The Girl Who Lied - Sue Fortin BLOG TOUR

Sue Fortin is joining me today to talk about her love of mysteries as part of the blog tour for her new release The Girl Who Lied.  Follow the tour to find out more about both Sue and the novel! 

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My love of any sort of story with a mystery to it has always been a prominent factor when choosing a book to read, a TV programme to watch or a film to see at the cinema. I have to confess to being an adventure junkie, thrill seeker, code breaker, mystery solver, in fact, anything high-octane with suspense, but all from the safety of my armchair. In particular, is my love for any sort of story with a mystery to be solved.

I blame Enid Blyton for this.

I’ve always enjoyed reading and, like many people my age, I started with Enid Blyton, ‘The Mystery of …’ series being my favourite. I then went onto discover, Agatha Christie, Dick Francis, Minette Walters, Sue Grafton, James Patterson and so on. You can see the pattern.

This love of the mystery extended out into TV shows from gentle Murder She Wrote, Columbo, screen adaptations of Agatha Christie novels to Hill Street Blues, Cagney & Lacey, NYPD Blue, The Professionals, Spooks, CIS and more recently Line of Duty, Hinterland and The Bridge.

And, of course, the big screen, where I’m probably more drawn to the action films like Heat, Ronin, Lawless, Last of the Mohicans, Reverend … really the list is endless. Having said that, two of my most favourite mystery films are Sleuth (1972) and The Last of Shelia (1973).

It’s probably not surprising that all these different forms of storytelling have influenced my own writing. Although, initially I wrote a romance, I still couldn’t help bringing in a bit of intrigue and mystery and this is a trend that has seeped more and more into my writing as time has gone on.

My latest novel The Girl Who Lied has lots of secrets and suspense which filters through as the story unfolds. I thoroughly enjoyed writing it and loved adding the twists and turns along the way.

The Girl Who Lied is out now, published by Harper Impulse.

Just the Way You Are- Lynsey James

The Blurb

Dear Ava, How do you start writing a letter to someone, six years after breaking their heart? 

Ava is unlucky in love as well as in life. The new office bitch has landed the dating column Ava wanted, and she can't remember the last time she had a second date. It's a good thing she has best friends Max and Gwen to pick up the pieces.

Deep down, Ava knows the reason why one date never turns into two - she's in love with someone else. Someone she's never even met.
It all started six years ago, with a letter from a secret admirer, Mr Writer... but then they suddenly stopped and Ava was heartbroken.

Now the letters have started again and Ava knows it could mean winning back the dating column at work. This time she's determined to unmask Mr Writer... and find out once and for all if he's Mr Right or Mr Very Definitely Wrong!

 

The Review

I've 'known' Lynsey on twitter for a few years now through the book blogger community and was thrilled to hear she'd been offered a book deal with Carina!  She'd mentioned her writing before and I loved the idea of a mysterious admirer sending old-fashioned love letters - after all, you can't get much more romantic than that.

Just the Way You Are is Ava's story. There's her work life, where she's desperate to write a barn-storming article to win the dating column from her arch-rival.  Her tight friendships with Gwen and Max, people she hopes will always have her back.  The relationship she builds with Ivy, a lady she strikes up a bond with and decides to make it her mission to reunite her with lost love Leo.  And of course, the letters from Mr Writer...

That's the one part of the book I was less keen on, the secret admirer.  The idea itself was great, but I just didn't feel there were enough contenders for the role of Mr Writer.  There wasn't any mystery for me and I'd expected to be wondering who was wooing Ava for far longer than I actually was.  This book is marketed as a romantic puzzle but for me the subplots were far more appealing, mainly because unlike the Mr Writer storyline, I genuinely wasn't sure how they'd play out.  Personally, I was more drawn to Ivy and Leo's story than Ava's and I'd have loved them to be the central characters in this book.  Their story had such bitter-sweet history and with Ava determined to reunite them I was willing a happy ending for this older couple.  Ivy was definitely my favourite character - wise, but with a sense of fun. 

I'm looking forward to seeing what Lynsey does next when her second novel, The Broken Hearts Book Club is released next week. 

Just the Way You Are is out now, published by Carina UK.

With thanks to the publisher who provided me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

The Monkey's Secret- Gennifer Choldenko HOT KEY BOOKS WEEK

The Blurb

In a segregated town, a hidden boy, a courageous girl - and a mystery in desperate need of solving. San Francisco, 1900. Thirteen-year-old Lizzy Kennedy is not like the other girls in her town. She'd much rather be helping her doctor father with his patients than be stuck in frilly dresses and learn how to dance - but unfortunately for her, society (and her Aunt Hortense) has other ideas about what is 'proper' for a young lady. This includes not poking your nose in other's people's business - but then Jing, their beloved housekeeper, gets stuck in the Chinatown quarantine. Fear rules San Francisco - fear of the Chinese, and mostly fear of the plague rumours that circle them. Lizzie knows she has to help Jing, whatever the warnings. But what she doesn't expect to find is a strange boy hiding in Jing's room. The boy is called Noah. He says he's Jing's son - although Lizzie's never heard of him - and although he's escaped the quarantine, he can't risk leaving the house in case he gets rounded-up too. Lizzie wants to investigate, but it seems her questions only get people riled up. Is there really plague in San Francisco? What have the Chinese got to do with it? Just what or who is the mysterious 'monkey' - and what has his secret got to do with anything? Lizzie will have to use all of her courage, instinct and cleverness to unravel the mystery of the monkey's secret, save Jing, Noah and Chinatown - and maybe even her change her own destiny.

The Review

I've not read Gennifer Choldenko's previous books, and The Monkey's Secret is quite different to my usual choice of reading material.  However, I was drawn in by the bright cover art and when I realised it was set in San Francisco I knew I wanted to give it a whirl (it's one of the destinations I'm heading to on my trip to America later in the year).

The Monkey's Secret is a fictional story based around actual events in San Francisco at the turn of the twentieth century.  Doctor's daughter Lizzy overhears an adult conversation which appears to be spoken in code- why is everyone talking about a monkey?  After much digging, she discovers rumours that the plague is rife in the Chinatown region of the city and takes it upon herself to find out more. 

Lizzy is a wonderful character- brave, clever and sharp as a tack.  She's determined and strong and refuses to let adults keep her in the dark.  Her tenacity is admirable and I am so pleased this book had a great female protagonist, particularly as it's set in the past.  Aunt Hortense was a formidable woman too, I could imagine her throwing the most withering of looks to those who dared to do anything she disagreed with.  This book will definitely appeal to the feminist reader due to the ballsy portrayal of the female characters.

There were times the pace was a bit slow for my taste, but I was interested enough in the story to keep turning the pages.  It was appealing to read a book set in a different time and place and the imagery Choldenko portrays, particularly within Chinatown, is magnificent.  The sense of mystery really comes across and whilst I was cheering Lizzy on, willing her to obtain the information she desperately longs for, I had my heart in my mouth at the end of the story.  There are a few chilling moments, that's for sure.

At the end of the book there's a timeline showing the actual dates of the events that inspired Choldenko and I definitely learnt a lot from this - I never even knew San Francisco had been affected by the plague. 

If you're looking for a unique mystery with a feisty female lead, The Monkey's Secret is well worth a look.

The Monkey's Secret is out now, published by Hot Key Books.

With thanks to Hot Key Books who provided me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm- Rebecca Raisin BLOG TOUR

The Blurb

Lucy would do anything for her mom…but she never expected to end up promising to leave her. After her mom got sick, Lucy dropped everything to take care of her, working all hours in a greasy diner just to make ends meet and spending every spare moments she had by her mom’s hospital bedside.

Now, Lucy is faced with a whole year of living by her own rules, starting by taking the first bus out of town to anywhere…

Except she didn’t expect to find her next big adventure just around the corner! Especially when on her first day in town she bumps into grumpy, but oh-so-delicious Clay amidst the maple trees. Surrounded by the magic of Ashford, Lucy has the chance to change her life forever and finally discover a life she wants to live!

The Review

I've been a big fan of Rebecca Raisin's since reading the first Gingerbread Café book back in 2013, and I've been so excited for the release of Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm!  There's something so comforting about Rebecca's writing, and I love snuggling down and losing myself in her heart-warming stories.

When I started reading this one, I noticed a shift in style from Rebecca's other books.  The beginning of  Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm is still very much centred around family life with Lucy unsure of whether to pursue her dream of going to study art in Paris or staying home to care for her sick mother, but it felt much more serious from the off, more weighty somehow, than the other books in the Once in a Lifetime series.

Lucy ends up agreeing to a year out, where she'll learn to live without the strains of caring for her Mum.  Boarding the bus, she ends up in Ashford (Yay!  The home of the Gingerbread Café series!) and she immediately fits into the community.  Meeting the lovely Lil and everyone's favourite confidante CeeCee, she is quickly accepted as one of the girls.  However, it's reclusive Clay, the mysterious maple syrup farmer that gets to know Lucy best.  Working long, tiring days together, the pair often frustrate each other-but deep down there's a chemistry that can't be ignored...

Of course, Lucy can't switch off from her responsibilities back home, so the plot is built around her worrying about her Mums health and yet loving the freedom that Ashford brings.  She learns new skills, builds solid friendships and revels in comfort of the close-knit community, but it's Clay and the farm that inspire her.  After finding an old sketchbook hidden away, presumably belonging to Clay's late uncle, Lucy finds her love of art is renewed, her paintings now more vibrant and open. She longs to know more about the owner of the sketchbook, but it seems the men of Maple Syrup Farm have a habit of keeping themselves to themselves...  This gentle mystery added to the plot and the writings in the sketchbook had my romantic heart all aflutter!

I found myself enjoying this book more as it went on.  The interactions between Lucy and Clay were humorous and added light relief after the moving mother/daughter plot line, and Ashford remains as homely and welcoming as it always has been- almost a character in itself, I love that place. 

Overall, I was surprised- I never would have expected a book about tree tapping for syrup to have me hooked, but Rebecca Raisin managed it! This feels like a transitional novel for her.  It's longer than her previous releases, with some deeper-running storylines and more twists.  However, it worked well and proves that Rebecca Raisin can tackle these more serious themes.  That said, I do love the way she portrays friendship best of all, and Lucy's interactions with the residents of Ashford were my highlight- I'm always left wanting to hug my closest friends after reading these books!

Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm is out now, published by Carina UK.

With thanks to the publisher who provided me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion. 

Fairytale Beginnings- Holly Martin BLOG TOUR

 

The Blurb

Love is an open door…except when it keeps slamming in your face

Hopeless romantic Milly Rose has had her fair share of heartbreak. Obsessed with all things Disney, she refuses to give up on finding her Prince Charming – he’s out there somewhere, isn’t he?

When Milly is given a job to investigate the origins of a historical building in the village of Clover's Rest, she’s not sure what to expect. What she discovers takes her breath away - a beautiful real life Cinderella castle, complete with turrets, a magnificent drawbridge AND a very handsome owner…Cameron Heartstone.

As Milly and Cameron begin to unearth the secrets of Clover Castle, they can’t ignore the intense chemistry building between them. But they’ve both been hurt badly before. Can they take a big leap of faith and find their own happily-ever-after?

A deliciously enchanting read that will delight fans of Rachael Lucas, Lucy Diamond and Miranda Dickinson or anyone who has ever blubbed at a Disney movie. Who says real life can’t be a fairytale?

The Review

 

I have read and enjoyed some of Holly Martin's previous releases and now, as Fairytale Beginnings makes its way into the world, I'm thrilled to be part of the blog tour.  I do enjoy a full-on escapist read and from the blurb alone I knew this book would fit the bill!

 

The story itself is a feel good romance- Milly, who is scared of getting hurt, and Cameron, who's been taken advantage of, are both quietly vulnerable beings and are surprised when Cupid's arrow strikes.  They fall hard, fast and deep, and with the magical castle setting as a backdrop, Milly feels like a princess in one of the Disney films she so adores. 

 

However, there are obstacles.  Boy, are there obstacles.  The unwelcoming villagers, Cameron's personal assistant Olivia, and Milly's desire to remain fully professional as she surveys the castle all threaten to damp down the fire between them.  And then there's the mysterious past of the building itself- the mishmash of eras and design styles are baffling enough, but the legends attached to Clover Castle are even more confusing. 

 

Surprisingly, the elements of suspense were what grabbed me the most.  Normally it's the romance that wins me over, but although I liked Milly and Cameron there were times I wanted to throttle them!  They were both quite egocentric and it was only when one of them went out on a limb to try and rescue something that was important to the other that I really believed what they shared could be more than lust.

 

Clover Castle was another character in itself, full of intrigue and secrets.  I loved all the passageways and turrets, the dungeons and drawbridge.  It was great fun imagining Cameron's eccentric Uncle Boris running riot as he added feature after feature to build a Disney-esque castle!

 

There were times during the book where I felt things moved on too fast-not so much in terms of Milly and Cameron's relationship, more that there were scenes I'd have liked to have known more about to firmly fix the setting and characters in my mind.  However, because Holly Martin writes in such an open, chatty style (with quite a few swear words thrown in!), Fairytale Beginnings had me turning the pages at breakneck speed. 

 

Witty and silly, romantic and mysterious- if you're after a fun, fresh holiday read, this could be just what you're looking for.  It reminded me a bit of Milly Johnson's It's Raining Men- you need to remember it's fiction, allow yourself to believe in the unknown and get washed away with the magic and humour of the story.  

 

I have a feeling Fairytale Beginnings could be the book that propels Holly Martin from 'bloggers favourite' to 'one to watch'.  And I really hope it is, because it's what she deserves.

 

Fairytale Beginnings is out now, published by Bookouture.  To 'try before you buy', you can read a sample chapter here.

 

With thanks to the publisher who provided me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

 

 

Connect with Holly on Facebook: www.facebook.com/hollymartinauthor

Connect with Holly on Twitter : www.twitter.com/hollymartin00

Holly’s website link is https://hollymartinwriter.wordpress.com

 

The Quality of Silence- Rosamund Lupton

The Blurb

On 24th November Yasmin and her deaf daughter Ruby arrive in Alaska.

Within hours they are driving alone across a frozen wilderness

Where nothing grows

Where no one lives

Where tears freeze

And night will last for another fifty-four days.

They are looking for Ruby's father.

Travelling deeper into a silent land.

They still cannot find him.

And someone is watching them in the dark.

The Review

I, along with what felt like half the country, was blown away by Rosamund Lupton's debut novel Sister back in 2010.  Lupton writes with such a strong, striking voice that when I was approached to review her most recent release The Quality of Silence, I jumped at the chance.

Ruby and her Mum Yasmin are desperately searching for Ruby's father who they've been told is dead, but they believe to be alive.  Leaving the safety of the UK to search the desolate Alaskan landscape, they are suddenly vulnerable in a strange, unfamiliar place.  I definitely found the setting unsettling- the barren land, the lack of people, the unforgiving climate- I was left with chills in every sense.

I loved that protagonist Ruby is a young girl, because even in contemporary fiction there are relatively few authors who choose to take this route.  That in itself was refreshing.  That Ruby is deaf is another brave choice for Lupton- but it opens up a whole new world of sensory descriptions which add to the dream-like quality of this book.  She's a strong-minded individual and so perceptive- I liked her immediately.

The writing is, as I expected, gorgeous.  Every word seems to have been selected with great care, and I'd suggest Lupton might be shifting further towards the literary fiction genre with The Quality of Silence.  There's still the key elements of thriller/mystery, the central issue of trust and well-crafted relationships that were evident in Sister (I haven't read Afterwards so can't comment on that), but this book has a less commercial feel and possibly a more niche readership.

This probably wouldn't be a book I'd have normally chosen to read, especially not in the height of summer- I'm quite surprised this wasn't released closer to Christmas!-but I appreciate the skill and craftsmanship of The Quality of Silence.  It was a slow burning start, but once Ruby and Yasmin reached Alaska I was drawn into this mysterious foreign land and wanted to know the outcome. 

Gut-wrenching, heart-warming, and bone-chilling. 


The Quality of Silence is out now in hardback and ebook formats.

Many thanks to the publisher Little, Brown for providing me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Return to Bluebell Hill- Rebecca Pugh

 

The Blurb

 

As sweet and satisfying as strawberries and cream! This British summertime, get out in the garden with Rebecca Pugh’s sparkling debut novel.

 

Home is where the heart is…  Jessica McAdams has never belonged anywhere; never truly felt at home. Of course, what did she expect from parents who never made her feel welcome in her own house? Leaving her life in London to return home to the charming country village of Bluebell Hill is harder than she thought. Especially as she never considered she’d be returning under such heart wrenching circumstances…

Clearing out the stunning and imposing Bluebell House after her parents’ death is difficult for Jessica—they never had the best relationship and now it’s too late. Yet spending time in the house that was never a home, having afternoon tea with dear old friend Esme—and sharing hot, sizzling kisses with delectable gardener Rueben!—opens Jessica’s eyes to the potential of Bluebell House… Could this big old, beautiful manor really be her forever home? Is Bluebell Hill where her heart is, has always been?

Jessica soon dares to dream of her very own home with delicious Rueben by her side. But when a deep, dark secret of Bluebell House is unearthed, Jessica’s world is turned upside down…

Will Jessica ever find where her heart truly lies?

An emotional tale of self-discovery, taking chances and romance! Rebecca’s unique British voice feels like coming home again and again.


The Review

Return to Bluebell Hill was one of my most highly anticipated reads of the summer.  I know Rebecca through the book blogging community and we started submitting our writing to publishers at the same time, sharing the stress of the nail-biting period where you press refresh on your email every two minutes. So to be able to review her debut and be part of her blog tour is absolutely fantastic- she's proof that with hard work and determination dreams can come true!

Return to Bluebell Hill is a romantic and mysterious tale based around protagonist Jessica's sudden return to the sleepy village she grew up in.  She arrives back full of doubt and uncertainty after the sudden death of her parents, and as the story develops it's apparent that life as she knows it is about to change forever.  Firstly, there's Rueben, the attractive gardener who's caught her eye, but there's something else too- as she clears out her family home Bluebell House ready for putting on the market she uncovers secrets beyond anything she could have believed possible...

I really liked Jessica and felt for her situation. To go back to somewhere that holds bad memories takes guts, especially without any family for support.  That's why I was glad she had strong relationships with her friends such as Sarah and Esme, and I found the scenes where she opened up to those closest to her were cosy and comforting to read. 

Personally, I preferred the storyline with the air of mystery to that of the romance, especially in the first half of the book- the secrets had me turning the page as I desperately wanted to find out more!  In fact, I'd love Rebecca to go down that route and write something laden with suspense and intrigue as those weighty scenes were fabulous- I wolfed them down like they were a box of Tunnock's teacakes! It wasn't that I wasn't interested in Rueben and Jessica's relationship, more that I was greedily trying to get back to the thread that had so grabbed my attention.

The descriptions, particularly of Bluebell House and Bluebell Hill appealed to my daydreamy nature, and I was delighted how the way they were described in the novel perfectly matched the images in my imagination.  I want a house like Bluebell House with a wraparound porch and woods all around it for romance and naughtiness...what a gorgeous location creation.



Rebecca Pugh


Overall, Return to Bluebell Hill is a well-worked blend of romance and suspense which had me longing for the valleys of my own home town. It's already storming in the rankings and I sincerely hope it continues to ride high- there's nothing like seeing a debut author grow in popularity! 

An easy-to-read summer treat which makes me curious as to which direction Rebecca will take with her follow up novel, Rebecca's writing may appeal to fans of authors such as Katie Fforde and Giovanna Fletcher.

Return to Bluebell Hill is out now, published by Carina UK.

With thanks to the publisher who provided me with a copy of this book in return for my thoughts.

Ann Troup talks about the inspirations behind The Lost Child

I'm pleased to be able to welcome author Ann Troup to Books with Bunny today! I've noticed her recent release The Lost Child catching the eye of bloggers and couldn't wait to find out a bit more about what inspired the story.

 

Over to Ann...

First of all I’d like to thank Kate for inviting me onto her blog today, it’s always such a privilege to be asked to talk all things books.

So, I thought I would let you in on a few of the ‘true’ stories that inspired some of the scenes in The Lost Child.

In chapter one we are introduced to Elaine, who has an accident with her mother’s ashes and inadvertently allows them to blow into the face of unsuspecting teenager, Brodie. This incident is based on something that did indeed happen to me. Some years ago my lovely mother in law died and as she had loved the countryside my husband, his uncle and aunt and I decided that we would scatter her ashes in her favourite spot.  Off we went up into the Quantock hills with Phil resting peacefully in her urn. Once a suitable spot had been selected my husband, with great ceremony and gravity, began to scatter her ashes – it was a lovely moment, very solemn and dignified. Until the wind got up…within moments I was covered from head to foot with the remains of my mother in law. She was everywhere, billowing around like a sandstorm and landing wherever she could. She was a lovely woman, liked to laugh and was always a free spirit and very sociable. However I’m not sure that she ever anticipated that she would end up being carried around in my coat pockets! I can only imagine how much of my mother in law found their way all over Somerset and Devon, but she would have loved the experience and would have found the whole thing hilarious. I still have that coat, and still suspect bits of her remain, suffice it to say it’s not a garment that I wear anymore…

Hallow’s End doesn’t exist in real life, however Meadowfoot and Hallow’s Cottage do, though I have changed the names. I was lucky enough to come from a large family and as a child still had a few Great Aunts still with me. Two of these had been ‘in service’ for all of their working lives, both with the same family in a small stately home near to the town where I grew up. Aunt Alice was a housekeeper and retired to a nice, modern little bungalow, but Aunty Babs retired to the most beautiful little cottage. I spent many a happy hour in that cottage and it’s abundant garden. Those memories were the model for the two cottages which feature in The Lost Child, and I am sure there are elements of Aunty Babs in Miriam’s kindly character. Aunt Alice however was not the model for Esther – Alice was equally terrifying, but nowhere near as mean.

Finally the setting of Hallow’s Court is very real though again the name has been changed. Some years ago I was fortunate enough to work for an organisation that was based in an old stately home. The owner had rented it out for years, and at one time it had been used as a school. Not many people get the chance to roam freely in a house that has 138 rooms and which is a real slice of history. Whilst I was there I would frequently get lost just trying to find my way back from the cavernous kitchens. On one occasion, when staying overnight I took the wrong staircase and ended up in the cellars – let’s just say it was quite an experience and I have rarely been so scared in my life! It took me two hours to find my way out and I was glad to never make the same mistake again. My favourite parts of the house were the roof tops, only the Georgians and the Victorians could have made such a mundane part of a building such exciting terrain. On quiet days, I would take my lunch up there and sit amongst the chimney pots indulging my childhood memories of Mary Poppins and The Water babies. They don’t build houses like that anymore, and I’m not surprised – the heating bill alone was in excess of £30,000 a year. But it was bliss, and an experience I will always treasure.

The Lost Child is out now, published by Carina.

 

 

Ann Troup author bio

Ann lives in Devon in a small house just a pebble’s throw from the beach. She shares her home with her husband and a small white dog, both occasionally allow her to be inattentive to them so that she can write. Her many skills include an unparalleled ability to consume coffee and the gift of being able to kill houseplants by merely admiring them. In addition to that she is a great proponent of the Miss Havisham method of housekeeping, which includes regarding cobwebs and dust as nature’s ornaments.  

BWB adds- Ann forgets to mention that she has an extraordinary talent in paper crafting.  You can enter to win one of her creations, a gorgeous scene from Pride and Prejudice presented in a globe (with working lamp light!) here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Girl on the Train- Paula Hawkins

The Blurb

Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. ‘Jess and Jason’, she calls them. Their life – as she sees it – is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough.

Now everything’s changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar.

Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train…

The Review

Well, this book was so much more than I expected!  There's been a lot of buzz surrounding this book on twitter and in the blogging community, and I have enjoyed psychological thrillers more and more over the past few years, but I hadn't expected to be reeled in hook, line and sinker by Paula Hawkins' debut novel.

The novel is told through a tri-narrative- examining events in a suburban neighbourhood through the eyes of Rachel, Anna and Megan.  Rachel (the 'girl on the train') is a fascinating character, the alcohol-dependant unreliable witness who leaves you doubting.  I couldn't tell if I empathised with her situation or whether she was harbouring dark secrets, and that was what appealed to me about her.  As a reader I felt as voyeuristic as Rachel herself, peering into parts of life which should remain private.  Anna (the new wife to Rachel's ex husband) I found harder to warm to.  Although I felt pity for her and the situation she found herself in, she came across as a bit of a mopey old grump.  Megan is perhaps the most elusive of the three, and as the plot unfolds her past unravels.

Community, technology, trust and relationships are all examined in this novel laden in mystery, and my heart was pounding in my chest at certain points throughout.  The book cleverly leaves you doubting yourself and the first two-thirds of the book in particular were superb at creating a tense atmosphere.

The Girl on the Train is a thoroughly unsettling read which leaves you wondering how well you really know your community, your friends and your family.  A gripping, well-executed debut, I can't wait to see what Paula Hawkins comes up with next.

The Girl on the Train is out today, published by Transworld.

With thanks to the publisher who provided me with a galley copy in return for an honest review.

The Miniaturist- Jessie Burton

The Blurb

There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed . . .

On an autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman knocks at the door of a grand house in the wealthiest quarter of Amsterdam. She has come from the country to begin a new life as the wife of illustrious merchant trader Johannes Brandt, but instead she is met by his sharp-tongued sister, Marin. Only later does Johannes appear and present her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. It is to be furnished by an elusive miniaturist, whose tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in unexpected ways . . .

Nella is at first mystified by the closed world of the Brandt household, but as she uncovers its secrets she realizes the escalating dangers that await them all. Does the miniaturist hold their fate in her hands? And will she be the key to their salvation or the architect of their downfall?

Beautiful, intoxicating and filled with heart-pounding suspense, The Miniaturist is a magnificent story of love and obsession, betrayal and retribution, appearance and truth.

The Review

The Miniaturist was everywhere throughout the second half of 2014, and now it's available in paperback it's sure to go to another level entirely.  The Miniaturist was chosen as the Waterstone's book of the year and also named in many of the 'Book of the Year' lists for 2014, so I decided to kick off a new year of reading with this historical fiction novel. 

Being honest, I found it quite difficult to get into this one- I think because there were quite a lot of characters introduced in quick succession, and that along with a setting and time frame that I know very little about pushed me outside my comfort zone.  That's not a negative, because I'm a firm believer that sometimes it's good to try something different, but there were times I considered putting it to one side and picking up something else to read instead.to

The writing itself totally grabbed me- it was vivid and dramatic and completely swept me away to Amsterdam in the late 17th Century.  I could feel Nella's vulnerable yet somehow stubborn nature ebbing off the page and couldn't help but have empathy for her as she struggled to adapt to life as a wife part of a well-known, established family.  As the tale unfolded, like layer upon layer of an onion being peeled back to reveal the small yet necessary heart at the centre, I became more and more enthralled by the hidden world of the Brandt family.  The elusive and abrupt sister- in- law Marin, the doting and compliant housemaid Cornelia, the black servant Otto, and even Johannes precious dogs have a role to play in this unsettling tale- but the enigmatic miniaturist who appears to be all seeing and all knowing, even of what goes on behind closed doors, is the central cog, giving clues to the young Mrs Brandt about what the future holds.

Jessie Burton cleverly drops a plot twist when the pace starts to slow, and I'm sure that's what makes The Miniaturist appeal to so many.  Whilst I wasn't blown away, I'm sure it's a book that's going to stay with me.  It has the haunting, unsettling feel of a du Maurier book (which is a triumph in itself- anyone who can get close to Daphne is winning in my eyes!) and the ability to transport to an unfamiliar bygone era.

If you're a fan of historical fiction, The Miniaturist is a must.  Even if you're not, it's well worth a whirl.  Part mystery, part romance, part family saga- Jessie Burton's debut ticks a lot of boxes.

The Miniaturist is out now in paperback, published by Picador.

The End of the Year Round Up 2014

Christmas might be over but there's some final wrapping up to do at Books with Bunny...

I've had a rollercoaster year health-wise as some of you know, and as 2014 drew to a close I found myself with answers as to why I've been feeling rubbish for so long.  After a hospital admission, an ECG, X-Rays, a flexi-scope, a colonoscopy and biopsies taken, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease just before Christmas- where the digestive tract becomes inflamed.  Crohn's manifests itself in lots of different and unpleasant ways, and not everyone with IBD (the umbrella term which covers both Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis) has the same symptoms and signs- mine are abdominal pain, diarrhoea (sometimes with blood/mucus), achy joints, extreme fatigue and feeling feverish.  It is a disease which has no cure, but it can go into long term remission.  That's my main goal for 2015-to get it under control so there's less chance of me needing harsh treatments or surgery.  I'm currently taking a high dose of steroids to try and reduce the inflammation that's spread through my colon, awaiting a very sci-fi sounding capsule test which will see if there's inflammation elsewhere and  have numerous appointments at the hospital with specialists to assess the best medication for me.

With all this going on, my blog has naturally had to take a back seat for a while.

I'm not going to get the chance to catch up with writing the reviews I missed out on when I was at my most poorly, so, just for a sense of finality, here are the other books I've read this year that I haven't had chance to review.  I'm planning on 2015 being a new slate in many, many ways, so it's time to wrap 2014 up!

I read and enjoyed-

The Wrong Knickers- Bryony Gordon
Geek Girl 2- Holly Smale
Beautiful Bastard- Christina Lauren
Beautiful Stranger- Christina Lauren
Beautiful Player- Christina Lauren
The Christmas Bake Off- Abby Clements
The Little Stranger- Sarah Waters
The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes- Anna McPartlin (review coming in January, as it is released in paperback on New Years Day)
The Girl on the Train- Paula Hawkins (review coming on January 15th 2015, as this one isn't actually released yet)

I read and wasn't so keen on-

All I Want for Christmas- Claudia Carroll

I was nowhere near my target of 250 books read in 2014, but I enjoyed my reading, blogging and the wonderful friendships I made and built on with other bloggers, authors and publicists throughout the year. 

Here's to 2015!

A New York Christmas- Anne Perry

The Blurb

New York, 1904. Jemima Pitt arrives in a city where new American money and old English aristocracy collide. She's here to chaperone her friend, Delphinia, who has crossed the ocean to marry one of New York's richest men, but Jemima discovers a secret that could destroy Phinnie's future. Drawn into the crisis, Jemima desperately wants to protect her friend. And she must use all her courage and wits to decide whom to trust, and how to thread her way through the snowy streets of this brash new city. A New York Christmas is the enthralling new festive tale from the master of Victorian mysteries.

The Review

I wasn't sure whether this would be my kind of book, if I'm honest.  Whilst the cover was Christmassy and I am a true New York-phile, I worried that this might be a bit granny-ish.  It just gave out that kind of vibe.  However, I'm pleased to say it wasn't and I easily read it over two sittings. 

A New York Christmas is a short read, only 160 pages, which gives a glimpse into a wealthy world. I do love a bit of glamour, but this book is a bit more gritty than that.  Chaperone Jemima finds herself embroiled in a mystery relating to Delphinia's mother and soon there are accusations aplenty and fallings out among the elite. 

I was interested to know what would happen and had no idea that it was going to have the twists and turns it did, but the ending of this one was a disappointment to me.  In my opinion the final ten pages or so were just a stretch too far, unfortunately, and tried to cram too much in.  It was as though the slow build up came to a sudden end, like the author was trying to wrap up the book to meet a deadline or fit into a certain number of words.

That said, I can see why Anne Perry has a large fan base, her writing was easy to read and her characters strong and vivid.  Fans of the Victorian crime and mystery genre may well enjoy this book.

Finally, whilst it is a festive read according to the title, I would have preferred a stronger Christmassy vibe-especially as it was earmarked as my first Advent-ures in Fiction book for the year!

A New York Christmas is out now, published by Headline.

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The Wedding Ring- Katey Lovell

Well, this is a bit of a cheat really.  It's not a book, it's a short story.  And what's more, it's mine.

I was chosen as a winner in a nationwide short story competition earlier this year, and The Wedding Ring was my entry.  You can read it (and the other winning entries) for free by clicking on the link below.

http://www.panmacmillan.com/thewindowseat/creativewritingcompetition

Death of an Avid Reader- Frances Brody BLOG TOUR

 

I've been swept along by the resurgence in 'cosy crime' and Frances Brody is an author I've been wanting to try for some time now.  Her Kate Shackleton books have already got quite a following, one which is growing with each instalment of the series.

 

And the beautiful covers (I mean look at this one- how beautiful can you get?) are old-school mystery with enough of a modern hint to grab the attention of readers of all ages.

 

I can hear what you're saying though... 'Covers are all well and good, but it's what's inside that counts...' so let's get going with the review!

 

The Blurb

 

A lady with a secret
Kate Shackleton's sterling reputation for courageous sleuthing attracts the attention of the venerable Lady Coulton. Hidden in her past is a daughter, born out of wedlock and given up to a different family. Now, Lady Coulton is determined to find her and puts Kate on the case.

A mysterious killing in the library's basement
But as Kate delves deeper into Lady Coulton's past, she soon finds herself thrust into a scandal much closer to home. When the body of the respected Horatio Potter is found in the Leeds Library basement, the quiet literary community is suddenly turned upside down with suspicions, accusations and - much to Kate's surprise - the appearance of a particularly intelligent Capuchin monkey!

The most puzzling case in Kate's sleuthing history yet
Convinced an innocent man has been blamed, Kate sets out to discover the truth. Who would want Dr Potter dead? Does Lady Coulton's missing daughter hold a vital clue? As the stories start to emerge in the seemingly quiet Leeds Library, Kate is learning fast that in this case, she can't judge a book by its cover . . .

The Review

 

There is nothing better on a cold autumn evening than curling up with a wonderfully written mystery and getting totally transported to a different time and place.  Death of an Avid Reader whisked me away to a bygone age, one which in many ways was easier- more simplistic and straightforward.  However, for sleuth Kate Shackleton, life is anything but simple.

 

Lady Coulton is desperate to find her illegitimate daughter and calls upon Kate's expertise in the hope of a speedy discovery.  Yet name changes, family dramas and moving inland from the Yorkshire Coast mean Kate's job is not as easy as it may at first seem.  And before long Kate has the additional challenge of finding a murderer as well as reuniting the mother and daughter...

 

There was a lot to love about this book.  The writing style manages to be fluid and flowing whilst still containing oodles of description which makes it extremely engaging and fast paced.  The quick, snappy dialogue also adds to this, making it a quick, easy read.  On a personal level, I loved the scenes in Scarborough-our UK holiday destination of choice.

I also really warmed to Kate, she is a likable character and a strong woman against the 1920s backdrop.  Death of an Avid Reader is entertaining and a good old-fashioned mystery without the gore and brutality which is often a by product of crime/thriller writing. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Death of an Avid Reader from beginning to end.  It is a gentle, mildly humorous book and I am now a fully paid up member of the 'converted to Kate' crew.  I want to get hold of the rest of the books now and see what other adventures are in store!

FOLLOW THE TOUR!

 

 

 



 

Death of an Avid Reader is released on Thursday 2nd October and available for pre-order now from all good bookshops and online stockists.

 

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Before You Die- Samantha Hayes

 

The Blurb

It has taken nearly two years for the Warwickshire village of Radcote to put a spate of teenage suicides behind it.

Then a young man is killed in a freak motorbike accident, and a suicide note is found among his belongings. A second homeless boy takes his own life, this time on the railway tracks.

Is history about to repeat itself?

DI Lorraine Fisher has just arrived for a relaxing summer break with her sister. Soon she finds herself caught up in the resulting police enquiry. And when her nephew disappears she knows she must act quickly.

Are the recent deaths suicide - or murder?

And is the nightmare beginning again?

Show More

      

The Review

 

I read Samantha Hayes acclaimed bestseller Until You're Mine last year and really enjoyed the gripping, psychological nature of it.  Her latest offering Before You Die is in very much the same vein, a dark, thought provoking story of country life and community where you are never quite sure what to believe.

At times I felt the plot moved a bit too slowly for my liking and I wanted more drama, although I am aware that any psychological thriller worth its salt needs to pace itself.  The characters, and there were quite a few main players, all had interesting qualities which enriched the parts of the book where there was less plot development.  I particularly enjoyed learning more about DI Lorraine Fisher, one of the characters from Hayes' previous book, and hope there will be more of her to come. 

I had guessed the twist prior to the end, but probably not until 2/3rds of the way through, and even having a hunch about how things would pan out didn't spoil my enjoyment.  Hayes write in a manner that causes you to second guess yourself all the time, suspecting everyone!  When a plot is well woven, it doesn't always need to surprise you to take your breath away. 

Before You Die isn't always an easy read, and at times explicitly gruesome.  If you enjoyed TV dramas Broadchurch and Prey, or books such as Elizabeth Haynes' bestsellers, I'm sure you'll be enraptured by Before You Die.  High quality suspense which made my heart pound and my mouth go dry.

Before You Die is out now.

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy in return for an honest review.

The Husband's Secret- Liane Moriarty

 

The Husband's Secret has been one of the runaway success stories of the summer.  Being chosen as a Richard and Judy Bookclub choice gave the book plenty of exposure and the attractive cover seemed to be staring out at me from every bookshelf in bookshops, supermarkets and libraries.

I am part of a small book group and The Husband's Secret was our October choice.  I had been planning to read it anyway, and when I won a copy from the lovely Anne at the Random Things Through my Letterbox blog I took it as fate!

The book explores curiosity, guilt and secrets.  When Cecelia finds an letter from her husband in a box of paperwork, addressed to her with the instruction 'to be opened only in the event of my death', she is torn.  Should she open it when her husband is very much alive?  Or should she put it back and pretend it has never been found? 

The Husband's Secret very cleverly entwines the stories of Australian families within a small town and the characters are well crafted and believable.  It is very much a book focusing on relationships and how the actions of one person can impact on a wider circle.  I was definitely gripped by the plot and wanted to keep turning the pages to discover how the story would end.  I can't say too much more without giving away the whole story, and that would definitely spoil it for any of you that haven't read it, but I will say this- buy this book!

Our book group described it as 'intriguing' and 'thought-provoking', giving it an average rating of 8/10 . All six members said they would recommend it to a friend.

The Husband's Secret is out now, published by Penguin.

8/10

A Heart Bent Out of Shape- Emylia Hall

I must admit that I wasn't familiar with Emylia Hall until I was asked if I would like to read her latest novel A Heart Bent Out of Shape.  I think I must have been living in a cave during 2012 as her first novel, The Book of Summers, was a Richard and Judy pick.  Well, better late to the party than missing it altogether!

 

A Heart Bent Out of Shape follows Hadley Dunn on her year abroad in Switzerland.  Studying in the beautiful city of Lausanne she meets a true friend, Danish girl Kristina.  Everything seems blissfully perfect until tragedy strikes.  Hadley seeks comfort from her American Literature professor Joel Wilson, and as they try to solve the mystery of what happened they cross boundaries, boundaries that only complicate matters further...

I found A Heart Bent Out of Shape to be slow starting, and whilst I appreciate that it was necessary to set the scene and build up to the tragedy I was waiting for things to get going.  And get going it did- I was soon gripped by the mystery.  There were moments where I thought I had it sussed and then I'd doubt myself, other times where I felt completely in the dark, and I was keen to know exactly what had happened.

I liked the characters, particularly wise yet elusive Hugo, although found Hadley's naivety frustrating at times.  However, as a twenty year old away from home for the first time in a country where everyone is speaking a different language, perhaps Hadley is a realistic representation of a young woman setting off on the journey of finding herself.

The highlight for me were the absolutely beautiful descriptions of Switzerland that left me longing to be there.  Glistening snow, high-reaching spires and breath-taking vistas had me dreaming of Lausanne.  Emylia Hall transported me to a place I have never been, yet I feel I now intimately know.

A Heart Bent Out of Shape is available tomorrow (12.9.13), published by Headline Review.

8.5/10

With thanks to the lovely Ben at Headline for giving me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The Secret Seven-Enid Blyton

Oh, Enid Blyton.  The cause of much debate and controversy in children's fiction, yet still incredibly popular.  Adults are often dismissive of Blyton, even those who loved her books as a child, and I was very keen to start rereading some of my favourites.  When the opportunity to review The Secret Seven came up, I jumped at the chance.  I must have read the whole series at least ten times between the ages of 5-10, and the books that I especially enjoyed many more times that that. 

With slight trepidation I picked up the book.  Would I be disappointed?  Should childhood favourites be left in the past for fear of spoiling the happy memories they provide?  Or would I feel like I was being reacquainted with old friends?

The Secret Seven is the first book in the series.  First published in 1949 there are definitely parts of it that seem dated, especially some turns of phrase that are used (particularly by straight laced Janet).  However they were probably also outdated in the mid 1980s when I read these books the first time, and I was never aware that they were so old fashioned through my childhood eyes.  The same could well be true for children in modern society, infact I would go as far as to assume that it IS true, or the books would surely have gone out of print-nostalgia alone is not enough to keep publishers printing books, they have to actually sell too.

I whizzed through the story, and recalled many of the key moments throughout.  It was almost like being transported back to my own childhood, a sense of deja vu.  I loved reliving the adventure, particularly the sense of being tucked away in the shed sat on a flowerpot in the meetings the children have.  Passwords and disguises abound as the seven set off to find out who the stealthy men sneaking around a spooky old house are.  What are they doing, and why?  Of course the Secret Seven come up trumps, I don't think that is a spoiler, and as an adult I finished the book with the same sense of satisfaction that I did the first time around.  This surely shows the power a good book has, it can stand the test of time and be read at varying stages in life and still be appreciated.

The Hodder edition I had to review was illustrated by Tony Ross, which is obviously an attempt to make the books as visually appealing as possible to the young audience of the twenty-first century.  Whilst I liked the illustrations I didn't feel they gelled especially well with the text, but this may just be because they are not what I would traditionally associate with Blyton. 

Don't overlook Blyton thinking her work outmoded and irrelevant for children today.  Any child seeking high adventure and a story about true friendship and teamwork will find plenty in the Secret Seven books to appeal to them.

I have already decided that I'm going to buy all the books in the series to reread and review.  They will then remain on my son's bookshelf to hopefully be enjoyed again and again-they are classics, pure and simple.

9.5/10
With thanks to Hodder for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an impartial review.

Looking for La La-Ellie Campbell

Looking for La La is the third book by Ellie Campbell, a duo of sisters working collaboratively to create entertaining fiction.   I must admit that I really didn't know what to expect when this arrived for me to review, but was intrigued to find out !  The cover image of a madcap lady with manic eyes peeping over a fence reminded me of myself on a particularly stressful bad hair day...maybe this could be a book I could relate to?

 

 

Looking for La La is the story of Cathy.  A wife and mother struggling to retain her own identity in the hectic world of school runs, housework and other necessities of life, Cathy feels tired and unfulfilled. When flirtatious postcards addressed to her husband start arriving, Cathy feels even more threatened-could he be having an affair?  Is someone trying to ruin their marriage? Or is it a joke that has got out of hand?  Before long, Cathy is suspicious of everyone around her.  Is there anyone she can really trust?

 

I must admit that it took me a while to get into this book, although I wonder if that is partly due to reading Mad About You by Sinead Moriarty just before- there are some similarities in the plots.  However, once I obtained a big bar of Dairy Milk and wriggled myself into the corner of the settee I was all set to go and Looking for La La entertained me for the next four hours.  Yes, it is embellished and far fetched in places, but mothers in particular will be able to identify with Cathy's loss of identity-that feeling of being someone's wife, someone's mum and yet feeling detached from yourself as you seek to please everyone else.

 

I was getting very frustrated as the story progressed as I was desperate to know who La La was.  I thought I had it worked out and then something would make me doubt myself.  This definitely made me want to keep turning the pages as I'm not good at putting down an unsolved mystery!   Part mystery, part chicklit, part women's fiction; Looking for La La touches on a variety of genres which is both a strength and a weakness.  Whilst it has the potential to appeal to a variety of readers, I feel it is not a neat enough fit into any of these genres to really recommend to one specific target audience. 

 

Looking for La La is out now.

 

6.5/10

 

With thanks to Ellie Campbell for providing me with a review copy of Looking For La La in return for an honest review.

London Calling-Sara Sheridan

Before I start, I should probably warn you.  I am going to eulogise about this book.  Unashamedly, unreservedly, full-on rave about it.


Firstly, it is part of the Mirabelle Bevan series.  If you are not yet familiar with Mirabelle, this is important because she is elusive, attractive, witty and sharp.  She is the kind of woman that men are intimidated by and she utilises her wily charms to wheedle out the facts she needs from men she encounters.  I want to be like her.  Infact, scrap that-I want to BE her.

Set in London in 1952, London Calling is the second book in the Mirabelle series.  When a beautiful debutante mysteriously vanishes from a jazz club, saxophonist Lindon Claremont is the number one suspect.  A childhood friend of Vesta, Mirabelle's sidekick, the women are determined to find out the truth and clear Lindon's name.  We are sucked into the underground music scene and exposed to alluring secret drinking dens and caddish jazz musicians.  As a fan of this era, Sara Sheridan does a fantastic job of representing post war London as a buzzing city high on promise and hope. 

Delightful old-fashioned mystery stories in the same vein as Agatha Christie's classic 'Miss Marple' books, the Mirabelle books are intriguing and beguiling whilst never drifting into uncomfortable violence or unnecessarily graphic scenes. London Calling does not disappoint, and I found myself wishing that it was longer-always a promising sign!  Infact, I was devastated when I finished the book and immediately tweeted the author asking when the next book will be out (unfortunately, not until 2014).

Well written and thought provoking, heart wrenching and thoroughly entertaining, Sheridan's evocative writing style will appeal to both those interested in the 1950s and the 'cosy crime' genre.  Vivid, likeable characters add to the appeal, complimented by a highly readable plot.  Pure escapist reading which makes me nostalgic for a time I never knew.

Bravo Sara Sheridan, bravo Mirabelle Bevan.  More!

9/10
With thanks to Polygon for providing me with a review copy of London Calling.  You can find out more about Sara Sheridan by tweeting her, @sarasheridan.

Brighton Belle, the first Mirabelle Bevan book is free via iTunes at the time of writing.  Try it!