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The Shadow Twins by Fiona Holloway

Mar18

Wow! Just Wow!

The Shadow Twins by Fiona Holloway is a totally gripping psychological suspense that I could not put down.

We see the effects on three lives after a dreadful tragedy saw a young twin sister drown (before the book opened). The marriage has fallen apart as the mother and remaining twin sister move houses and schools for a fresh start. “Was this what she had wanted? A town where no one knew her name, where no one asked questions?”

What starts out as anonymity soon warps into notoriety as the lives of both mother and daughter begin to unravel.

The mother is eaten up with grief, sorrow and guilt. She is denying the need for help, whilst nursing a dreadful secret.

The remaining twin appears to be communicating with her dead sister – but is she? Or is it grief and denial talking?

A fresh start in a new school brings some shocking results. The mother doesn’t believe they need help – when they clearly do.

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Carlos Sainz: A Legacy Of Champions by Carrera Publishing

Mar18

Getting To Know The Man Under The Helmet

Carlos Sainz: A Legacy Of Champions by Carrera Publishing is a great little book that looks at the life, both personal and professional, of the F1star. We glimpse the man under the helmet.

His father, Carlos Sainz senior, is a famous Spanish rally champion, meaning that Carlos Sainz junior grew up surrounded by cars and competitions. He began his own competitive journey in karts aged seven. “In karting, Carlos learned how to win without arrogance, and how to lose without drama.”

Progression into F1 came in 2015 with Torro Rosso.

Along the way, Carlos Sainz has had his father with him, analysing and supporting him, giving wise advice and lessons. “It doesn’t matter what’s happening around you. What matters is what you do with it.”

Moving to Maclaren, Carlos Sainz immediately bonded with the young Lando Norris. “CarLando. Their relationship, built on trust and mutual respect.” The pair knew how to support each other when driving, and also how to have fun.

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The Haunting Of Hattie Hastings by Audrey Davis

Mar12

Squeeze The Day

The Haunting Of Hattie Hastings by Audrey Davis is a delightfully fun contemporary fantasy that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The action follows recently bereaved Hattie Hastings. Something is keeping her husband from completely crossing over. Like Clarence in It’s A Wonderful Life, there is something he must do in order to progress.

This is a very charming novel. It is highly amusing too, as the characters break up the sadness with witty one-liners.

We can feel the love shining through. “You and Hattie are my world, and I know it’s a world that’s a better place for you being in it.” The love lasts beyond the grave. We can ‘feel’ the devastation of Hattie Hastings after her beloved Gary dies. “Lost her husband? How he hated that phrase. As if she’d misplaced him.” Well-meaning platitudes are of no help at all, when your world has just collapsed.

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New Beginnings At The Buckley Hotel by Marianne Crichton

Dec22

A Warm Welcome Awaits

New Beginnings At The Buckley Hotel by Marianne Crichton is a very charming contemporary tale about love, friendship and family.

We meet the main staff members – calling themselves the M & M’s – as they help to organise the newly renovated Buckley Hotel which is set in London. They all come from varying backgrounds but band together to form the hotel family. Family does not have to be blood related. Family is those who love and care for us.

All the leading characters have huge hearts. They are generous with their time and with their gifts as they all look out for each other.

As well as the human characters there are a couple of canines. Both are delightful and it is beautiful to witness the bond that they form with the humans. Hamish is a cute rescue Border Terrier who is full of life and easy to picture.

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