The House Across the Street by Lesley Pearse

The House Across the Street by Lesley Pearse
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Is there a murderer across the street?

It's 1964 and twenty-three-year-old Katy Speed is fascinated by glamorous Gloria and the goings-on at her house over the road.

Who are the mysterious women that keep coming and going in the strange black car?

Then one night, Gloria's house burns to the ground. Bodies are found in the wreckage.

And Katy's horror turns to disbelief when her own father is arrested and charged with murder.

Determined to prove his innocence, Katy sets out to uncover the truth about the mysterious house across the street and find the real murderer. But that means risking her own life . . . 

Set in the 60s this book got off to a decent start but seemed to fall away once the plot was revealed. There were no real surprises and for me it felt very dated and lack lustre.

There was no real element of suspense and although it was set in the 60s and I expected it to reflect the era the dialogue seemed dated and bland.

Very predictable and simplistic with no great depth or passion - sorry a feeble 3 stars from me. Unfortunately my first book by this author so not one I intend to follow 😟

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fourteen-year-old Dita is one of the many imprisoned by the Nazis at Auschwitz. Taken, along with her mother and father, from the Terezín ghetto in Prague, Dita is adjusting to the constant terror that is life in the camp. When Jewish leader Freddy Hirsch asks Dita to take charge of the eight precious books the prisoners have managed to smuggle past the guards, she agrees. And so Dita becomes the secret librarian of Auschwitz, responsible for the safekeeping of the small collection of titles, as well as the ‘living books’ - prisoners of Auschwitz who know certain books so well, they too can be ‘borrowed’ to educate the children in the camp.

But books are extremely dangerous. They make people think. And nowhere are they more dangerous than in Block 31 of Auschwitz, the children’s block, where the slightest transgression can result in execution, no matter how young the transgressor…



A moving account of one girl's life in Auschwitz concentration camp during the war. Dita and her mother Lisl are transported from camp to camp until they are finally sent to Auschwitz.

In an attempt to fool the rest of the world into thinking these camps were fine the Germans created a family camp to film and for people to visit to fool them into thinking that the atrocities they were being accused of just were not happening.

Block 31 was the childrens education camp, during the day the parents of the children laboured for the Germans while their children attended 'school'. This school had no books as these were forbidden, children were allowed to play and sing nothing else. Joseph Mengele also had an experimentation block where twins and other children of interest were taken from time to time.

Dita was given the responsibility of being the camps librarian where she looked after 8 books that prisoners had managed to smuggle into camp. These books, along with living teachers were the education that the children received in secret.

I did feel that it was hard to 'feel' emotions in this novel, perhaps it should have been a factual account rather than a story. I'm sure that prisoners were eventually institutionalised and so weak that they almost accepted their treatment - perhaps due to a will to survive some may have become informers which shows itself in the novel.

A moving and disturbing account of what people are capable of on both sides of the war. 4 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

When My Ship Comes In by Sue Wilsher

When My Ship Comes In by Sue Wilsher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Keep the family together, that's what her old mum always said. Put up and shut up. And that's what everyone else did around there.

Essex, 1959. Flo earns her money as a scrubber, cleaning the cruise ships and dreaming of a day when she might sail away from her life in the Dwellings, the squalid tenements of Tilbury docks. Then the Blundell family are evicted from their home.

Fred, Flo's husband, finds work at Monday's, a utopian factory town. Suddenly, it seems like everything is on the up for Flo Blundell and her children. Even Jeanie, Flo's sulking teenage daughter, seems to be thawing a little in her shiny new surroundings.

But when Flo's abusive husband Fred starts drinking again, he jeopardises the family's chance to escape poverty for good.

Flo is faced with a terrible decision. Must she fight to keep her family together? Or could she strive for the life of her dreams - the kind of life she could have when her ship comes in?

Set in 1959 in London Tilbury Docks this is a novel about Flo Blundell and her family and her dreams of a better life for them all. Her husband Fred is a drinker and when they are evicted from their home he finds work at Monday's a factory town. They then seem to be on the 'up' and life is getting better for them, trouble is not far away when Fred starts drinking again and becoming abusive and his behaviour threatens all they have gained. Woman in the 50's had a hard life, they married forever and found it difficult to break away from abusive husbands or to be able to make a life without a man. Flo has a choice to stay and try to keep her family together at the expense of her own happiness or to follow her dreams. Flo has the perfect chance to escape, she is a cleaner on cruise ships bound for Australia and it's not long before she dreams of escaping on one of them to start her life overseas. Inevitably she has to make a choice for herself and her children and she does what she has to do.

Good characterisation, very atmospheric and also portrayed well what life was like at the end of the war for women and also for the men who were lucky to come home alive but were scarred by war. A good 4 star read.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

The Captain's Girl by Nicola Pryce

The Captain's Girl by Nicola Pryce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cornwall 1793 - As the French Revolution threatens the stability of England, so too is discontent brewing in the heart of Celia Cavendish. Promised to the brutal Viscount Vallenforth, she must find a way to break free from the bounds of a life stifled by convention and cruelty.

Inspired by her cousin Arbella, who just a few months earlier followed her heart and eloped with the man she loved, she vows to escape her impending marriage and take her destiny back into her own hands. She enlists her neighbours, Sir James and Lady Polcarrow, who have themselves made a dangerous enemy of Celia's father, in the hope of making a new life for herself.

But can the Polcarrows' mysterious friend Arnaud, captain of the cutter L'Aigrette, protect Celia from a man who will let nothing stand in the way of his greed? And will Arnaud himself prove to be friend... or foe?


Set in Cornwall in 1793 with the backdrop of the French Revolution this has more than an passing resemblance to the Poldark series. Vividly atmospheric describing the harsh often unforgiving Cornish coastline I could picture Demelza staring out to sea waiting for Ross to come back from France.

After reading this book I discovered that this was the second book in a series, this didn't matter, you can read these both stand alone I believe and the fact I hadn't read the first didn't stop me enjoying this one.

The heroine if you will is Celia Cavendish who has been promised in marriage to Viscount Vallenforth a brutal and cruel man who she vows to run from. With the help of her neighbours Sir James and Lady Polcarrow and their friend Captain Arnaud they plot to help her get away. Good believable characters of the time, lovely atmospheric scene setting (I could almost feel the salty sea spray in my face) and nicely constructed story.

Not a fan normally of historical novels but I do have an affinity with Cornwall so this kept me happy. A good read - 4 stars I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Pocketful of Dreams by Jean Fullerton

Pocketful of Dreams by Jean Fullerton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 1939, and the Brogan family of London's East End are ready to show Hitler what for. But things don't seem so rosy when rationing, evacuation and air-raids start to put this larger-than-life family to the test.

When a mysterious young man arrives at the Brogans' local parish church, he provides just the dazzling distraction they need - and for eldest daughter Mattie, the promise of more than she'd ever wished for. But as the pair fall deeper in love, they are drawn into secret dangers, rife on the very London streets they call home.

As the young couple race to protect the East End as they know it, can their dreams survive the darkening backdrop of war-time...?


Set in 1939 in the East End of London we mean the Brogan family who are fighting Hitler and poverty while trying to come to terms with the horrors and deprivations of a world at war. When a mysterious man arrives at the local church he provides the distraction that they need especially for Mattie the eldest daughter. Predictably they fall in love but Mattie's war duties throw up political MI5 secrets, real problems with Mosley and the Fascists and some very difficult anti-Jewish actions in London. Very likeable characters in the Brogan family with a real feel for the cockney East End and what war time in London must have felt like.

Although this was not my normal type of read it was an enjoyable historical novel - easily worth 4 stars.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

The Silent Hours by Cesca Major

The Silent Hours by Cesca Major
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



An epic, sweeping tale set in wartime France, The Silent Hours follows three people whose lives are bound together, before war tears them apart:

Adeline, a mute who takes refuge in a convent, haunted by memories of her past;

Sebastian, a young Jewish banker whose love for the beautiful Isabelle will change the course of his life dramatically;

Tristin, a nine-year-old boy, whose family moves from Paris to settle in a village that is seemingly untouched by war.

Beautifully wrought, utterly compelling and with a shocking true story at its core, The Silent Hours is an unforgettable portrayal of love and loss.


Based on a true story and set in war torn France this story is told through multiple viewpoints. Beginning in the 1950's it follows three people whose lives are bound together ; Adeline a mute who has taken refuge in a convent; Sebastian a Jewish banker who is desperately in love with Isabelle, and Tristan a nine year old boy who moves to the country from Paris and who can't understand why some of his classmates disappear. All these characters have through one reason or another found themselves in the small village of Oradour-sur-Glane in south west France.

Isabelle is waiting for her brother Paul to come home from the war and they write letters to each other while he is held prisoner when he is captured. She meets the young Sebastian and they fall in love. Tristan and his family also flee Paris to the relative safety of this small village and this is where he learns the horrors of war and finally grows up. The skillful writing uncovers the dreadful tragedies and hardships that this small village suffered during the war years and the knowledge that 642 men, women and children were massacred by Nazi soldiers really did happen leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

A powerful and moving account of a historical event bought back to life with vivid descriptions and often hard to read accounts of brutality at the hands of the Nazis. Has to have 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

War Orphans by Lizzie Lane

War Orphans by Lizzie Lane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

“If at all possible, send or take your household animals into the country in advance of an emergency. If you cannot place them in the care of neighbours, it really is kindest to have them destroyed."

Joanna Ryan’s father has gone off to war, leaving her in the care of her step-mother, a woman more concerned with having a good time than being any sort of parent to her.

But then she finds a puppy, left for dead, and Joanna’s becomes determined to save him, sharing her meagre rations with him. But, in a time of war, pets are only seen as an unnecessary burden and she is forced to hide her new friend, Harry, from her step-mother and the authorities. With bombs falling over Bristol and with the prospect of evacuation on the horizon, can they stay together and keep each other safe?


War Orphans is a nice easy read, lots of heart and tugs at the heart strings. A little girl Joanna in the midst of war is a determined little fighter, she is treated badly by her stepmother and finds her salvation in looking after a little puppy who she finds left for dead after someone cruely throws a bag full of puppies into the river to drown. She rescues Harry and is determined to help him survive. The problem is that wartime means that food is hard to come by and having Harry and feeding him is against the law so Joanna hides Harry in an abandoned shed on the allotments.

Joanna grows up during this awful wartime and makes some friends along the way and those lives she crosses have their own hardships to bear.

It was a sweet little book and I suppose it does end how it should but didn't have any surprises for me; a nice distraction read and a little glimpse into this genre but not a great novel. I give this one a 3 star rating.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

The Chateau on the Lake by Charlotte Betts

The Chateau on the Lake by Charlotte Betts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


1792. As a teacher at her parents' Academy for Young Ladies in the heart of London, Madeleine Moreau has lived her life sheltered from the outside world. But on the night of a dazzling Masquerade, tragedy strikes and she is left alone in the world. Desperate to find the family she never knew, Madeleine impulsively travels to France in search of them. But with war around the corner, and fearing for Madeleine's safety, the enigmatic Comte Etienne d'Aubery offers her protection at his home, Chateau Mirabelle.

Chateau Mirabelle enchants Madeleine with its startling beauty, but it is a place of dark and haunting secrets. As the Revolution gathers momentum and the passions of the populace are enflamed, Madeleine must take control of her own destiny and unravel events of the past in order to secure a chance of future happiness.


Set during the time of the French Revolution this historical novel is full of rich atmospheric settings as it flits from London to Paris during these turbulent times. Having lead a somewhat sheltered life at her parents Academy for Young Ladies in London in 1792 Madeleine Moreau finds herself alone in the world after tragedy strikes on the night of a Masquerade party. Desperate to find out what happened to her family she naively travels to Paris to try and find them but Paris is not a safe place with a war imminent and fearing for her safety the Comte Etienne d'Aubrey offers her safety at his home Chateau Mirabelle. The Chateau is not all it seems and Madeleine is forced to take control of her destiny.

Skillful writing created a facsimile of what life must have been like during this very frightening period in history, colourful descriptive passages and clever use of real events helped to bring this novel to life. Likable characters and believable conflicts added to the enjoyment of this book. There were a couple of twists that helped the story along and even if a little predictable it was never boring.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

A Memory of Violets by Hazel Gaynor

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers by Hazel Gaynor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The author of the USA Today and New York Times bestselling novel The Girl Who Came Home has once again created an unforgettable historical novel. Step into the world of Victorian London, where the wealth and poverty exist side by side. This is the story of two long-lost sisters, whose lives take different paths, and the young woman who will be transformed by their experiences.

In 1912, twenty-year-old Tilly Harper leaves the peace and beauty of her native Lake District for London, to become assistant housemother at Mr. Shaw’s Home for Watercress and Flower Girls. For years, the home has cared for London’s flower girls—orphaned and crippled children living on the grimy streets and selling posies of violets and watercress to survive.

Soon after she arrives, Tilly discovers a diary written by an orphan named Florrie—a young Irish flower girl who died of a broken heart after she and her sister, Rosie, were separated. Moved by Florrie’s pain and all she endured in her brief life, Tilly sets out to discover what happened to Rosie. But the search will not be easy. Full of twists and surprises, it leads the caring and determined young woman into unexpected places, including the depths of her own heart.


So when this book arrived for review, my mum couldn't resist and she wanted to review it for me. Here is her review:

Such a lovely well written novel; as a Londoner and former florist who was a regular 4am visitor to old Covent Garden I could almost smell the flowers in this book. I remember the hustle and bustle of the early morning traders, cupping and blowing into my frozen fingers and feeling the warmth of tea or hot chocolate to keep out the cold, banging my frozen feet on the ground waiting while my father bartered with the sellers and then loading boxes of flowers onto our van ready to take back to our shop to sell. All these long forgotten memories came flooding back to me as I read about Flora and Rosie the little orphaned flower sellers. Good storytellers evoke memories and Hazel Gaynor definitely did this for me with A Memory of Violets.

Covent Garden has changed quite a bit now but when I was a child it must have been unchanged from the late 1800's and I could easily picture Flora and Rosie picking up fallen flowers and watercress to make into posies to sell to the gentry. Because I felt such a connection this was quite a special read for me. I loved how the whole story was bought together by Tilly Harpers' story and how she fitted into the novel to help find the missing little flower sellers' sister.

I don't want to retell the story or give away any spoilers to this beautiful heartwarming and often heart wrenching story so you'll have to trust me and read it yourself but I can say that you won't be disappointed. It is even more poignant when you remember that life really was like this for so many children at the turn of the century, never knowing if they would eat, having no where warm and safe to live, being terrified of the Work House and having to work as soon as they were able. I'm sure Flora's story was not uncommon and many young girls suffered the deprivation and hardship of poverty, many died young, lost their families and spent their lives searching for their siblings on the often cruel streets of London. This novel is so much more than a work of fiction and that is what for me makes this such a good piece of writing.

Tilly, Flora and Rosie will stay with me for a long time, I am so glad I read this book and so glad that I was not born in the late 1800's

I have to give this book 5 stars.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Little Beauty - Alison Jameson

1975: Laura Quinn has spent her life on the remote and beautiful Inis Miol Mor - Whale Island- off the west coast of Ireland. After the death of her parents, and faced with the continuing reluctance of her lover, Martin, to marry her, she realizes she needs to leave the island for her life really to begin.



She accepts a job as a housekeeper with a wealthy couple on the mainland. But a year later, Laura is back, and this time she is not alone. She has at last found the love of her life: a baby son named Matthew. But what sort of life can an unmarried mother have on a remote Irish island in the 1970s? In this complex situation is revealed a picture of a tightly knit community where Laura inevitably comes under pressure to conform to the rules of society.





At times humorous and ultimately heart-breaking, Alison Jameson's Little Beauty is a brilliant portrayal of love, motherhood and sacrifice that will mesmerize readers and linger long in the mind.

This is a very strong story of Laura who is made to feel like an outcast since returning home with her son Matthew.

Even though Laura came across as odd I liked her, to me she seemed to be the only person that was normal and you could tell even though she didn't always make the right decision, she was just trying to do right for Matthew her son.

The writing was brilliant I could picture everything and the book was well researched, especially the portrayal of Ireland in 1975 

This is not my usual type of read but I found it was very a heart touching story and the last part of the story i had a tears in my eyes.

I would like to thank Lynsey Farmer for reviewing this title for me. You can find her on Twitter here

Summertime by Vennesa Lafaye with GIVEAWAY

I am very excited  to be part of the book tour for Sumertime.

Today I am hosting an extract from the debut novel Summertime by Venessa Lafaye. Please follow the link to read an extract.

I have also been lucky enough to host a giveaway for this fab book- I am sorry this is for UK only. All you have to do is comment below telling me what you will be doing this summertime. I will then pick someone from random. Good luck!

Tensions simmer as a small town, already divided by race, is torn apart by the deadliest of hurricanes.

Florida, 1935. Heron Key is a small town where the relationships are as tangled as the mangrove roots in the swamp. Everyone is preparing for the 4th of July barbecue, unaware that their world is about to change for ever. Missy, the Kincaid family's maid and nanny, feels that she has wasted her life pining for Henry, whom she has not seen since he went to fight on the battlefields of France in WWI.  Now he has returned with a group of other desperate, destitute veterans on a government works project, unsure of his future, ashamed of his past.  When a white woman is found beaten nearly to death in the early hours, suspicion falls on Henry. Old grievances and prejudices threaten to derail the investigation. As the tensions rise, the barometer starts to plummet. The residents think they're ready, and so do the soldiers. They are wrong. Nothing in their experience could prepare them for what is coming. For far out over the Atlantic, the greatest storm ever to strike North America is heading their way...  

Based on real events, Summertime is a stunning debut novel, a glorious love story and a mesmerizing account of survival.  It evokes vividly what happens when people in a small community are tested to the absolute limits of their endurance.Summertime is Orion’s biggest commercial debut of 2015.

TO READ AN EXTDACT PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW. 

http://www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/247727561?width=534

TO LISTEN TO AN AUDIO VERSION PLEASE LISTEN BELOW.


https://m.soundcloud.com/orionbooks/summertime-by-vanessa-lafaye-read-by-adjoa-andoh

Thornfield Hall - Jane Stubbs

Thornfield Hall by Jane Stubbs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Rochesters are very good at keeping secrets...

Thornfield Hall, 1821. Alice Fairfax takes up her role as housekeeper of the estate. But when Mr Rochester presents her with a woman who is to be hidden on the third floor, she finds herself responsible for much more than the house.

This is the story Jane Eyre never knew - a narrative played out on the third floor and beneath the stairs, as the servants kept their master's secret safe and sound.



This book was unsolicited and historic fiction is not something I choose to read. I passed this one to my mum to read as she loves historical fiction. Here is her review: 

Thornfield Hall magically transported me back not only to the period of 1821 and all the quintessentially Englishness of this Victorian period but back to my school days when I was forced to read that wonderful classic Jane Eyre. I am so glad that I was made to read this incredibly beautiful book at school and even more pleased that I was asked to review this novel of Jane Stubbs telling the story behind Jane Eyre from the servants below stairs.

I never thought that Jane Eyre could be enhanced or indeed needed enhancing but having read Thornfield Hall I realised how much more rounded the original book became for me because of this novel. Jane Stubbs managed to retain all the magic and mystery of the original book as if she were Charlotte Bronte herself. She understood the characters so well and seemed able to really capture the essence of the book, it was beautifully written with great imagery connecting the reader to the familiar language and landscape of the rugged Yorkshire countryside and the hardships of living below stairs during this Victorian era.

Those of you who have read Jane Eyre will know the story so there are no 'spoilers' here, those of you who have not read the original will certainly want to read it I am sure after reading Thornfield Hall.

Jane Stubbs managed to preserve the integrity of the original book and yet create an outstandingly convincing take of the same novel from the perspective of the servants who were the hidden heart of the household, keeping the estates and grand houses running and sharing hardships and secrets below stairs. I loved the way Stubbs moulded the characters and developed their personalities, introducing new characters who were just as convincing as the originals and the twist she gave to the end of the story, believable and completely in keeping with the original novel.

If you, like me, loved Jane Eyre then you have to read this book, its' enchanting, beautifully written and well worth the 5 stars I have given it. If you haven't read Jane Eyre then you need to if only to appreciate the mastery of Jane Stubbs Thornfield Hall.

Loved it, absolutely loved it. I would like to thank the publisher for sending this, in exchange for an honest review.

My mum enjoyed this book so much she is passing it to her friend to read. She highly recommends it. This is due out tomorrow and should be part of your Christmas wish list!

Jane Austen Cover to Cover: 200 Years of Classic Book Covers

Jane Austen Cover to Cover: 200 Years of Classic Book Covers by Margaret C. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jane Austen’s six novels are true classics, still immensely popular some 200 years after their first publication. But although the celebrated stories never change, the covers are always different. Jane Austen Cover to Cover compiles two centuries of design, from elegant Victorian hardcovers and the famed 1894 “Peacock” edition to 1950s pulp, movie tie-in editions, graphic novels, foreign-language translations, and many, many others. Filled with beautiful artwork and insightful commentary, this fascinating and visually intriguing collection is a must for Janeites, design geeks, and book lovers of every stripe.


When I was offered a copy of this beautiful book to review, I was only too happy to.

I have a dreadful literacy secret, that is that I have never read a Jane Austen; I know, I know how is this possible and where have I been? I felt that this book was a brilliant one to introduce me to Austen.

This book is simply stunning, it shows 200 years of Auten's covers with large photographs and very informative text. You don't have to be an Austen fan to appreciate this book, don't get me wrong, fans are going to love this and I would recommend this to any fan to enhance their collection. However this is perfect for anyone interested in history: publications and artwork.

I am not an Auten fan (due to the fact I have never read anything by her) but I am an art fan, having a degree in art makes me interested in seeing any art form. For me this is what captured my interest about the book. I just loved viewing all the different covers, there are some I am sure even if you are die hard fan you would not have known some of these editions existed.

I love that there is a timeline included and a complete description of the publisher, date of publication and other information you may find interesting. Personally I had no idea there were so many different variations of covers; from film tie ins, YA editions and in the modern world, ecopies!

This is going to be a book that takes pride of place on my coffee table and is a brilliant ice breaker. As I mentioned earlier in my review, I have never read any Austen books, this has certainly inspired me to begin reading her. The only question I have now is which edition do I choose? I will be returning to my book very shortly to pick my favourite and I will try to get hold of a copy!

I think I am going to be purchasing a second copy for a friend this Christmas, it is going to make a stunning present, one I know she will love!

I would like to thank Quirk for sending me this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.

The Herbalist - Niamh Boyce

The Herbalist by Niamh Boyce
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

'The Herbalist is the electrifying first novel from Niamh Boyce, winner of the 2012 Hennesssy XO Award for New Irish Writing. A beautiful and gripping story from 1930s rural Ireland, a time when women paid a terrible price for unmarried pregnancy, The Herbalist will appeal to fans of The Midwife's Daughter and The Outcast.

When the herbalist appears out of nowhere and sets out his stall in the market square he brings excitement to Emily's dull midlands town. The teenager is enchanted - the glamorous visitor can be a Clark Gable to her Jean Harlow, a Fred to her Ginger, a man to make her forget her lowly status in this place where respectability is everything.

However, Emily has competition for the herbalist's attentions. The women of the town - the women from the big houses and their maids, the shopkeepers and their serving girls, those of easy virtue and their pious sisters - all seem mesmerised by this visitor who, they say, can perform miracles.

But when Emily discovers the dark side of the man who has infatuated her all summer, once again her world turns upside down. She may be a dreamer, but she has a fierce sense of right and wrong. And with the herbalist's fate lying in her hands she must make the biggest decision of her young life. To make him pay for his sins against the women of the town? Or let him escape to cast his spell on another town?

The Herbalist is a riveting story about the shadow side of Irish life - the snobbery, the fear of sex, the tragedy of women destroyed by social convention and the bravery of those who defied it. It is an unforgettable story from a rare new talent.

In addition to winning the 2012 Hennessy New Writing Award, Niamh Boyce has been shortlisted for the 2011 Francis McManus Short Story competition, the 2010 Hennessy Literary Awards, the 2010 Molly Keane Award and the 2010 WOW Award.'

The Herbalist is a book that was sent to me unsolicited; sometimes it’s nice to receive a surprise in the post, however other times I feel it can be tricky as it may not be a genre I necessary like to read. So when this happens I try to be fair about the book and talk more generally about it.

This is a story set in a rural town in Ireland during one hot summer in the 1930’s. Historical fiction is not normally a love of mine as I find it difficult to connect with and have little interest in this genre. This story however portrays this particular time beautifully and the story has been written very well.

During the book we learn about four different women. These four women narrate the story through separate chapters each. The way these voices were written seemed to change, some of the chapters were written in first person narratives and others were third, however they were all of equal importance to the story. I did find it a little difficult to follow, especially for the first part of the book.

I felt that this is a book that you need to be able to dedicate quite a bit of time to initially, in order to get your head round the narration and which character was which to begin with. Once you have settled into the book, it was a lot easier to follow and became for me more enjoyable.

Unfortunately this book didn’t do anything for me, I didn’t feel I connected to any of the characters and although reading about 1930’s Ireland was interesting; I don’t think I would have chosen this book to read. I think if you are interested in Ireland in the 1930’s or have a connection with the place you will enjoy the book. As I previously said this is very well written and a great debut book for this author, it just wasn’t my cup of tea in the plot.

I would like to thank the publishers for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Secret Letters - Leah Scheier

Secret Letters by Leah Scheier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

'Inquisitive and observant, Dora dreams of escaping her aristocratic country life to solve mysteries alongside Sherlock Holmes. So when she learns that the legendary detective might be her biological father, Dora jumps on the opportunity to travel to London and enlist his help in solving the mystery of her cousin's ransomed love letters. But Dora arrives in London to devastating news: Sherlock Holmes is dead. Her dreams dashed, Dora is left to rely on her wits-and the assistance of an attractive yet enigmatic young detective-to save her cousin's reputation and help rescue a kidnapped heiress along the way. 

Steeped in Victorian atmosphere and intrigue, this gripping novel heralds the arrival of a fresh new voice in young adult literature.'



Beautifully written and seeming to capture the Victorian atmosphere and intrigue from the very first page this novel had me hooked immediately.

The story is essentially about a young girl, Dora, who travels to London with her cousin Adelaide to try and find out who is threatening Adelaide’s reputation and recover some secret letters. However Dora has her own secret that she is the illegitimate daughter of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and she is determined to finally meet him at last. Unfortunately things don’t exactly go to plan for Dora as at the time she is travelling to London Sherlock Holmes has been killed by his nemesis Moriarty and she never does get to meet him.

Dora has already shown traits of her father’s extraordinary detective qualities and has a nose for solving mysteries, she is of course saddened that she will never meet her father and keeps the secret of their relationship from everyone but she can’t hide her passion and her skill for mysteries. Adelaide is distraught that they not find who has her letters and is worried that the blackmailer may reveal them to her husband. Dora meets a young apprentice named Peter Cartwright who works for another detective in London and Adelaide requests his help in finding her blackmailer. Dora finds herself pulled into the case which also connects to the case of a missing Lords’ daughter.

The author captured the essence of Dora whose deductive skills are very worthy of a daughter of the famous Sherlock Holmes; her dogged determination and unshakeable resilience make this such a good read, she is confident but also willing to listen and learn from others including the very enigmatic Peter. The chemistry and energy between the characters adds to the possible love interest between them and hints at hopefully a few sequels to come.

Cleverly written but perhaps lacking a little in historical scene setting, I was not immediately transported to Victorian London through ambience but nevertheless the book was credible and enjoyable.

I hope that Leah Scheier writes a sequel or two on this every interesting and likeable character, I would like to see how the relationship develops between her and Peter and of course love to see the situations that she manages to find herself in during the course of solving yet more mysteries. It might be interesting if she and Peter were to set up their own detective agency or perhaps if they were to work with Dr Watson to avenge her fathers’ death.

Overall I would rate this book 4 stars; just lacking a little more historical references and scene setting for me but very enjoyable.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me this copy.

The Proposal - Tasmina Perry

The Proposal by Tasmina Perry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



'Just say yes to this unforgettable read and take a spellbinding, romantic journey from the dazzling days of the debutantes in 1950s London to glamorous modern Manhattan.

When Amy Carrell's wealthy boyfriend ends their relationship just before Christmas, she's left to nurse her broken heart alone. With nothing to lose, she replies to an advertisement requesting a companion for a mysterious 'Manhattan adventure'. 

Whisked off to New York with eccentric British aristocrat Georgia Hamilton, Amy experiences a glamorous side of the city that she's never seen before. Along the way, Georgia initiates her protegee in the arts of old-school elegance. 

But as Georgia shares her life lessons, Amy discovers a painful secret in her mentor's past. A secret that shattered her future. A story of love and betrayal that only Amy has the power to put right.'



I have never read any of Tasmina Perry's books, not because I didn't want to, just I never got round to them. When I was offered the opportunity to read her latest one The Proposal I jumped at the chance.

Being my first Tamsina Perry book, it certainly won't be ny last, I absolutely loved this story and would recommend it to everyone!

Amy Carrell is American, however she has been over in the UK for a few years, following her dream of becoming a dancer. She has recently broken up with her boyfriend and wants to go home to visit her family for Christmas. Unfortunately she hasn't had much luck in the dance industry lately and is currently working as a waitress and cannot afford the fair back to Nee York.

She spots an advert in one of the local papers for a travel companion to New York for the holidays. Amy figures she has little to lose and responds to the ad. She goes to meet, which turn out to be a sweet old lady. So they are off on a Mantatten adventure, while they are away, it dawns on Amy she knows little about this lady. We learn about Georgia's time as a debutante in the late 1950's and we slip yo and from the present to learn about her story. One that is told with passion and I'd written well.

I absolutely loved this story, it is one where you think I'll just read a fee chapters and before you know where you are you are half way through the book. I found this to be an extremely quick read and I was only disappointed when it ended. I have recently visited New York myself and could almost see where Amy and Georgia were. I felt I was travelling with them on their Manhatten adventure and didn't want to come home.

This is a lonely story of an old woman, bitter betrayal, a love story and kindness. I feel this is a story that would stay with me for sometime.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a beautiful tale to read.

A Divided Inheritance - Deborah Swift

A Divided Inheritance by Deborah Swift
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

'~ London 1609 ~ Elspet Leviston’s greatest ambition is to continue the success of her father Nathaniel’s lace business. But her dreams are thrown into turmoil with the arrival of her mysterious cousin Zachary Deane – who has his own designs on Leviston’s Lace. Zachary is a dedicated swordsman with a secret past that seems to invite trouble. So Nathaniel sends him on a Grand Tour, away from the distractions of Jacobean London. Elspet believes herself to be free of her hot-headed relative but when Nathaniel dies her fortunes change dramatically. She is forced to leave her beloved home and go in search of Zachary - determined to claim back from him the inheritance that is rightfully hers. Under the searing Spanish sun, Elspet and Zachary become locked in a battle of wills. But these are dangerous times and they are soon embroiled in the roar and sweep of something far more threatening, sending them both on an unexpected journey of discovery which finally unlocks the true meaning of family . . .'





The novel is set in London in 1609 for the first part of the book; it opens with introducing us to Magdalena and her sons; she is dying and is concerned for her sons future in particular her son Zachary. The older two brothers are spiteful to Zachary and Magdalena is worried that when she dies he will not be able to care for himself like the others or worse end up in trouble. When Magdalena dies she instructs Zachary to seek out his real father to take care of him.

We then switch to the Leviston family who own a Lace business run by Nathaniel Leviston and assisted by his daughter Elspet. Nathaniel's wife is dead and Elspet is his only child who runs the home and helps with the business much like a son might have done had he had one.

The business occupies much of Elspet's time but she loves being involved and being close to her father. Quite out of the blue Zachary arrives who Nathaniel says is his sisters child, she has died and he is going to take him in. Elspet is suspicious of Zachary from the start and is concerned that her father has never mentioned him before, however she has no control over the situation and has to accept his presence. It's not long before Nathaniel is involving him more and more in the business but Elspet knows he has no real interest in it, he is always getting into fights and causing concern. Because of this she suggests he is educated more into the business and Nathaniel hits on the idea of sending him on a grand tour overseas away from the distractions of London.

Deborah Swift has great descriptive abilities, she is wonderful at creating the scene and the feel for Jacobean London and that of her characters. She expertly weaves the plot together introducing characters as she goes along that fall seamlessly into the story. Not to give too much away Elspet is forced to follow Zachary when her father dies and she realises he is her brother who has been given half her inheritance and she learns he wants to sell the business.

She takes her maid Martha and Wilmot her fathers business manager with her to Spain to track him down and make him change his mind about selling the business. She has her own private battle of wills with Zachary but that period of time in Spain was a dangerous place to be and quickly she realises that there are more important things happening around her than her own troubles which force her and Zachary closer together.

I will not spoil the story by revealing the end suffice it to say that it is rather more unexpected than the reader would have predicted.

A good read with good historical references, believable characters and the need to carry on to the end to find out what happens to them all.

I would not have picked a historical novel to read but this has made me want to read more of Deborah Swifts work, so enjoyable. I would rate this book as a 5 star definitely one of the best in this genre that I have read.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me this review copy.