Today is the publication day for a book I'm close to finishing as I write this. I was hoping to write a full review for today but I think what I've read so far can provide enough of an insight without risking any spoilers because I simply don't yet know how it ends.
Keep Her Secret is the first book I've ever written by Mark Edwards, but from what I can tell from the book community it's definitely not his first novel. His other books have some amazing reviews so I'm sure this release has been highly anticipated by his fans of previous works. Whilst I can't compare or say in my opinion whether this is; as good, better or not as good as previous titles, I can say that if you're new to his work like I am then this is as good a novel as any to begin with.
The book begins with two friends who have recently rekindled their connection heading off to Iceland as their first holiday as a couple. When they were younger they used to date, but life has happened in between (just how *much* has happened in Helena's life we can only prepare for).
Events happen during this week away, and it's like one near miss just rolls into other forms of *snowball incidents* - it really becomes the get-a-way that keeps on giving.
Helena opens up to Matthew about her past in a confessional that I doubt he was ready for, yet it doesn't phase him, is that the mark of true love holding hands with unapologetic acceptance, or is there another reason behind the sheer lack of 'I need to think about this'? I honestly don't know, I'm not at the end of the book yet.
As I'm reading the eBook version I'd say I got to around 40% before the pace quickened. So definitely stick with it because all is definitely not as it seems, and whilst at the start it may appear to be heading in one direction and seem to be resembling a calm chaos, it quickly pulls the rug from beneath you and sharply changes direction. My head definitely got a shake up, and I wanted to storyboard it out and tap into my inner Vera (ITV detective series) and see how this all plays out.
The character development is unexpected. The saying; 'You think you know someone ..' certainly comes to mind, as does "you don't know someone unless you follow them home...(or they follow you!) Helena seems to be a kind woman who happened to end up with the wrong man, and Matthew seems to be the one that got left behind, Lee (Helena's husband) seems a piece of work...and Devon (she was on the Iceland trip) seems just like an ordinary traveller who happens to be on the same guided trip as Helena and Matthew.
I used one key phrase there: SEEMS TO BE
All in all, I am enjoying this read, eagerly swiping the pages to get to the next chapter where I might uncover the plot ... and the extent to these secrets.
I'm awarding it 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ but it could easily grow to 4.5
Read on below for the synopsis
*Thank you to Thomas and Mercer for allowing me to have an advanced readers copy via Netgalley*
SYNOPSIS
After twenty years apart, Matthew and Helena have rekindled their college romance and are away in Iceland on their first holiday together. Swept up in the romance on a mountain hike, one moment they are taking the perfect photo, the next Helena is hanging from the cliff edge…
Terrified, Matthew almost misses Helena’s sudden and shocking confession—but what he hears chills him to the bone. And when Helena reveals the full truth Matthew is horrified, not only by what she’s done, but why she did it. Does he really know her at all?
His shock turns to horror when, back in England, they discover that someone not only overheard Helena’s confession but plans to blackmail her. Now Matthew must decide whether to go to the police or help Helena keep her secret—and as events spiral out of control, how far is Matthew willing to go to protect his ‘perfect’ girlfriend?
Author | Sarah Morrell
Publisher | Hashtag Press
Availability | eBook, Paperback
My Rating | 4/5
Fleur is used to balancing her two different cultures from her English Mum to her West Indian Nan but when she discovers that she can talk to animals she finds herself in a whole new world! Can her new powers help her take down Celeste 'The Best' the hockey-loving, ankle-smashing new girl, once and for all?
'A Head Full of Magic' was a delightfully, charming read that would be a perfect addition to any child's classroom or personal home library.
I wasn't sure what to expect from the story at first, but once the foundations were laid it was really heart warming to read such a story. The characters were authentic, from the loving Nan who played chess with Fleur, to the school bully Celeste who made Fleur's school days somewhat less than ideal.
This story contained the right balance of addressing key real life issues such as bullying, loved ones being unwell, self discovery, and a good dose of magic and escapism for any child (or adult).
We meet Fleur who is a "normal" 10 year old girl, just trying to do her best and be a 10 year old. Along with losing friends, Fleur also is leaving Primary School and heading to High School, something we can all relate to. But things turn unexpectedly when she realises she can hear Nan's African Grey Parrot talk - and it doesn't stop with him - Sir Barclay - she can hear ALL animals talk. You'd be forgiven for thinking of Dr Dolittle here, but this is fresh, new, and exciting. This makes children feel that magic exists, that anything is possible.
There were important key points in this story that really stood out to me;
- it involved a mixed race family, and that's unfortunately what we don't read alot of in middle grade and/or adult books, Sarah Morrell did a wonderful job or portraying the family, and I felt an instant warmth towards them
- bullying happens far too much to far too many children, yet it's something that can do the most damage to children - I particularly enjoyed how well written the supportive elements were in this book addressing the bullying Fleur encountered. She was clearly supported by those around her, and that is something not all children have - but to read this book during a difficult time in their life may well give them the courage and strength to speak out and stand up to bullies
- Fleur's nan - reading the scenes where she's playing chess with her granddaughter brought back memories of me playing connect 4 with my nan - it was the highlight of my day at 3 years old
A Way Back To Happy by Olivia Spooner
Published by Aria & Ares
Edition Read ~ eBook
ISBN ~ 9781800249462
Price ~ £2.99 (GBP)
Book Description
After five years stuck in the wrong marriage, 33-year-old Emma is finally free. Her husband has moved out, her son Freddie is making friends, and her parents are finally trying to stop micro-managing her life.
On a celebratory night out with her three best friends, Emma meets Finn. Young, dimpled and irresistibly Scottish Finn. Between landing her dream job, stolen moments with Finn, and precious time with Freddie, Emma is happier than she has ever been.
Then one accident changes everything and Emma's life is thrown into chaos. With the help of all who love her, can Emma find a way back to happy?
MY REVIEW ~ 5 Stars
I began reading this book on Tuesday 5th October - my 33rd Birthday, and I wil admit that I was elated when I discovered that the lead character in this story, Emma, was also 33 and was facing a bit of a shit storm in her own life. I don't know why but I really find comfort in characters facing a difficult period in their lives especially when their feelings are ones that I can identify with myself. I suppose it's a human thing to want to not be the only person facing a tough time, yet us Brits find it difficult to not only talk about to ourselves let alone to admit to others. This is why books are so wonderful - we can escape into the pages and confess our own secrets and lies to the characters. It bonds us, and thus the story becomes a part of who we are as we personalise it.
So, I met Emma and her four year old adorable son Freddie, and I immediately warmed to her as she faced the difficulty of telling her husband Paul that she was leaving him and whilst she is a mother and I am not yet, it was a situation I could understand and empathise with. I never warmed to Paul, in fact I was in agreement with her friend Lily (Go Team Lily!) where her husband was concerned.
The plot of the story kept me interested, and motivated to keep turning the page to find out how Emma navigate the break up which was a suprise but not in the way you'd expect. I felt myself having a soft spot for Finn who became Emma's guilty pleasure after a one night stand. I think every woman reading this book will think the same thing about Emma in regards to Finn - and that is "Lucky Bugger".
The story is told in weekly increments, both before and after, and I have honestly never read a story set out this way before and that was partly the excitement and enjoyment of reading along with the excellent and original plot. I also loved that it was based down under as opposed to the UK or the US. It's just nice to truly escape into a book. When the girls; Emma, Lily, Trish and Mags went to Bali, I wanted to go with them, and they even got me to get up early and do morning Yoga - although I passed on the hummus and carrot sticks.
It was fascinating following the journey of Emma as she overcame one of the hardest years of her life, right up until the last page the plot had me wondering what was actually going to happen. It might sound cliche, but right now I feel inspired by Emma, with the changes in my own life that's happening, and how daunting it feels, I find myself thinking, If Emma can do what she did, after what happened to her, then I can do this.
I would love to read more by Olivia Spooner, and in fact I quite want a follow up to this one so we finally get to meet the babies! I'd quite like to see the Girls starting some "mums club" and of course more of what Olivia does best - and that is keep me guessing as to what's going to happen next.
You can purchase now in eBook version, and from all good bookshops in paperback from 11th November 2021
*Thank you to Aria Fiction for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy via NetGalley in return for an honest review*
You are invited to holiday at gorgeous Rose Cottage - where friendship, home comforts and romance are guaranteed...
One glorious summer brings the chance to begin again.
When solo travellers Benni, Emma and Ruth find themselves holidaying together at charming Rose Cottage in Brixham, Devon, they are initially disappointed to be sharing with strangers of a different age group.
But 'friendship and home comforts' are guaranteed at Rose Cottage and soon a bond blossoms between the women, who each have valuable life lessons to share.
As the summer unfolds, Benni, Emma and Ruth begin to realise that age is just a number. Before their time at Rose Cottage ends, will they take the chance to grasp the dreams that are now within their reach?
What Dawn Thinks;
I've been in a bit of a reading slump of late and I honestly didn't think I'd ever get out of it. But Erin Green has done it again! She's seriously such a talented author and I never hesitate reading her work. However, It took me a while to read this book but not because it wasn't a page turner - because it absolutely was - but because I was trying to get back into a reading routine.
This book was an inspiring read to take time out, take a chance on your new beginning. The characters are so relatable and you can't help but begin to care about them, and honestly I was rooting for them to get their happy ever after.
One thing I really liked about this story is that there was no cliche storyline in my opinion which makes it such a breath of fresh air.
I'd love to read a follow up story to see what happens with the characters next but equally I feel the story ended perfectly.
If you fancy reading something filled with a bit of hope, a bit of inspiration, and fancy a new beginning yourself then I definitely recommend this story to tick all those boxes.
*Thank you to Heidi Swain and Books and the City for allowing me to take part in the exclusive cover reveal for this book*
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