It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

  

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Journey

What I read last week.

What I'm reading now.

 

(After watching the excellent Netflix series I have to now read the book it was based on.)

What I'm going to read next.

Audio - Lucy Knott

Bookclub - CJ Cooke, Gabrielle Zevin and Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Kinlde Unlimted - Beth Rain

Kinle - Carol Wyer.

Memory Road by Sarah Edghill

 Despite knowing it’s a mad idea, Lily agrees to take her mother on one last road trip around the UK, in this new novel by the bestselling author of His Other Woman.

This trip will be challenging because Lily’s mother can no longer be described as ‘just a bit forgetful’: Moira has started talking to imaginary friends and singing Abba songs in public, and last week she began emptying boxes of cereal onto the floor in the supermarket.

Lily is worried and embarrassed by her mother’s behavior but, despite her recent dementia diagnosis, Moira is happy – albeit in a sweary sort of way – and insists the journey will help her write a memoir.

As they trundle across the country in an ancient VW campervan, Lily feels the strain as she struggles to deal with her mother’s decline, her own daughter’s criticism and her ex-husband’s upcoming wedding plans to a younger woman. One night, leaving Moira alone in the hotel, Lily meets a man in a bar and, for the first time in years, she feels alive.

This road trip was intended to celebrate the past. But will it end in crisis, or might Lily’s chance encounter help build a new future for this fractured family?

Praise for Sarah Edghill’s A Thousand Tiny Disappointments

“Thoroughly gripping . . . Sarah Edghill knows how to pinpoint what goes on in families.” —Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

“An accomplished, moving and ultimately uplifting novel.” —Hannah Persaud, author of The Codes of Love

What did I think.

I hadn't heard of this author before so wasn't sure to expect with my first book - but the cover really appealed to me - such gorgeous colours.

Maybe if I had read the blurb more closely I might not have agreed to read and review this book. I would have thought it was all a bit too close to home as I lost my Mum several months ago. 

The story focuses on 3 female members of the family. Moira has been diagnoses with early onset dementia and wants to visit places she can remember before the disease robs her of her memories. Maybe reading that you will think that this is a sad story - but it isn't. It was heartwarming - as the story focuses on the importance of family and their communication. It also highlighted the need to make time for each other. I lived a long way away from my Mum so didn't see her as often as I would have liked.

Please to see I have a few of her earlier titles to work my way through.

The Library Murders by Merryn Allingham

 

Bookshop owner and amateur detective Flora Steele and her fiancé, crime writer Jack Carrington, discover words can kill as they solve their most puzzling case yet…

It’s a sunny morning in Abbeymead as Flora cycles through the village and knocks on the door of the local library, planning to deliver a gift to librarian Maud Frobisher to mark her retirement. But Flora is shocked when she finds Maud slumped in the corner, and even more startled when she recognises the man holding the murder weapon – an enormous hardback book.

Flora’s known Lowell Gracey since her college days, but what is he doing working for Maud and now the main suspect in her murder? Suspicion mounts when Flora and Jack discover that Lowell is heavily in debt, and that a priceless rare first edition has recently gone missing, but Lowell is adamant that he’s innocent, and Flora believes him.

The pair are once more drawn into an investigation, but who would kill a beloved librarian?Perhaps Rose Lawson, a mysterious newcomer to Abbeymead known to be in dire financial straits? Or pompous bestselling author Felix Wingrave, who rumours say would do anything to get his hands on a valuable book for his collection?

Then the village is rocked by the discovery of a second body. Flora and Jack realise a vital clue lies in the pages of a novel – but the plot is thickening and the killer is closing in…

Flora and Jack are determined to solve this fiendish case by the book – but will this be the end of their story?

A completely page-turning and addictive cozy crime mystery. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis will adore this unputdownable series!

What did I think?

This is the 8th book in the Flora Steele series - now I will fess up and say I have not read them all. But in this series I don't think that it matters as each book is a story in it's own right.

Now I do love a cozy mystery - and one set during a crime writing festival is genius. I'm not going to give anything away about the murder and the subsequent investigations except to say this was another entertaining read. Of course Flora and her sidekick Jack dive straight into action - with suspects at every turn. Loving the developing relationship between Flora and Jack and I don't suppose I'm the only one eagerly awaiting the next book as their wedding gets closer.

Author Bio:

 

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.

https://merrynallingham.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MerrynWrites

https://twitter.com/merrynwrites

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Merryn Allingham here:  https://www.bookouture.com/merryn-allingham

 

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0CLRWF1ZXsocial

 

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

 

It's Monday. What are you reading?

 It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Journey

What I read last week.

What I'm reading now.

What I'm going to read next.

Audio - JoJo Moyes

Bookclub - Gabrielle Zevin, CJ Cooke and Toshikazu Kawaguchi.

Kindle Unlimited - Beth Rain

Nothing Man audiobook by RJ Gould

 

Nothing Man

One man in need of an overhaul. Two women determined to drag him there.

Neville Watkin’s life is so dismal surely things can’t get any worse. Yes they can, because his wife leaves him, he loses his job, has a car crash and ends up in hospital.

Feisty Laura, the other party in the car crash, befriends him and sets out to turn his life upside down. For reasons he struggles to understand, Caroline, her equally feisty mother, seems to like him. Rather a lot.

All in all things are looking up, but is Neville courageous enough to seize these new opportunities?

What did I think?

This is my first book by this author. This in itself is exciting as I always think that if I enjoy a first book then hopefully I will then have a back catalogue to work through.

I do like an audio book - perfect for a piece of multitasking. The narrator I thought was good and in keeping with the story. This is crucial to me - if I don't like a narrator for some reason then it spoils the experience.

A brief synopsis is a change meeting leads Neville to embark on a new direction in his altogether mundane existence.

The characters were so down to earth and so well written. I felt the storyline was very relevant and believable. Neville suffers from both loneliness and depression and both subjects were written with sensitivity. I loved the way Neville's character developed once he met Laura - I do think a sequel is needed to follow them further.

I found this an emotional read - both happy and sad and plenty of ups and down.

I am now interested to read other books written by this author.

Purchase Links

Universal at http://mybook.to/nothingman or

By country https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08YZ813VZ and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YZ813VZ

 

Author Bio –

R J Gould writes contemporary fiction about relationships using a mix of wry humour and pathos to describe the tragi-comic life journeys of his protagonists. He has been published by Headline Accent and Lume Books and he also self-publishes. With nine novels to his name, Nothing Man is the one selected as his first audiobook.

Before becoming a full-time author he worked in the education and charity sectors. In addition to his addiction to telling stories, he has somewhat milder addictions to playing tennis, watching film noir cinema, completing Wordle and eating dried mango slices. He is a member of Cambridge Writers and the Romantic Novelists’ Association UK and lives in Cambridge, England.

Social Media Links –

Website:                             http://www.rjgould.info

Twitter/X:                          https://twitter.com/RJGould_author

Email:                                  rjgould.author@gmail.com

Facebook:                          https://www.facebook.com/RJGouldauthor

Instagram:                         https://www.instagram.com/rjgould_author     

Goodreads                         https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6432126.R_J_Gould

Narrator Bio

Karl has worked as a Professional Actor since 1983, appearing in some of the popular British Television seen around the world – Inspector Morse, The Bill, The Knock, Eastenders and Rome – Rise and Fall of An Empire, to name a few.

Since 2004 Karl has also been working as a Voiceover. His many credits include Documentary and Reality TV Series, such as, Rough Trades, Lions Behaving Badly, Call Me A Cabbie, Mean Machines, Our Body In Numbers and I’m A Celebrity.

He created the character of Monroe for the Sony Playstation game ‘The Getaway-Black Monday’ and looks forward to future possibilities.

Karl regularly produces audio for clients in his own studio, including Radio Imaging, e-Learning, Promos and Audiobooks and IVR.

Social Media Links –

Website                              https://kjvox.com/

Facebook                           https://www.facebook.com/karljenkinsonvoiceover

Twitter/X                            https://twitter.com/kjvoxcom

Shout Out To My Ex by Sandy Barker

 

Shout Out To My Ex

Fashion designer, Elle Bliss, is unlucky in love.

She's still hung up on her first love, Leo, who ended things abruptly, then mysteriously disappeared – and a decade on, no one else can measure up.

But Elle's all-time dream of showing in Paris Fashion Week is about to become a reality, and she has no time to dwell on her dismal love life. That is until Leo – now going by Lorenzo – comes back into her life.

A celebrated up-and-coming shoe designer, ‘Lorenzo’ is nothing like the man she fell in love with. Rude, brash and with an ego the size of Paris, he’s too caught up in his own celebrity.

But as they constantly cross paths in the city of love, Elle begins to question how much of 'Lorenzo' is an act – a persona for the cameras. Because deep down, she can see glimpses of the man he was, and feelings from all those years ago become impossible to ignore…

Join Elle in the most romantic city in the world in this laugh out loud enemies-to-lovers romance, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Emily Henry.

What did I think?

This is the second book in the Ever After Agency series. I enjoyed the first book - Match Me If You Can - so was looking forward to the next instalment.

I was after a light and enjoyable read - nothing too heavy - and this book totally fitted the bill.

A delightful story of second chance romance. We are back in Poppy's agency and she has an interesting new case. The Ever After Agency have been brought in to try and rekindle the romance between Ellie and Leo. Of course the path of true love doesn't run smoothly. I am currently watching One Day on Netflix and this book had the same vibes - just set against the backdrop of Paris Fashion Week. 

I loved the whole will they or won't they scenario. Made me laugh out loud in places and the quirkiness really appealed.

I am now eagerly awaiting the third book in the series.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/ShoutOutToMyExSocial

Author Bio –

Sandy Barker is a bestselling author of destination romance. She’s lived in the UK, the US and Australia, and has travelled extensively across six continents, with many of her travel adventures finding homes in her books. The first in her new romcom series for Boldwood will be published in September 2023.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandybarkerauthorAU

Twitter https://twitter.com/sandybarker

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sandybarkerauthor/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/SandyBarkernews

Bookbub profile: Sandy Barker Books - BookBub

Death at St Jude's by Mary Grand

 

Death at St Jude's

The Isle of Wight has always felt like a safe place to live for keen dog-walker and reluctant sleuth Susan. But after being involved in the investigation of a troubling crime near her old home, Susan decides to move to the peaceful village of Bishopstone.

Susan loves the sense of community and immediately throws herself into village life, volunteering at the local primary school and joining the choir of St Jude’s. So, when there is an altercation at the meeting of the choir committee, followed by a shocking accident involving head teacher Lawrence, Susan is dismayed to realise her powers of deduction may be needed again.

There is a dangerous criminal hiding in plain sight and with the police reluctant to help, Susan must put together the pieces of the fiendish puzzle to flush out a killer before they strike again.

A brand new cosy mystery from the author of the bestselling The House Party. Perfect for fans of Frances Evesham, Faith Martin and LJ Ross.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/DeathStJudesSocial

What did I think?

It's been a little while since I read a Mary Grand book but I couldn't turn down the chance to read the second book in the Isle of Wight Killings series. I have a soft spot for islands - especially ones that I have visited.

Once again the island itself becomes one of the characters of the book - Mary makes it fell very atmospheric. I should be an idyllic haven for Susan as she settles into her new home and community. But we all know it won't be long before before something untoward happens.

And I wasn't disappointed. A little bit twisty - and a bit dark. I am useless at second guessing plot twists - so I was taken by surprise (don't worry - there are no spoilers here.)

I saw this book described as a cozy mystery - but I think it is a bit more than that. It kept me gripped from start to finish. Mary certainly knows how to write a great story. 

Author Bio –

Mary Grand writes gripping, page-turning suspense novels, with a dark and often murderous underside. She grew up in Wales, was for many years a teacher of deaf children and now lives on the Isle of Wight.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.grand

Twitter https://twitter.com/authormaryg

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marygrandwriter/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MaryGrandNews

Bookbub profile: Mary Grand Books - BookBub

 

 

It's Monday. What are you reading?

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Journey

I have recently discovered Libby - a bit late to the party I know. But am now listening to audio books through the app on my phone in the car. 

What I read last week.

What I'm reading now.

What I'm going to read next.

Audio - Daniel Hurst and JoJo Moyes

Bookclub - CJ Cooke, Gabrielle Zevin and  Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Kindle Unlimited - Beth Rain

The Year That Changed us by Helen Rolfe

 

The Year That Changed Us

A warm-hearted and gripping story of community, secrets and the family we choose that will captivate fans of Lucy Diamond, Cathy Bramley and Jessica Redland.

As young women, Lise and Emma had the kind of friendship people dream about. While Lise's own family was distant and disengaged, Emma's was welcoming and warm, and for the first twenty-six years of their life, growing up together in a close-knit community, the duo were inseparable. But when they decide to spend one year living together in Paris, what starts as the adventure of a lifetime becomes a disaster that changes everything. And when Emma returns to Bath the following summer, Lise stays behind in France, their friendship in tatters.

Now, sixteen years later, Lise has come back to their hometown, determined to put things right. But to do so, she'll have to face up to the truth about what happened in Paris. And with Emma refusing to talk to her, can she get close enough to share her secret?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/YearChangedSocial

What did I think?

Helen is another author whose books I will always pick up knowing that I am in for a treat of a read.

This is a story pf friendship - of female friendships. Friendships are so important. I've had a rough 18 months but I doubt I would have got through them without my fabulous support network of friends. 

Sadly as Emma and Lise grew up and their circumstances their close  friendship starts to disintegrate. Many of us could name friends that have drifted away from us. But years later the two of them come back together. Can their friendship be rekindled? Will it be the same?

This story really did pull on the old heartstrings. I so wanted their friendship to bounce back - we all need a wingman don't we? 

Why did I love it? For me it was just that bit different from some of my recent reads in that this story was a bout a female friendship rather than boy meets girl.

Highly recommended.

Author Bio –

Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women’s fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. Most recently published by Orion, she is bringing sixteen titles to Boldwood – a mixture of new series and well-established backlist. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=helen%20rolfe%20author

Twitter https://twitter.com/HJRolfe

Instagram Helen Rolfe (@helen_j_rolfe) | Instagram profile/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/HelenRolfeNews

Bookbub profile: Helen Rolfe Books - BookBub