Who of your close friend could be capable of murder?

Synopsis

Someone is about to die… Someone is about to lie…

At the intimate house-warming party for her glorious ‘grand design’, Kathleen confides in her best friend Beth that she is terrified of one of their close friends, but daren’t reveal which one. The guests are a tight-knit group, but Kathleen is convinced one of them is dangerous.

The next day Kathleen’s body is found at the foot of a cliff and Beth must face the sickening truth that she may have been killed by one of their trusted friends. With little help from the police, Beth’s decides to seek answers.

All the friends have secrets they are desperate to hide, but only one of them is ready to kill to keep theirs safe…

The House Party is set on the Isle of Wight – insular,claustrophobic, and with nowhere to run. Mary Grand has written a heart-stopping novel of secrets, betrayal and desire, perfect for fans of Louise Candlish and Lucy Foley

My review

A house – warming party should always be a fun occasion. Yet Beth finds out that her friend Kathleen is terrified. And not just a random fear, but real fear of one of their close friends, also present at the party.

When Kathleen’s body is found the next day at the foot of a cliff, Beth suspects that one of the friends acted out and killed Kathleen.
And when the police doesn’t provide the needed help, Beth starts seeking out the truth by herself.

But the more she digs, more secrets come out, and each friend becomes a suspect…

This story gave me the chills… your friends should be people you could trust without a doubt. So when Kathleen is murdered, I understood Beth, that she wanted to know the truth…
But every reader of a thriller knows that looking for a killer by yourself is always a risky business.

Beth is determined to find out why Kathleen was so terrified and who would have a reason to kill her. But facing your friends, and throwing accusations around, is a recipe for targeting yourself.
Yet Beth is stubborn, and does not let fear take over. She wants to know what happened to Kathleen, no matter what.

Initially Beth came over as a quiet lady, but this determination made me realize how much she truly cares about her friends and how she wants justice.

It’s a slow story, giving indications that every character has had the possibility and reason to be the culprit.
The secrets that came out, confused Beth and me too, as it was a possible reason for murder. And thinking that one of your friends would be capable of something so disgusting, is not something you want to think about.

This book gives you goosebumps, seeing the ugliness of people. It shows you that some people are wearing a mask, and hide their true selves to even their friends. It makes you doubt of the honesty of those around out.
But there is also the message that those who truly care about you, will do whatever they can for you. And that real friends can see beyond the end of your nose.

Determined to make it on your own, but do you have to?

Synopsis

It’s springtime at The Vineyard in Alsace, a new season and a new beginning

After being abandoned by her partner when she falls pregnant, Lottie Schell goes home to live on The Vineyard in Alsace, where she has started a new relationship with the estate’s winemaker, Thierry. Now about to give birth, Lottie’s determined to raise her child and to provide for them both on her own without having to depend on anyone else.

Thierry Bernard is still dealing with his grief and guilt following the death of his wife two years earlier, for which he blames himself. When he meets Lottie, the instant attraction he feels towards her gives him hope that he can move on from the tragedy of his past, as long as he can tell Lottie the truth of what happened.

When circumstances force Lottie and Thierry closer together, they both find it hard to compromise – she’s proudly independent and he’s fiercely protective – and they’re both wary about trusting someone new with their heart.

Can Lottie and Thierry take a chance on each other, move on from their pasts and start over?

Escape to The Vineyard in Alsace once again with this romantic read set in the heart of Alsace’s wine country.

My review

Lottie Schell thought she had find the love of her life. But when he leaves her after she announces she is pregnant, Lottie finds herself alone.

She wants to start all over, and what better place to do that than in Alsace with her sister?

But the vineyard is more than just a place to find herself again… she finds herself attracted to Thierry. Despite their attraction and all the time they spend together, Lottie does not want to be dependent of another man and she wants to make it on her own.

Is it true that love comes when you least expect it? And will Lottie accepts the helping hand Thierry is offering?

First of all, it was lovely to be at the vineyard again!

When Lottie arrived there, I was curious to see how she would adapt while so many things were changing for her.

I admired her courage, because it’s not easy to just start all over again. If you’re starting over being just you it can be a nightmare, but doing it while being pregnant, well…

Lottie got her heart broken the hard way, so now she is adamant to just make it on her own. And yes, she has moved to the vineyard where her sister is living also, but she doesn’t want to be burden to anyone.

She wants to make it on her own, and refuses any kind of help. She wnats to show she can do it alone. In a way, her determination is admirable, but sometimes also frustrating for the reader. Especially when the help comes from Thierry…

Thierry wants to help Lottie every way that he can, but unfortunately he is against a very stubborn woman.

Instantly I loved Thierry… how he is always there for Lottie, caring for her baby, it’s not something every man would just do.

Yet somehow he even pushed my buttons! He does everything with the best intentions, of course, but knowing Lottie, he should have known that some of his help would not be fully appreciated.

The further we get to know Thierry, the more his troubled past is coming out. And when it was all revealed, my heart just broke for him. The loss he had to endure, and the way it happened, just terible…

Yet he is manning up during the story, for Lottie’s stake… what a man!

The beauty about this story is how it flows easily. Once you start reading it, times flies by.

Each character has its own personality, with flaws and strengths. And yet each and every one of them are growing to the better version of themselves, even if sometimes they are afraid of taking that leap of faith.

A story in a beautiful setting, with stubborn, independent people, finding their place in the world. Characters wanting to keep their ‘freedom’ but realizing that asking for help is not a proof of weakness.

Each character stole a piece of my heart!

Synopsis

Pride meets prejudice – can love blossom?

Beautiful young widow, Lady Eliza Wyndham, is determined never to remarry after a disastrous first marriage. The undeniable attraction that fizzes between her and Major Nathaniel Overton terrifies her. She rejects his advances.

With his pride badly dented, Nat vows to forget Eliza until he finds her in danger from an old adversary of his army days. His protective instincts are stirred and he steps back into her life, but will Eliza be prepared to accept his help?

My review

Lady Eliza Wyndham is a young widow, enjoying her freedom. Because of her first awful marriage, she is determined to never fall in the same trap again.
So when she literally bumps into Major Nathaniel Overton, she gives him the cold shoulder.

Despite every effort, their paths seems to cross more and more. And the attraction only grows. But when Eliza seems to be in need of help, Nathaniel shows his protective instincts. Will Eliza easily accept his help? And will there be listened to the attraction, even is Eliza is determined to keep her independence?

This story was a story that gave me mixed feelings. Not that I didn’t enjoy  the story, but I just went from cheering for Eliza for claiming her independence, to wanting to slap her for being so stubborn about it!

Eliza hasn’t had a happy first marriage, so under no circumstances will she marry again with just anybody.
And when she meets Nathaniel, she is certain that he just wants her fortune. So instead of being the kind and sweet Eliza we’ll get to know, she is cold, distant and even rude towards Nathaniel.

And Nathaniel… he is just the sweetest man around! He has his heart on the right place, even if he is not good at expressing his feelings.
He also has to live with the prejudice of other people, because his family has a reputation… Yet he proves that the people are wrong…
He finds it also hard to keep up with the farce of society. Despite he wants to be accepted by society, he does not want society to change him.

When Eliza and Nathaniel are together, I was frustrated at Eliza’s initial behaviour. I understood her feelings, but Nathaniel did not just deserve her treatment. And I was proud of Nathaniel, instead of giving in and cause a fight, he stayed calm and just decided to keep away from her.

But in time of need, the real heroes stand up. And when Eliza is on the receiving part of unwanted attention, Nathaniel steps in and does whatever he can to protect her. Also because he knows what future Eliza would await if she should just give in.

This story made me swoon all over Nathaniel. Despite everything he remained the true gentleman he was. And I was happy when Eliza started to see it too!

A beautiful story about if you find the right man, it wouldn’t mean giving up your independence but sharing it. And that you have to trust your heart even if it failed you once. And that true love can overcome all your fears!

Oh and also that evil people will eventually get what they deserve!

There is no such thing as a boring village…

Synopsis

Summer 1952.

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, but Charity Nicholls is bored of her quiet life in a tiny English village where nothing ever happens. Other than her nagging, marriage-obsessed mother, all she has to fill the time are her dreams of becoming a writer, and the Sleuthing Club – the mystery-reading book club she attends every week.

But everything changes the day her father receives a poison pen letter.

With the help of the Sleuthing Club, particularly handsome Henry Taylor, Charity is determined to find the culprit. But when people start dying and the police arrive, led by the infuriating Inspector James Lawrence, her little village becomes a hotbed of crime.

Can Charity find the murderer before anyone else dies?

Perfect for fans of Helena Dixon and T E Kinsey.

My review

In 1952 Charity Nicholls is tired of her boring life in a tiny village when nothing ever happens.

But this all changes when her father receives a poison pen letter. And as Charity is attending every week the Sleuthing Club, she is certain that she will be able to find the writer of such nasty untrue things.

The whole situation deteriorates when people start dying and more poison pen letters appears. Yet Charity is determined to find the culprit and hopes that the help she gets from Henry Taylor will be the start of something more…

If you’re looking for a cosy mystery, with a stubborn young woman like Charity, this is what you need.

Charity wants more from her life, and she hopes to be able to move to London, which is definitely more exciting than the village where she lives now.
She is also in love with Henry Taylor, and she hopes he will notice her…

She is curious and cannot stand injustice… so when her beloved father receives a letter full of lies, she makes it her purpose to find the nasty person who wrote it.
She has a nose for solving crimes, and even manages to be more clever than the police! She is actually the one who notices a death was not a natural cause but actually murder…

What’s going on in the village is a real mystery, as there was no apparent sense in who received letters and why some people were murdered.
I had no clue, so I was happy that Charity was asking herself the same questions I was having. Although I must admit I don’t know if I would be so persistent as she was. I understand the police that sometimes they were fed up with her 😁

A lovely story to read about a curious woman who finds herself suddenly in a more exciting place than thought. Finding out the truth seems to be real venture yet the determination is admirable!

Again a book by Emily Harvale I adored!

Synopsis

Wyntersleap series – Book 3
Not everyone at Wynter House is thrilled about this wedding.

Secrets have been revealed and new relationships begun. Now it’s time to look to the future. Neva and Rafe are in love and so are Adam and Hazel. Jo’s love life leaves a lot to be desired, although Gavin could remedy that.

But Rafe’s grandmother, Olivia still hopes that something will tear Rafe and Neva apart. Hazel’s new assignment means nursing someone back to health … and there’s history between them. And Jo’s receiving texts from her ex-fiancé.

Then Rafe’s first wife, Pippa – the woman who broke his heart, unexpectedly arrives. And she’s even more beautiful and irresistible than Rafe remembers.

When everyone is looking to the future, will the past prove to be too strong?

There will be a wedding at Wynter House … but who will be the bride and groom?

My review

Neva and Rafe are happily in love even if Rafe’s grandmother Olivia is still hoping for something better for Rafe.
And also the latest additions to the family (Cat and Kyra) and not really welcomed by Olivia…

But when Rafe’s ex – wife suddenly appears, Neva is afraid she will Rafe to Pippa. And even the other couples or want to be couples are facing some struggles…

I don’t know how she does it, but Emily Harvale wrote again a beautiful chapter in the Wynter House saga!
As usual, I started reading and I found myself between friends.

Rafe and Neva are just the perfect couple, and even if they know that it’s going a bit fast, they know their feelings are the real thing and their love will endure everything

But when Pippa appeared, I must be honest, I was so disappointed in Rafe’s behaviour. I understand that once you loved that person, and those feelings are hard to ignore, but just NO RAFE, YOU DID NOT BEHAVE IN THE RIGHT WAY!
Right then I was totally agreeing with Neva…

And the way Neva was facing even Olivia, I found right there and then my inner cheerleader!

Yet I enjoyed reading how the family was coping with all the changes. Despite everything on their plate they were still the people I fell in love with from the very start.

It was funny to read about Jo and her attempt to being seen by Gavin. Yet something is lingering out there, and I promise, you won’t see that coming! Even I was surprised, and even if it wasn’t what I wanted to happen, somehow it was perfect anyway.

Only 1 tiny remark about Adam… I didn’t like how his storyline went, so I hope that he’ll get what he deserves anyway! (I hope I’ve not put a spoiler here!) I sense that there is so much more about him than we know, so I truly hope he will get his own story (hint hint Emily! 🤣)

But so nice to read about my friends in Wynter House and Merriment Bay again! And lovely to see how these storylines entwined to a perfect mix and made me love these books even more!

Age is just a number…

Synopsis

Homeward Bound features 79-year-old grandfather George, who didn’t quite make it as a rock star in the ‘60s. He’s expected to be in retirement but in truth he’s not ready to close the lid on his dreams and will do anything for a last chance. When he finds himself on a tour of retirement homes instead of a cream tea at the seaside his family has promised, it seems his story might prematurely be over.

He finds the answer by inviting Tara, his 18-year-old granddaughter, to share his house, along with his memories and vast collection of records. She is an aspiring musician as well, although her idea of music is not George’s. What unfolds are clashes and unlikely parallels between the generations – neither knows nor cares how to use a dishwasher – as they both chase their ambitions.

My review

George is recently widowed, and despite his son – in – law’s efforts to get him in a retirement home, he is happy with his current living accommodations. He knows that once he moves out, it will be his last home and has to say goodbye to his huge collection of vinyl records.

The solution comes from his granddaughter Tara. She suggests to move in with him, while she is studying at college. That way she can keep an eye on him, and she doesn’t have to rent another place.

But 2 oh so different generations are bound to clash. Slowly the both of them are finding common grounds, despite their differences…

I found this a sweet, sad story.

I felt so sorry for George. He is of a certain age, so it’s obvious that the people near him worry about him. Yet he is not incapable of taking care of himself. And when he visited those awful retirement homes, well, I couldn’t see him in there…

He is also a man living in the past… he had the chance to become a famous musician, but due circumstances this chance passed. And he somehow still regrets that he didn’t have lived that life. So when an opportunity comes, he grabs it with both hands.
I sensed immediately there was something dodgy, but I understood him doing it anyway, because what if it would be his last chance anyway?

And Tara is young, and in a relationship with a man with let’s say a rather peculiar taste in music. Living with her grandfather isn’t easy, as they both have to change their ways and have to take each other wishes in account.
Yet sometimes I had a feeling that Tara didn’t know herself what she wants from life and she just goes with the flow.

I felt sorry for the both of them, as they both were not happy with their current situation. Toby, Tara’s dad, was often the cause of making it even a sadder story. The way he treats George and even his own wife and daughter, was just nasty…

The sweeter parts were when grandfather and granddaughter were bonding over music. The music was a way to rediscover each other and made the both of them realize what their possibilities were and that chasing your dreams is always worth taking a chance.

It’s not only a story about the ‘old generation vs the young generation’, but mainly about family. No matter what happens, family always sticks together. And that even if you like different genres, music can bring people together, no matter how different you are.

Investigating the murder of a colleague is never easy.

Synopsis

Meet Zoe Finch, West Midlands Police’s newest Detective Inspector. She’s outspoken, ambitious, and damaged. And she’s working a case that could make her career, or cost her everything…

Fresh from the success of the Canary investigation into depravity and corruption at the highest levels, Zoe has attracted attention. Not least from Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson.

But when Jackson is brutally murdered on the night of his retirement party, Zoe is dragged into a case that’s deeply personal.

All the evidence points to the victim’s downtrodden wife, who has secrets of her own. But Zoe begins to suspect all isn’t as it seems. Could Jackson’s death be linked to the Canary case? And what is her new boss, DCI David Randle, hiding?

Seeking out the truth will force Zoe to confront her own past and put her career, and her team’s lives, on the line.

Deadly Wishes is a gritty crime thriller perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Caroline Mitchell, and the BBC’s Line of Duty.

My review

Zoe Fish is the newest Detective Inspector of Wes Midland’s Police. When Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson is brutally murdered just before his retirement, everyone is looking to find the culprit as soon as possible.

But Zoe has a reputation and that reputation is used against her during the investigations. Yet Zoe is determined to find out the truth and figure out of Jackson is linked to the Canary Case.

Zoe is an example of how the Police should work… wanting to figure out the truth and not being afraid to find some dirt.
Her heart is at the right place, and she treats her colleagues equally. It’s not because she is higher in rank that she suddenly is someone else and treats her people like plebs. She still respects them and knows what the strengths of each one of them has.
But this doesn’t mean she cannot be strict when she has to be.

I also was left a bit astonished how people would dismiss Zoe and dislike her because of her past. They wanted her to do some less important tasks, but here Zoe’s determination got in the way. She does not like to be put aside and want to work actively to get the case solved as soon as possible and putting the real culprit away.

Yet the further I got into the story I got faced with the problem that not everybody in the Police has the same method.
It becomes rather quickly clear that Bryn Jackson is not the good guy in this story. His death makes things more complicated when looking for the murderer.
He was not the husband people would expect and he has more secrets hidden.

For me it was rather easy to dismiss some people, because I just couldn’t see them doing it. Yet I found myself wondering who it was…
It’s easy to say who didn’t do it, but to find the one who did, and have the proof is not an easy task.

Until the very end I had no clue who was guilty or involved. And when the truth came out, I somehow was not that surprised, yet I was anyway… I guess my subconscious knew it all along but it didn’t come to surface.

Zoe is someone to admire, a good person in a deceiving ugly world. I’m eager to see what other adventures are awaiting her!

When the memoirs of Casanova work as inspiration.

Synopsis

Ellie Murphy takes a contract teaching English at a school in Venice. There she meets the sexy, enigmatic Professor Piero Contarini, from an ancient Venetian family, and agrees to help him in his work curating a new edition of the memoirs of the famous seducer, Giacomo Casanova. Taking their task seriously, they start to enact his adventures with each other, ecstatically revealing their own kinks as they do so. But who is watching them from the shadowy alleyways of Venice?

My review

Ellie Murphy decides to accept a teaching job in Venice. Once there, she meets Professor Piero Contarini and she agrees to help his with curating a new edition of the memoirs of Casanova.
As the sexual attraction between them only grows, Casanova is their inspiration for going after their own kinks together.

Warning before reading this story: do not read this story on a hot summer day, because the temperature will only rise!

Venice is a city that has always been on many people’s bucket list. Ellie is living the dream, having found a teaching job there.
From the first moment it’s clear that she is a very sexual woman but is still looking for her perfect man. Yet she has one in her fantasy…

When she meets Piero for the first time, you know what will happen.
He is enigmatic yet manages to push Ellie to her sexual limits, without ever crossing the lines. He is just everything Ellie needs in a man. Not only sexually, but the way he treats her in ‘normal’ circumstances is just right.

The descriptions in this book are very explicit, thus remember the warning I gave before! Even if it’s very explicit, I loved how both Ellie and Piero are trying to follow Casanova’s footsteps, not only by doing what he did, but also using the same language. And this fact was not only surprising but also refreshing.

There was a moment when things would have been awkward reading, while Ellie and Piero are modelling a painting, yet the author managed to not cross the line and make it too perverse or weird.

It’s not only a hot story to read, but as Ellie has a feeling she is being followed, a moment of suspense.  I did not see that act coming yet it elevated this from ‘just’ a hot story to something more.

A steamy story with a few nice extras but without becoming only a story with tons of sexual encounters.

Finding your home when you least expect it.

Synopsis

A feel-good story of new beginnings set in a gorgeous country village, perfect for fans of Katie Fforde and Milly Johnson.

After losing her job in New York, Amber Green isn’t looking forward to visiting her godmother in the sleepy village of Cranbridge. With its empty lanes and rundown shops, it’s hardly a place to mend her lonely heart.

But when Amber discovers that Cranbridge Stores, owned by her godmother Cathy and son Josh, is under threat of financial ruin, she realises that her skills as a window dresser might just be able to help save the struggling shop.

When disaster strikes, Amber and Josh must unite to save both the shop and the village from flooding.

Can Cranbridge Stores become the heart of the village once more?

And as the village begins to come back to life, perhaps Amber will discover a reason to stay…

My review

Amber Green just lost her job in New York. To please her mother, she goes to visit her godmother in the village of Cranbridge, before going to visit her parents.
She doesn’t really want to stay that long, but she is surprised when she finds herself helping out the Cranridge Stores.
Her godmother Cathy and son Josh run that shop, but is under threat of financial ruin. So Amber’s skill as a window dresser come in handy to give the shop a second life.

Is Amber finding a place to call home after all? Or will she move on once the shop is all done?

If you think this is purely a love story, think again.

Amber is a girl who has seen the world. She worked in London and New York as a successful window dresser until she got fired because of savings. Yet she is very shy and lacking confidence.
And the fact that Amber is who she is, made this story really realistic and sweet to read.

It’s amazing how a place like Cranridge and its inhabitants can make Amber get out of her shell. Slowly she gets confident about herself and what she is trying to achieve with the shop. Initially she is not sure, yet when everybody is complimenting her, she realizes she is actually good at was she does and enjoys it.

I also had several laughs… just thinking about the bridge and even the tractor is making me smile all over again.

Reading this story made my day (or rather the days I spent reading it). It shows that even when you feel lost in the world, there are people around ready to welcome you in their community, they accept you just as you are and are ready to boost your confidence.

The interaction between Amber and Josh lifted my spirits. From going to polite strangers to bonding while redecorating the store was really sweet. The bickering between them was fun to read about, because I knew that in the end, Josh would be biting the dust!

An amazing story about finding yourself, believing in yourself, finding people who honestly like you without an extra agenda, and a community looking out for each other. What’s not to like?

Problems of the world in space

Synopsis

It’s the year 2100. Earth is dying. A young woman, Elsie, has risked everything to get her newborn son, Will, aboard ‘The Mayflower’ – a spaceship that will transport a select number of people to a new planet they can call home. Elsie’s luck takes a turn when she discovers the captain of ‘The Mayflower’ is an old friend. He allows her to board with her son, giving them a place on the luxurious Floor One, where they live amongst the most honoured of ‘The Mayflower’s’ passengers.

Thirteen years later, and Will is ready to start school at Space Academy, an institute specialising in subjects such as Alien Studies, Technology, and Rocket Control. While a pupil there, Will starts to uncover secrets about his father’s death, becoming wrapped in a mystery that he and his friends must solve if they are to have any hope of saving humanity from the threat that lies in wait.

Lose yourself in this brilliantly addictive novel as it takes you on a journey through the stars. But be warned – you might be surprised by what you find.

My review

In 2100 the Earth is dying. Only a select group is having a way out: flying with spaceship “The Mayflower” to another planet.
Elsie does whatever she can to get on the ship together with her baby Will. Luckily the captain is an old friend and some strings are pulled.

When Will is ready to start school thirteen years later at Space Academy, he makes new friends, even with people he wouldn’t expect to befriend with.
But he also uncovers secrets about his father. And on top there are other mysterious things going on.

Can Will and the friends find out the whole truth?

When you start reading this book, keep your mind open. There are several things in it, that will make you frown if you forget to keep an open mind.

This story takes place in space, after the Earth is totally lost. It’s a bit frightening, reading how our home is a lost cause and people are forced to start a home on a whole other planet.
Yet this story makes it obvious that the problems that existed on Earth are not just gone because the Earth is gone.
Money and power make people always selfish. And those who have both will always look down on people who have less.
And popular kids will always bully the other ones.
So in fact, no much will change…

Will shows that he is one of the good guys, he doesn’t care on what Floor you are staying or how wealthy your parents are. He is an example of how people should always be.

The things he uncovers with his friends learn us that not only humans are a threat to our existence, but also aliens can be deceiving (keep that mind open!).

Despite being a bit farfetched for me (my mind wasn’t open), the intrigues and mysteries kept me going.
I wanted to know what truth the friends would find, and how they would save themselves from a hazardous situation!

This story is ideal for the young adults among us!