Archives

The Black Rock Killings by Wes Markin

Mar10

Choices

The Black Rock Killings by Wes Markin is a fabulous contemporary crime novel that had me glued from the start. It is the sixth book in The Yorkshire Murders series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces – both heroes and villains. I would recommend reading the previous books first as there is a crime thread running throughout the series as well as new crimes to solve.

We drop in on a familiar face recovering from major surgery in hospital. We ‘hear’ his thoughts while unconscious as he walks amid the ghosts of his life. Will he succumb to all that he has lost? Or is life worth a second shot?

The lead detective, though incredibly dedicated and good at her job, finds her personal life is complicated. Her emotions are torn as we watch her battle internally.

Beneath the surface bubbles a love that the reader has followed throughout the series. We have been aware that the two characters love each other, even though they have never admitted it, not even to themselves. Will they ever speak up and say the words ‘I love you’?

Continue reading →

The Lamplighter’s Bookshop by Sophie Austin

Mar2

Show Me

The Lamplighter’s Bookshop by Sophie Austin is a marvellous historical novel that I read in just two sittings.

The action is set in York in 1899. The world is on the brink of change but young women were still expected to sit at home and make marriage alliances.

The leading lady is a modern miss, through necessity, and by choice, she takes a job in the lamplighter’s bookshop. She is very good at it. With her independence gained, she must keep it a secret from her mother.

There are others keeping secrets and lies. Some are outright crooks and gamblers; others are just kind hearts who cannot say ‘no!’ We witness a loan spiraling out of control due to unscrupulous money lenders who prey on those less fortunate.

The path to true love doesn’t always run smoothly. There are bumps and misunderstandings along the way. Hearts need to be brave and say how they really feel. Characters need to show their love to others.

Continue reading →

The Lost Orphan by Pam Weaver

Mar2

Entertaining & Engrossing

The Lost Orphan by Pam Weaver is a powerful historical novel That I thoroughly enjoyed.

The action begins in Worthing in December 1941 and continues throughout the war. We follow two half French sisters who are searching for their younger sister. All three were orphans but unscrupulous lies see them separated.

Within a character, the past has consumed her. Shocking events from her childhood continue to haunt her. Facing her fears and sharing her past, has disastrous consequences, leaving her even more isolated. Love and kindness are needed for her to bud and blossom.

War sees everyone doing their bit. One sister is training to become a nurse. The other joins the S.O.E. and is posted to France, wanting to do her bit to liberate her mother country.

Life leaves scars. War leaves scars. “I have scars too. The only difference between us is that you can’t see mine.” Scars need love as a balm. When love blossoms, scars fade.

Continue reading →

The House Of Second Chances by Lauren Westwood

Feb24

Coming Home

The House Of Second Chances by Lauren Westwood is a compelling contemporary novel that consumed me from the start.

The action is set is in present day and also dipping into 1952 via notes and letters. Everything comes alive due to the comprehensive descriptions from the author.

An old house, crumbling and decrepit takes centre stage. It needs someone to lovingly restore it, and not a local developer to tear it down. Can anyone rescue it from the developer’s clutches?

Within the walls lie secrets. The past echoes all around. Hearts that have hardened need awakening to new possibilities.

All the characters were well drawn and believable. A young estate agent’s passion for literature and the stories of old houses, was enthusiastic and infectious.

Continue reading →