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Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: The Governess by Wendy Holden

Published August 20th, 2020 by Welbeck Publishing
Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Before there was Elizabeth, there was Lilibet…

‘A hugely entertaining, emotionally satisfying story of love and loyalty’DAILY MAIL

‘A poignant, fictional reimagining of a woman condemned by history, with plenty of modern-day echoes’MAIL ON SUNDAY
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She Came From Nothing . . . and Raised a Queen

The drama of the Abdication, the glamour of the Coronation, the trauma of World War II – Marion Crawford, affectionately known as Crawfie, stood by the side of the royal family through it all.

In 1933, a progressive young teacher became governess to the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. Determined to give her pupils a fun and normal childhood, she took them on buses, swimming at public baths and Christmas shopping at Woolworths.

For seventeen years she served at the heart of the royal family. But her devotion and loyalty counted for nothing when a perceived betrayal brought everything crashing down.

This sweeping, sumptuous novel brings her long-buried story to life and shines a completely new and captivating light into the world’s most famous family.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Sweeping, sensitive, poignant and absorbing, this is a wonderful reimagining of the life of the little-known woman who came from nothing to become the governess to a future Queen. It is also a fictionalised account of Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret’s childhoods, told through the eyes of their governess, Marion Crawford, known affectionately as ‘Crawfie’.

Marion was no ordinary governess. Sassy, independent, innovative and progressive, she was a trailblazer who set out to teach the young Royals about normal life, how poor people live, equal opportunities, social justice and feminism. She introduced fun and normalcy into the Princesses’ lives, taking them for trips on the Underground, bus rides, swimming lessons and shopping for Christmas gifts at Woolworths. Her original ambition was to teach children in the slums and she only took the position with the then Duke and Duchess of York on a temporary basis. That temporary job turned into seventeen years of loyal and devoted service, before a perceived betrayal saw her dismissed from her position and banished from the Royal Family’s lives.

Wonderfully written and meticulously researched, Wendy Holden has created a book that reads like an autobiography rather than fiction. She strips away the pomp, ceremony and stiffness of Britain’s First Family to give us an intimate glimpse into their lives and personalities. We are so used to seeing the royals surrounded by glamour and doing their public duties that it was fascinating to see them humanised at home. I quickly took the caring and anxious Princess Elizabeth into my heart and enjoyed reading the exploits of the mischievous Princess Margaret. Woven into the narrative is a backdrop featuring some of the most dramatic events in history including the devastating Abdication of King Edward VII, the glamorous Coronation of King George VII, and the terror and trauma of World War II. Holden has also intertwined themes such as feminism, civil rights, poverty and privilege, allowing us to see how life really was for many people during the 1930s and 40s.

Powerful, moving and utterly captivating, this is a must for historical fiction fans.

Rating: 👑👑👑👑

Thank you Welbeck for sending me a proof copy of this book

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From Amazon: I’m a No 1 bestselling novelist whose 21 books have sold over 3m copies in 14 languages worldwide. 10 of my titles have been top 10 bestsellers in hardback and paperback. My experience on glossy magazines was the inspiration for my debut, the smash-hit comedy Simply Divine.

I then pivoted to historical fiction with the bestselling Windsor Trilogy. The Governess was about Marion ‘Crawfie’ Crawford, the young Scottish teacher who brought fun and normality to the childhood of Elizabeth II. The Duchess explored the incredible rise of Wallis Simpson whilst The Princess traced the young Diana Spencer’s extraordinary path to the altar.

The Queen’s Painter, my latest novel, has Tudor artist Hans Holbein as its hero. Henry VIII’s court has been novelised every which way, but never from the point of view of the man who was its ultimate insider. Who observed it all so closely and knew and painted every major figure. But what did Hans make of the bloody dramas for which he had a ringside easel? In particular, the death of Anne Boleyn, his first patron and long-time friend. Did he use his genius to get revenge? Out June 18 from Mountain Lion Press.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Squadpod Squadpod Book Club

SQUADPOD BOOK CLUB REVIEW: Unreliable Narrator by Araminta Hall

Published March 5th, 2026 by Pan Macmillan
Mystery, Suspense, Psychological Fiction

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

YOUR SECRETS AREN’T SAFE.

Ten years ago, Hope left Somerset with a fatal secret and a broken heart. She has spent a decade in the shadows, living a quiet life of penance to protect the man she once loved – the world-famous author Ambrose Glencourt.

YOUR LIFE IS NOT YOUR OWN.

Then, she opens his latest bestseller. To the world, it’s a brilliant work of fiction. To Hope, it’s a betrayal. Every private moment, every dark truth, and every ‘fatal disaster’ from that summer is laid bare on the page.

YOUR TRUTH IS A LIE.

But Ambrose has changed the ending. In his version of the story, Hope isn’t the victim. She’s the villain.

Now, Hope must step out of the shadows to reclaim her narrative. But in a world of glamorous elites and whispered secrets, who will believe the word of an unreliable woman against the word of a literary icon?

Two narrators. One truth. And a secret worth killing for.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

For the last decade Hope has lived a reclusive life in penance for the tragic events that happened at Shadowlands. She swore to protect those she cared about and has taken that promise seriously. Then she sees author Ambrose Glencourt on TV promoting his new book. When she opens it she discovers he has taken not only every private moment from that summer at Shadowlands, but their shared secret, and turned it into a novel. And when she gets to the end and discovers that in Ambrose’s version she is no longer the victim but the villain. Angry and betrayed, Hope decides she has only one choice. To step out of the shadows and tell the world the truth about what happened. But who will they believe?

The first part of the book takes us back to Hope’s summer at Shadowlands, when she worked as Ambrose’s assistant. It’s a summer of self-discovery and falling in love. But it is also one of tragedy and we know something terrible happened that summer that Hope has been keeping secret ever since, creating an atmosphere of tension and foreboding that lingers over every word. By part two the secret has been revealed to the reader, but only from Hope’s perspective. And after DI Natalie Evans goes to the Glencourts for their version of events, they tell her that Hope’s mental health problems and obsession with Ambrose make her an unreliable narrator. Natalie must decide who is telling the truth, beginning an investigation that peels back the layers of lies and misdirection to expose shocking truths that pull the rug out from under you. 

Unreliable narrators are my favourite trope, especially in thrillers. So the title of this book alone was enough to add it to my TBR, but when I read the synopsis I was even more intrigued. Razor-sharp, suspenseful, forbidding, twisty and thought-provoking, Unreliable Narrator is a heart-stopping thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Skillfully written, cleverly choreographed and filled with twists I never saw coming, this book is like a can of pringles and I couldn’t stop reading once I’d started. Araminta Hall had me in the palm of her hand as she spun her tangled web of secrets, lies, betrayal and murder. But this book also makes you think as Ms. Hall asks how much we can really trust our own memories and explores themes of misogyny and abuse. The characters are richly drawn and hold your attention. Hope is a fascinating protagonist and I enjoyed trying to figure out if she was telling us the truth. The others are harder to figure out as for much of the story we only see them through Hope’s lens and I enjoyed how part two made me question everything I thought I knew. 

A must-read for all thriller fans.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Pan Macmillan for sending me a proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From her website: I live by the sea in Brighton, on the south coast of England, with my husband and three children who come and go between universities and flat shares. Most of my time is spent in my writing cabin battling words, but I also love walking my dog on the beach, doing a bit of very amateur gardening, seeing friends and reading, reading, reading.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Butter by Asako Yuzuki

Published February 29th, 2024 by 4th Estate
Crime Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction, Translated Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

WINNER OF WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS DEBUT NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2025

THE NUMBER 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

A BBC BETWEEN THE COVERS BOOK CLUB PICK

‘A full-fat, Michelin-starred treat’ THE SUNDAY TIMES

‘I have been glued to Asako Yuzuki’s new novel Butter’ NIGEL SLATER

The cult Japanese bestseller about a female gourmet cook and serial killer and the journalist intent on cracking her case, inspired by a true story, and translated by Polly Barton.

There are two things that I can simply not tolerate: feminists and margarine.

Gourmet cook Manako Kajii sits in Tokyo Detention Centre convicted of the serial murders of lonely businessmen, who she is said to have seduced with her delicious home cooking. The case has captured the nation’s imagination but Kajii refuses to speak with the press, entertaining no visitors. That is, until journalist Rika Machida writes a letter asking for her recipe for beef stew and Kajii can’t resist writing back.

Rika, the only woman in her news office, works late each night, rarely cooking more than ramen. As the visits unfold between her and the steely Kajii, they are closer to a masterclass in food than journalistic research. Rika hopes this gastronomic exchange will help her soften Kajii but it seems that she might be the one changing. With each meal she eats, something is awakening in her body, might she and Kaji have more in common than she once thought?

Inspired by the real case of the convicted con woman and serial killer, “The Konkatsu Killer”, Asako Yuzuki’s Butter is a vivid, unsettling exploration of misogyny, obsession, romance and the transgressive pleasures of food in Japan.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

Food and murder. The perfect recipe for a great read.

Manako Kaji is a convicted serial killer who used a dating service to pick her victims, who she seduced with her delicious home cooking. Her case captured the nation’s imagination but she has always refused to speak to the press. Until journalist Rika Machida sent her a letter asking for her recipe for beef stew. After all, she may not want to talk about her case, but Manako will always talk about food. What follows is a mesmerising story about food, sex, murder, misogyny and obsession that is impossible to forget. 

Captivating, mysterious, sensuous, quirky and uncompromising, Butter is a magnificent debut. This cult Japanese bestseller was a highly  anticipated read for me. I finally read it with my book club last year and seeing all the hype on bookstagram had me even more excited to finally experience it for myself. I wasn’t disappointed. Asako Yuzuki is a masterful storyteller who has created a love letter to good food mixed with mystery, wit, tension, murder and feminist rage. A feast for your senses, food plays a huge role and there are an array of mouthwatering descriptions of food that made my stomach rumble. Asako also looks at the role food plays in sensuality and pleasure, exploring how eating can be a sensual experience or used to seduce, as Manako did with her victims. But it also explores Japan’s beauty culture and obsession with being slim, leading to lots of criticism of Manako’s curvier appearance and Asako explores the societal expectations and sexism that accompany it. 

The characters in this book are richly drawn and unforgettable. The two main characters are strong and formidable women who I loved reading. Rika was likeable and easy to root for, and her hunger to interview Manako and fascination with the case was relatable to this true crime aficionado. Meanwhile Manako herself is an unsettling character that lingers in your mind. And knowing she’s based on the real serial killer, ‘The Konkatsu Killer’, only makes her all the more terrifying. 

I devoured this darkly delicious thriller hungrily, reading it in under a day. It’s easy to see why it took  the literary world and bookstagram by storm and has received numerous awards. I can’t wait to read more from Asako.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thank you to 4th Estate for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Asako Yuzuki (柚木 麻子, Yuzuki Asako) is a Japanese writer. She won the All Yomimono Prize for New Writers and the Yamamoto Shūgorō Prize. Asako has been nominated multiple times for the Naoki Prize, and her novels have been adapted for television, radio, and film.

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ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR:

Polly Barton is a writer and Japanese translator based in Bristol. In 2019, she won the Fitzcarraldo Editions Essay Prize, and her debut book Fifty Sounds , a personal dictionary of the Japanese language, was published in the UK by Fitzcarraldo Editions in April 2021. In 2022, Fifty Sounds was shortlisted for the 2022 Stanford Dolman Travel Book of the Year.

Her translations have featured in Granta, Catapult, The White Review and Words Without Borders and her full length translations include Spring Garden by Tomoka Shibasaki (Pushkin Press), Where the Wild Ladies Are by Aoko Matsuda (Tilted Axis Press/Soft Skull), which was shortlisted for the Ray Bradbury Prize, and There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura (Bloomsbury).

Her new book, Porn: An Oral History , will be published by Fitzcarraldo Editions (UK) in March 2023 and La Nave di Teseo (Italy).

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Eye For An Eye by M. J. Arlidge

Published July 20th, 2023 by Orion
Legal Thriller, Crime Fiction, Thriller

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

OUR MOST NOTORIOUS CRIMINALS HAVE HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT.
UNTIL NOW…

‘Emily’ is a devoted single mother.
‘Jack’ starts a new job in a new town.
‘Russell’ may be falling in love.

They all share the same secret:
none of them are who they say they are.

They are among only nine criminals in the UK who have been granted lifelong anonymity, for their own safety, because of their terrible crimes.

But what if someone exposed their true identities to the families of their victims, who are desperate for revenge?

Probation officer Olivia Campbell is caught in the crossfire of this unprecedented crisis – and as the hunt for the mole behind it all intensifies, so too does the search for the vigilante killers let loose by the leaks…

Everyone is a suspect. Anyone could be a killer.
Who deserves justice? And who gets to decide?

#EyeForAnEye

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

There are only nine criminals in the UK who have been granted lifelong anonymity. It is for their own safety, because of how terrible their crimes were. But what would happen if someone exposed their true identities to the families of their victims? 

As soon as I read that heart-stopping synopsis I knew I had to read this thriller. Of course, I will also read anything that M. J. Arlidge writes. And this standalone thriller is sensational. Malevolent, suspenseful, harrowing, emotive and thought-provoking, I was in Arlidge’s thrall from the start. Terror oozes from the first page, and there is a harrowing sense of foreboding throughout. There’s a huge cast of characters but it never feels confusing, seamlessly moving between them as we are taken on a journey filled with vengeance, danger, fear and fury.

This book will make you question your own moral compass and forces you to confront your own sense of what justice looks like. Should those who commit terrible crimes live safely in secrecy or should the families of their victims be allowed vengeance? It’s not an easy moral dilemma. After all, my instinct is to say they should never be released from prison and if they are, their fate should be up to their victims’ families. 

There are two sides to every story and Arlidge explores the shades of grey that exist in every situation, writing with nuance as he dissects the crimes and their repercussions. He also humanises these ‘evil’ children, allowing us to see past their atrocities, connect with them and condemn the vigilante justice. But then he flips the script, showing us the pain, rage and devastation of the victims’ families and how they feel let down by the justice system. In the middle of all this is Probation Officer Olivia Campbell, the woman who is caught in the crossfire between perpetrators and victims. Olivia is racing against the clock in a desperate search to find the mole who leaked the information and hunting down the vigilantes who are hell-bent on revenge.

A twisty thriller that will keep you on your toes until the last page, this is a must-read.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

M. J. Arlidge is the international bestselling author of the Detective Helen Grace Thrillers, including Pop Goes the Weasel and his debut, Eeny Meeny, which has been sold in twenty-five countries. He lives in England and works in television.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2025

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Lamplighters Bookshop by Sophie Austin

Published March 13th, 2025 by Harper Fiction
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Historical Romance, Gaslamp Fantasy

*I listened to this book on Bookbeat. Click here for 60 days free listening with my affiliate code*

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Netgalley Historical Fiction Book of the Year 2025!!

Every book tells a story. Every heart hides a secret.

‘What’s not to love?! Nineteenth century York, bookshops and brilliant characters!‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In the shadowy aisles of the Lamplighter’s Bookshop, secrets lie as thick as the dust…

When Evelyn Seaton answers an advertisement for an assistant at a forgotten bookshop in York, she is not the only one with something to hide.

There she meets the enigmatic and prickly William Morton, an aspiring writer keeping secrets of his own. But when the walls that Evelyn has built around herself start to crumble, there is only one person she can turn to.

As the layers are brushed away, can Evelyn and William find the courage to write the next chapter of their story?

BUY hERE

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MY REVIEW:

Atmospheric, delightful, romantic and compelling, The Lamplighter’s Bookshop is a truly gorgeous debut. And that ending! My heart has still not recovered. I can see why this was voted as historical fiction book of the year on Netgalley last year.

The story follows Evelyn Seaton, who is at home with her mother, Cecilia, when the police arrive one evening and tell them that they must leave their home. Her father has gambled away everything they have and they are there to seize it all. So they go to York to stay with the only family member they have, Cecelia’s Aunt Clara. With nothing to their name, Evelyn decides she must go against her mother’s wishes and get a job, answering an advertisement for an assistant at a forgotten bookshop. It is in this shadowy bookshop that she meets William Morton, a mysterious and prickly aspiring writer who, like Evelyn, is keeping secrets to protect himself. The pair try to deny their attraction, but when Evelyn’s life begins to fall apart all over again, William is the only one she can turn to. Can they find the courage to give into their true feelings?

Sophie Austin reveals herself as a writer to watch with this magnificent debut. Her storytelling and imagery is so evocative, bringing the world and characters she’s created to life so vividly that it felt like I was walking the cobbled streets of nineteenth century York, wandering the shadowy aisles of the bookshop, and living every moment alongside the characters, who are ebullient and memorable. A story about love, secrets and betrayal, Ms. Austin keeps her reader guessing what secrets most of the characters are hiding. I was on tenterhooks trying to guess what they were hiding and wondered what would happen when they were finally truthful with each other and their secrets were revealed. 

Evelyn is a fantastic protagonist. Not only is she likeable and easy to root for, she’s feisty, intelligent, resourceful, determined and fiercely independent. I was rooting for her from the start as she tried to navigate this scary new reality she’d been thrust into whilst also trying to deal with the heartache of her father’s betrayal. Evelyn also comes up against societal expectations from her mother and others that get in her way, but she finds ways to overcome them at every step, intent on making life better for herself and her mother.  Another character I really enjoyed was Aunt Clara. She was snarky, sharp and witty, lighting up the pages in every scene while also offering sage advice to Evelyn and Cecilia. 

As this is a romance, I obviously need to talk about our potential lovebirds. I’m a sucker for an enemies to lovers trope, which was masterfully executed by Ms. Austin. There’s an immediate spark between Evelyn and William but they try to deny it and spend their time disagreeing instead. I loved this quarrelsome pair and their verbal sparring. Their will they/won’t they aspect of their relationship created tension and gave me something to root for. Plus, I knew the pay off would be amazing if they did finally give into their feelings. Something I also liked was what a great character William was in himself. He’s enigmatic, complicated and flawed, and I was as desperate to work him out as Evelyn, keeping me rooted to my chair and turning the pages.

A heartwarming and wonderful debut, I can’t wait to see what’s next from Ms. Austin.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

Thank you Harper Collins for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Originally from London, Sophie Austin is a historical fiction novelist who now lives in Sweden. Her debut novel, THE LAMPLIGHTER’S BOOKSHOP (coming March 2025) is a turn of the century tale of rivalry, redemption, and love set under the darkening skies of York in 1899. Sophie loves spending time in Victorian England, both in her writing and in her reading, and you can step back in time with her via her website or her Instagram page. When Sophie isn’t writing historical fiction she works as a Senior Creative Writer for a blocky video game writing articles, scripts and more about mining, crafting and surviving

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2026

SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: Witch Trial by Harriet Tyce

Published February 26th, 2026 by Wildfire
Thriller, Legal Thriller, Supernatural Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

TWO TEENAGE GIRLS. ONE MURDERED CLASSMATE.
AND A MODERN-DAY WITCH TRIAL THAT WILL DIVIDE THE NATION . . .

‘Mind-bending and brilliant’ LISA JEWELL
‘Deliciously twisted. . . Genius’ CLAIRE DOUGLAS
‘An utter masterpiece’ SOPHIE HANNAH
‘Impeccable plotting’ FINANCIAL TIMES
_______________________________

When 18-year-old Christian Shaw is found dead in an Edinburgh park, the city reels – and the shock only deepens when police charge her best friends, Eliza Lawson and Isobel Smyth, with her murder.

As their trial begins and headlines scream for justice, rumours of bullying spiral into something darker: whispers of rituals, obsession, and a teenage pact gone wrong.

But then the girls take the stand – revealing a chilling defence no one saw coming – and the jury must question everything: the motives, the evidence, even their own judgement.

Who’s telling the truth? Who can be trusted?
And what really happened to Christian Shaw?

Let the Witch Trial begin . . .

BUY HERE

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MY REIVEW:

Schoolgirls Eliza Lawson and Isobel Smyth are accused of murdering their friend Christian Shaw. This book follows their trial. But it isn’t told through the eyes of the accused, their lawyers or even the victim’s loved ones. This story is primarily told by a juror, heart surgeon Matthew Phillips, who sees the trial as the perfect chance to escape from his troubled life. But he becomes increasingly obsessed with the case and begins to unravel, making us question if we can really believe what he’s telling us. Add in the connections to witchcraft and the historic witch trials, and you’ve got an addictive and heart-pounding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

From its dark and intriguing prologue to one of the best endings I’ve ever read, Witch Trial had me completely hooked. With her exquisite prose, clever plotting and stunning revelations, Harriet Tyce held me in her thrall. I love it when a book takes you in a different direction than you were expecting, and Harriet did that time and again with this story. I enjoyed the glimpse into what it is like to be a juror in a trial and some of my favourite parts of the book were the scenes between the jurors when they are alone together or trying to navigate the legalities of being a juror when they go against their personal instincts or needs. I also liked that we were never given any information that they didn’t know, putting us in Matthew’s shoes and making us question everything the way he did. 

I love a thriller that keeps you guessing so I loved how although we know the identity of the accused killers they remain elusive and we only have the same evidence as the jurors to decide if they are guilty, raising the suspense and keeping me on tenterhooks. I also loved the supernatural element that is intricately woven into the story. Eliza and Isobel are accused of practicing witchcraft and there are references and parallels with the historic witch trials that took place in Edinburgh, the city the book is set in. These elements helped to create the dark atmosphere and sense of danger that permeated the story. It also made us question not only the sanity of the accused, but also of Matthew, as he’s drawn deeper into the occult as the case goes on.  But the part that elevated this book from great to sensational was that surprise triple twist ending that Harriet pulls off with such finesse. It is truly one of my favourite endings of all time and changed how I perceived the entire story. Well played, Ms. Tyce.

An outstanding thriller that will have your heart racing and mind whirling, add this to your TBR now! 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thank you Wildfire for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Harriet Tyce was born and grew up in Edinburgh. She graduated in English from Oxford University in 1994, and after gaining legal qualifications worked as a criminal barrister for nearly ten years. After leaving the law she started writing, gaining a distinction in an MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) from the University of East Anglia in 2017.

Harriet has written four novels, Blood Orange, The Lies You Told, It Ends At Midnight and A Lesson in Cruelty. She lives in north London with her husband, children, and two dogs.

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Thanks for reaidng, Bibliophiles xxxx

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SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: Paper Sisters by Rachel Canwell

Published February 12th, 2026 by Northodox Press
Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Contemprory Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Lincolnshire, 1914. As the First World War approaches, three women are living, trapped between the unforgiving marsh, the wide, relentless river, and the isolation of the fen.

Their lives are held fast by profound grief, haunted by the spectres of the past. Trapped by the looming presence and eerie stillness of a hospital that has never admitted a single patient.  

Eleanor longs to escape. To make a life with the man she loves, leaving her sister, and all her ghosts behind. Clara’s marriage is crumbling and violent and she yearns for peace and security for both herself and her innocent children. Meanwhile, Lily, a formidable force of will, stands resolute against the relentless tide of change. She will stop at nothing, no matter the devastating cost, to ensure that life, and her family, remain frozen in an unyielding embrace of the past.

The author, Rachel Canwell, grew up with the story of this forgotten hospital. Isolated, stocked weekly and cleaned daily but never admitting a single patient. The hospital was real, tended by her family for over sixty years and set against the ethereal beauty and loneliness of the Fens, is the inspiration for her novel.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Captivating, tense and poignant, this remarkable debut is an unforgettable story of grief, trauma, isolation, love, family and sisterhood.  Set in Lincolnshire in 1914, it tells the story of three family members: sisters Eleanor and Lily and their sister-in-law, Clara. Each woman is trapped; by grief, duty or fear. And looming large in the background of it all is the unstoppable advance towards World War I, along with the additional tragedies and trauma that will bring. 

The characters in this book are richly drawn and achingly human. Each of the narrators felt so real and it was easy to connect with them from the start. The tension between Eleanor and Lily is immediately apparent, while poor Clara is trapped in a violent marriage. There’s a strong sense of fear, yearning and captivity that fills each of the women: Eleanor longs to leave and start a life with the man she loves, Lily is scared of being alone and will go to any lengths to keep Eleanor with her, and Clara is terrified of her violent husband and longs for a life that is peaceful and safe. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions as they wrestled with life and all its struggles and was rooting for each of them to have a happy ending.

Rachel Canwell has crafted a truly powerful and unforgettable debut novel. The story is based on a real abandoned hospital in the Fens that her family tended for sixty years, though her characters and their stories are fiction. Exquisitely written, she transports her reader back to 1914 and into the lives of these women. There are a number of difficult subjects in the story that Ms. Canwell writes with honesty and sensitivity, putting you firmly in the shoes of those affected by the issues. With evocative descriptions she creates a strong sense of place and there is a constant sense of foreboding that comes in part from the abandoned hospital and unforgiving marsh that loom over everyone and everything. The sense of claustrophobia is palpable, adding to that unnerving feeling and adding a foreboding that keeps you on the edge of your seat, flying through the pages as I approached the finale. 

An unforgettable debut that you don’t want to miss.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Rachel and Northodox Press for sending me a proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Canwell is an author who, having grown up in the Fens, has lived and worked in Cumbria for over twenty years.
​
Her short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies. Her collection of flash fiction Oh I Do Like to Be was published in 2022 and her novella-in-flash Magpie Moon in 2023.

She co-hosts The Northern Connection; a podcast that celebrates writers and words with links to The North.

Her debut novel Paper Sisters is published at Northodox Press in Feb 2026.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2026

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Catherine by Essie Fox

Published February 12th, 2026 by Orenda Books
Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Gothic Romance, Dark Romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The greatest tragic love story ever told – but this time, Catherine tells it herself. In Catherine, Essie Fox breathes new life into Wuthering Heights, transforming a gothic masterpiece into a haunting confession of obsession, madness and love that even death cannot end.

With a nature as wild as the moors she loves to roam, Catherine Earnshaw grows up alongside Heathcliff, a foundling her father rescued from the streets of Liverpool. Their fierce, untamed bond deepens as they grow – until Mr Earnshaw’s death leaves Hindley, Catherine’s brutal brother, in control and Heathcliff reduced to servitude.

Desperate to protect him, Catherine turns to Edgar Linton, the handsome heir to Thrushcross Grange. She believes his wealth might free Heathcliff from cruelty – but her choice is fatally misunderstood, and their lives spiral into a storm of passion, jealousy and revenge.

Now, eighteen years later, Catherine rises from her grave to tell her story – and seek redemption.

Essie Fox’s Catherine reimagines Wuthering Heights with beauty and intensity – a haunting, atmospheric retelling that brings new life to a timeless classic and lays bare the dark heart of an immortal love.

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MY REVIEW:

We’ve all heard of Wuthering Heights, especially at the moment with the new movie adaptation being released. And we all think we know Catherine and Heathcliffe’s story. But we’ve never actually heard from either of the tragic lovers. This book changes all that, telling their story from the perspective of heroine Catherine Earnshaw for the first time. 

Evocative, compelling and immersive, Essie Fox had me in her thrall from start to finish. In anticipation of reading this book I had recently read Wuthering Heights for the first time. And I wasn’t a fan. But I absolutely loved this retelling and inhaled it in just two sittings. Exquisitely written and evocatively told, Essie’s imagery and prose brings the characters and moors to life in vivid detail, making me feel like I’d been transported to Haworth and was walking the windswept moors myself.

In her author’s note at the end of the book, Essie talks about wondering what Catherine would tell us that Nellie couldn’t. And for me that is where this book excels over the original story. In the original, I couldn’t stand Cathy and Heathcliffe, and it was impossible for me to care about their story. But Essie made me care about them by giving us a glimpse into Cathy’s true feelings, including about her own behaviour. Adult Heathcliffe is still an awful character that I despised, but seeing young Heathcliffe from Cathy’s perspective made me understand how they fell in love. Even so, I still don’t see this as a love story. For me it is a character study and an exploration of grief, trauma and mental health. 

A magnificent retelling that swept me away completely, I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part in the blog tour and to Orenda for sending me a proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Essie Fox was born and raised in Herefordshire. After studying English Literature at Sheffield University, she moved to London and began a career in publishing – from there becoming self-employed in commercial art design. Always an avid reader, she now writes historical novels.

Essie’s debut, The Somnambulist, was shortlisted for the National Book Awards, and featured on Channel 4’s TV Book Club. Other novels have been selected as The Times as Historical Books of the Month. The Fascination was an instant Sunday Times best seller. And now, Dangerous, a Regency gothic crime thriller featuring Lord Byron in Venice, has again been selected as a Times Book of the Month.

Essie has appeared at many literary events, has lectured at the V&A, the Westminster Library, and National Gallery in London. She also hosts a podcast: Talking the Gothic.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the blog tour.

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

Audiobook Review: In Bloom by Liz Allan

Published March 12th, 2026 by Sceptre
Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age Story

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

An Observer Best Debut Novelist 2026

The Bastards aren’t afraid of anything.

It’s the mid-nineties, and in the small, shitty coastal town of Vincent, four girls – each hailing from single-mother, multi-sibling families, form a band: The Bastards. Friends since they were children, they consider themselves ‘forgettable girls’ – distracted, disillusioned, and desperate to escape the fates of their mothers.

Winning the Battle of the Bands is their ticket out – they might not have talent, but they can play three chords and scream until their vocal folds burst out of their throats – and nobody wants it more than them.

But when lead singer Lily Lucid quits, and accuses their idolized music teacher of sexual assault, the three remaining girls are left with nothing. They’ll do anything to keep their dream alive, even if it means sacrificing school, Lily and their mothers. But how far out of control can they spin before there’s no turning back?

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MY REVIEW:

1994. Vincent, Australia is a small, shitty coastal town that is the capital of teen pregnancies and absent fathers. Four girls from single-mother families looking for a way to be noticed and get out, decide to form a band. And if they can win the Battle of the Bands then they will get their dream. But when their lead singer, Lily, quits the band and accuses their music teacher of sexual assault, everything falls apart. The three remaining girls have nothing left but a desperate dream they are trying to keep alive. But just how far are they prepared to go to do that?

Gritty, grungy, absorbing and immersive, this was a phenomenal debut. Liz Allan has been named one of the Observer’s Best Debut Novelist of 2026 and it’s easy to see why after reading this. Heartbreaking, haunting and raw, it is exquisitely written, richly observed and perfectly paced, the short chapters kept me turning the pages and I devoured the book in one sitting. An electric and emotional coming-of-age story,  it also explores a number of issues including friendship, family, class struggles and sexual assault. It is as mysterious as it is heartfelt, the tension keeping me on the edge of the seat as I overflowed with rage or devastation. I felt every emotion alongside these girls and felt wrecked when it was all over.

I was about the same age as these girls in 1994 and I loved the nostalgia of this story. Liz Allan perfectly captures the feeling of the era and made me feel like I’d stepped back in time to the 90s. I loved all of the small details that made it feel authentic, especially the music references. They were wonderfully written, real and easy to root for, taking me back to the uncertainty of my teenage years. The story moves between the present (1994) and flashbacks to when they were still a foursome and their friendship with Lily was intact, the truth about why Lily left their band slowly unfolding piece by piece.

An outstanding debut from an author who is one to watch, this is a must-read.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thanks to Sceptre and Negtalley for my copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr Liz Allan is an Australian writer and teacher living and working in the United Kingdom. Her debut novel, IN BLOOM, will be published in the USA in January 2026 and in the UK March 2026.

Liz has a PhD in Creative Writing and a Masters in Teaching from The University of Adelaide. She will be the Elisabeth Maynard Writer in Residence at Frensham School, NSW Australia, April-June 2026.

Her short story, Solastalgia, won the Newcastle Short Story Award 2025 and her short story, Our Voices, Fierce won the Rachel Funari Prize for fiction in 2018. Her stories have been shortlisted and longlisted for numerous other awards. 

Liz is represented by Angelique Tran Van Sang at Felicity Bryan Associates in the UK, and Alison Lewis at Francis Goldin Literary Agency in the US.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer

Published November 6th, 2025 by Faber & Faber
Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Myths, Young Adult Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The ghost of Bluebeard. A handsome count. A con artist in over her head.

Mallory Fontaine is a fraud. She’s descended from witches, and pretends to be one, although her only magic is the ability to see ghosts. She can barely make a living – but Count Armand Saphir will pay a fortune if she can rid him of his murderous ancestor’s ghost.

Now death has returned to the House Saphir, and Mallory is almost certain the killer is mortal. To have any hope of Armand’s payment, she’ll need to solve the murder, banish the ghost and keep passing as a witch.

Still, that’s easy compared to her biggest challenge: trusting her heart. Especially when her heart’s desire could be the murderer himself.

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MY REVIEW:

Mallory Fontaine is a fraud. Though she descends from witches, she doesn’t have powers, although she pretends she does. The only thing she can do is see ghosts. And that isn’t going to help her make a living. Until Count Armand Saphir learns of her ability and offers to pay her a fortune if she can rid his house of the ghost of his murderous ancestor, Count Bastien Saphir. But as Mallory tries to rid House Saphir of Bastien’s ghost, death returns. And Mallory is almost certain the killer is mortal. Now, in order to receive the money she was promised, Mallory must solve the murder as well as banishing the ghost and keeping up the pretence that she is a witch. And there is another complication: Mallory is falling for Armand.

Gothic, dark, suspenseful and forbidding, The House Saphir is an alluring cocktail of ghosts, witches, folklore, love and murder. Marissa Meyer is a name I’ve heard, but I was intrigued by the idea of a romantasy that is merged with traditional French folklore. And who could resist those gorgeous spredges? Evocatively written, meticulously researched, cleverly choreographed and filled with dark humour, Meyer held me in her thrall from start to finish. Before I read this book I only vaguely knew of Bluebeard, a nobleman who murdered his wives. Meyer brought his story to life in vivid technicolour, making this malevolent character feel utterly real and terrifying even though he is a spectre. His ominous presence looms over every page, as even the Ghost Wives are terrified of encountering him again.

Sassy, sarcastic, likeable and easy to root for, Mallory is a great protagonist, even if she isn’t always truthful. Charming, wealthy and mysterious, Armand is a compelling character and love interest. I was suspicious of his motives from the start but could see how Mallory began to fall for his allure. But would this turn out to be a mistake? I couldn’t decide and was on tenterhooks as I waited to discover the truth. But by far my favourite characters were the mischievous Ghost Wives – the Count’s victims who now also haunt House Saphir. They were so fun to read while also inspiring real fear at the thought of coming into contact with their murderer once more.

An entertaining retelling that will have you hooked, I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Libro.fm for providing me with a complimentary audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marissa Meyer is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, Heartless, The Renegades Trilogy, and Instant Karma, as well as the graphic novel duology Wires and Nerve. She holds a BA in Creative Writing from Pacific Lutheran University and a MA in Publishing from Pace University. In addition to writing, Marissa hosts The Happy Writer podcast. She lives near Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and twin daughters.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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