Libby Page has done it again and written a warming book that lifts the spirits, whilst the wintry weather in the real world rumbles on. It may just be her best yet at penetrating the heart and soul. Check out my review and the blurb below, thanks to Penguin for the e-book and opportunity…
Review
This Book Made Me Think of You shows human complexities in relationships and navigating life. It pulls on the heartstrings.
Tilly Nightengale’s birthday has arrived. Imagine receiving 12 handpicked books from your fiance as a gift. Sounds amazing for book lovers right? Except her fiance has sadly died. The carefully chosen books are a gesture to help her through her grief and move onwards with her life. She sets out to begin a vlog in her adventurous journey, she ends up sharing her journey with not just family and friends, but Alfie, a bookshop owner and other followers.
In time, Libby Page takes readers from feeling raw and heart-wrenched from where we initially meet Tilly to warmth and humanity. Tilly is someone you can really get behind and want life and love to co-exist for her again.
The power of books truly lives within and out-with the page, something that is realised and understood within this book. It’s something that seems important for readers and non-readers to truly see and experience as they travel through the complexities of life, loss and love.
Blurb
The unforgettable new novel from Sunday Times bestseller Libby Page
Twelve stories. Twelve months. Once chance to heal her heart . . .
When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there’s a birthday gift from her fiancé waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn’t come as more of a shock. Partly because she can’t remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. Mainly because Joe died five months ago . . .
The gift is simple – twelve carefully-chosen books from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him. Tilly sets out on a series of reading-inspired adventures that take her around the world. But as she begins to vlog her journey, her story becomes more than her own. With help from Alfie, the bookshop owner, her budding new following and her friends and family, can Tilly’s year of books show her how to love again?
From the author of The Jack Parlabane series, which started with Quite Ugly One Morning and continued onto books like Country of the Blind, Want You Gone, Boiling A Frog and more… comes a welcome return in this series with, Quite Ugly One Evening featuring a locked room mystery. Thanks to Little Brown Book Group for a copy to review.
Blurb
An Atlantic voyage. A family at war. A secret worth killing over.
Reporter Jack Parlabane thrives on chasing stories in unlikely places, and where could be less likely than a fan convention on a cruise liner celebrating a contentious Sixties TV series? But unlike the media family exploiting their show’s renewed relevance, he’s not there to stoke controversy: he’s there to solve a murder.
Already in deep water with his employer, Jack desperately needs a win, and solving this decades-old mystery could be it. Problem is, he’s in the middle of the Atlantic, and someone onboard has already killed once to keep their secret.
And that’s not even the tricky part. No, the tricky part is definitely the dead body locked in a stateroom with him, covered in his blood. Now Jack has to solve two murders, otherwise the only way he’s getting off this ship is in handcuffs – or in a body bag.
Quite Ugly One Evening is a zeitgesty locked-room mystery that sees the return of rogue journalist Jack Parlabane thirty years after his first appearance in Quite Ugly One Morning.
Review
Quite Ugly One Evening sees the return of Jack Parlabane. He’s a journalist who solves crimes and in this book, readers will find him on a giant ocean liner with a gathering storm in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a bit spy like as MI5 are involved in the reason he’s on the cruise ship. The locked room vibe works rather well.
It gets off to a brilliant start about a trap. In a sense, it’s quite playful. From there, it gets a bit darker but all just compels and heightens the desire to read more. There is also the astutely observed and crafted, Chloe Morgan who has had her 15 minutes of fame on a reality tv series. She’s an interesting character who isn’t quite saying what you may expect for a Gen Z person and she’s a grifter in what is a twisty, compelling plot with some excellent one-liners. The depth of writing is of high quality, especially with the development of the characters, which in some respects is quite thought-provoking. There is nothing black and white about their story arcs, which also creates curiosity about where and how things will end up for them.
Quite Ugly One Evening is a terrific addition to the series that keeps you hooked from the beginning to the end.
A heart-warming friendship story that’s a book with a hug. Thanks to Jane Lambert for sharing her book with me. Below is my review and then the blurb.
Review
Sitting with a cup of tea, whilst I write this review, there’s literal warmth from that and warmth from the book. Food and the power of friendship are the main themes in Jane Lambert’s latest book, all set with a gorgeous backdrop, that makes you wish you were there too. Lucy captures the heart instantly as she is a determined, and some might say, brave woman, and going on honeymoon, even though she was jilted by her sweetheart at the altar. She’s a woman after my own heart there. I am fairly certain I would do the same, just go anyway.
Elena is fighting to save her husband’s mozzarella business and a language school. It’s a current theme in that so many people in businesses people assume will be around forever are working harder than ever to survive.
There are chance meetings between our two main characters and what happens is just the warmest of friendships with chat and laughter through the pain. They are there for each other and listen well. What comes next is another chance to grasp at life and give it a good shake and create something amazing and new. A Scottish Teashop right in scenic Napoli. It doesn’t sound so outlandish the way its presented.
A Scottish Teashop in Napoli will certainly help shake off the winter blues in its wrap-around immersive writing quality that truly touches the heart.
Blurb
When Lucy’s childhood sweetheart leaves her at the altar, her world shatters. But instead of cancelling her honeymoon, she boards the plane alone―bound for a sun-soaked island that will change everything.
In Naples, recently widowed Elena is fighting to keep her husband’s family mozzarella factory and language school afloat while raising her young son. Desperate to save both businesses, she posts a job advert―and fate delivers Lucy to her doorstep.
Together, these two women―each nursing heartbreak and loss―discover that friendship, food, and a dash of courage can heal even the deepest wounds.
Filled with pasta, laughter, and second chances, this is a story of resilience, renewal, and the unexpected magic of connection.
‘Real heart, sunshine and a smattering of Italian, the story is a holiday in book form’ People’s Friend
‘Totally hooked. Loving it. Pictorial, warm and evocative. Really entrancing and beautifully written’. Rula Lenska
Life Begins at the Cornish Cottage with this first love, revisited book with a gorgeous scenic look at Cornwall. It is also special in that some of you may recognise the location of Standpiper Shore from previous books, but this particular story is Stand-Alone. It’s a beauty for this Christmas. See the blurb and my full review below Thanks to Compulsive Readers, Random T. Tours, Rachel’s Random Resources, Zooloo Book Tours, I am on what is an exceptional digital blog tour, which all those aforementioned top blog tour organisers have teamed up with a host of us reviewers, which I am proud to have a space on. Check out my blurb and review below and then follow the rest of the tour…
Blurb
Set against the sparkling shores of Cornwall☀️, this BRAND NEW heartwarming, uplifting and gorgeously romantic tale of second chances is perfect for fans of Veronica Henry, Trisha Ashley and Cathy Bramley. ✨ When life gives you heartbreak 💔, sometimes it also gives you a second chance… 💕
When Tom Sullivan returns to the quiet village of Sandpiper Shore, Emma can hardly believe her eyes. She hasn’t seen him since they played Romeo and Juliet in their school play – a lifetime ago, before real heartbreak, and long before she ever imagined life as a widow.
The last thing she wants is to relive the past, especially with someone who once made her teenage heart flutter. But when Emma agrees to put on a charity pantomime to raise money for the air ambulance service that helped her late husband, she’s thrown firmly back into Tom’s path.
As rehearsals begin and the local community rallies around her, Emma finds unexpected joy in bringing people together – and a surprising connection with Tom that feels far too real to ignore. Maybe it’s time for Emma to become the leading lady in her own life, not just for the show, but for herself.
Full of warmth, humour and heart, this is a story about letting go and discovering that it’s never too late to take a chance on love.
While this novel is set in the same village as the other books in the Sandpiper Shore series, it can be read as a STANDALONE
Review
On first entering the gorgeous Cornish scenery, it becomes apparent it’s going to be a slow-burn, but in a luxurious reading way. The way that immerses you and really get to know the characters and the place.
Tom Sullivan was Emma’s first love who has returned to Sandpiper Shore. It’s a fascinating angle on the romance story and poses the question of will they still like each other and how will both of these characters react? They haven’t seen each other since school and now they’re both rather grown-up. It makes for a rather interesting plot shape.
Like Iris in the film, The Holiday, Emma decides it’s high time she was the leading lady of her own life and develops some gumption as opportunities are presented and memories of her younger days come flooding back, not all are those she wanted to come to the forefront of her mind…
The opportunity she grasps, however is to put on a Pantomime with her friends to raise money for charity, specifically, the Air Ambulance. This is when Tom enters the scene, but what will she do with the feelings she still seems to hold for him, even though he broke her heart many years ago?
Life Begins at the Cornish Cottage has all the warmth of a cosy fleece, heart that lightens whatever is going on around in real life, just for a moment, beautiful scenery to fall for and a joyous community you want to be part of.
Life Begins at the Cornish Cottage is one for cosying up on a dark Christmas night with hot chocolate or any other warming beverage, or doing an act of kindness and gifting it to someone.
Christmas is coming and the books are hotting up! The Christmas Countdown is On! It’s time to retreat from the cold weather and dark nights and get cosy with Trisha Ashley’s new Christmas book. Check out my review and the blurb below, thanks to Random T. Tours and Bantam for the book in-exchange of an honest review.
Blurb
Ginny Spain usually loves Christmas: wrapping up warm by a cosy fire, putting twinkling lights on the tree… But after breaking up with her ex, her festive spirit has deserted her. This year, she plans to hide away and spend the holiday alone.
Her formidable mother, Evie, has other ideas. Dragging Ginny out of isolation, Evie takes her to an artist and writers retreat at Triskelion, a remote old house in the tiny coastal village of Little Star, determined to uncover the secrets of an ancestor who once lived there.
Triskelion is now home to rugged Rhys Tarn and his ten-year-old daughter – and Ginny is in for a shock when she discovers Rhys and her share an unexpected connection.
Review
For those who have broken up with someone not before Christmas and for good reason, this one may be relatable. Ginny Spain just isn’t feeling the sparkle of Christmas like she normally does and has a desire to hide away. Instantly there’s a desire to feel compassion for her. Evie, her determined mother who you wouldn’t say no to, is in a sense her saviour and gets her to go to a writers and artists retreat. It’s still isolated, but Ginny isn’t in complete isolation as she imagined her holiday to be. She’s plunged into a community of people who just may become new friends.
There’s much to uncover, including some histories and secrets which makes the book compelling in a beautiful setting.
Triskelion is a heart-warming place with various traditions to get involved with that are beautifully written that brings the spark of Christmas energy.
The Christmas Retreat is a lovely book that makes being invested in the characters effortless and brings a bit of Christmas sparkle alongside their complex lives.
Firstly, author, Andrew Raymond was the author for Crime In the Spotlight reading a section from one of his new books from the DCI Lomond series. He sounds an author worth checking out. I have a book to review and he informed me there’s another on the way… Now, onto the main event…
Sitting and watching a conversation between Richard Armitage and Denise Mina is fascinating. It just flows and instantly captivates. They know how to hook you, not only into their books, but a little into their worlds. They make you think, some of the talk was highly relatable, some of that, for me, on sad notes, but still… That’s the beauty and skill of their conversation, whether they were talking about easy topics or more difficult, heart-rendering ones, they made you feel it, they made you understand a time, a place, a person. They’re highly talented and together are a powerhouse, ultimately, giving a powerful, moving talk about their books and also incredible insights through their experiences…
Richard Armitage, known for screen and on the page. He’s known for Spooks, The Hobbit Trilogy and Obsession, topped the bestseller chart with his sensational debut thriller Geneva and his new cold case novel is The Cut.
Denise Mina has collected a shelf load of awards in a glittering career, including the McIlvanney Prize, CWA Daggers, and two Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year awards. Her new novel is The Good Liar. She studied forensic science for cross examining in the lawyers world. It was insightful how she talked about some forms of evidence now not being considered reliable, such as bite marks and blood splatters and such things used pre-DNA. She also pondered why so many people in prisons are of the working class. More about her book later…
After being very impressed by the story-telling of Geneva, liking it more than I expected, I remembered Richard Armitage mentioning The Cut last year. It’s now published and is an excellent book. His talk about The Cut is heart-rendering and sincere. If you were bullied in the 90’s you’ll really feel the emotion of what was an incredibly powerful and moving talk. The Cut takes place between 1993 and present day and sounds pacey and atmospherically intense as he delves into the corrosive nature of bullying and sounds like there are many twists and turns along the way…
Richard Armitage talked about how he is interested in the person you’d say was the villain of the piece, what caused the effect. Perhaps, refreshingly and original, he said he would like people to be divided by that particular character in the book.
Denise Mina’s novel, The Good Liar, is about a Glaswegian in London, as well as examining this, also looks at the effects of a chaotic family structure and climbing the social ladder to find safety, but is that all a pretence? Is it really a safer place in life to be?
There was interesting chat about how Scots in London downplay their Scottishness, in a way that then no one can quite place you. I found this recognisable when in London, but then again, I don’t have the accent of my home town either, even when coming from there, so it can be fun playing “guess where I come from,” or, I’ve just thought, could be used more mysteriously and not just for a bit of entertainment.
Both books involve young people and flawed characters, but the authors also, interestingly discussed families in present day with chaotic lives and how children are desperate to get those “Likes” on social media platforms. Then, how some parents also like to live vicariously through their children instead of leading their own lives… It was a thought-provoking discussion they had.
Whilst talking about audiobooks, Audible in-particular and then going to book format, Richard Armitage talked about the musicality of writing for audio format and stripping back to present scenes and more, which, like accent descriptions etc are added in the printed book. He disclosed how he had to present a manuscript to Audible before they signed everything off. It shows, even with a celebrity status, it wasn’t an instant yes, nor was it just for the sake of it.
Denise Mina has done an audio piece as well that had to be read in a P.G. Wodehouse like rhythm. Having just seen the fabulous Wodehouse In Wonderland play starring Robert Daws, I knew exactly what she was talking about. I had to smile at this unexpected linkage.
This fascinating talk concluded with the excitement that Geneva and The Cut are optioned for TV. It’s one of many stages which may or may not go ahead, but it’s a start and something for you to perhaps remember he felt confident enough to mention it at Bloody Scotland.
There will be more books to come from both authors…
Bookmarks and Stages by Lou 