Tag: reader

Queenie – Candice Carty-Williams

Queenie had me laughing from the opening scene. She’s a wonderfully complex character who wears her heart on her sleeve and says exactly what she thinks. Queenie is coming to terms with a break-up she doesn’t quite understand. She puts herself out there but nothing feels quite right. Whilst her antics seem a little wayward on the surface, her upbeat nature makes us think she’s coping but it isn’t long before a darker side to her lifestyle and the reasons behind it emerges.

This is a story of self-love, growth and friendship more than anything else. Whilst there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, there are some really important themes and messages. It’s well put together and enjoyable.

Genre: Women’s Fiction
Rating: 4.5/5

Fighting for the Trauma Doc’s Heart – Rachel Dove

Rachel Dove’s versatility as a writer never fails to amaze me. I adore her lighter comedy and I’ve enjoyed her more heartfelt works too. This is her first release under the Mills & Boon medical line and despite this line of books being quicker / shorter reads there was no compromises on the rich storytelling. The main characters, Michelle and Jacob, won my heart with their complex backgrounds. They were characters I really rooted for even when their interests were in conflict of one another’s. Mixing work and pleasure is a taboo I love, made all the more exciting by the life or death nature of the work. If you’re a fan of Grey’s Anatomy (or not) you’re sure to fall in love with this book.

Genre: Romance (medical)
Rating: 5/5⭐️

Dry Hard – Nick Spalding

Dry Hard is a laugh-out-loud comedy that’s often a little over the top. At times the humour is witty and clever and perhaps a bit crass at others. The premise of two alcoholics giving up drinking was interesting but taken quite lightly and whilst the book did have me laughing, the story wasn’t quite enough for me to sink my teeth into. Great if you need cheering up.

Genre: Comedy fiction

Rating: 3.75/5⭐️

The Tea Room on the Bay – Rachel Burton

This was a change of direction for Rachel Burton and as I’d enjoyed all of her other books, I was definitely intrigued by this new style cover. The Teashop on the Bay does feel different and whilst lighter in tone, maintains the same warm depth, loveable characters and wonderful descriptions that I’d expect.

I loved Ellie and Ben’s story. At times I was second-guessing and I wasn’t sure where it would end. Whilst this book is set at Christmas, I read it on a hot beach in Greece and still managed to be transported to the gorgeous, snowy Sanderson Bay. Overall, I loved the story, the characters and setting. I raced through this one and I couldn’t wait to see how it ended. It’s guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and content.

Rating: 5/5

Genre: contemporary romance

Divergent – Veronica Roth

I really liked the movie and had heard so much about the book, I had to give it a go. I’ll be honest and say it started a little slow for me. Perhaps it just lacked a bit of depth and I didn’t feel connected to the characters or world, but I found it so hard to engage with, I almost gave up.

Once the story got going in the second half of the book, I was gripped – it became quite fast-paced and dramatic.

Genre: Dystopian YA

Rating: 4/5⭐️

A Wish For Jinnie – Audrey Davis

I’ll never fail to enjoy Audrey Davis’ brand of romantic comedy. A Wish for Jinnie is a fun read packed with a comedic rhythm that keeps the story well-paced and entertaining throughout. I loved Jinnie, and Jeanie Dhassim as much as I enjoyed Sam’s character and the blossoming romance. Audrey Davis always developed does develop fantastic characters though and Jinnie’s gran just leapt off the page – she was fab. The story itself is well developed and believable because despite the element of magic and fantasy the characters’ lives are a reflection of our own.

If you want to lose yourself for a few hours of heartfelt fun, this is definitely the perfect book for you.

Genre: romantic comedy

Rating: 5/5⭐️

The Stones Thieves – Eddy Telviot

The Stone Thieves is a traditional childrens’ adventure story with a futuristic twist that I feel will be enjoyed by teenagers and adults alike. There are flavours of Lord of The Rings, The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, The Night Circus and Harry Potter but make no mistake; this is a unique book in its own right.

The world building really drew me in. It was imaginative and vivid with lots of recognisable ‘real world elements’ which helped me as a reader connect to the story. You can tell the author has a keen interest in science as the inventions and creations are plentiful and beyond the realms of most humble imaginations. Saying that, I did like how many of the inventions were based on technology that we’ve almost developed because this gave the story an element of believability. I won’t give anything away because I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone but I will say this: Pass me the anti-ageing stuff now!

The characters are well drawn and the fact the main group are teens, shone through brilliantly. Their nativity at times, and curiosity at others gave them added dimensions, as did the banter between Sam and friends.

Overall, fans of science fiction and fantasy will love this book – I’m pleased to see the author has more novels planned (I for one can’t imagine where he’ll take us next).

Genre: Sci-fi/ fantasy

Rating: 5/5⭐️

Darkest Night – Jenny O’Brien

I hadn’t read the first book in the Gaby Darin series but that in no way hampered my understanding of Jenny O’Brien’s latest instalment, Darkest Night. The opening grabs you straight away with a hook that’s puzzling to say the least, What should be a cut and dry case transpires to be something more when Detective Darin gets involved. She’s a great heroine, flawed yet driven in her field and no stone is left unturned. The story is told in multiple POV and I really loved this extra dimension that added to the pace.

There is some wonderful camaraderie between characters and there’s a highly satisfying ending. I raced through this book – it kept me on the edge of my seat trying to work out what the heck had happened.

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Rating: 5/5⭐️

Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay – Katie Ginger

This was my first Katie Ginger book and I’ll definitely be picking up her others. Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay is the perfect escapist read. Set by the sea, it perfectly encompasses the British seaside vibe and gave me a wave of nostalgia as it reminded me of my own UK holidays when I was a child.

The story follows Hettie who is determined to shake up the annual strawberry show by putting on an all singing and dancing strawberry-themed festival. Despite many roadblocks, Betty’s determination gets her there with twists and turns along the way.

Hetty is a sweet heroine with a feisty side and I enjoyed watching her grow and figure out what she wanted personally and professionally. As with all the characters, she’s well drawn out and vivid and I loved a certain Mr someone too!

With a gorgeous backdrop, plenty of yummy food references and lovely storytelling, this is the perfect read to accompany this summer’s ‘staycation’.

Genre: Romance / Romcom

Rating: 5/5⭐️