If you knew her - Emily Elgar

If You Knew Her by Emily Elgar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The perfect life?
Or the perfect lie . . .

Cassie had it all - the fairytale wedding, the stunning home, the perfect husband. But when she arrives on the intensive care ward at St Catherine's hospital in a coma, it soon becomes clear that she has a secret; a secret that changes everything.

Alice, the chief nurse on the ward begins to feel a connection with Cassie and can't help but wonder if things are not quite as they seem.

Frank, another patient, can hear and see everything around him but cannot communicate. He understands that Cassie's life is in danger and only he holds the truth, which no one can know and he cannot tell . . .

If You Knew Her is a gripping, heart-stopping psychological thriller, perfect for fans of The Couple Next Door, I See You and Behind Closed Doors.


I have never read a story like this before, I thought the premise with very different. Reading from 3 different perspectives, Frank, who is in hospital paralysed but has a fully working mind and can hear exactly what is going on. Cassie who is in a coma and in the same ward, finally Alice, who is the nurse that cares for them both. Eventually the reader discovers how all characters are linked, dodging red herrings along the way. I thought that the novel was a little slow in places and I was a little disappointed with the ending.

Although this is marketed as a thriller book, I would say it is more of a mystery and 'who dun it' than thriller. As I have previously said this is like no other book I have read, mixing medical with crime is a really great idea, it is not one that I would have chosen to read about I don't think had I of seen it out in a book shop but I did enjoy it, perhaps not as much as I thought I would or hoped.

If you are looking for something a little different to your average psychological thriller give this a go, if you like crime and mystery I also think you will enjoy this one. Elgar is a debut novel and I think this was well written and the premise with good for the book. I look forward to seeing what she brings out next. Overall this was a decent read and I would give it 3.5 * rounded up to 4* for Goodreads and Amazon.

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

Editing Emma: The Secret Blog of a Nearly Proper Person by Chloe Seager

Editing Emma: The Secret Blog of a Nearly Proper Person by Chloe Seager
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


When Emma Nash is ghosted by love of her life Leon Naylor, she does what any girl would do - spends the summer avoiding all human contact, surrounded by the Chewit wrappers he left behind.

Seeing Leon suddenly ‘in a relationship’ on Facebook, however, spurs Emma into action. She vows to use the internet for good (instead of stalking Leon’s social media),chronicling her adventures on her new Editing Emma blog.

But life online doesn’t always run smoothly.

From finding her mum’s Tinder profile, to getting catfished and accidentally telling the entire world why Leon Naylor is worth no girl’s virginity… Surely nothing else could go wrong?!



This was a very quick read, I read it in a couple of days. This is aimed at young adults and although I am not in that category anymore I do still enjoy reading these type of books.

Editing Emma is a story that follows Emma, a 16 year old who is struggling to deal with her teenage years and the ins and outs of boyfriends, through social media into the mix and there is a lot of drama. I did feel that the book lost pace in the middle.

The book is entirely told through blog format, which I did enjoy reading, however I found that it was hard to connect with some characters and understand the feelings. I felt that not a lot happened in the book, it was focused on Emma's break up with Leon and then her going out with Greg. As I mentioned Emma is 16, a lot of what I read I would have thought it was a 14 year old narrating, she came across immature at times, which was a bit of a disappointment.

This was an O.K read for the summer holidays. If you like YA linked with social media you will probably like this, for me it wasn't my favourite, however it wasn't terrible either.

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

Game of Scones by Samantha Tonge

Game of Scones by Samantha Tonge
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A story of icing and flour… and how love doesn’t always go to plan!

Growing up, Pippa Pattinson’s summers were spent in the idyllic Greek island fishing village of Taxos. There she spent many long hazy days determinedly ignoring thoughts of the life her parents had mapped out for her (a dreary-but-secure accounting job and obligatory sensible husband!) Instead she daydreamed of running her own tea shop – serving the perfect scones – with mocha-eyed childhood friend Niklaus by her side…

Arriving back in Taxos for the first time in years, with suave boyfriend Henrik, Pippa barely recognises the tired little town – but is relieved to catch glimpses of the quaint, charming village she’s always loved. Together Niklaus and Pippa put together a proposal to save Taxos from tourist-tastic ruin, and at the heart of their plan is Pippa’s dream project: The Tastiest Little Tea Shop in Taxos. It’s time for Pippa to leave her London life behind and dust off her scone recipe that’s guaranteed to win over both locals and visitors. And amidst the rolling pins and raisins, it seems romance is blossoming where she’s least expecting it…



I picked this up quite cheaply and thought it looked like a short summery read. I found this very easy to get into, and it seemed to flow well.

Pippa has returned to her childhood home of Taxos in Greece, on her arrival she discovers lots of things have changed. She is with her handsome boyfriend Henrick, who she is not as fond of as once she thought, she begins to change her mind about him, especially when she meets up with her best friend Niko after all these years. Niko has also moved on over the years and is set to marry.

I loved the setting for this book, it is perfect for the summer. The book is also relatively short, which allowed me to really get into it and read it quick.

Although Pippa loves making scones, I am not sure why the title is 'game of scones' there doesn't seem to be any 'game' with them. I also thought that really was a sideline to the story.

Overall I thought the book was O.K, it is nice for a summer beach read where it doesn't require you to think too much.

Truth or Dare by Non Pratt

Truth or Dare by Non Pratt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A powerful and moving novel about bravery from the Guardian's "writer to watch" Non Pratt, perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell, John Green and Holly Bourne. How far is too far when it comes to the people you love? Claire Casey hates being the centre of attention. But if it means getting Sef Malik to notice her, it’s a risk she’s happy to take. Sef is prepared to do anything to help his recently disabled brother. But this means putting Claire’s love – and life – on the line. Because when you're willing to risk everything, what is there left to lose?


I have read a few of Non Pratt's novels before and enjoyed them, when I found out she was releasing a new one which flips I couldn't wait to get started.

In part 1 we meet Claire, she hears about a dreadful accident over the summer, where Kamran fell into a river and have been in a coma, he has woken up, however is suspected to be brain damaged and will need thousands of pounds for treatment and care. Sef is Kam's brother and although he is grateful for the help the school is offering, he knows he needs to make money and quick, when he asks Claire to help him form a YouTube channel, she agrees. Together they form Truth Girl and Dare Boy, they create videos on different truths and dares, encouraging people to donate when they watch.

Through Claire's part we learn of the truths and dares the duos do, attempting to fundraise as much as they can. Sef realises it's not enough and that they need to do the biggest dare yet to secure funding for Kam.

On flipping the book over, we read the story through Sef's eyes and begin to understand him better. Personally I didn't particularly like Sef, the way he behaves towards others is not brilliant, but then you are constantly reminded that he is doing all of this for his brother Kam still in hospital.

This was an interesting story, which is up to date in terms of technology and social media. I think if you love Non Pratt's previous books you will love this too. If you are also looking for something a little different, this could also be for you.

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

Thornhill by Pam Smy

Thornhill by Pam Smy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As she unpacks in her new bedroom, Ella is irresistibly drawn to the big old house that she can see out of her window. Surrounded by overgrown gardens, barbed wire fences and 'keep out' signs, it looks derelict. But that night, a light goes on in one of the windows. And the next day she sees a girl in the grounds. Ella is hooked. The house has a story to tell. She is sure of it. Enter Thornhill, Institute for Children, and discover the dark secrets that lie within.But once inside, will you ever leave?

When this arrived in the week I was intrigued, to begin with it was a mamouth read, something that can be intimidating, however it looked like a completely different type of read and I was looking forward to read something a little different.

I began this today and finished it in an hour and 20 minutes, so don't be put off of the size of it. I thought this was very cleverly put together, we follow two girls in this story split 30 years apart but linked by one location. You get more into Mary's head, who lived at Thornhill (an orphanage) in 1982, we also meet Ella, who loves opposite 30 years later. We read the thoughts of Mary through a sequence of her diary and follow Ella's story through the illustrations.

Although this is not my normal genre I really, really enjoyed it, it was different and I would love to read more by Smy. I really got into the story and I never saw the ending coming, which I was shocked about and felt a little sad at the same time, I thought I knew Mary quite well through her journal but I began to question my opinion on her at the end. It reminds you the power of illustration and how you can read so much through it. I would recommend this book to middle graders or young adult, however being an adult I enjoyed this and feel the book will stay with me for some time.

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

Escape to Willow cottage by Bella Osborne with extract

A cosy and heartwarming seasonal romance, perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley.

Beth is running away. With her young son Leo to protect, Willow Cottage is the lifeline she so desperately needs. Overlooking the village green in a beautiful Cotswolds idyll, Beth sees a warm, caring and safe place for little Leo.

When she finally uncovers the cottage from underneath the boughs of a weeping willow tree, Beth realises this is far more of a project than she bargained for and the locals are more than a little eccentric! A chance encounter with gruff Jack, who appears to be the only male in the village under thirty, leaves the two of them at odds but it’s not long before Beth realises that Jack has hidden talents that could help her repair more than just Willow Cottage.

Over the course of four seasons, Beth realises that broken hearts can be mended, and sometimes love can be right under your nose…

Escape to Willow Cottage was originally digitally published as a four-part serial under the title Willow Cottage. This is the complete story.

I have got an extract to share with you.

Chapter 3 p.27-28

Beth’s phone rang. ‘The voice of sanity! Hello, Carls.’

‘At last it’s not your wretched voicemail. How are you and where the hell are you?’ ‘I’m feeling surprisingly normal in the village of the totally insane. How about you and Fergus?’

‘Nick came round here last night. We didn’t tell him anything but he says he’s going to find you.’ Beth couldn’t help the feeling of ice fear that trickled through her body. Her mind flashed back to the night she left. Beth looked around her: another troop of Morris dancers was in the middle of the green hopping up and down as another group practised nearby. People were chatting and laughing and the sound filled the air. This was a world away from her London life; there was absolutely nothing here that could connect her to what she’d left behind. Despite the state of Willow Cottage it made sense to stay here for the time being.

‘He’ll never find me here.’

‘Where is here exactly?’

‘Dumbleford. It’s west of Stow-on-the-Wold.’

‘Sounds like place names from Narnia to me. What’s it like?’

‘The cottage I bought is practically a ruin, there’s a man living in my willow tree, the only person under fifty thinks I’m an idiot, everyone else is barking mad and today they are having a Morris dancing competition on the village green.’

‘Actually, I like the sound of that. The Morris dancing, not the rest of it.’

Beth lowered her voice and took a step back from Leo so he wouldn’t hear what she said. ‘Between you and me I think I may have made a huge mistake with the cottage. I’m speaking to the solicitor tomorrow to see what options I have. I’ll keep you posted.’

The Silence Between Breaths by Cath Staincliffe

The Silence Between Breaths by Cath Staincliffe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Passengers boarding the 10.35 train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston are bound for work, assignations, reunions, holidays or new starts, with no idea that their journey is about to be brutally curtailed. Holly has just landed her dream job, which should make life a lot easier than it has been, and Jeff is heading for his first ever work interview after months of unemployment. They end up sitting next to each other. Onboard customer service assistant Naz dreams of better things as he collects rubbish from the passengers. And among the others travelling are Nick with his young family who are driving him crazy; pensioner Meg and her partner setting off on a walking holiday and facing an uncertain future; Caroline, run ragged by the competing demands of her stroppy teenage children and her demented mother; and Rhona, unhappy at work and desperate to get home to her small daughter. And in the middle of the carriage sits Saheel, carrying a deadly rucksack ...


I had to leave writing this review for several days as I wanted to digest the impact that this made on me so that I could give a heartfelt review. I'm glad that I did this as the book was still as emotionally strong as it was when I finished it. Terrifyingly realistic and unfortunately breathtakingly plausible.

Essentially it's about 8 people who catch the 10.35 Manchester Piccadilly train bound for London Euston except that for me it was 9 people who boarded that train and I was the ninth passenger. You don't read this novel as a bystander you feel you are there taking that fateful journey with them and live to tell the tale that leaves the kind of stain that you will never get rid of. I know if I now make a train journey I will think of Naz, Holly, Jeff, Nick and Lisa with their two children, Meg, Caroline and Rhona along the way. There is also an interesting secondary character who is Saheel's (the terrorist) younger sister Kulsoom whose account that day and her actions back in Manchester does in some way humanise the terrorist for the reader and the impact it has on his own family.

It is a skillfully written stark tense novel that is topical of the day and a timely reminder of the world in which we live. As the 8 passengers are introduced to the reader they take on very real personas some I liked and some I wasn't too fond of. All the people travelling that day are taking that train for different reasons and we learn through the introductions just why they boarded that particular train again highlighting that sometimes things that happen are just fate and it reinforced that you can never know what's around the corner in life.

We are propelled through this novel at the speed of the train, moving ever closer to the inevitable as the train eats up the miles and our terrorist is becoming ever more jittery. Saheel is on the train with one intention and that is to blow it up along with himself for the sake of Allah and as the train enters a tunnel and slows down to stop he does just that. We know that some of the 8 people will not get out alive and the terrible injuries that the others suffer as a result of surviving are just horrific and once the bomb goes off that should be the end of this gripping novel but in a way it's just the beginning for those survivors who are facing a future that will be so different from their past.

It was a gripping read that sadly highlights our modern world and its' troubles in that terrorism is a daily reality and like it or not we are all part of that reality being caught up in a misguided ideology that has no winners in the end. Powerfully written but hard to read in parts as so poignant in places that the reality of the characters having to become collateral damage is hard to accept and too high a price to pay for these sense less acts of terrorism. I have to give this 5 stars for the beautifully crafted characterizations and of both points of view of the victims and the family of the terrorist - this novel will stay with me for a long time.

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