Of Sands and Tides is completely different to what I would generally read, but I’m always happy to try something new and I have enjoyed losing myself Of Sands and Tides is completely different to what I would generally read, but I’m always happy to try something new and I have enjoyed losing myself in Georgianna’s story.
Georgianna is an interesting character leading an interesting but risky life as a special agent for the Ministry of the Arcane. She certainly isn’t one to shy away from danger! This she proves repeatedly in the eight adventures featured in this book. Each is as compelling, chilling, and suspenseful as the next. I found myself easily captivated and immersed in each case. Perfect escapism!
If you’re looking for something to help you to forget about reality for a while, then this is perfect for you.
** Many thanks to Jan Edwards for my epub review copy **
Fake Fling with the Billionaire is another gorgeous read by the very lovely Rachael Stewart. I don’t think I’ve disliked any of her main characters yeFake Fling with the Billionaire is another gorgeous read by the very lovely Rachael Stewart. I don’t think I’ve disliked any of her main characters yet. Cassie is extremely likable, and Hugo is just divine. We meet them both in Paris, the perfect place for romance! Of course, not all is plain sailing. They both have a past they are battling to move on from and they are both in the public eye. They decide pretending to be in love might give the paparazzi something new to report. Take the heat off Cassie for a while…. It’s only temporary, and not real of course! Or B…. I absolutely loved this story! I loved the setting and the characters (I really liked Hugo’s mother, and his father grew on me eventually). I loved being swept along as Hugo shows Cassie Paris at its finest. He’s exceptionally romantic and thoughtful. No wonder Cassie falls for him! This book made me smile, a lot! The epilogue brought a tear to my eye. Beautiful!
** Many thanks to Rachael Stewart for my review copy **
Old Enough to Know Better By Jane Wenham-Jones Old Enough to Know Better is OUT TODAY and if you fancy a lovely light read, with a fascinating bunch of Old Enough to Know Better By Jane Wenham-Jones Old Enough to Know Better is OUT TODAY and if you fancy a lovely light read, with a fascinating bunch of characters, then look no further. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I can’t say I really related to any of the characters as my husband is only three years older than me, but I do think age is just a number and many couples with big age gaps have very happy marriages. I’m sure it must feel difficult at times in the later years of the older partner’s life though when the younger partner isn’t ready to just exist at home for the rest of their days. Clare and Anna both have older husbands, and both love them dearly, but they are starting to struggle a bit and are finding themselves in an increasingly low mood. I did feel for them both. I loved Anna’s husband though, he’s such a sweetheart. Clare’s not so much! I really didn’t warm to Ellie either (Clare’s daughter). She’s a Daddies girl and is really quite awful to her Mum at times which I found quite sad. She’s quite immature and I was surprised she had managed to find herself a successful older boyfriend, especially one closer to her mother’s age. I was very keen to find out how that would all work out! I really enjoyed the relationships and friendships throughout this book. Every character adds depth and, in many cases, warmth to the story. I loved the emotion, the drama, and the laughs. I very much recommend. **Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley**
Old Enough to Know Better By Jane Wenham-Jones Old Enough to Know Better is OUT TODAY and if you fancy a lovely light read, with a fascinating bunch of characters, then look no further. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I can’t say I really related to any of the characters as my husband is only three years older than me, but I do think age is just a number and many couples with big age gaps have very happy marriages. I’m sure it must feel difficult at times in the later years of the older partner’s life though when the younger partner isn’t ready to just exist at home for the rest of their days. Clare and Anna both have older husbands, and both love them dearly, but they are starting to struggle a bit and are finding themselves in an increasingly low mood. I did feel for them both. I loved Anna’s husband though, he’s such a sweetheart. Clare’s not so much! I really didn’t warm to Ellie either (Clare’s daughter). She’s a Daddies girl and is really quite awful to her Mum at times which I found quite sad. She’s quite immature and I was surprised she had managed to find herself a successful older boyfriend, especially one closer to her mother’s age. I was very keen to find out how that would all work out! I really enjoyed the relationships and friendships throughout this book. Every character adds depth and, in many cases, warmth to the story. I loved the emotion, the drama, and the laughs. I very much recommend. **Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley**
First of all, many thanks to Marcie ;-) Mel Sherratt and Bookouture for my ARC of The Second Chance Shoe Shop. I make no secret of the fact that I am First of all, many thanks to Marcie ;-) Mel Sherratt and Bookouture for my ARC of The Second Chance Shoe Shop. I make no secret of the fact that I am a massive fan of Mel's / Marcie's. I have genuinely loved everything she has written and I'm always very excited to read her new releases. I feel blessed to be able to read them prior to publication. I've been lucky enough to meet Mel a few times now and we chat fairly regularly via email, Facebook, Twitter etc. I like to think we are friends :-) If you still haven't read any of Mel's or Marcie's books, you really should. You will love them!
Anyway, it took me all of my time not to start reading this immediately, but I was determined to save it for my weekend away in Northumberland and what a wonderful weekend it has been. Not only have I enjoyed the quality time with my husband and babies, but I have had the pleasure of getting to know Riley, Sadie, Esther, Dan, Cooper, Ash and the rest of the gang. What a lovely friendship they share. Riley, Sadie and Dan also work together at Chandler's shoe shop. Having a job you love is a blessing and getting on well with those you work with is priceless. The shop isn't doing so well though so, with Riley's lead they embark on a social media campaign (even involving a flash mob dance) in an attempt to bring the customers in. Local journalist, Kim Nash :-) and photographer, Ethan, are on hand to help. All goes well initially, but nothing is ever that straight forward. Riley hasn't had much luck in love. After a long term relationship ended she thinks she might have finally met 'the one' in Nicholas, but he leaves her heart-broken too. When she meets Ethan and acknowledges there is a spark between them, she is reluctant to trust. Would he be worth the risk? Sadie is grieving for her husband, Ross. He died a few months previously, of cancer. Her 6 year old daughter, Esther, helps to keep her going along with her job and her friends. She doesn't know where she would be without them, but being a widow at 35 is not easy and worrying about the possibility of the shop closing doesn't help. She's happy to help with whatever it takes to keep it open. She can't imagine working anywhere else. Dan feels the same way. They are all so close and having to find another job would be hard. His love life isn't great either and his friends mean the world to him. They need to keep the shop open! I loved the banter between the group of friends. Their stories are very real and as with all friendships they have their ups and downs. All of the main characters are very likeable which helped to make this book a joy to read. I think I would get on with them in real life :-) Cooper's friendship with Sadie is heart-warming. He is a lovely character. It was funny, for me, reading about Paul and Christine (Sadie's in-laws) as we have close friends (married) called Paul and Christine. Dan made me laugh! I even warmed to Suzanne in the end. I was willing them all to succeed in keeping the shop open and for them to find the happiness they are craving. All in all, this is a lovely story. I was hooked from the start and didn't want to put it down, but as much as I wanted to keep reading, I didn't want it to end either. Having said that, the ending is beautiful! It did make me cry. I'm sure a lot of people will relate to these characters and their stories. I recommend to everyone who loves a bit of romance, true friendship, a bit of a giggle and shoes! #shoelove
Many thanks to Mel Sherratt (Marcie Steele) and Bookouture again for my ARC.
First of all, many thanks to Marcie ;-) Mel Sherratt and Bookouture for my ARC of The Second Chance Shoe Shop. I make no secret of the fact that I am a massive fan of Mel's / Marcie's. I have genuinely loved everything she has written and I'm always very excited to read her new releases. I feel blessed to be able to read them prior to publication. I've been lucky enough to meet Mel a few times now and we chat fairly regularly via email, Facebook, Twitter etc. I like to think we are friends :-) If you still haven't read any of Mel's or Marcie's books, you really should. You will love them!
Anyway, it took me all of my time not to start reading this immediately, but I was determined to save it for my weekend away in Northumberland and what a wonderful weekend it has been. Not only have I enjoyed the quality time with my husband and babies, but I have had the pleasure of getting to know Riley, Sadie, Esther, Dan, Cooper, Ash and the rest of the gang. What a lovely friendship they share. Riley, Sadie and Dan also work together at Chandler's shoe shop. Having a job you love is a blessing and getting on well with those you work with is priceless. The shop isn't doing so well though so, with Riley's lead they embark on a social media campaign (even involving a flash mob dance) in an attempt to bring the customers in. Local journalist, Kim Nash :-) and photographer, Ethan, are on hand to help. All goes well initially, but nothing is ever that straight forward. Riley hasn't had much luck in love. After a long term relationship ended she thinks she might have finally met 'the one' in Nicholas, but he leaves her heart-broken too. When she meets Ethan and acknowledges there is a spark between them, she is reluctant to trust. Would he be worth the risk? Sadie is grieving for her husband, Ross. He died a few months previously, of cancer. Her 6 year old daughter, Esther, helps to keep her going along with her job and her friends. She doesn't know where she would be without them, but being a widow at 35 is not easy and worrying about the possibility of the shop closing doesn't help. She's happy to help with whatever it takes to keep it open. She can't imagine working anywhere else. Dan feels the same way. They are all so close and having to find another job would be hard. His love life isn't great either and his friends mean the world to him. They need to keep the shop open! I loved the banter between the group of friends. Their stories are very real and as with all friendships they have their ups and downs. All of the main characters are very likeable which helped to make this book a joy to read. I think I would get on with them in real life :-) Cooper's friendship with Sadie is heart-warming. He is a lovely character. It was funny, for me, reading about Paul and Christine (Sadie's in-laws) as we have close friends (married) called Paul and Christine. Dan made me laugh! I even warmed to Suzanne in the end. I was willing them all to succeed in keeping the shop open and for them to find the happiness they are craving. All in all, this is a lovely story. I was hooked from the start and didn't want to put it down, but as much as I wanted to keep reading, I didn't want it to end either. Having said that, the ending is beautiful! It did make me cry. I'm sure a lot of people will relate to these characters and their stories. I recommend to everyone who loves a bit of romance, true friendship, a bit of a giggle and shoes! #shoelove
Many thanks to Mel Sherratt (Marcie Steele) and Bookouture again for my ARC.
One Last Letter from Greece is a gorgeous read! Sophie is an instantly likeable character. My heart went out to her as it is devastating to lose a pareOne Last Letter from Greece is a gorgeous read! Sophie is an instantly likeable character. My heart went out to her as it is devastating to lose a parent, especially when they’re only in their 50s. I can fully understand her need to get away for a while. When she finds there is the possibility that one of her mother’s paintings might be in Methoni, Greece, she makes it her mission to try to find it, giving her the perfect excuse to escape for a while. Little does she know what she is about to discover. I love how brave some people are when it comes to travelling alone as I can’t imagine me ever doing it. Methoni sounds like a gorgeous place though. I could almost feel the heat of the sun and could happily find myself sitting on a balcony, sipping pinot, watching the glorious sunset over the sea. Hopefully under happier circumstances though. When Sophie meets Theo the chemistry between them is palpable, although not the most conventional of introductions. I was rooting for them from the very beginning. I fully believe in love at first sight. (It happened to me, and I have been married for twenty years next month.) I loved how their relationship develops but could also understand the practical issues they face, given that Sophie lives in London, has a business to run and a best friend who needs her. I understood her friend’s initial reaction to her relationship with Theo too as I experienced the same scepticism at the beginning of our relationship. Those closest to us, naturally, don’t want to see us hurt and many can’t understand that ‘when you know, you know’ feeling. It makes us seem quite naive initially, like we’re being a bit stupid for believing someone could fall in love with you so quickly and unfortunately only time can change that perception. This made her friend’s reaction very relatable. Sophie’s reaction to her lack of understanding too. I really enjoyed the dynamic of their relationship. Their genuine love for each other and ability to be nothing but their absolute selves with each other is heart-warming. I was totally swept along with the romance and intensity of this story. It isn’t without its ups and downs, as is often the case. A real rollercoaster of emotion. What Sophie finds out about her mother’s summer trips to Greece is just heart-breaking. My heart broke into tiny little pieces for one other character. I won’t say who though as I don’t want to give anything away. This book made me cry (a lot), but also made me giggle at times and smile (a lot!). I absolutely LOVED it and can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s an excellent debut novel and I look forward to reading more by Emma Cowell in the not-too-distant future, I hope. **Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley**
One Last Letter from Greece is a gorgeous read! Sophie is an instantly likeable character. My heart went out to her as it is devastating to lose a parent, especially when they’re only in their 50s. I can fully understand her need to get away for a while. When she finds there is the possibility that one of her mother’s paintings might be in Methoni, Greece, she makes it her mission to try to find it, giving her the perfect excuse to escape for a while. Little does she know what she is about to discover. I love how brave some people are when it comes to travelling alone as I can’t imagine me ever doing it. Methoni sounds like a gorgeous place though. I could almost feel the heat of the sun and could happily find myself sitting on a balcony, sipping pinot, watching the glorious sunset over the sea. Hopefully under happier circumstances though. When Sophie meets Theo the chemistry between them is palpable, although not the most conventional of introductions. I was rooting for them from the very beginning. I fully believe in love at first sight. (It happened to me, and I have been married for twenty years next month.) I loved how their relationship develops but could also understand the practical issues they face, given that Sophie lives in London, has a business to run and a best friend who needs her. I understood her friend’s initial reaction to her relationship with Theo too as I experienced the same scepticism at the beginning of our relationship. Those closest to us, naturally, don’t want to see us hurt and many can’t understand that ‘when you know, you know’ feeling. It makes us seem quite naive initially, like we’re being a bit stupid for believing someone could fall in love with you so quickly and unfortunately only time can change that perception. This made her friend’s reaction very relatable. Sophie’s reaction to her lack of understanding too. I really enjoyed the dynamic of their relationship. Their genuine love for each other and ability to be nothing but their absolute selves with each other is heart-warming. I was totally swept along with the romance and intensity of this story. It isn’t without its ups and downs, as is often the case. A real rollercoaster of emotion. What Sophie finds out about her mother’s summer trips to Greece is just heart-breaking. My heart broke into tiny little pieces for one other character. I won’t say who though as I don’t want to give anything away. This book made me cry (a lot), but also made me giggle at times and smile (a lot!). I absolutely LOVED it and can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s an excellent debut novel and I look forward to reading more by Emma Cowell in the not-too-distant future, I hope. **Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley**
Brake Failure is the first of Alison Brodie's books I have read, but it most certainly won't be my last! I have thoroughly enjoyed Ruby's story. The whBrake Failure is the first of Alison Brodie's books I have read, but it most certainly won't be my last! I have thoroughly enjoyed Ruby's story. The whole book spans the few weeks on the run up to (where most people are stressing about what might happen when the clock strikes midnight) and including New Years Eve 1999. It starts just before midnight on 31st December 1999. Sheriff Hank Gephart has been shot and it seems the shooter might be someone called Ruby. The story then switches to 16 weeks earlier when we first meet Ruby. There is no way on earth this woman would shoot anyone! It's obvious quite early on that Ruby has spent her whole life trying to please others (mainly her Step-mother) and competing with her Step-Sister, Claire. Ruby and Claire are chalk and cheese and whilst Claire isn't a likeable character, she is a fascinating one. I liked Ruby from the start. She's an insecure character, but finally feels like she has made her mother proud as she marries the respectable Edward. His job should soon take them to live in Paris which delights her, if for no other reason than to make Claire jealous. However, when the plans change she finds herself living in Kansas, miles away from her family and knowing no-one. Ruby is a very reserved character to start with, but she soon starts to come out of her shell when she becomes bored with her lonely life. She doesn't seem at all committed to Edward and her head is easily turned by other handsome men. One of which she can't get out of her head, however hard she tries. Ruby's story is quite sad in one way. Given her upbringing it's no wonder she is how she is. It is a very funny story though. I found myself chuckling away quite often throughout, especially during the scenes where Ruby is with her new friends, being very English, but trying her best not to be! Ruby reminds me of that one friend who is hilarious without actually trying to be. I LOVED her diary entries! The way her story is written is very clever. As the truth about the opening chapter was gradually revealed, I was well and truly gripped. I was quite surprised by it, but I loved the ending! Brilliant! I'm off to add all of Alison's other books to my TBR list now :-)
Many thanks to Alison for my Kindle copy of Brake Failure. I will happily recommend!
Brake Failure is the first of Alison Brodie's books I have read, but it most certainly won't be my last! I have thoroughly enjoyed Ruby's story. The whole book spans the few weeks on the run up to (where most people are stressing about what might happen when the clock strikes midnight) and including New Years Eve 1999. It starts just before midnight on 31st December 1999. Sheriff Hank Gephart has been shot and it seems the shooter might be someone called Ruby. The story then switches to 16 weeks earlier when we first meet Ruby. There is no way on earth this woman would shoot anyone! It's obvious quite early on that Ruby has spent her whole life trying to please others (mainly her Step-mother) and competing with her Step-Sister, Claire. Ruby and Claire are chalk and cheese and whilst Claire isn't a likeable character, she is a fascinating one. I liked Ruby from the start. She's an insecure character, but finally feels like she has made her mother proud as she marries the respectable Edward. His job should soon take them to live in Paris which delights her, if for no other reason than to make Claire jealous. However, when the plans change she finds herself living in Kansas, miles away from her family and knowing no-one. Ruby is a very reserved character to start with, but she soon starts to come out of her shell when she becomes bored with her lonely life. She doesn't seem at all committed to Edward and her head is easily turned by other handsome men. One of which she can't get out of her head, however hard she tries. Ruby's story is quite sad in one way. Given her upbringing it's no wonder she is how she is. It is a very funny story though. I found myself chuckling away quite often throughout, especially during the scenes where Ruby is with her new friends, being very English, but trying her best not to be! Ruby reminds me of that one friend who is hilarious without actually trying to be. I LOVED her diary entries! The way her story is written is very clever. As the truth about the opening chapter was gradually revealed, I was well and truly gripped. I was quite surprised by it, but I loved the ending! Brilliant! I'm off to add all of Alison's other books to my TBR list now :-)
Many thanks to Alison for my Kindle copy of Brake Failure. I will happily recommend!
I finished this book late last night and I still don’t really know how I feel about it. I mean, it’s definitely not the best read for anyone with a serI finished this book late last night and I still don’t really know how I feel about it. I mean, it’s definitely not the best read for anyone with a serious phobia of dying or someone we love dying (not that I imagine anyone being thrilled with the idea!). I think most of us worry about dying young and hope that we will go in our sleep at a grand old age. Imagine someone literally pointing to you and predicting the cause and age of your death. That would most definitely freak me out! Imagine being the woman who did this and having no recollection of it. Equally terrifying. There is no doubt she is a fascinating character. There are lots of fascinating characters throughout this story, many of them affected by this lady’s predications. It was interesting to see how they are all connected and how their lives pan out despite having differing reactions to this woman’s actions. I can’t say there is any one wow moment though and I think that’s what I was waiting for. There are many significant moments throughout the story though, some happy, some sad, some funny. All add up to a good psychological thriller that many people will love. Many people already have judging by the early reviews. I imagine it will be one that I will often think about. There just seemed to be something missing for me, but I can’t put my finger on what. I guess the point is, do you believe in fate, or do you believe you could challenge fate by changing your life to swerve danger if you knew exactly what the risks were!? A thought provoking read undoubtedly.
The Dilemma is the first book I’ve read by B A Paris but I hope it won’t be the last. Livia is turning 40 and had promised herself a lavish party to cThe Dilemma is the first book I’ve read by B A Paris but I hope it won’t be the last. Livia is turning 40 and had promised herself a lavish party to celebrate. She has pretty much been planning it for 20 years and really wants it to be everything she dreamed it would be. She has her reasons. Her husband, Adam, is more than happy to allow Livia the party of her dreams and has even arranged for an extra special surprise for her. However, before the party begins, he suspects something which will devastate Livia if true and he battles with himself over whether to tell her before the party or not, especially as he hopes he’s wrong and all will be fine. Livia has been keeping her own secret from Adam. Worried that her party would be ruined if she told him beforehand. They are both avoiding the truth. Both not wanting to spoil the party for the other. I could kind of understand both of their reasoning, although I did want to bang their heads together at times. I did really feel for Adam. I can’t even begin to imagine how I would deal with the same situation. It did make me question what I would do, and I honestly don’t know. Livia’s initial reaction was understandable, and my heart broke for her. This is a compelling, emotional read. One I will happily recommend.
** I purchased the Kindle edition of The Dilemma on the 2nd of September 2024 so I could join in with this month’s buddy read along with my Bookstagram friends. Good choice, Lucie! ** ...more
Under a Greek Moon is a such a lovely story set, for the most part, on a gorgeous sounding Greek island. Honestly, this book, and those by Emma CowellUnder a Greek Moon is a such a lovely story set, for the most part, on a gorgeous sounding Greek island. Honestly, this book, and those by Emma Cowell, have really made me want to visit Greece. It sounds amazing! This story centres around Hollywood star, Shauna Jackson, who has enjoyed a successful career and seemingly happy marriage. She has never forgotten her first love though. When her heart is broken after a devastating, sudden loss, she returns to the Island for a holiday and the hope of putting the past behind her. Little does she know…. Shauna is a very likeable character, as are most of the characters throughout this story. I very much enjoyed the stories they had to tell. I was never quite sure where I thought the story was going, but I knew the direction I wanted it to go in! There are one or two surprises along the way. One I never saw coming at all. One I twigged quite quickly but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the characters finding out. Just beautiful! I LOVED it!
** This is the first book I have read by Carol Kirkwood, but I hope it won’t be my last. I read the paperback copy. Her other books are now on my Wishlist **
The Sentinel is very different to most of the books I read. It’s YA fantasy and I didn’t really know what to expect from it. I enjoyed it far more thaThe Sentinel is very different to most of the books I read. It’s YA fantasy and I didn’t really know what to expect from it. I enjoyed it far more than I thought I might. It’s been like a breath of fresh air to step completely out of my comfort zone and try something different for a change. Eve is a very likeable character, with the weight of the world on her shoulders. What she discovers after being rescued from a crash would be a lot for anyone to come to terms with. I could fully understand her feelings regarding the unusual situation she finds herself in. This is a fast-paced story which has inspired me to add book two in the series to my reading list.
** According to Amazon I purchased the Kindle edition of this book on 28th June 2015. I am working my way through my TBR slowly, but surely ...more
I know I’m very late to the party, so to speak, but I also know I’m not the only one to bump this to the top of my TBR list in anticipation of seeing I know I’m very late to the party, so to speak, but I also know I’m not the only one to bump this to the top of my TBR list in anticipation of seeing the film at the cinema! I already owned a paperback copy, which I won via a giveaway. Anyway…. OH. MY. GOODNESS! What an emotional read! I liked Lily immediately. I liked that teenage Lily was kind enough to help Atlas in his hour of need. I like how their friendship develops, and I love how she writes her diary in the form of letters to Ellen. I really felt her mixed emotions towards her father, and her mother for ‘putting up’ with him. I love that Lily bites the bullet and opens her own florist. I love Allysa! When Ryle wanders back into her life the chemistry between them is palpable and my heart was so happy for her. That is until the first time he lets his temper get the better of him. My heart broke with hers as she faces the hardest of decisions. Thankfully I have no personal experience to draw from, but I could understand her reluctance to just leave Ryle immediately. He’s not a completely bad guy and is very likeable in many ways. It’s easy to see why she fell for him, and he obviously adores her. It’s just the most heart-wrenching of situations. I cried a lot reading this book, especially towards the end and especially during the hospital scene. I can’t even begin to imagine going through such heartache. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though…. I’m looking forward to reading book 2, It Starts With Us.
Every Last Suspect is a whirlwind of a read. The story happens over a very short period as Harriet’s husband attempts to organise a not-really-a-surprEvery Last Suspect is a whirlwind of a read. The story happens over a very short period as Harriet’s husband attempts to organise a not-really-a-surprise, surprise party for her 40th Birthday. Harriet is extremely high maintenance and seemingly changes her mind as often as her knickers and her poor husband is struggling to keep up with the demands of the party of the year. Honestly, I’d have told her to crack on and organise her own party! Lol! They are in an open marriage which seems to only suit Harriet. I really did feel sorry for her husband. I don’t understand people who get married but still want to sleep with other people. Just stay single! Or is it just me!? Harriet isn’t the most likeable of characters and I couldn’t really understand why everyone bows down to her so much. She seems to have some kind of power over these people. Especially her best friend, and bit on the side lover, Victoria, although I can understand the hold she has over her at least. It must be awful living your life constantly watching over your shoulder and putting such trust in another person to keep your secrets. I wasn’t quite sure where I thought this story was going to go to be honest, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. There are many other fascinating characters involved in this tale, and other little sub plots, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ending was a complete surprise and still kind of leaves me wondering. Such clever writing! I now need to go and add Nicola Moriarty’s other books to my TBR list as this is the first one of hers I have read and I loved it!
** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my ARC via NetGalley **
Nicole and Victoria are leading very different lives. One in Scotland, one in Spain. They meet in hospital, having babies on the same day, and have stNicole and Victoria are leading very different lives. One in Scotland, one in Spain. They meet in hospital, having babies on the same day, and have stayed friends ever since. They haven’t been able to spend much physical time together, living in different countries and with having covid restrictions in place for so long, but they both cherish their zoom catch ups and when Victoria announces she’s visiting Scotland again, with her twins, Nicole is over the moon. I loved how these two ladies became friends and how they are such a support to each other despite having so many miles between them and a pandemic to contend with. They both have their struggles and very much look forward to catching up properly and seeing their children (now three years old) play together. However, when Nicole’s older son is taken ill their plans take an unexpected turn and little do they know just how much their lives are about to change forever. This is such a heart-wrenching story. My heart broke for both ladies, and Nicole’s husband. (Victoria’s husband, not so much, he’s not quite as likeable.) I can’t even imagine how I would cope if I found myself in their situation. A parent’s absolute worst nightmare! I wondered however they would find a solution which is best for all concerned and I think they handled it perfectly in the end, considering how painful it must be. I absolutely loved Emma-Claire Wilson’s first novel, This Child of Mine, and I have absolutely loved When You Were Mine. It’s so beautifully written, full of raw emotion, sadness and heartache, but also family, friendship, smiles, laughter, and hope. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
** Thank you to the author and publisher for my ARC via NetGalley **
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