Title: Moving
Author: Jenny Eclair
Release Date: July 2015
Rating: 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley who gave me an ARC of 'Moving' in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not quite sure what I expected when I started this book, but it definitely wasn't this perfect little gem of a novel. I only know of Jenny Eclair as the quick witted, hilarious comedienne and had no idea that she was an accomplished author, so this wonderful story came as a complete surprise to me. Heartbreaking, bittersweet, yet laugh out loud funny at times, this book has moments that completely take your breath away.
The story is told by three very different narrators, the first being Edwina, who I fell in love with from the moment we first meet her. After more than 50 years living in the same house, Edwina has decided that the time has come to sell up and move away. As she begins the long, arduous task of getting her house ready for sale, the memories begin to flood back and we are taken on a journey throughout the years. What follows is a moving, very real story of a life well lived. Of love, losses, happiness, heartbreak and the many unexpected twists and turns our lives can take us.
The story is then taken up by two other narrators who shed light on the events of the past, which lead us to a moving, bittersweet, yet ultimately uplifting conclusion.
I loved this book from beginning to end and savoured every beautifully written word, especially Edwina's story, which felt very real to me. She is a character who I think will stay with me for a long time to come.
An excellent 5 stars. A highly recommended read.
Friday, 14 August 2015
Book Review - The Betrayal by Laura Elliott
Title: The Betrayal
Author: Laura Elliott
Release Date: 14th August 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found 'The Betrayal' to be a bit of a slow burn to start with, but it soon ratcheted up the tension until I was desperate to find out what was going to happen next, terrified of what was to come. A psychological thriller with many twists and turns, some easy to guess, others not so easy, but all building up to a thrilling and emotionally satisfying conclusion. A definite page turner, that once started was very difficult to put down.
Nadine and Jake's troubled marriage and 'perfect divorce' was very real and believable. I quickly came to care about what happened to them and genuinely became scared for their safety, and for the safety of their 4 children. And though Karin was a character I felt no sympathy for to begin with, by the end of the novel I could understand why she felt the way she did a little bit more and, as scary as she was, could see why her psyche had become so damaged and fragmented by the shocking events of her past.
A chilling, page turner of a read and one I highly recommend. 4 stars.
Available now.
Author: Laura Elliott
Release Date: 14th August 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found 'The Betrayal' to be a bit of a slow burn to start with, but it soon ratcheted up the tension until I was desperate to find out what was going to happen next, terrified of what was to come. A psychological thriller with many twists and turns, some easy to guess, others not so easy, but all building up to a thrilling and emotionally satisfying conclusion. A definite page turner, that once started was very difficult to put down.
Nadine and Jake's troubled marriage and 'perfect divorce' was very real and believable. I quickly came to care about what happened to them and genuinely became scared for their safety, and for the safety of their 4 children. And though Karin was a character I felt no sympathy for to begin with, by the end of the novel I could understand why she felt the way she did a little bit more and, as scary as she was, could see why her psyche had become so damaged and fragmented by the shocking events of her past.
A chilling, page turner of a read and one I highly recommend. 4 stars.
Available now.
Monday, 3 August 2015
Book Review - Life or Death by Michael Robotham
Title: Life or Death
Author: Michael Robotham
Rating: 5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher who gave me an ARC of 'Life or Death' in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, what can I say? Yet another thrilling novel from Michael Robotham, an author whose books I've enjoyed for many years. In 'Life or Death' he takes a break from his Joe O'Loughlin series to bring us a standalone novel that is every bit as good as his previous work.
What would make Audie Palmer, a man who has been in prison for the last ten years, decide to break out one day before his release? What follows is a tale reminiscent of 'The Shawshank Redemption', with many twists, turns and shocks along the way that once started is very difficult to put down.
It is told through both present day narrative and flashbacks that allow the story to unfold gradually, until we have the full, horrifying story of why Audie would escape from prison so close to release, and exactly what the incentive for his actions throughout the book are.
A fast paced and gripping read that I would highly recommend. A well deserved 5 stars. Available now.
Author: Michael Robotham
Rating: 5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher who gave me an ARC of 'Life or Death' in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, what can I say? Yet another thrilling novel from Michael Robotham, an author whose books I've enjoyed for many years. In 'Life or Death' he takes a break from his Joe O'Loughlin series to bring us a standalone novel that is every bit as good as his previous work.
What would make Audie Palmer, a man who has been in prison for the last ten years, decide to break out one day before his release? What follows is a tale reminiscent of 'The Shawshank Redemption', with many twists, turns and shocks along the way that once started is very difficult to put down.
It is told through both present day narrative and flashbacks that allow the story to unfold gradually, until we have the full, horrifying story of why Audie would escape from prison so close to release, and exactly what the incentive for his actions throughout the book are.
A fast paced and gripping read that I would highly recommend. A well deserved 5 stars. Available now.
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