Our Holiday - Louise Candlish

 

Description

A gripping new summer thriller from the bestselling author of Our House, full of characters you'll love to hate and twists you'll never see coming!

‘A stylish, sun-soaked thriller… Our Holiday is destined to be THE summer read of 2024’ Janice Hallett

‘A sharp, brilliantly observed novel that had me gasping at every twist and turn’ Sarah Pearse

‘Smart, sharp and suspenseful with characters you won’t forget’ Adele Parks

Charlotte and Perry long for summers at Cliff View, their gorgeous holiday home overlooking the turquoise waters of Pine Ridge. And now that city friends Amy and Linus have bought a property nearby, they plan lazy weeks of sun, sea and sipping rosé on Charlotte’s summerhouse veranda.

But there’s trouble in paradise…

A rising tide of resentment towards second-home owners is heading their way and small acts of criminal damage are escalating into something more menacing. By the end of the summer, families and friendships will be torn apart and Pine Ridge will be known for more than its sun-drenched beaches.

It will be known for murder…

Review

I requested to review this book based solely on the author, as I have loved her previous books. This one not so much.

The book is mainly set in a seaside town in England. Two couples both who met in London where they live now have holiday homes in the same road. The idea being, at least by the women of the group, that they share time together on holiday.

The locals are not happy about the DFL (Down From London) people only occupying the properties for part of the year, when they are living in caravans and unable to afford property. So they've formed #NJFA - Not Just For August, to campaign against the DFLs. 

Not only are temperatures rising between DFLs and #NJFA, but the DFLs themselves have some rivalry and ignominy within their ranks too. Several storylines run throughout the book making it an interesting read. For me though, I couldn't get straight in my own head who lived in which property and whose children belonged to which couple.

The book begins at the end and is narrated throughout by various characters. The story then goes backwards to when the DFLs first arrive in August, before flipping between the two timelines. As the timelines began to catch up with each other I had to re read a few lines to realise which timeline I was now in. The story went on far too long for my liking, until about the last quarter of the book when I couldn't put it down. 

I'm giving this book 4 out of 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley for the ARC to review.

How to Age Dis-gracefully - Clare Pooley

Description

'Uplifting, heartwarming and joyful. Restored my faith in humankind' - Ruth Jones

When age makes you invisible, secrets are easier to hide

Daphne knows that age is just a number. She also knows that society no longer pays her any attention – something she’s happy to exploit to help her hide a somewhat chequered past.

But finding herself alone on her 70th birthday, with only her plants to talk to and neighbours to stalk online, she decides she needs some friends. Joining a Senior Citizen's Social Club she’s horrified at the expectation she’ll spend her time enduring gentle crafting activities. Thankfully, the other members – including a failed actor addicted to shoplifting and a prolific yarn-bomber – agree.

After a tragic accident, the local council threaten to close the club – but they have underestimated the wrong group of pensioners...and with the help of a teenage dad and a geriatric, orphaned dog, the incongruous gang set out to prove it.

As long as their pasts don't catch up with them first…

Review

Absolutely brilliant.

This is my third book by this author and it was just as good as the previous two novels. I was a little concerned that a group of people trying to save a club was going to be a little pedestrian to say the least. But with the cast of diverse characters in age and background, who all had such interesting storylines and a point of view in the story, it was amazing.

Witty writing and great one liners made this a joy to read. There were some hard hitting parts too but they were cushioned with the funny parts. Even when someone died it had a funny side. It kept me gripped until the end.

I'll admit I had the wrong idea about Daphne from the beginning. As the book progressed I started to realise she was definitely hiding her light and for disturbing reasons. When I grow up I want to be Daphne and get a walking stick and channel her. You need to read the book to find out why. She really was the star of the book closely followed by Ziggy and really everyone else!

I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley for the ARC to review. The book will be published on 20 June 2024.

No such thing as perfect - Emma Hughes

 

Description

'I lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud, I was rooting for Laura from the first page. Tender, funny, smart and brilliantly observed. The perfect blend of uplifting escapism and social satire, an utter page turner and such a clever, perceptive moving one. I LOVED it!' DAISY BUCHANAN

No one's life is as perfect as it looks.

Least of all Laura Morrison's. (Although she's not sure how perfect hanging onto your job by a thread and sleeping on an air mattress at your sister's looks, in all honesty.)

When Laura gets the chance to trial Cupid - a high-tech new dating service which will draw on everything she's ever done online to find her perfect match - she figures it's got to be worth a try.

She can't believe her luck when good-looking, kind considerate Adam turns up for their first date. On paper he's...well...perfect.

But when Laura develops feelings for the person who led her to Adam in the first place, familiar doubt creeps in.

Maybe for life to start falling into place, Laura has to learn to let go...

Sharply-observed and laugh-out-loud funny, NO SUCH THING AS PERFECT is the perfect novel for anyone who has ever wondered if there's a formula for finding love.

Review

A different kind of rom-com.

Laura's not much going for her. Her job at the Bugle magazine is on the line, she's sleeping on an air mattress and the guy she once dated is now loved up with their ex flat mate. So when an assignment to test Cupid a new dating service comes along she grabs it, as it might just save her job and get her a boyfriend.

Part of the book is a look back at Laura's childhood and also her relationship with Walker who is now with her ex flat mate. These parts of the book felt like a bit of a pity part at times and I wasn't sure what they were adding to the current story.

Everything seems great when she meets Adam who is the hook up from the dating service. Everyone likes him even her snooty sister. He seems to know what she wants and is willing to put himself out for her. It's still not enough for Laura as she then decides maybe another guy is the one she really wants.

I did like the comedic writing and Laura's friend Lil is a great character along with her little girl Dora. I just didn't really warm to Laura especially when she starts to mess things up. It certainly doesn't follow the usual rom-com path and kept me interested to the end.

I'm giving this book 4 out of 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley for the ARC to review.

The Second Chance - Charlotte Butterfield

 

Description

Nell has always known her expiry date.

After a psychic predicted her death date twenty years ago, she has lived life accepting she would never see forty – embracing adventure and travelling the world, choosing fun over commitment and laying down roots.

So, when the fateful day comes, Nell feels ready. She sends five excruciatingly honest confessions to her sister, parents and past loves, knowing she won’t be around to face the consequences. Then, with her heart laid bare, all that's left to do is check into a glamorous hotel and wait for the inevitable…

But when Nell unexpectedly wakes up the next morning broke, single and very much alive, she must figure out exactly how to seize this second chance at life. And then it also hits her:

What on earth happens now that everyone knows how she really feels?

This is the perfect book club read for fans of David Nicholls, Holly Smale and Beth O’Leary, asking what it is that makes for a life well lived.

Review

Very funny and desperately needs to be on a screen soon. There is one scene in particular which was so comically well written, I couldn't help but laugh.

 .  

A physic told Nell she was going to die, the exact date - so of course she believed her. To be fair the other person she said would die, did die, you can see why Nell was so convinced. As Nell arranges for all her worldly possessions to be sold, cancelled and given away I was worried. I understand she didn't want to leave a mess for anyone to have to clear up, but when she doesn't die - what a mess! Not to mention all the letters she's written, will anyone still speak to her, even if she is is back from the dead?

At times Nell did grate with me a little, when she lost her ability to make decisions, and stick to them. That actually just added to the plot and the interest though. My favourite character was the fabulous Juno, I will not explain why, as she needs to be discovered all on her own.  

I was so intrigued by the concept of this book and the author really did it justice in her writing and character development. Even after I finished reading the book I was wondering what was going to happen next. Then I remembered I hadn't got it to read anymore …

I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley for the ARC to review.

The French Cookery School - Caroline James

 

Description

The recipe for a perfect summer…

Step 1: Mix together a group of mature students

Step 2: Add in a handsome host

Step 3: Season with a celebrity chef

Step 4: Bring to the boil at a luxurious cookery school in France!

Waltho Williams has no idea what he’s letting himself in for when he opens the doors to his beautiful French home, La Maison du Paradis. But with dwindling funds, a cookery school seems like the perfect business plan…

Divorcée caterer Caroline needs to be able stand on her own two feet. While warm-hearted Fran hopes to help her beloved husband fulfil his lifelong dream. And for food journalist Sally it’s a PR opportunity – until a certain celebrity chef gets under her skin…

But will the eclectic group be a recipe for success, or will the mismatched relationships sink like a souffle?

Whip out an apron, grab a wooden spoon and take a culinary trip to La Maison du Paradis…

Review

A great relaxing read but it might make you hungry!

This is the first book I have read by this author, I have already downloaded two others by her, as I enjoyed this one so much. 

Everyone has different reasons for attending the inaugural cooking school at La Maison du Paradis. Some are running away, others are there to hone a new skill and some are there to work. It seems someone is determined not to make friends, but is envious when she sees some of the others enjoying each others company, and having a great time. A quick witted tongue makes her a little less welcoming to more or less  everyone, and leaves her at the fringe of the group. Just one of the characters that's maybe misunderstood in the beginning. You'll get to know them all and why they are there. 

I couldn't wait to get back to this book and read about what would unfold next. It's got a little bit of everything really and that makes for a great read.

A tried and tested plot line - a group of people from different backgrounds descend on a venue to learn a skill. I do think that the author brought something new though, if only that she had more mature characters and it was interesting to read about their attitude to life. 

I liked the ending which in a way was in two parts. Not neatly tied up, but a somewhat realistic outcome. 

I'm giving this book 4 out of 5 stars. It will be published on 25 April 2024.

Close to Death - Anthony Horowitz

 

Description

Richmond Upon Thames is one of the most desirable areas to live in London. And Riverview Close - a quiet, gated community – seems to offer its inhabitants the perfect life.

At least it does until Giles Kenworthy moves in with his wife and noisy children, his four gas-guzzling cars, his loud parties and his plans for a new swimming pool in his garden.

His neighbours all have a reason to hate him and are soon up in arms.

When Kenworthy is shot dead with a crossbow bolt through his neck, all of them come under suspicion and his murder opens the door to lies, deception and further death.

The police are baffled. Reluctantly, they call in former Detective Daniel Hawthorne. But even he is faced with a seemingly impossible puzzle.

How do you solve a murder when everyone has the same motive?

Review

This is the first Anthony Horowitz novel I have read and it won't be the last.

A man living on a desirable Close is murdered. He's managed to alienate all of his neighbours, but did one of them actually kill him? The police call in Hawthorne a private eye, to see if he can uncover what they can't. 

I hadn't realised this book is the latest in a series of books to feature Hawthorne. Despite that I had no trouble reading this as a standalone book, and now want to read the earlier ones too (and probably everything he has ever written). I don't think I have ever been as intrigued by a book since I read Agatha Christie many moons ago. Brilliantly written it had me turn the pages so fast that I finished it in two sittings.

There are so many facets to this story and at first I struggled with too many characters and a map I couldn't memorise. I just read on and it all fell into place and I even had an inkling of what may have happened. To say I loved this writing would be an understatement. Why has it taken me this long to discover this fantastic author.

I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley for the ARC to review. The book is published on 11 April 2024.

Mrs Quinn's Rise to Fame - Olivia Ford

 

Description

'As delicious and comforting as a freshly baked sponge. A most, heartwarming story and delightful debut' Ruth Jones, bestselling author of Love Untold

'An absolute delight. A lovely novel full of warmth, courage and heart, Jenny Quinn is a heroine you’ll cheer for every step of the way' A J Pearce, bestselling author of Dear Mrs Bird

‘Calling all Great British Baking Show fans: this charming novel will fill the cake-shaped hole in your heart with the kind of feel-good suspense we love from the likes of Paul Hollywood’ Good Housekeeping
----
Mrs Quinn is the unlikely star of Britain's favourite baking show, but could her newfound stardom cause her biggest secret to unravel?

Jennifer Quinn has a secret. Her love of baking has just won her a spot as a contestant on a primetime TV show. It's only the second time in fifty-nine years that she's kept something from her beloved husband Bernard.

She's about to be whisked into an unfamiliar world of cameras, timed challenges and celebrity judges. She could be in with a chance of being crowned the best baker in Britain.

But, as Mrs Quinn's quiet ambitions turn into unexpected stardom, the other secret she's been keeping is in danger of resurfacing. It was supposed to stay hidden forever.

Will Mrs Quinn rise to the challenge? Or, will her success become a recipe for disaster?
----
'Bake Off fans, don’t miss this! Delectable food writing and a quietly loveable heroine' Daily Mail

'A charming, heartfelt and uplifting novel about love, family and the emotive power of home baking' Libby Page, bestselling author of The Lido

'Perfectly baked, utterly delicious, and completely moreish' Clare Pooley, bestselling author of The Authenticity Project

Review

If you love Bake Off - then you will probably love this book too.

Jenny is 77 and decides before it is too late she needs to make a mark in the world. So she applies to be a contestant on the TV programme Britain Bakes, and is successful. The BB programme has many similarities with GBBO and to me felt like a glimpse behind the scenes with all the bits you don't see, which I loved.

Whilst the story of Jenny appearing on TV is happening there is a also a flashback storyline from Jenny's youth interspersed in the pages. It was a little bit of a jolt from the lovely baking and at first I did resent it a little for intruding on my enjoyment. So many of Jenny's recipes come from her family and so the tie in with each of the storylines was a recipe. 

Wonderful descriptions of the baking which made me want to get in the kitchen, or maybe just eat cake! Jenny is a lovely character and so is her husband. That's why when she hides not one but two secrets from him it is worrying if their relationship will survive. 

A wonderful ending left me with a tear in my eye. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the down to earth writing. No trying to tie up loose ends in neat words, it was at times a little brutal even, but I still couldn't wait to get back to reading this book.

I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley for the ARC to review. The book will be published on 28 March 2024.