Raya Pasqual had been alone in the leather goods shop and her home above, ever since her parents had died and she'd sent her younger brother Alix to ZRaya Pasqual had been alone in the leather goods shop and her home above, ever since her parents had died and she'd sent her younger brother Alix to Zurich to obtain his teaching degree. Now with the Germans in close proximity, and terror in everyone's hearts, Raya took each day as it came. The young man she'd met, Nicolas Bardot, had become very special to her, and she to him. Nicolas worked with the Resistance, and while Raya did nothing with them, she knew what was going on. But the day the Germans trashed her shop and arrested her for working with the Resistance was the worst of her life. What would happen to Amalia? Would someone find her and keep her safe?
The next days and months at Ravensbruck were terrifying, exhausting and absolutely bereft of any hope. But somehow Raya stayed alive, with the desire of returning to Amalia and Nicolas always forefront in her mind. It seemed doubtful her hope would be fulfilled as death came closer each and every day...
The Glovemaker's Daughter is another breathtaking, heartbreaking rendition of WWII in Paris by Shari J. Ryan, about how the French people coped, what happened to the Jewish population in the two years between 1943 and 1945, and how a caring young woman kept strong in the face of all that was thrown at her and those she loved. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Raya Pasqual had been alone in the leather goods shop and her home above, ever since her parents had died and she'd sent her younger brother Alix to Zurich to obtain his teaching degree. Now with the Germans in close proximity, and terror in everyone's hearts, Raya took each day as it came. The young man she'd met, Nicolas Bardot, had become very special to her, and she to him. Nicolas worked with the Resistance, and while Raya did nothing with them, she knew what was going on. But the day the Germans trashed her shop and arrested her for working with the Resistance was the worst of her life. What would happen to Amalia? Would someone find her and keep her safe?
The next days and months at Ravensbruck were terrifying, exhausting and absolutely bereft of any hope. But somehow Raya stayed alive, with the desire of returning to Amalia and Nicolas always forefront in her mind. It seemed doubtful her hope would be fulfilled as death came closer each and every day...
The Glovemaker's Daughter is another breathtaking, heartbreaking rendition of WWII in Paris by Shari J. Ryan, about how the French people coped, what happened to the Jewish population in the two years between 1943 and 1945, and how a caring young woman kept strong in the face of all that was thrown at her and those she loved. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Working in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband's family home, nestled in the small village of Maybridge, Abby was horrified to find the long burieWorking in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband's family home, nestled in the small village of Maybridge, Abby was horrified to find the long buried bones of a baby, buried underneath the rose bush she was about to replace. Calling the police started a series of events which took Abby back to the Finch family's past, and what she discovered made her wish she'd left the bones covered. Husband Howard was furious, with Abby copping the brunt of his anger, so when he was found dead in the same place that the baby had been found, Abby was on the top of the suspect list.
With Abby's three children distraught about losing their Dad, and Howard's fiance, soon to be mother, angry, Abby knew she needed to find the killer, both to help the police, but to clear her name as well. Would she do it? Could she discover Howard's killer, as well as the baby's origin?
Murder Among the Roses is a exceptional cosy mystery by Liz Fielding, her first as she's an author of the romance genre. I hope she continues in this vein as I'd love to read more cosy mysteries by Ms Fielding. Abby is a really great character, natural, down to earth, while her friend Meg, the police woman Dee and all the cast are well formed and well written. I think also, that Abby would make a fabulous main character in a series! And I must make mention of the divine cover! Absolutely gorgeous - I can smell those roses! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Working in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband's family home, nestled in the small village of Maybridge, Abby was horrified to find the long buried bones of a baby, buried underneath the rose bush she was about to replace. Calling the police started a series of events which took Abby back to the Finch family's past, and what she discovered made her wish she'd left the bones covered. Husband Howard was furious, with Abby copping the brunt of his anger, so when he was found dead in the same place that the baby had been found, Abby was on the top of the suspect list.
With Abby's three children distraught about losing their Dad, and Howard's fiance, soon to be mother, angry, Abby knew she needed to find the killer, both to help the police, but to clear her name as well. Would she do it? Could she discover Howard's killer, as well as the baby's origin?
Murder Among the Roses is a exceptional cosy mystery by Liz Fielding, her first as she's an author of the romance genre. I hope she continues in this vein as I'd love to read more cosy mysteries by Ms Fielding. Abby is a really great character, natural, down to earth, while her friend Meg, the police woman Dee and all the cast are well formed and well written. I think also, that Abby would make a fabulous main character in a series! And I must make mention of the divine cover! Absolutely gorgeous - I can smell those roses! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When Nora and Adina Tabor accompanied their parents on the cramped train, it wasn't through choice. It was 1944 and after thinking they were safe, sudWhen Nora and Adina Tabor accompanied their parents on the cramped train, it wasn't through choice. It was 1944 and after thinking they were safe, suddenly all the Jews from a small village in Poland were headed to Auschwitz, not knowing what their futures would be. On arrival, Dr Mengele (although they didn't know who he was at the time) called for any twins in the crowd to come forward. Nora and Adina had been born fifteen minutes apart, Adina the eldest. What was ahead of them would be two years of horror, neither knowing if the other was alive, nor if their parents were either.
On liberation, the Russians were kind and all survivors were put into the safe hands of the Red Cross. But the emaciated and wounded who made their way out of Auschwitz were both mentally and physically scarred. Would they find any of their loved ones alive? And even if they had survived, would they find one another again?
The Stolen Twins originally titled We Only Had Each Other (which I think suits it better) by Shari J. Ryan is another heartbreaking yet heartwarming, poignant and incredibly moving historical novel which thoroughly engrossed me from the very beginning. The horrors that Mengele butcher who called himself a doctor, performed on Jewish children - his experiments - were shattering. Both Nora and Adina were outstanding characters, strong and courageous in the face of adversity; Helena was another such person. I knew that Mengele performed experiments on twins, but I hadn't read a story about it until now. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
When Nora and Adina Tabor accompanied their parents on the cramped train, it wasn't through choice. It was 1944 and after thinking they were safe, suddenly all the Jews from a small village in Poland were headed to Auschwitz, not knowing what their futures would be. On arrival, Dr Mengele (although they didn't know who he was at the time) called for any twins in the crowd to come forward. Nora and Adina had been born fifteen minutes apart, Adina the eldest. What was ahead of them would be two years of horror, neither knowing if the other was alive, nor if their parents were either.
On liberation, the Russians were kind and all survivors were put into the safe hands of the Red Cross. But the emaciated and wounded who made their way out of Auschwitz were both mentally and physically scarred. Would they find any of their loved ones alive? And even if they had survived, would they find one another again?
The Stolen Twins originally titled We Only Had Each Other (which I think suits it better) by Shari J. Ryan is another heartbreaking yet heartwarming, poignant and incredibly moving historical novel which thoroughly engrossed me from the very beginning. The horrors that Mengele butcher who called himself a doctor, performed on Jewish children - his experiments - were shattering. Both Nora and Adina were outstanding characters, strong and courageous in the face of adversity; Helena was another such person. I knew that Mengele performed experiments on twins, but I hadn't read a story about it until now. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Detective Alana Mack (Alan to her friends) was still recovering from the shattering injury which left her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life, anDetective Alana Mack (Alan to her friends) was still recovering from the shattering injury which left her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life, and learning to delegate more, as her ability to be on the front line had lessened immensely. Paddy, her partner, was learning to tread the fine line in caring for Alan, but not mollycoddling her. It was the discovery of a distraught abandoned child, approximately two years old, who said her name was Casey and she wanted her Mammy, that set the small Clonabee police station on high alert. At the same time Casey was brought to the station, two homeless men fronted up with a bag which contained human remains, plus there was a report of a missing man, who had seemingly vanished from his home the night before. Suddenly from no cases to several - were they linked? - Alan and her team were inundated with work.
The discovery of the note in Casey's clothes led them to keep details quiet, as it was obvious that both Casey and her mother were in danger. When another man went missing, the race was on; the clock was ticking. Could Alan and her team find the killer before more deaths? Would they be able to find Casey's mother before it was too late? And who was the mole in the department who was leaking to the media?
The Puppet Maker is the 1st in the Detective Alana Mack series by Jenny O'Brien and it was fast paced, action packed, and brutal! I thoroughly enjoyed Alan's character and her determination to ignore her disability as best she could. Set in Ireland near Dublin - a place I'd love to visit - the story was narrated both by Alan, and Casey's mother. I'm looking forward to #2 in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Detective Alana Mack (Alan to her friends) was still recovering from the shattering injury which left her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life, and learning to delegate more, as her ability to be on the front line had lessened immensely. Paddy, her partner, was learning to tread the fine line in caring for Alan, but not mollycoddling her. It was the discovery of a distraught abandoned child, approximately two years old, who said her name was Casey and she wanted her Mammy, that set the small Clonabee police station on high alert. At the same time Casey was brought to the station, two homeless men fronted up with a bag which contained human remains, plus there was a report of a missing man, who had seemingly vanished from his home the night before. Suddenly from no cases to several - were they linked? - Alan and her team were inundated with work.
The discovery of the note in Casey's clothes led them to keep details quiet, as it was obvious that both Casey and her mother were in danger. When another man went missing, the race was on; the clock was ticking. Could Alan and her team find the killer before more deaths? Would they be able to find Casey's mother before it was too late? And who was the mole in the department who was leaking to the media?
The Puppet Maker is the 1st in the Detective Alana Mack series by Jenny O'Brien and it was fast paced, action packed, and brutal! I thoroughly enjoyed Alan's character and her determination to ignore her disability as best she could. Set in Ireland near Dublin - a place I'd love to visit - the story was narrated both by Alan, and Casey's mother. I'm looking forward to #2 in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Four close friends, four young women working at helping to save their countries in the war effort. Ailsa, whose husband Ned was overseas, working withFour close friends, four young women working at helping to save their countries in the war effort. Ailsa, whose husband Ned was overseas, working with the close knit people coding and decoding. Steffie, whose fiance Matteo was a double agent, sending important information back to London. Valerie, a French girl on English soil, desperate to join her family and the resistance to fight for La France. And Fran, happily living in the caravan on Gloria and Alfie's farm, and working with the other three young women at Bletchley Park.
The importance of the messages coming in to Bletchley Park, and raced through to London; cracking the German code, which changed regularly each month (and was relatively easy to break) - the work was constant, busy with long hours. But everyone knew how important it was. When friends of Valerie's, now Fran's, told of first one, then the second important member of the resistance being captured, grief and desolation caused Valerie to volunteer for the D-Day plans in Normandy. But everyone knew how dangerous it would be over there. Valerie's grand-mere was Elodie - hence her code name was Elodie. Could she make it through to the other side?
Code Name Elodie is the 2nd in The Bletchley Park Girls by Anna Stuart and I enjoyed it very much. A little bit rambly in places, nevertheless, it was well worth the read, and catching up with the girls in their little caravan was great. I'm looking forward to #3 to come. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Four close friends, four young women working at helping to save their countries in the war effort. Ailsa, whose husband Ned was overseas, working with the close knit people coding and decoding. Steffie, whose fiance Matteo was a double agent, sending important information back to London. Valerie, a French girl on English soil, desperate to join her family and the resistance to fight for La France. And Fran, happily living in the caravan on Gloria and Alfie's farm, and working with the other three young women at Bletchley Park.
The importance of the messages coming in to Bletchley Park, and raced through to London; cracking the German code, which changed regularly each month (and was relatively easy to break) - the work was constant, busy with long hours. But everyone knew how important it was. When friends of Valerie's, now Fran's, told of first one, then the second important member of the resistance being captured, grief and desolation caused Valerie to volunteer for the D-Day plans in Normandy. But everyone knew how dangerous it would be over there. Valerie's grand-mere was Elodie - hence her code name was Elodie. Could she make it through to the other side?
Code Name Elodie is the 2nd in The Bletchley Park Girls by Anna Stuart and I enjoyed it very much. A little bit rambly in places, nevertheless, it was well worth the read, and catching up with the girls in their little caravan was great. I'm looking forward to #3 to come. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Ex-Detective Grace McKenna of Portabello Detective Agency in Edinburgh, was intrigued to receive a call from the owner of the Traprain Castle, Sacha KEx-Detective Grace McKenna of Portabello Detective Agency in Edinburgh, was intrigued to receive a call from the owner of the Traprain Castle, Sacha Komorov, about something he told her needed to be discussed face to face. Heading to the Castle, Grace had no idea what was ahead of her and her team, nor the fact that a despicable murderer was poised to pounce. When Sacha informed Grace of a priceless Fabergé egg, a part of his collection, which had been stolen, she deduced it had to be an inside job. The security at the castle was high, but all staff and residents needed to be interviewed.
With Grace's youngest team member Hannah, in the castle as a waitress, and Grace as a supposed art expert, they worked their way into life in the castle. And it wasn't pleasant. The Russians who lived there - as well as Sacha, his wife Katya and brother Nikolai, plus the security enforcer, Viktor - then there was the housekeeper among others. Grace was gobsmacked - a little Russia in the middle of Scotland. But when the murders began and Grace herself was in danger, she wondered if she wasn't in over her head. Would they discover the killer before more were killed? Would the Fabergé egg be uncovered - or was that long gone?
Murder at Castle Traprain is the 2nd in the Detective Grace McKenna Scottish Murder Mystery series by Jackie Baldwin and it was just as tense and fast paced as the first episode! Grace is a strong, determined character, but does go a little too far with her safety! And her team back her (almost) completely! I'm really enjoying this series and hope there are many more to come. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Ex-Detective Grace McKenna of Portabello Detective Agency in Edinburgh, was intrigued to receive a call from the owner of the Traprain Castle, Sacha Komorov, about something he told her needed to be discussed face to face. Heading to the Castle, Grace had no idea what was ahead of her and her team, nor the fact that a despicable murderer was poised to pounce. When Sacha informed Grace of a priceless Fabergé egg, a part of his collection, which had been stolen, she deduced it had to be an inside job. The security at the castle was high, but all staff and residents needed to be interviewed.
With Grace's youngest team member Hannah, in the castle as a waitress, and Grace as a supposed art expert, they worked their way into life in the castle. And it wasn't pleasant. The Russians who lived there - as well as Sacha, his wife Katya and brother Nikolai, plus the security enforcer, Viktor - then there was the housekeeper among others. Grace was gobsmacked - a little Russia in the middle of Scotland. But when the murders began and Grace herself was in danger, she wondered if she wasn't in over her head. Would they discover the killer before more were killed? Would the Fabergé egg be uncovered - or was that long gone?
Murder at Castle Traprain is the 2nd in the Detective Grace McKenna Scottish Murder Mystery series by Jackie Baldwin and it was just as tense and fast paced as the first episode! Grace is a strong, determined character, but does go a little too far with her safety! And her team back her (almost) completely! I'm really enjoying this series and hope there are many more to come. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When Matthew lost his job in Connecticut and they almost lost their home, he, Ellie and the children moved across the ocean to Wales, to Matt's mum's When Matthew lost his job in Connecticut and they almost lost their home, he, Ellie and the children moved across the ocean to Wales, to Matt's mum's place on Bluebell Lane in the small village of Llandrigg. Gwen had been running her B&B on her own, since David had died twenty years ago, and the building was old and tired. A renovation of their old home would be work for Matt and Ellie, they'd all be company for Gwen, and the new B&B would flourish.
But things didn't go according to plan. Jess, their eldest daughter at thirteen, hated everything - school; Wales; leaving her best friend Chloe; even her parents. Ben was fine, boys usually were, playing soccer - or football as it was called in Wales. Josh was quiet, didn't say a lot, and four year old Ava was up and down with her moods. Then there was Ellie and Gwen. The tension was high between them, and although they both wanted it to be friendly, their relationship needed some work. While Matt started pulling things to pieces in the four guest rooms. A recipe for disaster perhaps? Ellie was tired, Matt was mentally absent, the children were mostly unhappy and there was something up with Gwen...
The Inn on Bluebell Lane is the 1st in The Inn on Bluebell Lane series by Kate Hewitt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm glad it's the start to a new series! It's well written, with everything described being something that happens to most families when they move a big distance from all they've known. I liked the characters, especially Ellie and Gwen, and look forward very much to the next episode in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
When Matthew lost his job in Connecticut and they almost lost their home, he, Ellie and the children moved across the ocean to Wales, to Matt's mum's place on Bluebell Lane in the small village of Llandrigg. Gwen had been running her B&B on her own, since David had died twenty years ago, and the building was old and tired. A renovation of their old home would be work for Matt and Ellie, they'd all be company for Gwen, and the new B&B would flourish.
But things didn't go according to plan. Jess, their eldest daughter at thirteen, hated everything - school; Wales; leaving her best friend Chloe; even her parents. Ben was fine, boys usually were, playing soccer - or football as it was called in Wales. Josh was quiet, didn't say a lot, and four year old Ava was up and down with her moods. Then there was Ellie and Gwen. The tension was high between them, and although they both wanted it to be friendly, their relationship needed some work. While Matt started pulling things to pieces in the four guest rooms. A recipe for disaster perhaps? Ellie was tired, Matt was mentally absent, the children were mostly unhappy and there was something up with Gwen...
The Inn on Bluebell Lane is the 1st in The Inn on Bluebell Lane series by Kate Hewitt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm glad it's the start to a new series! It's well written, with everything described being something that happens to most families when they move a big distance from all they've known. I liked the characters, especially Ellie and Gwen, and look forward very much to the next episode in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
The fireworks display lit up the night sky, while the crowd watching shrieked with delight. No one saw or heard two small girls disappear, and when thThe fireworks display lit up the night sky, while the crowd watching shrieked with delight. No one saw or heard two small girls disappear, and when their mother arrived back from her short visit to the bathroom and she saw nine year old Thea and six year old Abby were no longer on the picnic rug, Britany was desperate. The local security immediately contacted police and Agent Nikki Hunt happened to notice what was happening as they left the car park - and so a tension filled hunt for the children commenced.
As the combined efforts of the FBI and local law enforcement spread out around the area, Nikki was frustrated. Her partner seemed to be hiding something; the father of the missing girls was also hiding secrets. How could they rescue the girls if she couldn't get all the facts? Was Nikki getting closer? Would the girls still be alive?
Her Last Tear is the 7th in the Nikki Hunt series by Stacy Green and I was glued to the pages! Gripping and intense, I find Nikki an excellent character and while there wasn't a lot of interaction with her partner Rory and daughter Lacey this time, they were still there on the sidelines. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
The fireworks display lit up the night sky, while the crowd watching shrieked with delight. No one saw or heard two small girls disappear, and when their mother arrived back from her short visit to the bathroom and she saw nine year old Thea and six year old Abby were no longer on the picnic rug, Britany was desperate. The local security immediately contacted police and Agent Nikki Hunt happened to notice what was happening as they left the car park - and so a tension filled hunt for the children commenced.
As the combined efforts of the FBI and local law enforcement spread out around the area, Nikki was frustrated. Her partner seemed to be hiding something; the father of the missing girls was also hiding secrets. How could they rescue the girls if she couldn't get all the facts? Was Nikki getting closer? Would the girls still be alive?
Her Last Tear is the 7th in the Nikki Hunt series by Stacy Green and I was glued to the pages! Gripping and intense, I find Nikki an excellent character and while there wasn't a lot of interaction with her partner Rory and daughter Lacey this time, they were still there on the sidelines. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Julia Bird and her significant other, Dr Sean O'Connor, along with their dogs, Jake the chocolate Labrador and Leo, Sean's much calmer dog, attended tJulia Bird and her significant other, Dr Sean O'Connor, along with their dogs, Jake the chocolate Labrador and Leo, Sean's much calmer dog, attended the annual fete at Berrywick House, Julia carrying the chocolate cake she had baked for the competition and to raise funds. They both wandered around, checking out the various stalls until they decided to head toward the maze for some quiet. But it was when Jake pulled away from Julia and ran off, with her chasing him, that they discovered the body of a woman, with Jake sitting guard by her side.
With the police on the case, Julia set her mind to looking for clues. The victim was a school teacher, one who was soon retiring, but there were also other things about her that maybe led to her demise. And when a second body was found, it seemed the two cases were linked. Could Julia find the answers before anyone else lost their life?
A Village Fete Murder is the 3rd in the Julia Bird Mysteries by Katie Gayle and I enjoyed it very much. Light and entertaining, with a great murder mystery, the characters are fun, especially Julie, Sean and their dogs. I'm looking forward to #4 when it's published. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Julia Bird and her significant other, Dr Sean O'Connor, along with their dogs, Jake the chocolate Labrador and Leo, Sean's much calmer dog, attended the annual fete at Berrywick House, Julia carrying the chocolate cake she had baked for the competition and to raise funds. They both wandered around, checking out the various stalls until they decided to head toward the maze for some quiet. But it was when Jake pulled away from Julia and ran off, with her chasing him, that they discovered the body of a woman, with Jake sitting guard by her side.
With the police on the case, Julia set her mind to looking for clues. The victim was a school teacher, one who was soon retiring, but there were also other things about her that maybe led to her demise. And when a second body was found, it seemed the two cases were linked. Could Julia find the answers before anyone else lost their life?
A Village Fete Murder is the 3rd in the Julia Bird Mysteries by Katie Gayle and I enjoyed it very much. Light and entertaining, with a great murder mystery, the characters are fun, especially Julie, Sean and their dogs. I'm looking forward to #4 when it's published. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
The Dolphin Hotel was hosting the beauty pageant and Mrs Craven was in charge of organising it all. She had Kitty Underhay (now Bryant) running aroundThe Dolphin Hotel was hosting the beauty pageant and Mrs Craven was in charge of organising it all. She had Kitty Underhay (now Bryant) running around after her and Kitty's Grams was sympathetic to Kitty. With the change rooms organised for the young women, she was shocked to open the locked door to find a nasty, threatening note. It wasn't long before everyone connected to the pageant had received the letters, but the new police inspector wasn't interested. It wasn't until one of the contestants was found stabbed to death that he decided to investigate, but told Matt and Kitty to stay out of it - it was police business.
Kitty and Matt continued to interview people of interest and it wasn't long before they discovered a few secrets which would give motive to a select few. But would they discover who the killer was?
Murder at the Beauty Pageant in the 12th in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon and once again it was fun and entertaining. I love mischievous Bertie, and his new friend Rascal. Life is a little different for Kitty now she's not living at the Dolphin, but her new life with husband Matt is an exciting one. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
The Dolphin Hotel was hosting the beauty pageant and Mrs Craven was in charge of organising it all. She had Kitty Underhay (now Bryant) running around after her and Kitty's Grams was sympathetic to Kitty. With the change rooms organised for the young women, she was shocked to open the locked door to find a nasty, threatening note. It wasn't long before everyone connected to the pageant had received the letters, but the new police inspector wasn't interested. It wasn't until one of the contestants was found stabbed to death that he decided to investigate, but told Matt and Kitty to stay out of it - it was police business.
Kitty and Matt continued to interview people of interest and it wasn't long before they discovered a few secrets which would give motive to a select few. But would they discover who the killer was?
Murder at the Beauty Pageant in the 12th in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon and once again it was fun and entertaining. I love mischievous Bertie, and his new friend Rascal. Life is a little different for Kitty now she's not living at the Dolphin, but her new life with husband Matt is an exciting one. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Rosie Lyman and her cousin Violet joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in 1941, to do a little towards the war effort. The training was hard, exhausRosie Lyman and her cousin Violet joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in 1941, to do a little towards the war effort. The training was hard, exhausting, but at the end of it, Rosie was sent to England to work in an area where she had to sign the Official Secrets Act, so keeping hush about her tasks became second nature. Violet arrived in England some months later, working in a different area, though the cousins did see each other when they had leave.
Rosie met Lieutenant Thomas Crewe at a dance, one she'd been reluctant to go to. She had always been a quiet, reticent person, shy and timid, especially around men. But Thomas opened something up inside her, and it wasn't long before they saw one another as often as they could. Thomas was often sent overseas with his division, and as D-Day approached, he was fearful of being sent to the front line...
An Island Far From Home is the 5th in the Amherst Island series by Kate Hewitt, and I've been following it since the beginning. This one was another great episode, although it became rather predictable, unfortunately. The ending was abrupt, so obviously there is going to be a #6! Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Rosie Lyman and her cousin Violet joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in 1941, to do a little towards the war effort. The training was hard, exhausting, but at the end of it, Rosie was sent to England to work in an area where she had to sign the Official Secrets Act, so keeping hush about her tasks became second nature. Violet arrived in England some months later, working in a different area, though the cousins did see each other when they had leave.
Rosie met Lieutenant Thomas Crewe at a dance, one she'd been reluctant to go to. She had always been a quiet, reticent person, shy and timid, especially around men. But Thomas opened something up inside her, and it wasn't long before they saw one another as often as they could. Thomas was often sent overseas with his division, and as D-Day approached, he was fearful of being sent to the front line...
An Island Far From Home is the 5th in the Amherst Island series by Kate Hewitt, and I've been following it since the beginning. This one was another great episode, although it became rather predictable, unfortunately. The ending was abrupt, so obviously there is going to be a #6! Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Journalist Elodie Mitchell was in Paris for six months, sending her pieces back to her paper in Chicago. It was 1941 and while Elodie loved Paris, theJournalist Elodie Mitchell was in Paris for six months, sending her pieces back to her paper in Chicago. It was 1941 and while Elodie loved Paris, the shimmer of war was on the periphery of her life. When a handsome stranger gave her tickets for a show featuring Josephine Baker, she was in two minds about going. But she went, and after the decadent, awe-inspiring show, she was invited backstage. Meeting Jo, plus subsequent events, turned Elly's life around as she realised what Jo and others were involved in...
With Elly now undercover as Jo's cousin, her role was an important one, and as she passed messages to the enigmatic Grant, some of the things she overheard led her to believe their safety was at risk. When they needed to flee Paris for the country, they joined the other refugees, desperate to escape the Nazis. Would they do it? Could they continue to fight against the Germans from far away?
Code Name Butterfly is a story of courage and strength, of bravery and love - and a fight against the deep prejudices the characters came up against on a daily basis. Based on fact, Code Name Butterfly brings Josephine Baker to life. She was born in June, 1906, in St Louis, Missouri, and was a French dancer, singer and actress. She was also the first black woman immortalised in France's Pantheon. (Fictional) Elly became great friends, almost like sisters, with Jo and together they made a wonderful team. Author Embassie Susberry has done an impeccable job with her research and bringing the courage and tenacity of people like Elly and Jo to her readers. Highly recommemded.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Journalist Elodie Mitchell was in Paris for six months, sending her pieces back to her paper in Chicago. It was 1941 and while Elodie loved Paris, the shimmer of war was on the periphery of her life. When a handsome stranger gave her tickets for a show featuring Josephine Baker, she was in two minds about going. But she went, and after the decadent, awe-inspiring show, she was invited backstage. Meeting Jo, plus subsequent events, turned Elly's life around as she realised what Jo and others were involved in...
With Elly now undercover as Jo's cousin, her role was an important one, and as she passed messages to the enigmatic Grant, some of the things she overheard led her to believe their safety was at risk. When they needed to flee Paris for the country, they joined the other refugees, desperate to escape the Nazis. Would they do it? Could they continue to fight against the Germans from far away?
Code Name Butterfly is a story of courage and strength, of bravery and love - and a fight against the deep prejudices the characters came up against on a daily basis. Based on fact, Code Name Butterfly brings Josephine Baker to life. She was born in June, 1906, in St Louis, Missouri, and was a French dancer, singer and actress. She was also the first black woman immortalised in France's Pantheon. (Fictional) Elly became great friends, almost like sisters, with Jo and together they made a wonderful team. Author Embassie Susberry has done an impeccable job with her research and bringing the courage and tenacity of people like Elly and Jo to her readers. Highly recommemded.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
It was December 1927 when Marius Quin, struggling writer, was invited by his old friend, Isabella Montague, to Everham Hall for the New Year's Eve celIt was December 1927 when Marius Quin, struggling writer, was invited by his old friend, Isabella Montague, to Everham Hall for the New Year's Eve celebrations, hosted by famous actor, Cecil Sinclair. Marius and his basset hound, Percy, drove to Everham Hall, where they settled in, and then met the other guests. When everyone saw Cecil, it was obvious he was very drunk, but full of himself, and immediately tensions rose, and discomfort rippled through the guests.
It was when the host was murdered, and the police were unable to travel to Everham Hall because of the abundance of snow, that Marius and Bella decided to investigate and oust the killer. But obviously, finding a real killer was much more difficult that creating one in his fiction books. Would they solve the case, or would there be more deaths?
Murder at Everham Hall is the 1st in A Marius Quin Mystery series by Benedict Brown and it was very ordinary. Right from the first few pages, I didn't like the writing style, I didn't like Marius Quin's character, and sadly it continued in this vein for me. I've read other books with the same set up - trapped in an estate house by snow, with a killer roaming amongst the guests. Unfortunately, Murder at Everham Hall was not for me.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
It was December 1927 when Marius Quin, struggling writer, was invited by his old friend, Isabella Montague, to Everham Hall for the New Year's Eve celebrations, hosted by famous actor, Cecil Sinclair. Marius and his basset hound, Percy, drove to Everham Hall, where they settled in, and then met the other guests. When everyone saw Cecil, it was obvious he was very drunk, but full of himself, and immediately tensions rose, and discomfort rippled through the guests.
It was when the host was murdered, and the police were unable to travel to Everham Hall because of the abundance of snow, that Marius and Bella decided to investigate and oust the killer. But obviously, finding a real killer was much more difficult that creating one in his fiction books. Would they solve the case, or would there be more deaths?
Murder at Everham Hall is the 1st in A Marius Quin Mystery series by Benedict Brown and it was very ordinary. Right from the first few pages, I didn't like the writing style, I didn't like Marius Quin's character, and sadly it continued in this vein for me. I've read other books with the same set up - trapped in an estate house by snow, with a killer roaming amongst the guests. Unfortunately, Murder at Everham Hall was not for me.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
After being contacted by a client, Maud McIntyre and her assistant Daisy, leave Edinburgh bound for a small village in the Scottish highlands. ForgeriAfter being contacted by a client, Maud McIntyre and her assistant Daisy, leave Edinburgh bound for a small village in the Scottish highlands. Forgeries of famous paintings were suspected, but before Maud and Daisy can concentrate on that case, a dead body fell from the train carriage the two women were about to enter. Mr Bisset, resident of the village, had been shot dead. Maud and Daisy had accommodation in the local hotel which Mr and Mrs Wallace ran, and it was a delightful place to stay. Maud felt they could work their detective magic based from there.
Getting closer to the truth, the women had only five suspects on their list. But it was another murder which brought them the closest. Would they find the killer before another life was taken? And would they have enough evidence to present to the police?
Murder in the Scottish Hills is the 2nd in The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency series by Lydia Travers and it was another fun and entertaining read. I enjoy Maud and Daisy's characters - they work together well. Train travel, horse and cart, bicycle travel and the few cars around was the way it was back in 1911 and I'm looking forward to #3. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
After being contacted by a client, Maud McIntyre and her assistant Daisy, leave Edinburgh bound for a small village in the Scottish highlands. Forgeries of famous paintings were suspected, but before Maud and Daisy can concentrate on that case, a dead body fell from the train carriage the two women were about to enter. Mr Bisset, resident of the village, had been shot dead. Maud and Daisy had accommodation in the local hotel which Mr and Mrs Wallace ran, and it was a delightful place to stay. Maud felt they could work their detective magic based from there.
Getting closer to the truth, the women had only five suspects on their list. But it was another murder which brought them the closest. Would they find the killer before another life was taken? And would they have enough evidence to present to the police?
Murder in the Scottish Hills is the 2nd in The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency series by Lydia Travers and it was another fun and entertaining read. I enjoy Maud and Daisy's characters - they work together well. Train travel, horse and cart, bicycle travel and the few cars around was the way it was back in 1911 and I'm looking forward to #3. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Vicky Baudin had caught the night train to Marrakech, where she would meet her grandmere, Clemence Petier, the mother of her father, both whom she hadVicky Baudin had caught the night train to Marrakech, where she would meet her grandmere, Clemence Petier, the mother of her father, both whom she had never met. Vicky's mother Elise was against her coming to Marrakech, but Vicky had neglected to tell her the real reason. Clemence, her home in a beautiful kasbah up in the Atlas Mountains, not far from Marrakech, was aloof and unsmiling when she met her granddaughter, a girl of whom she was completely unaware. Vicky stayed in a small apartment in the town with Clemence's friend, Etta, as she was waiting for her cousin Beatrice to arrive from London.
Things were not as they seemed in Marrakech with political unrest, and young people doing their best to bring the problems to a head. When Vicky and Bea met Jimmy and Tom, they were ready for a good time, party time. Meanwhile up in Clemence's kasbah, an unwelcome reminder of her long ago past arrived on her doorstep, and Clemence immediately knew there was danger surrounding him. With her ninety four year old mother, Madeline, staying with her, she needed to keep her safe. But when Vicky and Bea witnessed a murder, they felt true terror, and knew they needed to leave Marrakech immediately. Could Clemence help them? But the World Cup was imminent and no flights or train seats were available...
Night Train to Marrakech is the 3rd and final in the Daughters of War trilogy by Dinah Jefferies and I loved it! Fast paced, filled with tension, set in a place of beauty in the 1960s, it brings the lives of the sisters, Florence, Elise and Helene, who I first met in France, 1944, together again. An outstanding read by an author I admire greatly. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Vicky Baudin had caught the night train to Marrakech, where she would meet her grandmere, Clemence Petier, the mother of her father, both whom she had never met. Vicky's mother Elise was against her coming to Marrakech, but Vicky had neglected to tell her the real reason. Clemence, her home in a beautiful kasbah up in the Atlas Mountains, not far from Marrakech, was aloof and unsmiling when she met her granddaughter, a girl of whom she was completely unaware. Vicky stayed in a small apartment in the town with Clemence's friend, Etta, as she was waiting for her cousin Beatrice to arrive from London.
Things were not as they seemed in Marrakech with political unrest, and young people doing their best to bring the problems to a head. When Vicky and Bea met Jimmy and Tom, they were ready for a good time, party time. Meanwhile up in Clemence's kasbah, an unwelcome reminder of her long ago past arrived on her doorstep, and Clemence immediately knew there was danger surrounding him. With her ninety four year old mother, Madeline, staying with her, she needed to keep her safe. But when Vicky and Bea witnessed a murder, they felt true terror, and knew they needed to leave Marrakech immediately. Could Clemence help them? But the World Cup was imminent and no flights or train seats were available...
Night Train to Marrakech is the 3rd and final in the Daughters of War trilogy by Dinah Jefferies and I loved it! Fast paced, filled with tension, set in a place of beauty in the 1960s, it brings the lives of the sisters, Florence, Elise and Helene, who I first met in France, 1944, together again. An outstanding read by an author I admire greatly. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Detective Eve Bennet answered the distressed call to say a woman's new born baby had been taken, and she needed to hurry. As Eve gathered her crack teDetective Eve Bennet answered the distressed call to say a woman's new born baby had been taken, and she needed to hurry. As Eve gathered her crack team of five, all specialists in their field, she filled them in. Heading to Hilldale was something Eve didn't want to do - she never wanted to set foot in the place again. Run by a prophet, with the male followers bowing to every command, the women only chattels, with the men having several wives - illegal in the US - and the children forced to also comply, Eve could feel her past knocking at the door. But she vowed to find the missing baby and investigate the stories of more women and babies vanishing.
Once again, their arrival drew the God squad - men from the cult who kept an eye on strangers to the town - even when they checked in at the hotel which would be their base for however long it took. When Eve visited the attorney general - Aaron, her stepbrother - she knew immediately he would offer no help. Eve, Clyde, Bina, Ray and Collin were on their own - would it be possible to go against the cult to find the answers they so desperately needed?
Lost Little Angels is the 2nd in the Detective Eve Bennet series by Holly S. Roberts and once again I loved it. Fast paced, relentless and electric, Eve and her team are a strong group, a family, always having each other's backs. The evil that permeated the town of Hilldale was shocking, but it wasn't all bad. I am looking forward to #3 very much. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Detective Eve Bennet answered the distressed call to say a woman's new born baby had been taken, and she needed to hurry. As Eve gathered her crack team of five, all specialists in their field, she filled them in. Heading to Hilldale was something Eve didn't want to do - she never wanted to set foot in the place again. Run by a prophet, with the male followers bowing to every command, the women only chattels, with the men having several wives - illegal in the US - and the children forced to also comply, Eve could feel her past knocking at the door. But she vowed to find the missing baby and investigate the stories of more women and babies vanishing.
Once again, their arrival drew the God squad - men from the cult who kept an eye on strangers to the town - even when they checked in at the hotel which would be their base for however long it took. When Eve visited the attorney general - Aaron, her stepbrother - she knew immediately he would offer no help. Eve, Clyde, Bina, Ray and Collin were on their own - would it be possible to go against the cult to find the answers they so desperately needed?
Lost Little Angels is the 2nd in the Detective Eve Bennet series by Holly S. Roberts and once again I loved it. Fast paced, relentless and electric, Eve and her team are a strong group, a family, always having each other's backs. The evil that permeated the town of Hilldale was shocking, but it wasn't all bad. I am looking forward to #3 very much. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
England in 1945 was still suffering from rationing, there were many people who'd lost loved ones during the war, who were grieving, and Rosie Lyman waEngland in 1945 was still suffering from rationing, there were many people who'd lost loved ones during the war, who were grieving, and Rosie Lyman was one of those people. Her young man had been killed, and their baby girl had died, never to take a breath. Rosie was consumed with sadness, and hoped that caring for orphaned Polish children who'd suffered so much at the camps would help her heal, as she helped them heal. Three hundred children from very young to fifteen and sixteen years old arrived at the home in the Lake District, and at the start they were terrified of what was happening.
Gradually the children settled into a routine, with the adults who'd come with them to prepare, and care for them, many of them also having been incarcerated at the camps. Going for walks, working on art, a calming and soothing restorative, even going to the cinema - the children responded to it all in a positive manner. But one young girl, around twelve years old, Frieda, kept to herself, didn't make friends. Rosie was determined to help her, and her story was a shocking one. One of the adults, Leon Rosenblat, also felt for Frieda. Could they help her forget her terrible memories? Leon's kindness and caring nature was a balm to them all.
The Last Orphan is the 6th in the Amherst Island series by Kate Hewitt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not sure if it's the final book, but it feels like it might be. The setting of the Lake District was beautiful, the characters very special. But I loved the return to Amherst Island, a place in Canada on Lake Ontario, which took me back to the earlier books. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
England in 1945 was still suffering from rationing, there were many people who'd lost loved ones during the war, who were grieving, and Rosie Lyman was one of those people. Her young man had been killed, and their baby girl had died, never to take a breath. Rosie was consumed with sadness, and hoped that caring for orphaned Polish children who'd suffered so much at the camps would help her heal, as she helped them heal. Three hundred children from very young to fifteen and sixteen years old arrived at the home in the Lake District, and at the start they were terrified of what was happening.
Gradually the children settled into a routine, with the adults who'd come with them to prepare, and care for them, many of them also having been incarcerated at the camps. Going for walks, working on art, a calming and soothing restorative, even going to the cinema - the children responded to it all in a positive manner. But one young girl, around twelve years old, Frieda, kept to herself, didn't make friends. Rosie was determined to help her, and her story was a shocking one. One of the adults, Leon Rosenblat, also felt for Frieda. Could they help her forget her terrible memories? Leon's kindness and caring nature was a balm to them all.
The Last Orphan is the 6th in the Amherst Island series by Kate Hewitt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not sure if it's the final book, but it feels like it might be. The setting of the Lake District was beautiful, the characters very special. But I loved the return to Amherst Island, a place in Canada on Lake Ontario, which took me back to the earlier books. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more