Tag Archive | Net Galley

My Great Aunt’s Diary by Laura Sweeney

Aug8

Choose Love

My Great Aunt’s Diary by Laura Sweeney is a marvellous dual timeline novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the second book in the Dovecote Cottages series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The action is set in 1943 and 2016. We ‘hear’ about the action in real time and also via an old diary. The diary is about forbidden love. It ends abruptly, causing the Great Aunt’s niece to search for the end of the story. The search takes her across the sea to Ireland and then back again to Dovecote.

The novel opens in Brighton in 1943 and London in 2016. Both time periods see the characters ending up in Dovecote, unexpectedly. 1943 sees a family bombed out of their Brighton house. In 2016 a cottage is left to a character in a will.

There is loss within the novel. “Grief never really leaves you; you just get better at living with it.” The journey of grief is not linear. There are both good and bad days, one just has to cope the best one can.

In 1943 we see characters having to hide their true selves as social norms of the day mean that certain relationships cannot come to light. “I wanted her [Mum] not to pity me or see me as something broken, or deviant. But I didn’t know how she’d react if I told her.” It is heartbreaking to read, especially as the reader learns, along with the character, that her Mum loves her unconditionally.

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The Last Laugh Club by Kate Galley

Aug2

A Final Request

The Last Laugh Club by Kate Galley is a charming contemporary novel that I loved and read in just one sitting.

The leading characters are all over seventy and prove that you are never too old to have a new adventure or experience, or to learn new skills.

Three former work colleagues find themselves heading to Shetland to fulfil the final wish of their former boss and friend, as they scatter his ashes in a place he always wanted to visit. An old photograph gives clues as to why.

As the three journey together, old feeling emerge. They all have feelings of guilt from one dreadful day years ago, and have avoided each other ever since. Close proximity forces them to confront what needs to be laid to rest.

Shetland is a wild and rugged landscape, more so in winter. The landscape comes alive under the author’s descriptive pen.

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Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley

Aug1

Totally Gripping

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley is a compelling, contemporary Christian crime suspense which I loved. It is the third book in the Pearl River series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for character familiarity and progression.

Once more the reader returns to Pearl River to watch the pursuit of justice. There is a different pair of main characters to focus on.

As the title suggests, there are those seeking revenge, many years after the original event.

We see the damage done to a community by unscrupulous politicians many years before. Someone wants them to pay – but who?

The leading lady is a police officer who has recently suffered from PTSD. This leaves her questioning her judgement as others mess with her mind. She is far wiser than she believes.

Old colleagues are reunited due to their jobs. The spark that was there before is just waiting to be re-ignited – if only they will take a chance.

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Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley

Aug1

Exciting

Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley is a fabulous Christian contemporary crime novel that entertained me from the start. It is the second book in the Pearl River series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for maximum enjoyment.

I thoroughly enjoyed my return visit to Pearl River and meeting up with familiar faces. Fatal Witness had a different main character who interacted with those whom we had met in book one.

We see the love and care that surrounds the characters. The police department functions as part of the Pearl River family. The officers are relentless in their pursuit of justice.

A cold case is the main focus – just who did kill Dani’s parents twenty-five years ago? And why is the killer back and active again?

As a nine-year-old, Dani saw her parents’ killer but it has been locked away in her mind. The intervening years have seen her with a new home and a name change. A chance photo in a magazine sees the grown-up Dani recognised by her maternal grandmother.

We see the importance of trusting God who can give us a peace despite our external circumstances. “How do you get that peace?” Peace comes by knowing God; trusting God; and leaning on God.

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