DNF: Elske by Cynthia Voigt

This book held so much promise... But alas, I got half way through and just couldn't get any further. Nothing happened. The start was so good, but afterwards, nothing. I loved the book cover. But the saying "never judge a book by its cover" is true in this case. 

Please let me know if you don't agree!! 

Stay safe

Steph 💚

Review #29: Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim is a historical fiction novel which tackles the slave trade in the 19th Century in America. This took me less than a day to listen (I audio-booked it all day while I baked a cake and attempted to make Yorkshire Puddings - which both worked to an extent!). This is what I thought.

Narration - 9.5/10   

Storyline - 8/10   

Ease of Listening - 8.5/10

This was a beautifully creative book, which was very thought provoking, and tackled the really highly talked about issue of racial inequality. It highlighted the fact that love is thicker than the colour of someone's skin. The only negative, was that every major moment in the book was a bit too predictable. One of the last chapters was what I described on social media as "beautifully predictable". Without telling you what happens, I meant just that. You wanted what happened to happen. 

The narrator was fantastic. Bahni Turpin brought the story to life, going so far as singing the featuring lullaby, then getting it into my head, regardless of the fact I was unfamiliar with it prior to the book. She portrayed Mattie really well, and the emotions were real.

After finishing the book, I did a bit of research because it wasn't clear whether this was a true story, and if it was, how such a story came to light. It was fiction, for the record, but the author wrote an element into the story which was so subtle, but absolutely there. Attachment Theory. Read the book, you'll absolutely see it. I found it fascinating. It's such a layered book that you don't realise that this is a major theme, but then after you've finished you wonder how you couldn't see it when it was right there smacking you in the eyes!

All in all, a super interesting book. If it wasn't so predictable, it would have been perfect!

For those of you following me on social media and wondering why another book hasn't been reviewed yet, I am still reading Elske by Cynthia Voigt. It's a really hard book to get into, and I'm not sure about it yet, however I'm hoping to stick with it!

Today marks the start of a 14 day self-isolation period for me, as I have a minor procedure occurring in a couple of weeks. Regardless, any recommendations please let me know!

Stay Safe

Steph 💚 

Review #28: The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman

I thought I'd do this review a little differently to usual, so bear with me. The scores are all tens, by the way. This book is faultless.

Back at the beginning of the outbreak of Coronavirus, when I started writing this blog, I never imagined my life would be opened up to such beautiful books. In March, I would always choose to read a thriller, thinking that the genre would be most exciting to read and write about. Back in May, I read "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens and was converted to trying new genres, becoming what I now think myself as a real bookworm, someone who will read anything. It became my favourite book. I cried the whole way through. 

Fast forward to this weekend, and here I was sobbing at yet another beautifully written book, one I feel cannot be beaten. "The Rules of Magic" by Alice Hoffman should be called "The Rules of Life". There was an amazing storyline of love and courage, and yet one more of regret, loss and sorrow. Whilst there were stories of three young witches, it was so true to real life that if you have lose your way throughout this year, you could read this book and get back on track. I've been through every emotion, and this book is the one that I truly didn't want to end. The Rules of Magic is part of a series, and you'd better believe I have already downloaded "Practical Magic". 

The characters are incredible, and represent so much more than witches. Haylin is my favourite character of all time, he could really teach a nation. But every single character is brilliantly thought and written. The book is set in a time that it's not OK to be different, but shows such acceptance to difference that it is incredible. Maybe this is why I adored this book so much. I am "different", in so many different ways.

I'll stop preaching to you all now, but honestly, I don't think I will ever forget this book. Please read it, whoever you are. The moral I took from this story is that I will always be true to who I am, regardless of circumstances, and I hope that you will take the same away from it. 

Take care, and stay safe.

Steph 💚

Review #27 Poison Orchids by Sarah A Denzil & Anni Taylor

 

I've started to love Sarah A. Denzil, so this book had been on my wishlist for a little while. I'm curious to learn how people can create a book with another person. I don't think I'd be able to, I have my own pictures in my head, and I don't know how people can compromise. I don't think it worked particularly well. Please note my review may have spoilers, so don't read further if you are reading, or planning to read Poison Orchids.

Writing Style: 6/10
Storyline: 7/10
Ease of Reading: 7/10

I have to admit, it shows that there are two authors within this book. It was OK, but it did get a bit muddled at times. I listened to this book on Audible, and the narrator was fine, though it kept getting confusing between her voice for Bronwyn and her voice for Megan.

The idea of the book was great. It very much reminded me of a fictional version of Charles Manson, and it was very engaging, until the end, where it became a bit far-fetched, and the police weren't believable. It felt very much as though one author rushed the end of the book, and added characters were not really needed. Jacob, for example. I found him intriguing, and his character could have been developed further. 

One thing I do enjoy in Sarah A. Denzil, and it translated into this book, despite the number of authors, is her descriptions of the character's surroundings. It's written in such a way that you can picture EXACTLY what the characters look like, and what is happening to them. 

The ending was chaotic. In my opinion, there are a couple of mistakes by the authors regarding who did what. 

All in all, not a bad book, but not "blow your socks off" shock and horror.

I hope you're all doing well. With the return of sports on television, and the fact that we can soon be spending time with families and friends, I just want to emphasise the need to stay vigilant, and I am here for anyone who is struggling. 

Stay safe,

Steph 💚 

Review #26: Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots by Deborah Feldman

After watching the Netflix series, I decided I needed to read the story to see how closely it follows the real story. The answer is loosely, but you'll read more about the Hasidic Jews and I was in awe of how much strength this lady (and all others who decide to leave this community) possesses. 

Writing Style: 8/10
Storyline: 8/10
Ease of Reading: 8/10

There's times in this story that you forget this was real life for the author. Other times, you're reminded with a bump that it was. This raw story of a different life will be a book you don't want to put down. It does have major differences to the Netflix series, but to be honest it works, because the author wants you to remember that there is not just her that felt different and out of place in that specific community, but she was the one to speak out. 

I've always been interested in other people's religion. Because I believe in faith and religion, but don't have a specific one, I really find it fascinating on the different variations that makes the world go round. I hope that many share my view that you respect whatever faith anyone may have. This book really gave me a respect and an appreciation of the freedom that I own. That I can say what I like, do what I like for a job, and most importantly decide what happens to my own body, and whether I have children or not, are all decisions that people in modern worlds (me included) can really take for granted. 

I can't really explain much about the content in the book, because I really hope that whether or not you've seen the TV series, you will read this memoir of what bravery really looks like, and any "spoilers" would dull all of the emotions you may feel throughout. 

This afternoon, I re-watched Unorthodox on Netflix and all of the emotion from the book is translated into pictures through a fictional character named Esty. I cried. I seem to be getting good at crying. I really recommend you watch the series too, mostly to learn more about this community that lives somewhat separate from the rest of the world.

Please don't get me (or the author) wrong. This book is, and the series, not sympathy inducing and it's not about hating the community that this lady left. Throughout the book and series I found myself sympathetic to every single character at some point or another. 

Anyway, I shall end my ramblings and recommend the book, and also, in a blog first, the film. 

I'll end this post by saying that there is a lot going on in the world at the moment, and I always try to stay as balanced as possible when deciding how I feel. Therefore, please take care and please get in touch if you need anything, even just an ear.

Stay safe, 

Steph 💚 

Review #25: Take It Back by Kia Abdullah

                                              

Somehow, as usual, I manage to read books that tackle issues that are ragingly current ones. This book is no different. A Caucasian, Disabled girl, is assaulted by 4 Muslim Boys. Massively current issues. The issues aside, this is what I thought. Please note this review has slight spoilers. Also, there are triggers in the book and probably in my review tbh, so please be careful!

Writing Style: 8/10
Storyline: 8/10
Ease of Reading: 7/10

I struggled with the scores on this one, I have absolutely mixed feelings about the book in general, even though it finished strong. 

As a disabled woman, I'm getting a bit sick of reading about "disfigured" female characters. It's as though authors try to find the most visible disability to make them seem more vulnerable. I'd like there to be other disabilities included in literature these days, not just the visible ones. That's not a criticism of this specific book though, I'm sure it was my fault for reading her book 3rd out of 3 books that i've now read and reviewed that contain a facial disfigurement. 

The set out of the book was good, but it took a while to get used to it. There were only 11 or 12 chapters, but they were very long. I half read, half listened to this book, and I think it worked more on Audible because of the multiple voices in the courtroom it set the feel of the trial out well. I also liked the fact that you didn't know the whole story until right at the very end, like you were actually a jury member

I liked that the author tackled both male and female characters of the ethnicities talked about in this story, but also the fact that the author didn't use ethnicity or colour of skin to show their guilt. Whilst she did raise many stereotypes, I thought Kia Abdullah quashed the stereotypes really well, by going into individuals' thoughts, actions and upbringing. 

There was an aspect in the book that didn't seem to have a place. I may have missed it, but Zara taking diazepam kind of confused me. Why was she taking it? I also found it slightly unbelievable that she had diazepam stashed away. These days, diazepam is REALLY hard to come by, even for spasms, so was Zara getting it from somewhere else? I'm just not sure where it fit in and why. 

I'll not spoil the ending, but I think it was a good ending. It could have gone further though, if the author wanted to, and I think it paves the way for a new kind of "Jury" story - She could write a whole cohort of books that gives you the feeling of being a juror (I would be reading every book!)

All in all a pretty strong book that could be improved on to be an epic book. 

Take care everyone,

Steph 💚

Review #24: Lockdown by Peter May

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With the blurb basically telling us what is currently happening, I decided I needed to read this! I was a little disappointed though... Note, there are spoilers in my review. 

Writing Style: 7/10
Storyline: 5/10
Ease of Reading: 6/10

Peter May wrote this book when Bird Flu was threatening to become a pandemic. Thankfully it didn't get that far, but because of Coronavirus I was curious as to the views that were written in advance. It's also the genre that I enjoy most. 

There were some eery similarities between the pandemic now to the book. The fact that the prime minister was so poorly with Coronavirus, that part of the book wasn't far-fetched. However, there were elements that were completely unbelievable. When Jack's son dies, the fact that there was no empathy and only cremations without a funeral at all was a little far-fetched and the ending of the entire book just would not happen. 

I feel as though this book was trying to be Stephen King-ish, but it just didn't work. Only Stephen King can get away with a guy who is burned from head to toe but still survives. 

My last "complaint" (I was really not feeling this book, was I?!)...

The bones of a girl were found and it transpired she had a facial disfigurement. It held no bearing to the story really, except it was a really lazy way to identify her and a pretty annoying but easy reason that she'd need to be adopted. I found myself wondering if this book was actually written in the 21st century!

My last point confused me further when Amy, a member of staff who puts the bones back together, was paralysed, and i thought she was portrayed pretty well!

All in all, this just wasn't my thing, and I understand why it wasn't published sooner. 

As always, please stay safe everyone, and be kind!

Steph 💚

Review #23: Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

From the likes of The Rabbit Girls by Anna Ellory to the book in this review, I have only recently discovered the Historical Fiction genre and I am pretty much in awe. These two books I have read have inspired and horrified me in equal measure and has driven me to undertake some research into historical events, such as the Holocaust & the Vel D'hiv Roundup. 

Writing Style: 9.5/10
Storyline: 10/10

Ease of Reading: 9.5/10

 Tyger! Tyger! burning bright 

In the forests of the night, 

What immortal hand or eye Could frame thy fearful symmetry? 

—WILLIAM BLAKE, Songs of Experience

I remembered learning about this poem at school, but I'm pretty sure I was too young to know just how poignant it was. I don't have anything to say really, but this is at the beginning of the Sarah's key, and whilst it's not mentioned in the book's story, there are moments that you're drawn back to it.

The writing style of this book is familiar and easy to follow. It flits from historical chapters to the present day, which I'm finding is common within Historical Fiction books.

In Sarah's Key, I particularly enjoyed the anonymity of the characters written about in 1942. You don't actually find out the girls name for certain until quite far through the story, and it really reflects the anonymity of the thousands of men, women and children sent to concentration and death camps throughout the war.

I have marked the Ease of Reading as 9.5. I'm not saying it was an easy read because of the topic. It was an emotive "real-life" subject which was difficult and one which needs not been forgotten, however the reason I have scored this highly is that the message in the book is clear throughout. Never Forget

All in all, an incredible book, horrific but beautifully truthful book and a genre I will absolutely continue to read. 

This book really puts life into perspective. Please remember to be kind to one another and to be safe.

Steph 💚

Review #22: A Riviera Retreat by Jennifer Bohnet

After my DNF book the other day, I really needed an easy book to read and unwind. I get very worked up if I can't finish a book, however, this book is absolutely what I needed. Here's what I thought.

Writing Style: 9/10
Storyline: 8.5/10
Ease of Reading: 10/10

Don't be fooled by my lower marks for the Storyline, this is purely because I would never have picked this book up, it's so far away from my usual reads. I'm so glad I've started to move away from the thriller/horror genre though, it has opened my eyes to some real hidden gems. 

There wasn't really any OMG moments, it was all beautifully predictable, and I mean that. It was beautiful. 

The setting was incredible, and I would love to visit somewhere like the villa the book describes. In lockdown, it really made me sad that I won't have a holiday abroad, but it suited the weather we've had in the North East of England at the moment. 

The characters were such that you rooted for them. I feel as though I could be friends with most of them, however I felt a sort of disconnect to Vicky. It was as though she didn't quite fit in, and was more guarded than the others. I'm not sure if this was meant to be the case, if it was, it worked perfectly. 

All in all a great book to read when I'd suffered an unfinished book, and if you need a book to whisk you away on holiday through the lockdown without having to travel, this is absolutely it. I will be making personal recommendations for this book to cheer some people up. 

Take care everyone,

Steph 💚

DID NOT FINISH - The Eyes of Darkness by Dean Koontz

Here it is guys, the first book that I genuinely can't finish (sorry Dad!!). I tried 3 times to start this book, and got up to Chapter 10 on my last attempt, but I just can't get into it!

I'm not sure if it's because of the narration, though I did try and read it as well, but other than messages and weird dreams, nothing is happening! I know from my dad that some more interesting stuff happens, but I just can't get to that point!

Maybe it's because I've had a good run of great books, I'm not sure!

Anyway, thought I'd best be honest and let people know!

Stay safe everyone!

Steph 💚

Review #21: Where The Forest Meets The Stars by Glendy Vanderah

Writing Style: 9.5/10
Storyline: 10/10
Ease of Reading: 9.5/10

I have no idea how I even started reading this book and why, and my first impressions were that I was a little reserved. It started talking about aliens in the first chapter and I was just forever thinking "where is this book going". But I carried on. 

AND I"M SO PLEASED!!! 

This beautiful, thoughtful, emotional book, had me crying (I seem to be doing that a lot these days) and hoping for the best all the way through, and I was so invested in Jo and Ursa.

I can't really go into it without spoiling it, but all I will say is THE THEMES!! This book had everything. Love, lust, death, fear, aliens, beauty. Everything anyone could ever want in a book, Where the Forest Meets the Stars has it!!! Anyone aged probably 12 (there's a couple of mild cursing) up to 100 would love this book, and to be honest, I think because of all the themes, whatever genre you normally read, this would probably suit.  

Please go and read this book. It's just so good (and is free on kindle unlimited)!!!

Stay safe all, 

Steph 💚

Review #20: The Little Princess by Casey Watson

Recently, I've started to read more stories told by foster carers. This review is of one of those, and so if you are triggered by these sorts of books or their themes, please do not read any further.

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I am in awe of foster carers and all they do for children, especially when the children are often abused physically and/or mentally. The most known stories are written by Cathy Glass, and I have read all of her books, however this short story by Casey Watson caught my eye.

It is a short story, one which was quick and easy to read, which reflected the time that the child was with the foster carer. Saying that, it took nothing away about the importance of this story being told. In the book, Casey often refers to not being able to un-know the horror, and as a reader, I absolutely wish I could un-know the vague details from this book.

All in all, a very poignant book, one which took around 4 hours to read and one that was eloquently written. I really recommend this book, but if you are an emotional reader, please be careful.

Take care everyone,

Steph 💚

Overview of Books Read This Week

I've read a few books this week and I thought I'd do a collective post. The first book was Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, then Loveish by Sakshi Narula and then The Saddest Girl in The World by Cathy Glass.

Where The Crawdads Sing

Where The Crawdads Sing is May's book for a Book Club I've been part of for a few months, and one which I promised I wouldn't do a full review. However, it is a book that absolutely deserves a mention. It is in my top 5 books i've ever read, and I genuinely cried the whole way through. The whole storyline had me gripped. I won't say any more, but please read it!

Loveish by Sakshi Narula

I'm not really into poetry, but this wasn't bad. There were a few poems I really didn't "get", but there were also some that really resonated with me. I think I would prefer the "old school" poetry, but it was interesting to read something completely different. I would pop a warning on that some of the language and content are for adults only. 

The Saddest Girl in the World

Cathy Glass is one of my all time favourite authors. I love reading about her foster children, and how they improve, but I also like visiting her website, where she gives updates about the children in her books about where they are now. I'm pretty sure I had read this book previously, as I'm sure I've read them all, but as usual I loved this book. Her dedication and patience gives me a lovely feeling, and I don't think I could do it. All in all a definite must read.

Please let me know what you think of these books if you've read them, and also. if you like the format of this post!

Stay safe everyone, 

Steph 💚

Review #19: No Right to Kill by M.A. Comley

This book was recommended to me after my review of Silent Scream by Angela Marsons. I can absolutely see the similarity, here's what I thought:


Writing Style: 9.5/10
Storyline: 9/10
Ease of Reading: 9.5/10

I found this book (No Right to Kill) really easy to read. It was a "No waffle, no nonsense" type of book, which I loved, it just simply told a story without throwing a massive amount of detail to get entangled in, whilst at the same time setting the series up really well for future books. 

I like the character of Sara Ramsey, but I preferred Misty the Cat!! I hope she sticks around for much longer!

All in all a sound book without much thought required. If this is your favourite genre, I'd definitely recommend this as a quick, easy read.

As always, any recommendations please let me know. 

Stay safe

Steph 💚

Review #18: The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms

This book, is easily the cheesiest, unreal book in history, but it was also genius!! See below what I thought!

Writing Style: 9.5/10
Storyline: 8.5/10
Ease of Reading: 9.5/10

From the title, to the storyline, to the characters, each thing screams meticulous planning, and I absolutely commend the author because it worked. This is, I'm guessing (no kids!) the ultimate wish of any parent. To be able to go to a beautiful city for two months, enjoy yourself, get made over and have a gorgeous boyfriend would be amazing for anyone! Just read the book, you'll get a sense of it!

The book was always so light hearted and funny, and almost giddy, that I flew through it, even at one point reading it at 5am when I woke up from nerve pain. 

The main character is a librarian, and the number of literary references, whilst uncountable were incredible! Even if it's not your sort of book, read it to get book recommendations! It's so so clever!!

There's a bit of a shake up at the end, but I'll not spoil it for you! It works too!

The only (and I mean the only) downfall was that there wasn't more! I feel like the future of all these characters could be written in a sequel?? What happens to John? Do Amy and Daniel stay together? Do Cori and Joe continue on their current paths? They're all questions that I need answers to! 

Anyway, enjoy this literary genius-ness of a book - thoroughly enjoyable and exactly what I required after a really stressful first venture out into public. 

Stay safe lovelies! And please stay 2 metres apart!

Steph 💚 

Review #17: The Missing Ones by Patricia Gibney

This was an audiobook I've been listening to during the week. The book is the first in the Detective Lottie Parker series. Here's what I think:


Narration - 8/10   Storyline - 8/10   Ease of Listening - 8/10

I've given this book solid 8s across the board. It's definitely a grower! There were a few loose threads at the end of the story, perfectly paving the way for a sequel. The storyline was solid and really well balanced between believability and entertainment. The narration was sound, and the Irish accent gave the locations a real buzz without being difficult to follow.

Lottie is a hard working detective, and can be related to very easily. A strained relationship with her mother was my only criticism as its starting to become a recurrent theme in many books, but I'm hoping that it is explored in future books. 

Lottie is portrayed as workaholic, juggling work and three older children and dealing with becoming widowed. A rare element I enjoyed in the book was getting to know snippets of details about her late husband, and I hope this continues in future books as it gives the whole book a unique and interesting dynamic. 

The book reminded me of another I have read, Silent Screams by Angela Marsons (Review #11), so if you liked that book, I would recommend giving this book a go. Don't worry, it's not too same-y!

Overall, a solid book, which builds a platform for storylines to develop, and one that wasn't too heavy or brain-consuming.

As always, please let me know if you have any recommendations and I'll add them to my ever growing list. 

In the meantime, stay safe!

Steph 💚

Crafty Post - Owl Cross Stitch

Throughout lockdown, I have really got back into my cross stitching. I managed to find this kit in a charity shop for £3. As many people know, I adore owls, and this certainly kept me busy for 6 weeks. Not sure who the designer is, so I cannot give them credit, however if it is yours, please let me know!!

Thoroughly enjoyed doing this, and despite all the mistakes I can see, I'm pretty pleased with how it came out!

 I hope you like it!

Review #16: First Earth by Cami Murdock Jensen

Before I begin this review, I would like to thank the amazing authors on Twitter for letting me review their books. It is an honour to read such talent and I really hope to work through all the books recommended to me throughout the next months (at current count, I think I'm passed 60 books!).

First Earth by Cami Murdock Jensen, the first in the Arch Mage series would absolutely be a read for young teens and young adults, and even more so for those struggling with self acceptance and self belief.

Her raging scars and chronic pain made her different. Her courage made her savior of 2 worlds

The start of the description on GoodReads spoke to me loudly and I just had to read this book. I was not disappointed.


Writing Style: 9/10
Storyline: 8/10
Ease of Reading: 9.5/10

This book obviously isn't my usual genre, but I loved going back to my childhood for a day to read this one. The magic within is so creative, and will capture the audience, and would, in my opinion, be good enough for a child to believe in themselves. The language is easy to follow, and I know my 11 year old nephew would love the book. The love between Agnes and Temnon, despite the almost unbelievable setting is heartwarming and gives me hope that love will always prevail. 

Despite the fact that I am now 30 years old, I'm glad I read this book, to enforce my belief that no matter your circumstances, everyone has great power within them. 

Overall, an amazing book that I have had the pleasure to review. Note, this is the start of a series, so I very much will like to read the next (Second Earth). I also recommend that any child struggling with pain, disability or self doubt is given this book!

A Massive Thank you to Cami Murdock Jensen for letting me read this book!  

Review #15: The Memory Tree by Linda Gillard

This book was outside my comfort zone, and the genre was completely different to what I normally read. Whilst I'll not give out important details to the outcome of the story, I will be describing some topics that I followed in the book, so please stop reading if you like complete surprises.  I read it from start to finish, so no audio scores, however, this is what I think


Writing Style: 9/10
Storyline: 9/10
Ease of Reading: 9.5/10

This book had an amazingly ease of believability, and was clearly well-researched. It was set in two worlds, the First World War, and the present day, and the way in which the chapters were set, it was incredibly easy to follow.  I loved every character in the book in both times, and was invested in the story. 

Phoebe was by far my favourite character, and any individual with chronic pain, or ongoing health issues can find themselves comparing their stories to the stories of Phoebe. I loved how Phoebe and Ann's relationship changed during the book. Families everywhere have their ups and downs, and this was really reflected well in the book.

Hester was another character that was interesting and thought provoking - whilst it was easy to figure out what had happened in the pivotal point in the book, it took nothing away from the story, and took nothing away from my investment. 

Linda Gillard also gave the tree a voice, which I found strangely comforting. I still can't get my head around it, but it's nice to know that I am not the only one who sees trees and thinks of all they may have seen. 

There is a twist at the end, one that with hindsight you can see but that still filled me with awe. 

My only disappointment was that I wish I saw more of Ann and Connor's relationship. 

I really did struggle to put the book down. Anyone that knows me well, knows I am an early riser, but also an early nighter too! I was reading this book until 1am, to give you some perspective. 

Stay safe all, and read this book!

Steph 💚

Review #14: Dark Suits and Sad Songs by Denzil Meyrick

As usual, the narrator (David Monteath) of this series of books by Denzil Meyrick was incredible and soothing. He could read a nursery rhyme and I'd enjoy it. Saying that, there were a few flaws in the third of the DCI Daley series. There is a spoiler in this review, so beware!

Narration - 9/10   Storyline - 6/10   Ease of Listening - 6/10

So one thing that about these stories, it is reminding me closely of the TV series Line of Duty (which I love). It tackles the "bent cops" narrative, which is pretty entertaining. Saying this however, the storyline kind of disappointed me a little. I'm going to say why, so please stop reading if you haven't read this book or the previous ones!

In the last book (The Last Witness), Jim Daley found out that he was going to be a father (Awwww), but then he found out that she had been unfaithful with her brother-in-law. Whilst this was briefly mentioned, it seemed to be irrelevant at the end of the book. We didn't find out if the baby was in fact Jim's. It was all happy families and all is forgiven, which wasn't really believable. While he was separated from his wife, he also had an affair with a member of staff, and whilst it was believable that his lover wouldn't be happy with the fact he'd strung her along for 7 months, I'm not sure I would be so forgiving as she seemed to be. 

Saying all that, I am aware that there are more books, so it may transpire that these are looked at again further in the series.

So yeah, two books reviewed tonight, two that I'm a bit unsure about. Not sure I'll continue with this series. I'll see. 

In other news, I've been furloughed from work for the next 3 and a half weeks, so I'm hoping to read more and post way more reviews. Please give me a nudge if you don't hear from me, and as always, shout if you think I should be reading something specific!

Stay home, stay safe

Steph 💚