The Original by Priya Parmar

                                                    

Ebook:   384 pages                                                                         

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Publisher:  June 2026, Allison and Busby

Source:  NetGalley

First Sentence: LOS ANGELES: We don't take cowards here.

Review Quote: ‘'Dreamlike . a glimpse into the petri dish of 1930s Hollywood . an immersive portrayal' The Times

My Opinion: 

I always enjoy a novel that is based on true characters, so I definitely wanted to read this novel by Priya Parmar. She is an author I have been reading since 2011 when I was fortunate to be sent a copy of her debut novel  Exit The Actress.

With 'The Original' the author takes us behind the scenes in the life of the 1930's actress Katherine Hepburn. In fact not just her life, as although she is the main protagonist of the story it also features many famous names of The Golden Age of Hollywood. What a complicated lifestyle it was with everyone appearing to be fighting personal struggles.

Throughly enjoyed this very well researched novel that brings alive a screen icon from a very different era to the one we live in now. What a complex woman and a fascinating fictional story that feels like a biographical memoir.

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

 

Précis Courtesy of Amazon:

Katharine Hepburn was a legend. This is the novel of how she became one.

After the devastating loss of her beloved brother, young Katharine Hepburn determines that she will be famous and never let anyone hurt her again. Leaving behind her East Coast marriage and patrician family, she arrives in 1930s Hollywood determined to live on her own terms.

But the studio system has rules, and Kate - brilliant, bisexual and fiercely independent - refuses to follow them.

Moving through a glittering world of power and ambition alongside figures like David and Irene Selznick, Cary Grant, John Ford and Howard Hughes, she forges her own path. Kate faces an impossible choice: become the star Hollywood demands, or risk everything to be the woman she always was.

Blending meticulous research with incandescent imagination, Priya Parmar delivers an emotionally charged portrait of an icon who refused to be anything but original.

Previous Review:  Exit The Actress

Author Profile:

                                                                                

                                                Photo and Bio Courtesy of Amazon 

Priya Parmar is the author of the novels Exit the Actress and Vanessa and Her Sister, a New York Times Notable Book, as well as co-author of the musical Sylvia (London Old Vic) nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Original Musical. Her latest novel, The Original, was published in June 2026. She lives between London and Connecticut with her family and four rescue dogs.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Amazon Profile Page.    Goodreads Profile.    Official Author Website

Facebook Reel on The Original.      Instagram Profile

The Secret Society of Librarians by Kate Thompson

                                                   

Hardback:  464 pages                                                                                                

Genre: Historical Fiction, WWII

Publisher:  12th March 2026 Hodder and Stoughton

Source:  Tywyn Public Library

First Sentence: During the third annual meeting of the Secret Society of Librarians, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain declared war on Nazi Germany.

Review Quote: Kate Thompson conveys the power of books and librarianship -- The Library Journal

My Opinion:  

As a bibliophile and bookworm how could I not choose this book to read when I spotted it on the shelves on a recent visit to the local library.

'The Secret Society of Librarians is particularly interesting as it was inspired by true events. A group of women have formed a society and when WWII breaks out, for the love of books, they decide against all odds to take libraries, books to the people. They strongly believed that reading helped sustain people during those difficult days. The story is told in two parallel timelines through the eyes of two members of the group. Joyce who remains in London throughout the Blitz and her friend Dorotha who finds herself suffering under Nazi rule in Poland.

WWII is a period in history that still to this day impacts on those survivors fortunate enough to still be alive in the 21C. If you love history, books and tales of survival and fortitude this comes recommended.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

Two women, torn apart by war. One shared belief in the power of books...

London, 1939. When war breaks out on librarian Joyce Kindred's doorstep and a call for help rings out across the libraries of London, she's determined to act. Joyce knows only the world of books can offer safety and comfort to her neighbourhood - and she will make sure no one is left behind.

Joyce sets up a mobile library scheme, but soon her acts of resistance go beyond sharing books. She shelters a young Jewish refugee, Adela - and it's not long before she discovers Adela has a secret that could turn their world upside down again...

Occupied Poland, 1942. Dorotha knows any chance of her escaping the barbed wire fences and cruelty of the Łódź ghetto dwindles by the day. Reading isn't just an act of it's the only thing left in her life over which she has any control. And so she shares books under the cover of darkness, creating a secret library away from her captors - that is, until even that last ray of hope is taken from her...

Joyce and Dorotha were once librarians, ordinary women, and best friends. The war has forced them into acts of unimaginable bravery - but will they ever find each other again?

Based on astonishing real events, this absolutely heart-breaking page-turner brings to life the remarkable untold story of two women during WW2.



Author Profile

                                         
                                                               

                                           Courtesy of Goodreads                                       

Kate Thompson was born in London and worked as a journalist for twenty years on women's magazines and national newspapers. She now lives in Sunbury with her husband, two sons and two rescue dogs. After ghost writing five memoirs, Kate moved into fiction. 

Kate's first non-fiction social history documenting the forgotten histories of East End matriarchy, The Stepney Doorstep Society, was published in 2018 by Penguin. She is passionate about capturing lost voices and untold social histories. 

Today Kate works as a journalist, author and library campaigner. Her most recent books, The Little Wartime Library (2022) and The Wartime Book Club (2023) by Hodder & Stoughton focus on two remarkable libraries in wartime. Her 100 libraries project, celebrates the richness and complexity of librarians work and the vital role of libraries in our communities. 

Kate is also proud to have worked in collaboration with one of Britain's oldest Holocaust survivors, Renee Salt, to research and write, A mother's Promise (UK) Do Not Cry When I Die (US and Canada) published on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Goodreads -Author Profile.     Author - Official Website.    

Kate Thompson - Amazon Profile.   Instagram Profile.      Facebook Author Page

My Friend's Husband by Rupa Mahadevan

 

Ebook:   336 pages                                                                         

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime Thriller, Mystery, 

Publisher:  June 11th  2026, Joffe Books,

Source:  NetGalley

First Sentences: Prologue: Caller: Help me ...please, someone.... They....I'm scared.....please please.....

Review Quote: ‘I really enjoyed this book. It had plenty of suspense and twists to keep you wanting to read on.’ Anita W.

My Opinion: 

'My Friend's Husband' is a dual timeline domestic thriller and the first book I have read by this author.

A young woman Roshni has been kidnapped and the story centres around the to main suspects, Clara, her friend and Roshni's husband Steve. The question is will Roshni be found alive or not?

A dark and intense story with plenty of betrayals and secrets that will appeal to fans of the genre.

Thanks to NetGalley, Joffe books and Rupa Mahadevan for the opportunity to read and review.

 

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

My best friend is missing. And the police think I did it. But her perfect husband is lying.

I’ve spent most of my life getting things wrong. Bad choices. Bad luck. Bad timing.

Roshni was my fresh start. She gave me a job. A room. A second chance.

Now she’s gone.

The day she vanished, she managed one desperate 999 call.
“Someone’s taken me. I’m in the boot of a car. Please—”

Then the line went dead.

I was the last person to see her alive. Now the police are closing in.

But they’re looking at the wrong suspect.

Because Steve — the devoted, devastated husband — isn’t who he claims to be.

A brilliantly twisty page-turner packed with nail-biting tension.

Author Profile:

                                         

                                          Photo and Bio Courtesy of Amazon 

Rupa Mahadevan is a passionate storyteller of character led and page turning thrillers that keep you guessing till the last chapter. Her books aim to be an alluring mixture of crime and culture.

She grew up on the south-eastern coast of India and has called the south-eastern coast of Scotland home for over fifteen years. she currently lives in Edinburgh with her husband and two children. When she is not grappling with Excel in her day job, she loves to read and dream up stories of her own.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Goodreads - Author Page.    Amazon Author Page

The Tea Planter's Secret by Clare Flynn (The Ceylon Series Bk 2)

                                                        

Ebook:  365 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher:  Storm Publishing May 2026

Source:  NetGalley

First Sentences: The baby was howling again. Her wailing was like a cheese grater dragging across Stella's skin.

Setting: Ceylon in 1908 (now known as Sri Lanka)

Review Quote: “Vivid and atmospheric… full of emotion, secrets, and resilience.” Reader Review,

My Opinion: 

The first title in The Ceylon Series 'The Star of Ceylon' was my introduction to the author Clare Flynn. I found her narrative about the British in Ceylon in the early years of the 20C a pleasurable and informative read.

Therefore I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review 'The Tea Planter's Secret'. The characters were familiar and it was delightful to catch up with the main protagonists, Stella and Norton, Winnie and Paul and Cynthia and Ronald. The relationships are all complex and the narratives in this sequel are strong and emotional. I was once again transported to Colonial Ceylon and immersed in the beauty of the country as well as the social tensions of the country and the protagonists of the novel. Already looking forward to the final book in the series as the ending leaves the reader with hints of changes ahead for Stella, Winnie and Cynthia.

Although it works as a stand alone novel, reading the first in the series beforehand will enhance your understanding of the characters behaviour. Recommended as an atmospheric series for fans of historical fiction.

Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read and review. 

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

Ceylon, 1908: Stella Baxter returns to the island paradise that once promised her everything — haunted by her father’s death and the brutal assault that left her with a baby she cannot love.

Norton is waiting for her in Colombo. He rescued her from scandal, he sees her worth, and his steady presence offers something Stella had given up a chance to heal. At last she can turn to the work that still binds her to her father — preserving his precious academic legacy.

But the arrival of the scandalous Cynthia — abandoned by her lover and desperate to salvage her reputation — ignites forbidden desires within Norton’s own family. As secrets unravel and the respectable façade of British Ceylon begins to crack, the fragile new life Stella has built is caught in the fallout.

Soon the mistakes of the past resurface, and Stella must fight to protect not only her father’s legacy but her own future.

Previous Review:  The Star of Ceylon (The Ceylon Series Book 1)

Author Profile:

                                                 

                                          Photo and Bio Courtesy of Goodreads 

Clare Flynn is the author of twenty historical novels and a collection of short stories. She is the 2020 winner of the UK Selfies Adult Fiction prize for her best-selling novel The Pearl of Penang, was shortlisted for the RNA Industry Awards Indie Champion of the Year for 2021 and won the award in 2022. 

Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.

Clare Flynn is an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors.

You can read her full and interesting biography on her website

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Clare Flynn - Author Website.   Goodreads Profile.   Amazon Profile.   Instagram Profile

 Storm Publishing - Profile.    Facebook Profile

The Lost Chateau by Dinah Jefferies

                                              

Ebook:   384 pages in Kindle Edition     

Genre: Historical Fiction                                           

Publisher:  June 4, 2026 by HarperCollins

Source: NetGalley

First Sentence:  I nearly died that day.

Review Quote:  The novel has received highly positive early praise, earning critical acclaim as a "captivating novel of friendship and love with rich historical detail". Candis Magazine

The novel was shortlisted for the 2026 Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Thriller Award. 

Setting:  Dordogne, France

My Opinion:  

 Dinah Jefferies is a favourite author of mine because she always transports me to locations that come alive with her vivid descriptions and delightful stories. I have been a fan since 2014 when her debut novel was published and have read and enjoyed all of her published novels since.

Characters from her last novel set in Corfu The Greek House feature in 'The Lost Chateau' as Thirza now married goes to France to look after an aging and ailing aunt. She feels somewhat obliged as this aunt once saved her life. (Note: It is not necessary to have read the preceding novel first).  The story is set in 1936 while Thirza is in the Dordogne caring for her Aunt Berenice and in the 1890's as we learn of her aunts past when she was a young bride living in the chateau. The chateau holds so many secrets and Thirza is determined to discover them. She believes unlocking them will give peace to her aunt in her final days.

Once again Dinah Jefferies has written a very satisfying read. An emotional story that draws the reader in with its evocative setting, intriguing mystery and well developed characters. Highly recommended for fans of the author, historical fiction and a little mystery.

Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

Links to Previous Reviews:

 The Separation.  The Missing Sister. The Sapphire Widow. Daughters of War #1  The Tuscan Contessa Daughters of War#2 The Hidden Palace  Night Train to Marrakech: Daughters of War #3
The Greek House

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

A secret lies behind every door… The Dordogne, 1936

Amid tangled gardens and crumbling walls, Chateau Rousseau guards its secrets well.

Pushing open its faded door, Thirza Caruthers arrives to care for her great-aunt. She's made a promise – unaware of what awaits.

As the skies darken above Europe, the chateau begins to reveal its stories of forbidden love, devastating betrayal, and a child who vanished years ago.

But in uncovering the truth, Thirza may lose herself forever.

Author Profile:                

                                                                           

              Courtesy of Facebook Profile

Biography in her own words from her website

 I was lucky that my second novel The Tea-Planter’s Wife became a Sunday Times No.1, Kindle No.1, and Richard & Judy bestseller. Since then I’ve had further Sunday Times top 10s, three Richard & Judy Book Club picks, and become an international best seller charting in Italy, Norway, Israel and elsewhere

I was born in Malaysia but moved to the UK at the age of nine, going on to study fashion design, work in Tuscany as an au pair for an Italian countess, and live with a rock band in a commune in Suffolk.

A family tragedy changed everything, and I draw on the experience of loss in my writing, infusing love, loss, and danger with the seductive escapism of my locations. The sense of place, of history and of human nature is a heady mix in the novels.

Published in over 30 languages in more than 40 countries, I have written an epic three book series for my new publisher Harper Collins (my 8th, 9th, and 10th novels) starting with Daughters of War set in 1944 in France, The Hidden Palace in England, Malta and France, finishing with Night Train to Marrakech set in Morocco which became my third Richard and Judy Pick.

I spent many years living in a tiny 16th Century village in Northern Andalusia, Spain. Now I’m delighted to have settled close to my family in the South West of England  with my husband, Richard, and along with our two enormous and very lovely Maine Coon cats.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Goodreads Author Profile  Twitter Profile  Dinah Jefferies - Official Website

Amazon Author Page

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

 

                                                      

Ebook:   656 pages                                                                       

Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, 

Publisher:  Fig Tree May 2026 

Source:  NetGalley

First Sentence: Downtown Drugstore had a bell on the door that made a single tink sound when you opened it. 

Review Quote:  'It’s such a joy to immerse yourself in this world and with these characters ... a really special book that’s been well worth the wait' Good Housekeeping

My Opinion: 

It is many years since I read Kathryn Stockett's now classic novel 'The Help'. It was a 5* read and still an all-time favourite. So I was excited to have the opportunity to read and review her highly anticipated new novel, published just a few weeks ago, seventeen years later.

Set in Mississipi and Oxford USA  in 1933 during the Depression 'The Calamity Club' the main protagonist of the story is Birdie, whose family are depending on her for their financial survival. The other main character is Meg Lefleur still a child but one who has already learnt that you cannot rely on anyone. Their worlds collide when Birdie visits her sister in Oxford to ask for financial support from her wealthy husband. Things don't work out as anticipated and there is pressure on the economic circumstances the family faces from all directions. Despite the difficulties Birdie and the women she meets face they raise the money they need to survive by very unconventional means.

What refined storytelling 'The Calamity Club' is. At over 600 pages it is a wonderful, emotional and humorous saga that I did not want to end having become so immersed in the worlds of Birdie and Meg. Highly recommend to everyone.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, Fig Tree and the author, Kathryn Stockett for the opportunity to read and review.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

In 1933 Oxford, Mississippi, Prohibition is on the wane, and the Great Depression is tightening its grip. Poor and rich folks alike have fallen on hard times, even as the old social order remains. For women on the margins, the options are few and the price of dignity and self-determination is unbearably high.

Eleven-year-old Meg, one of the unadoptable “big girls” at the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum, fights each day to keep her spirit unbowed. Birdie, unmarried and outspoken, has come to Oxford on a mission to ask her social-climbing sister to help the struggling family she’s left behind. And Charlie is a woman with a past, running low on luck but driven by fire, fury, and grit. When their fates converge, they come up with an audacious plan to take back control of their lives. Together, they form an unlikely sisterhood—but in a place and time where hypocrisy is rife, women’s freedom is fragile, and making an enemy can have dire consequences, will the price they pay for their outrageous risk-taking be too high?

The Calamity Club will make you laugh, cry, and cheer—an epic testament to resilience, friendship, and the fierce, funny women who know that calamity can be the spark of new beginnings. This is Kathryn Stockett at her most confident, heartfelt, and hilarious—the triumphant return of one of the most beloved storytellers of our time.

Previous Review: The Help

Author Profile:

                                                                                                                                                                           

                                                             Courtesy of Goodreads

Kathryn Stockett was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in English and creative writing, she moved to New York City, where she worked in magazine publishing for nine years. She currently lives in Mississippi and New York City.

Photograph and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Goodreads Profile.   Amazon Profile.   Kathryn Stockett - Official Author Website

Instagram Profile

We Solve Murders (#1 in series) by Richard Osman

 

                                                      

Audiobook:  10 hours  33 minutes

Narrator: Nicola Walker

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Humour, Crime

Publisher: Penguin Audio September 2024

Source:  Audible Membership

First Sentence:  It had finally happened. 

Review Quote: ''The thing that shines through in Osman’s writing is that he really likes people and revels in all their foibles and eccentricities. All of which makes for a delightful read – and another little slice of warmth in time for autumn' THE OBSERVER

My Opinion:

As a fan of  'The Thursday Murder Club' series despite it not being a favourite genre I decided to listen to the first book in Richard Osman's new series 'We Solve Murders' via my Audible Membership.

The protagonists of this series are Amy Wheeler and her father-in-law Steve Wheeler. They are joined by a vast cast of characters, good and bad amongst them. Amy is currently working as a security officer for a famous novelist, when chaos kicks off with Amy discovering she has not only become a target for a hit man but that there is a murder that needs solving.

Unfortunately this novel has not given me the same vibes as 'The Thursday Murder Club' so doubt I will be reading/listening to any more adventures of the Wheeler duo. Don't get me wrong the characterisation and humour are as appealing as all the author's writing, this one just did not get me excited. It took me weeks to listen to the full book which is not a good sign, just lack of enthusiasm.  Still I can recommend to true fans of the genre and those who enjoy humour in a thriller.

My Reviews 

The Thursday Murder Club   The Man Who Died Twice. The Bullet That Missed

The Last Devil To Die

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

Steve Wheeler is enjoying retired life. He does the odd bit of investigation work, but he prefers his familiar habits and routines: the pub quiz, his favorite bench, his cat waiting for him when he comes home. His days of adventure are over: adrenaline is daughter-in-law Amy’s business now.

Amy Wheeler thinks adrenaline is good for the soul. As a private security officer, she doesn’t stay still long enough for habits or routines. She’s currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive. Which was meant to be an easy job...

Then a dead body, a bag of money, and a killer with their sights on Amy have her sending an SOS to the only person she trusts. A breakneck race around the world begins, but can Amy and Steve stay one step ahead of a lethal enemy?

Author Profile:         

Courtesy of  Goodreads

.

Richard Osman was born in Billericay, Essex, England on  November 28, 1970. He is now well known as an author, producer and television presenter. The Thursday Murder Club was his first novel. He is well known for TV shows including Pointless and Richard Osman’s House of Games. As the creative director of Endemol UK, Richard has worked as an executive producer on numerous shows including Deal Or No Deal and 8 Out of 10 Cats. He is also a regular on panel and game shows such as Have I Got News For You, Would I Lie To You and Taskmaster.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Amazon Author Page   Goodreads Author Profile  Twitter - Richard Osman

The Lost Orphans of Lyon by Helen Parusel

                                                    

Ebook:  368 pages                                                                            

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Publisher:  16th May 2026 Boldwood Books

Source:  NetGalley

First Sentences:  This couldn't be happening. They were shooting at the children. Please, no, not the children.

Review Quote:  'The hardships of occupied France are brought to life in this brilliant gripping story packed with historical detail.’ Clare Marchant

My Opinion: 

Helen Parusel is a new to me author, whose latest novel I decided to read, due to the fact it is historical fiction based on true events. During WWII the village of Chambon-sur-Lignon in the Haute-Loire region of France provided refuge for thousands of refugees, many of whom were children.

The story is told through the eyes of two fictional protagonists Yvette and Marie. Yvette a recently married young woman finds herself unexpectedly overseeing her husband's chateau. Discovering that the chateau has been acting as an escape route for those feeling Nazi persecution she vows to continue helping. This is how she meets Marie a young woman from the village who also helps with the escape routes. The young women both grow in character and confidence as they show resilience despite the dangers they face.

Having read so many books set in this period with similar themes  I originally had my doubts about reading yet another one. However I was glad I did as I learnt about the Huguenot Community, whose bravery was yet another aspect of the work of the French Resistance, that was a story worth telling. Recommended to fans of this period in history.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, Boldwood Books and the author, Helen Parusel for the opportunity to read and review.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

A hidden tunnel. Two frightened children. One woman who must risk everything.

Lyon, Occupied France, 1942

When Yvette Dubois’s husband inherits a remote chateau, she reluctantly leaves Lyon behind ­– only for Armand to abandon her there to manage the vineyard alone. Isolated among unfamiliar staff, Yvette feels trapped in a life she never wanted.

Everything changes the day she hears a mysterious knocking in the library. Behind a tapestry, she discovers a hidden tunnel – along with two frightened orphans. Yvette learns the chateau once acted as an escape route for Jewish children and others fleeing Nazi persecution.

Yvette vows to continue the important work, wanting to honour the legacy. But Armand insists their safety depends on appeasing the occupiers. And defying him could destroy their future ­– and their freedom.

As German patrols tighten their grip on the area and whispers of betrayal grow louder, Yvette must risk everything to protect the innocent – even if the day may come when she’ll need to use the tunnel to save herself...

Author Profile:

                                                                                                                

                                                     Courtesy of Amazon

In the author's words from her Amazon Profile: I come from London but now live in Hamburg, Germany with my husband, daughter and rescue dog. Over the last twenty years I have taught English to students ranging in age from three to ninety- years-old! Many of the war time stories I heard further inspired my love of Historical Fiction. I'm particularly drawn to the lesser known stories. My debut novel, A Mother's War, highlights the Lebensborn programme in occupied Norway, and was chosen as a finalist for The Romantic Novelist Association Debut award, 2024.

I have ancestors from Austria and spent my summer holidays there as a child which inspired my second novel, The Austrian Bride. The story is set in 1938 as Europe teeters on the brink of WW2. My third novel, The Last Bookshop in Prague, highlights issues that are still relevant today: book banning, persecution and the importance of not sinking into passivity and indifference.

My most recent book, The Lost Orphans of Lyon, will be released in May. Based on a true story, the books follows the courage of an isolated, mountain community, who saved thousands of lives, mostly children, from the Nazis. There is also a crumbling château, a secret tunnel and a forbidden love story. So, plenty of adventure!

 I have always loved reading and writing, and now finally have the time to devote to my writing.

Photograph and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Goodreads Profile Page.    Amazon Profile Page.   Instagram Profile.   Facebook Profile