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Oct 26

The Prisoner By BA Paris

The Prisoner‘The Prisoner’ is the latest book by BA Paris.

THEN: Amelie has always been a survivor, from losing her parents as a child in Paris to making it on her own in London. As she builds a career for herself in the magazine industry, she meets, and agrees to marry, Ned Hawthorne. NOW: Amelie wakes up in a pitch-black room, not knowing where she is. Why has she been taken? Who are her mysterious captors? And why does she soon feel safer here, imprisoned, than she had begun to feel with her husband Ned?

Fans of BA Paris, you are in for a treat with her new book called ‘The Prisoner’.

Like BA’s previous books, it starts right at the key moment that something major has happened and in this book, it’s when Amelie and her husband Ned are kidnapped. The story then flows in the past and present tense leading up to the moment. With Amelie in a darkened room listening to her husband scream for his life and the time leading up to it, meeting Ned and falling for his charms but realising he’s not the man that he had lead people and the media believe. And when people question his behaviour, they disappear.

BA’s debut novel called ‘Behind Closed Doors’ is one of my favourite books. It’s pacy with easy to absorb with short chapters and ‘The Prisoner’ was no different. I read the book in one sitting, it was that addictive. The moments leading up to the kidnapping are intense reading as Amelie sees a side to her new husband and life that she terrifies her whilst the claustrophobic setting of the darkened room where food is delivered and nothing is said is equally intense.

Dark, chilling and wonderfully gripping. ‘The Prisoner’ is an addictive thriller with intriguing characters and a cunning twist that will delight you!

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

May 27

Both Of You By Adele Parks

Both Of You‘Both Of You’ is the latest book by ‘Sunday Times’ bestselling author, Adele Parks.

Fletcher: happily married stepmum to two gorgeous boys goes missing on Monday. Her husband Mark says he knows nothing of her whereabouts. She simply went to work and just never came home. Their family is shattered. Kai Janssen: married to wealthy Dutch businessman, Daan, vanishes the same week. Kai left their luxurious penthouse and glamourous world without a backward glance. She seemingly evaporated into thin air. Daan is distraught. DC Clements knows that people disappear all the time – far too frequently. Most run away from things, some run towards, others are taken but find their way back. A sad few never return. These two women are from very different worlds, their disappearances are unlikely to be connected. And yet, at a gut level, the DC believes they might be.How could these women walk away from their families, husbands and homes willingly? Clements is determined to unearth the truth, no matter how shocking and devastating it may be.

Adele is back with another dark thriller about secret lives and deceit.

The story is written through the narrative of Leigh Fletcher and Kai Janssen leading up to the moment and after their disappearances. They are two married women with seemingly normal lives but both women have disappeared without a trace and DC Clements is convinced both disappearances are connected. Leigh is stepmother to two boys and is happy in her life whilst Kai enjoys the more sophisticated life with her marriage to her younger Danish husband. DC Clements suspects both husbands may be involved in the disappearances but as she delves into the women’s lives, she discovers more than she expected.

The thing I love about Adele’s writing is her observation and insight into relationships, whether that’s friendship or marriage. She writes these complications with wit and suspense that really grab the readers attention.

The characters are the polar opposites of each other Leigh is a settled down step mum to 2 boys whilst Kai enjoys the finer things in life with luxury and style.

The difficult thing about reviewing Adele’s books, it’s easy to give something away. She sets the story particularly and as soon as you get used to a situation, she throws a curveball and suddenly everything is up in the air leaving the reader engrossed, unsettled and determined to get to that final page as soon as possible.

With the news of Adele’s previous book called ‘Just My Luck’ being adapted for screen, I would love for the same to be applied with ‘Both Of You’. With strong characters and a plot line twist that will literally blow your mind, Adele is back with another suspenseful rollercoaster of a story that hook will you from the first page.

You can buy ‘Both Of You’ from Amazon and will be available to buy from good bookshops from 27th May.

Feb 15

Adele Parks Reveals New Book – Both Of You

Both Of YouAdele Parks has revealed her new book for 2021 called ‘Both Of You’ and its looks to just as compelling as her previous books.

What the back cover says –

Leigh Fletcher: happily married stepmum to two gorgeous boys goes missing on Monday. Her husband Mark says he knows nothing of her whereabouts. She simply went to work and just never came home. Their family is shattered.

Kai Janssen: married to wealthy Dutch businessman, Daan, vanishes the same week. Kai left their luxurious penthouse and glamourous world without a backward glance. She seemingly evaporated into thin air. Daan is distraught.

DC Clements knows that people disappear all the time – far too frequently. Most run away from things, some run towards, others are taken but find their way back. A sad few never return. These two women are from very different worlds, their disappearances are unlikely to be connected. And yet, at a gut level, the DC believes they might be.

How could these women walk away from their families, husbands and homes willingly? Clements is determined to unearth the truth, no matter how shocking and devastating it may be.

You can pre-order ‘Both Of You’ from Amazon and will be available to buy from good bookshops from 27th May.

Dec 15

Christmas For Beginners By Carole Matthews

Christmas For Beginners‘Christmas For Beginners’ is Carole Matthews Christmas themed book for 2020.

Christmas is fast approaching at the new Hope Farm. Owner Molly Baker has been convinced to organise an open day to raise some much-needed funds ahead of the New Year, but the nativity tableau is proving challenging. With anti-social sheep, awkward alpacas and a seriously sequined Santa Claus to assemble, Molly is feeling overwhelmed, and in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. Despite the chaos of the farm getting in the way of her event planning, Molly is looking forward to spending the holidays with boyfriend Shelby and his son, Lucas, hopeful that a happy family Christmas is exactly what they need to draw them all together. But while she is busy making plans on the farm, Shelby, it seems, has ideas of his own. As the nativity draws near, the team are working hard to pull off a spectacular festive fete – and make sure the animals and humans remain on their best behaviour. Will this Christmas be merry and bright… or is there more than one surprise in store for Molly and Hope Farm?

If you’re looking for a book that is pure Christmas, then look no further as Carole Matthew’s is back with a warm story of love, friendship and new beginnings.

In this story, we see the return of Molly Baker, who we met in Carole’s previous book called ‘Happiness For Beginners’.

The story is seen through the perspective of Molly as she enjoys life on her farm along with the moody teenage son of her boyfriend Shelby, who she looks up like a son. Shelby is the popular character on a soap series and is always noticed when out and about. When his role is cut from the show, Shelby takes on the role of a villain in the Christmas pantomime and all his time is taken up with rehearsals. Whilst Shelby loves his life in the spotlight, Molly shies away from it and feels at her most happiest at the farm surrounded by friends, the animals whilst getting the farm ready for Christmas along with the help from the new handsome mayor.

I really enjoyed this story, it was warm-hearted and entertaining and was able to get back into easily after returning to read it. Molly is a sweet character and the polar opposite to Shelby who loves the attention whereas she’s at her happiest when she’s up to her wellies in muck. She has a kind heart and spends her time helping others, particularly Luke, who has a troubled relationship with Shelby, but finds solace in Molly’s kind nature.

There are many stories weaved throughout the book, there’s the relationship between Molly and Shelby, Luke finding love for first time as well as Molly getting Hope Farm ready for children who come from troubled backgrounds and suffer from disabilities. The story also touches on difficult subject of domestic violence and the impact it has not only on the adult but also on the children too.

Brimming with warmth and festive fun, Carole’s latest book is another enchanting story from the author. ‘Christmas For Beginners’ is a sweetly and wittily written story of hope, contrary animals and new beginnings.

You can buy ‘Christmas For Beginners’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

Dec 2

The Winter Promise By Rosie Goodwin

The Winter Promise‘The Winter Promise’ is the latest book by Rosie Goodwin and is the first book in her new ‘Precious Stones’ saga.

When Opal Sharp finds herself and her younger siblings suddenly orphaned and destitute, she thinks things can get no worse. But soon three of them – including Opal – are struck down with the illness that took their father, and her brother Charlie is forced to make an impossible decision. Unable to afford a doctor, he knows the younger children will not survive. So, unbeknownst to Opal, Charlie takes their younger siblings to the workhouse. When she finds out, Opal is heartbroken. Charlie starts taking risks to try to support what’s left of the Sharp family and earn Opal’s forgiveness, but he takes it too far and finds himself in trouble with the law. Soon, he is sent on a convict ship to Australia. As poor Opal is forced to say goodbye to the final member of her family, she makes a promise to reunite them all one day.

When it comes to historical fiction, it’s a genre that I don’t really read a lot off and tend to avoid it if I’m being honest.

But there was something about ‘The Winter Promise’ that stood out to me and I must admit that I really enjoyed reading this story of family, discovery and love. I actually found myself looking forward to returning to reading it when I put it down

The story is seen through of siblings Opal, Charlie and Susie who sadly get separated when they come become ill with the fever. Charlie fearing the first for his little brother and sister bring them to a work house hoping that they will recover whilst Opal herself deals the illness. Once she’s back to health, they return for their younger siblings only to discover that Christopher has died and Susie has been given to a new home. Distraught Opal and Charlie are set determined to get their family back together but ends up being shipped off to Australia after being falsely imprisoned.

The story then flows over the years as the siblings all go about their lives but always there in the background is the thought of finding each other. I loved Opal, she’s a strong independent woman who falls on her feet when she becomes a maid for Mrs King, an outspoken but kind soul who sees beyond the slums that Opal grew up in. Whereas Charlie is determined to make something of his life after the harsh upbringing. Like Opal, Susie is determined and vibrant and scene with either of the sisters made for lovely reading.

The story flowed at a lovely gentle and was beautifully descriptive in parts, whether it was the elegant ballgowns or the surrounding beauty of England and Australia. There are also some sad and poignant moments in the story from the loss of a child and sickness and this makes for tender reading. The author has also a special skill for making horrible characters such as Esther Partridge, the plump woman who was jealous of Opal, Opal’s husband, Henry as well as Agatha, Susie’s nanny. All this characters were horrible and it made for fascinating reading as they all got their comeuppance.

Wonderfully written with a heartwarming story and engaging characters, ‘The Winter Promise’ is story of love and faith and is a delicious introduction to a new author and is perfect for people who enjoy sinking into riveting sagas.

You can buy ‘The Winter Promise’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

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