BOOK REVIEW AN ACT OF SILENCE BY COLETTE McBETH

These are the facts I collect.

My son Gabriel met a woman called Mariela in a bar. She went home with him where they had sex. The next morning she was found In an allotment.

Mariela is dead.

Gabriel has been asked to report to Camden police statiom In six .hours for questioning.

Linda Moscow :loving mother to Gabriel . Linda promised herself years ago that she would never let her son down again . even If it means going against everything she believes in -she will do anything to protect him. She owes him that much .

Gabriel millar:  the prodigal son . he only ever wanted his mothers love,bit growing up he always seemed to do the wrong thing . if his mother could only see the bad in him-how could he possibly be good?

How far will a mother go to save her son ? Linda’s decision might save gabriel ,but it it will have a catastrophic impact on the lives of others. What would you do  if faced with the same impossible choice?

Firstly a huge thank you to Millie at wildfire which is a hot new imprint at headline for my proof. I was disappointed to not make the blogger night in which colette was attending .  so I’m very happy to have received a copy! 

I love this authors books and this one doesn’t dissapoint.

I didn’t get to read it as quickly as I would have liked with it being half term. But i put my feet up this afternoon and got stuck in.

This book starts with one dilemma? One question ? And finishes with so many more.

There’s a lot of focus on the moral compass . what’s right and wrong ? Are we good or bad? Can we both? Do we especially ss patents have to do what is right for us and our children even if its wrong?

This is a layered book so enriched with secrets scandal and mistrust.

In todays society this is so relevant . there are extracts where you could be reading straight from today’s papers or watching the news. Its real raw and painful. 

We think we know these charactars and what they stand for but everyone is in it for themselves and will go to any lengths .

Fast paced gritty and will have you hooked.

Its thought provoking sensitive and chilling . 

I really enjoyed this and recommend all her books to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers.

Published 29th June 

BOOK REVIEW EVERY LAST LIE BY MARY KUBICA

She always trusted her husband.

Until he died.

Clara Solberg’s world shatters when her husband and four-year-old daughter are in a car crash, killing Nick while Maisie is remarkably unharmed.

But when Maisie starts having nightmares, Clara becomes obsessed that Nick’s death was far more than just an accident.

Who wanted Nick dead? And, more importantly, why? Clara will stop at nothing to find out the truth – even if it makes her question whether her entire marriage has been a lie…

Firstly a big thank you to the HQ team for sending me a copy to review . I have been a huge fan of Marys books since her debut The good girl. She knows how to write a cracking read thats for sure!

I was instantly hooked into this story told in alternate narratives and in the before and after . We know Nick is not all he appeared to be to his wife and we discover more and more about his secrets.  

This is packed full of tension and will make you turning the pages as quick as you can. Just like Clara you begin to suspect everybody ? who is telling the truth ? who can you trust?

Not only has the family got to deal with the grief and loss of someone they loved but also there appears to be some unanswered questions that Clara endeavors to explore and investigate .

Mary has been able to capture the emotions expertly that both Maisie and Clara would have been feeling not just about the accident but also with a new baby in the family.  

Incredibly dark and you can almost feel the paranoia and anxiety Clara is feeling off the pages .

Chilling and compelling this is a psychological thriller at its very best .

 

 

BOOK REVIEW TOGETHER BY JULIE COHEN

This is not a great love story. 

This is a story about great love. 

On a morning that seems just like any other, Robbie WaKes in his bed,  his wife emily asleep beside him,as always . He rises and dresses, makes his coffee ,feeds his dogs, just as he usually does.  But then he leaves emily a letter and does something that will break her heart. As the years go back all the way to 1962 , Robbins actions become clearer as we discover the story of a couple woth a terrible secret -one they will do absolutely anything to protect. 

Firstly a big thank you to lauren at Orion books for my proof copy which came with a envelope and instructions . This immediately piqued my interest… what could be in the envelope.  Felt very lucky to be involved in a exciting review system! 

I love Julies books ;she is a exquisite writer who captures human emotions in such a emotive way.

Together was no different. 

Beautifully written in a very original format.

We started in 2016 ,essentially at the end of the story and each chapter we delved further into the past . 

I swooned hard and loved reading from different eras.

This is not just a love story but a thought provoking one.

When you finish it you are left shocked and questioning your thoughts and feelings.

Obviously I’m not going to give spoilers so can’t say to much.

But let me say your heart will be captured and you will be transported into their lives both past and present.

Beautifully written 

Published 13th July 

BLOG TOUR TRUST ME BY ANGELA CLARKE

What do you do if you witness a critical,  but no one believes you?

When Kate sees a horrific attack streamed live on her laptop,  she calls the police in a state of shock. But when they arrive,  the video had disappeared – and she can’t prove anything.  Desperate to be believed,  karen tries to find out who the girl in the video could be – and who attacked her.

DS Nasreen Culmore and her friend Fredie bentonite are working on a missing persons case, but the trail has gone cold . When Kate Con texts them , they are the only ones to listen and they start to wonder-could Kate be next on the attackers list?

Firstly a big thank you to sabhar at Avon for my copy to review which also came with a signed card.

I have followed Angela from day one of discovering her books .

Each book is great to be back with Freddie and Nasreen and we get to discover more about them .

Trust me is book 3 in the social media murders and it’s a series which is fresh unique and incredibly dark.

In today’s society governed by technology and specifications the Internet this series is so relevant.

As a mum they are disturbing to read but vital to be aware of the dangers .

This is fast paced unpredictable and chilling .

Addictive reading for this summer published 15th June

Following in the theme of summer reads here is a list of Angela’s recommended hot books .

It’s summer, which means it’s time for holidays. And, more importantly, holiday reading. Here’s a selection of the latest must read sizzling thrillers I’ll be enjoying with a garish cocktail by the pool this year. Lather on the sun cream, you ain’t going to be moving for a while!

 

Blood Tide by Claire McGowan (17th March). Forensic psychologist Paula Maguire returns to investigate a missing couple on a remote island, but as a storm approaches she realises she is trapped with the hostile islanders and a killer as the blood tide rushes in.

 

The Lies Within by Jane Issac (2nd May). The Lies Within sees the return of DI Will Jackman to unravel a story of deception, family secrets and the ultimate betrayal.

 

An Act of Silence by Colette McBeth (June 29th). Linda Moscow is Home Secretary when she buries a scandal to save her son’s life, but years later the secret threatens to destroy them.

 

One Bad Turn by Sinead Crowley (June 1st). How could you hate another woman so much that you want to harm her child?

Her Husband’s Lover by Julia Crouch (15 June). She stole her husband. Now she wants to steal her life.

 

Sympathy for the Devil by William Shaw (4th May). It’s 1969: on a summer night, Brian Jones floats below the water of his swimming pool…

 

The Liar by Steve Cavanagh (18th May). Former con artist, turned lawyer, Eddie Flynn, is hired by the father of a missing girl, but who can Eddie really trust?

Crash Land by Doug Johnstone (4th May). When Finn meets the mysterious Maddie at Orkney Airport, one decision makes his life spiral out of control. Bad Blood by Brian McGilloway (18th May). In the week of the Brexit vote, DS Lucy Black investigates the murder of a young gay man, an attack on a Roma family and the arrival of a hate speech Pastor in the city.

The Betrayed by Casey Kelleher (21st June). Those closest to you don’t stab you in the back. Do they?

 

They All Fall Down by Tammy Cohen (13th July). Hannah is a patient in a private psychiatric clinic where, she claims, there’s a serial killer on the loose. But who will believe

she’s telling the truth when she’s so adept at lying to herself?

 

 

Give Me The Child by Melanie McGrath (27th July). Caitlin is a specialist in child personality disorders but when her husband’s disturbed lovechild arrives on their doorstep Caitlin finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about her family, her profession and herself.

Thanks for having me on the blog tour Avon and be sure to check out the other blogs taking part .

 

she’s telling the truth when she’s so adept at lying to herself?

 

 

Give Me The Child by Melanie McGrath (27th July). Caitlin is a specialist in child personality disorders but when her husband’s disturbed lovechild arrives on their doorstep Caitlin finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about her family, her profession and herself.

BOOK REVIEW WILDE LIKE ME BY LOUISE PENTLAND

 

 

‘Does anyone else out there feel like me?’

Robin Wilde is an awesome single mum. She’s great at her job. Her best friend Lacey and bonkers Auntie Kath love her and little Lyla to the moon and back. From the outside, everything looks just fine.

But Robin has a secret.

Behind the mask she carefully applies every day, things sometimes feel . . . grey. And lonely. She struggles to fit in with the school mum crew. Online dating is despair-inducing, and how can she give her little girl the very best when, honestly, some days it’s hard to find a clean pair of knickers?

After 4 years (and 2 months, and 24 days) of single-mum-dom, Robin realises it’s time to get out there and Change. Her. Life.

A little courage and creativity go a long way, and exciting new opportunities are soon on the horizon – maybe even a man, maybe the chance of a lifetime . . .

Will Robin seize the possibilities she creates for herself? And what surprises does her life have in store if she does?

Fresh, feel-good and very funny, this book will make you feel fantastic, just for being you.

Firstly a huge thanks to Emily at Bonnier books for sending me a proof copy … I may or may not have squealed when I received it .

I have been a huge fan of Louise or as she can be more commonly known …sprinkle of glitter for a good few years now . I had the honour of reviewing her non fiction book back in 2015.  I admire her and respect her not only as a woman but as  a mum . Well after reading her debut novel this level of respect and admiration has only grown!!! discovering she can write just is the cherry on the top 🙂

I devoured this within 3 hours and that included walking my dog and getting my son to bed .it was one of those books you read standing up speedily turning the pages.

This was everything and more I could have expected .

Robin Wilde …wow what a woman and a character. The perfect leading lady with the right amount of imperfections . She is a single mum who is trying to find her inner sparkle again and we follow her on her adventures to do this .

This  is a fantastic read full of wit and warmth and it is hilarious . The expression lol is so needed for this book and one part in particular …. you will know it when you get there …. two words online dating ….

While reading it I found myself hearing Louises voice and felt so involved in the story.

I could relate to Robin in so many ways and I want to thank Louise for creating  a character im sure many mums will identify too .

I am  a single mum who has battled my own form of emptiness and i felt that Louise captured it really well . She showed its ok to not always be ok ..yet still love your children .

The relationship between mother and daughter was realistic and i imagine louise drew from her own experieces with Darcy .

This book is real and genuine and you can tell how much Louise has invested into her characters .

When I finished I felt empowered not only for robin but also for myself … this lifted my spirits,my self belief and my sparkle.

Great charactars ,fantastic storyline and addictive reading makes this a top hit for your summer read of 2017.

 

I would like to wish Louise every success with her book baby and also her other baby that she recently shared her news on. I for one cant wait to see what other stories she will be creating .

Published 29th June

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BLOG TOUR AND BOOK REVIEW FIERCE KINGDOM BY GIN PHILLIPS

Lincoln is a good boy . At the age of four he is curious, clever and well behaved.  He does as his mum says and knows what the rules are. 

‘The rules are different today.  The rules are that we hide and do not let the man with the gun find us’

When an ordinary day at the zoo turns into a nightmare , Joan finds herself trapped with her beloved sonot.  She must summon all her strength, find unexpected courage and protect Lincoln at all costs- even if it means crossing the line between right and wrong; between humanity and animal instinct. 

It’s a line none of us would ever normally dream of crossing. 

But sometimes the rules are different. 

Firstly thank you to Alison at transworld for my copy to review. 

It was delivered with some toy animals which my son kindly gave a home to. Now my son is called Lincoln or lynx in our house so of course it was special to see the boy was called Lincoln in the book.

This is a book about motherhood and survival . 

What do you do when you have to make life saving decisions?  

Could you survive the awful situation  Joan finds herself in ?

What began as a pleasant day out turns into every mothers nightmare. 

You could feel her fear and tension whilst reading. 

The writer has captured the thoughts and feelings that Joan would have been having so expertly. 

A great thought provoking  read that even weeks after stays with you.

Full of tension and leaves you questioning what would you do in that situation?

Thank you for having me on the blog tour and go and check out the others!

Published 15th June 

 

BOOK REVIEW THIS MUCH IS TRUE BY JANE SANDERSON

The gripping story of a shocking secret at the heart of a family,and a mother desperate to keep it hidden.

Aftee devafes in a deeply unhappy matriage , Annie Doyle can barely bring herself to care that her husband vince is finally about to die.

But as the family gathers to see out his final days, Vince utters a singke word that will change everyones lives conpletly :

Martha

Who is martha ? And why is annie so quick to dismiss the mention of her name?

As annies long held secrets start to emerge , the lives of everyone she holds dear will be changed forever .

Firstly thank you to the publishers for my copy to review.

I hadnt heard of this book or the authors previous work so went in blindfolded as to what to expect.

Such a great read and unexpected twists that kept coming.

A story of friendship family and secrets that are about to unravel!

As a dog owner i loved reading about the charactars dogs and what they got up to.

Annie has led a sheltered life and through the book we see her start to become her own person.

Past and present meet to start a new future .

BOOK REVIEW THE WEDDING PROMISE BY EMMA HANNIGAN

Restoring a Spanish villa brings shelly back to the place she and her husband once loved,  fulfilling the promise he made that they would return.  But as plans to transform the villa into a romantic wedding venue take shape,  shelly discovers her children may need the move more than she does.

Jake has begun to question  the things he values most; his career as a pilot, his relationship with his girlfriend.  Could Spain offer him the change he’s seeking?  Shellys daughter arrives with a new born baby in tow, but then hears some startling news she wasnt expecting. 

As casa Maria takes its first booking will it turn out to be more than a romantic promise lmade all those years ago?  Perhaps a second chance at new beginnings?

Firstly a huge thank you to Frances at headline for my review copy. 
I have had the pleasure of reviewing a few of emmas  books in recent years and I love them all. 

However this had to be my favourite. 

24 hours on from finishing and I’m still thinking of the characters and what they are up to .

This completly swept me away and I really connected with the characters. 

I loved the storyline, the location,the family and the turmoil so they each faced

Just completly loved the book perfect escapism especially if you havnt got a holiday booked.

Full of warmth humour and love 

This is women’s fiction at its best and the perfect book for summer 2017