From London with Love by Katie Fforde

                                             

Ebook:  407 pages Kindle Edition

Genre:  Romance, Contemporary Womens Fiction, 

Publisher:  Random House, 13th February  2025 

Source:  NetGalley 

First Sentences: 'Are you sure you don't want me to come in with you?' said David. Felicite smiles and put her hand over David's. She looked on him as a sort of uncle, always there, always supportive but sometimes a little over-protective.

Review Quote: A force to be reckoned with for her uplifting tales of romance.' Daily Express

Setting : London, 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. 

The novel is set in the final years of the swinging sixties and follows the lives of two young ladies, Felicity de Belville and Violet Stone, both living in the same house in London. They have only just met but soon become good friends and support each other in their romantic endeavours. There are plenty of tears as well as laughter as their romances progress with a great cast of supporting characters. 

I am adding this author's note to this review ' It is important to note that this book is set between 1968 and 1969 when there were no rules about mudlarking. Today you cannot do it without a licence, even if you go with an experienced mudlarker.

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

With thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read and review 'From London With Love' 

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

It’s 1968 and it’s cold when Felicity arrives in London to stay with her mother, improve her English, do a secretarial course - and meet a suitable man.

She is already missing her home in Provence and her father and his new wife and their extended family. But it’s only for a year she tells herself - and then she can go back to France and do what she really wants and become a painter.

And then she bumps into Oliver who is quite the most interesting young man she has ever met. He lives on a barge for one thing and has a selection of jobs including looking for hidden treasures along the shores of the river Thames.

In a word he’s a mudlarker - and before long Felicity is mudlarking too. She is also pursuing her dreams and painting scenery for Oliver’s actor friends. 

But is Oliver a Suitable Man of whom her mother will approve? Felicity knows she will not …

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."

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The First Husband by Elisabeth Carpenter

                                               

Ebook:  300 pages Kindle Edition

Genre:  Contemporary Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Suspense,

Publisher:  Bookouture,  4th February  2025 

Source:  NetGalley 

First Sentences: Two days until the wedding I have visited Lakeside Cottage only twice since that night almost eight years ago. It looks quite different to how it was then.

Review Quote: ‘Wow!… gripping from the very start!… I found myself reading faster and faster, desperate to know what happened… A brilliant read!’ Goodreads Reviewer

My Opinion: 

I have never come across this author before, even though 'The First Husband' is her eighth psychological thriller.

The main protagonists are Leah and Matt who are about to get married. The novel tells the story of the few days leading up to this event, in the present day sections. We are also taken back to the time eight years ago when Leah's first husband disappeared. The suspense builds because just before the wedding takes place strange things start to happen.

A very quick and agreeable read but not particularly stimulating. As a fan of psychological thrillers I personally found it lacked depth, but is probably a good introduction to newcomers to the genre.

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

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

I thought my first husband was dead. But when I get a letter with his name on it just days before my wedding, it will tear my perfect new life apart… 

As we drive up to the gorgeous house by the lake with its red and yellow roses round the door, I breathe in the pure air and count my blessings. In two days’ time I’m getting married to Matt, my soulmate and the father of my beautiful boy. After all the pain of my past, my life now is perfect.

But later that night I hear a knocking outside. I find the back door swinging open and a card lying on the floor, addressed to me in familiar handwriting…

I can’t wait to see you. I’ve missed you so much. All my love, Callum.

Callum was my first husband. Eight years ago, when we were staying at this exact same place for my birthday, he disappeared.

All the people who were with me that terrible night are here for the wedding. My brother. His wife. My new partner Callum’s best friend. We all had reasons to hate Callum then. We all have reasons to lie now.

The police are sure Callum is dead. But as I look around at my loved ones, I wonder…

Does someone know what really happened that night?

Does someone know what I did?

And if Callum is back, is he the dangerous one… or is it one of us?

Author Profile:         

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                              Courtesy of Amazon Profile

In the author's own words:

I'm the author of seven psychological thrillers, including 99 Red Balloons. The Family on Smith Street and, more recently, The Girl on the News, were published by Bookouture. My new book The First Husband is out 4th February 2025.

I live in Lancashire in the north of England with my family. When I'm not writing, I love watching films, travelling, and painting. Thank you so much for your interest. I really hope you enjoy my books. If you have, please feel free to leave a review. It's always good to hear what you think.

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The Island Getaway by Lucy Diamond

                                                                             

Ebook:  411 pages Kindle Edition

Genre:  Romantic Contemporary Fiction

Publisher:  Quercus, 30th January  2025 

Source:  NetGalley 

First Sentences: Prologue: Have you ever dreamed of getting away from it all? The Ionian Escape is a luxurious family run hotel on the beautiful island of Kefalonia, and it might be the very place you're looking for.

Review Quote: A slice of escapism ... temptingly conjured up' THE TIMES

My Opinion: 

Lucy Diamond is an author whom I have been aware of for many years as a writer of great escapism novels.  A genre I do read, but not so often, I have to admit this is the first of her books I have read and it is her twentieth.

Set in the fictitious hotel ‘The Ionian Escape’ on the real Greek islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca. The protagonists are the mixed group of latest arrivals at the hotel, who are all looking for reasons to escape from the outside world for awhile and enjoy some peace and quiet. Of course it is not that simple and the characters and their stories are ones that will find the reader either annoyed or routing for them. As the stories evolve the protagonists all learn the importance of friendship and second chances.

This novel certainly put me in a holiday mood and transported me, (if only), to the Greek islands. Great escapism, perfect for reading on a grey winters day or for that beach read on your next holiday. 

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

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

The dream holiday just got complicated . . .

On the sun-drenched island of Kefalonia, the new arrivals at The Ionian Escape hotel are hoping for a break from everyday life. But some of them are bringing a lot of baggage . . .

Disgraced TV star Miranda Vallance feels like the worst person in the world. Her sister won't speak to her and her job's on the line. She's desperate to put things right, but how?

Eighty-two-year-old Evelyn Chambers has come to fulfil a promise to the love of her life. If she can steel herself to go through with it, that is . . .

And when celebrity chef Frank Neale checks in, rumours swirl around the hotel. But is it his wife, Leonora, who has more of a reason to escape to Greece?

Author Profile:         

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

                                              Courtesy of Goodreads Profile

IN HER  OWN WORDS FROM HER GOODREADS PROFILE:

First of all, a confession. My name isn’t really Lucy Diamond at all, it’s Sue Mongredien. I’ve used a pen name because ‘Diamond’ is a lot easier to spell and pronounce than ‘Mongredien’ and also because I’ve written lots of children’s books too and wanted to keep the genres separate. (There is actually another Lucy Diamond on Amazon who writes religious children’s books. That isn’t me, though.)

I was born in 1970 and grew up in Nottingham. I read English at Leeds University then moved to London and worked for various publishers before I packed it all in to go travelling around the world for a year and a half. When I came back to the UK, I worked in publishing again, then moved to the BBC. I now live in Bath with my husband and three young children and divide my time between writing and looking after them. You can have a look at my children’s books here.

Favourite things: beaches, holidays, chocolate, wine, reading, Green Wing, bubble baths, sunshine, hearing my children laugh, babysitters

Favourite books: The Magus (John Fowles), The Edible Woman (Margaret Atwood), The Secret History (Donna Tartt), The Colour of Memory (Geoff Dyer)

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The Paris Muse by Louisa Treger

                                          

Hardback: 248 pages                                                                                                

Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, 

Publisher: Bloomsbury 2024

Source: The Author.

First Sentence: Prologue, 1975, But why should one always begin at the beginning? No, I am going to tell you about the end.

Review Quote: This absolute jewel of a novel shines a light on the tumultuous relationship between Picasso and Dora Maar. With profundity, grace and compassion, Treger probes the complexities of love, power and creativity. -- Annabel Abbs, author of the international bestseller The Language of Food

Main Characters: Dora Maar and Pablo Picasso

Setting: Paris

My Opinion: 

Louisa Treger is a favourite author of mine, her novels are always so interesting and I enjoy learning about women that have made their mark in history. She has the knack of turning the stories of such women into exceptional stories that blend fact and fiction.

'The Paris Muse' is the fictionalised story of the greatest love affair in art history. Dora Maar was a talented photographic artist, a strong woman whose downfall was falling in love with Pablo Picasso. Their relationship was extremely toxic and despite knowing his unpleasant flaws she was unable to break away from him. Over the years the relationship had a damaging effect on her mental health. A sad and self destructive love affair with a talented but chauvinistic man.

Based on the previous novels by this author that I have read, I had high expectations for 'The Paris Muse' and WOW it did not disappoint. It is an exhilarating read of love, anguish and longing, that I highly recommend to everyone. I just hope that Louisa Treger has many more, in her own words 'trail blazing women' to bring to life in future novels. 

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

Paris, 1936. When Dora Maar, a talented French photographer, painter and poet, is introduced to Pablo Picasso, she is mesmerized by his dark and intense stare. Drawn to his volcanic creativity, it isn't long before she embarks on a passionate relationship with the Spanish artist that sometimes includes sadism and masochism, and ultimately pushes her to the edge.

The Paris Muse is the fictionalized retelling of this disturbing love story, as we follow Dora on her journey of self-discovery and expression. Set in Paris and the French Riviera, where Dora and Pablo spent their holidays with their glamorous artist friends, it provides a fascinating insight into how Picasso was a genius who side-stepped the rules in his human relationships as he did in his art. Much to Dora's torment, he refused to divorce his wife and conducted affairs with Dora's friends. The Spanish Civil War made him depressed and violent, an angst that culminated in his acclaimed painting 'Guernica', which Dora documented as he painted.

As the encroaching darkness suffocates their relationship - a darkness that escalates once the Second World War begins and the Nazis invade the country - Dora has a nervous breakdown and is hospitalized. 

Atmospheric, intense and moving, The Paris Muse is an astonishing read that ensures that this talented, often overlooked woman who gave her life to Picasso is no longer a footnote.

Previous Reviews: The Dragon Lady   Madwoman

Author Profile:

Born in London, Louisa Treger began her career as a classical violinist. She studied at the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music, and worked as a freelance orchestral player and teacher.

Louisa subsequently turned to literature, gaining a First Class degree and a PhD in English at University College London, where she focused on early twentieth century women’s writing.

Married with three children, she lives in London.



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The Family Lies by Angela Henry

 

                                             

Ebook:  317 pages Kindle Edition

Genre:  Psychological Thriller,

Publisher: Storm Publishing 22nd January  2025 

Source:  NetGalley 

First Sentences: The woman ran through the woods, oblivious to the branches that slapped her in the face and the roots she stumbled over.

Review Quote: Angela Henry is a brilliant storyteller. She is a marvel at making the reader feel the unease alongside the characters and with the drama and intrigue, this book is a wonderful way to lose a day reading!' Reader Review,

My Opinion: 

This novel first appealed to me, on discovering that like myself, libraries hold a special place in the author's heart. With the setting partly in a library how could I resist.

Sabrina Adams has just started a new job organising the family library on the private estate of a local businessman. She soon discovers that all is not as it seems on the surface in this house. The tension builds and none of the characters are to be believed, the story twists and turns with so many revelations as the web of lies unfolds.

An unpredictable read filled with secrets and deception. Recommended to fans of psychological thrillers and those that like to try and unravel a mystery. Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Angela Henry for the opportunity to read and review.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

Every family has secrets. The Dorseys bury theirs.

Sabrina Adams thought her luck had finally turned around when she was hired as a librarian for the wealthy Dorsey family. But as soon as she arrives at their elegant estate, she senses something is off. They have cameras everywhere. She’s banned from the third floor, and she spotted someone watching the house from the nearby woods. And why does the housekeeper, Mrs Manning, insist on so many rules?

Then police officers arrive at the door with questions about the disappearance of a local woman. Sabrina is shocked to learn her charming employer, Theo Dorsey, was the last person to see the missing woman alive. He insists he’s innocent. Despite her growing doubts, Sabrina keeps her head down because she desperately needs this job. But then Theo is linked to another woman’s death several years before. And after finding out no one has seen the Dorsey’s previous librarian in years, she has to ask herself... Who can I trust in this family? And will I be next?

A gripping and utterly compulsive psychological thriller that will delight fans of Verity, The Housemaid and anything by Lisa Jewell.

Author Profile:         

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

                                              Courtesy of Author Website Profile

Angela Henry is the Amazon charts bestselling, award-winning author of six mysteries featuring nosy amateur sleuth Kendra Clayton, the Xavier Knight urban fantasy detective series, and thrillers The Paris Secret, The Perfect Affair, and Her Pretty Lies. She’s also the author of the middle-grade fantasy novel Labyrinth Societywritten under the pen-name Angie Kelly. 

Angela has been published by BET Books, Harlequin’s Carina Press, Kensington Publishing, and Kindle Press, before starting her own publishing imprint Boulevard West Press LLC. As well as managing her own imprint, she also writes for Storm Publishing.

When she’s not writing she loves to travel, is a connoisseur of B horror movies, and is a functioning anime addict. She lives in Ohio with her husband and their spoiled Chiweenie and is currently procrastinating on her next deadline.

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The Last Letter From Sicily by Lindsay Marie Morris

 

                                               

Ebook:  371 pages Kindle Edition

Genre: Historical Fiction, Italy. 

Publisher: Storm Publishing January 16th 2025 

Source:  NetGalley 

First Sentences: Concetta Balistreri awoke to the crackling sound of the radio down the hall. She stretched her legs and sat up.

Review Quote: 'I adored this book... Historical fiction is one of my favourite. And this adds to why.' Reader Review,

My Opinion: 

Historical fiction and Italy are for me a winning combination. I was therefore delighted to have the opportunity via NetGalley to read 'The Last Letter From Sicily.' The author was inspired to write this story by her Sicilian grandparents whose names and her memories she uses, it is however entirely a work of fiction.

The protagonists Concetta and Gaetano, young lovers in Sicily just before the outbreak of WWII were separated when Concetta and her family moved to the USA. Concetta promises her love, that she will return to him one day. Until the war intervenes and communication becomes impossible the are able to keep in touch via letter. When they are no longer in touch it puts her under even more pressure to accept a way of life she is far from happy with. She does not give up on her dreams but does she overcome everything blocking them?

Set in Sicily and America during WWII this story provides an interesting insight into the struggles of those living through the experience. The writing style did feel very simplistic though with no depth and I do feel that the story did not reach its full potential. However this is a debut novel and I think the author has a lot more to offer so I will follow her writing development with interest. Thanks go to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review 'The Last Letter From Sicily'.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

‘My dearest Gaetano, if this letter reaches you, know that my heart remains under the Sicilian stars where we made our promise...’

Sicily, 1939. Seventeen-year-old Concetta has just received life-changing her family is leaving their sun-drenched Sicilian village and moving to America. Desperate to stay with her secret love Gaetano—a fisherman’s son her father would never accept—Concetta spends one last night with him beneath a blanket of stars. There, among the citrus-scented air and cricket song, he hands her a leaving a fountain pen, with a promise to keep their love alive through letters – and return to each other one day.

In America, Concetta refuses to let go of her dream of returning to Sicily, even as she struggles to navigate a strange new world of factory work and prejudice. Her letters to Gaetano become her lifeline, each one carrying fragments of her heart across the ocean. But when Italy declares war on the United States, Gaetano’s letters suddenly stop. As Concetta faces pressure to let go of her past and accept her new American life, she yearns to discover Gaetano’s fate—even if it means crossing a war-torn ocean to find him.

From the terraced hills of Sicily to the brewing tensions of wartime America, this richly-woven tale of forbidden love and impossible choices will break your heart and put it back together again. Perfect for fans of Kelly Rimmer, Rhys Bowen, and Angela Petch, The Last Letter from Sicily asks just how far you would go to keep a promise made beneath the stars.

Author Profile:         

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                              Courtesy of Amazon Profile

Lindsay Marie Morris is a novelist and journalist based in Los Angeles, California. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Marquette University. A former Shape magazine editor with a passion for storytelling, Lindsay continues to write for various publications, including Forks Over Knives, for which she is a frequent contributor. Her work spans multiple topics, with a particular focus on travel, health, wellness, and plant-based lifestyle. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys camping, exploring the great outdoors, cooking, and baking.

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The Innocent Wife by Sally Royer-Derr

                                        

Ebook:  279 pages Kindle Edition

Genre:  Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Domestic Thriller,

Publisher: Storm Publishing January 13th 2025 

Source:  NetGalley 

First Sentences: I stand by the curtains in the bedroom watching the light fabric dance in the breeze flowing through the half-open window. The late September air is cool and crisp.

Review Quote: “I absolutely loved this book. It sucked me in and didn’t let go till the end. The characters were intriguing and the plot twists were very surprising. Highly recommend this book.” Reader Review,

My Opinion: 

I was attracted to this novel as the cover claims it is a gripping and unputdownable domestic thriller. Sadly it was a disappointment and did not reach my expectations. Maybe it was just a case of picking this up to read at the wrong time as I appear to be in the minority in my opinion.

A multi-layered storyline of which the main protagonists are Natalie, who has just started a new job in a school and a new friend, the wife of a work colleague, Olivia. They have a strange connection as a past trauma of Natalie’s surfaces again after twenty years as she discovers that Olivia is now suffering in the same way!

Lacking in intrigue I was not drawn in by the characters or the sometimes unbelievable events, as there were for me just too many coincidences. With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

In this house, love and betrayal sleep side by side…

Olivia Hanson’s husband, Lucas, is her rock; charming and successful, he offers her safety, security and the life she always dreamed of. In return, Olivia is a picture-perfect housewife, smiling and supportive. Until she meets Lucas’s new colleague, Natalie, and sees the flash of hatred in her eyes.

Olivia only wants to clear up the misunderstanding. But when she befriends Natalie, secrets come tumbling out that expose the ugly side of Olivia’s beautiful marriage and she realizes there is another young woman caught up in Lucas’s lies. Olivia learned long ago that her husband is no saint, but he’s about to discover that neither is she…

A chilling, emotionally charged domestic thriller with a jaw-dropping twist. The Innocent Wife is perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Perfect Marriage and The Girl on the Train.

Author Profile:         

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                              Courtesy of Amazon Profile

Sally Royer-Derr is an award-winning author of several novels including, High Bluffs Trilogy, The Tracks, and Ohana. She has degrees in psychology and education. Writing has been a passion of Sally’s since childhood. Throughout her life, she has worked in education and banking, but writing has always proved to be her true love. Sally lives in Pennsylvania with her family.

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