The Staffymum's Book Nook

Thursday, 14 December 2023

REVIEW: My Daughter's Husband by Daniel Hurst

My Daughter's Husband (My Daughter's Boyfriend #2) by Daniel Hurst

Genre: Psychological thriller, Suspense

Read: 14th December 2023

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 4th November 2023

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

My daughter is getting married to the man of her dreams. But will she pay for it with her life?

My beautiful daughter Ellie walks down the aisle in her full-length lace dress, beaming with happiness. As she exchanges her vows with Kyle, who looks devastatingly handsome in his smart black suit, I hope this time will be different…

As confetti settles on the shoulders of the happy couple, I reassure myself that Kyle Beaumont is a charming, successful businessman. He’s so different to her ex-boyfriend – the man who tried to hurt my Ellie.

Except, only days after the ceremony, I discover a letter that makes my heart flip when I realise what my son-in-law is hiding. Ellie’s past is about to catch up with her, and I am certain my daughter is in danger.

But I’m her mother, and I’ll stop at nothing to protect her…

An utterly gripping psychological thriller with jaw-dropping twists from the number one bestselling author of The Doctor’s Wife. If you loved Behind Closed Doors and The Night She Disappeared, you’ll be hooked by My Daughter’s Husband.

MY THOUGHTS:

How far will a mother go to save her child...?

Daniel Hurst, an author who needs no introduction, has done it again! This time with a follow-up sequel to "The Daughter's Boyfriend" which I thought was OK but this one was soooo much better! In true Hurst style, it is gripping, fast paced, addictive and hard to put down. And in true Hurst style, it comes with that final twist. I devoured it in one day (not quite one sitting).

Five years have passed since the events in the first book. Ellie has moved on and found love in a handsome man who runs his own successful business. Kyle is the man of her dreams and now Dawn watches as her daughter is married in a beautiful wedding in a luxurious resort in the sun in Turkey. Neither mother or daughter could be happier.

However, the joy is shortlived when back home to reality and Dawn discovers something doesn't add up with her new son-in-law. When she catches him in a lie she offers him a lifeline to redeem himself but he only gives her even more reason to be concerned. After her experience with Daryl five years ago, Dawn felt sure that Ellie had found a good honest man in Kyle. But now it seems he pulled the wool over both their eyes.

Meanwhile back in the US, Harvey has just completed his five year stretch for perverting the course of justice in relation to his son's crimes. As Daryl was killed by Dawn in the UK, he couldn't be brought to justice for them. But now, Harvey is out and the only thing that has kept him going is the sweet taste of revenge and the score he intends on settling for his son's untimely death.

As this is the second book, I do recommend reading "The Daughter's Boyfriend" first if you wish to otherwise reading this will spoil the first. Having said that, you don't have to read the first one as this one can suffice easily as a standalone as Hurst keeps us up to date with all that went on before (hence why reading the first one before this one is recommended).

Hurst is a masterful storyteller and he keeps the reader engaged from start to finish in this cat and mouse plot tinged with revenge. And as with any Hurst thriller, it is entertaining, fast paced, thrilling and oh so dramatic. Many of the plot twists were predictable but as with Hurst's thrillers, the thrill is in the ride. And what a ride he has given us!

A quick and easy read and in his trademark style, Hurst does away with unnecessary details and gives us the bare bones to devour as we jump right into the action. I love his style because you are not weighed down with too much fact and information. He gives you all you need to know to be thoroughly entertained.

Yet another winner!

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Daniel Hurst was born in the northwest of England, a part of the world famous for its comedians, pasties and terrible weather.

He has been employed in several glamorous roles in his lifetime, including bartending, shelf stacking and procurement administration, all while based in some of the most exotic places on the planet, like Bolton, Preston and South London.

Daniel writes psychological thrillers and loves to tell tales about unusual things happening to normal people. He has written all his life, making the progression from handing scribbled stories to his parents as a boy to writing full length novels in his thirties. He lives in the North West of England and when he isn’t writing, he is usually watching a game of football in a pub where his wife can’t find him.

Since following his lifelong passion for writing in 2020, he has amassed a loyal and devoted set of readers, and regularly has several books in the top 100 of the Psychological Thriller Charts on Amazon. His title The Passenger became the #1 selling psychological thriller in the UK in October 2021. The Doctor's Wife is his first publication with Bookouture.

A prolific writer, Daniel likes to keep readers on their toes by self publishing even more books in between those released through his publisher.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Wednesday, 13 December 2023

REVIEW: The Killer Wife by Daniel Hurst

The Killer Wife by Daniel Hurst

Genre: Domestic thriller, Short story, Quick reads

Read: 13th December 2023

Goodreads

Available FREE when subscribing to Daniel's mailing list with Bookouture

Daniel Hurst Mailing List

★★★★★ 5 stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Oops indeed!

A delightfully fun a VERY quick read by Daniel Hurst, the master of the killer twist, about one woman's (over) reaction to a text message sent to her husband. It's very short and quite funny in the grand scheme of things. And very very Daniel.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

A prolific writer, Daniel likes to keep readers on their toes by self publishing even more books in between those released through his publisher.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

REVIEW: Dreams on Mersey Square by Pam Howes

Dreams on Mersey Square (Mersey Square #5) by Pam Howes

Genre: Historical fiction, Contemporary fiction, Sagas

Read: 13th December 2023

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 17th January 2024

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Mersey Square, Stockport. Can she give her young sons the life they deserve, or will taking them away from their father destroy them all?

Singer Olivia Grant has recently separated from the father of her two small boys and knows that the best place for her children is with their mother. She has beautiful home in America and wants to give her sons the childhood she never had.

Even though their father Roy is unhappy about them being so far away, Olivia is sure that she’s doing the right thing for her children and takes them for a visit. As the boys play in the pool and soak up the sun, she knows she’s made a good choice. After so much hardship, this is the life they all deserve.

But when Roy realises his sons have gone, he is devastated and threatens to not let Olivia see them anymore. Olivia only wants the best for her angels, but she feels torn in two. Can she find a way to give her little ones the life they deserve, or will she destroy herself and her beloved family forever?

Fans of Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe and Nancy Revell will fall in love with this hugely addictive family saga. A story about how far we’ll go to protect our children, this gripping story will break your heart in two.

This book was previously published as Not Fade Away.

MY THOUGHTS:

When tragedy strikes, she'll need her friends to help her through...

Not sure who that tagline refers to - Sammy, Harley or Livvy - as they all need the support of their family and friends given what they all endure this time around. Many readers gave up on this series after the third book and I can kind of see why but like a train wreck you really can't look away. It's so addictive on a soap opera scale! And quite frankly, despite some of what's happened over the course of the series, I have grown rather fond of the Mellors and the Cantellos...and picking up another in the series was like reuniting with old friends. The entire series was almost 5 star except for the third book which took something of a different direction that even I found a little nauseating as well as frustrating.

DREAMS ON MERSEY SQUARE is the last in this series and admittedly, despite everything, I will miss being their company and rooting for them from the sidelines. But it also takes on a whole other direction that really could only end in tears. And despite my inward yelling at some of the characters and frustrations, I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have the whole series.

After being jilted at the altar by Roy Cantello on their wedding day when he went into a panic attack at the prospect of his future with her, Livvy Grant has shared custody of their two young sons with Roy and Sammy taking care of them while Livvy toured with her band. But now she is back. And she has news. And she also knows that the best place for her boys is with her. With her beautiful home in America, she plans to relocate there with her children and her new husband.

When Roy gets wind of Livvy's plans, he seeks legal advice and refuses to give his permission for her to take the boys out of the country. But Livvy knows what's best for her children and that is with her back in America...and away from the constant reminder of what she lost. The love of her life, Roy Cantello. And so she makes a snap decision, taking the boys to America with her for the week with the plan to be back in the UK before Roy finds out. They are her boys, after all. But Roy does find out...when trying to make contact with Livvy when tragedy strikes at home. And he's not a happy bunny.

OK, so Roy was an idiot for sleeping with the blonde Glaswegian nymphomaniac. Not once, not twice, but several times. To the point he was about to marry her! But Sammy has been his soulmate from the moment he first laid eyes on her as a teenager almost five decades ago. And she always will be. Whatever happens, he always goes back to Sammy. And she him. Some people think she's just as much an idiot for taking him back. But they have history. Lots of history.

Livvy was an opportunist who saw her chance and she made it her mission to bed Roy from the moment she set eyes on him. No matter what the cost. I hated her from the first moment she sashayed her way into Flanagan and Grey's, and into Roy's life. She is nothing but a manipulative, devious cow. And from her introduction in book 3, she only gets worse. In this one, she takes the cake. In fact, she wanted her cake and to eat it too. And then when things start going awry for her, "it's all Roy's fault!" or "It's all Sheena's fault!" or "It's all Jon's fault!" Not once does the woman take responsibility for the damage she has caused everyone - including her children. Her constant tirade with herself as the victim was exhausting. I wanted to slap her, strangle her and throw her from a speeding train. Me, me, me is all you ever hear from her. Never a thought for her children or anyone else for that matter. Even her longtime best friend suffered her wrath. Like I said, this could only end in tears.

By the book's end, we have closure on the saga that became a soap opera of sorts though I was left wondering about Harley. There were a few questions raised at the end about Harley's withdrawing despite having made some progress previously and I had to wonder...did she hear what went on downstairs one that one particular night? I felt like there were a few unanswered questions in that regard but on the whole, it was a satisfactorily happy end to a chapter that is now firmly closed. And despite some of the content (some of which was questionable to say the least...lol) I thoroughly enjoyed my journey alongside the Mellors and the Cantellos. And despite his lothario ways, I did have a soft spot for Roy.

I am sad to have to bid farewell to them all. I just might have to re-visit them some time in the future...although that means Livvy as well. And can I stomach any more of her antics? Probably since I know how it all ends anyway. A thoroughly entertaining and addictive read from start (from the late 50s) to finish (in the noughties).

For those wishing to read the series (in order):

1. The Girls of Mersey Square (previously That'll Be the Day)

2. The Mothers of Mersey Square (previously Three Steps to Heaven)

3. The Daughters of Mersey Square (previously 'Til I Kissed You)

4. Secrets on Mersey Square (previously Always on my Mind)

5. Dreams on Mersey Square (previously Not Fade Away)

I would like to thank #PamHowes, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #DreamsOnMerseySquare in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Pam Howes is an ex Interior Designer who loves creating stories, but only started writing seriously about twelve years ago. The idea for her first novel, set in the sixties, came from her time as a teenager, working in a local record store and hanging round with the musicians who frequented the business.

That first novel evolved into a series set in the fictional town of Pickford, based on her home town of Stockport. Three Steps to Heaven; 'Til I Kissed You; Always On My Mind; Not Fade Away, and That'll Be The Day, follow the lives and loves through the decades of fictional Rock'n'Roll band The Raiders.

Pam signed a second contract with the award winning publisher Bookouture with the first novel in her Lark Lane series, The Factory Girls of Lark Lane, published in July 2018. Her first series for Bookouture - The Mersey Trilogy featuring The Liverpool Girls, The Forgotten Family of Liverpool and The Lost Daughter of Liverpool - is also available in E book, paperback and as audio books.

Pam is a big fan of sixties music and it's this love and the support and encouragement of her musician partner that compelled her to write the series. Pam has three adult daughters and seven grandchildren. She lives in Cheshire and as well as writing novels, writes short stories, which have appeared in charity anthologies and online e-zines, and poems, many of which are published.

Social Media Links:

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

REVIEW: Make Her Pay by Miranda Rijks

Make Her Pay by Miranda Rijks

Genre: Psychological thriller, Suspense

Read: 8th December 2023

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 10th December 2023

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

DESCRIPTION:

Leonie has the perfect life. Someone wants to take it away.

Leonie is living her best life. Still in her twenties, she’s beautiful, successful and has just met Markus, the man of her dreams.

But Leonie has a secret. Ten years ago, she was involved in an accident in which another driver died. Leonie shouldn’t have been behind the wheel that night – no license, no insurance – so she fled the scene. And ever since, she’s been struggling to deal with the terrible guilt.

Now, as her wedding to Markus draws near, it seems someone is out to get her. It’s little things at first – botched work appointments, a cancelled bridal dress - but it soon escalates into a terrifying campaign which threatens her business, her family and even her life.

Leonie, caught up in a relentless nightmare, has no idea why anyone would set out to destroy her. Until she realizes there’s a link to the accident that happened all those years ago.

Someone knows what she did. Someone is determined to make her pay.

Make Her Pay – the gripping psychological thriller from the best-selling author of The Visitors and What She Knew.

MY THOUGHTS:

I love Miranda's books since discovering her around the same time as Daniel Hurst and both have become firm favourites of mine. This book is by far one of her best and I just loved the revenge plot despite it being clear as day what was going on, it's still a thrilling read none the less. My only complaint is how it all ended with, well, everything. What the hell was that? Everything was going well till then.

Leonie lives a charmed life. In her mid twenties, she's beautiful runs her own successful business and then she meets Markus, a handsome client whose stunning home is sold and she was tasked with finding him something illustrious in London. But soon, that property search went by the wayside as Markus was pretty much living at her place in South Kensington and after meeting her parents at their country estate in Sussex, he proposes. Leonie can't believe her luck. How did she get so lucky?

Indeed, she wonders. Because Leonie has a secret. Ten years ago when she was just sixteen she took her mother's Range Rover with the intention of meeting up with her new boyfriend, only to be involved in an accident which claimed the life of someone else. Almost at once, Leonie knew she shouldn't have been behind the wheel that night. She was underage, no licence, no insurance and as such she fled the scene at her father's behest, lest she end up in prison. For the past ten years Leonie has relived that night and tried to forget it but she has been haunted by the terrible guilt she has carried with her since. And her father covering for her has left her in his debt.

But now she has struck gold. She is marrying Markus, the man of her dreams, and everything seems to be falling into place. Until...it isn't. Suddenly, just weeks before the wedding things begin to fall apart. At first she believes it is her father's influence trying to control how he thinks the day should go ahead - after all, it's an opportunity for him to rub shoulders with clients and network with business acquaintances. His daughter's happiness appears to be the furtherest thing from his mind. But her mother claims ignorance leaving Leonie wondering who is trying to sabotage her big day. At first it's the flowers, then she arrives to pick up her wedding dress only to discover it's been sold to someone else. Then there are botched appointments and soon Leonie realises that someone is out to make her pay. When she arrives at the church, she immediately gets the uneasy feeling that something isn't right. Where is Markus? Her happiest day threatens to become her worst nightmare. What is happening? Who is doing this?

An addictive and easy ready read from start to finish, I read this in one sitting. The predictable plot didn't matter as it was entirely entertaining. It was enthralling and dark in places but was completely suspenseful throughout. Filled with secrets and lies and a multilayer of twisted deception, MAKE HER PAY was a delight to read.

I would like to thank #MirandaRijks, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #MakeHerPay in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Miranda Rijks lives in West Sussex, England, with her husband, their musician daughter and black Labrador. ‘The Obituary’ was her first psychological thriller. She has also written a psychological thriller series featuring Dr Pippa Durrant, a psychologist and specialist in lie detection, who works alongside Sussex police getting embroiled in some scary stuff!

After a degree in Law, Miranda worked in marketing in London and Eastern Europe before setting up businesses in the horticultural, leisure and retail sectors. Along the way, she got a masters in writing and wrote the self-help book, ‘How Compatible Are You?’ and biography, ‘The Eccentric Entrepreneur’. In 2018, Miranda wrote ‘Don’t Call Me Brave’, a novel very loosely drawing upon her experiences of having a rare bone cancer.

She feels extremely lucky to be living the dream, writing psychological thrillers full time!

Miranda loves connecting with her readers, so feel free to drop her a line.

Social Media Links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Monday, 11 December 2023

REVIEW: Secrets on Mersey Square by Pam Howes

Secrets on Mersey Square (Mersey Square #4) by Pam Howes

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas

Read: 11th December 2023

Goodreads
Amazon

Published: 17th January 2024

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Mersey Square, Stockport. With her daughter in danger, how far will she go to save her?

Every day for the last sixteen years, Olivia Grant has longed for her daughter. Forced to give her up at birth, Harley has been raised by her father Roy and his wife. When the day to meet her arrives at last, Olivia’s heart swells as she takes in Harley’s precious face, so like her own. But Olivia can tell: her little angel is very sick and needs urgent help. And when a doctor delivers the most devastating news any parent could hear, Olivia must grapple with the heartbreaking truth. Will she lose the daughter she’s waited so long to meet?

Praying that she will be able to save Harley, Olivia despairs when neither she nor Roy can give her the help she needs. Their best chance of saving their darling girl’s life is another baby, a full-blood sibling to save her life.

But Roy has been happily married for the past sixteen years and he and Olivia now face an impossible choice. Having another child with Olivia would destroy Roy’s marriage, the only parents Harley has ever known. Should she ask Roy to try for another baby… or will doing so tear them all apart forever?

If you love Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe and Nancy Revell, you’ll adore this utterly gripping saga novel which will rip your heart in two and remind you to never give up on those you love.

This book was previously published as Always On My Mind.

MY THOUGHTS:

With her daughter terribly ill...how far will she go to save her...?

That's the crux of this book, really. How far would a mother go to save her child? And thensome. Because it's not just about her daughter, as readers will surely become aware. This is not a pretty tale but it sure is a messy one. One that began back in 1984...

For sixteen years, Livvy Grant has longed to see her firstborn daughter Harley who she gave up at five days old for her father Roy and his wife Sammy to bring up as their own. As a young single mother, she had no prospects but in closing that chapter of her life she moved on and married her childhood sweetheart, moved to America and had a daughter with him. All the while, still pining for Roy Cantello, her first love and father to her firstborn.

Now Harley is due to turn sixteen and Livvy is returning to Britain with the hope of being reunited with her daughter. But when she arrives, it's clear to see that Harley is gravely ill. And when the doctors confirm the devastating news, Livvy realises she could lose her daughter just when she has found her again. She would give anything, do anything to save her daughter's life. And then in the midst of despair she is given a gift, it seems. The best chance of saving her daughter's life is a full-blood sibling. Can she dare hope? Do they dare try?

Sammy Cantello has been a mother to Harley for her entire life. In fact, she is the only mother she has ever known, despite Roy promising Livvy to tell Harley all about her when she turned ten. Now she is just days away of turning sixteen and Roy has still yet to tell her. But tell her he must for Livvy is on her way back to the UK and she wants to see her daughter. But Sammy is scared. Because she knows the power that Livvy has over Roy and he won't be able to resist her. She fears that the pair will pick up where they left off and she couldn't cope with that.

Harley isn't the only reason Livvy is returning the the UK. Her friend Sheena has managed to track down her birth father and his family and she is returning to meet them, and the possibility of meeting her birth mother also. Finally, she will have a family to call her own. All she needs now is Roy and her family will be complete.

Well...this was one messy tale, to say the least. I have enjoyed each book in this series, though I may not have entirely enjoyed the direction in which they have taken. The last book "The Daughters of Mersey Square" had me frustrated no end and pulling my hair out wanting to slap Roy and scratch Livvy's eyes out. I liked how the last one ended with Harley nestled in the family bosom of Roy and Sammy...and Livvy out of the equation. I did not like that woman one bit. And in this one I liked her even less. She is calculating, manipulative and a devious little madam. She knew what she wanted and she set out to get it whatever the cost. The only time I cheered for her was her reuniting with her birth parents, which was heartwarming. Roy isn't much better. The man-child continues to think with his pecker and then gets himself in such a mess of his own making and yet it still isn't what he wants.

It's a complete mess like a soap opera but it's addictive reading and I must say I was rather satisfied with the ending. I can't wait to read the final one to see where that takes the Mellors and Cantellos and their extended lot, which I will be picking up next and hope to make as short work of that as I did this one.

Thoroughly enjoyed it!

I would like to thank #PamHowes, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #SecretsOfMerseySquare in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Social Media Links:

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Sunday, 10 December 2023

REVIEW: The Forgotten Tower by Lulu Taylor

The Forgotten Tower by Lulu Taylor

Genre: Contemporary fiction, Historical fiction, Dual timeline, Gothic

Read: 10th December 2023

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 28th November 2023

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

The Forgotten Tower is an absorbing gothic tale about a castle full of dark secrets and buried history, from Sunday Times top ten bestselling author Lulu Taylor.

Georgie never wanted to be a chatelaine, but beautiful Wakefield Castle is her husband Casper’s legacy and he is determined to restore its fortunes. Until now Georgie has hidden her troubled past, and she fears that their new surroundings will bring her deepest fears to the surface. The discovery of an inherited recipe book with notes in many hands leads her to suspect that the castle hides secrets at least as troubling as her own . . .

In 1939, the five Wakefield children are still recovering from their family tragedy: the disappearance of their parents and a new life with their kind but remote elderly relatives. When war is declared, the family prepares to make sacrifices and open the castle doors to newcomers, including cases of fossils from the Natural History Museum and their curator, Arthur Humphries, and the Foster brothers, a pair of evacuees. But while the castle offers a refuge, it is also a place to hide things: sorrow, secrets and even people . . .

In the present, Georgie is entranced by the two towers that form part of the castle walls. One is hidden behind a fence and clearly forgotten. The other becomes her project, a place for her own escape. As the castle begins to offer up its secrets, Georgie realises that, in order to be truly free, she must confront what she most dreads.

MY THOUGHTS:

Behind closed doors...secrets unfold...

This is my second novel by Lulu Taylor and I thoroughly enjoy her style. A contemporary dual timeline story weaving together the past and the present to create a mesmerising gothic tale that is compelling and enthralling.

Georgie Wakefield's husband Caspar has just inherited his great uncle's crumbling estate Wakefield Castle and while it is her worst nightmare to move into the decrepit ruins, the will stated great uncle Archie's wishes in that they restore it to its former glory. Georgie has spent her life living behind the scenes and is more than happy to do so, so instilled in Wakefield Castle she finds a rhythm there and is pleasantly surprised that she actually enjoys it. In the attics, she comes across an ancient recipe book which she must decipher and adapt to modern cuisine and with it comes a mystery that she finds herself embroiled in.

It's 1939 and the country is on the brink of war. For those living at Wakefield Castle must find a new normal. Five siblings 18 year old Imogen, 16 year old twins Miranda and Rosalind along with their younger brothers Toby and Archie live in the castle with their grandfather and his sister great aunt Constance after the tragedy which claimed their parents'. When war is declared, the natural history museum sends one of its curators, Mr Arthur Humphries, to Wakefield together with some precious artefacts and fossils for safekeeping for the duration of the war. And then aunt Constance takes in a couple of evacuees from London, brothers Tom and Robbie Foster. The castle begins to come alive again with the laughter of children. But danger lies ahead as well as a secret being kept from them in the West Tower.

There was so much going on in this book I feel there might have been just a little too much. Georgie's childhood trauma, Pippa's marriage difficulties, Lady Viktoria, the famous TV chef Georgie creates recipes for along with the past timeline of a gothic mystery and a family trapped in the castle during the war. I enjoyed it, but I think there was just a little too much being crammed in. Having said that, the pace was rather slow around the middle, but it picked up again and was finished off nicely with a satisfactory epilogue. BUT...my biggest gripe is I still don't understand why the tower was fenced off and out of bounds for eighty years. And why it was left the way it was. That was never explained. And what happened to the poisoned jam? Even though it was given away, nothing happened.

Despite this, it is still a compelling read that really pulls you back in time. If you love dual timelines, then you will love this book. There is plenty of intrigue and secrets to keep you engaged.

I would like to thank #LuluTaylor, #Netgalley and #PanMacmillan for an ARC of #TheForgottenTower in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Lulu was brought up in the Oxfordshire countryside, attended a girls’ school and then went to Oxford University, where she read English Literature. After university, she worked in publishing for several years, before becoming a novelist.

Lulu says of her books: ‘I’ve always adored stories of the rich and reckless at play, everything from The Great Gatsby to the brilliant blockbuster novels of the 80s. It’s fantastic escapism, and I’ve always loved creating my own stories of adventure, romance and luxury. My heroines are often very privileged and blessed with great looks and good health – but that doesn’t mean their lives are simple – far from it. They go through plenty of drama and suffering before everything is finally resolved.'

Lulu now lives in West Dorset near the Somerset border, with her husband and two children.

Social media links:

Wesbite | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Friday, 8 December 2023

REVIEW: Sarah's Choice by Rosie Clarke

Sarah's Choice (The Trenwith Collection #1) by Rosie Clarke

Genre: Historical fiction, WW1

Read: 6th December 2023

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 5th December 2023

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Can life ever be the same again? The start of a fabulous new series set at Trenwith Estate from bestselling author Rosie Clarke

Hampshire, 1913

Amidst the glitz and glamour of England’s High Society, Sarah Trenwith is more of a wallflower living in the shadow of her beautiful sister Marianne.

But as the war approaches Sarah will have to step out of the place society and her family have assigned her if she’s to do her part and claim the love she always dreamed of from afar.

As heir to Lord Pelham's estate, Troy is not expected to join the army, but he’s determined to do his part. Yet the war exacts a toll that he never anticipated and the future he once imagined with his one true love seems forever from his grasp.

After the trials and tribulations of war, can two star crossed lovers finally find each other and true happiness?

Previously published as A Gentleman’s Honour by Linda Sole

MY THOUGHTS:

Another foray into Rosie Clarke this time against the backdrop of WW1, one of my favourite eras. But then I always enjoy Rosie Clarke in whatever era she writes. Her gentle pace and easy style makes for an enjoyable read whatever the book.

We meet Sarah Trenwith after her spoilt sister Marianne jilts fiance Troy Pelham for refusing to confide or confess to her, whichever she believed. The Trenwiths are from a privileged background and were raised to be ladies by parents who were firmly set in the old Victorian ways, lead by whatever society dictates. Sarah however was lead by her heart. And her heart was with Troy Pelham.

After being thrown over by the fickle and spoilt Marianne, Troy was banished from the Trenwith's estate with a feeling of relief knowing he never really loved Marianne. Sarah had always loved Troy from afar. But he was her sister's beau so she never pursued him. Now he was free and she would love nothing more than to see him again. When she went to visit her cousin Lucy, she found herself face to face with Troy who was staying on a neighbouring estate. It wasn't long before the banter shared by the pair turned into mild flirting and Troy found himself seeing Sarah with fresh eyes, rather than the younger overshadowed sister of the spoilt Marianne, who was now preparing her wedding to his best friend Barney Hope.

But although Marianne jilted Troy, he was still not welcome by Trenwith and certainly not seen as a suitable husband for Sarah. But Sarah loved Troy and was determined to marry him should he ask her. And ask her he did. But the road ahead for the couple was not to be easy...what with Sarah's father and the looming war.

Another delightfully easy read from Rosie Clarke that has been carefully researched for historical significance and society's limitations with a captivating romance at its forefront. I always enjoy my time with Rosie as she brings together the classes and ditches societal niceties in the face of war.

The first in a trilogy, I can't wait to read the next two to see where they will take me.

I would like to thank #RosieClarke, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #SarahsChoice in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rosie Clarke has been writing for several years and has written under various names for a variety of publishers. She lives in Cambridgeshire, is happily married and enjoys life with her husband. She likes to walk in the Spanish sunshine and eating out at favourite restaurants in Marbella is a favourite pastime, but writing is her passion.

Rosie loves shoes, especially those impossibly high heels you can buy and has a gorgeous pair of Jimmy Choos but can't wear them so they sit on the mantlepiece.

Rosie also writes under the name of Anne Herries and Linda Sole.

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