The Girl in the Photo - Catherine Hokin

 1944. ‘I have to go away, my darling. Please, be brave, stay alive, for me.’ Her mother’s voice breaks. The little girl tries to stop the forbidden tears from falling, as the train takes her mother, and she is left alone in the camp…

Berlin, six years later. When Hanni Winter shows her new husband the heartbreaking photos she captured during the war, his reaction is unexpected. His face white, Freddy can’t take his eyes off the photo of a young girl around four years old. ‘That’s Renny,’ he whispers, ‘my sister, she was taken by the Nazis…’

Hanni remembers her perfectly – the child with the wide eyes and bitten lips, who wouldn’t let herself cry despite the chaos and cruelty all around them in the camp. Her heart had broken for the little girl as she took her picture, desperate to reveal the truth about the Nazis to the world. If that child is Renny, then they must try to find her. They must return to hell on earth.

But when Hanni arrives at the black and white arch of the camp, she comes face to face with a man she fears more than any other. Can she find the strength to fight again, or will every hope for the future be lost forever?

A heart-wrenching novel about love and courage in the face of terrible odds. Fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and The Tattooist of Auschwitz will need a box of tissues handy.

Author Bio:

I seem to have followed a rather meandering career, including marketing and teaching and politics (don't try and join the dots), to get where I have always wanted to be, which is writing historical fiction. I am a story lover as well as a story writer and nothing fascinates me more than a strong female protagonist and a quest. Hopefully those are what you will encounter when you pick up my books.

I am from the North of England but now live very happily in Glasgow with my American husband. Both my children have left home (one to London and one to Berlin) which may explain why I am finally writing. If I'm not at my desk you'll most probably find me in the cinema, or just follow the sound of very loud music.

I'd love to hear from you and there are lots of ways you can find me, so jump in via my website https://www.catherinehokin.com/ or on my Cat Hokin FB page or on twitter @cathokin

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My Review

Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster. From the moment that we joined the Hanni Winter series, we knew that her past would catch up with her. While she might have been an unwilling pawn in her father's evil ways and not directly responsible for anything that he has done, she hasn't been able to expose him or admit who she really is. Now, she is left with no choice but to finally face up to everything and admit who she really is. Facing the very real possibility of losing everything in the process.

I don't really want to give too much away here, the book was a great read and I wouldn't want to spoil anything. It left me on the edge of my seat and I really wanted everything to work out for Hanni and Freddie. I will say though, that we don't end this book with everything wrapped up in a neat bow. There's at least one more book to come and Hanni and mostly likely Freddie have much more to face.

These books are great reads. Set after the second world war they deal with the long shadow that the evil that occurred in that period cast. It's easy to think that Nazi Germany fell and everything was sunshine and flowers from that point on, but of course, that was far from the case, the scars were deep.

I can't wait to see what happens next for Hanni and I hope that things are finally going to be alright for her.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

A Village Fete Murder - Katie Gayle

 Julia Bird can’t wait to attend the annual village party at the local stately home, with its tea tents, cake stalls, and… dead body in the maze?

The annual village celebration at Berrywick House is underway, complete with over-decorated cake stalls, fiercely contested flower competitions, and even a maze for the disappointed losers to hide in. Julia Bird, now a well-known – even notorious – member of the community, with her trusty Labrador Jake, has thrown herself headlong into the festivities. But her reputation for adding drama to any event stands up yet again when she discovers a dead body in the maze…

It seems Ursula Benjamin, village know-it-all and prickly baking competition participant, has been strangled – and the killer has to be someone at the fete. As Julia grapples with finding yet another murder in Berrywick, she starts to wonder, could one of the competitive cake-bakers have taken the contest to deadly new heights? Or is there something darker in Ursula’s life that led to her untimely demise?

Embroiled once again in a murder enquiry, Julia isn’t about to leave the investigation to the police. Like it or not, she’s involved, and she’s going to help them solve the mystery. But when there’s another death, and it’s clear the murders aren’t isolated incidents, the stakes become even higher. Can Julia figure out the identity of the killer, and prevent any further dastardly deeds, before the wholesome spirit of the village is ruined forever?

If you like utterly gripping English mysteries, then you’ll love A Village Fete Murder. Perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands.
 
Author Bio:

Katie Gayle is the writing partnership of best-selling South African writers, Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel. Kate and Gail have, between them, written over ten books of various genres, but with Katie Gayle, they both make their debut in the cozy mystery genre. Both Gail and Kate live in Johannesburg, with husbands, children, dogs and cats. Unlike their sleuth Epiphany Bloom, neither of them have ever stolen a cat from the vet.

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My Review

A Village Fete Murder sees us joining Julia again and somehow she seems to have stumbled on yet another body! Like the previous books, Julia can't help but try and find out who is behind this latest murdering spree. There are plenty of suspects, for the first murder at least and she wastes no time in trying to find out what happened.

Books like this do amuse me, who anyone could be so unlucky to find so many murder victims I don't know, but Julia seems to take it in her stride. It was nice this time to find out a little more about Julia herself. We learn about her life as a social worker and what came before her retirement. We also learn a little more about her daughter Jess.

I didn't manage to solve this one before it was revealed, but I still enjoyed the book and giving it a go. I don't think that Julia was any further ahead though and her friend in the police wasn't either. In fact, the police don't seem to be able to spot anything without Julia's help!

This is a great fun series, if murder can be fun that is! I can't wait to see more from Julia soon. 

Immortal Sins - Anya J Cosgrove

 

Immortal Sins - Book 3 in the Dark Falls Academy Series.

Cole had to flee to Faerie. His best friend Flynn—my bully and tormentor—holds all the answers. My family secrets are like a noose, slowly tightening around my neck.

To vanquish my demons, I’ll break all the rules. I’ll kneel before my dark prince and infiltrate his world.

Mortals shouldn’t eat Faerie fruits.
Every witch knows the rule.

Can I handle just one bite? Or two? What about a taste of forever?

My Review

I'm really enjoying the Dark Falls Academy series. There was quite a wait between books one and two, but fortunately, this latest instalment came quite quickly. It picks up where our last book left off, Cole has been exiled, and Jules and her friends are trying to work against new headmaster Oz and also to clear Cole's name. To do so, she must work with Flynn, Cole's best friend but someone who has never really been on Jules's side.

This story sees Jules and Flynn travelling away from Dark Falls academy, following Cole into Faerie, somewhere that she has never been before, but has heard plenty about. It's clear that as she does things are going to change and Jules will have to try and come to terms with these changes.

I really enjoyed the developing relationship between Jules and Flynn as well as the growth of the relationship that she has with Cole. I'm not sure where any of these are likely to go next, but I have a few theories.

This book doesn't conclude things, with a cliffhanger at the end which just makes you desperate to read on and find out what will happen next. Sadly, we have to wait a little longer, but with the fourth (and final?) book due out in May, it's not too long.

Fearless Duet - Kaylene Winter

Fearless: Connor & Ronni
Kaylene Winter
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

A Steamy, Feminist, Protective Irish Hero Rockstar Romance

“Family is everything, I protect mine with my life…”
Connor McLoughlin had it all, a great family, a college scholarship and music.
Tragedy forced him to grow up too fast.
When his life finally is on track, Ronni Miller appears like a dream.
Kindred spirits in the most unlikely of circumstances.
There’s only one thing in the way— her dark past he’s determined to protect her from.

Will Connor’s protective instincts drive Ronni away for good?

“When your innocence is stolen, trust is a precious gift…”
Actress Ronni Miller tasted fame at a young age.
Her path to stardom was riddled with tragedy.
She never imagined falling for Connor McLoughlin, a rogue, Irish rock star.
The thing is? Ronni’s got revenge on her mind.
Regardless of the risk or the consequences— Or losing the one thing in her life that makes her feel alive.
Connor has only ever asked Ronni for one thing: her heart.
She risks losing the man who would do anything for her.

What happens when Ronni’s bravery is couched in lies?

When your future has been tainted by innocence lost, learning to trust is an uphill battle.

For Connor & Ronni, the fight for true love is FEARLESS.

The Connor & Ronni Duet:
 

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Author Bio:

When she was only 15, Kaylene Winter wrote her first rocker romance novel starring a fictionalized version of herself, her friends and their gorgeous rocker boyfriends. After living her own rockstar life as a band manager, music promoter and mover and shaker in Seattle during the early 1990’s, Kaylene became a digital media legal strategist helping bring movies, television and music online. Throughout her busy career, Kaylene lost herself in romance novels across all genres inspiring her to realize her life-long dream to be a published author. She lives in Seattle with her amazing husband and dog. She loves to travel, throw lavish dinner parties and support charitable causes supporting arts and animals.

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My Reviews

Fearless

Fearless tells the story of Connor and Ronni. Like the previous book in the Less than Zero series that I have read, this book takes place over a long period of time, with the timeline flitting backwards and forwards as we learn more about their story. Although this is part of a series, you don't have to have read the others, although the characters do reappear and feature in each of the stories.
I really enjoyed this story. The connection between Ronni and Connor is strong and deep, even if it isn't always easy or straightforward, when is love ever? It also is much more than this. With elements of #metoo and some of the awful things that stars and want to be stars are sometimes subjected to in order to achieve their dreams. Ronni is an incredibly strong and determined character, and you can't help but cheer her on, even when it's at the expense of the sweethearted Connor.
This was a fantastic read and I'd love to read more in this gripping series.

Fearless Encore

What I love about this series is that although these couples belong together and are happy, there's also the acknowledgement that perhaps some things aren't an easy fix. We had the beginning of each couple's love stories in the first four books, but now, with the encores, we get to see what happens next. Just because a couple belongs together and has the right chemistry, it doesn't mean that everything is always perfect.
For Ronnie and Connor, it's a case of dealing with the pressures of fame. Caught up in the horror of sexual abuse in her teenage years, Ronnie is still facing the consequences of calling all of that out. For Connor, it's more a case of finding ways to support his wife's career while his own is falling apart.
This was a great read. the #metoo movement and the experience of what women faced at the hands of some of the movie executives are here as well as the juggle of trying to be both a mother and a career woman.
I love Ronnie and Connor as a couple and really enjoyed this encore to their relationship story. A great read.

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When the Heart Brings You Home - Robin Maderich

When the Heart Brings You Home
Robin Maderich
Publication date: November 1st 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

When the Heart Brings You Home, A Connor Falls Christmas Collection, is a heartwarming collection of three holiday novellas, all set in the small town of Connor Falls, Pennsylvania during the Christmas season, and each a story of family and love with a touch of romance.

Winter Light – a troubled little girl brings the Christmas Spirit back to her struggling single father and the woman he once kissed many years ago.

Light the Heart Home – two sisters with secrets reunite at Christmas, prodding old wounds and finding healing love.

Home for the Holidays – all Susan Hardwick wants is to find her way back home.

Comfort. Joy. Romance. Welcome to Connor Falls.

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Author Bio:

First published by Warner Books’ Popular Library, Robin Maderich has written numerous romance novels, from historical to contemporary paranormal, as Robin Maderich, Celia Ashley and Alyssa Deane. Ms. Maderich resides in Pennsylvania, the locale and inspiration for many of her stories. She is an avid fan of historical fact and fiction, as well as the infinite realm of possibilities.

Website

My Review

When the heart brings you home is actually three stories in one book. The novella's are just the right length to draw you into the romance and world of the people that populate them. I say romance, but I'm not entirely sure that they are all romances, at least in the traditional sense. Perhaps love story would be a better description. Although there is a romantic love element in each, there's also plenty of love between family members. It would be very fair to say that When the Heart Brings You Home is all about relationships and where you belong in the world.
I enjoyed all of these stories. I usually prefer my romance on the slightly hotter side and these are all strictly PG (actually they're probably U to be honest) but they are all quite sweet, enjoyable and satisfying. A great read with a nice Christmassy feel to them.

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A Body at Lavender Cottage - Dee MacDonald

 Nurse Kate Palmer is Cornwall’s answer to Miss Marple! But when a body turns up in her own garden can Kate solve the crime? Or is the murder a bit too close to home?

Kate Palmer is stunned when she wakes up one morning to discover the body of a man in the beautiful garden of Lavender Cottage. She’s spent the last few years renovating her cozy, clifftop cottage with its gorgeous views of the sparkling Cornish sea. And a death right under her nose is more than a little unsettling…

When Woody Forrest, Kate’s new husband and the village’s retired detective inspector, takes a closer look he realises the victim is none other than Frank Ford – Woody’s old nemesis. Now, Frank is lying dead amongst the daisies… strangled with Woody’s blue police tie.

Kate is certain the man she loves is not a murderer and is determined to prove his innocence. But who would want to kill Frank and frame Woody? As Kate investigates, Frank’s family seem to be the obvious suspects. Could it be Jason Ford, the youngest son, who has an odd obsession with birdwatching? Sid Kinsella, the angry father-in-law? Or Sharon Mason, the troublesome daughter?

When another member of the Ford family bites the dust while Woody is tending his allotment, it’s clear the killer is determined to bury Woody’s reputation. But when a chance conversation on Bluebell Road provides Kate with a clue, she must find a woman named Rose, who could hold the answers Kate is looking for.

But Kate needs to dig up the truth – and fast! – before poor Woody is thrown behind bars. Can she solve the case and save her husband before it’s too late?

If you love murder mysteries with a brilliant cast of characters, twisty plots and plenty of red herrings, A Body at Lavender Cottage will have you hooked until the very last page! Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis.

Author Bio:

Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of British Airways) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years.

She has worked in Market Research, Sales and at the Thames TV Studios when they had the franchise.

Dee has since relocated to Cornwall, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70!

Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.

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My Review

A Body at Lavender Cottage: An utterly gripping cozy mystery novel by Dee MacDonald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A body at Lavender Cottage finds our heroine and amateur sleuth, Kate Palmer, stumbling over another suspicious death. This time, not only is the body in her own back garden, but her husband, Woody, is in the frame. Of course, Kate can't do anything but try and work out who the killer is and why.
As with all good murder mysteries, there are plenty of twists and turns and while some of them are fairly easy to spot coming, there's still plenty here to keep you guessing. Kate doesn't stop at much to get to the bottom of things and while you might have to suspend your disbelief slightly, this is still a great read.
I hadn't completely figured out everything by the end, but I think that I was at least on the right track. If you enjoy classic murder mysteries, with lots of clues, a little misdirection and a body or two, then you certainly won't go wrong here.
I'm sure that this won't be the last adventure for Kate and I'm looking forward to revisiting soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

View all my reviews

Another Christmas From Hell - R.L. Mathewson

Another Christmas From Hell
R.L. Mathewson
(Neighbor from Hell, #13)
Publication date: November 4th 2022
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

The last thing that he wanted was to fall in love with his brother’s best friend.

From New York Time’s bestselling author R.L. Mathewson comes the next installment in the disturbingly funny romantic comedy series, Neighbor from Hell.

It was time to move on.

Granted, Cayley would have preferred to wait until after Christmas, but with her best friend somehow managing to get her fired and evicted in the same day, she had no choice but to move into the apartment across from the man that really didn’t seem happy to see her.

That was fine.

More than fine because if she could handle her best friend making her life a living hell and an ex-fiancé that was determined to get her back, then she could handle the man that was willing to do whatever it took to let the past destroy them both.

He couldn’t believe this was happening again.

For years, Bryce had been going out of his way to avoid Cayley, hoping that she would finally move on, but now that she was back, he realized that he no longer had a choice.

He was going to have to break her heart.

At least that was the plan until the little brat turned the tables on him, making him wonder how much longer he was going to be able to lie to himself even as one thing became painfully clear…

This was going to be the worst Christmas ever.

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Author Bio:

New York Times Bestselling author, R.L. Mathewson was born in Massachusetts. She’s known for her humor, quick wit and ability to write relatable characters. She currently has several paranormal and contemporary romance series published including the Neighbor from Hell series.

Growing up, R.L. Mathewson was a painfully shy bookworm. After high school she attended college, worked as a bellhop, fast food cook, and a museum worker until she decided to take an EMT course. Working as an EMT helped her get over her shyness as well as left her with some fond memories and some rather disturbing ones that from time to time show up in one of her books.

Today, R.L. Mathewson is the single mother of two children that keep her on her toes. She has a bit of a romance novel addiction as well as a major hot chocolate addiction and on a perfect day, she combines the two.

If you’d like more information about this series or any other series by R.L. Mathewson, please visit www.Rlmathewson.com

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My Review

Sometimes, reviews just aren't that easy to write. Another Christmas From Hell is one such review. Usually, I can either say that I liked a book or that I didn't. I can't with this one. Don't get me wrong, there was a lot to like here, but there was also quite a bit that I disliked and that's why I'm lost. 

Let's start with the positives. This was an engaging book. I liked the romance, I liked the characters and I liked seeing their love story unfold. It kept me reading and I really did want to find out what was going to happen. I'm I glad I read the book? Yes, I am.

On the other hand, would I read another in this series or by this author? Probably not. Although it's a good read, it could have been much much better and just with a bit of editing. The story and sentences jumped around so that more than once I had no idea what was going on or why. There's also a lot of repetition. Lots of different words that were used all the time, but 'heartfelt sigh' jumped out at me, just because it was used so much.

This is a good read and I did enjoy it. It could have been so much more though!

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