Having read The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns has been in my TBR for a while now and I’m so glad I finally got round to picking it up. 
The history of Afghanistan is as fascinating as it is harrowing, in that its transition from a beautiful, peaceful country into something so horrific is almost unimaginable. This was one of the themes that really drew me in to this book, especially since I knew so little about it.

There are a few storylines intertwined and each were compelling in their own way. The story of Laila and Maryam was harrowing but their female bond and strength really came through amidst their unimaginable suffering. The love story between Laila and Tariq was well drawn out and wonderfully told. Then there’s the story of Taliban and the inequality, violence and fear they brought. I remember the news stories at the time and Khaled Hosseini doesn’t shy away from the things they did. Combined, these plots, sub-plots and tropes make for a gripping read.

This was beautiful yet heartbreaking storytelling and a must-read.
Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: 5⭐️

This was my first Rebecca Reid book and to be honest, I’ve read a lot of thrillers and I wasn’t expecting it to grab me quite as much as it did. Don’t get me wrong, I love thrillers, but when you’ve read a few, they can become quite predictable and run-of-the-mill. I’m pleased to say this one was really did leap out of the Kindle. From the first page I was hooked; two people have a secret and I was desperate to know what they were.

The novel didn’t always go in the direction I was expecting, so it did keep me on my toes, especially since there’s a multiple POV and split timeline. The story unravels really well and I thought the pacing was just right. There are a few things you will see coming, but not really until they’re almost revealed.
The ending was not what I expected and I have to admit, it did leave me feeling a little sick – but that’s the point!

I thought this was one of the best domestic thrillers I’ve read of late and highly recommend it for fans of Adele Parks, Lisa Jewell and B A Paris.

Genre: domestic thriller

Rating: 5⭐️

Ever since reading The Chalk Man last year and loving it, The Taking of Annie Thorne has been on my TBR.
This is a creepy story full of intrigue and suspense and you don’t quite know what’s coming. As with The Chalk Man, the story entwines a mystery and event from the character’s pasts with their present. It definitely kept me turning the pages and I had me hooked throughout. 
There’s a Stephen King vibe to CJ Tudor’s work and with both books, I’ve enjoyed the nostalgic feel of the ‘past’. This time it’s the 90s. 
I did feel like the supernatural element could have been explored further but that’s just my opinion because it really grabbed my attention.
Overall, I’d highly recommend this book.

Genre: supernatural thriller

Rating: 4/5⭐️

Right from the get-go, A Question of Us throws us smack bang in the middle of a friendship group you know you’re going to love. The friends have stuck together through thick and thin and their social lives centre around the great British pub quiz, a theme which I loved! Cue plenty of funny banter and lots of playful ribbing that’s so incredibly realistic that as a reader you feel like part of the gang. 
The chemistry between Si and Clarrie is obvious from quite early on and I loved Clarrie’s game of hard-to-get verses Si’s die-hard determination to get the girl. 

The camping scene was one of my favourite parts of the book (and one of my favourite romantic scenes in a long while), I loved the perfect chemistry between Si and Clarrie here and how genuine they both are. 

The characters are all down-to-earth, believable and likeable. Each one just leaps off the page and even the argument scenes were entertaining and believable.

I think I’ve said this before about a Mary Jayne Baker book, but, A Question if Us would make the most wonderful British romcom movie or series.

I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to pick this book up. It’s an incredibly insightful book of diary entries recounting Kay’s time as a junior doctor in the NHS.
Whilst the dark-humoured anecdotes range from hilarious to down right bizarre, Kay’s compassion as a doctor comes through, and parts of the book are moving and heartbreaking.

I’m not going to give anything away, but it’s a quick read that will have you turning the pages at record speed. I highly recommend this book – particularly to anyone who has ever accessed NHS services.

A huge 5⭐️s from me!

Genre: Non-fiction

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️

The Single Mums’ Mansion follows lead character Amanda, who finds herself alone in her big Victorian townhouse after her husband leaves. When her friend, Ali finds herself pregnant and in a similar situation, she moves in too. The book is based on the author’s own true story and is a story all about moving on. Whilst The Single Mum’s Mansion is a lighthearted read, there are some quite profound statements about losing someone and finding your inner strength that really resonate.
I wasn’t a fan of the recreational drug use throughout the book because I don’t think it added anything to the story or formed part of the character progression but the bad all in all it was an entertaining book with some laugh-out-loud moments.

Recommended for light summer reading.
Genre: chicklit / contemporary fiction
Rating: 4/5⭐️

Mr Temptation is the second Rachael Stewart book I’ve read in the past 12 months. I loved Mr One Night Stand and couldn’t wait to see what this one was like and it was HOT! The story was fast-paced, sexy and kept me flicking through the pages way past bedtime. I liked the strong characters, Zara and Daniel and the sizzling chemistry and wit between them. If steamy romance is your thing, I’d highly recommend.

Genre: Romance (steamy)

Rating 5/5⭐️

The Giver of Stars is a depression-era fiction novel depicting the true story of a group of remarkably strong women who ran a travelling library in Kentucky. The women, from different walks of life, shared a common goal of escaping elements of their lives and spreading the joy of new worlds on horseback. 

The book is well-researched and insightful set in an interesting period where women were still trying to prove that they’re more than just keepers of the home. The challenges they faced were gripping enough, that, as a reader, you’re immersed. 
Overall it’s a wonderful story with a great cast of characters. The film will be a hit too, I’m sure.

Genre: historical fiction

Rating: 4/5

Let Me Lie is a psychological thriller following the story of new-mum Annie, who lost both parents to suicide. Annie is adjusting to the changes in her life, when an anonymous note and a gruesome delivery makes her question the circumstances surrounding her parent’s deaths. 
The story unfolds and picks up pace as it goes, building to a dramatic finish that really had me turning the pages. It’s a clever story, which I’d definitely recommend to thriller fans.

Genre: Psychological thriller

Rating: 4/5⭐️