Tag: July Books

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book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: The House of Fever by Polly Crosby

Published August 15th, 2024 by HQ
Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance Novel, Historical Mystery

Today I’m sharing my review for this haunting gothic hisotrical ficiton. Thank you to HQ for sending me a proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘Simmering with secrets, this beguiling mystery is a dark delight’ Essie Fox, author of The Fascination

‘Builds an uneasy atmosphere that crept under my skin and kept me guessing until the end’ Hester Musson, author of The Beholders

Can she unlock the secrets of The House of Fever?

1935, Hedoné House, a luxurious sanatorium for the creative elite dedicated to the groundbreaking treatment of tuberculosis. As the doctor’s new wife, Agnes Templeton has pledged her life to a house of fever.

But Hedoné is no ordinary hospital. High society rubs shoulders with artists, poets and musicians. No expense is spared on the comfort of the guests, and champagne flows freely. It’s a world away from everything Agnes knows.

Her husband’s methods are unusual. There are whisperings about past patients and even a cure. Hedoné’s secrets draw Agnes in, revealing truths she could never anticipate, and soon she is caught between a past she is desperate to escape and a future she may forever regret.

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MY REVIEW:

“Something is rotten here. Very rotten indeed.” 

1935. Agnes Templeton arrives at Hedone House, a sanatorium that is to be her home after marrying the doctor who runs it. But this is not your average sanatorium. Picturesque and luxurious, there is no expense spared and the champagne flows as freely as the medication. It caters to the creative elite and specialises in groundbreaking treatment for tuberculosis. Before long, Agnes is hearing whispers about past patients, a possible cure and she discovers that the methods Dr Christian uses are as unusual as everything else about this place. And when shocking secrets uncover unforeseen truths, Agnes wonders if she can escape the house of fever before it’s too late…

Atmospheric, eerie, claustrophobic and beguiling, The House of Fever is a gorgeously gothic, Du Maurier-esque tale from storytelling extraordinaire Polly Crosby. Her hauntingly beautiful prose, compelling characters and multi-layered plot held me in her thrall. Ms. Crosby became an auto-buy author for me when I read her sensational debut, The Illustrated Child. She’s got even better with each book and The House of Fever is without a doubt her best yet. It is more complex and twisty than her previous books and I have no idea how she did it. I didn’t see the revelations coming and was blown away at how intricately she had woven the threads. Emotionally resonant, affecting and deeply human, I felt all the feelings while reading this book. I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, totally consumed by this book to the point where I couldn’t even put it down while I ate. 

As someone with chronic illness I found it very relatable. Ms. Crosby writes with honesty and compassion, reminding us that these characters are more than their illness. They are people with fascinating personalities, with hopes, dreams and entire lives that are being snatched away by this disease. It made me feel seen and heard in a way that is rare for disabled people in the media and there were times it made me quite emotional. Ms. Crosby has talked about how she was inspired to write this book by her own experiences with chronic illness and I feel like that is evident in how well she writes this part of the story. 

“…all those names, all this death, threaded through with glitter and glamour, so intoxicating, so terribly, addictively compelling that you could do nothing but come back again and again.”

One of my favourite things about this book is the atmosphere of the sanatorium. Hedone House is a sanctuary and a place of acceptance where its guests can live some semblance of an ordinary life. Everyone has a body ravaged by the same sickness so there are no uncomfortable stares and they aren’t shunned for fear of infection. It gives them a chance to forget their uncertain futures and a hope that they might actually be cured. But, this utopia is brimming with secrets and has an undercurrent of something sinister that tells us all might not be as it seems at Hedone House. I love a good claustrophobic thriller; how a picturesque home or resort becomes terrifying when people begin to die and the only suspects are those surrounding you. No one is safe and you have no idea who to trust. And in this book the tension and fear are ramped up tenfold with the addition of debilitating chronic illness and people who are desperate for a cure. 

Evocative, dark, unnerving, poignant and totally mesmerising, The House of Fever is an absolute must-read and one of my top books this year. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Polly grew up on the Suffolk coast, and now lives in the heart of Norfolk with her husband and son, and her very loud and much loved rescue Oriental cat, Dali. She is passionate about nature, and her writing is very much inspired by the local landscape.

After a whirlwind of a year which saw Polly receive writing scholarships from both Curtis Brown Creative and The University of East Anglia’s MA in Creative Writing, she went on to be runner up in the Bridport Prize’s Peggy Chapman Andrews Award for a First Novel.

Polly’s debut novel, The Illustrated Child, was snapped up by HarperCollins HQ in the UK in a 48 hour pre-empt, and a few days later by HarperCollins Park Row Books in North America.

The House of Fever is her fourth novel.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones*| Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: A Girl’s Guide To Winning the War

Published July 25th, 2024 by Headline
Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Military Romance

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this heartwarming and uplifting novel. Thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and to Headline for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘A heart-warming tale about resilience, friendships and family, and the inestimable power of the written word’ RUTH HOGAN

‘A heart-warming depiction of strong female friendships tested by suffering – Annie Lyons really is the queen of the wartime saga’ CLARE CHAMBERS
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Can two young women and one book change the course of war?

1940. Whip-smart librarian Peggy Sparks is determined to make sure that her brother Joe returns from the frontline to their London home, which they share with their beloved mother and grandmother. So when she is offered a once-in-a-lifetime job at the heart of the war effort, Peggy jumps at the prospect of making a real contribution to her country.

But when she finds herself working under the fanciful socialite Lady Marigold Cecily, Peggy discovers that those around her are more keen on dancing at the Café de Paris than on ending the war. Writing accounts of her daily life is the only thing keeping Peggy’s hopes alive. But when she finds her inner-most thoughts accidentally published by the Ministry of Information, Peggy realises she needs Marigold’s help to save her job, and to bring her brother home . . .

From the author of The Air Raid Book Club comes a powerful tale of unexpected friendship, community and two remarkable women who change the course of the war. Full of heart, emotion and drama, it is the perfect uplifting story for fans of Kate Thompson and Natasha Lester.

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MY REVIEW:

“This wasn’t an unusual story. In fact, it was the story of millions of women living through the war along the length and breadth of the country… This was about women fighting and surviving , not on the battlefields but in their own back yards.”

Heartwarming, compelling and uplifting, A Girl’s Guide To War is a glorious tale of courage, strength, friendship, and family. Of finding light in the darkest times. And of the power of books.

London, 1940. Librarian Peggy Sparks lives with her mum, Alice, grandmother, Emily, pregnant sister-in-law, Flo, and young niece, Nancy. Her twin brother, Joe, is serving on the frontline and she is determined to see that he returns home safely. So, when she is offered a job as a proof-reader at The Ministry of Information, she jumps at the chance, recognising this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only make a contribution to her country, but fulfil her promise to bring Joe home. It is there she meets Lady Marigold Cecily, a workshy aristocrat. But the pair slowly become friends before working together to publish books that are a vital part of the war effort. 

As a bookworm who loves reading historical fiction set in World War II this book was made for me. From its opening line I knew I’d found a book and character I’d street and from its opening lines I knew I’d found a book and character I’d love. Annie Lyons shows us the realities of war through the eyes of women and has filled the book with strong female characters of all ages, their bonds of community strengthened by the struggles and heartache of war. Their bravery is evident in the small things they do while living their lives each day. It is humbling, honest and raw, but also written with deep compassion and sensitivity and I was glued to the pages.

Peggy Sparks is a fantastic protagonist. Smart, determined and kind, I felt an immediate connection to this family-orientated, lifelong bookworm. When we meet her, Peggy is keeping a written account of how the war affects her daily life but her job at the Ministry offers the chance to do this, and more, on a greater scale. It is at the Ministry she meets Lady Marigold, and the pair could not be more different. Peggy is a homebody and hard worker, while Marigold is always late and prefers nights out at the Cafe de Paris. But the pair slowly form a friendship and work together to create and publish books that are an important part of the Ministry’s war effort. I loved their friendship and how they taught each other so much about life from another perspective. Central to the story is the close relationship between Peggy and her family. They may not have a lot financially, but they have things that money can’t buy, such as love and togetherness, and the bond between them radiates from the pages. I loved reading their scenes together and had a real soft spot for little Nancy who is a real firecracker that often dropped pearls of wisdom. Another brilliant character was Emily, Peggy’s grandmother and matriarch of the family. I loved this no-nonsense woman and she often had me laughing with her quips. Peggy’s twin brother may have been away at war but he is made flesh and blood through the letters he writes to Peggy. I thought this was a clever way to make him real while also displaying the power of writing. 

Books are an integral part of this story and both they and the written word are woven into every facet of the story. All book lovers know the power, magic and joy of books, but it felt extra special seeing the power they had during the war not only as a tool for information, but also in boosting morale. I enjoyed reading about the pamphlets and books that were published by the Ministry during the war and how they were seen as a vital way of boosting morale. It was fascinating to read about the publishing process and I enjoyed learning through historical fiction once again. Despite knowing quite a lot about this era I had somehow never considered or come across paper rationing so I enjoyed learning more about that and the difficulties faced by the publishing industry at the time. I also enjoyed reliving the connection we get through letters, a format that isn’t often used in today’s age but was vital at a time when there was no other way of communicating with loved ones serving on the frontline.

Delightful, moving and hopeful, this is a must-read for book lovers and fans of historical fiction.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

After a career in bookselling and publishing, Annie Lyons published numerous books in the U.K. and The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett in the U.S. When not working on her novels, she teaches creative writing. She lives in south-east London with her husband and two children.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: Cabaret Macabre by Tom Mead

Published August 1st, 2024 by Head of Zeus
Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this nostalgic and riveting locked-room mystery. Thank you to Poppy and Sophie at Ransom PR for the invitation to take part, and to Head of Zeus for the gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘Cabaret Macabre really had it all… [Mead’s] characters are so well ‘fleshed out’ that you can picture them with ease. The twisted and complex puzzle totally foxed me, and although I hate to admit it, I really didn’t have a clue whodunnit! Entertaining and fiendishly clever.’ Joy Ellis, #1 bestselling author

Sleuth and illusionist Joseph Spector investigates his most complex case yet in this gripping new locked-room murder mystery from Tom Mead, set in an English country house just before the Second World War.

Hampshire, 1938. Victor Silvius is confined in a private sanatorium after attacking prominent judge Sir Giles Drury. When Sir Giles starts receiving sinister threatening letters, his wife suspects Silvius. Meanwhile, Silvius’ sister Caroline is convinced her brother is about to be murdered… by none other than his old nemesis Sir Giles.

Caroline seeks the advice of Scotland Yard’s Inspector Flint, while the Drurys, eager to avoid a scandal, turn to Joseph Spector. Spector, renowned magician turned sleuth, has an uncanny knack for solving complicated crimes – but this case will test his powers of deduction to their limits.

At a snowbound English country house, a body is found is impossible circumstances, and a killer’s bullet is fired through a locked window without breaking the glass. Spector and Flint’s investigations soon collide as they find themselves trapped by the snowstorm where anyone could be the next victim – or the killer…

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MY REVIEW:

“Closing the doors again, Spector looked up at the exterior of Marchbanks. It was a place of secrets, he thought. Secrets and death.” 

Clever, twisty and addictive, Cabaret Macabre sees the return of sleuth and illusionist Joseph Spector in his most intricate mystery to date. 

Hampshire, 1938. Spector is asked to investigate after Sir Giles Drury, a prominent judge, begins receiving sinister letters that his wife thinks are being sent by Victor Silvius, a man who was sent to a sanatorium after attacking Sir Giles nine years ago. Meanwhile, Victor’s sister, Caroline, fears for her brother’s safety and is convinced that Sir Giles is plotting to kill Victor and turns to Inspector Flint for help. Their and their investigations collide after the discovery of a body at the Drury’s country house. As they investigate a snowstorm hits, trapping potential victims with the killer and the race is on to identify the culprit before they kill again.

Locked-room mysteries are my favourite sub-genre of thrillers, so I was very excited to finally read a book from this series. Tom Mead drew me in immediately, transporting me back to pre-war England with the books’ old-fashioned mystery vibes. This was my first time reading this author and this series, and while it is a great standalone, I will definitely be going back and reading the other books in the series as I enjoyed it so much. Well-written, sharply plotted and pacy, this complex web had so many different threads that I have no idea how the author came up with this or kept things straight in his head. I’m usually quite good at figuring out culprits and predicting what will happen next, but this one had me completely stumped. And when the truth was finally revealed my jaw hit the floor, astounded at the small, detailed clues I’d missed that unveiled the killer. 

“It’s like a jigsaw, but with all the wrong pieces.” 

The story is filled with a large cast of colourful, fascinating and memorable characters that leaped from the pages. Joseph Spector is a compelling protagonist and I think that having an investigator who used to be an illusionist is such an original concept that allows for some really fun and intriguing moments. There is no obvious villain and everyone has a possible motive, which I liked as it made it impossible to unravel the mystery and I got to simply enjoy the wild ride. 

Nostalgic, riveting and inventive, Cabaret Macabre is a must-read for anyone who enjoys an entertaining cosy mystery.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Tom Mead is a Derbyshire mystery writer and aficionado of Golden Age Crime Fiction. His debut novel, DEATH AND THE CONJUROR, was an international bestseller, nominated for several awards, and named one of the best mysteries of the year by The Guardian and Publishers Weekly. Its sequel, THE MURDER WHEEL, was described as “pure nostalgic pleasure” by the Wall Street Journal and “a delight” by the Daily Mail. It was also named one of the Best Traditional Mysteries of 2023 by Crimereads. His third novel, CABARET MACABRE, will be published in 2024.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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

Categories
book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2023

PAPERBACK BLOG TOUR: The Beaver Theory (The Rabbit Factor Trilogy, Book 3) by Antti Tuomainen

Published July 18th, 2024 by Orenda
Mystery, Thriller, Horror Fiction, Hard-boiled, Humourous Fiction, Translated Fiction

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for the kooky and original The Beaver Theory, which is the final book in the brilliant The Rabbit Factor Trilogy. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours and to Karen at Orenda for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Can everyone’s favourite insurance mathematician, Henri, combine the increasingly dangerous world of adventure parks with the unpredictability of blended-family life? He’s about to find out in the final instalment of the hilarious, nail-biting Rabbit Factor Trilogy.

‘A joyous, triumphant conclusion to Tuomainen’s trilogy … the comic thriller of the year’ Sunday Times THRILLER OF THE YEAR

‘Quirky crime capers don’t come more left field than the Rabbit trilogy … extremely funny, with a wicked line in social satire’ Daily Mail

‘One of those rare writers who manages to deftly balance intrigue, noir and a deliciously ironic sense of humour’ Vaseem Khan

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Henri Koskinen, intrepid insurance mathematician and adventure-park entrepreneur, firmly believes in the power of common sense and order. That is until he moves in with painter Laura Helanto and her daughter…

As Henri realises he has inadvertently become part of a group of local dads, a competing adventure park is seeking to expand their operations, not always sticking to the law in the process…

Is it possible to combine the increasingly dangerous world of the adventure-park business with the unpredictability of life in a blended family? At first glance, the two appear to have only one thing in common: neither deals particularly well with a mounting body count.

In order to solve this seemingly impossible conundrum, Henri is forced to step far beyond the mathematical precision of his comfort zone … and the stakes have never been higher…

Warmly funny, quirky, touching, and a nail-biting triumph of a thriller, The Beaver Theory is the final instalment in the award-winning Rabbit Factor Trilogy, as Henri encounters the biggest challenge of his career, with hair-raising results…

Soon to be a major motion picture starring Steve Carell

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MY REVIEW:

We’re back with Henri and the others at the YouMeFun Adventure Park for the last book in the Rabbit Factor Trilogy. In his final adventure, the actuary and adventure-park entrepreneur is trying to balance his new family commitments with saving his park, preventing his staff becoming embroiled in an adventure-park war, and solving a murder. And time is running out. But Henri believes that order and mathematics will win the day as they always have, even if he’s forced further out of his comfort zone than ever as he faces his biggest challenges to date.

Laugh-out-loud funny, wacky, touching and unpredictable, The Beaver Theory is a glorious finale for this offbeat trilogy. In this instalment Henri is a real fish out of water as he embraces the chaos of family life, school runs and bake sales alongside the running of his adventure-park, a job that is far more dangerous than you’d imagine. Written with Antti Tuomainen’s signature kooky comic genius, warmth and tension, he kept me guessing as the madness unfolded right up to the spectacular finale. But this witty caper was also bittersweet as I never wanted the trilogy to end and I’m glad I’ve got the TV adaptation to look forward to. 

Henri remains one of my favourite characters ever written. Sensible, ordered, meticulous and very quirky, there is no one else like him. I adore this character and love the way he finds respite in logic, order and mathematics even when he’s a suspected murderer. He’s such a refreshing character to read and you can’t help but root for him every step of the way. I loved seeing him happy and taking on the challenge of family life and all its craziness in this book, especially when he’s pulled into being part of the ‘Dads Gang’. The latter paved the way for many hilarious moments and I enjoyed seeing his softer side in his interactions with Laura and her daughter. 

Kooky, original and entertaining, The Beaver Theory is another must-read from Tuomainen and Orenda. While it could be read as a standalone, I’d recommend reading the whole series to avoid missing out on some of the best fiction you’ll ever read. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Finnish Antti Tuomainen was an award-winning copywriter when he made his literary debut in 2007 as a suspense author. In 2011, Tuomainen’s third novel, The Healer, was awarded the Clue Award for Best Finnish Crime Novel and was shortlisted for the Glass Key Award. In 2013, the Finnish press crowned Tuomainen the ‘King of Helsinki Noir’ when Dark as My Heart was published. With a piercing and evocative style, Tuomainen was one of the first to challenge the Scandinavian crime-genre formula, and his poignant, dark and hilarious The Man Who Died became an international bestseller, shortlisting for the Petrona and Last Laugh Awards. Palm Beach Finland (2018) was an immense success, with The Times calling Tuomainen ‘the funniest writer in Europe’, and Little Siberia (2019) was shortlisted for the Capital Crime/Amazon Publishing Readers Awards, the Last Laugh Award and the CWA International Dagger, and won the Petrona Award for Best Scandinavian Crime Novel. The Rabbit Factor, the prequel to The Moose Paradox, will soon be a major motion picture starring Steve Carell for Amazon Studios.

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MEET THE TRANSLATOR:

David Hackston is a British translator of Finnish and Swedish literature and drama. Notable publications include The Dedalus Book of Finnish Fantasy, Maria Peura’s coming-of-age novel At the Edge of Light, Johanna Sinisalo’s eco-thriller Birdbrain, two crime novels by Matti Joensuu and Kati Hiekkapelto’s Anna Fekete series (which currently includes The Hummingbird, The Defenceless and The Exiled, all published by Orenda Books). He also translates Antti Tuomainen’s stories. In 2007 he was awarded the Finnish State Prize for Translation. David is also a professional countertenor and a founding member of the English Vocal Consort of Helsinki.

BUY THE BOOK:

Orenda Books | Waterstones* | Bookshop.org* | Amazon*
*These links are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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

Categories
book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2024 Squadpod Squadpod Book Club Squadpod Reviews

SQUADPOD BOOK CLUB: The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst by Katie Lumsden

Published July 18th, 2024 by Michael Joseph
Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

Welcome to my review for this charming, witty and sassy novel, which was the SquadPod Book Club book for July. Thank you Michael Joseph for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:


‘Romance and scandal abound in this compelling period drama . . . Recommended for all lovers of Regency historical fiction’ LAURA SHEPPERSON, author of The Heroines

‘Warm and witty, with a wonderful cast of quirky characters whose company I found irresistible’ JESSICA BULL, author of Miss Austen Investigates

‘A glittering comedy with spiky wit, an eye for social critique, and (of course) a terrific sense of irony’ TOM MEAD, author of Death and the Conjuror and The Murder Wheel

‘Rich with scandal, romance and social mores . . . a total delight!’ ANITA FRANK, author of The Lost Ones and The Good Liars

—

A single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife…
But why would he choose her?

Summer 1841. It is marriage season in the county of Wickenshire, and Miss Amelia Ashpoint isn’t sure she can face yet another ball. But now that she has reached the grand age of three-and-twenty, time is (apparently) running out. Her father is anxious to secure her a husband and has set his sights on Mr Montgomery Hurst of Radcliffe Park.

Only, Mr Hurst has just announced his engagement to somebody else.

To the great consternation of Wickenshire, a community that thrives on gossip, the county’s most eligible bachelor is about to marry not only an unknown stranger – but a widow with three children, odd manners and no ancestry to speak of. Society is appalled and intrigued.

Meanwhile, Amelia Ashpoint has no interest in marriage at all. But in this town, it is clear that nobody’s business is their own. And while society has high expectations for Amelia, her heart is drawing her in a very different direction . . .

A love letter to Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst is a witty novel of manners and gossip, class and family, scandal and romance.

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MY REVIEW:

Witty, fun, gossipy and addictive, The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst is a glorious Regency comedy of manners. Katie Lumsden’s sensational debut, The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, was one of my top reads of last year so I was excited to dive into her sophomore novel. I went into it blind, expecting another Victorian gothic mystery, and was pleasantly surprised by this piece of Victorian uplit.

Set in the fictional county of Wickenshire in 1841, this is a story of family, romance, society, gossip and scandal. It follows Amelia, the eldest daughter of the wealthy Ashpoint family. Amelia is not your average 19th century heroine and has vowed never to take a husband. Despite this, her father hopes to secure her marriage to Mr. Montgomery Hurst, but his hopes are quashed when Mr. Hurst announces his engagement at the first ball of the marriage season. The gossip fires are ablaze as all of Society wonders who his mystery bride-to-be could be. Tongues wag further when it is revealed that not only is the new Mrs. Hurst a stranger, but also a widow and mother of three young children. The scandal! How could a gentleman choose such an unsuitable bride? And what will become of Miss Ashpoint now? 

Katie Lumsden has knocked it out of the park once again with this magnificent tale. She brings her fictional world to life in vivid technicolour with her exquisite period prose, cleverly choreographed plots and ebullient characters. I lost myself completely in this book, captivated by the people and their lives. It is lively and upbeat, but also touches on serious topics from that time such as  sexuality, gender and illegitimacy. These are all handled sensitively but honestly, woven into the narrative seamlessly alongside the secrets, drama, romance and laughter. It gave me wholesome Bridgerton vibes and feels ripe for a sequel.

I was captivated by the book’s cast of quirky, compelling characters. Its heroine, Amelia Ashpoint, is not your average 19th century heroine, and that is why I loved her so much. Spiky, headstrong and plain-speaking, she prefers reading books to dancing, doesn’t fit into the strict gender roles available to her, vows never to take a husband, and is struggling to find her place. But she is kind hearted, likeable, and so fun to read. The eponymous Mrs. Hurst was another fascinating character. Only we know very little about her and are given only breadcrumbs of information about her history and character, keeping us guessing what she might be hiding. I also really liked Diggory, Amelia’s older brother. There were also some great stuck up and unlikeable characters who added to the drama and authenticity. 

So if you’re looking for a different kind of lighthearted and escapist read this summer, then look no further than this charming, elegant and sassy novel. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

From Katie’s Website:
Right, so, hello!

Hi, I’m Katie and I like books. I like to read books, write books and talk about books on the internet. When I am not speaking rapidly about Victorian literature and historical fiction on YouTube, I also write novels and work as a freelance editor.

I chiefly write historical fiction, both novels and short stories. My debut novel, The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, was published in spring 2023, by Penguin Michael Joseph in the UK and by Dutton in the US.

My second novel, The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst, will be published by Penguin Michael Joseph in the UK in July 2024

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Bookshop.org* | Amazon*
*These links are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Categories
book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2023 Squadpod Squadpod Book Club Squadpod Recommends Squadpod Reviews

SQUADPOD BOOK CLUB: 73 Dove Street by Julie Owen Moylan

Published July 20th, 2023 by Michael Joseph
Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Romance Fiction

Welcome to my review of the stylish, soulful and compelling, 73 Dove Street. This was our Squadpod Book Club pick for July. Thank you to Michael Joseph for the gifted proof.

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SYNOPSIS:

The page-turning and evocative new novel set in 1950s London from the author of That Green Eyed Girl


‘An incredibly vivid rendering of post-war London and the complicated lives of three woman whose fates intersect at a boarding house . . . emotional, immersive and utterly absorbing’ JENNIFER SAINT
‘The sense of time and place is beautifully evocative. It’s about pride and shame and love and loss and ultimately hope’ LAURA SHEPHERD-ROBINSON
‘Once again, Julie Owen Moylan has created a world that feels completely real and vivid’ JODIE CHAPMAN
‘From the Rivoli Ballroom to the seedy nightlife of Soho, the characters leap off the page in this compelling mystery’ WOMAN & HOME
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When Edie Budd arrives at a shabby West London boarding house in October 1958, carrying nothing except a broken suitcase and an envelope full of cash, it’s clear she’s hiding a terrible secret.
And she’s not the only one; the other women of 73 Dove Street have secrets of their own . . .
Tommie, who lives on the second floor, waits on the eccentric Mrs Vee by day. After dark, she harbours an addiction to seedy Soho nightlife – and a man she can’t quit.
Phyllis, 73 Dove Street’s formidable landlady, has set fire to her husband’s belongings after discovering a heart-breaking betrayal – yet her fierce bravado hides a past she doesn’t want to talk about.
At first, the three women keep to themselves.
But as Edie’s past catches up with her, Tommie becomes caught in her web of lies – forcing her to make a decision that will change everything . . .

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MY REVIEW:

73 Dove Street is a story of secrets, lies, heartbreak, trauma, and fear told through the eyes of three women: Edie, Tommie, and Phyllis. To keep their secrets, the women keep to themselves, leaving them feeling isolated, lonely, and without anyone to turn to or confide in. But when Tommie gets tangled in Edie’s web of lies the women are forced to make decisions that will alter the course of their lives forever…

My love for Julie Owen Moyan’s writing is sealed after reading this book, which was the Squadpod Book Club pick for July (yes, I’m a bit behind). Beautifully written and compelling, she knows how to captivate her audience, drawing you into the story and the lives of her characters. She transports you to 1950s London with descriptions that are so vivid you can not only see it in front of you, but you can hear and smell it, too. A tense, claustrophobic atmosphere leapt from the pages, and there’s a quiet intensity to it that tells you something is simmering beneath the surface just waiting to boil over. I lived every moment alongside the characters as I read this heartbreaking and hopeful story. 

The characters are key to this story, giving it its beating heart. Edie, Tommie and Phyllis live in a time where women are subservient to men, often abused, and have few options for an independent life. The story seamlessly shifts between dual timelines to tell their stories, illuminating the lives of these ordinary women who were ignored by a misogynistic society. They spend their lives swimming in guilt, trauma, and fear, but it was powerful to watch as they discovered their own strength and resilience, refusing to be cowed by society and finding the courage to live life on their own terms. I loved these strong, inspirational women and was rooting for them every step of the way.

Stylish, soulful, and deeply human, 73 Dove Street is a gripping novel from a rising star in literary fiction and I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Julie Owen Moylan is a writer whose short stories and articles have appeared in New Welsh Review, The Independent, Sunday Express, and My Weekly.

She has also written and directed several short films as part of her MA in Film. Her graduation short film called ‘BabyCakes’ scooped Best Film awards at the Swansea Film Festival, Ffresh, and the Celtic Media Awards. She also has an MA in Creative Writing, and is an alumna of the Faber Academy’s Writing a Novel course. 

Julie has written two novels, THAT GREEN EYED GIRL ( May 2022) and 73 DOVE STREET ( July 2023 ) Both novels are published by Penguin Michael Joseph.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org

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Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: Lost Little Angels (Detective Eve Bennett Book 2) by Holly S. Roberts

Published July 14th, 2023 by Bookouture
Mystery, Suspense, Crime Fiction, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Noir Fiction, Police Procedural, Romance Novel, Crime Series

I’m a few days late due to illness, but here is my review for this tense and twisty thriller. Thank you to Bookouture for the invitation to take part and the eBook ARC.

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SYNOPSIS:

She wakes suddenly, realizing with a panic that her darling baby daughter should have woken long before now. Racing to the pink-colored nursery, she lets out a deep cry as she opens the door. The crib is empty. Her little girl has vanished.

It’s after midnight when Detective Eve Bennet receives a distraught phone call from an unknown number. The voice at the other end begs her not to hang up—a baby has gone missing. But what the caller says next makes Eve’s heart race. “She isn’t the first. There are many, many more.”

Rushing to the missing girl’s home, Eve finds the house empty, and when she knocks on their neighbors’ doors, not a single person answers. Whoever reported the missing baby doesn’t want to be found…

Secrets are held tight in the small town of Hilldale and as an outsider, Eve knows that the only way to uncover the truth is to persuade someone to talk. She finally has a breakthrough when a young wife goes against her husband’s wishes and tells Eve it’s not just babies being taken—mothers are disappearing too.

The woman leaves Eve a hand drawn map leading her to an isolated trailer park. What she finds there shocks her to her core. But she hardly has time to think before she notices a lone figure watching her every move. She’s not alone.

Can Eve save herself in time to finally unmask the truth before more innocent children disappear forever?

Fans of Melinda Leigh, Kendra Elliot and Lisa Regan won’t be able to put down this utterly gripping crime thriller from a USA Today bestselling author.

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MY REVIEW:

Just after midnight Detective Eve Bennett receives a call from an unknown number. It is a distraught woman claiming her baby is missing and that there are many others who have also vanished. Eve rushes to the caller’s home only to find it empty and the neighbours unwilling to answer the door. No one is willing to talk in Hilldale. The town is home to a polygamist sect and secrets run rife, as does their distrust of outsiders. Eve and her team have to convince someone to talk if they are to find the baby or her mother. And what she eventually uncovers is worse than anything she imagined…

The second book in the Detective Eve Bennett series takes us back inside the twisted world of a fundamentalist cult and the battles Eve and her team face trying to help their innocent victims. But don’t worry if you’ve not read the first book, because Holly S. Roberts catches you up succinctly, making it possible to read this one while still feeling like you understand all the nuances of the story and character relationships. It is well written and gripping, taking you through a wide range of emotions and keeping you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end as she expertly weaves heartbreak, anger, frustration, laughter, disgust and strength into the narrative.

Eve Bennett is a fantastic protagonist, and I stand by my comments from my review of book one where I referred to her as ‘a new star in crime fiction.’ Feisty and tenacious; she is passionate about giving a voice to the voiceless and helping people escape the cult. It is personal for her, as she escaped the cult as a teen and is still coming to terms with the long-term trauma of being raised there. It was great to see her slowly allowing love into her life in this book and watching her continue to grow as a person. Her team is also made up of fascinating characters and I love their dynamic. It makes you believe in them and root for them to solve the case despite the many obstacles in their way. There are also some brilliantly written villains in the book who will make you rage and your stomach turn, Roberts expertly walking that fine line by making you feel those feelings while also helping you understand the indoctrination they’ve been subjected to and also never using it to excuse their actions, making it clear they should still be held accountable. We also see some incredibly brave characters who risk their lives either by helping Eve or reaching out for  help themselves. It is a reminder of just how dangerous these extremist views can be and the risk to those caught up in them. 

Gritty, chilling, twisty and tense, this heart-pounding thriller is a must read for fans of the genre. Now I just have to wait impatiently for book three.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

TW: Religious indoctrination, abuse

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Holly Roberts began writing to alleviate stress in her day job, that of a homicide and sex crimes detective. Romance was her go to genre because she required a happy ending. She also touched on cozy mysteries and added six books to her forty book romance repertoire. Now that she’s retired and her mind at peace, she decided to delve into crime thrillers using her background and thirst for research to write the Eve Bennet series.

Holly has two movie/television options under her belt for her amazing life story. Part of the reason is Holly became a police officer at age 45 and led two high profile cases, one involving a serial killer. Now she enjoys the excitement of writing about crime while sitting at home with her two dogs, laptop, and a cup of hot tea close by.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Amazon*

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Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxx

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

*These links are purhcase links

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick

Published July 20th, 2023 by HQ
Contemporary Romance, Humorous Fiction, Holiday Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Coming-of-Age Story, Adventure Fiction

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this uplifting escapist read. Thank you to HQ for the invitation to take part and the gifted copy of the book.

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SYNOPSIS:

Escape to Italy this summer with The Little Italian Hotel, the uplifting new book from Phaedra Patrick, the bestselling author of The Library of Lost and Found.

‘The perfect book to read when you want to give your heart a holiday’ Sally Page, bestselling author of The Keeper of Stories

Ginny Splinter, acclaimed radio host and relationship expert, prides herself on knowing what’s best for others. So, she’s sure her husband, Adrian, will love the special trip to Italy she’s planned for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. But when Ginny presents the gift, he surprises her with his own very different plan: a divorce.

Beside herself with heartache, Ginny impulsively goes live on air to invite four heartbroken listeners to join her instead. From hiking the hills of Bologna to sharing a gondola in Venice and dancing until dawn, Ginny and her guests embark on a holiday of full of fun, hope and healing.

Sunny, tender and brimming with charm, The Little Italian Hotel explores love, the importance of friendship, and reclaiming the present moment – even if it means leaving the past behind.

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MY REVIEW:

The Little Italian Hotel is a charming story about love, friendship, and healing broken hearts. We are transported to the sunny climes of Italy as radio relationship expert Ginny Splinter travels to Hotel Splendido with four other heartbroken strangers to try and heal her heart after the sudden demise of her twenty-five year marriage. As the group spend the next few weeks hiking in the hills, exploring the beauty of the surrounding scenery, and dance the night away, they forge unlikely friendships and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. 

Full of heart, hope, and laughter, this uplifting story ticks all the boxes for the ideal summer read. Phaedra Patrick transported me to Italy so vividly that I could feel the sun on my skin and taste the olive oil. But it is the characters who are its essence. Each of them are multilayered and compelling, with even the hotel owner and his daughter needing secret heartaches healed. I wanted to know more about them all and enjoyed slowly peeling away the layers of each character to discover the secrets hiding underneath. I had a particular soft spot for Edna, the curmudgeonly old lady with a heart-rending backstory and oodles of character that leapt from the pages. They really were an eclectic bunch, but it was great to watch as their differences melted away, friendships grew. and they began to open up to one another, allowing them to start rediscovering the joy that life still has to offer. 

Sunny, lighthearted, moving and hopeful, this is the perfect escapist book to read in your back garden or by the pool this summer. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

I’ve always wanted to write books but came to it the long way around. I originally studied art and marketing and then worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organiser and communications manager. I won several awards for my short stories and have now written six novels, four of which became USA Today bestsellers. I live with my family in Saddleworth, UK, where I write full time.

My debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, was translated into twenty five languages worldwide and was optioned by a major Hollywood film studio.

My second novel, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone (named Wishes Under the Willow Tree in the UK), was made into a Hallmark movie in 2021.

My third novel, inspired by my love of stories, is The Library of Lost and Found. It was selected as ’The Great North West Read,’ to be read across 300 libraries in the UK in 2019.

My fourth is titled The Secrets of Love Story Bridge (The Secrets of Sunshine in the UK) and my fifth, The Messy Lives of Book People (titled The Book Share in the UK) was the Barnes & Noble fiction pick for June 2022 in the USA.

I hope you enjoy my sixth novel, The Little Italian Hotel, a warm, uplifting escape about the power of love, friendship and following your dreams.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Amazon* | Bookshop.org*

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Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxx

*All purchase links are affiliate links

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: One by Eve Smith

Published July 20th, 2023 by Orenda Books
Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Dystopian Fiction, Science Fiction, Political Fiction

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this outstanding, thought-provoking thriller. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part, and to Karen at Orenda for the gifted copy of the book.

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SYNOPSIS:

A powerful, prescient, gripping speculative thriller: a woman’s job of enforcing climate-emergency Britain’s one-child policy is compromised when she discovers a personal link to an illegal sibling on the ministry hit-list, leading to a shocking discovery that changes everything…
 
‘A tightly paced plot set in an all-too imaginable future … a page-turning, thought-provoking read’ Jo Callaghan
 
‘Eve Smith is a master storyteller for our troubled times’ Simon Conway
 
‘A terrifying vision of a global climate emergency, a jaw-dropping government conspiracy and some truly devastating twists … one hell of a speculative thriller’ Tom Hindle
 
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One law. One child. Seven million crimes…
 
A cataclysmic climate emergency has spawned a one-child policy in the UK, ruthlessly enforced by a totalitarian regime. Compulsory abortion of ‘excess’ pregnancies and mandatory contraceptive implants are now the norm, and families must adhere to strict consumption quotas as the world descends into chaos.
 
Kai is a 25-year-old ‘baby reaper’, working for the Ministry of Population and Family Planning. If any of her assigned families attempt to exceed their child quota, she ensures they pay the price.
 
Until, one morning, she discovers that an illegal sibling on her Ministry hit-list is hers. And to protect her parents from severe penalties, she must secretly investigate before anyone else finds out.
 
Kai’s hunt for her forbidden sister unearths much more than a dark family secret. As she stumbles across a series of heinous crimes perpetrated by the people she trusted most, she makes a catastrophic discovery that could bring down the government … and tear her family apart.

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MY REVIEW:

One law. One child. Seven million crimes…

With a tagline like that, how could I resist picking up the latest speculative thriller by Eve Smith. Her debut, The Waiting Rooms, was one of my favourite books of 2021 and from that one sentence alone I knew I was in for a terrifying treat with this one. And I was right.

The story is set in a future where a catastrophic climate emergency has left our world in chaos. The UK is now run by the Nazi-esque ONE Party, who enforce a dictatorial regime. Everything is heavily monitored, there are consumption quotas in place, and there is a strict one-child policy that must be adhered to. 

Kai Houghton works for the Ministry of Population and Family Planning as a ‘baby reaper’, one of those in charge of enforcing the one-child policy and imposing severe  penalties such as forced abortions and imprisonment for anyone attempting to exceed their child quota. Then one day she receives an alert that turns her world upside down. When an illegal sibling is identified as hers, she begins a secret investigation in the hope of protecting her parents and her job. But Kai unearths more than she bargained for and is faced with a difficult choice: expose the heinous crimes she’s uncovered that could destroy the government, or keep her family together. 

Powerful, gripping, and thought-provoking, I devoured this outstanding thriller, enrapt by the nightmarish future that sprang from Eve Smith’s imagination. From the start this is a world that feels both familiar and foreign. It is clear that life has been infiltrated by technology and data even more than today, slowly revealing more of the tyrannical rules and regulations and offering what feels like a terrifying glimpse of what could be our future if we continue to abuse our planet and strip away human rights. 

Smith is a master storyteller, expertly merging complex moral dilemmas, social issues, dark secrets, and mystery, then weaving in compelling family drama that gives the story its beating heart. It is brilliantly written, tightly plotted and propulsive with a constant tempo of dread; the mercurial presence of ONE looming over every page. The unexpected twists left me blindsided and I found it impossible to put the book down, racing through it quickly with a desperate need for resolution. But would it be the one I hoped for?

Well written and memorable characters are a key part of a great book for me, and this book delivers. Kai is a fantastic protagonist. Smith makes the reader feel every emotion she does, leaving it impossible not to feel for her as her world is torn apart and everything she thought she knew crumbles into pieces. As she faces seemingly impossible choices that test her moral compass, you ask yourself what you would do in her shoes. Would I have the strength to do what’s right even if it means losing everything? Smith doesn’t shy away from the painful consequences of people’s actions while making the reader feel the character’s emotions and face the shades of grey that led to their decisions. 

Atmospheric, chilling, and uncompromising, this is one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year. An absolute must-read. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Eve Smith writes speculative fiction, mainly about the things that scare her. She attributes her love of all things dark and dystopian to a childhood watching Tales of the Unexpected and black-and-white Edgar Allen Poe double bills. In this world of questionable facts, stats and news, she believes storytelling is more important than ever to engage people in real life issues.

Longlisted for the Not the Booker Prize and described by Waterstones as “an exciting new voice in crime fiction”, Eve’s debut novel The Waiting Rooms, set in the aftermath of an antibiotic resistance crisis, was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize First Novel Award and was selected as a Book of the Month by Eric Brown in The Guardian who compared her writing to Michael Crichton’s.

Eve’s previous job as COO of an environmental charity took her to research projects across Asia, Africa and the Americas, and she has an ongoing passion for wild creatures, wild science and far-flung places. When she’s not writing she’s racing across fields after her dog, trying to organise herself and her family, or off exploring somewhere new.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Orenda Books | Bert’s Books | Waterstones* | Amazon* | Bookshop.org*

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Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

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

*These purchase links are affiliate links

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena

Published July 6th, 2023 by Bantam
Suspense, Psychological Thriller

Welcome to my stop on the tour for this chaotic and bingeable thriller. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part, and to Bantam Press for the gifted eBook ARC.

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SYNOPSIS:

The gripping new thriller from the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR

Welcome to Stanhope – a safe neighbourhood. A place for families.

William Wooler is a family man, on the surface. But he’s been having an affair, an affair that ended horribly this afternoon at a motel up the road. So when he returns to his house, devastated and angry, to find his difficult nine-year-old daughter Avery unexpectedly home from school, William loses his temper.

Hours later, Avery’s family declares her missing.

Suddenly Stanhope doesn’t feel so safe. And William isn’t the only one on his street who’s hiding a lie. As witnesses come forward with information that may or may not be true, Avery’s neighbours become increasingly unhinged.

Who took Avery Wooler?

Nothing will prepare you for the truth.

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MY REVIEW:

Stanhope. A small town that is considered safe for families. But when nine-year-old Avery Wooler goes missing one afternoon, it suddenly doesn’t feel so safe. As the police investigate, witnesses come forward with shocking allegations, and the Wooler’s neighbours become increasingly unhinged. And there are some residents who are hiding secrets they don’t want revealed. Could one of them hold the clues to what happened to Avery?

Omg. Was this the rollercoaster ride! Compelling, chaotic, and surprising, this twist-filled suburban family drama sizzled with suspense from beginning to end. Once again, Shari Lapena delivers, and I was hooked as she expertly wove her intricate web of doubt around this neighbourhood, leaving me on the edge of my seat as I tried to decipher the clues and red herrings. I was unprepared as she revealed the truth; pulling the rug from under me in one swift, skilled move. It was impossible to put down and I devoured it quickly over the course of an afternoon. 

A multiple point of view thriller exploring the shocking fallout of an affair, the story is told by a cast of complex, flawed and conflicted characters, many of whom have something to hide. Having so many narrators did make the story feel a bit choppy at first, but I soon got used to it quickly moving between characters and I enjoyed the insight into what so many key players were thinking and feeling as the story unfolded. And what unfolded is every parent’s worst nightmare. The pain radiates from the pages as Erin and William Wooley wait for news of their daughter’s fate, but it was hard to have much sympathy for William, even when he was living in a hotel with his marriage in tatters, because of his actions and the uncertainty about his involvement in the crime. But my heart broke for Erin and Avery’s brother, Michael, as they waited for news. But it isn’t an easy case for the police to solve. Rumours and accusations are rife, and suspicion spreads like a disease, the ripple effect of William and Nora’s affair being felt by many in the neighbourhood. 

Atmospheric, intricate, unpredictable, and filled with adrenaline, Everyone Here Is Lying is a totally bingeable psychological thriller that has all the ingredients that made me fall in love with the genre. A must-read. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Shari Lapena is the #1 internationally bestselling author of six suspense novels including The Couple Next Door, A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest, Someone We Know, The End of Her, and Not a Happy Family. Everyone Here is Lying is coming in July 2023.

A former lawyer and English teacher, Shari now writes full time from a farm in Ontario, where she lives with her husband.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org

********

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxx

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

*All purhcase links are affiliate links