own nickname, the Lumberjills. Living in close proximity there are dalliances between the two groups. There is going to be heartache somewhere down the line.

The author has woven a group of strangers that have a job to do, it also turns out they have a point to prove. Working a very tough job that is seen as being “men’s work” gives the girls a push to do the best they can. As the months roll on the camaraderie between the women grows, and solid friendships are formed.

This was a wonderful glimpse into a group that I had heard about and it definitely made me search for more information about the WTC. The author has mixed a factual group that played its part in their service to the war effort and worked some wonderful storylines into the story. This was a wonderful one to read and if you are a fan of WWII historical romances and sagas then you are really going to enjoy this one. A story of friendship, support and overcoming the odds. A great cast of characters and I was sorry to get to the end of the story. It is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Helen Yendall has had dozens of short stories and a serial published in women’s magazines over the past twenty years and now writes female-focused WW2 novels. She’s a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
She studied English and German at Leeds University and has worked in a variety of roles: for a literary festival, a university, a camping club, a children’s charity and in marketing and export sales. But her favourite job is the one she still has: teaching creative writing to adults.
Although a proud Brummie by birth, Helen now lives in the North Cotswolds with her husband and cocker spaniel, Bonnie. When she’s not teaching or writing, she likes reading, swimming, tennis and walking in the beautiful countryside where she lives.

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