Crossings by Laurel Ferejohn

                                                     

Ebook:  287 pages                                                                                                

Genre: Fiction, 

Publisher:   Silent Clamor Press 8th Dec 2026. 

Source: NetGalley

First Sentences: Tomby's buoyant floating turned fist to treading when he caught sight of two of the guys slicing through the swells swimming straight for him.

Review Quote: “[Crossings] is a remarkably assured debut … a fresh and authentic novel that captures the difficulty of being true to oneself.”

—Kirkus Reviews

My Opinion:   

When deciding to read and review 'Crossings' from the summary I was expecting the relationship between two protagonists, Tomby and Valletta to be the main plot. Instead the storyline focuses more on Valetta's life story and her relationship with her abusive husband.

Set in Hawaii during the Vietnam War over a period of several months, it is a tense and thought provoking story as Tomby and Valetta gain the confidence to cope with their problems.

Found this disjointed in some aspects, such as the number of characters, that do not feel relevant to the story. Also the chapter lengths feel overly long, making the story drag at times.

With thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

Hawaii, 1968. Vietnam always on the horizon.

Closeted, yet still not safe from harassment by certain fellow Marines, Tomby finds a lifeline in a secret friendship with one of their wives—Valetta. She married for the wrong reason and is stuck on the island with no one she can call a friend—until Tomby.

Their bond becomes a safe harbor as adversaries persist, accidental mentors show up, and Vietnam draws closer. The pressure mounts to choose between duty and truth, and the two friends risk everything for a chance at freedom.

Rendered in precise, lived-in detail that brings to vivid life the Hawaii of Vietnam-era recruits, Crossings is a novel about desire and constraint, the courage to find true home—and the heart to make that crossing possible.

Author Profile

                                                 
                                                  Courtesy of Goodreads

Profile from Goodreads:

I emerged from a career in journals publishing about a decade ago, and I've been writing ever since, along with freelancing as an independent developmental editor for creative writers.

During this decade of writing, I finished my novel and dared to hope it would be published, but I didn't dream reviews would call it "a remarkably assured debut … a fresh and authentic novel" (Kirkus Reviews), and "a thoughtful, deeply felt novel” (San Francisco City Book Reviews, 5 stars).

I'm overjoyed that Crossings is forthcoming from Silent Clamor Press in December 2026. Along the way, it was named to the longlist for the Lee Smith Novel Prize, and a story from it won the Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize. My published short fiction, memoir, poetry, and essays appear in journals including Quiddity, Southeast Review, Flash Fiction, Salvation South, Persimmon Tree, and others.

California born and raised, I live with my wife in a vibrant region of the southeast known for its universities, arts, foodie scene, and progressive political culture.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites.

Goodreads Profile.    Official Author Website.     Crossings on Amazon

The Move by J.P. Delaney

                                                 

Hardback:  341 pages                                                                                 

Genre:  Psychological Thriller, Contemporary Fiction,

Publisher:  Quercus, March 2026

Source:  Tywyn Public Library

Review Quote: 'Twisty, unexpected and utterly convincing' DAILY MAIL

First Sentences:  As it turned out, the house was lovely. No, Kate thought, more than lovely: it was spectacularly, breathtakingly perfect.

Setting: England

My Opinion:  First discovered this author thanks to his earlier novel  Playing Nice  being selected as a Richard and Judy Bookclub choice. Since then he has been on the list of authors I select when in the mood for a psychological thriller. 

In the author's notes for 'The Move ' J.P. Delaney explains how he got the inspiration for this novel from two of his favourite writers, E.M. Forster and Daphne Du Maurier who were both obsessed with houses. 

The protagonists of the story are Kate and her family, who are moving out of London to the countryside for the dream idyllic lifestyle.  Settling in things start to feel not quite right, starting with the neighbours. It was a surprise when they turned out to be the couple who had sold them the cottage, now living next door. Tensions build as the local community appear to turn against the incomers and their plans for 'Trade Cottage.'  How will the situation resolve itself as dark secrets are revealed?

Worth reading if you are a fan of psychological thrillers.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

Kate and Matt Crowther are finally moving out of London, in search of a better life for their young family. Trade Cottage seems to be the house of their dreams - and they immediately hit it off with the sellers, Rosemary and Paul Finch, who brought up their own family there.

When Kate and Matt move in, they're pleased to discover the Finches still very much in offering advice, introducing them to the local community, and becoming honorary grandparents to Will, 11, and Tilly, 9. But when the Finches take exception to Kate and Matt's renovations, relations with the neighbours sour, and Kate and Matt find themselves subjected to a vicious campaign of hate.

But Kate isn't giving up her dream home without a fight. And it turns out Trade Cottage has secrets of its own to reveal - secrets that may endanger the very family Kate has moved there to protect . . .

Previous Reviews: Playing Nice   My Darling Daughter   The New Wife

Author Profile : 

                                                                                               

                                                      Courtesy of Author Website

JP Delaney is a British writer of psychological suspense. His novel THE GIRL BEFORE was an instant New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller which sold over a million copies in 40 countries. It was adapted by him for the BBC and HBO Max in 2021. His second thriller, BELIEVE ME, was also an international and Sunday Times bestseller, as were his subsequent books THE PERFECT WIFE and PLAYING NICE. His fifth psychological thriller, MY DARLING DAUGHTER, was published in 2022.

JP Delaney has previously written bestselling fiction under other names. The Carnivia Trilogy, a series of three standalone but interlinked thrillers set in present-day Venice and written under the name Jonathan Holt, was published in more than 20 countries. 

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites.

Author Official Website   Amazon Author Page            

The Golden Feather by Tracy Rees

 

                                              

Paperback: 440 pages

Genre:  Fiction, Fantasy,

Publisher: Ronnald Press 2026

Source:  The Author

First Sentence: Once upon a time, there lived a man who was very, very old and very, very poor.

Setting: The Kingdom of Jillobora

Review Quote: “Full of wonder, warmth and a tantalising edge of danger, The Golden Feather feels both fresh and timeless. Tracy Rees’s lyrical prose and assured storytelling gripped me from the very first page.” Louisa Treger

My Opinion:  

It is ten years since I first read a novel by Tracy Rees and she remains a favourite go to author. With the 'Golden Feather' she has excelled herself as a storyteller. Such a vivid imagination that transports the reader to an amazing fantasy world.

Saul Bonnytop is the protagonist of this magical adventure. He is extremely old, uneducated and very poor. His dream in life is to enter the Kingdoms story telling competition. He unexpectedly has the opportunity to do so when a golden feather comes into his possession. Along with his family Saul embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.

A wonderful tale about friendship and the power of storytelling that will appeal to all book lovers. Highly recommended reading.  

Previous Reviews: Florence Grace   The Rose Garden    The Little House By The Sea 

The Elopement

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

Saul Bonnytop – penniless, uneducated and very, very old – has a secret to enter the mighty Emperor’s storytelling competition. But the contest, to find the most marvellous tale in all the land, is out of reach for someone like Saul – until the arrival of a mysterious golden feather. Despite the impossible odds, Saul and his family embark upon the ultimate road trip, making an unlikely assortment of friends and a dangerous enemy. If Saul fails, the Bonnytops will return to poverty. If he succeeds, they’ll be in greater danger than ever. Saul’s journey is full of splendid tales told in grand halls – but his own quest might be the most remarkable story of all.

Author Profile:         

                                                              

                                                           Courtesy of Goodreads

Tracy Rees was the winner of the Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller competition and the Love Stories Best Historical Read award and was shortlisted for the RNA Epic Romantic Novel of the Year. 

Tracy was born in Swansea. She studied languages at Jesus College, Cambridge, then moved to London where she worked in medical publishing for years. She then did a second degree, in psychology, at London Metropolitan University before training and working as a counsellor for people with cancer and their families. She has also been a waitress, bartender, shop assistant, estate agent, classroom assistant, university lecturer and workshop leader.

Photographs, Trailer and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

 Amazon Author Page    Twitter - Tracy Rees  Goodreads Author Page.  Instagram Profile

Official Author Website

People In Love by Claire Daverley

                                                    

Hardback: 360 pages     

                                                                                           

Genre:  Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance,

Publisher: Michael Joseph 2026

Source:  Tywyn Public Library

First Sentences: Nora is on the train home when Bren emails her, after months of nothing. It is the same day that Robin has asked her to marry him, and she is still dazed, and full of celebratory butter cake, and feelings she cannot quite name.

Review Quote: I ADORED this novel. A grown-up love story that delves into matters of the human heart with such nuance and insight. Claire's prose is so finely woven that every beautifully honed sentence immerses you fully into the emotional dilemmas of her characters. I stayed up until the early hours reading it. It deserves to be a huge hit’ -- HANNAH BECKERMAN

My Opinion: 

This is the second published novel by Claire Daverley but the first I have read. It caught my eye at the library and I am glad as it is an engrossing read.

'People In Love' is a love story that takes you right to the heart and minutiae of the lives of the characters. Nora's boyfriend Robin has just proposed to her and the first person she tells, by email is her friend Bren whom she has not seen for twelve years. He turns up unexpectedly at the Engagement Party which causes Nora to question her future as she discovers she still has feelings for him. Will she settle for a safe and secure future with Robin or adventure and freedom with Bren?

An emotional and delightfully told love story. Recommended if you enjoy a love triangle romance.

 

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

A long-lost friend reappears and ignites an old spark, leading to an emotionally fraught love triangle.

One bright blue day, on a bench by the river, Nora’s partner Robin proposes.

It is unexpected; they’d always agreed that they didn’t need a wedding. But after a decade of in-jokes, dancing in the low-lit kitchen and sharing morning toast in bed, Nora says yes. Why wouldn’t she?

The answer lands on the night of their engagement party, when Bren turns up on her doorstep.

Growing up, Bren and Nora were the sort of best friends who everyone swore would end up together. But when a sudden heartbreak turned their lives upside down, Bren left, Nora stayed, and the silent longing between them remained unspoken.

Now, he’s back, and their tentative yet undeniable spark reignites, forcing Nora to ask herself: How can you know your heart, if it feels like it’s split in two?

Tender and compelling, People in Love is a story about what-ifs and maybes, and the moments of misunderstanding that can shape our lives. It’s a book about living one life while musing on another, exploring how our choices shape our relationships and inform our regrets, and revealing, in the end, that the real love story is not always the one you'd expect.

Author Profile:

                                                             

                                              

                                                             Courtesy of Goodreads

Claire Daverley was born in 1991 and has been writing stories ever since she was six years old. After graduating with a degree in Fine Art from The University of Oxford, she began a career in publishing, writing about books by day but penning her own by night, on trains and in the light of the early mornings. She has spent most of her life in Hertfordshire, but now lives in Scotland with her husband and spaniel. Her debut novel, Talking at Night, has sold in twenty-four languages to date.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites.

Goodreads Profile.    Amazon Author Page