Whoa I actually read The Bay Of Shadows. in a day and night because I couldn't put it down, until I'd found out what happened to Elena and Daniel. I hWhoa I actually read The Bay Of Shadows. in a day and night because I couldn't put it down, until I'd found out what happened to Elena and Daniel. I have to say this book made me have happy and also I had sad tears in my eyes. The storyline of Elena and Daniel is so powerful, touching and full of love. I couldn't help but want them to be together forever and ever right from the start to the end.
The story itself follows Elena as she fosters Daniel after her marriage breaks down. Elena loves Daniel with all her heart and along with her dog they've become a little family. However, Daniel has had a terrifying past when he lived with his biological parents' and now his father is turning up the heat to get him back. Will his scare tactics work? Or will Elena come up with a plan to save Daniel from returning to the life he'd come from? Read this gripping and touching book to find out.
I loved Elena and Daniels loving mother-son relationship in this book, as well as the stories Elena told to Daniel; they felt very mystical especially the one about the old lady who turned into a beautiful bird. I could really see this clearly in my mind and Daniel listening before falling asleep.
Author Samantha did a great job of bringing the emotions out of all her characters. I could feel their, love, heartbreak and happiness while reading this story. I think this novel really speaks of what love really mean and just how powerful love can make a person.
I would recommend The Bay Of Shadows. to anyone who likes stories with a strong plot and characters you won't be able to stop from making their way into your heart. I'd recommend readers pick up a copy of this book.
Merged review:
Whoa I actually read The Bay Of Shadows. in a day and night because I couldn't put it down, until I'd found out what happened to Elena and Daniel. I have to say this book made me have happy and also I had sad tears in my eyes. The storyline of Elena and Daniel is so powerful, touching and full of love. I couldn't help but want them to be together forever and ever right from the start to the end.
The story itself follows Elena as she fosters Daniel after her marriage breaks down. Elena loves Daniel with all her heart and along with her dog they've become a little family. However, Daniel has had a terrifying past when he lived with his biological parents' and now his father is turning up the heat to get him back. Will his scare tactics work? Or will Elena come up with a plan to save Daniel from returning to the life he'd come from? Read this gripping and touching book to find out.
I loved Elena and Daniels loving mother-son relationship in this book, as well as the stories Elena told to Daniel; they felt very mystical especially the one about the old lady who turned into a beautiful bird. I could really see this clearly in my mind and Daniel listening before falling asleep.
Author Samantha did a great job of bringing the emotions out of all her characters. I could feel their, love, heartbreak and happiness while reading this story. I think this novel really speaks of what love really mean and just how powerful love can make a person.
I would recommend The Bay Of Shadows. to anyone who likes stories with a strong plot and characters you won't be able to stop from making their way into your heart. I'd recommend readers pick up a copy of this book....more
Alderslay is a story full of everything, a mysterious rundown Mansion, bodies under the floorboards, and over weMy Review of Alderslay by Val Portelli
Alderslay is a story full of everything, a mysterious rundown Mansion, bodies under the floorboards, and over welcoming neighbors. Woof the dog was my favorite character I could just imagine the cute dog watching over Gina after she rescued him. I also felt for Gina having a partner who was always away, never really there to help her with the new house. Steve also was an interesting character that throughout the book I wasn’t sure I trusted him or not, but he did have an effect on Gina.
The story itself follows Gina as she’s looking for a new adventure, a new home. After looking at other places she finds herself faced with an old Mansion that feels in the middle of nowhere, yet the town is not far away. Gina feels this is her new adventure. However, is the house all it seems? Will there be a dark history of bodies looming under the floorboards waiting to jump out? Will Woof keep Gina safe with his doggie senses? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
I liked the contrast between how Paul and Steve made Gina feel. Paul made her feel he was just doing what she wanted for a quiet life. Not really fully in the venture with her. However, with Steve, she could bounce off ideas, disagree, and still feel like they were on the same page. I think this comes through very well in this book.
I also like the descriptions of the house and land. I think the author does a great job at making you picture what living in the house was like, the ground, the house, the creepy noises, or the chilly feeling from the basement.
To me, this book goes between creepy and romantic and a bit cute when it comes to Woof. The end was very enjoyable and came full circle.
If you like books that are full of mystery, fun and interesting characters, and a chill feeling sometimes. You’ll love this book....more
My Review Of Dolores’ Choice by Patricia Asedegbega
Dolores’ Choice follows a young Dolores as she’s growing up and learning about the world and boys. My Review Of Dolores’ Choice by Patricia Asedegbega
Dolores’ Choice follows a young Dolores as she’s growing up and learning about the world and boys. She’s quite rebellious in nature and doesn’t really want to follow the path her parent thinks she should. But she also cares a lot about her parents and this does shine through in this story. I also found parts of this story very well written with emotional themes such as when Dolores’ friend talks about losing her child and her experience at an abortion clinic. Also, I thought this story talked a lot about how one choice can lead a life in a way you really don’t want and you really feel the tug between Dolores’ wanting to go home, having good parents vs those who truly are stuck in a world without much support.
The story itself follows Dolores as she goes off to meet a man who has captured her affections. She lies to her family that she’s off with friends, little did her parents know she would not be returning home. Will Dolores’ run off with this man? Or is he too good to be true? Will she ever make it home again? You must read this book to find out.
I did find this book was well written and dealt with some very sensitive themes very clearly. The author also does a great job at showing what Dolores’ goes through vs what her family is going through and all their thoughts and feeling very much envelopes you into the story. If you like books with great characters, A journey with an end, and some emotional themes throughout. You will enjoy this book.
House of Grace is an emotional coming of age story. I really like Katy and Grace in this book. Grace My Review of House Of Grace by Patricia M Osborne
House of Grace is an emotional coming of age story. I really like Katy and Grace in this book. Grace is much more of a simple soul, she’s learning who she wants to be and what her talents are. Whereas Katy is very much a wild child, feels like she knows where she wants life to go and how to get it. I felt they complimented each other as friends. I also liked how even though they both come from money and class that the two families couldn’t be more different in the way they looked after each other. Katy’s parents were much more loving, let her go off by herself, and dealing with whatever happened when it happened kinda people. Whereas Grace never really seem to know her parents and related more to nanny’s and staff who helped bring her up.
The story itself follows Grace and Katy as they leave school and fall into the world of boys and freedom. Grace find Jack and Katy Eddy and slowly they both become enthralled in love. But Grace is already destined to Marry a man of her father’s choosing and Jack is no more than a miner. Will Katy and Grace come up with a plan to keep Grace free to be with Jack? Or will Grace end the year married to someone her father chooses? You must read this book to find out.
I liked Jack’s character too, he seemed a kind at heart person and a hard worker wanting to make his father proud by going down the mines and living as his family always had. I thought some of the moments he spent with Grace were touching and you could tell he had a respectful way about him compared to Eddy.
I also felt that the author did a great job at showing how Grace had dreams that were more than being a house wife, but still she could do both if she wanted.
I did have tears in my eyes towards the end of this book, many parts of Grace’s life and Katy were very sad and you could very much feel Grace’s pain throughout. But also her strength in how she picked herself up and showed resilience.
I also really liked uncle Max, he was a very balanced man and stood by his wife in a very hard time. But still, he could see that where his wife blamed and ran, he needed to be home and not hold blame where there was none.
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy coming of age stories with interesting characters and emotional family moments....more
Don’t Go Back is the perfect follow on from 76 Silver Street. While both books can be read alone, there is sMy Review of Don’t Go Back By Anna Shenton
Don’t Go Back is the perfect follow on from 76 Silver Street. While both books can be read alone, there is something delightful about getting to know these characters from the start of 76 Silver Street and seeing where their story goes in the new book. It’s amazing how a gripping story ends so fast. I sat down yesterday evening after getting all my housework done and by 2am had finished this book. I really loved seeing the characters again, Rosa, Ollie, Jack- they are all unique in their own ways.. I also found the end surprising and rather emotional.
The story itself follows Dan and Molly as they come up with a plan to bring Rosa back home and out of Jack’s arms. Molly is desperate to see Rosa and tell her how they are family and so she sets off to Rosa’s boarding house under the rouse that she’s writing a book on places to stay. But not before long she finds that all is not well.. Will Molly bring Rosa back to Dan? Or Rosa choose to stay with Jack? Will all be well at the boarding house once more? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
I found Dan such a slimy character, on the one hand he loves Rosa, but on the other he treated her so badly with sexually charged games among his friends and although throughout the book the author does a great job at making you want to sympathise with his loses and his love, for me I just didn’t like him as a person.
Jack on the other hand, I felt, he was matured from the last book and had become the man he should have been. He might have had no money and liked a little drink sometimes, but his heart shown through and I really felt for him more.
Also, one of my favourite characters was Stella, she’s very loyal to Jack and cares about Rosa in many ways. But she also doesn’t like dishonesty and therefore makes some rash choices.
I also thought the end was surprising and didn’t see it coming at all. Always thought the story was going a certain way, but nope it does surprise and end the opposite with an emotional and nail biting twist.
Overall, I recommend this book especially if you have read 76 Silver Street, but also if you like interesting and well round characters and the story that you’ll finish quickly because it’s so hard to put down....more
My Review of Who Hides Here? Footprints in the forest. By Rachel Coverdale. Illustrated by Shelly Oyston.
Who Hides Here? Footprints in the Forest is aMy Review of Who Hides Here? Footprints in the forest. By Rachel Coverdale. Illustrated by Shelly Oyston.
Who Hides Here? Footprints in the Forest is a beautifully illustrated book. The pages with all the different animals in the forest is enough to delight any child as they discover each one through the descriptions and footprints. I think even parents will enjoy the artwork while reading this book with their child.
The story seeks out the discovery of all kinds of woodland animals from their hiding place. Who is hiding in the bushes? Who is hiding in the field? You’ll have to put your explorer mind to good use and find out.
I also loved that the author left space for a mirror or photo of the child reading the story so they too can find themselves in the forest. I thought this was a special idea and one that parents and grandparents could even get creative with and take a photo of their child when exploring a walk for the book.
I also liked that this book has a few little games at the end, like spot the difference and how many snakes of different colors. But also nice advice on the country code for young children to learn.
I would recommend this book for young children and parents to read together and take in all the beautiful images and creatures we have in our woods and around us. If you like books about animals and the adventure of finding where they are hiding, you’ll love this book....more
My Review of Nightmare Asylum and other Deadly Delights by Sonia Kilvington
Nightmare Asylum and other Deadly Delights is a book of short story full ofMy Review of Nightmare Asylum and other Deadly Delights by Sonia Kilvington
Nightmare Asylum and other Deadly Delights is a book of short story full of dark fantasy, deep routed psychological fascinations, and the twisted times when asylums were full of people committed for disturbing acts and emotional states of mind. I really enjoyed each story because I think the author got into the mind of characters’ dark thought and emotional attachment and helped the reader not only see the terrible acts some committed but also what brought their mindset to that point.
The book itself starts with Nightmare Asylum where a midwife dreams of being stuck in the hospital she works at when it was an Asylum. She’s lost and scared, but one night after waking from her dream she is needed by the hospital to deliver the baby of Evelyn Green a well-known child killer. However, this delivery changes her life for the worst now and no one wants her near their children. What could be so dark that mothers fear there midwife.? Does she really belong in an Asylum after all? You’ll have to read this collection of stories to find out.
Though there are many stories I enjoyed, one that stuck in my mind was about a man who was fixated on a young girl because of her dress. It was interesting because although he was clearly mentally unstable, the reasoning behind his need was to recreate the person he’d lost long ago, however, I think his story told that no matter how close to memory you feel it will never be the real thing and therein lies the darkness the drove him forwards.
Also, the story about the android made me see the future in a new light. This one was rather interesting because being in love and attached completely was what the bot was programmed for and yet the actions, he took to never leave his intended made me shiver.
The author does an amazing job of looking at how far a person can go down a dark road and the horror people leave behind the lives of the others.
I would recommend this book if you like dark stories, scenes, and characters that will take you down the darker side of the human mind. I also think anyone who has watched the American horror series would really enjoy this collection of short stories…...more
My Review Of Robberty Bobberty And Friends By Rachel Coverdale,
Illustrated by Shelly Oyston.
Robberty Bobberty and Friends is a beautifully illustratedMy Review Of Robberty Bobberty And Friends By Rachel Coverdale,
Illustrated by Shelly Oyston.
Robberty Bobberty and Friends is a beautifully illustrated and told story for children aged 4-8. Even I quite enjoyed reading this book in the sense it reminded me of all the great books that brought reading alive for me. If I were a child I think this would be one I’d want to read again and my nieces love these kinds of books as they can easily say some of the rhyming words.
The story itself follows a cute bunny called Robberty Bobberty as his mother shoos him out to play and learn a new skill. But can an energy fulled Robberty Bobberty stop long enough to learn what his friends and the world around him have to teach him? You and your young children should read this book and find out.
I really thought all the little creatures featured in this book were well presented in a fun and beautiful way such as the frog with her babies growing in their eggs and the mouse with her carrot growing from the ground. Each creature has something to teach us. I think children will really connect with the images as well as the little learning aspect throughout the book.
I also thought the end of the story makes this a perfect bedtime read for adults to read to their children and was rather calming and cute ending.
I would recommend this book if you have children who love rabbits and other cute animals all tied up in a fast-paced exciting adventure....more
My Review Of Growing Only Dandelions by Joan Hugues
Growing Only Dandelions is an emotional story teetering on life and death. This story is about abusMy Review Of Growing Only Dandelions by Joan Hugues
Growing Only Dandelions is an emotional story teetering on life and death. This story is about abuse, forgiveness, and redemption for Bethany. While this is a vivid story centred around God’s love and the will to fight through ugliness inflicted by others to find peace in oneself. I thought it was interestingly written to show how life events can not only change a person but also shape their self-belief and tendency to self-harm in later life. I also like that the book gives a glimpse into a heavenly realm that makes you question, do the choices we make on earth slow us down to finding true peace in the afterlife? Or even in the present?
The story itself follows Bethany as she anxiously watches over her son and husband playing on the beach in the sea. She can’t get this feeling of doom out of her mind, and so after waking in the hot sun, she notices her husband and son is no longer there. In her panicked mind, she sees a body floating in the water and rushes to save them. However, the waves are strong and pulls her down. Will Bethany see her loving husband and son again? Will she get pulled from the sea alive or has her worldly journey come to an end? Read this book to find out.
My favourite character is Tommy, he starts out as a character that you may not really like his actions, however, throughout the back-story you get to see his true heart and the way he shows kindness to another and later in life is rewarded back for his kindness.
I thought Author Joan did a great job at really showing how one little girl found love through others and found her spiritual journey despite her self-harm and abusive upbringing. Also like how she painted a vivid image of the past, present, and afterlife within Bethany’s portrait of herself, the ugliness she feels, vs the love and joy others see in her.
While the end for me was very unexpected and rather sad. I think if you like reading books about God, the afterlife and a journey from self ugliness to searching for peace then you should give this book a read....more
Vampire Hospital is a gritty, somewhat violent paranormal novel. However, I found the characters intriguMy Review of Vampire Hospital by Angela L Carr
Vampire Hospital is a gritty, somewhat violent paranormal novel. However, I found the characters intriguing and I liked the contrast between Dr. Collins and Jeff. In some ways, throughout the book, you want to believe one is redeemable, whereas the other does such bad acts against women he never could be in anyone’s mind. However, I think a change in storyline squished that idea for me. Even though I had to keep reading to see how their story ended.
The story itself follows Susie as she suffers a terrible car crash that changed her life forever. However, at the hospital, she meets the charming Dr. Collins who offers to change her life again, but accepting his offer comes at a great price, not only will Susie lose ties with her family, but also she will live many lifetimes in the dark shadows. Will Susie choose a life with Dr. Collins? Or will she accept her fate and stay with those she loves the most? Will either choice be all she’d been led to believe? Read this book to find out.
I liked Susie’s character. I think she had heart and in the throes of death, all she really wanted was to take the hand of her brother and be with him. I also think this beginning makes her life choice surprising and also that she then had to live with her path made her a strong and somewhat scary character.
Jeff was just one of those characters that starts off a bit misguided and end where you can’t help but hate him and his acts against humans. However, I think his actions do throw you off compared to that of other characters and make you question are there really any good souls left?
Author Angela does a great job at surprising readers with many twists and turns in her story, as well as casting some very vivid dark scenes that help you get into the mindset of her characters’ lives. Also, those scenes pose a question of who is the real baddie in this book? Who should one want to be there by the end?
The end was quite surprising, and I thought very fitting for this book. If you like dark, gritty stories with supernatural beings, bloodsuckers and lots of twists and turns, you should give this one a try. ...more
My Review of Zach’s Cross (How To Live Forever Audiobook) By E.M.G Wixley.
Zack’s Cross is the fourth book in this enchanting series. I really love howMy Review of Zach’s Cross (How To Live Forever Audiobook) By E.M.G Wixley.
Zack’s Cross is the fourth book in this enchanting series. I really love how this story drags you into the magic, horror and demonic goings on from the start. The sound effects are amazing and if you close your eyes and listen you can see every scene play out as if you were a ghost listening in behind a wall. I also love the voice of the creepy doll it sends cold shivers whenever you hear it. I really hope there is going to be a fifth book because the cross series is by far my favourite, I’ve followed this year.
The story itself follows Eve as she come to terms with the many losses in her life by talking to the wise and cat loving Max. However, soon Eve finds herself nursing a man back to health, but between her hope of his recovery and her discovery of who he is, is there a darkness or a lighter soul bringing him back from the dead? However, will he live? Will Eve’s life be forever change from the sadness she feels? Will those battling between darkness and the light remain honest to themselves or will the demons and witches be too much to handle for any of them?
I found Ruben to be a very interesting character as his life spirals out of control after the death of his son. He struggles to keep a grip and drags those around him down the creepy dark hole of his emotions too. But I also think throughout this book you see many sides of him.
I also loved that Kane one of the keepers of light was having his own troubles throughout this book. He’s one of my favourite characters and can shape-shift, which makes him someone not to mess with. However, he also loves deeply and goes looking for Rose to save her from danger.
Author E.M.G Wixley does a great job with not only conveying the emotions of her many creepy, mysteries and wonderful characters, but also the world they live in and how damaging and scary that world is when dark forces overtake the light. This book makes you wonder can darkness ever be redeemable? Can light cover all sins?
I also love the blend between demonic and witchcraft and the power of that feeling inside that make one feels doomed like something bad will happen now or in the future. I thought this was beautifully shown through Eves’ dreams the plaque her adding to her sorrow.
I highly recommend this audiobook as well as all the books in the Cross series. They are creepy and enchanting to listen to and the characters will stay in your mind long after you’ve finished listening to this book. So why not turn down the lights, light a candle and step into a world full of creepy and supernatural surprises with this book....more
My Review Of The Status Debt (Hunted) by Edie Baylis
The Status Debt is a gritty, sexually charged, violent psychological thriller. I found Tori to be My Review Of The Status Debt (Hunted) by Edie Baylis
The Status Debt is a gritty, sexually charged, violent psychological thriller. I found Tori to be a very interesting character. She is forced into a life that is influenced by her mother’s need to be respected by high society. However, Tori is strong under her easily controlled personality and throughout the book I wanted her to stand up to her to be husband Matt. I also enjoyed the power balance between Matt, a posh daddy’s lad and Hunter a rough and ready biker member with a heart underneath the distraction caused by him and his crew
The story itself follows Tori as she struggles to accept her life with a controlling future husband and a selfish mother. As her life spirals out of control and the thoughts of who and why her father was murdered race around her mind. Tori is pushed into a world of drugs, lies and abuse. Will Tori get out of her wedding to Matt? Find the truth about her father’s murder? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
One of my favourite characters was Ash Hunter, although he’s done many terrible things, he wants to change. Ash Hunter, I think over time turned himself into a remorseful man that was able to show some good in his heart, but still had a dark streak he wished he didn’t. In contrast, Matt was never remorseful about his abusive ways and would take pleasure in Tori’s pain. I think the author does a great job at twisting who is actually “good” in this book and shows that humans especially under the influence of alcohol and drugs have a very warped sense of right and wrong.
I also liked Sarah’s character. She seemed like a person you’d want on your side. I liked how she saw good in Ash Hunter and his mates when others could not. She also seemed like a fixer and wanted to help Tori even when she rejected her help.
This book is a first in a series so it did leave me with unanswered questions towards the end. However, I enjoyed the dark twists and turns throughout this book and that it was very character-driven. Readers get a good overview of each character and can decide if they liked or disliked the morals and behaviours of characters. I look forward to reading book two in the future and hopefully get the answers to the questions the book one left in my mind.
I would recommend this book if you enjoy character-driven novels, heart-stopping moments and psychological thrillers that creep under your skin. If this sounds like you then give this book a try.
My Review Baby It’s Cold Outside by Renee Conoulty
Baby It’s Cold Outside is a festive and quirky short story. I really enjoyed listening to this storyMy Review Baby It’s Cold Outside by Renee Conoulty
Baby It’s Cold Outside is a festive and quirky short story. I really enjoyed listening to this story on Audible in the author’s own voice . The main character Macie is very relatable, and I think she was a strong person ready to find a path within the changes of her life. I also found the Author’s voice nice to listen to.
The story itself is about Macie who works in retail. She has a loving boyfriend who wants a family, kids and a life with her very much in it. However, over Christmas Macie realises her life is not at all what she wanted and she begins to rethink if she is really happy. What will this mean for her love life? Her career? Listen to this book to find out.
I thought Marcie’s partner was a well-defined character. I can understand his need for control over their relationship and his fears of being alone. I also admired Macie’s strength of really reviewing her life and accepting things might need to change to make her life happier and more fulfilled.
I would recommend this audible book if you like quirky, festive themed story with great characters and a relatable storyline....more
Oron Amular is a very well written and descriptive book. I very much liked the descriptions of the building anMy Review Oron Amular by Michael Harvey.
Oron Amular is a very well written and descriptive book. I very much liked the descriptions of the building and secret passages and the forest journey. I also thought this book has so many interesting and well-developed characters with names that are both intriguing and challenging to pronounce, reader will have fun trying as they join the journey I think.
he story follows Curillian as he is sent a scroll that only he can read. The scroll is sent by a magical keeper and invite him on a journey to a tournament that offers power beyond his wildest dreams. But to what cost will this journey be as he ventures into magical forests and meet with elfin’s that hold power of their own? Will Curillian complete his journey and find his true purpose? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
My favourite character was Curillian and his wife because I could picture their relationship and their drive to run their kingdom. I also loved the thought of magical creatures like wood elf’s and could imagine the history behind their lives.
I thought the author did a great job at putting a character list at the back of the book so that you can go and read their names again and what part they play in the world as this book is far more than I think my review can describe in terms of world building and story arc. But well worth reading.
If you love books that are full of magic, mystery, fantasy and great characters to journey with, you’ll enjoy this story. ...more
My Review of The Militia Man’s Lady by Alexie Bolton
The Militia Man’s Lady is one of a few books I read in December. I was excited to finish this storMy Review of The Militia Man’s Lady by Alexie Bolton
The Militia Man’s Lady is one of a few books I read in December. I was excited to finish this story. I have to say this book brought me through many emotions, and I thought Helena was a great character. A strong woman with so much on her shoulders. I liked Denman too, you could tell from the beginning that he was a good man with many scars for his troubles. It was clear that when two strong people cross paths there is going to be challenges between them.
The story itself follows Helena as her carriage get raided by bandits on her way home. Denman come to rescue her and helps her get back to her farm. He later finds out her drunk brother is trying to get his sister married to some unpleasant men. But fate has other ideas and after her brother returns, he’s later found murdered on the farm. Now who murdered him is the question that is on everyone’s lips. Was it Denman as he tried to protect a woman he just met but admire? Or one of her loyal workers finally snapped seeing their mistress being treated so badly? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
My favourite character was Helena because at heart she values others. She wants to help everyone around her, even if her life has been plunged into ill-repute in others’ eyes. I also thought the author did a great job at showing how strong and untrusting she had become and her challenges to open or even accept help from others because of past experiences in her life
I also liked Denman, he was at a crossroad in life and let himself get swept up in Helena’s life and troubles. I thought the contrast between his family and hers was also very telling to how they both viewed people and the world differently.
The author also has you at the edge of your seat towards the end wondering just what will become of Helena and Denman when her brother’s debts come calling. There are some dark and unanticipated twists and turns in this novel, that build the tension very well for the reader.
If you love gritty novels with historical feels, great characters and scenes that will both touch and break your heart then this book is for you.....more
My Review of Dear Jack (Lets Play A Game) by Tayler Macneill
Dear Jack is a chilling and fascinating read. I found that this book has so many differentMy Review of Dear Jack (Lets Play A Game) by Tayler Macneill
Dear Jack is a chilling and fascinating read. I found that this book has so many different threads that I couldn’t guess who was playing who until the end. I liked Jack and Kate’s connection throughout the book as it added to the shock and chill of the end of the story for me.
The story itself follows Jack as he opens a mysterious note that leads him into someone else’s game. As murders start to happen, his mental state changes. Has the note writer turned Jack into a killer too? Or is his to be the next body to be found? You’ll have to read his book to find out.
I liked how Kate had her secrets and right through the book came off the innocent party fearing as much as Jack did. However, in some places I felt for her as she had a traumatic past and in some ways, this led her to becoming more controlling and rather darker towards the end.
I though Jack was a very well written character with all the making of a killer. But there is more to Jack than I thought and my perceptions about him changed with each chapter right up until the end.
The author does a great job at writing her characters in such a way that you can’t guess who have good intentions or who does not. And she gets in their minds very well so the readers can also see the strange and wonderful thoughts and emotions of each character.
If you love books with chilling characters and a story that will keep you guessing until the very end, then give this book a try....more
My Review of Murder at Mistletoe Manor by Holly Tierney-Bedord
Murder at Mistletoe Manor is a great and entertaining audible book. I enjoyed how the naMy Review of Murder at Mistletoe Manor by Holly Tierney-Bedord
Murder at Mistletoe Manor is a great and entertaining audible book. I enjoyed how the narrator brought out the interesting and funny personalities of each guest that arrived at the inn for a night’s stay. I must admit I did find myself giggling at the lady who was talking to her dog. Then I thought to myself I hope I don’t sound like that when talking to my cats. The author did a great job of weaving the mystery of why the guests were there with a little festive touch. I also loved imagining the snow outside the inn and how this impacted the guests’ stay.
The story itself follows Klarinda Snow and her friends as they get the inn ready of an unusual number of guests. Klarinda Snow receives a package with money and a note that has her worried as the guests arrive. Later as one of the guests is found dead, she fears the worst and tries to get the police to uncover the mystery. Which one of the guests committed murdered? Was it someone she worked with before or is it the mystery package sender? You’ll have to read this funny mystery story to find out.
I felt for Klarinda Snow as her guests were very demanding considering someone invited them for a free night. But being an accommodating host, she did her best to please her guests with everything falling apart around her. Pierre the cook was one of my favourite characters as I could imagine him as a crazy funny cook, but also standoffish and likes his own routine.
If you like audible books with funny characters, a mystery to solve and a slightly emotional ending, you’ll love to curl up with this audible book on a cold winter night....more
I found Rosa both terrifying and emotional. The bond between Elizabeth and her grandfather spoke of love and My Review of Rosa by Jeanette Taylor Ford
I found Rosa both terrifying and emotional. The bond between Elizabeth and her grandfather spoke of love and how far one would go for those they love to save them from hurt and pain. I thought the author did a great job of keeping me as a reader on my toes. I couldn’t work out if the violence bestrode on Elizabeth with really the spirit of Rosa trying to find peace, or something more human and dark assaulting her in her sleep. Either way this book was very well written and I didn’t expect to have tears in my eyes by the end of the story.
The story itself follows Elizabeth as she leaves her job in the city and moves in with her grandad. However, soon she becomes a curios young lady and asks her grandad about a secret room in his home. This becomes the room where nightmare happens. But is it the ghost of Rosa making Elizabeth shiver at night? Or is there more to the people living around her than she could have ever imagined? You’ll have to read this spooky, gripping and heartbreaking story to find out.
I really like Elizabeth’s character, although not perfect she had a big heart and believed in the power of tree-hugging. Daniel was also a very interesting character and one that I imagined as a creepy all see gates keeper at first, but he grew throughout the story.
I also liked the setting in this book and the visits the characters took to Norwich my hometown. I recognised some of the places referenced which made this story more realistic for me and rather creepy as I’ve not read many books with Cromer and Norwich location settings and the author did describe them very well.
The end pulls my heart more than I expected from this story and I think other readers will also find the end most unexpected and emotional too.
This is a book with great and mysterious characters, realistic setting and an ending that will not only surprise you but tuck your heartstrings....more