The Lost Girls by Kate Hamer

                                                   

Paperback:  361 pages      

Genre: Fiction, Thriller,                                           

Publisher:  Faber and Faber 2023

Source: Tywyn Public Library

First Sentences: No one ever knew what happened to Mercy Roberts

Review Quote: At once deeply unsettling and profoundly hopeful, Kate Hamer's follow-up to The Girl in the Red Coat is a novel about loss, healing and redemption. ― Women's Weekly

Setting: U.S.A. and England

My Opinion:  

I was introduced to this authors writing back in 2017 when she came to Tywyn to speak at a Literary Dinner. Since then I have continued to take an interest in her work.  Having read the prequel ‘The Girl in the Red Coat’ to this latest novel it was imperative I read ‘The Lost Girls.’ Although it is a stand alone story, I personally appreciated the fact that I had read the previous novel.

Three traumatised protagonists, Carmel Mercy and Beth relate their stories to the reader.  Carmel was abducted as a young child then eight years later she is reunited with her mother Beth. A guilt ridden mother and a troubled daughter who have trouble not surprisingly relating to each other.  Carmel also frequently dreams of another lost child and carries out a heart breaking search for answers.

What a haunting tale!  I do find Kate Hamer’s style of writing rather disturbing, but her novels including this one are always captivating. I do not hesitate in recommending this author.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

Beth is desperate to return to normality. After a years-long ordeal, her daughter is finally home and safe. But Carmel has questions she can't ignore about the cult that kidnapped her, and about the preacher who gave her another girl's name.

Found, she must survive a miracle.

Digging into her past, Carmel uncovers secrets which suggest that she wasn't the only lost girl - and which puts her in danger all over again. While her mother struggles to salvage the safety they've only just found, Carmel tries to come to terms with who she has become. One question, a mystery at the heart of her disappearance as a child, haunts her:

What happened to the other lost girls?

Previous Reviews: The Girl in the Red Coat.    Crushed.

Author Profile:                

                                                               

                                                      Courtesy of Goodreads

Kate Hamer is also the author of CRUSHED (2019) and  THE DOLL FUNERAL (2017) which was a Bookseller book of the month and an editor's pick for Radio 4's Open Book. Her first novel THE GIRL IN THE RED COAT (Faber & Faber, 2015) was shortlisted for The Costa First Novel Prize, the British Book Industry Awards Debut Fiction Book of the Year, the John Creasy (New Blood) Dagger and the Wales Book of the Year. It was a Sunday Times bestseller and has been translated into 18 different languages. Kate grew up in the West country and rural Pembrokeshire and now lives with her husband in Cardiff.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Amazon Author Page  Twitter - Kate Hamer  Kate Hamer - Official Author Website 

 Goodreads -Author Profile  Kate Hamer - Instagram

The Black Dress by Deborah Moggach

                                               

Paperback:  278 pages      

Genre: Contemporary Fiction                                           

Publisher:  Tinder Press 2022

Source: Tywyn Public Library

First Sentences: I saw it in the window of a charity shop. A little black dress.

Review Quote: With dry wit and observation, Moggach tackles the perils of ageing with brutal honesty ― Daily Express

Setting: England

My Opinion:  

I have always enjoyed Deborah Moggach’s perceptive and humorous style of writing. ‘The Black Dress’ did not disappoint, feeling particularly relevant as it deals with the issues of aging and the protagonist Prudence is more or less my own age. 

Approaching seventy and living a content lifestyle, Prudence is shocked when her husband leaves her for her best friend. She panics to find herself alone but soon finds a way of meeting people, which unfortunately leads to some unsuitable liaisons.

Funny and sad and an entertaining read, which will probably appeal more to those of us of a certain age.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

Pru is on her own. But then, so are plenty of other people. And while the loneliness can be overwhelming, surely she'll find a party somewhere?

Pru's husband has walked out, leaving her alone to contemplate her future. She's missing not so much him, but the life they once had - picnicking on the beach with small children, laughing together, nestling up like spoons in the cutlery drawer as they sleep. Now there's just a dip on one side of the bed and no-one to fill it.

In a daze, Pru goes off to a friend's funeral. Usual old hymns, words of praise and a eulogy but...it doesn't sound like the friend Pru knew. And it isn't. She's gone to the wrong service. Everyone was very welcoming, it was - oddly - a laugh, and more excitement than she's had for ages. So she buys a little black dress in a charity shop and thinks, now I'm all set, why not go to another? I mean, people don't want to make a scene at a funeral, do they? No-one will challenge her - and what harm can it do?

Author Profile:                

                                                                                                          

Short Biography in the Authors own words, her full and interesting piece can be read on her Official Website where the photo of her also appears.

I’ve written 20 novels and 2 books of short stories. Several of these novels I’ve adapted for TV, including “Seesaw”, “Stolen” and “Final Demand”. Other writers’ books I’ve adapted include Nancy Mitford’s “Love in a Cold Climate”, Anne Fine’s “Goggle-Eyes” (for which I was given the Writers Guild Award for Best Adapted Screenplay), “The Diary of Anne Frank” for the BBC, and the movie of “Pride and Prejudice”, starring Keira Knightley, for which I was nominated for a BAFTA. I co-wrote the screenplay (with Tom Stoppard) of my novel “Tulip Fever” which was released as a film starring Alicia Vikander and Judi Dench. My novel “These Foolish Things” was made into the hit movie “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and I’ve just adapted it as a stage play starring Hayley Mills, which has toured the UK. My latest novel is “The Black Dress”.

 

I’m a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, a past chair of the Society of Authors and past Executive Committee member of PEN. I’ve also been awarded the OBE for my services to literature and drama. I live in London and Kent.                  

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following site:

Official Website

The Mother Next Door by Leah Mercer

                                                 

Ebook:  255 pages      

Genre: Contemporary Thriller,Fiction                                           

Publisher:  February 27, 2023 by Bookouture

Source: My Kindle

First Sentences: The river pulled at the shape floating in its waters, playfully passing it from one wave to the next, completely oblivious to the panic and fear of the women watching from the bank.

Review Quote: ‘My Gosh! You just never know what you will find when you go back to your childhood home… Wow!… I was absolutely 100% positive that I had figured out the story and then??? NO! There are so many secrets… Hang on folks! This is so well done and anyone who adores a good thriller will truly want to grab this novel!’ Goodreads reviewer⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Setting: England

My Opinion:  A great plot, how well does one really know your friends and neighbours?!  This was a gripping read as the three main protagonists, Fiona, Alison and Jasmine each tell the story from their own point of view as their joint nightmare unfolds.

Recommended if you enjoy a suspenseful thriller with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

I glance over at Lou’s house as I pull onto my drive, surprised that it is still in darkness. Lou and the kids should have been home from school long ago. I should be preparing a delicious meal for my children as they tell me about their day. But Lou’s car is nowhere to be seen…

The night is drawing in and Lou has still not returned. I try not to panic, but deep down I know something is wrong. Lou is the most dependable friend. Our children are at the same school. We always help each other out, and she cares for my two like only a mother can.

As a storm rages outside and local news reports tell everyone to stay indoors, a feeling of deep dread starts to swell. Then the call comes. The police have found Lou’s car, with my children’s schoolbags still inside along with Lou’s phone. But they are nowhere to be seen.

Clutching my husband’s hands, willing our children to be found safe and sound, I try to silence the voice inside my head. I’ve not been honest. I’m being punished for what happened all those years ago.

And then I get Lou’s message and I know that if I want to see my children again, I need to tell the truth to everyone I love.

What I don’t yet know is that Lou has been keeping her own dark secret. And once the storm passes, nothing will ever be the same again.

Author Profile:                

                                                                                   

                                           Courtesy of Authors Website

Leah, who was born in Halifax, Canada, can't remember a time when she didn't love writing. From creating fake newspapers to writing letters to the editor, scribbling something was always on the agenda. Even the rejections she received after completing her first novel at age 13 didn't dent her enthusiasm.

So it makes sense, then, that she pursued a career in anything but writing. Public relations, teaching, recruitment, editing medical journals -- even a stint painting houses -- until she finally succumbed once more to the lure of the blank page. 

When she's not being jumped on by her young son or burning supper while thinking of plot-lines, Leah can be found furiously tapping away on her laptop, trying not to check Twitter or Facebook. 

Leah also writes romantic comedies under the name Talli Roland. 

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Author -Official Website  Facebook Profile   Leah Mercer - Twitter Profile

Instagram Profile

One Enchanted Evening by Katie Fforde

                                                      

Hardback:  383 pages      

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Fiction                                           

Publisher:  Century 2023

Source: Tywyn Public Library

First Sentences: Just for a moment, Meg was on her own on the station platform. She had travelled travelled into deepest Dorset and it felt like another world.

Review Quote: 'This enjoyable read will appeal to die-hard romantics' Heat Magazine

Setting: Dorset, England

My Opinion:  When I want to read some romantic fiction, Katie Fforde is an author I turn to first. As I have been reading and enjoying her novels since 1995, I think I can safely say her writing never fails to provide just what I need at the time. Romantic escapism. 

This time we are taken back to Dorset, England in the nineteen sixties, when the pace of life seemed so much slower than it does today. The main characters are Meg, who has appeared in earlier novels and Justin with whom she develops a love hate relationship. The story is very much a reflection on how different things were for young career orientated women in the sixties.

Recommended as a perfect read for when one is in the mood for a readable romance, with the inevitable happy ending. Relax and enjoy. 

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

Ever since she can remember, Meg has wanted to be a professional cook.

But it's 1966, and in restaurant kitchens all over England it is still a man's world.

Then she gets a call from her mother who is running a small hotel in Dorset.

There's an important banqueting event coming up. She needs help and she needs it now!

When Meg arrives, the hotel seems stuck in the past. But she loves a challenge, and sets to work.

Then Justin, the son of the hotel owner, appears, determined to take over the running of the kitchen.

Infuriated, Meg is determined to keep cooking - and soon sparks between them begin to fly.

Will their differences be a recipe for disaster? After all, the course of true love never did run smooth...

Previous Reviews:   Flora's Lot  Summer of Love  Recipe for Love  The Perfect Match  

A Rose Petal Summer   A Wedding in Provence

Author Profile:                

                                      

                                     Courtesy of Goodreads Profile

Catherine Rose Gordon-Cumming was born 27 September 1952 in England, UK and she lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire. She is the daughter of Shirley Barbara Laub and Michael Willoughby Gordon-Cumming. Her grandfather was Sir William Gordon-Cumming. Her sister is fellow writer Jane Gordon-Cumming. Katie married Desmond Fforde, cousin of the also writer Jasper Fforde. She has three children: Guy, Francis and Briony and didn't start writing until after the birth of her third child. She has previously worked both as a cleaning lady and in a health food cafe.

Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do."

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Katie Fforde - Official Website   Facebook Profile    Instagram Profile   Twitter Profile

Amazon Author Profile  Goodreads Author Profile

The Venice Secret by Anita Chapman

                                                 

 Paperback:  406 pages      

Genre: Historical Fiction                                           

Publisher:  Neets Press 2023

Source: Gifted from Author who has been a virtual friend for many years.

First Sentence: Shining my torch around Gran's loft, I took care not to brush my hand against the pink clumps of fibreglass resembling candyfloss. 

Review Quote: 'An intriguing tale of secrets and love.' Liz Fenwick Author

Setting: England and Italy

Main Characters: Rachel in 2019 and Philippa in 1780.

My Opinion: 

Having followed Anita Chapman on social media for some years, I know it has been quite an adventure, if that is the right word, for her to get ‘The Venice Secret’ published.  What a debut, with a really fabulous storyline and one of my favourite reads so far this year.  Dual timeline novels are not always easy to follow but these storylines complemented each other perfectly, with both narratives capturing my interest with their strong female protagonists.

In 2019, Rachel discovers an old painting in her Grandmother’s loft along with a letter that piques her interest in wanting to find out its history and why it ended up in the loft.  Back in 1780 Philippa is working as a Governess. The position does not work out as expected and she finds herself travelling to Italy with a wealthy young woman who is embarking on a Grand Tour. 

The descriptions throughout the novel are so realistic and the sights and scenes come alive in the minds eye. It is obvious that the author loves her subject and has taken her research very seriously.  Highly recommended to all lovers of historical fiction, especially Italophiles. I think you will be captivated.  

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

One hidden painting. Two women born centuries apart. A secret uncovered.

In 2019, Rachel is stuck in a rut when she discovers what appears to be a Canaletto painting in her grandmother's loft along with a note addressed to Philippa in 1782. With help from Jake at the local art gallery, Rachel endeavours to find out if the painting is an original and uncovers a secret from the past.

In 1780, governess at Chipford Hall, Philippa is offered the role of mistress by Earl Rupert. She escapes to Venice as companion to bluestocking, Lady Cordelia who reveals a secret that changes both their lives. They do their best to keep the secret from Lady Cordelia's social circle, but their nemesis is determined to reveal all and ruin them.

Author Profile:                

                                                                                                           

                                                        Courtesy of Amazon Profile

Anita Chapman enjoyed writing stories from a young age, and won a local writing competition when she was nine years old. Encouraged by this, she typed up a series of stories about a mouse on her mum’s typewriter and sent them to Ladybird. She received a polite rejection letter, her first.

Many of Anita’s summers growing up were spent with her family driving to Italy, and she went on to study French and Italian at university. As part of her degree, Anita lived in Siena for several months where she studied and au paired, and she spent a lot of time travelling around Italy in her twenties. 

Anita likes to read journals and diaries from the past, and one of her favourite pastimes is visiting art galleries and country houses. Her first published novel, The Venice Secret is inspired by her mother taking her to see the Canalettos at The National Gallery in London as a child. 

Since 2015, Anita has worked as a social media manager, training authors on social media, and helping to promote their books. She’s run several courses in London and York, and has worked as a tutor at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Twitter Profile.  Anita Chapman - Facebook Profile.   Author - Official Website