Guest Review: The House of Hidden Letters by Izzy Broom

For sale: Greek cottage. Price: One Euro.

Skye doesn’t make impulsive decisions. But when she sees a derelict Greek cottage for sale by lottery, she enters with dreams of a fresh start.

However, her heart sinks as she pushes open the tattered blue door weeks later. Can this wreck ever be her home?

Then Skye finds a bundle of letters hidden in the fireplace, their faded pages drawing her in with a story of long-forgotten love, tragedy, and unbelievable bravery.

But all the while, Skye’s own past is circling. No matter how far she goes, fate is never far behind…

Review: I have enjoyed many books from Izzy Broom (more familiar to me as Isabelle), all with amazing settings and captivating storylines. This book has the most fabulous cover, that leaves the reader in no doubt that they are going to be transported to Greece but gives no clue of the mystery about to unfold in this dual-time story.

When Skye, desperate for a new start away from her stressful life, sees an announcement stating that a derelict house on a small Greek island could be hers if she wins a lottery, she doesn’t hesitate to pay the €1 entrance fee. She can’t believe her luck when she wins and quickly makes arrangements to make the journey to her new home. One of the conditions of the competition is that she must restore the cottage to its original state within a time period, but that shouldn’t be difficult, should it? However, she’s not so sure once she actually sees the state her house is in. With help of local builder Andreas, Skye knuckles down to the restoration task. As she explores the house, she finds a bundle of old letters which gradually tell of what happened to its owners and the island during the Second World War. She becomes immersed in what emerges as a tragic love story, all the while unaware that her own past she left behind more recently is catching up on her.

I really loved this amazing story set in the past and the present. The mystery attached to what was found in the old house had me enthralled. The way in which the author gradually revealed the building’s secrets was very clever. The story was so skilfully told that I could imagine myself walking amongst the dusty ruins enjoying Skye’s view of the mountains and the Mediterranean, and also tasting some gorgeous Greek dishes. Skye is an incredible character, in her own way just as brave as the islanders were during the wartime occupation. She was lucky to find help in the shape of ruggedly handsome Andreas, who patiently found nothing too much bother in helping her. I was also, however, aware that Skye had to keep her whereabouts a secret, which added an air of danger to the story. Altogether, I thought this was a wonderful book which gets my recommendation.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Review: The Lottery Winner Widows Club

Meet The Lottery Winner Widows Club - a fabulous, filthy-rich sisterhood whose husbands all hit the jackpot . . . and then mysteriously dropped dead.

Paula is having a surreal week. Having just lost her husband, John, in a freak car accident, she's utterly gobsmacked when, two days later, she wins the lottery - with the ticket he bought.

Just as she thinks things can't get crazier, Paula is approached by a tight-knit trio of glamorous women - also jackpot winners - with dead husbands, suspiciously large bank accounts . . . and a very specific interest in Paula.

They tell her that they've been where she is now. That grief looks good on her. That freedom does, too. There's just one problem: Paula didn't kill her husband. She loved him, of course.

But something about their world - lavish, secretive, thrilling - is hard to resist. And when word of Paula's jackpot win spreads and others come sniffing around for a share, she's faced with the ultimate choice: hold onto her old life, or accept help from her new friends, whose methods are a little more . . . unconventional.

Review: I went into The Lottery Winner Widows Club already a fan of Elly Vine’s books written under her other name, Lucy Vine, so I was really curious to see what she’d do differently here. And it definitely is different-darker, sharper, and with a delicious edge that makes it clear why she chose to publish under another name. This isn’t your typical rom-com territory; it leans much more into suspense and secrets, and I was hooked by the premise alone.

The story centres primarily around Paula, with the other three women forming the rest of the lottery-winning widows’ group around her-and what a group they are. All four are lottery winners and all are widows, which immediately gives the book that slightly sinister, “what really happened?” energy. If you loved The Housemaid (or its film adaptation), this one will absolutely be for you. I really enjoyed getting to know Paula first and then gradually peeling back the layers of the other women in the club. Watching their friendships unfold was such a highlight-they know how to have a fabulous time, but they’re also fiercely protective of one another. There’s real loyalty there, even if everything isn’t quite as glossy as it first appears.

What really makes this book shine is the underlying message: you truly never know what’s going on behind closed doors. Everyone has secrets, and this novel peels them back layer by layer in such a satisfying way. And let’s just say… revenge is most definitely a dish best served cold here. It’s sharp, entertaining, and packed with twists-a bold and intriguing departure from the author’s previous work that I thoroughly enjoyed.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: Eject! Eject! By John Nichol

Since the invention of the ejection seat in the 1940s, tens of thousands of lives have been saved - including John Nichol's. Now, Nichol tells the incredible story of the ejection seat in war and in peace - and of the men and women who were given a second chance at life after facing disaster. 

Escaping is just the first step to making it home alive, so we hear of thrilling rescues from enemy territory, of capture in North Vietnam, of surviving high-speed mid-air collisions, how ejection can lead to extraordinary tales of discovery and redemption.

Packed with gripping action and cutting-edge science, Eject! Eject! is fuelled by dramatic, deeply moving and previously unheard first-hand accounts.

Because pulling the yellow-and-black ejection handle is just the start of the story.

 

Review: This is a book about aeroplane ejector seats. As aeroplane development during the 1930s and 1940s meant that they flew faster, particularly with the introduction of the jet engine, it became increasingly difficult for aircrew to bail out in an emergency. Hence the development of the ejector seat. One of the pioneers in this field in the United Kingdom was the Martin-Baker Aircraft Company. Its chief engineer James Martin was inspired following the death of his business partner Valentine Baker in an aeroplane accident. Based on interviews, official accident reports and his own personal experience, the author John Nichol presents a history of the development of ejector systems together with numerous accounts of their use. He is well qualified for this subject, having used a Martin-Baker ejector seat in 1991 when his aircraft was shot down during the First Gulf War.

The book follows the ejector seat’s development and testing, followed by the first ejection from a stricken aircraft in 1949, through peacetime incidents and various conflicts up to the time of publication in 2023. Although it tends to concentrate on British developments, there is coverage of other ejection systems, such as the American Stanley and ACES ejector seats, and also incidents involving other countries’ air forces. The fate of aircrew following their ejection over enemy territory during conflicts is also covered. The book is illustrated with numerous photographs. Although most ejections are straightforward, problems can arise and I should add a warning that some of the descriptions of injuries suffered when being thrust out of an aircraft flying at high speed are quite graphic. As an interesting and informative account of a little-known aspect of flying fast jets by someone with first hand experience, I would recommend this book.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge by Alison Sherlock

A family and hotel in desperate need of help…

Maple Tree Lodge Hotel has been home to the Jackson family for over a century. Following the sudden loss of his father, architect Ben Jackson discovers the hotel is close to financial ruin and if the hotel is to survive and his family are to keep a roof over their heads, tough decisions need to be made.

With the hotel in urgent need of a renovation, Ben’s sister enlists the talents of cash strapped, best friend and interior designer Lily Watson. Lily jumps at the chance to showcase her talents and to prove to herself and her high-achieving parents that she can carve herself a successful career doing what she loves.

However, Lily’s vision for a cosy, country Cotswolds hotel is the complete opposite to what Ben has in mind for a minimalistic, modern makeover and fireworks ensue!

Can they work together to save Maple Tree Lodge?

Can Lily help Ben and his family find a future together?

And can Ben show Lily that there's more to life than work?

As autumn begins to weave its magic spell, perhaps Lily will discover somewhere to finally call home and find a reason to stay ...

Review: This is the first book in a new series (The Maple Tree Lodge Hotel) from this author. Having read and thoroughly enjoyed some of Alison’s other series of books, I am looking forward to meeting some new characters in these new stories, set in the picturesque Cotswolds.

This story centres on jobless and homeless interior designer Lily Wilson, who has arrived at Maple Tree Lodge, home to her friend, Hannah Jackson, with a view to helping with renovation of the family-run Cotswolds hotel which is in financial difficulty. Lily has been struggling to establish herself in the career she is passionate about and hopes that she can show off her talents by designing a cosy and comfy interior for this building in keeping with its attractive surroundings. However, she instantly meets with resistance in the form of Hannah’s brother, Ben, who has a very different vision of a sleek and modern makeover for the hotel. Lily is convinced she has the right idea, but how can she persuade Ben that she knows what she is doing? Not only is the future of the hotel at stake, but also that of the Jackson family who are being pulled apart by the hotel’s troubles. As she becomes closer to the family, and Ben in particular, Lily feels that she may have found a home in Maple Tree Lodge.

This was a great start to the new book series. It was full of drama, from Lily’s incredible arrival at the lodge to the family disagreements, humour and romance. I loved the characters, in particular Lily and Ben. Lily had such passion for what she was trying to achieve, while Ben was stubborn but had his family’s wellbeing at heart. Lily’s friend Hannah was always baking wonderful sweet delights which I hope will resurface in further stories in the series. I was pleased to find a few characters from Alison’s earlier books popping up as well in minor roles. After reading this book, I am really looking forward to my next visit to Maple Tree Lodge.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: A Cottage in the Country by Katie Fforde

She's found her dream home but can she make her dreams a reality?

Hattie finds other people their dream homes for a living.

Surely she, of all people, has the connections and the knowledge to find her own forever home? Instead, she baffles those closest to her by choosing to pack up and move every few months from one housesitting job to the next.

Of course, that's because she knows where she wants to live. It's a beautiful house owned by a lovely old woman who'd simply love for Hattie to have it.

But nothing is ever that simple.

There's Clive who refuses to listen to his great-aunt's wishes about her house. There's Luke, Hattie's oldest friend, who just wants to see her happy. And there's Hattie herself. It might take a difficult client, an awkward teenager and a couple of dogs to help her see what really makes a house a home.

As soon as I saw the cover of Katie Fforde’s latest book, I knew I was in for a trip to the countryside with some interesting characters, and their dogs. This was one of those stories that had me hooked from the very start and was finished all too soon, leaving me missing the now familiar people I had met.

The story concerns Hattie, whose job, when she is not match-making, is to find the perfect home for other people. However, she has no home of her own, preferring to house-sit for others, moving every few months. Hattie has found the home of her dreams, but it is owned by an elderly lady who is her friend but who can’t sell her the cottage even though she would dearly love to do just that. What’s more, her great-nephew is suspicious of Hattie’s friendship with his aunt. Her family can’t understand Hattie’s nomadic life, but she is lucky to have some supportive friends, including Luke, who would do anything for her. When Hattie’s sister asks her to look after her teenage son, she is worried that he may not fit into her lifestyle, but finds him surprisingly good company. As it begins to look as though Hattie will have to find a permanent home once and for all, can she find the perfect match?

I enjoyed reading this charming, romantic story set in the picturesque Cotswolds. For me, Hattie was quite an unusual, if likeable, character. Having spotted the home she would dearly love to own, she could not imagine living anywhere else. Likewise, despite matching other people who were meant for each other, she could not seem to see the perfect partner for herself in a friend who was always ready with help when she needed it. I loved the relationship that Hattie built up with her teenage nephew; more than anyone in the family, he seemed to understand her. There was a touch of the supernatural in the story that I found a little out of place, but it did not spoil my enjoyment. All in all, this is a perfect book to settle down with and escape into the country for a few hours.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: Murder Among the Roses by Liz Fielding

MEET ABBY FINCH. SHE’S THE BUSY MUM OF THREE, AN EXPERT GARDENER AND THE STAR OF YOUR NEW FAVOURITE COZY MURDER MYSTERY.

In the peaceful Cotswolds village of Maybridge, you wouldn’t expect to find a dead body in the rose garden. And certainly not two.

Abby is horrified to discover the bones of a baby buried under a rose bush. It’s in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband Howard’s family home.

She immediately calls the police. But she can’t get hold of Howard. He’s off on a jolly with the woman he’s got pregnant.

And then, just two days later, Abby finds Howard himself.

Lying dead in the very same rose garden.

Throat slashed with her own garden spade.

Now Abby is the prime suspect . . .

Review: This is the first book from this author that I have read. It’s actually the first in a trilogy, but is a standalone story.

The central character in this book is Abby Finch, a landscape gardener living in the small Cotswolds village of Maybridge with her three children. She is going through a contentious divorce from cheating husband Howard who is set to marry his pregnant girlfriend. While working in the overgrown garden of her husband’s future home, Abby makes the grizzly discovery of what turns out to be a baby’s remains, apparently buried there many years ago. Still recovering from the shock of that discovery, Abby is further dismayed to find Howard dead in the exact same spot, having been killed with her spade. Since he had argued with several people just before his death, the police are not short of suspects in the crime. Everyone has motive, but who will turn out to be the murderer? And who was the mother of the dead baby?

I very much enjoyed this murder mystery, which kept me guessing until the very end with all its twists and turns. There were many interesting characters in the story in addition to Abby. She herself was a typical busy working mother who many would identify with, juggling the everyday demands of children with running her own business. I did like her children, who were quite sensible and sensitive to their mother’s needs. Howard, however, was definitely not a likeable person, riding roughshod over everybody. As you would expect with such a sociable person, Abby had no lack of friends in the community, who rallied round in her time of need. There was also the promise of romance in the shape of an old flame who turned up just at the right moment. I will be looking out for the next book in the series, hoping to catch up with Abby and family again.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Review: It's Always the Husband by C.L.Taylor

Welcome to Lowbridge. Where secrets hide behind every door…

When newly divorced Jude arrives in the small town of Lowbridge, she is soon drawn to widower Will, the father of her young daughter's best friend.

But Will's past is shrouded in tragedy, with questions that no one knows the answer to – and after two tragedies tore his life apart in just a few short years, gossip and rumours abound about what really happened to the women he loved.

As whispers of murder surround Will, Jude becomes determined to uncover the truth – and with her own father's tragic fate haunting her, she refuses to let another innocent man suffer.

Yet in Lowbridge the darkness runs deep, and nothing is as it seems. Can Jude protect Will from a community out for blood? Or will she become the next victim in this web of deceit?

Because whilst one dead wife is tragic, two starts to look like murder…

Review: Starting my year with It’s Always the Husband by C. L. Taylor was an absolute treat-I love a C. L. Taylor novel, and this one did not disappoint. From the very first chapters, I didn’t trust a single character… and honestly, that’s exactly how I like my thrillers. Every conversation felt loaded, every revelation suspicious, and I found myself constantly second-guessing what I thought I knew. It’s the kind of book that makes you suspicious of absolutely everyone.

The whole premise gave me strong Motherhood vibes, but it also felt very reminiscent of Big Little Lies with its undercurrents of secrets, domestic tension and simmering distrust. I loved getting to know the main characters, even though I was side-eyeing all of them the entire time. Taylor has such a knack for creating layered, believable women-flawed, relatable and yet completely capable of shocking you. The relationships felt real, which made the stakes feel even higher as the tension built.

What I particularly enjoyed was how the book blends classic thriller elements with modern-day realities. Yes, we still get those delicious traditional clues-hidden boxes, old diaries, buried secrets-but they sit alongside phone tracking, home camera systems and the very current ways we monitor (and sometimes manipulate) each other. It makes the story feel incredibly relevant and up to date without losing that classic twisty thriller feel. Full of turns I genuinely didn’t see coming, this was a gripping, addictive read that I highly recommend.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: The Forever Home by Erica James

In the glorious Cambridgeshire countryside, Hope Hall was once a grand country house, but it's now been converted into beautiful luxury apartments and its new residents are moving in…

Cassie is blissfully in love with her partner Ben and looking forward to life in their new home, but shadows from Cassie's first marriage loom large.

Gallery owner Nina needs a fresh start since losing her husband two years ago, but moving on will mean confronting a painful decision that will shatter her mother-in-law's dreams.

Into their lives comes Venetia, a lively seventy-nine-year-old with a penchant for secrets. As Venetia faces her own bittersweet history with Hope Hall, the lives of the three women become intricately connected, revealing the power of friendship and the courage to confront the past.

Review: I have read many of this author’s books and was drawn to this one by its setting and storyline. Erica James writes so well about families and friendships and her books often leave me with warm memories. I was looking forward to reading about the characters in this book and whether they would find their forever home.

The story follows the lives of residents of Hope Hall, a large country house newly converted into twenty individual luxury homes. It focuses particularly on three women. Cassie has moved in with partner Ben. The couple are happy together, but at the same time Cassie is troubled by memories of the past and her cheating ex-husband. Another early arrival is Nina. Owner of an art gallery in nearby Cambridge, she is trying to recover from the tragic sudden death of her husband, but is finding it hard to move on when her mother-in-law is making it so difficult. She also has a big decision to make which is constantly on her mind. Finally, there is Venetia, a flamboyant and stylish lady approaching her eightieth birthday. She has history with the hall that she is keeping secret from the others. The three women soon become firm friends, supporting each other through dramas to come.

I enjoyed this book just as much as I had hoped and am happy to recommend it. The author has presented the reader with such strong and interesting characters in these three women. Circumstances were different for each of them and yet they came to form a robust friendship when drawn together. Being much older than the others, Venetia’s story was more detailed than the others. Her history with the hall was sad but she was happy to return. Some very serious issues were encountered within the telling of these women’s stories and the author has dealt with them with great sensitivity. As well as the characters, I also loved the setting of this book. The hall was set in spacious grounds containing meadows and woods, with the river Cam flowing through them. I could just imagine the wonderful views from the roof terraces included with the top floor apartments. I can imagine that all three women felt they had indeed found a forever home.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Bookish Quotes I Love!

 

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

1. "Books are a uniquely portable magic." Stephen King

2. "A well-read woman is a dangerous thing..."

3. "You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend." Paul Sweeney

4. "Great books help you understand, and they help you feel understood."  John Green

5. "You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." C.S. Lewis

6. ”Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.” Kate DiCamillo

7. “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” Cicero

8. ”Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while.” Malorie Blackman

9. ”Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly.” Sir Francis Bacon

10. ”Books can be dangerous. The best ones should be labelled ‘This could change your life.’” Helen Exley

Review: So, I Met This Guy by Alexandra Potter

So, I Met This Guy . . .

Well, isn’t that how every love story starts? But how does it end – a happily ever after? Or with the discovery that the supposed love-of-your-life has stolen your life savings and your home, trashed your heart and demolished your self-esteem?

Maggie is barely fifty years-old, and she's not one to give up on herself. So when she meets Flick, a young reporter who realizes this story could be the big break she’s been looking for, they set off to catch him as he goes on the run across Europe. After all, she’s got nothing left to lose, right?

But as the pair embark on the road trip of their lives, unexpected twists, hidden secrets and hard truths are revealed. And as an unlikely friendship begins to blossom, they realize it’s not just about finding the guy, it’s about finding themselves . . .

Review: Having read and loved all of Alexandra Potter’s previous novels, I went into So I Met This Guy with high expectations-and while I did enjoy it, this one felt a little slower to get started than her earlier books. I chose to experience it on audiobook, which may have influenced my experience. The opening took some time to fully settle into, and with a wide cast of characters-some of whom had multiple names or were referred to differently depending on context-it was occasionally tricky to keep track of who was who. That slight confusion made the first portion feel less immersive than I’d hoped.

That said, one of the novel’s greatest strengths is its two central female characters. Potter delivers a very “girl power,” feminist energy here, with two strong, complex women driving the narrative. I also appreciated that Maggie and Flick come from very different backgrounds, which allowed for representation across a wider range of readers and perspectives. Their journeys-both emotional and literal-are compelling, and I loved the sense of independence and self-discovery woven throughout the story. The travel element added a sense of adventure and escapism, which is always a highlight in Potter’s books. However, the shifting locations sometimes made it harder to follow on audio, particularly when trying to keep timelines and character interactions straight.

Despite the slower start and occasional confusion, the payoff was worth it. I absolutely loved the twist at the end-it was clever, satisfying, and reminded me why I’ve enjoyed this author's writing for so long. Overall, this was a good read, though I suspect it would be better experienced in print or on Kindle, where you can easily flick back and forth to clarify details you might have missed. While I would still recommend it, if you haven’t read anything by Alexandra Potter before, I’d suggest starting with one of her earlier novels first before diving into this one.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: Just One Look at You by Jill Mansell

Fen can't believe her luck. A luxury holiday with her beloved grandmother Disa - what could be more delightful? It doesn't cross her mind that she might fall in love. Or that love can bring complications . . .

Jamie can't help it that women always fall for him, rather than for his kind-hearted friend Leon. Nor that only one of them got the looks (that would be Jamie). But how will he feel if the girl he's drawn to only has eyes for Leon?

Disa has a secret. A few weeks ago, an old letter in a file revealed a shocking truth about her late husband. She's come to Venice to find out more.

There's news on the way that will reverberate through all their lives, as Jill Mansell's joyful, heartbreaking new novel takes readers on a roller coaster ride of emotion - and makes us believe in love again.

I have been eagerly awaiting this year’s book from Jill Mansell. As the striking cover reveals, this story is set primarily in Venice, promising the reader romance and so much more.

The protagonists in this book come together on a luxury river cruise based in Venice. Among the travellers are Fen, her vivacious grandmother Disa, rugby star Jamie, who is the onboard celebrity speaker, and his best friend Leon. Jamie is used to lots of attention from the ladies, but it is Leon who steals the heart of Fen. Disa has been keeping a secret linked with her desire to visit Venice which comes as a surprise to all. The group have a marvellous time in Venice, and Fen and Leon’s romance continues when they return home. When tragedy strikes, the shock affects everybody and has long-lasting consequences.

This was a highly emotional romantic novel that had me completely absorbed from the start. Much of the book was set in Venice, but there were also parts that took place in Bristol and the Cotswolds. The characters were all well developed and had their own interesting back-stories. I particularly liked stylish Disa with her bubbly personality. This book could certainly be described as an emotional rollercoaster, humour and drama mixing with extreme sadness. I highly recommend it, but make sure to have a tissue close by.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: The Café on the Coast by Christie Barlow

Clemmie Rose’s great-great-grandmother’s beloved clementine torte is her ticket to the prestigious Royal Baking Competition. A win could put Puffin Island’s charming Café on the Coast on the map, land Clemmie her very own cookbook deal, and secure her a coveted invitation to a royal garden party.

But when she discovers the competition is being hosted aboard the Royal Yacht by none other than her ex, Oliver Lockwood, the stakes – and the soufflés –suddenly rise, and Clemmie’s bid for the Golden Whisk trophy is at risk of collapsing like an underbaked sponge.

When a decades-old secret is thrown into the mix, she’ll need more than the perfect recipe to keep her dreams from crumbling.

Review: This is the 4th book in the Puffin Island series of books by this author. The island is connected to the mainland of northeast England by a tidal causeway. It boasts some lovely beaches as well as a large colony of puffins that give it its name. I find myself more attracted to the place with each successive book in the series. The stories in these books give an insight into the lives of the island’s inhabitants and of the newcomers who, having visited by chance, invariably decide to settle there. Each story is complete in itself.

This story features Clemmie Rose, who runs the cafe of the book’s title on Puffin Island with her grandmother Betty. Clemmie has been put forward anonymously to take part in the Royal Baking Competition, the winner of which will be invited to the royal garden party and have their own cookbook published. Winning would also be a wonderful advert for the cafe itself. Clemmie decides to enter the cafe’s popular clementine torte, the recipe for which was developed by her great-great-grandmother. Unfortunately, the competition, which is to be televised, will be hosted by Clemmie’s ex, but she is determined to do her best and try to work alongside him amicably. When a long-held family secret suddenly surfaces, it looks as though there may be trouble in store for Clemmie and her successful cafe.

Another enjoyable instalment of this engaging series with its adorable setting and friendly locals. The royal baking competition, with its few select contestants, sounded very grand indeed, especially being held on board the royal yacht. Clemmie is a lovely character, always kind and happy, producing mouthwatering sweet treats in her cafe in each book in the series so far. I loved the way that her head wasn’t turned by her glimpse into the world of the royal family and that she wasn’t fazed by one rather spiteful competitor. There is an air of mystery in this story from the start, with clues popping up until finally the secret is revealed, keeping the reader guessing and adding to the book’s attraction.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: The Sweet Life Cafe by Helen Rolfe

When sisters Addie and Susanna receive invitations to a memorial for their Aunt Gayle, they’re heartbroken to learn the woman who raised them has passed away. But arriving on Anchor Island, they’re met with the shock of their lives: Gayle is alive and well, busily preparing her own 'Celebration of Life' at her beloved pudding bar, The Sweet Life Café.

Agreeing to stay for the event, the sisters begin sorting through their late father’s belongings, reopening wounds they thought long buried, and forcing them to reflect on their lives since leaving the island. Addie is struggling as a single mother, torn between love for her son and doubts about the life she can give him. Susanna’s marriage is crumbling, and being back on the island only reminds her why she couldn’t wait to escape.

But as Gayle prepares gooey brownies, steaming lattes and delicious cakes for her customers, and for her big event, she is hiding secrets of her own – including one that could change everything the sisters thought they knew about their family...

Review: This author is definitely one of my favourites. She writes stories that are full of family and friendship, set in a variety of places. This latest book is set on a small island in the English Channel that is accessed by ferry from one of the Channel Islands. It features an interesting cafe that sells a range of puddings, so be warned that this book will leave you wanting a sweet treat!

The main characters in the story are sisters Addie and Susanna and their aunt, Gayle. The girls were brought up on Anchor Island by their aunt after first their mother, and then their father died. For a variety of reasons, they have become estranged from Gayle and many years have passed since they last visited the island. The sisters are dismayed when they receive invitations to a memorial for their aunt, wishing they had mended their relationship with Gayle before it was too late. However, when they reach the island for the memorial, they are astonished to find Gayle very much alive and preparing for her living funeral, a celebration of her life while she can still enjoy it. The ‘living’ part had been left off the invitation by mistake. Having travelled all that way, Addie and Susanna decide to stay for the party and spend their time sorting through their late father’s belongings, at the same time considering the state of their own lives. Susanna is concerned about her marriage, while single mum Addie wants to be able to give her son a better life. However, amongst their father’s papers, they discover a secret that shocks them both and makes them re-evaluate the memories they had of their past.

I absolutely loved everything about this book. It had me drawn in from the very start with its interesting and strong characters, amazing setting and mouthwatering desserts at every turn. It was sad that Susanna and Addie had both had problems in their youth and were still troubled, but the bond between them had stayed strong through it all; you couldn’t help admiring them. It was interesting watching them relive some past experiences when they returned to what was once their home. Aunt Gayle was an incredible character, hard working but full of life and fun, although slowing down with age. She took a big chance opening her pudding restaurant on this little island but it paid off judging by its great popularity. No matter what had happened in the past, I was willing all three of them to settle their differences for a happy outcome. This is a book I can confidently recommend.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Top 10 Tuesday: Bookish Goals for 2026

 

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

This is a good one because there are definitely some I would like to acheive this year. 

1. Post more on the blog, I feel like I've let the blog down in the last 2 years but I'm trying to get ahead a little when I have time now. 

2. Post more bookish content on my booktube channel, again this turned into something more of an entertainment channel last year and so more bookish videos, tags even on there would be good. 

3. More buddy reads. Hayley and I already have one planned so I'm hoping this one will come off!

4. More bookish events. This has been hard post-covid but I would like to be able to make more time for book events for sure this year!

5. Last one before I get to 5 specific books I would like to read; remeber to review the books I read. Even if they're short I know how much they mean to authors and I'm so behind on reviewing all the books I read last year!

6. Finally some books I wanted to read in 2025 but I didn't get to:

Guest Review: The Story Shop by Christie Barlow

When travel writer Jack Hartwell arrives on Puffin Island amidst a terrible storm, he stumbles into The Story Shop, the island's quaint bookshop.

Seeking refuge, he finds himself immersed in Amelia Brown's enchanting world of books, puffins, and an eccentric group of book club regulars. So when the enigmatic Amelia challenges Jack to read a mysterious novel The Temptation Bucket List – and to complete its challenges with her – he can’t resist.

But with Jack’s time on Puffin Island ticking away, the stakes rise. The final item on the list? To share a secret that no one else knows…

This is the third book in the Puffin Island series from this author. Puffin Island is connected to the main part of Britain by a tidal causeway and is home to a large colony of puffins as well as a small, close community of humans. The stories in these books give an insight into the lives of the island’s inhabitants and newcomers who decide to settle there. So far, each story has been complete in itself.

The central character in this story is Amelia Brown, who runs and also lives above the Island’s bookshop. On a particularly stormy day, the door of the shop flies open to admit Jack Hartwell, a successful writer of travel books, and one of Amelia’s favourite authors. Jack is hoping to remain incognito while he writes an article about Puffin Island, but becomes drawn to the bookshop and Amelia as he gets to know her. It turns out that he is not the only one hiding a secret. Amelia has also been keeping something big from her friends and the rest of the community. As she and Jack share the challenges contained in a new mysterious novel, it looks as though their secrets may at last be revealed.

How nice it was to return to Puffin Island and get to know another of its residents. Amelia was a lovely character and a great friend, full of fun and determination to succeed. I also liked Jack, who showed great strength of character in a difficult situation. There was one most unlikable character in the story who made the perfect villain. Amelia was lucky to have such a wonderful group of friends; it was marvellous to watch how they interacted and watched out for each other. Among the other activities at the bookshop was a most unusual book group whose meetings were hilarious. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book, whether it is read on its own or part of this compelling series.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Most Anticipated Books for the first Half of 2026

 

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I know I just posted a lot of these in my 26 books I want to read in 2026 post but it's still find to distill it down even further...