Tuesday 19 March 2024

Book Review - Murder at the Leaning Tower by T. A. Williams

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Amazon UK

Title: Murder at the Leaning Tower
Author: T. A. Williams
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 6th February 2024
Rating: 5 Stars

A secluded villa…

When Dan Armstrong is asked to provide security at a private villa on the outskirts of Pisa, he’s pretty sure it will be an easy job. Villa Gregory is remote; the gathered guests are rich – what could possibly go wrong?

A glittering gathering...

Inside the high walls of the palatial villa, Dan discovers the gathered guests are some of the most powerful tycoons in the media world, with plans for world domination. With so much at stake, Dan redoubles his efforts to keep everyone safe.

A detective under pressure?

But when one of the group is found murdered, Dan’s heart sinks – especially considering Anna’s own daughter is in the frame! When the police arrive, Dan meets formidable Inspector Adolfo Vinci, a man whose main talent seems to be for getting things wrong. It all goes from bad to worse for Dan as the man from the Leaning Tower starts leaning on him.

It's another case for Dan and Oscar to solve and this one won't be easy!

What a star Oscar is, I mean Dan is pretty good too, but Oscar is clearly the brains of their operations at times.  Or at least it feels like Dan's investigative career wouldn't bee half as strong without my favourite labrador sidekick! 

So good to be back with this pair, and in this latest story we get yet another head scratching murder to solve.  There are loads of possible suspects  and I honestly had no idea who to believe. 

The local Pisan inspector though was completely incompetent, and at least one of his wrongful arrests really made me laugh and gasp. 

What I really liked was we got to see a bit of Anna's daughter, and see a slightly different side to Dan as a result.  And I am still deadly curious as to exactly what the big meeting that has being held in Pisa was really all about, 

I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this and already can't wait for the next book in this excellent book. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Monday 18 March 2024

Book Review - What Happens on Vacation by Jo Watson - #HolidayReading Fuerteventura

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Amazon UK

Title: What Happens on Vacation
Author: Jo Watson
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Headline Eternal
Publication Date: 30th March 2023
Rating: 5 Stars

Journalist Margaret needs a vacation.

After a difficult couple of years, some R&R is on the cards, and she's taking her mom with her. Luckily, the office Quiz Night is coming up and the prize is an all-expenses-paid trip to Zanzibar. Good thing Margaret has never met a quiz question she didn't like.

But Margaret has also never played against Jagger Villain. For the last six months, they have shared a desk and not a day has gone by when he hasn't driven her to distraction.

The idea of sharing anything else with Jagger is unthinkable. But if she's going get what she needs from this trip, Margaret might have to compromise.

Away from the office and in a tropical paradise, Margaret beings to wonder if her archnemesis maybe has some qualities.

Could the holiday from hell turn into the vacation of her dreams?

Brilliant escapist rom-com from Jo Watson, just as I have come to expect from her. 

Margaret finds everything Jagger does is rather annoying, and moans about him constantly. 

But yet when they end up on a holiday to Zanzibar together along with a parent each, things start to take a different turn. 

And it where the book goes from enjoyable to fabulous, as I loved seeing the dynamics between Margaret and Jagger change. 

Over the course of a week, there is a whirlwind of romance, and a whole lot more.

Its' just a highly enjoyable book that i was thoroughly entertained by.

Thank you to Headline Eternal and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Friday 15 March 2024

Book Review - Old Boys by Nick Spalding - #HolidayReading Fuerteventura

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Amazon UK

Title: Old Boys
Author: Nick Spalding
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Publication Date: 15th June 2023
Rating: 5 Stars

In this hilarious and heartfelt story from the bestselling author of Dry Hard, Will hasn’t seen his rock-star dad for thirty years. But now he’s back for an encore…

Will Fairweather is getting old. His back aches, his bowels misbehave if he eats spicy food and he’s completely lost his sense of rhythm. Life has taught him not to take risks, but even that hasn’t stopped his marriage hitting the rocks too. The last thing he needs is a surprise call from Red Fairweather, devil-may-care rock god—and the father Will hasn’t seen for thirty years.

If Will’s old before his time, Red’s the boy who won’t grow up.

When Will needs somewhere to live, with nowhere else to turn, he finds himself back with the hellraiser who deserted his family. As Will tries to come to terms with the downward spiral of his life, he starts to realise there’s more to Red than he thought—there’s a real human being under all that leather and attitude, a dad determined to make up for lost time and help his son get back on track.

Can Will make his peace with a father seeking forgiveness?

Every time I sit down to a Nick Spalding novel I know I'm going to have a good time and that I'm in for a treat. And Old Boys was no exception. 

We have Will who is acting and feeling old before his time, and seems to have forgotten that life is for living, not just existing in. 

And back on the scene after 30 years is Will's father Red, who is an ageing rock star who would like to make amends with his son and to help him through this current rough patch.

And Will is pretty much forced to reconnect with his father and his memories. 

What is soon apparent is that Red is far more like the child in this relationship, he is impulsive, fun loving, good intentioned but doesn't think things through. 

And I absolutely adored him, he livened up every scene he was in, and there were some more poignant moments with him too. 

It's another truly fabulous book from the author who certainly has me laughing out loud in places, as well as gasping in shock and on the verge of shedding a tear too. Just superb, and I'm already looking forward to seeing what he writes next. 

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Thursday 14 March 2024

Book Review - The Girl in Seat 2A by Diana Wilkinson

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Amazon UK

Title: The Girl in Seat 2A
Author: Diana Wilkinson
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 19th January 2024
Rating: 5 Stars

Funny how one lie can spiral…
One thing about me: I HATE flying. It’s my worst nightmare.

That’s why I book seat 2A every time I fly. Since my big win, I've been booking seats 2B and 2C as well. They’re my comfort seats, they cushion the claustrophobia, and at last I can afford them.

I am now determined to live the life of luxury. I deserve it, after all.

How to Live Like a Millionaire is the book I’m reading on this flight. When it lands on the floor, a handsome guy hands it back to me. I know he clocks the title, because he’s totally charming and talks to me as if I’m one of the Marbella Millionaire set.

When I land in sunny Spain, I’ll be acting like a millionairess, that’s for sure – even if it’s stretching the truth, just a bit. We all know that money talks, and I intend to talk my way into a better life.

Who knows… maybe this guy, the one who had the cheek to sit down in seat 2C, might be someone special. He has an air of danger, but who cares?

Woah! I literally couldn't put that down.  I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting but this definitely beat those expectations and more. 

I had to keep on reading to see how things turned out, especially after Part 1. 

All I'll say is that there is one seriously creepy character, and I wanted to scream at Jade to come to her senses right from the start. I was so sure I knew where this book was going to take me, but I was wrong. There is more to it than I first thought, and there are some brilliantly brave women in this story. 

Jade although I felt bad for her, I also at times found it hard to like her, she just kept making iffy decisions. 

I will say though that I would not recommend reading the first chapter if you are on a flight, especially if you are a nervous flier. It certainly scared me, and I'm fine with flying, but the descriptions and Jade's fear really got to me. 

Other than that it is perfect holiday reading, it's addictive, it's moreish and it's set in sunny Spain,  and it's one you need to set aside time to read, as you will want to read it in one sitting.  

Totally brilliant. I loved this a lot and was very impressed with it. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Wednesday 13 March 2024

Book Review - Sylvia's Second Act by Hillary Yablon - #HolidayReading Fuerteventura

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Amazon UK

Title: Sylvia's Second Act
Author: Hillary Yablon
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Orion
Publication Date: 12th March 2024 
Rating: 5 Stars

Growing older doesn't just mean growing wiser.
But it does mean a lot of fun...

When 63-year-old Sylvia finds her husband in bed with another woman, she's shocked and furious . . . at first. But by the time her head stops spinning, Sylvia realises she hates the retirement community she's living in - it's for old people. And she certainly doesn't feel old!

So, she enlists the help of her best friend, glamorous 70-year-old widow Evie, and the pair flee to Manhattan to start a new life in the city that never sleeps. Sylvia's husband may have lost her life savings, but they're scrappy and determined - and they weren't born yesterday...

Before long, Sylvia is reviving her wedding planning business and even finds herself back in the dating game! And no matter what her meddling daughter thinks, it's her time now - and she's determined that in this glorious second act, the best is yet to come!

Hilarious, heartwarming and utterly feel-good, Sylvia's Second Act is perfect for fans of Heartburn by Nora Ephron, Grace & Frankie, and Sex and the City.

This is the first book I've read from this author (mainly cos its her debut) and given how much I loved this one and how quickly I devoured it, it definitely won't be my last. 

It's another book in this new sub genre of books, about kick ass women "of a certain age". 

Which is a genre that I am thoroughly enjoying more and more each time I encounter it. 

For who wouldn't want to grow up and by like Sylvia.  Ok I don't want her cheating husband, or meddling daughter, but her determination to start living her life after she catches her husband iin the act, is inspiring. 

She and friend Evie, move to New York to follow their dreams, and Sylvia even takes up wedding planning, 

I was loving every second of his book, from its first to last page. It's joyous, its awe inspiring, it has plenty of sex and the city references and its generally just a refreshing read. 

Utterly brilliant. 

Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Monday 19 February 2024

Epic Birthday Holiday - but where I am I going, and what's on my kindle?!

I'm so excited! In a few hours time I will be leaving for the airport, for what will be I believe the longest flight I've ever taken (almost 15 hours)... and once that is out of the way assuming I'll still be in one piece (although most likely knackered) - I'll be in Santiago, Chile. 

And that is just for one night, where I'll be staying in a gorgeous luxury hotel, before transferring to San Antonio for a 16 Night Cruise on board the Norwegian Sun. 


Ain't she a beauty! If you been following me for a while you will perhaps have worked out that I absolutely love holidays and cruising, probably even more than I love reading, although I can normally combine the two quite easily. 

Over the 16 Nights onboard the ship I will be stopping in

Coquimbo, Chile
Arica, Chile
Pisco, Peru
Callao (Lima), Peru
Trujillo (Salverry), Peru
Manta, Ecaudor
Panama City, Panama 
Cartagena, Colombia

and finally will end in Miami, with a night in a hotel before flying home.  

And between Panama and Colombia, there is a full transit of the Panama Canal, which I'm lead to believe is spectacular cruising and will be fascinating, and I am so looking forward to it. 

But didn't you just go away over Christmas, I hear you ask?! - Well yes, but 10 years ago for my 30th, I decided that every 5 years to mark my next "big / bigger" birthday, that I would take myself off on a holiday that is far more exotic, expensive and memorable than any of my regular holidays.  And so on the 28th February, when I'm in Peru, I will be turning the big 4-0! 

Kind of dreading the fact that I'm now in the last week or so of my 30s, given mentally I reckon I'm still in my 20s.. it's always slightly scary moving into a new decade! But I'll ignore that for the moment, and concentrate of the fact that I'm about to spend time in South America, a continent I have never even given much thought about travelling to - until this cruise itinerary came into my life.

I hope you will agree that this really should be a once in a life time trip, and even though my birthday itself is being spent in a port which I have no plans for which is a shame, as on my 30th I swam with Dolphins and my 35th I fed and bathed Elephants, both on the day itself, I suspect this as a whole will be just as special and memorable. 

So in between running around the ship like a headless chicken as I often do on cruises, and soaking up so much much needed winter sun, exploring the ports and going off on various excursions, I will of course have my kindle in my hands frequently. 

Here are all the review books currently on my kindle waiting for me to read them.







What do you think of these books? Which should I make sure I definitely read (I will get to them all eventually)?  And what on earth books am I go going to start the holiday with on the flight - I will be hoping to sleep too, but it will probably be a mix of dozing, opening kindle until eyes feel heavy again and then more dozing - I could only afford economy! 

And on what is in total an almost 3 week holiday, just how many books do you think I'll read? Funnily if I was to predict it, I'd say less than on a 2 week holiday but you never know! 

Anyways the blog will be quiet until I'm back, but hope you will all join me on 13th March for my review of Sylvia's Second Act by Hilary Yablon. 

Bring on the holiday! 

Saturday 17 February 2024

Book Review - Misbehaving at Cactus Lanes by Patricia Santos Marcantonio - #BookChallenge #24In2024

This is book #2 for my #24in2024 challenge.  And for this book I have visited USA. 


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Title: Misbehaving at Cactus Lanes
Author: Patricia Santos Marcantonio
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: One More Chapter
Publication Date: 15th February 2024
Rating: 4 Stars

An hilarious and heartwarming read perfect for fans of Judy Leigh, Caroline James and Maddie Please!
As Margaret Adams buries her late husband she comes to a shocking realisation – she was widowed long before Bob dropped dead on the ninth hole at his beloved golf club.

Now, with her children grown and her unhappy marriage over, Maggie goes in search of something to make her happy. Enter Las Vegas bowling alley, Cactus Lanes!

With its neon sign, legendary chilli fries and community spirit, stepping through the doors does more than put a smile on Maggie’s face, it changes her life.

As she discovers the friendships she’s always craved – and a chance at a true love with gorgeous owner Frank Martinez – Maggie comes to realise that it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about choosing your lane and striking with determination in the direction that allows you to be you.

It was certainly the cover that attracted me to this novel, it's bright and looked like fun, and once I glanced at the blurb and saw the mention of Las Vegas, that was it, I knew i had to read it. 

And it certainly lived up to those expectations and the cover is spot on, as this is a rather colourful novel, at least once Maggie starts to live her own life.  After all she is attracted by the neon signs at the Cactus Lanes Bowling alley. 

For this is a story of how life really can begin in your 70s.  It took for her husband to suddenly die, for Maggie to bee freed from what was a stifling, boring, loveless marriage, not abusive, just indifferent, and for her to start discovering what it is she really wants from life. 

And that includes re-discovering a love of bowling that she did a term of in school and enjoyed, until her friends talked her out of it.  For Maggie is easily influenced by others, at least initially and even know she's ashamed that her daughter has got a lot of the same qualities as Bob.   

I loved this look at life in Las Vegas too, for although there are some trips to the strip, mainly when Maggie is volunteering with a senior, we get to see past the gambling and see all the other parts to Las Vegas. 

And i just could visualise everything so clearly, and I was loving how Maggie's confidence grew as she gains new skills and friends, and even clearly has a potential love interest.  

I was less keen to see there still seems to be a class system in America, and stereotypical prejudices from thankfully not main characters. 

This was the first book I've read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I just wish I had Maggie's bowling skills, as she is awesome! 

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Friday 16 February 2024

Book Review - By The Book by Jasmine Guillory - #HolidayReading Fuerteventura

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Amazon UK

Title: By The Book
Author: Jasmine Guillory
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Studio Press
Publication Date: 21st July 2022 
Rating: 4 Stars

Sometimes to truly know a person, you have to read between the lines.

Isabelle is completely lost. When she first began her career in publishing after college, she did not expect to be twenty-five, still living at home, and one of the few Black employees at her publishing house. Overworked and underpaid, constantly torn between speaking up or stifling herself, Izzy thinks there must be more to this publishing life. So when she overhears her boss complaining about a beastly high-profile author who has failed to deliver his long-awaited manuscript, Isabelle sees an opportunity to finally get the promotion she deserves.

All she has to do is go to the author's Santa Barbara mansion and give him a pep talk or three. How hard could it be?

But Izzy quickly finds out she is in over her head. Beau Towers is not some celebrity lightweight writing a tell-all memoir. He is jaded and withdrawn and - it turns out - just as lost as Izzy. But despite his standoffishness, Izzy needs Beau to deliver, and with her encouragement, his story begins to spill onto the page. They soon discover they have more in common than either of them expected, and as their deadline nears, Izzy and Beau begin to realize there may be something there that wasn't there before.

Best-selling author Jasmine Guillory's reimagining of a beloved fairy tale is a romantic triumph of love and acceptance and learning that sometimes to truly know a person you have to read between the lines.

Incredibly enjoyable book, set between New York and California, about an editorial assistant who is being overlooked at work, and a jaded celebrity who is very overdue on his memoir manuscript. 

At the point Izzy volunteers to see if she can meet Beau in person and see if she can coax a book out of him, the story really gets going. 

I loved the descriptions of Beaus' place, and the rather fabulous dialogue between Beau and Izzy. 

As we get to know Beau more, we learn just why he has been struggling with telling his story, which just endeared him to me even more. 

This was a quick and easy fun read, and I loved the surfing lessons. 

Thank you to Studio Press and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Thursday 15 February 2024

Book Review - Love Letters on Hazel Lane by Jennifer Page - #HolidayReading Fuerteventura

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Amazon UK

Title: Love Letters on Hazel Lane
Author: Jennifer Page
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Aria
Publication Date: 4th January 2024
Rating: 5 Stars

Scrabble fan Jo always seems to pick the wrong guys. Now she's moved to the Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick, and decided to give dating one last chance. This time, there's a catch: she will only date men whose names would score highly in her beloved word game.

After Tarquin (16 points) proves just as disappointing as the rest, she meets low-scoring local doctor Ras (3 points). Her rules mean she can't date him – but when he asks her to organise a Scrabble festival with him, she can't say no.

As the event draws nearer and Jo and Ras grow closer, will Jo ignore her rule and let true love blossom over the triple letter scores?

Fantastic - 14 points
Brilliant - 11 points
Enjoyable - 21 points

Just 3 of the words I would use to describe this latest book from Jennifer Page, featuring scrabble mad Jo, and Ras. 

There is a lot of scrabble and scrabble scores in this book, and it does form the basis for a fair amount of the plot. 

But there is so much more to it than just that, as Jo starts to make improvements in all areas of her life. 

And I loved the idea of a Scrabble festival, and would dearly love to go to it, being a big fan of the game too. 

Set in the next village over to the author's first book, we have loads of cameos and connections to The Board Game Café, which as a fan I loved seeing. but rest assured  this can easily be read as a standalone book too. 

I read this on holiday, on Christmas day, and it was the perfect read. After all who hasn't played scrabble or another board game with loved ones over Christmas, so this felt like a fitting read, while I was soaking up the sun. 

Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Wednesday 14 February 2024

Book Review - An Enchanted Moment on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans

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Amazon UK

Title: An Enchanted Moment on Ever After Street
Author: Jaimie Admans
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 11th January 2024
Rating: 5 Stars

A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...

A tale as old as time…

Since her mum’s death, Marnie Platt has shut herself away from everyone who cares about her. Worse, her beloved bookshop on Ever After Street is suffering too. With sales down and the shop’s garden falling into disrepair, Marnie risks losing the very last thing she loves. Until a chance encounter with her surly and reclusive neighbour….

Dark and brooding, Darcy O'Connell likes to keep himself to himself. But when he hears Marnie needs help, he can’t turn his back on her. Soon they are spending most evenings together in her enchanted garden and a friendship starts to bloom…

With the help of old and new friends on Ever After Street, Marnie's bookshop begins to thrive again, and with Darcy's kindness, she starts to get her sparkle back too. She just can't understand why Darcy continues to shut himself away - especially from her. Can she convince him it isn't too late to embrace life, and maybe love, again?

Because every story, even theirs, deserves a happy ending….

Words can't express how much I love... 

Jaimie Admans
Ever After After Street
A Tale as Old as Time Bookshop
The one initially known as the Beast
Just about everything to do with book and series

... for it is all just perfect, and amazing, and fabulous and I want more the whole time.  I couldn't get enough of this story loving literally every single second of it. 

Ok some of the big reveals I had guessed incredibly early on but I think you are meant to guess them but I had to keep reading to discover if I was going to be right, and for some of the reasoning too, as that I had no idea on.  I just had a rather strong inkling about a few things! 

And what a sense of community there is on Ever After Street, and we get to see more of all the characters we grew to love in the first book too, as well as getting to know two more residents of the street. 

This really is a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and it just works so so well.  I'm reluctant to spill any actual details, as frankly I think every single book lover, and romance lover should read this, as its so good, so enjoyable, so readable, and so enchanting, and all the better for not having any preconceptions about any of the characters. 

Suffice to say they both see significant development, there is a character who is I'd say even more ridiculously annoying and self obsessed than Gaston is, who I really wanted to hit him for myself,  and being set in a bookshop that has had a threat of being closed - there are some great ideas for improving business. 

But I'm determined that you should whether you already know how amazing this author is or not, that you should definitely read this book. It's just that good and easily one of her best (but I may say that ever time and its always true). 

I just wish Ever After Street was a real place and I can't wait to see what fairy-tale we will get with the next book in the series (at least I hope there will be a next book). 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 
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