Tizi’s Book Review

How one moment is the catalyst…

Synopsis

A borrowed boy, a borrowed name and living on borrowed time.

What do you put on a bucket list when you haven’t done anything with your life? No interesting job, no lovers, no family, no friends. Believing she has only weeks left to live, Angie Winkle vows to make the most of every minute.

Going back to Jaywick Sands, is top of her bucket list. Experiencing life as a grandmother is not, but the universe has other plans and when four-year-old Danny is separated from his mum on the tube, Angie goes to his rescue. She tries to return him to his mum but things do not go exactly as planned and the two of them embark on a life-changing journey.

Set in Jaywick Sands, once an idyllic Essex holiday village in the 70s, but now a shantytown of displaced Londoners, this is a story about hidden communities and our need to belong.

My review

Angie Winkle believes she has only a few weeks left to live. So she decides to go back to Jaywick Sands, a place with many memories.
At the train station, she is witness how the four-year-old Danny is being separated from her mother on the tube. She starts doing the right thing, wanting to return him to his mother, but suddenly she finds herself with Danny in Jaywick Sands.

Initially I found this a very disturbing book.  A woman just taking a small child to fulfil her dream of being a grandmother… well, not a good excuse to kidnap a child, right?

Yet the better we get to know Angie, it starts making sense… not that I approve het actions, but I felt her pain…
And when I started to read Nikoleta’s point of view, I was glad that Angie took the boy…

This is not a book to take lightly, it shows how nasty people can be, working with an own agenda.
And even if Angie seems to be that bad person in this story, she has her heart in the right place. And Also Nikoleta is the same. Even if she is a bit naïve in the beginning, she sees things that are out of the ordinary, and is putting the child’s safety above everything.

It was sweet to read how Angie was accepted by the small community, and how even after her lies came out, the community stood by her side, doing whatever they can to help Angie and Danny…
And when Angie wanted to give Danny back to Nikoleta, she didn’t just do it without a fight, she wanted to be 100% sure that Danny would end up with loving people.

This story is not what I thought, it surprised me in a good way. It was sometimes dark, but there were moments of lights, when Danny’s happiness were so obvious.
It was bittersweet, because you know it has to come to an end somehow, and I was afraid that it wouldn’t be a happy one. But all the people around Angie, Angie herself and Nikoleta are proof that there are good people around, ready to help, no matter how well they know you (or don’t know you)

It’s a book that puts you back into place, and that even no matter how bad your situation looks like, it will make you stronger and you will find caring people when you least expect it and where you least expect it!

How a forced taking it easy is life changing.

Synopsis

This is the story of two women.
One old, one young.
One looking for new adventures. One looking for a purpose.
Both needing a friend.

And this is how, along with two little girls in need of a family, a gorgeous stranger, and a scruffy dog, they bring the whole community together every Saturday morning for love, laughter and a little bit of running…(well, power walking).

Some people come into your life when you need them the most.

My review

Claire is the perfect example of a workaholic. But when she is forced to take time off, she does not know what to do with all her free time.
The moment she decides to start exercising in the outside, instead of going to the gym, she has no clue how her life will change.

She meets Hilda, an older woman who is obviously very nosy and has a wide imagination. Yet they quickly bond and the daily run becomes a kind of tradition, followed by drinking a coffee together.

When one day, there is a new addition to the duo, Claire is surprised to find out it’s Ash. She had a wonderful night with him, but then suddenly he ghosted her.
Ash was just like Claire, a workaholic, but he found himself suddenly out of a job.

The bunch quickly are a package, spending their time together, even if they are not exercising. And when Hilda comes with the idea of organising a weekly park run, Claire and Ash find themselves with a purpose again.

But organising a park run is not as easy as it seems, right?

Did I enjoy reading this book? A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E-L-Y!!!!

From the beginning you know that Claire will have to stop working for a while. So I was very curious to know what she would do with all her free time!

So when she starts to go running, I was respecting her, as I am sooo not into running myself!

Not only running is changing her way of living, but also finding herself taking care of her nieces while her sister needs some time for herself in India, well I wouldn’t like to be in Claire’s shoes!
And exactly for the way her sister leaves the kids and all the other things happening in the book, well, if that would be my sister, I would have done not so nice things to her!

My first impression of Hilda was not a nice one… I found her too nosy, curious, and sometimes even rude (just taking Claire’s coffee!).
But slowly I had to change my mind about her. Hilda has her heart at the right place, she helps Claire out with the 2 children and she just wants to feel needed and useful.

And Ash… the first time we meet him, is hilarious… the staring stand – off, who would imagine such thing!!!
But I was disappointed in him after he ghosted. (Hmm, I’m not liking many people apparently 🤣)

Yet all the characters get a chance of shifting priorities and while organizing the park run, they realize many people are just alone. Thanks to the park run, the feeling of a real community is back, making many people happy again.

I found this a lovely story, about how work is not all there is. And friends come in different shapes and ages and in the most surprising ways.
And that love is not just something that comes easy but you have to work for it to make it work. And that love has many faces and each one of them is wonderful! 

Time for revealing a new cover!

Synopsis

The placid life of a college librarian is plunged into a desperate fight for survival when he witnesses the death of his only friend. Suddenly he is forced to confront disturbing changes in his nature and appetites and their consequences. Suspected of murder and pursued by an implacable police detective he runs – but is he running from the law or from himself?

About the Author

After more than forty years of paid employment David Pollard retired to glorious Hereford and immersed himself in the theatrical activities of the county. He is currently Chair of Hereford County Drama Festival.

David sees himself as a teller of tales – he is a playwright, author of short stories and novels. He has a preference for dark and dystopian material. He is also an actor and theatrical director. Among the many authors admired by David is Robert Louis Stevenson – for his website David adopted the appellation Tuistala – Samoan for ‘Teller of Tales’ which the Samoan people called RLS.

Several of David’s plays have been published by Lazybee Scripts – one of which ‘Aspects of a Betrayal’ was shortlisted for the Kenneth Branagh prize at the Windsor Fringe Festival.

David has two works published on KDP/Amazon:

‘His Cat and Other Strange Tales’ – a collection of macabre short stories

‘The Alienation of Ludovic Weiss’ – a psychological thriller

A third book ‘Mindworm ‘ is scheduled for publication in September 2020

When not writing, directing or acting David runs a podcast platform for the streaming of radio plays and short story readings – Hand to Mouth Sound Theatre.

For relaxation David reads voraciously with a liking for history and thriller fiction. He also enjoys country walks of the strolling variety.

The cover

Doesn’t the black sheep of the family deserve her happily ever after too?

Synopsis

Archibald Hill is handsome, single, and he’s going to his best friend’s wedding ready to make a conquest or two. After all, everyone knows weddings are the perfect setting to get lucky.

Summer Knowles used to have a life—friends, family, a sister who’d do anything for her—until she blew it all away with a terrible mistake. Now, attending her twin’s wedding as the party’s undesirable number one seems like more than she can handle. So, when a tall stranger with smoldering ice-blue eyes offers her a therapy of seven nights of no-strings-attached fun, she might even ignore that he has a beard and accept.

Problem is, Summer has never been good at keeping sex and feelings separated…

My review

Summer Knowles made 1 terrible decision once and this caused her to have no friends left, and has been an outcast even from her own family.

Even if her twin sister Winter and her former best friend Lana have forgiven her, she is still on the receiving part of nasty looks.
So when Winter is getting married, Summer is obviously happy for her, but she is also afraid how the people will react to her presence.

And when she meets Archie, she accept the offer of no – strings – attached fun, so that she can distract herself.
But is she capable to keep the fun and her feelings separated?

I need to make a confession… when I first read about Summer in the previous parts of this series, I disliked her immediately.
I couldn’t understand how she could betray her best friend and sister like that. So when I started with this book, I was sceptic to read her story.
But I was pleasantly surprised!

Summer was not just a heartless, selfish b*tch… she made 1 terrible mistake that she will possibly regret her whole life.
She is afraid nobody will ever forgive her and is afraid of people’s reaction. Luckily she has the victims of her mistake on her side. Winter and Lana are the most forgiving persons I know, so I was happy for Summer that she was not alone.

When Summer meets Archie, he mistakes her for her twin sister, so I had a real laugh when the awkward moment of realisation was there!
Immediately the sparks fly around, but here my dislike for Summer started to shift in truly liking the girl! Even if Archie offers her an easy distraction, she will not make another mistake risking to jeopardize her sister’s wedding.

But of course, if she would stick to her decision it would be a very short story! 😃

I loved how it becomes very clear how insecure Summer actually is… she is fighting sometimes a lost cause, and she feels that no one will ever forgive her.

And Archie… he is the perfect example of a man with fear of commitment. He is resolute to add Summer to his list of conquests, but he quickly finds himself looking for her all the time.

I had so much fun reading this book. I loved Summer and her insecurities, and her hate for beards. I loved how much she actually cares for her sister and her friends.
I loved how Archie looks after Summer even if he doesn’t have to, when the agreement they made is crystal-clear. I loved how his view on relationships shifted.

I had to wipe the tears I had for laughing at the hilarious moments, had to stop myself from
‘aaaaw – ing’ several times.

A lovely story about finding love, even if you don’t want to find it. And that one mistake does not have to be the end. And that no matter what, family and true friends will find always a way to forgive you.
And love is all you need, just dare to take the chance!  And that sometimes you have to change your opinion about people! 😃

Today it’s Publication Day for ‘Summer At My Sister’s’!

So a little promo is always helpful, and my review will be for a later date!

Synopsis

Twin sisters. One scorching summer.

A bucketful of secrets.

Diana’s life is perfect. Her twin sister, Josie’s – not so much. 

Diana has a rich and successful husband, two talented youngsters and an adorable dog. She always looks as if she’s stepped from the cover of a magazine. Her immaculate second home by the sea, for idyllic summers with her perfect family, was actually featured in one.
 
Josie has a messy, compact flat, dates, but not relationships, and she can’t even keep a houseplant alive. She moves from job to job, goes clubbing with her friends and often looks as if she’s fallen through a hedge.

Although Josie loves Diana deeply, each year she declines the invitation to spend the summer with her sister. Or any other family holiday. Because Josie has a secret.
 
But is Diana’s life so perfect? Or is she also hiding something? When secrets are revealed this summer, everything will change. Josie could finally have the life she’s always wanted … if she’s brave enough to take a chance.

Purchase Link – mybook.to/SummeratmySisters

About The Author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn’t always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers’ group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies – and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

I am not ready to say goodbye yet!!!

Synopsis

Change is in the air as wedding bells ring out in Merriment Bay

Cat’s determined to propose to Amias. Well, it is a leap year so it’s fine for women to do the asking, and besides, it took him eighteen years to tell her how he felt. She’s not going to wait for him to pop the question. All she needs to do is find the perfect time and place.

Kyra’s fallen for Francis Raine, who seems happy to flirt and exchange banter but hasn’t actually asked her out. Does he reciprocate her feelings, or is he this way with every girl he meets? There’s only one way to find out. She’ll ask him on a date … as soon as he returns to Merriment Bay.

Mary’s leaving Devon Villa after a lifetime spent in the house. She’s never lived alone so it’s both an exciting and a terrifying prospect. But change is good, isn’t it? Perhaps it’s time she tried a few other new things too.

The Devon women want to move on to the next chapters in their lives. And as Viola Devon used to say before she died, “The only one who can write your own life story as you want it, is you.” Although Viola’s didn’t work out too well. Will Cat, Kyra, and Mary have better luck with theirs?

My review

After eighteen years, Cat and Amias are finally happily together. But Cat does not want to wait any longer and wants to marry Amias as soon as possible.
So instead of waiting for him to pop the question, she takes matter in own hands and starts planning her own proposal!

Also Kyra is having some troubles concerning love… she has fallen in love with Francis Raine. And even he flirts with her all the time, he keeps her at a distance when she starts getting too close.

And even for Mary there is something in the air… she is leaving Devon Villa so she is excited to start a new chapter!

I
JUST
LOVED
IT!!!

This next chapter was exactly what I wanted to happen to the Devon – women!

I loved reading about Cat and all her doubts, Kyra and her stubbornness and Mary and her willing to change for the better.
From the very start I was stuck in the book, and I couldn’t put it away.

The fears Cat was having, were so recognizable. She knows that Amias loves her, yet there is always that nagging feeling all of us recognize.
But Amias proves to be just perfect… not just for Cat, but overall!
I have to admit although, I had a few laughs too, when the both of them were afraid to express some of their feelings and then Kyra had to come at the rescue, taking matter in hands!

And Kyra… she is so determined, a bit stubborn, yet so loveable… when she is ready to face her feelings for Francis, she won’t let his fear put her off, but she makes it clear she is worth taking the risk!

Through the whole series all the women made a change, became stronger, more courageous and being together at Merriment Bay, they became the better version of what they already were.

All the pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place now and I read the ending with a sweet smile on my face!

It was lovely to read the entwinement with the Wyntersleap series and even if I loved all the characters before, I even love them more after this book.

How an unexpected pregnancy becomes more life-changing than expected!

Synopsis

Midlife crisis? What midlife crisis?

At forty-four, Cynthia Smart is exactly where she wants to be. Almost.

In a couple of years, she’ll be the CEO of the company she’s spent her most of her adult life working in. For now, though, she’s still busy shimmying up the greasy pole of corporate business. She’s single, carefree, and independent, and nothing can stop her getting what she wants and deserves.

Until she discovers she’s pregnant.

Determined to have her cake and eat it, she’s convinced that having a baby will make little difference to her life, and that she will be one of those women who can hold down an incredibly demanding job and also be a perfect mother.

But as her pregnancy progresses and her life slowly falls apart, she has the sneaking suspicion that Max Oakland, the new guy on the block, is out to steal her dream job. That she’s terribly attracted to him doesn’t help, nor does the fact that he’s devilishly handsome, appears to be a really nice fella, and is good in a crisis.

When she gradually comes to realise that something has got to give, what she doesn’t want it to be is her heart.

My review

Cynthia Smart has almost achieved her goal in life at the age of forty-four. So when after an insignificant one night stand, she discovers she is pregnant, she is determined to not let this pregnancy interfere with reaching her goals.

But soon she discovers that a pregnancy does not go how she wants it to go, and that not everything will follow her minutious planning.

And to make things even more complicated, she fears that her new colleague Max is after her dream job AND she finds herself attracted to him!

The thing I loved about this book is how naive Cynthia appears to be. Yes of course, she is a smart woman (pun NOT intended) otherwise she wouldn’t be where she is in her career. She is a focused woman when it comes to get that so much desired promotion, yet she manages to be gullible when she finds out she is pregnant.

Who doesn’t dream of a pregnancy that goes exactly how you want to? And how many get that? Exactly, almost nobody does…

So each time when Cynthia’s plans do not go as expected, I had to have a little laugh!

But I also have to admire Cynthia… Even if it’s an unexpected pregnancy, she makes the best of it, and she is trying to find the best solution.

And the further the pregnancy goes along, she starts to get her priorities right. She realizes that the path she was following will not make her be a good mother, so,she starts to think about what would be best for her and the baby.

And even more admiration the way she kept Max at a distance! She feels the attraction (and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t feel the same!) yet she does not give in. Talking about having the right priorities!

But Max… Max oh Max oh Max…

If he would be real, like hell I would keep him at distance like Cynthia did! He is kind, thoughtful, and does whatever he can to help Cynthia out. Even if he has a few secrets, he is even my perfect guy!

He wants what’s best for Cynthia and the baby and is even providing solutions for her!

This is a beautiful book about having the biggest surprise in life, making the right choices and not thinking about only yourself. It made me laugh several times, yet there were tender sweet moments in it too, but even moments I just wanted to knock some sense into Cynthia!

So sit back, enjoy this story, love every bit of it, have a few laughs and fall in love with each character!

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!