Even only half Jewish on their father's side was enough to cause trouble for Hannah Lerner and her younger sister Lotte. Their arrival in France, knowEven only half Jewish on their father's side was enough to cause trouble for Hannah Lerner and her younger sister Lotte. Their arrival in France, knowing no one, was fraught with difficulties, but when Lotte was offered housing with an orphanage which took Jewish children, Hannah realised her sister would be much safer there. Hannah herself had no idea where to go, and sheltering on a park bench in the middle of the night began her acquaintance with Michel and his parents. Hannah helped Michel's dad with sewing repairs, as she was an excellent seamstress. But the day a Nazi arrived in the shop was the day they knew Hannah needed to vanish.
Living in a house where resistance activities operated - living in plain sight - Hannah quickly joined their ranks. Delivering messages, making sure to be back before curfew, keeping her nerves strong and fears at bay, Hannah tried to see Lotte as often as she could. But it would be eighteen months before she saw her again, and Lotte was now a teenager. She was thriving in the environment with the other children, helping out with the younger ones. They continued to move as danger loomed, but the night Hannah heard the distressing news there was to be a raid the following morning and all children removed to the camps, Hannah was frantic in her rush to rescue Lotte. But could she do it; could she keep them both out of the Nazis' hands?
The Girl Who Risked It All is #3 in The Emerald Sisters series by Kate Hewitt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Heartbreaking, filled with courageous people who were determined to best the Germans, one step at a time; Klaus Barbie, the Butcher of Lyon, was a part of this story, and what a horrible, cruel and vicious man he was. Hannah was a strong and determined character who joined the resistance ranks despite being frightened. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review....more
To Detective Kim Stone’s mind, the removal of the plaster cast from her leg meant she was fit for work again. It wasn’t that simple. But murder didn’tTo Detective Kim Stone’s mind, the removal of the plaster cast from her leg meant she was fit for work again. It wasn’t that simple. But murder didn’t stop for anyone and Kim’s first day back at work – desk duties; not likely – found them heading to a nearby woodland where the body of a person linked to their previous case – the case where she was injured and one of their own was lost – had been brutally murdered.
Doctor Gordon Cordell's death was the beginning of a horror run of murders. The killer was obviously in a hurry to fulfil his fantasy; it was up to Kim and her team of Bryant, Stacey and the new detective to stop him in his tracks. But could they? The evidence was strong – so strong it seemed they were missing something.
Meanwhile Kim as well as her team, weren’t coping with the grief they had bottled inside. Was it hindering the investigation? Was Kim losing her team who were as close to her as to be family?
Fatal Promise is the 9th in the DI Kim Stone series and just as intense and fast paced as the previous eight have been! What a brilliant series! Twists; turns; red herrings littering the investigation – plus the deep emotion that rippled through the book – meant I flew through this one and can’t wait for #10! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
To Detective Kim Stone’s mind, the removal of the plaster cast from her leg meant she was fit for work again. It wasn’t that simple. But murder didn’t stop for anyone and Kim’s first day back at work – desk duties; not likely – found them heading to a nearby woodland where the body of a person linked to their previous case – the case where she was injured and one of their own was lost – had been brutally murdered.
Doctor Gordon Cordell's death was the beginning of a horror run of murders. The killer was obviously in a hurry to fulfil his fantasy; it was up to Kim and her team of Bryant, Stacey and the new detective to stop him in his tracks. But could they? The evidence was strong – so strong it seemed they were missing something.
Meanwhile Kim as well as her team, weren’t coping with the grief they had bottled inside. Was it hindering the investigation? Was Kim losing her team who were as close to her as to be family?
Fatal Promise is the 9th in the DI Kim Stone series and just as intense and fast paced as the previous eight have been! What a brilliant series! Twists; turns; red herrings littering the investigation – plus the deep emotion that rippled through the book – meant I flew through this one and can’t wait for #10! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When their father’s ship docked in the harbor, Rheia and her brother were there to meet it. On board were four young people who were to be sacrificed.When their father’s ship docked in the harbor, Rheia and her brother were there to meet it. On board were four young people who were to be sacrificed. Two female; two male. To pacify the gods and keep the demon Typhein under control; the sacrifices had continued for more than a century. It had never before concerned Rheia – it was just a part of her life as she knew it.
But when the town, and subsequently her mother, father and grandmother, heard that one of the girls had killed herself and there would be a lottery of the town’s young people, to decide on a replacement, Rheia’s premonition filled her with fear. And it came to pass when the shard was pulled from the jar with her name on it – Rheia was sixteen years of age and to be sacrificed; killed by the Beast…
What could Rheia do, trapped as she was within the walls and guarded by caregivers? Her time was short – her determination to live strong. But it was the upcoming meeting of the Beast which terrified her the most…
Rheia by Aussie author Cassandra Page is a stunning, breath taking and tissue-inducing fantasy/steampunk/young adult novel which was unputdownable! Absolutely brilliant in my opinion. Filled with tension, the characters were extremely well crafted. I loved the three main caregivers – Dora, Erika and Yalee – and the reasons for their positions. Also, Rheia’s grandmother, Charis. The plot was exceptionally well done; flowing smoothly and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed Rheia and highly recommend it.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
When their father’s ship docked in the harbor, Rheia and her brother were there to meet it. On board were four young people who were to be sacrificed. Two female; two male. To pacify the gods and keep the demon Typhein under control; the sacrifices had continued for more than a century. It had never before concerned Rheia – it was just a part of her life as she knew it.
But when the town, and subsequently her mother, father and grandmother, heard that one of the girls had killed herself and there would be a lottery of the town’s young people, to decide on a replacement, Rheia’s premonition filled her with fear. And it came to pass when the shard was pulled from the jar with her name on it – Rheia was sixteen years of age and to be sacrificed; killed by the Beast…
What could Rheia do, trapped as she was within the walls and guarded by caregivers? Her time was short – her determination to live strong. But it was the upcoming meeting of the Beast which terrified her the most…
Rheia by Aussie author Cassandra Page is a stunning, breath taking and tissue-inducing fantasy/steampunk/young adult novel which was unputdownable! Absolutely brilliant in my opinion. Filled with tension, the characters were extremely well crafted. I loved the three main caregivers – Dora, Erika and Yalee – and the reasons for their positions. Also, Rheia’s grandmother, Charis. The plot was exceptionally well done; flowing smoothly and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed Rheia and highly recommend it.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When a hot stranger burst into Frankie’s café, and then proceeded to kiss her senseless, she had no idea what was going on, or who this deluded but deWhen a hot stranger burst into Frankie’s café, and then proceeded to kiss her senseless, she had no idea what was going on, or who this deluded but delicious male was. She also had no idea he would come to feature in her life and the lives of her family in a big way!
Simone and Frankie were sisters and as close as best friends could be. They shared everything; supported each other in life’s highs and lows. Simone had lost her husband ten years previously and Frankie had been treated badly before she returned to lick her wounds and open a café in Bunyip Bay. The success of her café was legendary; and while Simone was struggling with teenage daughter Harriot’s moodiness, Grace was still the gorgeous loving girl she had always been.
Logan Knight was a journalist who travelled all over for his stories – he’d been raised on a farm with his brother Angus and little sister Olivia and liked to spread his time between both. He enjoyed his work on the farm, as well as the company of his taciturn brother Angus, but missed the company of a woman since his wife had left him for another man. The woman from the online dating site that he was meeting sounded lovely, but Logan hadn’t done it like this before and was slightly nervous.
Would Frankie find love again? And was Simone destined to be a widow for the rest of her life – raising her girls the best she could? And how would the two Knight brothers impact on the lives of the two sisters?
I thoroughly enjoyed Outback Sisters by Aussie author Rachael Johns. Beautifully written, the characters are completely engaging and easy to know. Bunyip Bay is a great little country town – I’d love to visit, especially to have a white hot chocolate at Frankie’s café! This is the 4th in the Bunyip Bay series; I read Outback Ghost (#3) last year and loved it too but have yet to read #1 and #2! Outback Sisters to my mind would be under the romantic suspense genre, as there is mystery blended with romance throughout. Author Rachael Johns is a very talented writer and I’ll be reading more from this lady! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for my honest review.
Merged review:
When a hot stranger burst into Frankie’s café, and then proceeded to kiss her senseless, she had no idea what was going on, or who this deluded but delicious male was. She also had no idea he would come to feature in her life and the lives of her family in a big way!
Simone and Frankie were sisters and as close as best friends could be. They shared everything; supported each other in life’s highs and lows. Simone had lost her husband ten years previously and Frankie had been treated badly before she returned to lick her wounds and open a café in Bunyip Bay. The success of her café was legendary; and while Simone was struggling with teenage daughter Harriot’s moodiness, Grace was still the gorgeous loving girl she had always been.
Logan Knight was a journalist who travelled all over for his stories – he’d been raised on a farm with his brother Angus and little sister Olivia and liked to spread his time between both. He enjoyed his work on the farm, as well as the company of his taciturn brother Angus, but missed the company of a woman since his wife had left him for another man. The woman from the online dating site that he was meeting sounded lovely, but Logan hadn’t done it like this before and was slightly nervous.
Would Frankie find love again? And was Simone destined to be a widow for the rest of her life – raising her girls the best she could? And how would the two Knight brothers impact on the lives of the two sisters?
I thoroughly enjoyed Outback Sisters by Aussie author Rachael Johns. Beautifully written, the characters are completely engaging and easy to know. Bunyip Bay is a great little country town – I’d love to visit, especially to have a white hot chocolate at Frankie’s café! This is the 4th in the Bunyip Bay series; I read Outback Ghost (#3) last year and loved it too but have yet to read #1 and #2! Outback Sisters to my mind would be under the romantic suspense genre, as there is mystery blended with romance throughout. Author Rachael Johns is a very talented writer and I’ll be reading more from this lady! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for my honest review....more
Working at the hotel in Cork with her best friend Polly, Rose Brown was surprised to receive the offer of a position with a family in London. She didnWorking at the hotel in Cork with her best friend Polly, Rose Brown was surprised to receive the offer of a position with a family in London. She didn’t want to leave Ballykillen, her home in Ireland, or her Mammy and sisters, but knew the money she sent would benefit them greatly. Alice and David Townsend were newly arrived from America in 1939, with their nine-year-old son Raffi. Alice was pregnant and had lost a child some years before, which meant she was afraid. But gradually Rose and Raffi helped her to see a brighter future – Alice’s attitude changed as she coached Rose in her letters and reading. Sarah was born a happy baby; a delight to all, and Winnie, their new nanny was a delight. But not long after David was called back to New York, everything changed…
War was on the horizon and David couldn’t return to London, so he organized for them to sail to America. Rose was reluctant to accompany them but was eventually persuaded. The torpedo which struck the ship caused chaos and not everyone escaped in the lifeboats. Rose was frightened but knew she had a small baby to care for, so when another ship was heading to America, she was onboard with Sarah. What would life be like for Rose, far away from her home of Ballykillen and her family? Would she make any friends in Brooklyn where David and Aunt Martha lived? Would she ever return to Ireland?
The Irish Nanny is another brilliant historical novel from Sandy Taylor. I’m so glad I found this author – her work is heartfelt, emotional, funny, natural and down to earth. The characters are wonderful, just like part of the family. The enjoyment I received from this book made me wish I had more to read once it was over, and I have no hesitation in recommending The Irish Nanny highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Working at the hotel in Cork with her best friend Polly, Rose Brown was surprised to receive the offer of a position with a family in London. She didn’t want to leave Ballykillen, her home in Ireland, or her Mammy and sisters, but knew the money she sent would benefit them greatly. Alice and David Townsend were newly arrived from America in 1939, with their nine-year-old son Raffi. Alice was pregnant and had lost a child some years before, which meant she was afraid. But gradually Rose and Raffi helped her to see a brighter future – Alice’s attitude changed as she coached Rose in her letters and reading. Sarah was born a happy baby; a delight to all, and Winnie, their new nanny was a delight. But not long after David was called back to New York, everything changed…
War was on the horizon and David couldn’t return to London, so he organized for them to sail to America. Rose was reluctant to accompany them but was eventually persuaded. The torpedo which struck the ship caused chaos and not everyone escaped in the lifeboats. Rose was frightened but knew she had a small baby to care for, so when another ship was heading to America, she was onboard with Sarah. What would life be like for Rose, far away from her home of Ballykillen and her family? Would she make any friends in Brooklyn where David and Aunt Martha lived? Would she ever return to Ireland?
The Irish Nanny is another brilliant historical novel from Sandy Taylor. I’m so glad I found this author – her work is heartfelt, emotional, funny, natural and down to earth. The characters are wonderful, just like part of the family. The enjoyment I received from this book made me wish I had more to read once it was over, and I have no hesitation in recommending The Irish Nanny highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Raya Pasqual had been alone in the leather goods shop and her home above, ever since her parents had died and she'd sent her younger brother Alix to ZRaya Pasqual had been alone in the leather goods shop and her home above, ever since her parents had died and she'd sent her younger brother Alix to Zurich to obtain his teaching degree. Now with the Germans in close proximity, and terror in everyone's hearts, Raya took each day as it came. The young man she'd met, Nicolas Bardot, had become very special to her, and she to him. Nicolas worked with the Resistance, and while Raya did nothing with them, she knew what was going on. But the day the Germans trashed her shop and arrested her for working with the Resistance was the worst of her life. What would happen to Amalia? Would someone find her and keep her safe?
The next days and months at Ravensbruck were terrifying, exhausting and absolutely bereft of any hope. But somehow Raya stayed alive, with the desire of returning to Amalia and Nicolas always forefront in her mind. It seemed doubtful her hope would be fulfilled as death came closer each and every day...
The Glovemaker's Daughter is another breathtaking, heartbreaking rendition of WWII in Paris by Shari J. Ryan, about how the French people coped, what happened to the Jewish population in the two years between 1943 and 1945, and how a caring young woman kept strong in the face of all that was thrown at her and those she loved. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Raya Pasqual had been alone in the leather goods shop and her home above, ever since her parents had died and she'd sent her younger brother Alix to Zurich to obtain his teaching degree. Now with the Germans in close proximity, and terror in everyone's hearts, Raya took each day as it came. The young man she'd met, Nicolas Bardot, had become very special to her, and she to him. Nicolas worked with the Resistance, and while Raya did nothing with them, she knew what was going on. But the day the Germans trashed her shop and arrested her for working with the Resistance was the worst of her life. What would happen to Amalia? Would someone find her and keep her safe?
The next days and months at Ravensbruck were terrifying, exhausting and absolutely bereft of any hope. But somehow Raya stayed alive, with the desire of returning to Amalia and Nicolas always forefront in her mind. It seemed doubtful her hope would be fulfilled as death came closer each and every day...
The Glovemaker's Daughter is another breathtaking, heartbreaking rendition of WWII in Paris by Shari J. Ryan, about how the French people coped, what happened to the Jewish population in the two years between 1943 and 1945, and how a caring young woman kept strong in the face of all that was thrown at her and those she loved. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Sofia and her mother, Lena, were Jewish, but her father wasn’t. His life as a doctor had been to care for his patients and now the Germans were takingSofia and her mother, Lena, were Jewish, but her father wasn’t. His life as a doctor had been to care for his patients and now the Germans were taking the Jews away to unimaginable horrors, Sofia and Lena were safe for a time. Papa was doing work for the Nazis and although he’d told his wife and daughter it was for them that he was doing it, they couldn’t see that – only that he was betraying his people.
Isaac, his sister Olivia and their parents were in the ghetto in Warsaw when the Germans began taking the Jews away to relocate. Isaac and his family had a good hiding spot, which they barely moved from. But Isaac’s papa would go out at night, not returning until the early hours, helping and working with the resistance. When he didn’t return one night, their mother tried to save the children, but she was taken as well, leaving Isaac and Olivia to live below ground in the sewers with a few others. After months, they were finally captured by the Germans and taken to Auschwitz.
As Sofia watched the prisoners working on their property below her window, men and boys who came from Auschwitz early in the morning, leaving late afternoon, she desperately wanted to do something to help. She and her mother came up with a plan to help the prisoners – keeping it from trigger happy guards was a challenge. A little food here, a little there – it wasn’t enough. The plan they made was a daring one, but would it succeed? Or would they receive one of the bullets the Germans were always happy to fire?
The Doctor’s Daughter by Shari J. Ryan is my first by this author, and it won’t be my last. An excellent narrative, in both Isaac’s and Sofia’s voices, the horrors of what they and many others went through, was described well. Isaac was a strong, resilient young man, having to grow up much too soon. Olivia, only fourteen when she entered the camp, went through much. Sofia and her mother suffered immensely. We all know, in what we’ve read, how many atrocities surrounded the Jews in the second world war. The author has written a well-researched novel of the times. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Sofia and her mother, Lena, were Jewish, but her father wasn’t. His life as a doctor had been to care for his patients and now the Germans were taking the Jews away to unimaginable horrors, Sofia and Lena were safe for a time. Papa was doing work for the Nazis and although he’d told his wife and daughter it was for them that he was doing it, they couldn’t see that – only that he was betraying his people.
Isaac, his sister Olivia and their parents were in the ghetto in Warsaw when the Germans began taking the Jews away to relocate. Isaac and his family had a good hiding spot, which they barely moved from. But Isaac’s papa would go out at night, not returning until the early hours, helping and working with the resistance. When he didn’t return one night, their mother tried to save the children, but she was taken as well, leaving Isaac and Olivia to live below ground in the sewers with a few others. After months, they were finally captured by the Germans and taken to Auschwitz.
As Sofia watched the prisoners working on their property below her window, men and boys who came from Auschwitz early in the morning, leaving late afternoon, she desperately wanted to do something to help. She and her mother came up with a plan to help the prisoners – keeping it from trigger happy guards was a challenge. A little food here, a little there – it wasn’t enough. The plan they made was a daring one, but would it succeed? Or would they receive one of the bullets the Germans were always happy to fire?
The Doctor’s Daughter by Shari J. Ryan is my first by this author, and it won’t be my last. An excellent narrative, in both Isaac’s and Sofia’s voices, the horrors of what they and many others went through, was described well. Isaac was a strong, resilient young man, having to grow up much too soon. Olivia, only fourteen when she entered the camp, went through much. Sofia and her mother suffered immensely. We all know, in what we’ve read, how many atrocities surrounded the Jews in the second world war. The author has written a well-researched novel of the times. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Mala Zimetbaum was in a position of authority in Auschwitz-Birkenau as an interpreter for the SS and she used that position to improve conditions for Mala Zimetbaum was in a position of authority in Auschwitz-Birkenau as an interpreter for the SS and she used that position to improve conditions for inmates, to save some lives where she could, all the while in danger of being discovered. Meanwhile Edward (Edek) Galinski, a political prisoner, and his best friend Wieslaw Kielar had been in the camp since the early days and were also in higher positions. They were also members of the underground resistance, doing their best to mess with the Nazis as often as they could.
When Mala and Edek met there was admiration for what each was doing, but there was more. And as time went on, Edek’s plan for his and Wieslaw’s escape soon included Mala. But the SS’s mantra was ‘no one leaves Auschwitz alive’ – would the three close friends prove that edict wrong? Horrors surrounded everyone in the camp – soon Mala could do no more for those entering camp and being sent straight to the gas chambers. With sorrow in her eyes and a hardening of her heart, she vowed to bring down the vicious and brutal Nazis or die trying. Edek would do all he could to save Mala or he would die trying. What would be the outcome in those harrowing days of hell?
The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood is based on a true story and gives the reader more of the heartbreak and sadness that surrounded that horrific time in history. It showed a little of the happiness that true love could find, while surrounded by pure evil. And it showed how the strength and compassion of some people could surpass everything which was thrown at them. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Mala Zimetbaum was in a position of authority in Auschwitz-Birkenau as an interpreter for the SS and she used that position to improve conditions for inmates, to save some lives where she could, all the while in danger of being discovered. Meanwhile Edward (Edek) Galinski, a political prisoner, and his best friend Wieslaw Kielar had been in the camp since the early days and were also in higher positions. They were also members of the underground resistance, doing their best to mess with the Nazis as often as they could.
When Mala and Edek met there was admiration for what each was doing, but there was more. And as time went on, Edek’s plan for his and Wieslaw’s escape soon included Mala. But the SS’s mantra was ‘no one leaves Auschwitz alive’ – would the three close friends prove that edict wrong? Horrors surrounded everyone in the camp – soon Mala could do no more for those entering camp and being sent straight to the gas chambers. With sorrow in her eyes and a hardening of her heart, she vowed to bring down the vicious and brutal Nazis or die trying. Edek would do all he could to save Mala or he would die trying. What would be the outcome in those harrowing days of hell?
The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood is based on a true story and gives the reader more of the heartbreak and sadness that surrounded that horrific time in history. It showed a little of the happiness that true love could find, while surrounded by pure evil. And it showed how the strength and compassion of some people could surpass everything which was thrown at them. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When Emil Rice was a child, his joy each Christmas was travelling with his mother across the country to his Gramma and Grampa’s house. But it was whenWhen Emil Rice was a child, his joy each Christmas was travelling with his mother across the country to his Gramma and Grampa’s house. But it was when Emil was an adult that Christmas didn’t seem so special. His return to jail seemed imminent after being caught while on parole, once again. But the judge decided to enter Emil into one of his pet projects for twelve months – he was shattered and shocked when he arrived at the mental health facility outside of Las Vegas. Surrounded by desert, the facility was wrapped up tight – how was he to escape?
It was two elderly women residents, sisters Edith and Gloria, who took a shine to Emil – and he was terrified. Edith and Gloria had a plan and that plan would now be able to come to pass with the arrival into their lives of Emil. He had no idea what they were up to – he just did his best to stay out of their way and do the work he was assigned to do. With Christmas Eve the following day, Emil was in for a shock…
Return of the Magi by P.J. Tracy is a heart-warming novella which made me smile; a feel-good story filled with humour, a little sadness and lots of festive warmth. Edith and Gloria were an absolute delight – Return of the Magi is a wonderful story from an author I’ve not read before, and who apparently normally writes crime! I’ll be looking for more! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
Merged review:
When Emil Rice was a child, his joy each Christmas was travelling with his mother across the country to his Gramma and Grampa’s house. But it was when Emil was an adult that Christmas didn’t seem so special. His return to jail seemed imminent after being caught while on parole, once again. But the judge decided to enter Emil into one of his pet projects for twelve months – he was shattered and shocked when he arrived at the mental health facility outside of Las Vegas. Surrounded by desert, the facility was wrapped up tight – how was he to escape?
It was two elderly women residents, sisters Edith and Gloria, who took a shine to Emil – and he was terrified. Edith and Gloria had a plan and that plan would now be able to come to pass with the arrival into their lives of Emil. He had no idea what they were up to – he just did his best to stay out of their way and do the work he was assigned to do. With Christmas Eve the following day, Emil was in for a shock…
Return of the Magi by P.J. Tracy is a heart-warming novella which made me smile; a feel-good story filled with humour, a little sadness and lots of festive warmth. Edith and Gloria were an absolute delight – Return of the Magi is a wonderful story from an author I’ve not read before, and who apparently normally writes crime! I’ll be looking for more! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Ella Beaufort and her two sisters Rose and Vianna had had to return to the family sheep station in South Australia after their father’s death to 3.5★s
Ella Beaufort and her two sisters Rose and Vianna had had to return to the family sheep station in South Australia after their father’s death to keep it going until they could sell. But none of them had any idea on the running of a sheep station. Ella was hard working and determined to make money with the sale of the wool so the sisters could purchase a house in Adelaide. They were city girls at heart, though Ella loved the station which they had all grown up on. When the usual team of shearers arrived, she also took on another man by the name of Cal Lynton. Cal was to prove to be an integral part in keeping the station going…and Ella’s heart.
Charlton Landon had left his grandfather’s station, determined to make his own way and prove his independence. His grandfather continually poured cold water on his ideas for improvement; he was no support to his grandson, lumping him in the same category as his long-dead son. But Charlton disappeared – his grandfather finally realized the error of his ways but was it too late for him?
What would happen with the sheep station? Would they eventually be able to sell for good money, or would the drought prevent them finding a way to reduce their debts? And what would happen to Ella and her deep wish to marry a rich man, whether it be for love or only for money?
Ella by Aussie author Virginia Taylor is a historical romance set in 1866 Australia - it was the life of the author’s grandmother which prompted the telling, and (amongst other things) it details how hard women worked during the settlement of the Australian colony. A comment from me regarding the cover – if I had not been told, I wouldn’t have realized this novel was historical fiction. The cover doesn’t depict the story inside and to my mind, poorly represents it. Recommended to lovers of historical romance.
With thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my copy to read and review.
Merged review:
3.5★s
Ella Beaufort and her two sisters Rose and Vianna had had to return to the family sheep station in South Australia after their father’s death to keep it going until they could sell. But none of them had any idea on the running of a sheep station. Ella was hard working and determined to make money with the sale of the wool so the sisters could purchase a house in Adelaide. They were city girls at heart, though Ella loved the station which they had all grown up on. When the usual team of shearers arrived, she also took on another man by the name of Cal Lynton. Cal was to prove to be an integral part in keeping the station going…and Ella’s heart.
Charlton Landon had left his grandfather’s station, determined to make his own way and prove his independence. His grandfather continually poured cold water on his ideas for improvement; he was no support to his grandson, lumping him in the same category as his long-dead son. But Charlton disappeared – his grandfather finally realized the error of his ways but was it too late for him?
What would happen with the sheep station? Would they eventually be able to sell for good money, or would the drought prevent them finding a way to reduce their debts? And what would happen to Ella and her deep wish to marry a rich man, whether it be for love or only for money?
Ella by Aussie author Virginia Taylor is a historical romance set in 1866 Australia - it was the life of the author’s grandmother which prompted the telling, and (amongst other things) it details how hard women worked during the settlement of the Australian colony. A comment from me regarding the cover – if I had not been told, I wouldn’t have realized this novel was historical fiction. The cover doesn’t depict the story inside and to my mind, poorly represents it. Recommended to lovers of historical romance.
With thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my copy to read and review....more
Jessie Lewis had been ostracized in the small town of Eagle Falls since she’d reported Marcus, boyfriend, fire chief and loved by all, to the local ShJessie Lewis had been ostracized in the small town of Eagle Falls since she’d reported Marcus, boyfriend, fire chief and loved by all, to the local Sheriff, John Cuffy, for domestic violence. The Sheriff didn’t believe her, and neither did any of the townsfolk – Marcus wouldn’t hurt anyone; he was kind and caring – no one saw him behind closed doors except Jessie, and his latest girlfriend Jude. The wildfires were surrounding Eagle Falls with the danger of a wind change keeping everyone on edge. But it was the house fires, first which claimed a family of four, and second an elderly couple, which sent the Sheriff and everyone else toward Jessie – circumstantial evidence said she was a killer.
Ruth, Victor and their sons David and Noah were new in town and while Ruth was ex-FBI, she was now a mother to her boys while Victor was trying to find a job. Ruth had been involved in a shocking attack and her injuries, as well as physical, were mental and her nightmares were constant. But Ruth, when she met Jessie, felt an affinity to the young woman. Although she didn’t know her well – yet – her gut told her she hadn’t done the things the Sheriff accused her of. But what could Ruth do to help?
With more fires being attributed to Jessie, she was on the run – she had no choice until she could work out a way to draw the killer out. But would it work? She was in constant danger of losing her own life but she wouldn’t go down without a fight…
The Safe Place by Aussie author L.A. Larkin was a phenomenal, twisty psychological thriller which I couldn’t put down. With full-on action from the very first page, the MC, Jessie, found herself continually in trouble. I couldn’t believe how much the poor woman had thrust at her! Bartie, Jessie’s dog, was a loyal and devoted companion and he was Jessie’s only support and friend. I have to say that this is the author’s best yet and it’ll be in my top reads for the year. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Jessie Lewis had been ostracized in the small town of Eagle Falls since she’d reported Marcus, boyfriend, fire chief and loved by all, to the local Sheriff, John Cuffy, for domestic violence. The Sheriff didn’t believe her, and neither did any of the townsfolk – Marcus wouldn’t hurt anyone; he was kind and caring – no one saw him behind closed doors except Jessie, and his latest girlfriend Jude. The wildfires were surrounding Eagle Falls with the danger of a wind change keeping everyone on edge. But it was the house fires, first which claimed a family of four, and second an elderly couple, which sent the Sheriff and everyone else toward Jessie – circumstantial evidence said she was a killer.
Ruth, Victor and their sons David and Noah were new in town and while Ruth was ex-FBI, she was now a mother to her boys while Victor was trying to find a job. Ruth had been involved in a shocking attack and her injuries, as well as physical, were mental and her nightmares were constant. But Ruth, when she met Jessie, felt an affinity to the young woman. Although she didn’t know her well – yet – her gut told her she hadn’t done the things the Sheriff accused her of. But what could Ruth do to help?
With more fires being attributed to Jessie, she was on the run – she had no choice until she could work out a way to draw the killer out. But would it work? She was in constant danger of losing her own life but she wouldn’t go down without a fight…
The Safe Place by Aussie author L.A. Larkin was a phenomenal, twisty psychological thriller which I couldn’t put down. With full-on action from the very first page, the MC, Jessie, found herself continually in trouble. I couldn’t believe how much the poor woman had thrust at her! Bartie, Jessie’s dog, was a loyal and devoted companion and he was Jessie’s only support and friend. I have to say that this is the author’s best yet and it’ll be in my top reads for the year. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
It was the early 1940s when Ilse Stein and her sisters Lily and Lore accompanied their parents to a ghetto in Minsk, where they’d be imprisoned by theIt was the early 1940s when Ilse Stein and her sisters Lily and Lore accompanied their parents to a ghetto in Minsk, where they’d be imprisoned by the Germans. Their father had died on the train in the dreadful crush, along with many others, and their mother was gassed on arrival. Ilse knew it was up to her, an eighteen year old, to care for her sisters and keep them safe. The SS guards surrounded them, their leering stares making them shudder. As Ilse and her friends watched the SS murder people from different parts of the ghetto, they wondered how they’d survive.
When Ilse was noticed by an administrative SS officer Wilhem Schultz, she was terrified of the attention he was giving her. She didn’t trust him – how could she? He was everything she and her fellow Jews hated. But as time moved forward, Willi showed Ilse she could trust him. He hated what the SS were doing and refused to be a part of it. He promised Ilse that she would survive. With the years of the war moving forward, the SS’s brutality continued, and Willi’s determination to keep Ilse, her sisters and the few friends safe saw many inventive ways of doing so. But would that continue? When the pressure was on, would Willi’s fervour crack?
The Girl Who Survived is the 2nd in the Women and the Holocaust series by Ellie Millwood and I enjoyed it very much. The bravery, determination and honour that those women showed is outstanding; their love and support of each other second to none. The Girl Who Survived is based on the true story of German Jew, Ilsa Stein and what happened to her when she was imprisoned in the Minsk ghetto. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
It was the early 1940s when Ilse Stein and her sisters Lily and Lore accompanied their parents to a ghetto in Minsk, where they’d be imprisoned by the Germans. Their father had died on the train in the dreadful crush, along with many others, and their mother was gassed on arrival. Ilse knew it was up to her, an eighteen year old, to care for her sisters and keep them safe. The SS guards surrounded them, their leering stares making them shudder. As Ilse and her friends watched the SS murder people from different parts of the ghetto, they wondered how they’d survive.
When Ilse was noticed by an administrative SS officer Wilhem Schultz, she was terrified of the attention he was giving her. She didn’t trust him – how could she? He was everything she and her fellow Jews hated. But as time moved forward, Willi showed Ilse she could trust him. He hated what the SS were doing and refused to be a part of it. He promised Ilse that she would survive. With the years of the war moving forward, the SS’s brutality continued, and Willi’s determination to keep Ilse, her sisters and the few friends safe saw many inventive ways of doing so. But would that continue? When the pressure was on, would Willi’s fervour crack?
The Girl Who Survived is the 2nd in the Women and the Holocaust series by Ellie Millwood and I enjoyed it very much. The bravery, determination and honour that those women showed is outstanding; their love and support of each other second to none. The Girl Who Survived is based on the true story of German Jew, Ilsa Stein and what happened to her when she was imprisoned in the Minsk ghetto. Highly recommended.
Arriving at the swim centre of the Denton University campus, Detective Josie Quinn didn’t expect to come across the best swimmer in the team, face dowArriving at the swim centre of the Denton University campus, Detective Josie Quinn didn’t expect to come across the best swimmer in the team, face down in the pool. Her efforts to resuscitate her futile. Josie had arrived on her way to work to see Patrick, her brother before he began work at the campus. Before long the swim centre was surrounded by police and all the teams necessary to work out what had happened.
The young woman’s death was the beginning of a horrific spate of murders which seemingly had no origin; there was nothing showing in bloods, in autopsies – the frustration of Josie, Noah, Gretchen, Mett and the team caused their bodies to run on adrenalin with little sleep and not many answers. But it was to get worse. Who was doing these dreadful things? And the biggest question – how were they doing it? Could Josie find the answers before it was too late?
Breathe Your Last is the 10th in the Detective Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan and oh my goodness! I will have to say, in my opinion, this is her best yet! What a heart stopping read it was. I flew through the pages in a matter of hours, unable to put the book down. Twists and turns, incredible imagery, exasperation, thrills and chills – this book had it all. Josie is a tough, resilient character and her determination not to give up was sorely tested in Breathe Your Last. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Arriving at the swim centre of the Denton University campus, Detective Josie Quinn didn’t expect to come across the best swimmer in the team, face down in the pool. Her efforts to resuscitate her futile. Josie had arrived on her way to work to see Patrick, her brother before he began work at the campus. Before long the swim centre was surrounded by police and all the teams necessary to work out what had happened.
The young woman’s death was the beginning of a horrific spate of murders which seemingly had no origin; there was nothing showing in bloods, in autopsies – the frustration of Josie, Noah, Gretchen, Mett and the team caused their bodies to run on adrenalin with little sleep and not many answers. But it was to get worse. Who was doing these dreadful things? And the biggest question – how were they doing it? Could Josie find the answers before it was too late?
Breathe Your Last is the 10th in the Detective Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan and oh my goodness! I will have to say, in my opinion, this is her best yet! What a heart stopping read it was. I flew through the pages in a matter of hours, unable to put the book down. Twists and turns, incredible imagery, exasperation, thrills and chills – this book had it all. Josie is a tough, resilient character and her determination not to give up was sorely tested in Breathe Your Last. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
It was 1943 in London where Elaine Parker did clerical work involving letters from POWs, searching for codes and secret messages. Her pilot boyfr2.5★s
It was 1943 in London where Elaine Parker did clerical work involving letters from POWs, searching for codes and secret messages. Her pilot boyfriend felt more for Elaine than she for him, and that was highlighted when she met Robert Capa, famous war photographer. Her workmate and friend Annie warned Elaine against him, but she wouldn’t listen.
2016 and a family photograph came to light. It depicted two small girls, backs to the camera, poignant and haunting. Jen’s marriage was crumbling; a holiday in Spain with family would surely help. But as the past interrupted the current day, Jen wondered if everything was as it seemed.
The Forgotten Girls by Lizzie Page is a hard one to review. I struggled with it. I didn’t take to any of the characters and the writing style seemed choppy and disjointed to me. The blurb was misleading as I found when reading the book. I was looking forward to it as I thought it to be everything I love in historical fiction. But unfortunately, this one didn’t fit the bill for me this time.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
2.5★s
It was 1943 in London where Elaine Parker did clerical work involving letters from POWs, searching for codes and secret messages. Her pilot boyfriend felt more for Elaine than she for him, and that was highlighted when she met Robert Capa, famous war photographer. Her workmate and friend Annie warned Elaine against him, but she wouldn’t listen.
2016 and a family photograph came to light. It depicted two small girls, backs to the camera, poignant and haunting. Jen’s marriage was crumbling; a holiday in Spain with family would surely help. But as the past interrupted the current day, Jen wondered if everything was as it seemed.
The Forgotten Girls by Lizzie Page is a hard one to review. I struggled with it. I didn’t take to any of the characters and the writing style seemed choppy and disjointed to me. The blurb was misleading as I found when reading the book. I was looking forward to it as I thought it to be everything I love in historical fiction. But unfortunately, this one didn’t fit the bill for me this time.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Working in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband's family home, nestled in the small village of Maybridge, Abby was horrified to find the long burieWorking in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband's family home, nestled in the small village of Maybridge, Abby was horrified to find the long buried bones of a baby, buried underneath the rose bush she was about to replace. Calling the police started a series of events which took Abby back to the Finch family's past, and what she discovered made her wish she'd left the bones covered. Husband Howard was furious, with Abby copping the brunt of his anger, so when he was found dead in the same place that the baby had been found, Abby was on the top of the suspect list.
With Abby's three children distraught about losing their Dad, and Howard's fiance, soon to be mother, angry, Abby knew she needed to find the killer, both to help the police, but to clear her name as well. Would she do it? Could she discover Howard's killer, as well as the baby's origin?
Murder Among the Roses is a exceptional cosy mystery by Liz Fielding, her first as she's an author of the romance genre. I hope she continues in this vein as I'd love to read more cosy mysteries by Ms Fielding. Abby is a really great character, natural, down to earth, while her friend Meg, the police woman Dee and all the cast are well formed and well written. I think also, that Abby would make a fabulous main character in a series! And I must make mention of the divine cover! Absolutely gorgeous - I can smell those roses! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Working in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband's family home, nestled in the small village of Maybridge, Abby was horrified to find the long buried bones of a baby, buried underneath the rose bush she was about to replace. Calling the police started a series of events which took Abby back to the Finch family's past, and what she discovered made her wish she'd left the bones covered. Husband Howard was furious, with Abby copping the brunt of his anger, so when he was found dead in the same place that the baby had been found, Abby was on the top of the suspect list.
With Abby's three children distraught about losing their Dad, and Howard's fiance, soon to be mother, angry, Abby knew she needed to find the killer, both to help the police, but to clear her name as well. Would she do it? Could she discover Howard's killer, as well as the baby's origin?
Murder Among the Roses is a exceptional cosy mystery by Liz Fielding, her first as she's an author of the romance genre. I hope she continues in this vein as I'd love to read more cosy mysteries by Ms Fielding. Abby is a really great character, natural, down to earth, while her friend Meg, the police woman Dee and all the cast are well formed and well written. I think also, that Abby would make a fabulous main character in a series! And I must make mention of the divine cover! Absolutely gorgeous - I can smell those roses! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Melaina was more than grateful to have her Mum home after she was in the coma for so long – living with her after the upbringing she’d had with her auMelaina was more than grateful to have her Mum home after she was in the coma for so long – living with her after the upbringing she’d had with her aunt, uncle and cousins was different, but wonderful. But even though she’d permanently removed the evil Ikelos she still felt uneasy. And when Melaina was summonsed to meet with the Morpheus, she was sure she would be in trouble…
As Melaina fought to remove the blight she had no idea things were about to get much worse. With her boyfriend Brad’s grandfather in a coma, she knew they needed help. But it was her cousin, Olivia who just days prior, had had her eighteenth birthday who was in the biggest trouble. Would Leander be able to help Melaina? Or would it be too late for Olivia?
False Awakening by Aussie author Cassandra Page is the second of the Lucid Dreaming series and though the author has intimated it will be the last, I really hope it’s not! I love the characters; the fast-paced magical dreaming is cleverly done; the imagination to create the scenes is brilliant! Speculative fiction at its best – it’s also set in Australia – Canberra actually where I lived for some years so know the places referenced. I have no hesitation in recommending False Awakening highly.
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Merged review:
Melaina was more than grateful to have her Mum home after she was in the coma for so long – living with her after the upbringing she’d had with her aunt, uncle and cousins was different, but wonderful. But even though she’d permanently removed the evil Ikelos she still felt uneasy. And when Melaina was summonsed to meet with the Morpheus, she was sure she would be in trouble…
As Melaina fought to remove the blight she had no idea things were about to get much worse. With her boyfriend Brad’s grandfather in a coma, she knew they needed help. But it was her cousin, Olivia who just days prior, had had her eighteenth birthday who was in the biggest trouble. Would Leander be able to help Melaina? Or would it be too late for Olivia?
False Awakening by Aussie author Cassandra Page is the second of the Lucid Dreaming series and though the author has intimated it will be the last, I really hope it’s not! I love the characters; the fast-paced magical dreaming is cleverly done; the imagination to create the scenes is brilliant! Speculative fiction at its best – it’s also set in Australia – Canberra actually where I lived for some years so know the places referenced. I have no hesitation in recommending False Awakening highly.
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review....more
When Nora and Adina Tabor accompanied their parents on the cramped train, it wasn't through choice. It was 1944 and after thinking they were safe, sudWhen Nora and Adina Tabor accompanied their parents on the cramped train, it wasn't through choice. It was 1944 and after thinking they were safe, suddenly all the Jews from a small village in Poland were headed to Auschwitz, not knowing what their futures would be. On arrival, Dr Mengele (although they didn't know who he was at the time) called for any twins in the crowd to come forward. Nora and Adina had been born fifteen minutes apart, Adina the eldest. What was ahead of them would be two years of horror, neither knowing if the other was alive, nor if their parents were either.
On liberation, the Russians were kind and all survivors were put into the safe hands of the Red Cross. But the emaciated and wounded who made their way out of Auschwitz were both mentally and physically scarred. Would they find any of their loved ones alive? And even if they had survived, would they find one another again?
The Stolen Twins originally titled We Only Had Each Other (which I think suits it better) by Shari J. Ryan is another heartbreaking yet heartwarming, poignant and incredibly moving historical novel which thoroughly engrossed me from the very beginning. The horrors that Mengele butcher who called himself a doctor, performed on Jewish children - his experiments - were shattering. Both Nora and Adina were outstanding characters, strong and courageous in the face of adversity; Helena was another such person. I knew that Mengele performed experiments on twins, but I hadn't read a story about it until now. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
When Nora and Adina Tabor accompanied their parents on the cramped train, it wasn't through choice. It was 1944 and after thinking they were safe, suddenly all the Jews from a small village in Poland were headed to Auschwitz, not knowing what their futures would be. On arrival, Dr Mengele (although they didn't know who he was at the time) called for any twins in the crowd to come forward. Nora and Adina had been born fifteen minutes apart, Adina the eldest. What was ahead of them would be two years of horror, neither knowing if the other was alive, nor if their parents were either.
On liberation, the Russians were kind and all survivors were put into the safe hands of the Red Cross. But the emaciated and wounded who made their way out of Auschwitz were both mentally and physically scarred. Would they find any of their loved ones alive? And even if they had survived, would they find one another again?
The Stolen Twins originally titled We Only Had Each Other (which I think suits it better) by Shari J. Ryan is another heartbreaking yet heartwarming, poignant and incredibly moving historical novel which thoroughly engrossed me from the very beginning. The horrors that Mengele butcher who called himself a doctor, performed on Jewish children - his experiments - were shattering. Both Nora and Adina were outstanding characters, strong and courageous in the face of adversity; Helena was another such person. I knew that Mengele performed experiments on twins, but I hadn't read a story about it until now. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
With her grandmother unwell, proprietor of the Dolphin Hotel, Kitty Underhay was obliged to attend the annual Hoteliers’ Association dinner in her steWith her grandmother unwell, proprietor of the Dolphin Hotel, Kitty Underhay was obliged to attend the annual Hoteliers’ Association dinner in her stead. Accompanied by Captain Matthew Bryant, her partner in crime on previous occasions, Kitty was looking forward to dancing with Matt after dinner. The eight members of Kitty and Matt’s table were a diverse bunch, but local councillor Harold Everton was a well-known boor. When he suddenly died in front of horrified onlookers, little did Kitty and Matt realise that it was the beginning of another case for them to solve.
As Kitty and Matt attempted to help Inspector Greville to find the murderer, another shocking death occurred. Was it an accident – or was it another murder? The race to find answers, along with another mystery Kitty was trying to solve meant the two friends and sleuths were busy indeed.
Murder on the Dance Floor is the 4th in A Miss Underhay Mystery series by Helena Dixon and I loved it once again! Kitty and Matt get themselves into terrible messes, but the entertainment along the way for the reader is excellent. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
With her grandmother unwell, proprietor of the Dolphin Hotel, Kitty Underhay was obliged to attend the annual Hoteliers’ Association dinner in her stead. Accompanied by Captain Matthew Bryant, her partner in crime on previous occasions, Kitty was looking forward to dancing with Matt after dinner. The eight members of Kitty and Matt’s table were a diverse bunch, but local councillor Harold Everton was a well-known boor. When he suddenly died in front of horrified onlookers, little did Kitty and Matt realise that it was the beginning of another case for them to solve.
As Kitty and Matt attempted to help Inspector Greville to find the murderer, another shocking death occurred. Was it an accident – or was it another murder? The race to find answers, along with another mystery Kitty was trying to solve meant the two friends and sleuths were busy indeed.
Murder on the Dance Floor is the 4th in A Miss Underhay Mystery series by Helena Dixon and I loved it once again! Kitty and Matt get themselves into terrible messes, but the entertainment along the way for the reader is excellent. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Paige Westwood had fled Albury after heartbreaking news, preparing to establish her boss, Xavier’s new publishing business in the old rundown home he’Paige Westwood had fled Albury after heartbreaking news, preparing to establish her boss, Xavier’s new publishing business in the old rundown home he’d bought on Playfair Street, The Rocks in Sydney. As Paige surveyed the mess the old home was in, her delight in preparing it for business was foremost. Exploring the place, she was astounded at the things in the attic. And when she found a chest of letters – love letters – belonging to Charlotte Greene from 1929, she felt the tingle of excitement rise in her. Ryan Greene lived in London, and it was he who had organized the sale of Playfair Street. She would get in touch with him to tell him of her find.
In 1929 Charlotte Greene was eighteen years of age. She was at her engagement party to Floyd Clark, a man many years her senior, a man she didn’t know, wasn’t sure she even liked – but her father and Floyd had organized it for the betterment of the Greene Steel company which was supplying steel for the build of the new and exciting Sydney Harbour Bridge. When Charlotte met the engineer for the job who was also at the party, Alexander Young, the attraction between the two was immediate. But Charlotte was engaged – she was taken…
Charlotte was Ryan’s great-aunt and the mystery which had followed through generations was that she and her father, Walter had disappeared in 1929, vanished from the face of the earth. Charlotte’s brother James had been unable to find them; no one knew what had befallen them. The clues, the letters and notes in the chest, were the only lead Ryan and Paige had. But would they be able to decipher them, find the answers to the decades old mystery?
The Lost Letters of Playfair Street is the latest offering by Aussie author Michelle Montebello, and it was unputdownable! The two timeframes – 1929 with Charlotte and present day with Paige – were done extremely well. I enjoyed the history of the 1929 period with the building of the Bridge; the Depression and workers destitute; the desperation to do anything to survive – a tragic time well written. The present day was intriguing as I followed along with Paige and Ryan as they worked to solve the mystery. I loved The Quarantine Station when I read it; this one certainly didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
Merged review:
Paige Westwood had fled Albury after heartbreaking news, preparing to establish her boss, Xavier’s new publishing business in the old rundown home he’d bought on Playfair Street, The Rocks in Sydney. As Paige surveyed the mess the old home was in, her delight in preparing it for business was foremost. Exploring the place, she was astounded at the things in the attic. And when she found a chest of letters – love letters – belonging to Charlotte Greene from 1929, she felt the tingle of excitement rise in her. Ryan Greene lived in London, and it was he who had organized the sale of Playfair Street. She would get in touch with him to tell him of her find.
In 1929 Charlotte Greene was eighteen years of age. She was at her engagement party to Floyd Clark, a man many years her senior, a man she didn’t know, wasn’t sure she even liked – but her father and Floyd had organized it for the betterment of the Greene Steel company which was supplying steel for the build of the new and exciting Sydney Harbour Bridge. When Charlotte met the engineer for the job who was also at the party, Alexander Young, the attraction between the two was immediate. But Charlotte was engaged – she was taken…
Charlotte was Ryan’s great-aunt and the mystery which had followed through generations was that she and her father, Walter had disappeared in 1929, vanished from the face of the earth. Charlotte’s brother James had been unable to find them; no one knew what had befallen them. The clues, the letters and notes in the chest, were the only lead Ryan and Paige had. But would they be able to decipher them, find the answers to the decades old mystery?
The Lost Letters of Playfair Street is the latest offering by Aussie author Michelle Montebello, and it was unputdownable! The two timeframes – 1929 with Charlotte and present day with Paige – were done extremely well. I enjoyed the history of the 1929 period with the building of the Bridge; the Depression and workers destitute; the desperation to do anything to survive – a tragic time well written. The present day was intriguing as I followed along with Paige and Ryan as they worked to solve the mystery. I loved The Quarantine Station when I read it; this one certainly didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review....more
Detective Alana Mack (Alan to her friends) was still recovering from the shattering injury which left her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life, anDetective Alana Mack (Alan to her friends) was still recovering from the shattering injury which left her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life, and learning to delegate more, as her ability to be on the front line had lessened immensely. Paddy, her partner, was learning to tread the fine line in caring for Alan, but not mollycoddling her. It was the discovery of a distraught abandoned child, approximately two years old, who said her name was Casey and she wanted her Mammy, that set the small Clonabee police station on high alert. At the same time Casey was brought to the station, two homeless men fronted up with a bag which contained human remains, plus there was a report of a missing man, who had seemingly vanished from his home the night before. Suddenly from no cases to several - were they linked? - Alan and her team were inundated with work.
The discovery of the note in Casey's clothes led them to keep details quiet, as it was obvious that both Casey and her mother were in danger. When another man went missing, the race was on; the clock was ticking. Could Alan and her team find the killer before more deaths? Would they be able to find Casey's mother before it was too late? And who was the mole in the department who was leaking to the media?
The Puppet Maker is the 1st in the Detective Alana Mack series by Jenny O'Brien and it was fast paced, action packed, and brutal! I thoroughly enjoyed Alan's character and her determination to ignore her disability as best she could. Set in Ireland near Dublin - a place I'd love to visit - the story was narrated both by Alan, and Casey's mother. I'm looking forward to #2 in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Detective Alana Mack (Alan to her friends) was still recovering from the shattering injury which left her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life, and learning to delegate more, as her ability to be on the front line had lessened immensely. Paddy, her partner, was learning to tread the fine line in caring for Alan, but not mollycoddling her. It was the discovery of a distraught abandoned child, approximately two years old, who said her name was Casey and she wanted her Mammy, that set the small Clonabee police station on high alert. At the same time Casey was brought to the station, two homeless men fronted up with a bag which contained human remains, plus there was a report of a missing man, who had seemingly vanished from his home the night before. Suddenly from no cases to several - were they linked? - Alan and her team were inundated with work.
The discovery of the note in Casey's clothes led them to keep details quiet, as it was obvious that both Casey and her mother were in danger. When another man went missing, the race was on; the clock was ticking. Could Alan and her team find the killer before more deaths? Would they be able to find Casey's mother before it was too late? And who was the mole in the department who was leaking to the media?
The Puppet Maker is the 1st in the Detective Alana Mack series by Jenny O'Brien and it was fast paced, action packed, and brutal! I thoroughly enjoyed Alan's character and her determination to ignore her disability as best she could. Set in Ireland near Dublin - a place I'd love to visit - the story was narrated both by Alan, and Casey's mother. I'm looking forward to #2 in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
