Worst Idea Ever by Jane Fallon / Blog Tour

Worst. Idea. Ever by Jane Fallon

 

 

Publisher: Penguin, Michael Joseph

Publishing Date: 29^th April 2021

Source:  Received from the publisher, thank you!

Number of pages: 400

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Women’s Fiction

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Best friends tell each other everything.

Or do they?

Georgia and Lydia are so close, they’re practically sisters.

So when Lydia starts an online business that struggles, Georgia wants to help her – but she also understands Lydia’s not the kind to accept a handout.

Setting up a fake Twitter account, Georgia hopes to give her friend some anonymous moral support by posing as a potential customer.

But then Lydia starts confiding in her new internet buddy and Georgia discovers she doesn’t know her quite as well as she thought.

Georgia knows she should reveal the truth – especially when Lydia starts talking about her – but she just can’t help herself.

Until Lydia reveals a secret that could not only end their friendship, but also blow up Georgia’s marriage.

Georgia’s in too deep.

But what can she save?

Her marriage, her friendship – or just herself?

Rating:

 

Georgia Shepherd is a successful author of children’s picture books that feature Wilbur, the shopping – obsessed wallaby. Her best friend Lydia Somers, who is also an illustrator, is working in publishing, yes, but as the one who commissions the authors, not being commissioned herself. So Georgia, with the best of intentions, decides to set up a fake social media account to boost Lydia’s confidence – Lydia’s illustrations are brilliant but no one seems to be interested in them. So the invented Patricia starts to like everything Lydia’s has posted on her Twitter. What Georgia didn’t expect is Lydia so quickly starting to confide in her new friend Patricia. What’s worse, she starts to imply things about Georgia and her family – things that are going to turn Georgia’s life upside down.

Having read many Fallon’s books before, I kind of knew what to expect from this novel and I’ve been all the time waiting for the story to change the perspective and tell us the tale from Lydia’s point of view. I also relatively quickly guessed what is happening but it didn’t spoil the reading for me, oh no, in typical Jane Fallon’s way she writes a story that will make your blood boil, with lots of intrigue and suspicion. Even though this time I was not wondering who is lying, I was wondering how far the characters will go to achieve what they want – and there were many secrets, lies and tons of untangling and unpeeling and well, yes, there were many moments that made me feel unsecure about how the story is going to end and I was thinking, „no way“. Brilliant!

The characters were so well developed and portrayed and actually, now, when I think about this, even if my sympathy was for specific characters, no one in this story was completely innocent, don’t you think? Though I also know where Georgia was coming from when she wanted to help Lydia, and personally I wouldn’t take it as personally as Lydia. I think. Because Georgia genuinely wanted to support her friend. I loved her, she was so laid – back, that is, until the moment when the claws come out, and I loved to see this lioness – side of her. She was not the person to simply sit back and watch, even though I think there were moments that she felt tired and wanted to give up, well, who wouldn’t, right. Lydia… Well, there was something in Lydia, from the very beginning, that didn’t sit well with me, as if she was holding something back, as if she was not completely honest – but those are only my feelings. There came a moment that I started to fear about her mental health, to be honest, because instagramming the hell out of her life is one thing, but the way she was behaving made me really wonder. Nevertheless, I liked how the author didn’t actually judge her characters, showing that things are not only black and white, that there is grey somewhere in between, making us think.
But not only the main characters were so great, also the background ones, like Anne Marie and Harry, Lydia and Nick’s children or even Nick’t best friend who actually – I think – has never entered a scene but was still there – they were all living and breathing characters. And let’s not forget Igor! I was as invested in their subplots as I was in the main ones.

Jane Fallon is a brilliant observer and writes in a sharp and sarcastic way – my favourite kind! The writing flies smoothly and is filled with funny and more serious moments. It was thought out well and it took us on a roller – coaster journey full of mixed feelings and emotions.
This book is another winner from Jane Fallon, filled with close friendship, betrayal, intrigue and suspicion but this all written in a light, chatty way – this all makes this book so readable and not so easy to put down, you simply want to read and read to see what’s going to happen.
I found the beginning to be a little slow, to be honest, but the more you read the more involved you become in the story and the intrigue and then, later on, with this typical Jane Fallon’s skilfulness, she starts to deliver twist after twist and different points of view. Those are things that can really happen in real life, which only made the story this little bit more thrilling and exciting and captivating. You simply can’t miss this great story about trust and honesty and who’s having your back! „Worst. Idea. Ever“ has lived up to my expectations and the author delivered a sharp, genuine and brilliantly funny story. Highly recommended!

 

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The Source by Sarah Sultoon / Blog Tour + Extract

 

Publisher: Orenda Books

Publishing Date: 15^th February 2021

Source:  Received from the publisher, thank you!

Number of pages: 263

Genre: Mystery & Thrillers

 

Synopsis:

A young TV journalist is forced to revisit her harrowing past when she’s thrust into a sex-trafficking investigation in her hometown. A startling, searing debut thriller by award-winning CNN journalist Sarah Sultoon.

1996. Essex. Thirteen-year-old schoolgirl Carly lives in a disenfranchised town dominated by a military base, struggling to care for her baby sister while her mum sleeps off another binge. When her squaddie brother brings food and treats, and offers an exclusive invitation to army parties, things start to look a little less bleak…

2006. London. Junior TV newsroom journalist Marie has spent six months exposing a gang of sex traffickers, but everything is derailed when New Scotland Yard announces the re-opening of Operation Andromeda, the notorious investigation into allegations of sex abuse at an army base a decade earlier…

As the lives of these two characters intertwine around a single, defining event, a series of utterly chilling experiences is revealed, sparking a nail-biting race to find the truth … and justice.

A riveting, searing and devastatingly dark thriller, The Source is also a story about survival, about hopes and dreams, about power, abuse and resilience … an immense, tense and thought-provoking debut that you will never, ever forget.

Extract

Where are these beans, Ma?’ I spy an open packet of nappies by Kayleigh’s cot. Thank God it’s not a rinse-and-repeat day. She’d be like a lump of plasticine if she was fed right, round marble eyes staring as I change her. The telly’s bright colours take over the entertaining as I suddenly remember my own shirt is still full of wee.

‘You know you can’t leave her in her cot all day,’ I snap, unbuttoning my shirt as Ma starts to sob softly on the sofa. ‘Just sit outside on the step if you can’t actually go anywhere. You can even crawl with her if you have to…’

I turn my back on her hacking and coughing as I take the two steps into the kitchen in my bra. Three cans of beans are lined up all new and shiny on the otherwise filthy counter.

‘Where did these come from?’

I peer round the doorframe as Ma blows her nose into her Tshirt.

‘Your brother came by,’ she says, pleating the rim of her shirt between her fingers. ‘He might even be back tonight, he said.’ She looks up at me, blinking like she’s the child. ‘He … he left a few things…’ She gestures into the kitchen.

I yank open the fridge door to find unopened packets of cheese and ham gleaming on the shelf. A bag of apples, a loaf of bread, even yoghurts, all stupid smiley-face labels. Yoghurts! I glare at Ma as I crouch down next to Kayleigh, spooning as fast as she can swallow. If the telly weren’t on I think she’d try and drink the stuff, she’s so hungry. And as usual I find her battered baby cup under a pile of filth in her cot and need to rinse it over a similarly filthy pile of dishes in the sink. I stare through the porthole window at the blank wall of the block opposite as water splashes over my hands. All these army houses look exactly the same from theoutside, lined up next to each other like they’re the soldiers. But if anyone came inside this one by mistake they’d think they’d shown up on an enemy base.

I bang the cup against the counter before taking it out to Kayleigh, furious with Ma still heaped on the sofa, wrinkled and slumped like the pile of dirty washing that doesn’t even hide the holes in the carpet. She looks so close to dead that I don’t know how she can still be alive. If I stop and think about it, I reckon it started even before Kayleigh was born. She just stopped being capable, I guess. Too many scroungers will do that to you. The army thinks that paying out a dead soldier’s pension is the least it can do. In the name of God and Country, all that shit. Actually that free money just loops a bullseye around some already pathetic widow’s neck.

Cold air suddenly blasts back into the room as a key rattles in the lock and the door swings open. Too late, I remember I’m still basically naked from the waist up. I snatch up Kayleigh and cuddle her across my chest as I shiver in the shadow of my brother in the doorframe.

‘A welcoming committee, I see,’ Jason says. ‘Is that your best underwear?’

The room darkens as he closes the door, uniform creaking as he steps towards me. All shiny boots and starchy collar, this dump makes him look like he’s wearing a costume, especially since he’s got a laundry bag folded under his arm, of all things. I step back and stumble as he reaches out to pet Kayleigh, paddling my arm with his fingers as he grabs my shoulder.

‘Have you gone sick in the head now, too?’ I shrug into his hand. ‘Like you should even be looking. Freak.’

He plucks Kayleigh out of my arms, smirking as I duck and ferret around on the floor for something to cover myself.

‘So you get your kicks these days from hawking cheese and ham to your own family? What happened? Did the army kick you out? Not good enough for active duty?’ I gabble defensively as I pull on a T-shirt.

‘There’s no need for all that, is there, sis? If I was in the field, who’d sort you lot out?’ He croons down at Kayleigh, tickling her chin. ‘We can’t help having a swot for a sister, can we?’

My cheeks burn.

‘And you think you’re not? Don’t give me that crap about living to serve … Folding clothes right, dressing right, even shaving right, like that’s different from learning in school? Just because it’s not in a classroom doesn’t make you any less of a nerd…’

Kayleigh coos as he laughs. ‘Fighting talk, Carls. It’s times tables that make you really intelligent, is it?’

Something explodes inside me as Ma titters on the sofa. I’m suddenly so angry I can barely see, let alone breathe through the fog in this tiny room. Once, it smelled of wet, clean washing — didn’t matter there wasn’t room to move when it was all hung up, because it turned the place into the inside of a flower, I could even play between its petals. Sometimes it smelled of cooking – I could breathe in a full tummy’s-worth before I got to eat it too. If I dig around enough I can even remember the smell of felt tips. Now it just stinks of regret and despair.

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Look What You Made Me Do by Nikki Smith

 

Publisher: Orion

Publishing Date: 1st April 2021

Source:  Received from the publisher, thank you!

Number of pages: 336

Genre: Mystery & Thrillers

 

Synopsis:

Two people can keep a secret . . . if one of them is dead.

Sisters Jo and Caroline are used to hiding things from each other. They’ve never been close – taking it in turns to feel on the outside of their family unit, playing an endless game of favourites.

Jo envies Caroline’s life – things have always come so easy to her. Then a family inheritance falls entirely to Jo, and suddenly now Caroline wants what Jo has. Needs it, even.

But just how far will she go to get it?

Rating:

Jo and Caroline are sisters who have never got on well. Even now, after their father’s death, the relationship is, let’s say, strained. It doesn’t help that their mother always favoured Caroline and also that Jo has just inherited the hugest part of the family buisness and has plans different to those of her mother and sister’s – it only makes the rift between them even bigger. Trying to hide their own secrets and problems, they think the other one leads the „better life“ but in fact they have no idea what’s happening behind the closed doors.

I haven’t read the author’s previous book before so I wasn’t sure what I’m getting into – but as I heard great things about her and her writing I couldn’t wait to start reading „Look What You Made Me Do“. The first thing that I observed was the fact that Nikki Smith is the champion of pulling you into the characters’s heads and feeling their emotions – they were intense, they were raw, they were real. On more than one occassion I couldn’t believe what I’m seeing, what’s actually happening, going „oh no, not this, not now“.

At the very beginning, right in the first chapter, I thought I’ve made my mind about Caroline. And then, guys, you won’t believe how fast I’ve changed my opinion! I think it has never happened to me before.
It’s a very character – driven book and the characters were strong enough to carry the story. But, as it usually happens, with two characters there are two different points of view, and it was fascinating to see how different their views and interpretations of the same situations were. I can’t say they were very likeable, but never judge a book by its cover as they say – there is much more to each of them than we could think at first. The fact that the chapters were told alternatingly only made the difference between them bigger and the author has truly well unpeeled all the layers of each family member, making it a very addictive read.
The story centres around Jo and Caroline and their respective families. It’s not a loving relationship, to be honest, with more than a bit of jealousy and rivalry. As much as the sisters want to keep up appearances, the more we read, the more cracks start to appear and in the end I truly didn’t know which sister deserved more sympathy. As they are both very open in their narrations, we truly get to know them and their deepest thoughts (or we can think so, I think the author has brilliantly pulled wool over my eyes as the end took me rather by surprise) and so we are very privy to the emotions and feelings – all kinds of them, as there is a great range of – mostly – negative emotions, such as jealousy, trust issues, mental and physical abuse.

A huge part of the story is about the jealousy and rivalry between the sister. While it wasn’t nice to look at, I guess it happens, and I think the author has captured the rivalry, jealousy and misunderstandings between them really well. Although I was actually left with a feeling that yes, it’s true, the sisters’ mother was really favouring Caroline, even though she tried to deny this fact, telling Jo it wasn’t like this and that her father wasn’t the man Jo though he was. I haven’t, unfortunately, found something that would confirm it in the book, so am not sure what to think about it. In Jo’s eyes he was a great man, in her mother’s he was not, and he didn’t have a chance to tell us his own version. The whole family bonds and relationship in this book were emotionally strained and difficult but still I think it was really well written.

It was a multi – layered story that has some weaker points in my opinions, I could for example skip the subplot of Jo’s husband. Also, adding the mystery third voice didn’t work for me, it confused me too much as I was puzzling and guessing who could that be. It took the whole book to see who it was and as much as it was heart – breaking, it simply made me feel too confused throughout the whole story, as it didn’t fit any of the subplots and it took the whole book to finally tell who it was and why.

This book was truly annoying – annoying, because you’ve never known what’s going to happen and the feeling of tension was present all the time, from the very beginning to the very end, the book was actually filled with it and I kept reading with my heart in my mouth. So annoying, but in a very positive sense. I loved the fact that actually till the very end you are not able to guess what’s going to come and the end has took me so by surprise but also I wanted to actually cheer and give those characters and the author a standing ovation for pulling it like this. It was emotionally charged and at time dark read touching upon some really heavy issues that, when reading, made me feel truly uncomfortable – for the characters. The mental abuse described in this story is taken to a very high level, it’s repugnant and also brutally realistic. It was addictive story about secrets that pulled a whole family apart, a dark family drama, haunting and emotionally charged. It feels realistic and close to life, unfortunately, it’s clever and complex. Recommended!

A Postcard from Paris by Alex Brown / Blog Tour

A Postcard from Paris by Alex Brown

 

 

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publishing Date: 15^th April 2021

Series: Postcard series #2

Source:  Received from the publisher via NetGalley, thank you!

Number of pages: 416

Genre: General Fiction (Adult),  Women’s Fiction

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Annie Lovell is keen to put the spark back into her life and when her elderly neighbour inherits an abandoned Parisian apartment she goes to Paris to discover more. Her curiosity takes an unexpected turn on discovering a bundle of secret diaries hidden within the walls, detailing the life of a young English woman, Beatrice Crawford, who volunteered in 1916 to nurse the soldiers in the fields of France.

Captivated by the romantic City of Light, Annie realises first appearances are not always as they seem. Following Beatrice’s journey from the Great War, through the Roaring Twenties and to a very different life in Nazi-occupied Paris, Annie must piece together the events from the past, if she is to fulfil the legacy that Beatrice left for her to find…






Rating:

 

„Postcard from Paris“ introduces us to Annie, forty – something single mother of two already grown – up children. She’s actually happy with her life, but then her best friend, following an exciting career opportunity, moves to the other half of the world and the children have their own lives and Annie starts to feel alone. But then her elderly neighbour finds herself inheriting unexpectedly and surprisingly an apartment in Paris and as she herself is not able to travel, she asks Annie to go there and have a look. Annie jumps at the chance – she’s been always dreaming about travelling and Paris is the best start, right? What she doesn’t know is that she’s going to find something in the flat, something that will connect the previous owner Beatrice to her neighbour Joanie.

I really like to go back and forth between past and present in books, but sadly, not all of the authors can write this way. Alex Brown can. This dual time aspect gives you a real sense of this story and she has brilliantly captured the modern times and the past and it has never felt like reading two separate storylines. The story of Beatrice was engaging and realistic, heart – breakingly poignant, and her diaries, describing her life through the Roaring Twenties and Second World War, were absolutely brilliant, giving a great insight into the woman’t life that was full of pain, tears and happiness. The diary entries were a part of a mystery, an element that I truly loved, with Annie trying to piece together the events from the past. Alex Brown has really masterfully plotted it and I sat comfortably, enjoying how she decided to unfold it, to peel the layers off. It was full of sad and poignant moments and the author truly knows how to write them so that they tug at our heart – strings.

The characters, as usual in Alex’s books, are so well fleshed out, full of emotions and feelings, it simply looks as if she gets into her characters’ heads, and they’re written in such a way that we can easily relate to them, understand them and their motives.

What didn’t sit so well with me, right from the beginning, was the subplot of Phoebe, Annie’s daughter. I’m sorry, but it was a no from me and I couldn’t agree with her being so controlling, trying to force Annie to do things that she didn’t want to do or was not ready for yet. The way she was and was trying to achieve her will was annoying and irritating. However, luckily, the more her story was developing, the more sense the things started to make and in the end you can really see the whole picture and appreciate this subplot as well.

Alex Brown’s writing style is beautiful. Yes, it is very descriptive but those descriptions are simply gorgeous and very vivid. Bringing the characters and their worlds to life. She writes sensitively and almost lyrical but there is also wit and humour in her dialogues. The descriptions of Paris were stunning, and yes, I admit, I was a little scared that it’s going to be another story that reads like a travel – guide but it was not the case, it was rather like being whisked away and seeing the city afresh and new through Annie’s eyes.

I loved the brief mentions of Tindledale. The story actually started there, in 1916, with 18 – year – old Beatrice Crawford, following the suffragettes who were then campaigning for women’s rights and longing to take more active role in the war. Of course, despite her family’s wishes, she finds herself working in a field hospital and I found it a brilliant beginning to this beautiful and surprising story.

The story flows smoothly, changing points of view and locations but thanks to the lovely writing and clear writing style it’s easy to keep track. It’s multi – layered and it was a real joy to be able to unpeel one layer after another, following the enthralling and colourful subplots. I personally think that Beatrice’s story was this much more exciting and interesting, although please don’t get me wrong, Annie’s story was also brilliant, I loved seeing her developing and becoming stronger and self – confident. Nevertheless, it was the past that stole the show for me and I’d love to hear more about it than the present, to be honest – but I still loved it, no worries!

It was a real page turner and it was not easy to put the book away, so be prepared that you may want to read in one sitting – it was so compelling and interesting. I loved the element of uncertainty, of not being sure what’s going to happen and what has happened in the past – the author has done it brilliantly. „Postcard from Paris“ is another winner from Alex Brown. Gentle, vivid and with a great plot, it will keep you company for a few brilliant hours. Highly recommended!

 

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The Wife Who Got a Life by Tracy Bloom

 

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publishing Date: 29^th April 2021

Source:  Received from the publisher, thank you!

Number of pages: 384

Genre: General Fiction (Adult),  Women’s Fiction

 

Synopsis:

Cathy Collins is a mum on a mission – to change her life.
 
When her husband drops a midlife-crisis bombshell,
Cathy decides it’s time to take control.
 
No more laundry, teenage tantrums or housework.
After years of putting herself last, she’s going to be first for a change.
 
Cathy Collins is carving a new path, and nothing is going to get in her way…
 
From No.1 bestselling author Tracy Bloom, The Wife Who Got a Life
perfectly captures the joyous chaos of family life.

Rating:

Cathy receives a motivational diary for Christmas from her sister, who lives healthy and glamourus in California, while Cathy herself may have menopause, but maybe not, has a husband who may just be having his middle – age crisis, wanting to leave his super and well – paid job to start training to be a teacher, her seventeen – year – old son Freddie may, or may not, apply to university, and her 15 – year – old daughten Kirsty may (or may not) be about to have her heart broken for the first time. Motivational diary, I beg you pardon! But seeing as everybody is doing something for themselves, Cathy starts to think and eventually sets her own motivational goals – a little bit different to what her sister would have expected (run a marathon? No, thank you), but those are her goals that she’d like to achieve every month.

Having read all of Tracy Bloom’s books I knew that I’m in for a treat and – surprise, surprise! – it turned out that it’s probably Tracy’s best book yet! Really, guys. This book has it all, starting with a brilliant heroine. I love characters that are over 40 and have realistic approach to life, and so is Cathy. She’s a brilliant, fantastic mum, patient wife and sister, great friend, and she knows when to give a hug or two. There was so much warmth and humour in her and I truly laughed with her or hurt with her. I loved seeing her confidence grow even more and she was so real and close to life, what with her own life being so normal, filled with everyday scenarios that we know so well. Her husband Mike, oh my, there were moments that I wanted to bang his head on the wall, especially at his non – existing listening skills, but in the end he came through. The children were portrayed brilliantly, especially Freddie, who was so funny, but Kirsty as well, with her love life and make – up skills. Cathy’s friends from the book club were absolutely brilliant, we all need such a bunch of friends in our lives, supporting, making you laugh, but also knowing when it’s time to stay serious and simply cry with you. The gang at The Mustarc Factory was like a breath of fresh air with the Beer Mixer and being in awe with Cathy and her T – shirt.

The pace is just right and the writing style is brilliant, so approachable and chatty and light and full of warmth. The author writes about things that we so well know from our lives, making us look at them from another perspective, which is absolutely great. I could so sympathise with Lizzy, living so far away from her family and on the surface having a perfect life but also missing them so much, wanting to see her parents and help to clean their toilets more often but not being able – it’s the same with me, living far away from my parents, seeing them only from time to time, and realising that we all are getting older doesn’t make it any easier.

The story is told in a diary form, as Cathy eventually tries to complete her goals for one year, and it worked brilliantly with this story. Every now and again it is diversified through WhatsApp conversations between the three sisters, so real and realistic that you can’t help but roll your eyes at them, thinking about your own exchange of messages with your siblings or parents. The entries are short(ish) and sharp, which makes the reading easier but also longer, as you always think, this one page more, and then it’s already dark outside and your bed time has been and gone but you keep reading.

The book made me laugh, nod with understanding and also stop for a moment and think about what is really important in life. Nevertheless, altogether, it’s optimistic and life – affirming and light – hearted, sometimes making you choke down a tear or two. It is a honest read with a human touch to it, it feels authentic and the author writes how it really is, but making it this bit funnier. It is this kind of a story that will resonate with you on many levels, what with authors covering so many important topics, such as friendship, relationship, cancer, mental health but with humour, understanding and with subtlety. It is a book about friendship, families and accepting yourself, but also showing that you don’t need to lose your own identity for accepting yourself. I loved it from start to finish and I can’t recommend it highly enough! Go and treat yourself!

Good Eggs by Rebecca Hardiman

 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publishing Date: 7^th March 2021

Source:  Received from the publisher via NetGalley, thank you!

Number of pages: 335

Genre: General Fiction (Adult),  Women’s Fiction

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Meet the Gogartys; cantankerous gran Millie (whose eccentricities include a penchant for petty-theft and reckless driving); bitter downtrodden stepson Kevin (erstwhile journalist whose stay-at-home parenting is pushing him to the brink); and habitually moody, disaffected teenage daughter Aideen.

When Gran’s arrested yet again for shoplifting, Aideen’s rebelliousness has reached new heights and Kevin’s still not found work, he realises he needs to take action. With the appointment of a home carer for his mother, his daughter sent away to boarding school to focus on her studies and more time for him to reboot his job-hunt, surely everything will work out just fine. But as the story unfolds – and in the way of all the best families – nothing goes according to plan and as the calm starts to descend into chaos we’re taken on a hilarious multiple-perspective roller-coaster ride that is as relatable as it is far-fetched.

Good Eggs is a heady cocktail of that warmth and wit of Marian Keyes, Caitlin Moran and TV’s Derry Girls.






Rating:

 

Kevin Gogarty’s life used to be normal – you know, family, job, holidays, friends… Until he has lost his job, his 80 – year – old mother Millie has been caught shoplifting once too often and one of his four children, the teenage daughter Aideen, is struggling at school and at home. His wife is all the time at work, being very successful at this what she’s doing and trying to financially support the family. So yes, it’s too much for him and it’s time for some radical changes. Enter Silvia, who is there to keep a close eye on Millie. Aideen is being sent to a boarding school, despite her protest, where she promptly befriends another troublemaker. So, problems solved, right? Kevin has no idea that it’s only the tip of the iceberg and real problems are lurking around the corner…

We have a multigenerational Irish family, with all the ups and downs of multigenerational family, that is. There are understatmenets, secrets, lies and problems swept under the rug or shipping children off to boarding school when they become troubles. In this very character – driven story, they are all well drawn personalities, enough for me to keep reading, even though I found myself skipping some of the passages, especially at the end. Not all of them were likeable, Kevin for example, the way he was with his mother was not the nicest one, his wife was rather absent and those were Millie and Aideen that kept the show going on. Nevertheless, I think there wouldn’t be this book without Kevin, his was the most central role in the whole family, me thinks. He has lost his job not so long time ago and now must adjust to the new circumstances, to be the stay – at – home dad who, almost always alone, has to cope with all the problems, caught up between his children and his trouble – making mother. Millie, with her penchant for shoplifting, dangerous driving and altogether planning to grow old on her own terms, was probably the most colourful character, although the misunderstood Aideen was very close. It was brilliant to see how those two found each other again and teamed up. Other Kevin’s children are Gerard, who’s off in a college, Ciaran, the youngest one, still sweet and innocent, and Aideen’s twin – sister Nuala, Miss Perfect who has annoyed me incredibly. Nevertheless, all of them are actually „good eggs“, they have to face problems that we easily can relate to and this way it is easy to fall for the characters, to get them and their behaviour.

I started reading this book filled with expectation and hope – I love Irish fiction and the crazy but incredibly supporting and funny Irish families that I keep reading about – and I was really hoping for a new Walsh family here. However, the more I read, the more disappointed I was with this book, the story and the characters, I haven’t found enough warmth and wit in them. Sure, nobody promised me this, but even it someone had, I wouldn’t be able to fall in love with „Good Eggs“.

There is a lot happening in this book and some of the things are funny and some are incredibly too far – fetched, and the closer to the end the more crazy and somehow unbelievable it became. Please don’t get me wrong, there was much to enjoy in this dysfunctional Gocarty family, but it was much more a hit and miss with me and while there were moments that I enjoyed, mostly the humour didn’t work for me and it felt a bit too ridiculous. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable and engaging story with a heart, touching upon some important issues and tackling them with humour., so don’t feel put out by me complaining.

The World at My Feet by Catherine Isaac

 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publishing Date: 18^th April 2021

Source:  Received from the publisher, thank you!/ PB copy purchased

Number of pages: 432

Genre: General Fiction (Adult),  Women’s Fiction

 

Synopsis:

The dazzling new novel from Richard & Judy book club author Catherine Isaac, The World at my Feet is a story about the transforming power of love, as one woman journeys to uncover the past and reshape her future.

The secrets that bind us can also tear us apart…

1990. Harriet is a journalist. Her job takes her to dangerous places, where she asks questions and tries to make a difference. But when she is sent to Romania, to the state orphanages the world is only just learning about, she is forced to rethink her most important rule.

2018. Ellie is a gardener. Her garden is her sanctuary, her pride and joy. But, though she spends long days outdoors, she hasn’t set foot beyond her gate for far too long. Now someone enters her life who could finally be the reason she needs to overcome her fears.

From post-revolution Romania to the idyllic English countryside, The World at My Feet is the story of two women, two worlds, and a journey of self-discovery that spans a lifetime.

Rating:

Harriet is a journalist who has travelled to many dangerous places all over the world. She has covered many war – related stories but the one that has changed her life was in Romania. Following the fall of Ceausescu’s communist government, she travels there to report on the country’s orphanages, filled with thousands of children, victims of the dictator’s politics of having as many children as possible in a family. What she sees there is a shock but it’s also going to bring the biggest change in her life.
Ellie is an instagram influencer, posting about her garden and plants, sharing tips how to keep them growing and blossoming. Ellie hasn’t left the confines of her beloved garden in two years now. She suffers from agoraphobia, and just the thought of leaving the safety of her house and garden brings her close to panic attacs. Because those places are her sanctuary, her safe place. It wasn’t always like this, Ellie used to go to University in London, so what has changed? And is there something that could help? Something different than therapy which necessitates digging in the past, exposing Ellie to things that still terrify her so much, that she doesn’t want to think about?

This is Catherine Isaac’s best book yet. I was incredibly immersed in this story and read it over two days, what with life getting in the way – I’d read it in one sitting when possible! It was not easy to write this review and I’m sure I haven’t done the book justice, but let’s be honest, what can you tell about a book that is perfect instead of saying that it’s simply perfect and that you loved everything about it? I’ll be honest, I haven’t expected it to be so good, really, it truly exceeded my expectations. This book was simply so close to life and so human, it didn’t feel like reading a book, it felt like watching someone’s life, someone who quickly grew on you and became your friend, someone you fell for and kept everything crossed for them, no matter how annoying they sometimes were – and I loved this feeling! It doesn’t happen often that you feel like this about a book and I’ll be cherish this feeling – and this novel – for a long time.

I think this story was brilliantly researched. The descriptions of the orphanages and the condition of the children have broken my heart – you know such things really happened, not so long time ago, but there are things that you’d rather won’t know about. Catherine Isaac has written about it in a beautiful yet realistic and brutally honest way and hats off to her for doing it – because some things must be told as they really are/were. But also her covering the topic of mental health was brilliant and so very credible. Also the explanations why Ellie was getting panic attacks that resulted in agoraphobia was credible and realistic and you could actually feel Ellie’s fear and her emotions. It is amazing how well Catherine Isaac was able to also highlight the reasons why Ellie didn’t want to confront the past, so easily getting into her character’s head and making it crystal clear for the readers as well. But it isn’t only Ellie that was portrayed so well, because the characters surrounding her came across as living and breathing and real and I absolutely adored them all, with their own ways of supporting Ellie – with such a network you don’t have to be afraid of anything, really. Her parents and sister Lucy are absolutely brilliant and you really could see that this family feel good in each other’s company, there their bonds are strong and nothing will shake them. Ellie’s friendship with the little Oscar was heart – warming and brought some sunshine and funny moments and Gertie the dog is one and only. How they say, never work with children and animals, right? Ha! But the new friendship between Ellie and Jamie must have been the best ever, I loved seeing them together, especially after their cocktail – making session, and it was breaking my heart when they were arguing – Jamie was soooo great, so well drawn, just like the other ones.

The story is mostly set in the present, in 2018, though there are also flashbacks to 1989, telling us the background of Ellie’s tale through Harriet’s perspective. I must admit, at the beginning I thought this story is going to take in totally different direction, what with Harriet being a war – reporter, and I was puzlling over the fact what is the link to those two subplots, this of Ellie and this of Harriet. I mean, I knew they are a family, but what has happened, so significant, that both the stories are being told? I must admit, later on I started to guess what has happened, nevertheless the way leading us to this moment was thrillingly captivating, full of unexpected information and so compelling.

The book ended perfectly, and I don’t only mean the actual end but the fact that all the subplots and threads were beautifully wrapped up. It was a heart – wrenching, poignant story that made me cry at the end – and it doesn’t happen often those times. The writing style is gorgeous and it suits the story in every way. Catherine Isaac writes beautifully but in a modern way.

„The World at My Feet“ covers, in a very compelling way, with thoughtfulness and sensitivity, some emotional and controversial topics, the above mentioned orphanages in Romania, but also mental health issues. Those themes may sound disturbing and heavy, but the author overcame them with some truly wonderful moments, gentle humour and lightheartedness. Overall, it’s a powerful story about unconditional love, friendship, family and new beginnings. Poignant, realistic, brutally honest, witty and clever. Moving in places, humorous in others, I can’t recommend it highly enough!

Nailing It by Anna Jefferson / Blog Tour

Publisher: Orion

Publishing Date: 1st April 2021

Source:  Received from the publisher, thank you!

Number of pages: 468

Genre: General Fiction (Adult),  Women’s Fiction

 

Synopsis:

Faking it.
Breaking it.
Hating it.
Loving it…

This is motherhood.

Emily is raising two tiny feminists, building her freelance career and navigating life as a newly single mum – and feels like she’s failing horribly.

Tania just wants her other half to do his fair share – as long as it’s done her way. But being right isn’t nearly as much as fun as being in it together…

Helen has almost got family life sorted: a routine that suits them all, most days. Until her own mum turns up and turns calm into chaos.

Sometimes being a mum is the hardest job in the world. So can these three friends fake it till they make it?

Rating:

„Nailing It“ tells us a story of three friends: Emily, Tania and Helen, all three of them mums, and all three of them facing different problems. Emily is trying to come to terms with being a single parent, which, as it turns out, is not as easy, especially as you and your ex forget which day you’re supposed to pick the kids up from school. Tania feels like being a single parent, what with organizing everything by herself and Helen has just experienced shock of her life when her mother suddenly and unexpectedly arrived back from Spain, turning Helen’s orderly and neat world on its head. Will they all manage to stay sane and make it through? To nail it?

There are two previous books about Emily and her adventures in motherhood, nevertheless I think you don’t have to read them before. Sure, you will miss on some fun but here I’ve been thrown direct into the heart of this story, without problems, and immediately befriended myself with the characters again. They were written in such a way that, from the very first page, I had a feeling that I know them for a long time already.

The story is told from Emily’s point of view in the first person narration, and third person narration from Tania and Helen, and at the beginning it was a bit confusing, when suddenly the third person changed into the first, but I quickly got used to this. Not sure why it was done this way, as it didn’t help me feel closer to Emily. Nevertheless, she was the main person here and I fell for her immediately. She was relatable and likeable and funny and I could imagine her to be my friend, really.
I loved the friendship between Emily, Tania and Helen and I felt a part of their circle, of their struggles and troubles. The way those three support each other and can lean on each other in every situation is absolutely brilliant. Each of them had their own story to tell, interesting and not always easy, but they also wonderfully work as a team, and it was really great in this book. They met some time ago (I guess in the first book 😀 ) and their friendship is blossoming, I love to see such relationships, especially as they seem to be so true and genuine. Anna Jefferson has written it truly well, as well as the characters that jump off the pages.

I adored the sharp and realistic look at motherhood, or rather parenthood altogether, at being a single parent or sometimes feeling like a single parent. The events in this book, as well as dialogues and the characters’ reactions, are written in a way that you can so easily imagine and that feel absolutely possible to happen to all of us. It’s mostly fun, but also there are moments that you can feel the frustration and desperation of the three main heroines. The author, however, also touches upon some more heavier and serious issues, especially when it comes to Helen’s subplot – there were moments I wanted to shake her, tell her to open her eyes and to see what I’ve been seeing, but it’s probably easy to say when you’re not in the same situation – and I hope I’ll never find myself in this situation. It wasn’t written with gentleness – I think the author has showed the things like they really are, brutally honest, bringing us on our limits, and I appreciated it wholeheartedly.

It is a bitter – sweet and realistic picture of a family, with all the ups and downs. Yes, there are many books with this topic, but „Nailing It“ is one of the best in this genre , funniest and down – to – earth. Often I have a feeling that I’ve been there, I’ve seen this, the books feel like a copy of each other, but this one was like a real breath of fresh air. It’s close to life, relatable and with a human touch, not overdone, not too far – fetched and shows how it really is.
But as much as this book is funny, it’s also realistic and thoughtful, showing a real picture of different kinds of families. It’s this kind of book that you read nodding your head and rolling your eyes, understanding all of the turmoils and emotions of the characters.

If you are in need of a funny, witty, clever and also poignant story, try „Nailing It“. It’s not only for parents, I am sure you’ll find many things in this book that will resonate with you. Now I’m going to treat myself to „Winging It“, can’t wait to see the beginnings of Emily, Tania and Helen’s friendship. Highly recommended!

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After the One by Cass Lester / Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Canelo

Publishing Date: 5th April 2021

Source:  Received from the publisher, thank you!

Number of pages: 286

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance, Women’s Fiction

 

Synopsis:

What happens… after The One?
April 16th is always one of Charley’s worst days of the year.

It’s her husband’s birthday, a painful reminder of his death four years ago.

So naturally, her car breaks down.

She nearly gets run over trying to catch the bus.

And then she’s made redundant.

Her friends see the redundancy as a chance for her to start again and live the life she always wanted, but since being widowed Charley has clung to familiarity and avoided change like the plague. Then, out of the blue, her mother-in-law Pam pitches up in need of a place to stay after walking out on her 40-year marriage.

Together, Charley and Pam find themselves at a crossroad. It’s not easy to move on after The One, but they can’t stand still forever.

A gorgeously heartwarming and feel-good story for fans of Libby Page and Nicola Gill.

Charley’s life, after having lost her husband in an accident, has also lost this „something“. Sure, she has better days, but there are also worse days, like today for example, when her car breaks down, she nearly gets run over and is made redundant. Phew. And then her mother – in – law appears on her doorstep, just having left her husband after she’s discovered he has been cheating on her. Double phew.
But it’s also time that Charley decides what to do with her life. While all her friends see the redundancy as an opportunity to start afresh, Charley doesn’t have the courage. Will she stay in the past, grieving after Josh, or will she be brave enough to try something new?

The relationship between Charley and her mother – in – law Pam was lovely. It was true and honest and sometimes awkward, but that’s the way it is, right? Actually, now, when I think about this, I think that all kinds of relationships that the author has captured in her story, let it be friendship, marriage, mother – in – law – daughter – in – law, were much better painted and described than the characters themselves. Those bonds between the characters felt much more realistic and vivid and were brought to life, while the single characters felt flat and lifeless. I know, we are talking about grief here as well, but I can’t base the whole story on grief – it has made the tale drag, Charley seemed undecided and absolutely lost and there always comes a moment when you start to feel frustrated. Or, at least, I do.

It was a very steady read, without life – changing twists and turns. It felt slow and a bit repetitive, sometimes already monotonous and very action – reaction, when something happened it was immediately solved, without building tension. The characters were, for my liking, too much one – dimensional and I really couldn’t care what is going to happen to them. They were very steady and I missed more life in them, they felt a bit robotic and, simply, too lovely. Altogether, I have expected much more from this book – I’m not saying it was a bad one, I’m saying it was not the right read for me.

It was an easy story filled with many characters and storylines that interweave and I think the hugest message here is about bonds the characters share, about the supporting network, about being there for each other, creating new memories. It shows that it’s not easy to move on but that it’s worth to do it, even with baby steps, and that moving on doesn’t mean forgetting. There is a sense of hope in this story, that’s for sure.

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Watch Her Fall by Erin Kelly

 

 

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publishing Date: 1^st April 2021

Source:  Received from the publisher, thank you!

Number of pages: 400

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Psychological Thriller

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Swan Lake is divided into the black acts and the white acts. The Prince is on stage for most of the ballet, but it’s the swans audiences flock to see. In early productions, Odette and Odile were performed by two different dancers. These days, it is usual for the same dancer to play both roles. Because of the faultless ballet technique required to master the steps, and the emotional range needed to perform both the virginal Odette and the dark, seductive Odile, this challenging dual role is one of the most coveted in all ballet. Dancers would kill for the part.

Ava Kirilova has reached the very top of her profession. After years and years of hard graft, pain and sacrifice as part of the London Russian Ballet Company, allowing nothing else to distract her, she is finally the poster girl for Swan Lake. Even Mr K – her father, and the intense, terrifying director of the company – can find no fault. Ava has pushed herself ahead of countless other talented, hardworking girls, and they are all watching her now.

But there is someone who really wants to see Ava fall …

Rating:

 

Ava is 30 years old, a daughter of Nikolai Kirilov who rigorously runs the London Russian Ballet Theatre. Finally, she’s ready to take the leading role of Odette/Odile in „Swan Lake“ – she’s the theatre and her father’s prima ballerina. But she’s aware that there are other girls, younger and also talented, snapping at her heels – for example the girl that has just taken the role of „second swan“ and that Nikolai is training personally…The competition between the dancer is huge and the closer to the premiere, the more dangerous it can be – it’s so easy to give a wrong hint or manipulate the other dancer’s shoes…

Ballet is absolutely not my world, I’ve never been interested in it, well, there is no grace in me, I’m more wellies, horse shit and dog hair kind of girl, nevertheless you hear and read a lot about how it works with ballet schools and so on, so curiosity is always there. And really, the author has written about dancing and being a ballerina in such a brilliant, captivating way that I, very quickly, found myself on You Tube, watching „Swan Lake“ with open mouth, waiting for 32 fouettes. AH – MAZING. It was mesmerazing. And the author’s writing style as well.

I loved how much and to what extent the novel so very cleverly mirrors the story in the ballet, with its twists and turns that more than once took me by surprise. There were many moments that made me go „oh no, not this now!“, leaving me with my mouth open, not believing my eyes, thinking how inconvenient it again is for the characters that I fell for. Because even though they’re full of flaws, they are written in a way that made me sympathize with them on many levels. I think that the author has really, really well captured the essence of ballet and the London Russian Ballet Theatre, the whole company, bringing the impending performance so easily to life, with everything the accompanies the preparation – envy, jealousy, greed of being the one standing in the spotlight, mind games.

I have never read a book set in the ballet world before, so I was immediately sold by the idea of this story. The first act is everything I was hoping for and expecting – set in a ballet theatre, filled with rivalries, tears and paperchase, fighting for the role of the first swan. However, with the second act, the world of ballerinas actually came to an end and it was a great pity. I won’t say that the story went downhill for me from then on, but it slowed down, started to feel a bit repetitive and I missed the thrill, the ruthlessness of the ballet world – the synopsis promises us this, however a huge part of the book has actually nothing to do with it and, to be totally honest, I found it a bit disappointing. And I would so love to tell you what I would do with the end, but I can’t, because I don’t want to give away what has happened!

Erin Kelly’s characters are incredibly well fleshed and developed. They’re all full of flaws, they make mistakes, they lie and keep secrets, yet you can’t stop being fascinated by all of them, their world and to identify with them and, logically, care about them, no matter how right or wrong they are. You don’t have to like them, but you will fell for them easily and their stories will keep you on your toes.
I loved how the author has written her characters, not only writing them but also showing them to us, fleshing them out completely, with all their feelings and emotions, allowing us to completely get into their heads but still leaving space for vague hints and secrets.

Despite some problems I had with the story, I truly enjoyed it. It’s so very readable that it’s really hard to put down and you simply want to know what’s going to happen next, if your guesses are right, if you are getting closer to truth. There are many twists and turns in this story, especially one that well, seemed unbelievable, but the more you read, the more sense it all made, although I still had some problems with getting the time and events right, I couldn’t match them completely, but in the end everything was explained. There is tension and the feeling of uncertainty, the best thing that can happen when reading such book. The unease, the fear are palpable, as well as all the brilliantly captured feelings and emotions.

“Watch Her Fall“ is a multi – layered story, complex and clever, a story that needs your attention and will have you heavily invested in it. There is intrigue, manipulation, deception, obsession that will have you glued to the pages. It’s atmospheric, intense and dark, beautifully written, a compelling read with original and shocking plot and another winner from Erin Kelly. Highly recommended!