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Jun 19

Falling By T.J. Newman

Falling‘Falling’ is the latest book by T.J Newman.

You just boarded a flight to New York. There are one hundred and forty-three other passengers onboard. What you don’t know is that thirty minutes before the flight your pilot’s family was kidnapped. For his family to live, everyone on your plane must die. The only way the family will survive is if the pilot follows his orders and crashes the plane. Enjoy the flight.

If you enjoy your thriller fast paced and on the edge of your seat, then ‘Falling’ is the book for you.

This fast paced thriller is seen through multiple narratives as Captain Bill Hoffman has been put in the terrible position of a having to choose between the lives of his family when they are taken hostage or crash a plane full of innocent people. The story follows Bill as he struggles with this decision and the battle of morals, save those closest to him or save strangers. Bill confides in one of his air hostess’s Jo, a woman who he has worked with for a number of years and they’re determined not to let the bad guys win. Back on the ground, Jo’s nephew is trying to prove his worth as a FBI agent and when Jo asks for his help, he’s determined to rescue Bill’s wife Carrie and their two children.

Another interesting addition to the story, is the back love story to Carrie and Bill as Bill reflects on their relationship.

The story is fast paced and written through the various narratives only adds to its suspense. ‘Falling’ is a battle of emotions and morals in this rollercoaster of the story as you join someone as they are forced to make the hardest decision of their life.

You can buy ‘Falling’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

Jun 18

One Ordinary Day At A Time By Sarah J. Harris

One Ordinary Day At A Time‘One Ordinary Day At A Time’ is the latest book by Sarah J. Harris.

Simon Sparks is the man you know from behind the counter at the local Prince Burger (‘hold the gherkin!’), fry shovelling, shelf stacking, hiding away from the world. And Jodie Brook is the single mum you see crossing the street with her son Zak – always chasing a dream she can’t reach. What if life could be so much more? When Simon and Jodie’s worlds collide, it upends everything they know. But in chaos comes opportunity. And for every person who’s ever doubted them, they find someone who’ll finally believe…

If you want a story that will warm your heart and lift your spirits, then pick up a copy of the this uplifting book.

The story is seen through alternating chapters between Simon and Jodie who are both at crossroads in the world but find an unlikely connection with each other when they begin working with each other at Prince Burger. Simon was a child prodigy but ended up working in a fast food outlet whilst his twin brother is a top surgeon in New York. Jodie is a struggling single mother who aspires to become a teacher and be able to provide a better quality life for herself and her adorable little boy called Zak.

From the beginning, this story was easy to get absorbed in. It’s beautifully written with relatable characters that not only connect with each other but also with the reader. Simon is a fascinating character, although extremely intelligent, he lacks proper social skills and makes people feel awkward and uncomfortable around him, which in turn has the same effect on him. Jodie was a teenage mum, who’s trying to move on from her past but regularly finds it reappearing in her life and fearing for the safety of herself and her sweet little boy.

I loved the interactions between Simon and Jodie, initially it’s awkward but it’s lovely to see it progress towards friendship and develop confidence and support to each other.

This story is a warm one, but also has some tender and witty moments that add to the charm of the story.

A gorgeous and inspirational story about unlikely friendships and following your dreams, ‘One Ordinary Day at a Time’ is a heartwarming story that will bring a smile to your day.

You can buy ‘One Ordinary Day At A Time’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

Jun 18

Rising Star By Michele Kwasniewski

Rising Star‘Rising Star’ is the first book in the ‘Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart’ Series by By Michele Kwasniewski.

Dani Truehart is living a life that is not quite her own. Driven by her mother’s desire for fame and fortune, she has spent her childhood dutifully training for a career as a pop star. On the brink of discovery, doubts begin to creep into Dani’s mind as she questions her own desire for fame, and she wonders whether she can trust the motivations of the adults who are driving her forward. Following a brilliant audition arranged by her vocal/dance coach and former ’80s pop icon Martin Fox, Dani is thrown full-force into the music industry. She leaves her friends, family and scheming mother behind to move with Martin, who has become her legal guardian, into the Malibu compound of her new manager, Jenner Redman. Jenner, the former swindling manager of Martin’s boy band, leverages what’s left of his depleted fortune to launch Dani’s career. Isolated from her life at home and trying to stay apace with her demanding schedule, Dani struggles to keep in touch with those she loves, connect to her withholding mother and find her voice as an artist. With Martin and Jenner at odds over their rocky past and finding herself unprepared to handle the pressures of her future singing career, Dani’s debut album and future stardom are at risk of falling apart.

‘Rising Star’ is the first book in a new Young Adult series and really shines a spotlight on the extreme pressure that teenage artists have to gone through to become pop stars.

The story is seen through the narrative of Dani Trueheart, who’s dream is to become a famous popstar. It was always her mother’s dream for her to succeed and make the family rich and pushes her daughter to the extreme with workout and singing sessions and encouraging her to skip school and concentrate on her career. But when Dani’s dream becomes true and she gets a recording contract, her mother becomes consumed with jealousy as they have to appoint a guardian for Dani and that job goes to Martin, her instructor. Dani moves to Miami to achieve the life that Sheba’s always dreamt, the only fly in the ointment is being away from her boyfriend as well as her mother’s jealousy and resentment towards her daughter’s success.

This book is a fascinating story and gives an insight into the pressure that teenagers are put through by overachieving parents. Dani’s relationship with her mother is hard reading, as she pushes Dani to succeed but once she finds out that she’s not immediately going to be making millions, she pushes her away and regularly hurts Dani with her evident bitterness. I admired Dani with her courage to give up her family, friends and first boyfriend to achieve her success and follow her dream and her determination at such a young age.

The book also highlights the pressure of the industry and what our favourite pop stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguliiara went through, the rigorous singing lessons, the recordings and the pressure of their appearance. It also shows the other side of the coin, the normal teenage problems like discovering first love and insecurity and family upheaval.

A fascinating start to a new series, ‘Rising Star’ is a beautifully written story about the young girl starting an exciting new chapter in life, written with wit and charm that made for lovely reading.

You can buy ‘Rising Star’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

Jun 16

The Murder Of Graham Catton By Katie Lowe

The Murder Of Graham Catton‘The Murder Of Graham Catton’ is the latest book by Katie Lowe.

Ten years ago, Hannah Catton’s husband was brutally murdered in their home. The murderer was convicted. The case was closed. But now a podcast called Conviction is investigating this horrific crime – and they have Hannah in their sights. Someone knows more than they’re letting on, and listeners are about to become judge, jury and executioner as they undercover the truth about the murder of Graham Catton.

2021 has seen the release of some epic psychological thrillers and I’m now adding ‘The Murder Of Graham Cattan’ to that list!

This dark and twisted book took my breath with its unreliable and unlikable protagonist and horrendous scenes of abuse, gore and twisted behaviour.

The story is seen through the narrative of Hannah, who fell deeply in love with her husband called Graham, their love was deep and strong. When he’s murdered one night, everyone suspects Hannah of the murder even though someone has been charged with his death. Now years later, a podcast called ‘Conviction’ want to revisit the murder and answer some unanswered questions, whilst putting Hannah back into the spotlight and becoming the centre of unwanted and cruel attention again.

I love, love, loved this book! It’s so cleverly crafted, weaved with drama, suspense and with characters that you can never fully get a good reading on. Hannah is fascinating, she’s a psychologist working with teenage girls with eating disorder and is mindful of mental health and feels her own is breaking down. When the podcast series starts, it makes her question everything about that night, as well as the unwanted circumstances that are presently happening because of the podcast. The moments that she feels out of her depth or scared are all captured for social media making people judge and victimise her even more. Hannah’s family has a history of mental health and is terrified that she too will have issues and finds herself researching into her grandmother who was also accused of murder.

The story is written in the past and present tense all through Hannah’s narrative. The past tense focuses on the her and Graham relationship and it’s downfall. This makes for heavy reading, as she was victim to various forms of abuse by a man who had charmed everyone including their 5 year old daughter Evie. He made Hannah doubt everything in her life and constantly apologise when she had done nothing more.

The story reads like a fast paced thriller, was easily to get absorbed and was current with the true life crime series that people are obsessing over. And now with social media, everyone has an opinion or fact that they would like to share.

A fascinating book from the first page that really hooked my attention. Tautly written with a cast of characters, that made you suspicious from their first word, ‘The Murder Of Graham Catton’ shines a light on abusive behaviour, gaslighting and the horrors that go on behind closed doors. With an ending that left my bursting for more, I cannot wait to read the next book by Katie Lowe.

You can buy ‘The Murder Of Graham Catton’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

Jun 15

A Summer Of Second Chances By Suzanne Snow

A Summer Of Second Chances‘A Summer Of Second Chances’ is the third book in the ‘Welcome to Thorndale’ book series by Suzanne Snow.

Daisy likes routine. She goes to work, makes dinner for her son, then loses herself for an hour or two in her sewing. She’s not looking for change, until Ben crashes – literally – into her life. Ben is training for a triathlon, working himself to the limit in an attempt to forget a recent trauma. Daisy wants to help, but even as they draw closer with every week that passes, he pushes her away whenever things threaten to get serious. Can Ben open himself up to love again? And with Daisy’s life in the Yorkshire Dales and Ben’s in New York, can they have a future together even if he does?

This book introduced me to a new series that genuinely touched my heart. Filled with warmth, friendship and new beginnings, this touching book was an absolute joy to read.

Seen through the perspective of Daisy who meets Ben one day when she helps after a cycling accident. He becomes her new lodger whilst preparing for a triathlon and the 2 of them forge a new friendship. But every time with her caring nature tries to get closer to Ben, she’s pushed away. Aware that he’s dealing with something significant in his life, Daisy is there to distract and help him by introducing him to the residents of Thorndale and becoming firm friends.

I simply adored this book, it has everything needed to make a romantic story, a relatable and kind protagonist, a troubled, handsome and brooding man and a picturesque village packed with community spirit, friendship and personable characters.

The story flows at lovely pace and the interactions between Daisy and Ben are touching as she engages with him and he makes her realise her worth, as she struggles to see beyond being a single mother. They help each other confront their fears and it’s a joy to join them on this path of discovery, relationship and new beginnings.

Beautifully written and packed with charm and wit, ‘A Summer Of Second Chances’ is a captivating story about new love, new hope and finding your place in the world. I loved it and will most definitely be looking into other books in the series.

You can buy ‘The Summer Of Second Chances’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

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