Debbie's cafe was where all her friends congregated and when it was decided they form a book club, meeting at the cafe once a month after it closed inDebbie's cafe was where all her friends congregated and when it was decided they form a book club, meeting at the cafe once a month after it closed in the evening, everyone was excited. Gradually they worked their way through their chosen books, all by Australian authors, (most of which I've also read), as well as eating delicious snacks, enjoying a wine as well as talking and laughing. Several of the women were pregnant, with their babies due fairly closely together. There was excitement, anxiety and happiness for them all.
When Millie was hired to be manager for Debbie's cafe while she was off on maternity leave, Millie slotted in easily. She also joined the book club and came to know the friends well. But when tragedy struck, the town came together and the cafe became a place for friends to grieve...
The Barrington Book Club is #8 in the Barrington Series by Aussie author Susan Mackie and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It reminded me of when I was in a face-to-face book club many years ago, and the fun we'd have once a month, with our differing opinions of a particular book. The characters are great, easy to get to know - I was entertained completely with this book, and recommend it highly.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Sisters, Marie and Louise Beaufoy were caring for their nephew Andre, after Andre's father, and his grandfather headed for the front lines. Paris was Sisters, Marie and Louise Beaufoy were caring for their nephew Andre, after Andre's father, and his grandfather headed for the front lines. Paris was inundated by Germans and Louise decided they would join the resistance, becoming some of the brave people who would hide British and American servicemen until they could have them delivered to safety. Marie was working at the postal department and wages were sparse. Trying to feed four American airmen, Andre plus themselves was becoming a struggle, so Marie joined the volunteers to head to Germany to work. She was promised good food and good wages - she soon realised her dire mistake...
When Louise was compromised by a Frenchman who was a German spy, they knew they needed to leave. Heading for the Spanish border, Louise and Andre led the four men from one safe house to the next. But tragedy struck just before the border and Louise was arrested while one of the men was shot. Eventually she arrived at Ravensbrück, a concentration camp solely for women. The following months were horrendous - would she escape from the camp? Would she ever see her family again?
The Girl Who Saved Them is my first read by S.E. Rutledge and I enjoyed it very much. Louise and Marie were like chalk and cheese; both great characters but different. The courage that the two women showed especially Louise as she saved a great number of servicemen, stood out. I know there were countless resistance members during the war that were incredibly courageous; I hope many of them survived to live full and happy lives. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Jamie Shaw's constant feeling of grief ramped up again on the two year anniversary of her beloved husband, Ed's death. The car crash that had taken hiJamie Shaw's constant feeling of grief ramped up again on the two year anniversary of her beloved husband, Ed's death. The car crash that had taken him from her, numbed her if she let the visions in. But that night, the night of the anniversary, when she joined an online group on a virtual tour, she saw him. Jamie was stunned - it WAS him, she was sure of it. And so it began. As Jamie was getting her go-pack ready to leave, to head to Ireland, men with guns arrived. Hidden in the small safe room Ed had designed while the men ransacked her house, Jamie was determined to get out of her house and find the man she still loved with all she had.
Jamie was on the run, and her army training helped her stay one step ahead. But would she find Ed? And if she did, what would he have to say for himself? Could she possibly trust him again - or was he involved in something she wanted nothing to do with? Jamie's thoughts were jumbled, but one thing stood out in her mind - she wanted answers...
Dead Liar is the debut novel by Ruth Nina Welsh and is one of the best debut novels I've read in a very long time. Fast paced, electric, action packed thrills kept me glued to the pages; I don't think I've ever read an almost 400 page book so quickly! With excellent, well crafted characters, I really hope this is the beginning of a series as I'd love to see more of Jamie and Ed. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Seventy one year old Gina Knight was eighty nine year old Dorothy Reed's companion, and they had struck up a close friendship. Now, while Dorothy was Seventy one year old Gina Knight was eighty nine year old Dorothy Reed's companion, and they had struck up a close friendship. Now, while Dorothy was on a cruise with some other friends, Gina was heading to France to be companion/carer for Meredith Harper and her husband Gerald, who was in the early stages of dementia. Meredith and Gerald had recently moved to a chateau owned by her daughter and son in law, and the plan was Rose would take care of them, while working in the chateau. But when Rose and Hugo's son was seriously injured in an accident, they flew to be by his side, which was where Gina came in.
Meredith was a writer and was going to do her memoir. But she had broken her arm, so Gina would be her typist - a fact Dorothy knew about; she wanted Gina to spy on Meredith as many years ago she and Dorothy had been close friends. There had been much mischief in their young pasts, and Dorothy didn't want certain secrets coming to light. That put Gina in a spot...
The Old Girls' Chateau Escape is the 2nd in the Old Girls series by Kate Galley and I loved it! I read and fully enjoyed the first - Old Girls Behaving Badly - and was delighted to find a second book featuring the fearless, caring and full-of-life Dorothy and Gina! I certainly hope Ms Galley is writing more about these wonderful old girls! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review....more
June Marlow had spent twenty eight years in prison for killing her abusive husband in self defense. She was protecting her two daughters, ten year oldJune Marlow had spent twenty eight years in prison for killing her abusive husband in self defense. She was protecting her two daughters, ten year old Nicole and six year old Lu. But the courts didn't believe her case of self defense; June's mother, Elena, cared for and brought the two youngsters up to where they were now, both adults. And now it was almost time for June's release back into society. While Lu and her grandmother had both visited June over the long years, Nicole couldn't forgive her for killing the father she had adored. She had no memories of the night, but didn't want to see or talk to her mother. What would happen now June was about to be released? And would the secrets June continued to hold close to her chest, remain hidden?
To Save My Daughters is an immensely powerful and highly topical story which was well-written, with great care and compassion by Aussie author Louise Guy. The characters played their roles extremely well, leaving no room for doubt about the heartache that had rippled through, not just June's family, but others as well. I always enjoy Ms Guy's novels, and this one was no exception. Highly recommended.
Be aware, that although this story is about domestic violence, there is nothing "in your face" at all.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review....more
When Lady Kerenza Trengrouse spotted the Muffet's carriage arriving, she was astounded to see a monkey on the roof. Hurrying downstairs, she enc4.5★s
When Lady Kerenza Trengrouse spotted the Muffet's carriage arriving, she was astounded to see a monkey on the roof. Hurrying downstairs, she encountered Percival Muffet with his father. When Kerenza quietly told him she'd seen a monkey on the roof of his carriage, he was shocked and mortified - he was sure he'd locked her up before they left. And so began a fun and entertaining night at the ball, as two people tried to keep evidence of Genevieve, the baboon (not a monkey, said Val) from the adults and elite at the ball. Kerenza was part of those elite, but Val most certainly wasn't. He was kind and caring, but not a lord or a duke, or even an earl. Would Genevieve bring these two unlikely souls together, even though their parents' disapproved?
The Baboon at the Ball is the 4th in The Trengrouse Ball series by Aussie author Elizabeth Leydin (Pamela Freeman) and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Light and entertaining, with parts of the story told by Genevieve, it was fun! This is a delightful series, and hopefully there'll be more books to come :) Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Bridey McCaffrey and her three children were basically prisoners on the farm - Mindaleny Ridge - controlled by a brutal and cruel man, her husband ThoBridey McCaffrey and her three children were basically prisoners on the farm - Mindaleny Ridge - controlled by a brutal and cruel man, her husband Thom. The children were timid and scared of the man who was their father, while the eldest, six year old Alex, did all he could to keep his mother safe. The day tragedy struck on the farm was the day their lives changed; would it be a good change or turn their situation into something much worse? A phone call for help that Bridey answered, changed things again; then Sergeant Cole Delaney entered their lives.
Cole had arrived in the small township of Moonie River from Perth in Western Australia, hoping for a quiet life. When he was called out to Mindaleny Ridge, he knew the quiet life was a long way away. Bridey needed help, he could see that. And the children needed to trust again. Was it possible? The case that opened right up was a horrific one, and one Cole was determined to solve. These people had seen enough suffering...
Shattered is #4 in the Unfinished Business series by Aussie author Juanita Kees and it was outstanding. Fast paced, chilling, filled with tension and murder, it's another well-written episode in the series, all of which I've read. Some great characters, namely Chewy the goat who loved eating petunias; Gus, a gentle giant who was an excellent chef and was loved by all, especially children. Mrs Lee - many memorable characters in a book I highly recommend.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review....more
It was 1848 when Grace Randolph and her husband James left Oregon and Grace's siblings and family; she was sad to leave them, especially her brother TIt was 1848 when Grace Randolph and her husband James left Oregon and Grace's siblings and family; she was sad to leave them, especially her brother Tom. He was still young - she hated to be so far away from him. But she needed to be at her husband's side as they set off for California to make their fortune, with the gold fields seducing many. Finding a lovely spot to set up camp beside a river, which would hopefully produce gold, Grace and James were happy. After several months they decided to pack up camp and head for the new town called San Francisco. As the Randolph's procured some land by the wharf, as well as for a home, James began building warehouses. His vision for the future was a good one which would make them wealthy. The small cottage which was built for Grace took the possessions they'd been carrying on their mules. They were working hard, and were content. But danger was on the horizon - lawlessness was fraught in the new colonies, and men took it onto themselves to serve justice.
When James left with friend Geoff and his son Simon, Geoff's wife Hillary stayed in San Francisco with their daughters and Grace. The men were going searching for gold once more. Grace and Hillary had heard nothing of their men for months, and when they heard terrible news they weren't sure what to do. But the women were determined...
The Mountains Between Us is #2 in The Wild Horizon series by Imogen Martin and I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I did the first. The blurb was misleading, as the "mountains between us" section didn't occur until three quarters of the way through. But the characters themselves were hard working young people, women and men, and also quite diverse. I enjoyed the introduction of Cora as well as Ling Mei and really hope there's another book to continue Grace's story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review....more
It was 1937 in Cornwall when Kitty was visited by Lady Cordelia Hedges who had been seriously injured a few months prior, at the same time her father It was 1937 in Cornwall when Kitty was visited by Lady Cordelia Hedges who had been seriously injured a few months prior, at the same time her father had been murdered. Now she was sure someone was trying to kill her. Her memory of the time was broken; her psychologist was trying to help Cordelia regain her memories so perhaps they could discover who the killer was. Cordelia invited Kitty and Matt to the small village of St Mawes, where it all took place; her idea was being in the familiar area might jog those memories free.
As Kitty and Matt mingled with the other guests, who were also at the event where Sir Victor was killed, they could feel the tension in the air. Everyone knew what the aim was, but no one seemed comfortable with it. Would they find the killer before it was too late?
Murder on the Cornish Coast is the 19th in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon and it was brilliant! The twist at the end was not something I saw coming! Kitty, Matt and their bulldog, Bertie, are very familiar characters; it's like catching up with old friends each episode. I'm loving the series, and long may it continue! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Annie Murray's Secret Bookcase bookshop in the small town of Redwood Grove was getting ready for Valentine's Day, with a huge, weekend long match4.5★s
Annie Murray's Secret Bookcase bookshop in the small town of Redwood Grove was getting ready for Valentine's Day, with a huge, weekend long matchmaking event. She, along with Fletcher and Hal were in full preparation mode, and they were excited about what lay ahead. The first day was a huge success, but when Annie was heading into work the following morning, early, she came across the body of a well-loved member of the community. How did George die? Was it natural causes? The police were soon on the scene...
As the matchmaking weekend continued, Annie began searching for clues into George's death. There were plenty of suspects and her friends were helpful as she bounced her ideas off them. She was also wondering if in some way, this death was connected to the death of her best friend Scarlett, ten years prior. Would they find the person responsible for the murder?
A Victim at Valentine's is the 5th in A Secret Bookcase Mystery by Ellie Alexander and I enjoyed it very much. I'm also looking forward to #6 which will be the final episode in the series. Annie is an excellent character, along with most of the others. Well written, the plot drew me in from the first page. A fun and entertaining cosy mystery which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Clementine (Clemmie) helped her father with the mummies, reading hieroglyphs, until a strange mummy with two heads was unearthed, and against Cle2.5★s
Clementine (Clemmie) helped her father with the mummies, reading hieroglyphs, until a strange mummy with two heads was unearthed, and against Clemmie's wishes, her father dissected the mummy. In the 1800s amid the Egyptian relic parties, Clemmie's father was the toast of society. But five years later, after the deaths of her parents, Clemmie travelled to Egypt to right a wrong and try to save her sister, Rosetta, from being put into an asylum.
Clemmie met some fellow travellers, and together they journeyed the Nile, with danger threatening them all, but especially Clemmie. It was the arrival of Horatio that caused things to spiral out of control. With secrets and betrayals, and not knowing who to trust, Clemmie had to take her courage in her hands.
Nephthys by Rachel Louise Driscoll wasn't for me unfortunately. The writing style was such that it was hard for me to follow. It jumped around, back to when Clemmie helped her father, into dreams and myths, then into the current days with the friends she'd made - it felt disjointed and fragmented, and I was unable to feel connection with the characters.
With thanks to NetGalley & Penguin Random House AU for my digital ARC to read and review....more
It was 1943 in Germany when the Bergman family were cruelly separated. Their apartment in Hamburg was in danger of becoming a fireball, and altho4.5★s
It was 1943 in Germany when the Bergman family were cruelly separated. Their apartment in Hamburg was in danger of becoming a fireball, and although the nearby shelter was full, they squeezed in. But it didn't take the Nazis long to drag them out - first Dalia and Leo, then their children, Max, Jordanna, Lilli and Alfie. Dalia ended up in Auschwitz, while Jordanna, Lilli and Alfie were at a Polish camp for orphans. Leo and Max went in different directions - all heartbroken and wondering if they would ever see each other again. Jordanna and her siblings were worked hard, with little to no food. Exhausted, hungry - it was hard to keep hope in their hearts, but they tried to.
Dalia worked in the infirmary in Auschwitz, where she became robotic, watching the prisoners die one by one. With little to no medical supplies, it was a cruel and sick joke that no one except the Nazis were laughing about. When Dalia joined the camp's inside resistance, it gave her a modicum of hope, but also put her in dreadful danger. Dalia's hope was to see her family again, to reunite with hugs and kisses, but she had no clue whether it would happen or not...
The Family Behind the Walls is another well written holocaust story by Shari J. Ryan. Written in the voices of Dalia and Jordanna, the heartbreak was devastating, the actions of the Germans once again horrifying. Recommended to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review....more
When Ruby's parents died, she'd made a promise to her mother to look after her little sister Eliza, whatever happened. When they moved to their 4.5★s
When Ruby's parents died, she'd made a promise to her mother to look after her little sister Eliza, whatever happened. When they moved to their Aunt Martha and Uncle Stanley's home, Ruby and Eliza remained close; Aunt Martha loved them both and would do anything to keep them safe. But when the Germans began bombing London, and Eliza was terrified, Ruby made the decision to move them both to America until after the war. And while Antoine, Ruby's fiance, and his mother, plus Aunt Martha, all begged Ruby not to go, not to take Eliza away, she did it anyway.
The middle of the ocean, steaming toward the USA, and Eliza was happily playing with her new friends. Ruby kept close watch on them all. But a few nights into their journey, their ship was torpedoed. Lifeboats surrounded their doomed ship, and still Ruby was trying to keep her little sister safe... After Ruby's long recuperation, she begged everyone to find Eliza - but she knew, deep down, that she was dead. Taking the blame was what Ruby had always done. Now she needed to take her mind off the events of her past, so joined the SOE (Special Operations Executive), determined to head to France and take her revenge on the Nazis.
The Promise She Made by Julie Hartley was a great read and one based on a little known fact of WWII, which has been written about by others before. Ruby's life was a hard one and she struggled. But her independence and stubbornness could often be her downfall. I enjoyed The Promise She Made very much, as I did the first book of this author's that I read (Her Secret Soldier) Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Blood on Snow is a short Christmas crime story by Aussie author Rachel Amphlett and it was a compact, easy read with a murder, plenty of suspects and Blood on Snow is a short Christmas crime story by Aussie author Rachel Amphlett and it was a compact, easy read with a murder, plenty of suspects and no evidence. Probationary Detective Kay Hunter along with her peers, questioned the neighbours of the dead woman, and with the fact the snow was heavy and there were no footprints aside from Jesse (the cat), everyone was bemused as to how it could've happened. Would they discover who had killed her? Or would it remain unsolved? A great read which I recommend....more
Kara McIntyre had been with her boyfriend, now fiance, for eight years, but when a Hogmanay event went horribly wrong, she ended up with no job, no fiKara McIntyre had been with her boyfriend, now fiance, for eight years, but when a Hogmanay event went horribly wrong, she ended up with no job, no fiance, no home and no upcoming wedding. Ollie Chiles had been Kara's best friend since they were children, and always had each other's backs. But when Ollie's wife, actress Sienna Montgomery, was caught in a compromising clinch with a fellow actor, with the video going viral, Ollie needed to work out which was best - heading to Hawaii for Kara, or going to LA to seek out Sienna.
Meanwhile Alice Brookes had finally had the courage to leave her brutal husband after many years, and after staying with Val, a kind, caring and special woman, for six months, was flying to London to stay with her son and his girlfriend, and she couldn't be happier. When Alice met the son of the woman who had once been her best friend, Zac Conlan had a lot of questions for her. Alice had lost track due to her horrible marriage, so Zac's questions concerned her. What would be the outcome for these people who were drawn together?
One Day and Forever is another excellent story by Shari Low which I enjoyed very much. A lot of characters, but it didn't take long before they all slotted into their places. The four MCs - two who knew each other (Ollie & Kara) and two who'd never met (Alice & Zac) were pretty much perfect in their own ways, and although I only recently discovered Shari Low, I've been entertained by each of her stories, with this one no different. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Ben Sharpe was a country boy, having grown up on a farm with his parents. But when the family farm went to the wall, and Ben's father blamed Ben for tBen Sharpe was a country boy, having grown up on a farm with his parents. But when the family farm went to the wall, and Ben's father blamed Ben for the decisions he'd made, Ben left for the city, finding a job in the insurance business. He lived in a shoebox apartment and travelled into Sydney's CBD every day by train, doing the same in the evening to return home. Ben hated his job, and with his health teetering on the edge - headaches, migraines, anxiety - and no answer as to what was causing the problem, he got some coordinates with the help of his landlady, and after ditching his phone, headed for the Blue Mountains.
When he found the hippy community living off the grid, deep in the bush and buried in the mountains where there was no service of anything electronic, Ben was convinced to stay. The peace and tranquility saw Ben having the best nights' sleep he'd had in a long time. Working with the crops took him back to his life when things were simpler, and it felt good to be a part of the team. But after a few months, Ben's gut feeling that something wasn't right dogged him. Could he investigate quietly without anyone knowing? Or would it be the last thing he ever did?
Off The Grid is Aussie author M.J. Kelly's second foray into the world of fiction, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ben was a great character, determined to do what was right, and to make up for what had happened in his past. Set in both Sydney and the Blue Mountains made it familiar to me, and I could appreciate the beauty of the landscape that surrounded the characters. A tense, chilling and exciting read, Off The Grid is easy to recommend....more
Harriet Brown was only twelve years old in Wapping, Tasmania, in 1874, when her mother clipped her braid and cut her hair short; immediately Harriet wHarriet Brown was only twelve years old in Wapping, Tasmania, in 1874, when her mother clipped her braid and cut her hair short; immediately Harriet was Harry; a boy to work in the George Peacock & Sons jam factory as a label paster. Beside Harry as they worked was another young boy, Henry Jones, who was determined to become one of the best jam makers in the business. Harry and Henry became good friends, playing checkers in their lunch breaks, until four years later, Harry was unable to continue the deception. When she left the factory, her mother had organised her marriage to John Sprott, seventeen years Harriet's senior and the owner of Sprott's Jams, a small business which Harriet was expected to excel in. Harriet and John were happy together, making jam, and while Harriet had ideas for different flavours, it wasn't long before the new Sprott's Jams were very popular.
It was in the floods that Harriet first met Ruth who was on hand to help them with the clean up. Harriet and Ruth became good friends, and they worked together well. But trouble was to follow and soon, Ruth and Harriet had dark secrets no one could know. Continuing to work hard, times were both lean and prosperous. The Boar War came and went and all the while, Harriet's good friend Henry Jones went further ahead, following his dreams. What would be the outcome for Harriet and those she loved, as the years flowed by?
The Jam Maker is another exceptional historical novel by Aussie author Mary-Lou Stephens which is based on fact. The author's notes at the end of the book are very interesting; the research she dug deeply into, mind boggling. I loved the story, and the lives of Harriet and her family and friends, plus Henry's life, and his determination to succeed made the story all the more enjoyable. I enjoyed the author's first two novels - The Last of the Apple Blossom & The Chocolate Factory - and this one was no different. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin Enterprises for my digital ARC to read and review....more
It was Germany in 1944, and Maggie Sullivan was a reporter on the front line, with a US press pass, and she was determined it would get her where she It was Germany in 1944, and Maggie Sullivan was a reporter on the front line, with a US press pass, and she was determined it would get her where she wanted to go. Maggie held a secret deep inside, an alternative reason for entering enemy territory as Germany surrendered. But it wasn't a secret she would tell anyone any time soon. With the US Army at her back, along with the other women correspondents who would all meet up when they could, Maggie used her Kodak to photograph the horrors of war. When the army along with the reporters and investigators arrived at the Burkenwald concentration camp, the devastation and horrors were mind boggling. And Maggie continued to take photos; proof of the atrocities of war. Would Maggie find what she was searching for? Would she get out of Germany and the war with her sanity intact?
The Photographer's Secret is another exceptional historical novel by Ellie Midwood which I found hard to read in places, and in others I raced through, eager to discover what was ahead. The author issues a warning at the beginning which I took note of. But it just doesn't prepare you sometimes. I've enjoyed a few of the author's books prior to this one, and will continue to look for her work. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Joanna Johnson was startled when she received the mysterious letter from Rivers End, her one time home which she'd left twenty five years before and nJoanna Johnson was startled when she received the mysterious letter from Rivers End, her one time home which she'd left twenty five years before and never returned. Her Aunt Beryl still lived in Rivers End while Joanna lived next door to her parents in Brisbane. But it seemed things were about to change - could she go back to the place that had torn her heart apart, and had her burying secrets so deeply, no one else had ever known? When Joanna arrived, she was so pleased to see Aunt Beryl, even knowing her aunt was travelling to Brisbane to spend some time with her sister - Joanna's mum - after a long time between visits.
As Joanna tried to work through her memories of the past, as well as keeping out of sight so she wouldn't run into people she'd known all that time ago, she knew the stress and pressure from what was happening were weighing her down. The pieces of an old shipwreck which were washing up at Willow Bay taunted her; was it part of her long ago past? And could it be possible to move forward from the past, and for both Roslyn and Lucas to become part of her life once again?
The Secrets of Willow Bay is the 4th in the Temple River series by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and I loved it. Catching up with past characters - Christie especially - felt good, while the mystery surrounding Joanna and her traumatic past captivated me while it unravelled. I always enjoy Phillipa Nefri Clark's writing and recommend The Secrets of Willow Bay highly.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Dora lived with her Aunt Lenny in London and looked after the florist shop, although their sales weren't the best and they were both worried about theDora lived with her Aunt Lenny in London and looked after the florist shop, although their sales weren't the best and they were both worried about the future. But when Lenny offered Dora a holiday in the US, as Lenny had business over there, Dora had her best friend take over for her, and she and Lenny headed for Boston. When the two women arrived in Salem, Dora was shocked. She'd thought it was just Lenny and her, but it turned out she had another aunt, as well as her mother, both living in Salem. But that wasn't all the shocks that Dora was to have. As her memories gradually returned, Dora realised she and her aunts and mother had all been together in Salem back in 1692. She was remembering the terror of being hunted, of them being murdered for being witches - which of course they weren't. And of the different lifetimes they'd all endured, each with the same outcome.
Sephy, Lenny, Lucine and Dora were determined this time things would change. It was up to Dora and Ambrose to find the book she'd hidden all those years ago. But could they do it? The little bookstore had vanished and it needed Dora to make it reappear...
The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer is an intriguing book, and not one I'd been expecting. But I really enjoyed it - I don't mind a bit of magic now and then ;) The four women in the story, were cursed to live their lives over and over, haunted and hunted by an individual who was a nasty piece of work! Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review....more