BLOG TOUR - The Writer

DESCRIPTION:

Her body was found close to the university. She was on her way home after a night out. Just like in the story I wrote…

Every Monday, I meet my writing group in a warm, lively bar to drink a glass of wine or two. It’s the highlight of my week. But now something terrible is happening.

At first, it didn’t seem like a big deal. My tires were slashed. A woman was hit by a car outside my apartment. Then, yesterday, someone was murdered. And all the details are copied from the stories we shared.

Am I going mad, or is someone in my group a killer?

I thought they were the only people I could trust, since what happened ten years ago. But now I’m terrified one of them knows the truth that lies buried in all my work—the secret I’ve tried so hard to hide. And they want to make me pay for it.

I have to know who’s bringing my stories to life… but will the answer cost me everything?

A completely unputdownable psychological thriller that will have you glued to the pages! If you like Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware and The Wife Between Us, then you’ll love The Writer.

BUY LINK:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0CS6QFGL9social

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

MY THOUGHTS:

Title:   The Writer

Author:  Miranda Smith

Publisher:  Bookouture

Genre:   Psychological Thriller

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   326

Date of Publication:   April 15, 2024

My Rating:   5 Stars

“Being a writer doesn’t come with a clear career path, and a sad truth is, you can do all the right things and still never make it.”

When Becca decides to attend a writers group for authors in the genres she prefers, crime thrillers in particular, she was not prepared for what appears to be re-enactments of her stories. The group she has joined, Mystery Maidens, should be for inspiration, but things turn ugly rather quickly.  

Becca begins to wonder how many ways can the lives of a small writing group intersect?  Meanwhile, strange events begin to take place and this all began with the death of her friend a decade ago. When that happened, black hearts were left. Now, in present time, things are happening again, with those black hearts just like before. As these black hearts are accompanied by strange notes, Becca is certain that the timing of these current incidents seems rather strange. 

This fabulous book kept me guessing right until the very end. As a fan of Miranda Smith, I have loved her writing style and the way she develops the protagonists as well as the intricate plots that are perfect that keeping the reader guessing. I have read a number of her books and find myself completely drawn into her writing.  

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Miranda Smith writes psychological and domestic suspense. She is drawn to stories about ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Before completing her first novel, she worked as a newspaper staff writer and a secondary English teacher. She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and three young children.

https://mirandasmithwriter.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MirandaSmithAuthor/

https://www.instagram.com/mirandasmithwriter/

https://twitter.com/msmithbooks

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BLOG TOUR - Christa Comes Out of Her Shell

Title:   Christa Comes Out of Her Shell

Author:  Abbie Waxman

Publisher:  Berkley

Genre:   Romance; Women’s Fiction 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   400

Date of Publication:   April 16, 2024

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Just when she thought she’d gotten far enough away . . .a life-changing phone call throws an antisocial scientist back into her least favorite place—the spotlight. A hilarious and insightful new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill.

After a tumultuous childhood, Christa Liddle has hidden away, both figuratively and literally. Happily studying sea snails in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Christa finds her tranquil existence thrown into chaos when her once-famous father—long thought dead after a plane crash—turns out to be alive, well, and ready to make amends. The world goes wild, fascinated by this real-life saga, pinning Christa and her family under the spotlight. As if that weren’t enough, her reunion with an old childhood friend reveals an intense physical attraction neither was expecting and both want to act on . . . if they can just keep a lid on it. When her father’s story starts to develop cracks, Christa fears she will lose herself, her potential relationship, and—most importantly—any chance of making it back to her snails before they forget her completely.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

 

Christa appeared on many television screens as a child, but not out of choice. In fact, when her famous father went missing when she was quite young, she was often presented as the sad little girl who lost her daddy. As Christa grew older she had some difficulties, and this is when Christa ended up taking charge of her own life. Now a well-educated woman, working on a long-term research project on an isolated island, Christa is in her element. 

However, this all changes when her father, certainly thought to be deceased, shows up alive and well. Christa and her family are now thrust into the spotlight. Christa gets more attention than her two sisters and even her mother because of how she was presented as a child. Avoiding the paparazzi proves to be a huge challenge and while the family is seeking answers, she cannot wait to get back to her little island and the marine project that she is working on. 

Where is all of this going to lead? Where was Christa‘s father all of those years? What does that mean for her life and that of the life of her family even now? Beyond these questions, there is something else that this book offers readers. There is a second chance romance woven into the pages of this story that most certainly will affect Christa‘s future.

This was a delightful read and I love how the story evolved and how we got to see Christa’s life changing as the story progressed. This came to a wonderful conclusion and now I cannot wait to read the next book by this talented author.

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Abbi Waxman was born in England in 1970, the oldest child of two copywriters who never should have been together in the first place. Once her father ran off to buy cigarettes and never came back, her mother began a successful career writing crime fiction. Naturally lazy and disinclined to dress up, Abbi went into advertising, working as a copywriter and then a creative director at various advertising agencies in London and New York. Eventually she quit advertising, had three kids and started writing books, mostly in order to get a moment’s peace.

Abbi lives in Los Angeles with her husband, three kids, three dogs, three cats, a gecko, a snake, five pigeons, four chickens, and two guinea pigs. Every one of these additions made sense at the time, it’s only in retrospect that it seems foolhardy.

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Review - Making Memories at the Cornish Cove

Title:   Making Memories at the Cornish Cove

Author:  Kim Nash

Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Genre:   Women’s Fiction; Romance

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   277

Date of Publication:  April 17, 2024

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

It’s never too late…

After five husbands and five broken hearts, Lydia feels like she’s always been chasing something. But now she’s found her purpose, and having moved to Driftwood Bay to spend more time with her daughter Meredith, she’s happier than ever. 

But there’s still life in these old bones yet! With her newfound sense of identity, she’s keen to re-explore the things that made her happy as a younger person. Lydia’s passion was dancing – she used to compete in her younger years, and there’s no place she’s more at home than on the dance floor. 

So when widower and antiques restorer Martin tells her about a big dance competition, she’s ready and raring to bring more joy into her life. But while making memories with Martin, the more she realises that both of their hearts need restoring too...

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

 

Lydia intends on spending time with her daughter, Meredith, but she finds so much more than their connection. A spritely septuagenarian, having been married five times, she never expected to find love yet again. Moving to Driftwood Bay was a huge adjustment for Lydia. This is for more than one reason. Not only had she lived in America for years, she was rather estranged from her daughter Meredith.

While a big part of this fabulous book shows the slow-burn of what is going on between Lydia and Martin, Meredith's soon-to-be father-in-law, it was watching the relationship growth between mother and daughter that was the real draw to this story.

What a wonderful story of family, friendship, community and love. With moments of sadness, this truly engrossing one-sitting read by Kim Nash is a fabulous addition to the other books in the delightful Cornish Cove series. This amazingly-talented author could not have written Lydia's character any better. This warm and engaging story had a really heartwarming ending as it was filled with wonderful characters and is an excellent display of growth and relationships.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, feel-good, romantic fiction.

She lives in Staffordshire with son Ollie and English Setter Roni, is Head of Publicity for Bookouture and is a book blogger at www.kimthebookworm.co.uk

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Kim won the Romantic Novelists Association's Media Star of the Year in 2016, which she still can't quite believe. She is now quite delighted to be a member of the RNA.

When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog, reading, standing on the sidelines of a football pitch cheering on Ollie and binge watching box sets on the TV. She's also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Cannock, Staffs.

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone else and you will only contacted about Kim's books.

Amazing Grace was her debut novel with Hera Books and came out in April 2019. Escape to Giddywell Grange is Kim's second novel and was published in September 2019. Sunshine and Second Chances is Kim's third novel and will be published on June 4th 2020.

You can read Kim's Blog here: www.kimthebookworm.co.uk

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BLOG TOUR - Bride and Groom

   

DESCRIPTION:

Walking down the aisle in the packed church, sunlight glints off my ivory silk gown. This should be the happiest day of my life. But as I carefully lift my veil and greet my husband-to-be, my heart is pounding with fear. Does someone out there know what we’ve done?

Ethan gently squeezes my hand as he slides the golden ring onto my finger. But I know we aren’t worthy of happiness.

As I look down at my wedding ring, in a blistering flash, I suddenly remember another piece of that pitch-black, rainy night… but I try to focus on Ethan’s gorgeous blue eyes. I know exactly what he’s thinking. We can never tell.

All our family, friends and loved ones smile as they watch Ethan and I promise to be together until death us do part. But only we know what that really means…

Because we have already killed someone.

My dear, sweet new husband isn’t quite all he seems…

But then again, neither am I.

An incredibly addictive psychological thriller that will keep you up all night, gasping at the truly mind-blowing twists! A completely unputdownable, edge-of-your seat page-turner for fans of The Perfect Marriage, Freida McFadden and Shari Lapena.

BUY LINK:

https://geni.us/B0CT8Y3PLDsocial 

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo 

MY THOUGHTS:

Title:   Bride and Groom

Author:  Rona Halsall 

Publisher:  Bookouture 

Genre:   Psychological Thriller 

Format:  Kindle ARC 

No. of Pages:   321

Date of Publication:   April 5, 2024

My Rating:   4 Stars 

Separate secrets. A shared secret. Hidden lies. Till death to us part. Ethan and Nicci just got married despite a dark cloud hanging over their heads. With a foundation like that, what are the chances that they have happiness and forever in their futures?

Well, no doubt from day one - actually, even before they tied the knot - Ethan and Nicci’s lives were wrought with troubles. In fact, if there is a measure of accountability, this thrilling read explores who has a conscience that supersedes the other. Of course, there is no shortage of dilemmas facing this newly married couple, especially as there are shocking twists and turns in this latest book by Rona Halsall. Then, when the reader considers the likability of the characters, they can expect a roller coaster of feelings. 

It’s hard to believe that I have been reading these amazing books by the skilled and talented Rona Halsall since 2018! I have always found myself greatly entertained, and Bride and Groom is no exception. 

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rona is the #1 Best Selling author of psychological thrillers published by Bookouture. She loves to turn domestic storylines on their head to keep her readers guessing what the heck is going on.

Her 2023 release, THE BIGAMIST, has been short-listed for the International Writers Awards 2024, for Best Original E-Book, which is probably the peak of her writing career to date!

She has been a bit of a nomad during her adult life, moving around the north of England, before settling in Snowdonia, North Wales where she brought up her family while working as a business mentor. She lived on the Isle of Man with her husband and mad little Border Collie, Maid, for several years before returning to Wales. Recently, she has recruited a new member to the writing team - a Romanian rescue dog called Evie.

She is an outdoorsy person, who loves nothing better than stomping up a mountain, walking coastal paths and beaches and wandering round forests and woodlands while she's plotting her next book. She has three children and two step-children who are all grown up and leading varied and interesting lives, which provides plenty of material for new stories.

If you follow her Author page on Amazon, you'll get notifications whenever there's a new book on the way, or when promotions are running on her backlist titles. Go on... hit that Follow button!

Social Media Links:

Website: www.facebook.com/RonaHalsallAuthor  

Twitter: @RonaHalsallAuth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RonaHalsallAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronahalsall

Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/rona-halsall 

Review - One By One

Title:  One By One

Author:  Freida McFadden

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Publisher:  Poisoned Pen Press

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   217

Date of Publication:   April 2, 2024

My Rating:   5 Stars

*First published July 13, 2020

DESCRIPTION:

A heart pounding, twisting thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of The Housemaid and The Coworker!

One by one, they will get what they deserve...

Claire Matchett needs this trip. It will be a break from work and raising children. A chance to repair her damaged marriage. A week of hiking and hot tubbing with friends at a luxurious hotel in the woods, disconnected from the pressures of real life.

Then, on a lonely dirt road, Claire's minivan breaks down. With no cell reception, the group has no choice but to walk the rest of the way to their remote accommodation. But the forest is dark and difficult to navigate and, hours later, they are lost. Hopelessly lost.

As they venture deeper into the woods, the members of their party are struck down mysteriously, one by one. Are they being hunted? And by what—or who? As Claire's dream vacation descends into a nightmare, something becomes clear: only one of them will return home alive.

A taut story of betrayal and survival from New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden that will leave you wondering if there's any way out of the woods…

Link to purchase the book

MY REVIEW:

Six. Five. Four. Three…one by one. How many will come out of the woods? 

Claire Matchett and her friends with each of their partners have a week planned that should reboot their lives. Hiking during the day, hottubbing at night. Sounds perfect. However, as the six of them are driving to their destination, Claire's minivan breaks down. None of them have cell phone reception, so they are forced to head out on foot, using rudimentary forms of methods for navigation.

However, things go from bad to worse. They soon become lost. What is more is that one of their party is soon found dead. An omen of things to come for sure, because the number of their party continues to dwindle. They know they are out there alone, so it seems one of hem must be a killer. But who? And why?

One thing that I really like about Freida McFadden's books is that as soon as you think you have the story figured out, there is a banger of a plot twist to really knock your socks off. Kudos to Ms. McFadden for surprising me yet again.

Many thanks to Freida McFadden, Poisoned Pen Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

#1 Amazon bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple Kindle bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. She lives with her family and black cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.

To hear Freida talk more about herself in the third person, visit her website: https://www.freidamcfadden.com/

Author social media

Twitter: @Freida_McFadden

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Freida-McFadden-Author-of-Psychological-Thrillers-and-Medical-Humor-400860063303345/

Instagram: @fizzziatrist

Newsletter sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/freida-mcfadden/

BLOG TOUR - After I’m Gone

  

DESCRIPTION:

A grieving family. A sister’s promise. A secret that will tear them apart…

My husband Olly and I share a perfect life, our evenings spent curled in our candlelit flat talking about all the places we’ll travel. But my world is shattered with the news that my sister has died in a tragic accident, leaving her two girls, Hayley and Mia, behind. The secret I’ve buried deep in my heart means I was never meant to be a mother – but I made a promise to my sister. I’m all the girls have now.

I give them everything – school on time in clean uniforms, our family’s favourite chocolate-laced chilli bubbling on the stove when they get home – but I never imagined being a mother would be this hard. Hayley and I used to be so close, but now she’s a ball of rage, screaming and lashing out wildly. Olly and I are reaching breaking point.

Then I find a Polaroid picture hidden in one of the girl’s rooms: Hayley is lying about the night her mother died.

I need to find the truth – before anyone else does. Even if it means digging up the secrets that have held this family together for years. Even if it means revealing my own…

But when I do, will there be anything left of this fragile family to save?

A totally gripping and heart-wrenching story about keeping promises and dark secrets – and the sacrifices we make for the ones we love. Readers of Amanda Prowse, Jojo Moyes and Diane Chamberlain won’t want to miss this stunning page-turner.

 

Buy link: https://geni.us/B0CW1HTN5Msocial

MY THOUGHTS:

Title:   After I’m Gone

Author:  Clare Boyd

Publisher:  Bookouture 

Genre:   Women’s Fiction 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   402

Date of Publication:   April 3, 2024

My Rating:   4 Stars 

One thing that Olly and Emily agreed on was their desire not to have children. However, when Emily's sister dies in an accident, her two girls, Hayley and Mia, are shuttled around a bit as Emily has to decide if she is willing to raise them.

Meanwhile, Olly is an aspiring writer, and Emily is none too pleased with the similarities between herself and his female protagonist. In fact, what Olly writes just might show the deep cracks in their marriage and as to what they want to do with their lives.

While Emily is struggling to navigate her new normal as an instant mother, she remains disturbed about the circumstances surrounding her sister's death. Deep secrets have seemingly been buried and just might be coming to the surface. 

While the book began to read to me as a psychological thriller, it is anything but. In fact, it is an excellent women's fiction novel with family drama and secrets. It was impossible not to feel compassion for Emily, Hayley and Mia, all for very different reasons. Equally heartbreaking and heartwarming, the story was fabulous throughout.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Clare writes all her books in a little green shed at the bottom of the garden. Before becoming a writer, she enjoyed a career in television, as a researcher in documentaries and then as a script editor in drama at the BBC and Channel Four, where her love of storytelling took hold

Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clare.boyd.14
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/clareboydclark
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/claresboyd/