I know Nora Goes Off Script is widely regarded as Annabel Monaghan’s best novel, but it just didn’t resonate with me in the same way as the other two I know Nora Goes Off Script is widely regarded as Annabel Monaghan’s best novel, but it just didn’t resonate with me in the same way as the other two I’ve read.
When Nora Hamilton’s husband Ben leaves her and their two children without looking back, Nora vents her frustrations into a screenplay that is brought by Hollywood. And several scenes are scheduled to be filmed in The Tea House at the bottom of her garden.
The actor playing Ben is none other than sexy, smouldering movie star, Leo Vance. But when filming is up Leo doesn’t leave. He has a proposition for Nora. He’ll pay her a thousand dollars a day to rent The Tea House for a week to rest and recuperate. Nora reluctantly accepts as her ex-husband left her with debt up to her eyeballs. Right away she notices how good he is to her children – Arthur and Bernadette. At first she is annoyed by how much he trails her around and accompanies her on various errands, but pretty soon she realises how much she loves his company, and romantic feelings begin to develop. But what happens when the week is up?
There was a lot to appreciate about Nora Goes Off Script – it was a cute and sweet story with a lovely small-town setting, and I really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere. Nora and Leo’s early morning ritual of watching the sunrise together, and how their closeness developed from there, was touching. Annabel Monaghan’s writing was, as always, polished and engaging, and the pacing throughout was solid. I’ve said it before but she writes children especially well – I adored Arthur and Bernadette. I loved how inviting, comforting, and picturesque Nora’s home was – the perfect romantic backdrop – and I appreciated how vividly the town, the warmth of the community, and the supportiveness of Nora’s family and friends were portrayed. Leo’s family was also a lovely addition to the narrative. It was a quick and easy read, perfect for those on the go or pushed for time.
That said, I never fully connected with Nora or Leo – or with them as a couple. It all felt a little too insta love, and I never quite bought into their bond as a couple. Spoilers ahead:
(view spoiler)[Nora’s emotional detachment from her breakup with Ben never sat quite right with me. I completely understand that Ben was an unsupportive partner and a poor father, and I agree that she and her children were ultimately better off without him. However, I felt Nora lacked empathy and understanding regarding the impact of the divorce on her children. Their feelings of grief and loss were valid, and Nora’s seeming lack of sympathy, soldier on mentality, and failure to help them process their feelings, nearly cost her relationship with Leo. I also struggled to understand why she married Ben in the first place – especially given her early doubts about him and her eventual admission to Leo that she may never have truly loved him.
Leo, too, felt somewhat problematic to me. His readiness to believe Arthur’s message – despite all Nora had shared with him about Ben’s character – felt like a lapse in judgment. His anger and the blame he placed on Arthur when the truth came out seemed immature, especially considering he was the one who chose to take Arthur at his word, deciding to ghost Nora rather than giving her a chance to explain. I get that Leo felt hurt and betrayed, but again his behaviour screamed immature. Also I didn’t like how he let her and the children down by not flying back in time for the play as promised, especially knowing how much that kind of abandonment had already shaped their lives.
Maybe I’m reading too much into a contemporary romance that is meant to be a fantasy, but there you have it. (hide spoiler)]
While Nora Goes Off Script had many strengths, it just didn’t impact the same emotionally as Annabel Monaghan’s other works. Still, I admire her writing so much and look forward to reading more from her....more
What a remarkable debut – beautifully written, with warmth, enthusiasm, passion and emotional insight!
1999 – While staying with her grammy in the SoutWhat a remarkable debut – beautifully written, with warmth, enthusiasm, passion and emotional insight!
1999 – While staying with her grammy in the South Park neighbourhood of Raleigh, North Carolina, 13-year-old Sydney Singleton finds an old photograph in a dresser drawer of a girl around her own age who looks eerie similar to her. When she shows the photograph to her grammy, and asks who the girl is, her grammy stiffly tells her;
“We don’t talk about Carol.”
2025 – While cleaning out her grammy’s house, following her death, Sydney again stumbles across the photograph. But this time she asks questions and is floored to discover that her father wasn’t an only child – that his older sister Carol ran away to Detroit in 1965, at the tender age of 17, to pursue a music career. Even though they parted on bad terms, and her grammy and father never forgave her Aunt Carol for abandoning them, Sydney finds it strange that no one has heard from her in sixty years. It’s as if Aunt Carol vanished into thin air. And she’s not the only one – between 1963-1965 five other black teenage girls disappeared from the South Park area. And it makes Sydney wonder whether her aunt didn’t leave of her own accord after all – that maybe she was a serial killer’s sixth victim…
We Don’t Talk About Carol was an intricate mystery that keep me guessing at every turn. And the stakes were so much higher because the mystery was rooted in the protagonists own past. I loved how each clue unlocked the next, pulling me deeper into the mystery. Characters thoughts, feelings, and every line of dialogue was either exactly how I would respond if I was in that situation, or if it wasn’t, it still rang true.
The majority of the novel was narrated by Sydney as she investigated the six decades old cold case of her Aunt Carol and the missing girls, all the while dealing with past and present family drama, and the expectations still placed on married women in 2025 to reproduce and embrace motherhood. I was immediately drawn to Sydney and emotionally invested in her story until the very end. There were also diary entries penned by Carol, and I liked how they were short snippets only, self-centred observations and feelings that only revealed glimpses into Carol’s teenage life. Some authors tend to make the mistake of using diary entries as flashbacks when there’s no way that anyone would write in that much detail or be as forthcoming.
The 1960’s was a turbulent time, marked by racism, segregation, and civil unrest. Missing black girls were largely ignored, deemed runaways, generated little public sympathy, went unreported by the media, and were barely acknowledged or investigated by police. And in Carol’s case, no one was looking for her – everyone in South Park, including her own family, believed she had chosen to leave because she had been threatening to for years.
Another main theme of We Don’t Talk About Carol was one family’s chilling history of domestic violence and psychological and emotional abuse and how its shadow followed the survivors into adulthood causing them to carry the weight of repressed trauma shaped by years of fear and silence. Older siblings often stepped into parental roles, filling the gaps left by absent, overworked, or struggling parents. The novel also shed light on the complexities and challenges of a married couple navigating IVF, with a particular focus on one partner having doubts, fearing they might pass on their own mental health struggles and family history of addiction and violence to their child/children.
We Don’t Talk About Carol left an indelible mark on me, and in all likelihood will earn a spot in my top five of 2025....more
Atmosphere was the kind of love story that reminded me what it means to feel!
It’s December 1984 and newly qualified Astronaut Joan Goodwin is assignedAtmosphere was the kind of love story that reminded me what it means to feel!
It’s December 1984 and newly qualified Astronaut Joan Goodwin is assigned as CAPCOM for Mission Control at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston. She is the person who communicates directly with the crew aboard the shuttle. But while two astronauts are on a spacewalk, disaster strikes threatening the lives of everybody on board. People who all hold a special place in Joan’s heart – they’re friends and found family, but one person in particular means everything to Joan.
The characters in Atmosphere were unforgettable. The kind you carry with you long after you’ve read the final page. The altruism, selflessness, heroism, and compassion displayed by them reduced me to tears more than once – a mark of an incredible read. Conversations involving philosophy of religion, existence and meaning in a vast universe, and feminism provided the characters with even more depth, enriched the dialogue, and gave me a lot to think about.
The central theme of Atmosphere was the celebration of love in all its forms and glory – romantic, family, friendship, and humankind. The romantic relationship featured in this book was poignant, tender, and soul stirring. Joan and her love interest (who I won’t name as it was kept secret at the beginning) faced adversary, discrimination, rejection, and ostracisation. The bravery and courage it took for them to love openly, even from behind closed doors, against impossible odds, was an inspiration.
Throughout the novel Joan was unfairly viewed by certain characters as being childlike because she had never dated, implying that a romantic relationship is a requirement for adulthood, which is a reductive and unfair way of looking at things. I liked how the plot portrayed Joan leading a rewarding, mature, rich life prior to finding a partner. Furthermore, marriage and children were seen as the default, the ultimate to aspire to, but Atmosphere did an amazing job of showing that marriage and children is only one chosen path to fulfilment not the only one.
Motherhood without giving birth, was shown in the deeply rooted, meaningful, and beautiful bond Joan shared with her young niece, Frances. Joan showed up and was there for Frances at every turn and her love for her never wavered. For Frances, whose own mother saw her as an inconvenience, as someone to be managed rather than cherished, her aunt was home.
Another important theme was the sexism women entering the space shuttle program during that time period faced. Joan, Vanessa, Lydia, and Donna dealt with exclusion, ridicule, and were often the butt of jokes by the male astronauts. Female astronauts were expected to be perfect and hide parts of themselves for fear of being criticised for being overly emotional or physically weak. Their every action was scrutinised, dissected, and judged – not just as individuals but as a collective representation of their entire gender.
I pre-ordered the audiobook as soon as I heard that the narrators were Kristen DiMercurio and Julia Whelan and had every intention of listening to the entire thing. However, the first section of the novel included an overload of technical details regarding NASA, the key responsibilities of a CAPCOM, and space shuttle logistics, so I highly recommend reading the first chapters. I switched back to the audio when the plot rewinded to 1977 (the beginning of Joan’s astronaut journey), and it was smooth sailing from then onwards. Both narrators were phenomenal, and they embodied every character.
As mentioned in my synopsis, the opener contained a high-stakes, perilous situation. And yes, it was gripping and intense on a visceral level but failed to draw me in emotionally because the characters were strangers at that point. Once I had gotten to know Joan’s fellow training candidates I went back and reread the December 29, 1984 part and that really helped me become deeply invested.
Atmosphere is easily in the running for my favourite book of the year. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s best book yet!
*All the stars in the sky. I’m still emotionally reeling. This story hit hard, and I need a moment to process my thoughts before writing my review.*...more
A fairytale (think Cinderella x Goldilocks) crossed with Pretty Woman, with a dash of While You Were Sleeping thrown in!
3.5.
The company Declan Powell A fairytale (think Cinderella x Goldilocks) crossed with Pretty Woman, with a dash of While You Were Sleeping thrown in!
3.5.
The company Declan Powell works for is particularly family-orientated, forcing him to create a pretend girlfriend named Abby.
Abi Mariano is in a bind. Her apartment has a bug infestation, and as a struggling student working two jobs she’s unable to afford a hotel. So, she decides to crash in one of the apartments she cleans. Her client is out of town. He’ll never know.
So Abi gets the shock of her life when, while sneaking out the next morning, she is confronted in the kitchen by two smiling strangers, who don’t seem a bit surprised to see her there. It’s Declan’s place. They’re Declan’s parents. They think she’s the Abby he made up.
And when Declan finds out and confronts Abi, the two of them strike a deal. If Abi agrees to accompany him to a work function as fake Abby, he will allow her to stay in his apartment for a week.
But what starts out as fake soon becomes real.
Maid For Each Other was an adorable, comforting, light, entertaining, feel-good, laugh-out-loud romance. As you would expect it was formulaic and predictable – they fall in love and live happily ever after – and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The charm was in how they got there – the misinterpretations, the flirty back-and-forth banter, the physical and emotional attraction, the hilariousness, the third-act break-up, and the differences they had to overcome to be together. The 368 pages flew by, utilising short chapters alternating between Abi and Declan, with a fast-paced plot and scenes. Nothing about the novel overstayed its welcome. The love story contained many of my favourite (as well as popular) contemporary romantic tropes to enrich the fantasy – enemies to lovers, slow burn, fake dating, bet romance, opposites attract, forced proximity, mistaken identity, and accidental roommates. There was one love scene, but because of its focus on the emotions the characters were experiencing, there was almost zero spice, so mostly closed-door.
As much as I enjoyed this, I did have a few issues that prevented me from awarding Maid For Each Other five stars. The characters were fine, but there was nothing original about them to make them stand out from the rest. Abi continuously stereotyping all rich people, regardless of their character, really grated on me, and at one point it burst the romantic bubble during a crucial scene. Also, I know it was meant to be playful, but I didn’t like the way Declan kept referring to Abi as “a little shit” every time she frustrated him with her teasing. It landed awkwardly, and felt condescending, especially given her petite frame. Further to this, this read like a hallmark-style movie romance in every way except for the swearing. I am definitely not against profanity in novels by any stretch, but it stood out here in an otherwise wholesome read.
But ultimately, I was craving something light and fun, and Maid For Each Other delivered....more
Rounded up to 1.5 because the first few chapters delivered!
Fifteen years ago, something terrible happened at the abandoned fairground in the seaside t Rounded up to 1.5 because the first few chapters delivered!
Fifteen years ago, something terrible happened at the abandoned fairground in the seaside town of Hollow Bay.
The events of that fateful night haunt Rachel to this day, and she hasn’t spoken to her school friends since.
Rachel once had a promising future, but now leads a lonely, quiet, dissatisfied life.
Her alcoholic mother, who Rachel still lives with, holds her responsible for her father‘s death.
For as long as Rachel can remember the old fairground along the promenade has been closed. But now construction is underway. The funfair with its Ferris wheel, roller coaster, arcade games, and worst of all, the Funhouse, are set to reopen, and it’s filling Rachel with dread.
And Rachel is convinced that someone is watching her. And that they blame her for what happened that night.
The Funfair started with promise. It was atmospheric, eerie, and ominous. The abandoned Ferris wheel and roller coaster were powerful symbols, constantly looming in Rachel’s world and effectively setting the tone for a story rooted in past trauma.
However, after this strong beginning, the plot went steadily downhill. The present-day threats toward Rachel felt somewhat juvenile and were hard to take seriously. Character motivations were also puzzling at times. Following the reveal of the first major twist, it made no sense why Rachel would willingly reconnect with any of her old friends, and vice versa. And for characters in their thirties they acted remarkably like the eighteen-year-olds they were in parts of the story – without the italics marking flashbacks, I might’ve confused the timeline
I also struggled with the depiction of the police investigation, which lacked realism. For instance, one character provided an alibi for the wrong time of day, yet the detectives seemed satisfied which undermined the credibility of the narrative.
Given the serious themes addressed (see spoiler tags for trigger warnings), I had hoped for more nuance and sensitivity. At times, it felt like characters were being harsh or cruel simply to create tension. This left me feeling uncomfortable and emotionally disconnected from the story.
Lastly, the marketing was a bit misleading. The tagline and cover suggested a gripping psychological thriller, but the focus leaned heavily toward frenemy dynamics, and relationship and workplace drama. It wasn’t quite what I was led to expect.
Unfortunately, The Funfair didn’t work for me, and I cannot personally recommend it. However, readers more interested in character-driven drama than tightly woven suspense might still find elements to enjoy.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and Leah Pitt for the e-ARC.
Are the Bright family destined to repeat the cycle of addiction?
Ryan swore he’d never be like his alcoholic father. But when cracks form in his perfecAre the Bright family destined to repeat the cycle of addiction?
Ryan swore he’d never be like his alcoholic father. But when cracks form in his perfect life with Lillian, one drink turns into many – and he loses everything. Years later, sober and filled with regret, Ryan wants his family back. But is he too late?
Lillian still holds the memories of the love they once shared, but trusting Ryan again could come at a cost – to her, and to their daughter Georgette (Jet). Does he even deserve a second chance after what he’s put them through?
The Bright Years was a raw and unflinching portrayal of the physical, psychological and emotional effects and impact of alcoholism on generations of one family. It was an impressive piece of story-telling, and I fully connected with the characters and their journeys, and was emotionally invested right from the start. The way it was written was beautiful, moving, and unique – so much so that I found myself highlighting passage after passage. The author also used a lot of common idioms, and I love figurative expressions in writing – use them a lot myself.
There was one twist especially that really shocked and threw me as I had no inkling that’s where the plot was going. I enjoyed how it was divided into three parts, and that each was narrated by three people shaped by the events of this novel. For a family saga, encompassing four decades (1979-2019), as well as including a 1950’s prologue, and flashbacks to the 70’s, it was fast-paced, and at under 300 pages I read/listened to it in under a day.
There were quite a few trigger warnings, most of which I consider spoilers, so they’re tagged accordingly below. Just to reassure you though, nothing violent happend to the dog, Stethoscope (Seth), as I admit I did have a mini freakout when Jet got a pet, given the serious subject matter of this book.
The audiobook read by Ferdelle Capistrano, Joy Osmanski, and Lee Osorio was incredible. Thanks Libby Overdrive, it was worth the wait. Ferdelle Capistrano’s reading of child and tween Jet’s dialogue was a particular highlight, but all three narrators were amazing.
There was so much to love about The Bright Years – I’d definitely read more by Sarah Damoff. This author has been compared to Mary Beth Keane and Claire Lombardo – I haven’t read the latter yet but I could definitely spot similarities between Damoff and Keane.
Trigger Warnings:(view spoiler)[Alcoholism, addiction, and domestic violence, death of a parent, eating disorder, miscarriage, teenage pregnancy, and the pain of having to give up a child for adoption, death of the dog Seth through natural causes/old age. (hide spoiler)]...more
Why? Why did this happen? I feel like I've been ripped to sheds after finishing Broken Country!
Hemston, North Dorset, 1955 – When seventeen-year-old BWhy? Why did this happen? I feel like I've been ripped to sheds after finishing Broken Country!
Hemston, North Dorset, 1955 – When seventeen-year-old Beth Kennedy meets her eighteen-year-old neighbour Gabriel Wolfe (home from boarding school for the summer), their attraction is instantaneous – passionate and intense. They thought they’d be together forever, but it wasn’t meant to be.
Hemston, 1968 – Now twenty-nine, Beth is married to Frank Johnson, living a content life as a farmer’s wife. Frank’s the kind of man who’s been there for Beth through thick and thin, through joy and heartbreak. The kind of man she can count on. But when Gabriel returns to the village, moving back to his family's estate with his young son, old memories and temptations resurface for Beth.
The Trial, Old Bailey, London – At an unknown point in time a sensational trial has begun. Someone has been murdered. Someone else stands accused. What happened? And how did things escalate to this moment?
Broken Country was at its core a love story, but whose? It was also family drama, historical fiction, courtroom drama, and mystery. Regrets, secrets, jealousy, betrayal, sacrifice, loss and grief were all prominent themes. And prepare yourselves, because this was a very emotional read, I’m not ashamed to admit I cried at the end.
A feeling of dread was always lurking at the back of my mind while reading, because ever though I didn't know exactly where this was going, I had my suspicions, and none of them were good. As you can probably guess this novel contained a love triangle which has never been my favourite because you’re always rooting for one pairing over the other but it was interwoven masterfully. I wanted to yell at Beth for her terrible choices, to choose wisely, particularly in the 1968 timeline, as I tended to be more forgiving of her actions in the flashbacks given her immaturity and and inexperience with love and relationships.
The writing was beautiful and poetic but unusual – it had a rushed feel – and to be honest it took me a good 11% to immerse myself in the mood of the novel and feel a connection to the characters but once I was in, I was all in – completely committed and consumed.
The two main settings on the outskirts of Hemston – Blakely Farm (which had been in the Johnson family for generations) and the sprawling neighbouring estate of Meadowlands where the Wolfe family resided, gave off all the tormented, uneasy, gothic vibes. Nature held a special significance and reverence for these characters representing familiarity, connection, remembrance, and shared history.
Reading Broken Country has been an unforgettable experience....more
If you need a laugh and a break from reality, then do I have the book for you!
Overwhelmed by her Hollywood life as a soap opera star – and suspicion tIf you need a laugh and a break from reality, then do I have the book for you!
Overwhelmed by her Hollywood life as a soap opera star – and suspicion that her live-in boyfriend is cheating on her – 30-year-old actress Meg Bryan (stage name Lana Lord) escapes to a remote Airbnb cottage in the tiny Irish village of Avalon, a place where, years ago, she, along with her best friend Aimee, almost went to college.
But from the moment Meg arrives, things feel… off. Locals greet her by name. They speak to her as if she’s lived there for years. And somehow, impossibly, they believe she belongs.
In this strange version of reality, Meg isn’t famous. She’s not followed by paparazzi or trapped in a showbiz scandal. Here, Aimee – who died eleven years ago – is miraculously still alive. Only they are no longer friends, but Meg has no idea why, or what happened.
Meg has booked the cottage for one week. But as the days pass, and the lines between her real life and this alternate existence blur, she’s faced with impossible questions:
What happens when the week is up? Will she be able to return to her old life? And if she can, will she want to?
The Other Side of Now was pure escapism – light, witty, enchanting, uplifting, and endlessly fun – which was a welcome change of pace from the heavy, break-your-heart novels I’ve read recently, and exactly what I needed. But the plot wasn’t all light hearted, it also tackled serious topics like unresolved trauma, fight or flight, heartache, and resentment, especially the last half. They were also moments of striking insight.
The audiobook read by the author, Paige Harbison, turned an already hilarious read into an all-out performance. The humour and emotions were spot on. The accents were flawless. It is rare to find an author that can write as well as act. Talk about talented!
The characters were a riot – especially Kiera, Lisa Michelle, and Cillian’s mother, Marcia. Meg’s voice pulled me in from the first page – she was open-minded, warm, sentimental, and she loved dogs. What more could you ask for in a protagonist? Her love interest, Cillian was the ultimate dream guy, and who doesn’t swoon over an Irish accent! And, I wish I had a best friend like Kiera, she was so supportive, I adored her sarcasm, and her obsession with food. I could completely picture the quaint and idyllic Irish village of Avalon with its laid-back lifestyle, and quirky townsfolk. I really enjoyed all the pop culture TV and movie references and the delicious descriptions of food and snacks.
If I had to sum up my experience with The Memory Collectors in two words it would be, enduring love!
In 2028 Aeon scientists have developed the technolIf I had to sum up my experience with The Memory Collectors in two words it would be, enduring love!
In 2028 Aeon scientists have developed the technology to allow a person to time jump within their own past.
The rules are as follows:
1. You can only stay an hour in your past before being retrieved.
2. You have no control over which part of your past you jump into. It could be a treasured memory or a mundane and forgettable one.
3. And the most crucial rule of all, a trip to the past cannot alter the future.
Four people, about to embark on their time jump journey’s courtesy of Aeon Expeditions, fates are connected and intertwined by a tragic day, 25th August 2025.
Elizabeth lost her son.
Andy lost love.
Logan lost the use of his legs.
And Brooke… she lost her freedom.
And none of them understand why or how it happened. Three years later and that fateful day is still shouldered in mystery. Elizabeth, Andy, Logan, and Brooke crave answers and closure, unable to escape their crippling grief and loss and move on in the present. When all four's jumps land them back in time five days before the event that shattered each of their lives it's a golden opportunity for them to uncover the truth. And even though they’ve been told it is impossible, change what happened…
What an original concept The Memory Collectors was. So much tension and emotion. If you are a literary fiction lover don't let the sci-fi or time travel aspects prevent you from reading this one. I will be recommending The Memory Collectors to my mum, even though I know she loathes sci-fi and time travel, and I am 100% confident she will love this brilliant and beautiful novel. Also, if you are worried about this being too technical or scientific, don't, as the relevant time travel stuff is drip-fed rather than info-dumped, is easy-to-follow, makes complete sense, and is relayed to reflect the character narrating’s own experiences. The Memory Collectors followed four relatable, sympathetic, flawed people’s stories, whose lives have been torn asunder in an instant, and time travel was a unique and clever way for these characters to reconnect with their lost loved ones and lost livelihoods. As I mentioned in my tagline the focus was on enduring love – burgeoning love, romantic love, parental love, friends love, and the love to help, protect, and save people, even those who are almost strangers. The intricate way the puzzles pieces of the plot slotted together by the end was pure magic.
Due to other commitments, it has taken me weeks to read this, but it stayed with me during my hiatus, I didn’t forget a single thing I’d read, and as soon as I had the opportunity to re-immerse myself, I had no trouble getting back into it. I encourage everyone to pick up The Memory Collectors. I’ve already read the synopsis for one of Dete Meserve’s previous novels, Good Sam, and it sounds amazing too. I’m excited not only to get to her backlist, but that she has a backlist.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Dete Meserve for the e-ARC.
An I.V.F mix-up sees two families lives turned upside down!
When Raf Maccioni receives the results of an online DNA test for his 14 year old daughter AAn I.V.F mix-up sees two families lives turned upside down!
When Raf Maccioni receives the results of an online DNA test for his 14 year old daughter Ammy’s school science project he is confused and devastated when they reveal that there is no biological match to him, nor to his ex-wife Kelsey.
It is soon revealed that the I.V.F clinic they used made a grave error, and that another couple – Nathan and Shona Jones – are in fact Ammy’s biological parents, and Nathan and Shona’s 14 year old son Zac is their child genetically.
How do these four parents even begin to come to terms with this life-altering news – when they’ve each loved and raised a child they’ve thought was theirs in every way for fourteen years? And what about Ammy and Zac? How will they cope? Plus Nathan and Shona have another child who’ll be affected by the news – 11 year old, Pippa.
The Mix-up was my first read by Australian author Kylie Ladd, and it was a unique take on the whole ‘Switched at Birth’ storyline. This novel was light entertainment crammed to the brim with lifetime movie-style, family drama, but also dealt with the trauma, displacement, and rejection surrounding this situation in a realistic and emotional manner. It was great to hear from all six perspectives with the four parents (Raf, Kelsey, Nathan, Zac) and the two teenagers (Ammy and Zac) all narrating. It was a fast, easy-to-follow read, but wasn’t a 5 star one as at times characters behaviours and reactions felt off to me, and their were some conversations that were either rushed or skipped over that I would’ve liked the novel to focus on.
But for the most part I enjoyed this read very much – the family dynamics and differences between the two families, the fact that every character had unique personalities, hangups, and backstories and were easily distinguishable from one another. I loved the whole found family vibe and the various ways the two families tried to come up with solutions to the issue. And I loved the dogs.
I listened to the audiobook of The Mix-Up and Zoe Trilsbach definitely contributed to this being an easy and engaging listening experience. Kylie Ladd is certainly an author I’ll be reading more of in the future. I highly recommend this novel.
The eyes of the world are watching rising stars Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha. Will they be the Olympic figure-skating favourites?
Since they first laiThe eyes of the world are watching rising stars Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha. Will they be the Olympic figure-skating favourites?
Since they first laid eyes on one another as children, it’s been Katarina and Heath against the world. Years of ice-skating together as a team, these best friends turned teenage sweethearts are about to see their professional dreams realised. Kat has always known that she loves the competition and limelight more than Heath, but she also believes Heath will do anything for her.
This soapy sport drama chronicled the rise and fall of Katarina’s figure skating career, and her much-publicised fall from grace. In the prologue we learn that something catastrophic happened ten years ago, and that whatever it was still haunts Kat to this day. The answers were then bit-by-bit revealed in two ways – via a revealing documentary series interviewing those closest to the scandal, and through Kat’s own first-person account.
Layne Fargo introduced us to the glittering, breathtaking, cutthroat world of figure skating, and all the talent, ambition, struggles, competitiveness, gossip, backstabbing, and jealousy that goes along with it. The twists ranged from scandalous to shocking to somewhat off the rails by the end. The last 20% was a little too outlandish I thought, and didn’t really fit the tone of the rest of the novel. Layne Fargo did her research though, and it showed – I was completely immersed in the universe she created. The Favourites was also the story of all-consuming, obsessive love – the passion, longing, and desire of it, as well as the possessiveness and toxicity. Inspired by Wuthering Heights this novel was essentially a modern re-telling.
I listened to the audiobook on Spotify and Christine Lakin and Louise Zhu’s narration was a 5-star cinematic listen. Lakin was the perfect choice to voice Kat, and Zhu’s audience-style enthusiasm elevated the written material. I’m sure this title will be nominated for the 2025 Goodreads Choice Awards Audiobook category, deservedly so. If you enjoyed the documentary/high drama-type performances in Taylor Jenkins Reids’s, Daisy Jones and the Six and Lisa Jewell’s, None of This is True then definitely check out The Favourites audiobook. You won’t be disappointed!
I think Layne Fargo has found her writing niche with The Favourites....more
While the residents of North Falls, Georgia, are all occupied enjoying the 4th of July fireworks, two local 2.5 rounded up to 3, a.k.a pretty average!
While the residents of North Falls, Georgia, are all occupied enjoying the 4th of July fireworks, two local teenage girls – Madison Dalrymple and Cheyenne Baker – are being abducted from the carpark.
Deputy Emmy Clifton-Lang (the official Amazon blurb lists Emmy’s surname as ‘Clifford’, so it’s either a typo, was altered for the published version, or differs depending on edition), along with her Sheriff father Gerald Clifton, are first on the scene where all that remains are two mangled bicycles, a smashed cellphone, and blood. Emmy feels guilty, because when Madison tried to reach out to her earlier in the night, Emmy was too preoccupied with her crumbling marriage to listen. The hunt is on to find Madison and Cheyenne alive. But as the hours pass – hope fades.
Unfortunately, We Are All Guilty Here suffered from the same issues I had with another crime novel I read earlier in the month in that the characters were the standout. I really enjoyed Emmy, and all the supporting and peripheral characters. Her family drama and revealed secrets were another highlight. Also, the crime was emotionally affecting, and the character of Emmy did a superb job of conveying this.
There were some clever, surprising twists throughout the novel, but the resolution to the crime was pretty anticlimactic, didn’t bring anything new to the table, and contained a lot of telling rather than showing. There were disturbing moments but We Are All Guilty Here was pretty tame for a Karin Slaughter novel, which I have to admit, I was kind of disappointed by. The first 30% was a five-star read for me – however, I struggled with the twist that occurred soon after that point, and from then onwards I thought the excitement and urgency of the investigation tapered off. Speaking of the investigation, there was far too much time spent on interviewing suspects and the discussions of evidence grew repetitive. If you’re not a fan of police procedures, then I doubt you would enjoy this one. Finally, it was overly long, and there just wasn’t enough happening to sustain its length.
In conclusion, We Are All Guilty Here was underwhelming overall, and as much as I liked the characters, I’m not sure I’m curious enough to continue this series. Hopefully I’m in the minority, and other reviewers/readers will enjoy it more.
I’d like to thank Netgalley UK, Harper Collins UK, and Karin Slaughter for the e-ARC.
Uplifting, delightful, inspirational, hilarious, and full of heart! I loved this collection of wonderfully quirky characters.
Lucy Holt and Greta von BUplifting, delightful, inspirational, hilarious, and full of heart! I loved this collection of wonderfully quirky characters.
Lucy Holt and Greta von Bosse lead charmed lives in Dallas, Texas, and Charlottenburg, Berlin, respectively. Lucy is preparing for her son’s high school graduation and has just landed a prestigious new client. Greta and her husband Otto are set to embark on a year-long adventure in New York City.
But everything changes in an instant. Lucy’s family is rocked by scandal, and with her husband Mason unreachable for six months (I won’t spoil his profession – it’s too funny to ruin!), she’s left to manage the fallout on her own. Meanwhile, Greta’s New York plans are derailed, and their new destination becomes Dallas – a city that leaves Greta feeling unenthusiastic and deflated as well as scrambling for last-minute accommodations.
When Lucy spots Greta’s Instagram post looking for a house swap, it feels like fate. Berlin offers the escape her family desperately needs. And so, Greta and Otto head to Dallas, while Lucy, her 18-year-old son Jack, and 8-year-old twins Alice and Zoe flee to Charlottenburg.
What could possibly go wrong?
Far and Away was a joy to read. The novel was packed with hilarious misunderstandings and moments of miscommunication. I connected with Lucy and her family immediately. It took a little longer to warm to Greta and Otto, but once they arrived in Dallas and encountered the Holts’ smart home – not to mention their two dogs, three cats, and one guinea pig – I was completely invested.
This book made me laugh out loud so many times. It was funny, sweet, and entertaining, yet balanced the humour with emotional depth, never slipping into slapstick. The final quarter was full of surprising twists, chance meetings, and overlapping plot lines which made the story even more engaging.
All of the characters were well developed. I was genuinely sad to say goodbye. I also appreciated that the narrative occasionally shifted to other characters beyond Lucy and Greta, adding more richness to the story.
I listened to the first half of the book and read the last half, and I have to say the audiobook was a standout. The narrators brought the story to life, with spot-on accents and a clear sense of fun. Their delivery especially helped with the German dialogue, which could have been tricky to interpret otherwise. It’s easily one of my favourite audiobook performances to date.
And can we talk about the Holts’ smart home? Total dream house! Plus, six glorious pets? Yes, please. Interestingly, this was the second Texas-set book I’ve read in a row featuring a high-end designer home. But where Party of Liers had a house that felt cold and foreboding, the one in Far and Away felt warm and welcoming.
After writing this review, I checked the official synopsis and was relieved I hadn’t read it earlier – it gives too much away. I’m so glad I went in only having read friends’ reviews. There were several twists I wouldn’t have wanted spoiled.
Amy Poeppel is now on my list of authors to explore further. If her other books are anything like Far and Away, I’m in for a roaring good time....more
The Elements series by John Boyne is a collection of four novellas – Water, Earth, Fire, and Air – each representing the four elements found in natureThe Elements series by John Boyne is a collection of four novellas – Water, Earth, Fire, and Air – each representing the four elements found in nature. Air is #4.
On his 40th birthday a father and his 14-year-old son board a plane flying from Sydney to Dubai. But that’s not the end of their journey. And there are things Aaron needs to confide in Emmet - terrible family secrets that he has kept hidden from his son in order to protect him. And maybe sharing his story will allow not only himself and Emmet to start to heal, but also other victims affected by the events of Water, Earth, Fire, and Air.
What an emotional conclusion! Air definitely brought tears to my eyes, and I was so grateful that we were given closure, justice, and hope for the future for characters who had endured and suffered so much past trauma. This novella took us full circle, back to where it all began with ties to all three previous instalments, but especially books one and four. I estimate Air took place approximately eighteen years after the harrowing events of Fire. Out of the four, this one was the least distressing and disturbing but still contained some very dark themes. One scene in particular was very chilling. This entire series has been amazing. As always, John Boyne is an incredibly versatile and gifted writer.
Be advised that the content warnings listed in spoiler tags below contain major spoilers for this novella, and the series overall. I only include them because the crimes perpetrated in this book will be very triggering for some readers.
Trigger Warnings:(view spoiler)[Mentions of historical child sexual abuse and rape of children involving two paedophiles. Mentions of historical suicide. (hide spoiler)]...more
1997 – Seventeen-year-old Maggie McCormick, and her 16-year-old sister Lizzie lose their mother to a rare, genetic,*HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY*
Holy Smokes!
1997 – Seventeen-year-old Maggie McCormick, and her 16-year-old sister Lizzie lose their mother to a rare, genetic, incurable blood disease. Her final wish, that her daughters promise to watch over their father because there are many women in their small town of Heartstone, New York, who will take advantage of his grieving state. But one gold-digger is persistent!
2023 – Maggie is flying high. She is now the mayor of Heartstone, married to a brilliant surgeon named Alex Dunn, and together they share fifteen-year-old twins – Kevin and Kate. But Maggie’s world comes crashing down when her latest test results reveal she has the same blood disease her mother had. She remembers how the women flocked around her father back then. She doesn’t want to leave her husband and kids vulnerable to that. Maggie has a plan.
A thrilling premise, a title that grabbed my attention, and eye-catching cover art. I was pretty much sold when I swiped to the first page, and once I’d read the foreboding prologue I was hooked. Don’t Tell Me How to Die was a psychologically disturbing story of deceit, deception, and misdirection. I was immediately drawn to the characters, and quickly grew to like and care about them, even as I reminded myself that I probably shouldn’t trust or grow attached to anyone in a thriller. I think because the 1990’s timeline read more like literary fiction/family drama, saga/YA it lulled me into a false sense of security. Although there were some parts even in the first half where I was like, “I smell a rat!” But nothing could have prepared me for the whirlwind number of twists in the last half. How it all came together in the end was executed to perfection. Did I guess correctly regarding any of it? Nope!
Another highlight was the dialogue, every line felt natural, real, and on-point. And even though there were dialogue tags they weren’t needed as every character had a distinctive voice and tone. The humorous dialogue really stood out as well, and lightened the mood. And I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention the setting of Heartstone and its charming sense of community and neighbourhood, and how the author brought it to life with his intricate descriptions of the layout – I could clearly picture all of it in my head.
I’m unable to think of a single negative. And my fellow reviewers are in complete agreement as I’ve read so many glowing 5-star reviews praising this one. I’m sure there’ll be many more to come once Don’t Tell Me How to Die is released next month. My top favourite of the novels I’ve read so far published in 2025.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Marshall Karp for the e-ARC.
Remember in Sizzling Sixteen when the Bail Bonds office Stephanie Plum works as a bond enforcer for was burned to the ground?
Well, Smokin’ Sevent3.5.
Remember in Sizzling Sixteen when the Bail Bonds office Stephanie Plum works as a bond enforcer for was burned to the ground?
Well, Smokin’ Seventeen kicks off with a bang. Construction crew unearth the body of a local strip club owner, buried beneath where the original Bail Bonds office stood – well technically where the trash bins were housed. And pretty soon the bodies are piling up, and it soon becomes clear that someone is targeting Stephanie. And she has a long list of enemies.
On top of that, the temporary bonds office is a motor home that is hard to find because it keeps moving locations. Stephanie and sidekick Lula are trying to apprehend a skip who thinks he’s a vampire. Then there’s a runaway bear, an angry chicken, Stephanie’s mother is playing matchmaker again, two curses have been placed on Stephanie by her on-again-off-again boyfriend’s Grandma Bella, and as per always Stephanie’s love life is a confusing disaster.
The main mystery in Smokin’ Seventeen was solid, with a tense wrap-up, and surprising motive. Most of the book was fun, light, entertainment with so many hilarious, laugh-out-loud moments. It was fantastic to re-visit these beloved characters after so many years. The tone of the writing, and the writing itself is perfect for this series with the right balance of funny ha, ha one minute and serious the next.
But there’s a pet peeve in that I’ve grown tired of the whole “floating timeline” as it’s very repetitive. The stand-out instalments of the series are the books that do something different, like when Stephanie had to work in the button factory. I wish the characters would age, progress, evolve, and the whole Stephanie/Morelli/Ranger love triangle is tiresome after seventeen books.
I will continue reading, but I think the series is overdue for a revamp and refresh....more
‘“Be careful what you wish for,” the old woman says.’
26-year-old Lucy Young is tired of her damp flat, inconsiderate flatmates, being unappreciate
‘“Be careful what you wish for,” the old woman says.’
26-year-old Lucy Young is tired of her damp flat, inconsiderate flatmates, being unappreciated and undermined at work, and suffering through one bad date after another. After a particularly trying day – while seeking shelter from the rain in a newsagent – Lucy spies a fairground type ‘wishing machine’ in the back of the store. She inserts a quarter and wishes away her frustration.
‘I wish I could skip to the good part, where my life is sorted’.
The next morning Lucy wakes up in her 42-year-old body. She lives in a beautiful home, works at her dream job, is married to an amazing guy named Sam, and has two adorable children, seven-year-old Felix and baby Amy. Her wish has come true. All of her old worries and problems are no more. But there are new heartaches, and obstacles to contend with. Because no one’s life is ever perfect, at any stage. And more to the point – Lucy has missed out on sixteen years of her life – the good, and the bad.
The Good Part was a contemporary romance with a time travel/magical realism twist. Overnight, Lucy had gone from being a carefree single girl to having marriage and motherhood thrust upon her which made for hilarious, heartfelt, tender, sweet, and fun reading. The chapter where Lucy wakes up in the future with no idea where she is or how she got there was laugh out loud funny. Her reactions, confusion, and horror were spot on. No one copes well with change, so you can imagine how alien it would be if you lost sixteen years, how foreign everything would be. Sophie Cousens included some creative technological advancements. Lucy’s son Felix was so wonderful – you’ll fall in love with him I promise. This author sure writes believable children.
The romance was unique since Sam had loved Lucy for years, had all of the memories of their 12-year relationship, but to her he was a stranger. It also contained some serious and moral topics centred around grief, loss, the shock and pain of not remembering, embracing and living life to its fullest, and not taking a single day for granted. The Good Part is perfect for those who like their contemporary romances with a side of child-rearing and family life, or who love the idea of time travelling to the future. Reminiscent of 13 Going on 30 or Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella. The Good Part is my second read, and also my second five-star read by Sophie Cousens. An utter delight from start to finish. I can’t wait to read more of her backlist....more
Bea was a college student studying to be a doctor when she met Declan, a man twenty-one years her seniorBeatrice Alright’s life is far from all right!
Bea was a college student studying to be a doctor when she met Declan, a man twenty-one years her senior. She quickly felt pregnant to him, moving into his Dublin flat, and quitting school to raise her daughter, Ellie. Bea loves being a mother, but four years later, the rest of her life is far from ideal – Declan is emotionally distant, stingy with money, and rarely home since he travels a lot for his career, and Bea is struggling to make ends meet working all hours as a hospital cleaner. But always one who looks on the bright side and sees the best in people, Bea is convinced that Declan is only days away from proposing. But instead Declan drops a devastating bombshell, one that sees Bea and little Ellie, broke and alone with nowhere to go on the snowy streets of Dublin weeks before Christmas.
Bea’s journey to find stability and a place to call home for herself and her young child was as heart-wrenching as it was heartwarming. As strong and resilient as she was, losing her parents at a young age and growing up in the foster care system meant her search for love and need to be cared for left Bea vulnerable to being taken advantage of by others. There were several characters I wanted to punch! Bea had the kindest, gentlest nature, it only took the first few pages of the book to understand how altruistic, thoughtful, genuine and generous with her time she was. Unfortunately, she naively thought those she surrounded herself with would give back the same in return, but as we know sadly that isn’t always the case. Thankfully, there were characters in this novel who were willing to reach out and lend a helping hand and heart.
A main theme of this novel was the shock of sudden and hidden homelessness and the shame, embarrassment, and sense of failure associated with it, and I thought the author handled a serious social problem in a realistic and sensitive way. A second prominent theme was new unexpected friendship, burgeoning new romance, and found family. And these parts were a delight. I adored all the bonds that formed. Four-year-old Ellie was also adorable, and her dialogue and behaviour was age appropriate. Which brings me to the third theme – motherhood. Bea was an incredible mother, always putting her daughter’s needs ahead of her own, and it was always abundantly clear that she loved Ellie more than anyone, and would sacrifice anything to protect her.
There were some dark, tense moments, a truckload of emotional ones, several tears shed, but overall The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright was a warm, enveloping hug. Included in the kindle version is an excerpt from Brooke Harris’ 2023 novel – Memories of You, which sounds just as moving. I look forward to reading it and everything else she’s written. It only took me a day to read this. - I think that speaks for itself!...more
You’ll fall in love with this picturesque setting! So many glorious animals!
Shearwater Island holds many a secret – Located be*HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!*
You’ll fall in love with this picturesque setting! So many glorious animals!
Shearwater Island holds many a secret – Located between the Tasmanian coast of Australia and Antarctica. Home to many rare species of animals. But life on the island is threatened due to climate change and rising sea levels.
Nine years ago, following the death of their mother, Dominic Salt brought his three children to live in Shearwater’s lighthouse. They are caretakers for the island’s Research Facility which houses scientists several months of the year – who are tasked with studying the wildlife, weather, and tides.
During the worst storm the Salt family has ever endured an injured woman named Rowan washes up on the shore. Where did she come from? Shearwater is so remote that she had to have been on her way there. But why? What does she want? She will I pact all their lives.
Wild Dark Shore was bleak, dark, tender, eerie, and mysterious yet there was still happiness and hope for the future to be found even in the direst of times. The main characters were brave, strong, courageous, and heroic and they loved and respected the land and sea as much as they did each other. I am almost certain this was set in the present day but could just as easily taken place slightly in the future.
My main take away after finishing this novel was the enduring strength of the unconditional love, powerful unshakeable bond, and protective instinct that exists between parents and their children. And that everything in nature is not only connected – weather, trees, plants, crops, insects, animals, humans – but dependant on each other to survive and thrive. Mother nature is as glorious and pure as it is unrelenting and destructive. Also, that nowhere on the planet is untouched by the devastating effects of climate change and man-made destruction.
The writing was hauntingly beautiful, captivating, insightful, and hit every emotional beat expertly. It was also deliberately vague, dreamlike, and flowery, which may be too frustrating for some readers. Definitely a mood-based read requiring patience and concentration, but the payoff was 100% worth it. A slow burn – particularly the first half, but the last handful of chapters were tense and fast-paced. There were some exceptional twists sprinkled throughout that left me reeling. And keep those tissues handy, and prepare yourself, because it was a tear-jerker! If you need a good cry, this is the book for you. The narration shifted between Rowan, and the three members of the Salt family, with the youngest child’s (nine-year-old Orly) chapters reciting the evolution of various plants and their importance.
Charlotte McConaghy is a new-to-me Australian author whose backlist I’ll definitely be delving into.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Penguin Random House Australia, and Charlotte McConaghy for the e-ARC.
Publication Date:4th March 2025.
Trigger Warnings:(view spoiler)[Underage sex with a minor/paedophilia, Animal Cruelty and Mass Death – Seal culling resulting in the near extinction of the elephant seals and royal and king penguins in the 19th century (historical mention but graphic). (hide spoiler)]...more