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sams_fireside's reviews
248 reviews
A French Adventure by Jennifer Bohnet
A French Adventure follows the stories of three women, Vivienne, Maxine and Olivia, and how their lives progress over the space of a few months as they discover new and old friends and go through some life-changing circumstances. I loved all three women and, of course, I was willing for their journeys to take them in the direction in which they wanted to go.
Jennifer Bohnet shows us how we can overcome the challenges that life can throw at us and how very often we will come out better and stronger on the other side.
I’ve never visited the French Riviera, but after immersing myself in the lives of these three women, I think I could quite happily live there, in a small cottage with the Mediterranean sparkling in the distance.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review A French Adventure by Jennifer Bohnet.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
If I’m honest, I’ve always loved the idea of upping sticks and moving to a different country. In reality, probably not so much, but I admire the people who do just that.
A French Adventure follows the stories of three women, Vivienne, Maxine and Olivia, and how their lives progress over the space of a few months as they discover new and old friends and go through some life-changing circumstances. I loved all three women and, of course, I was willing for their journeys to take them in the direction in which they wanted to go.
Jennifer Bohnet shows us how we can overcome the challenges that life can throw at us and how very often we will come out better and stronger on the other side.
I’ve never visited the French Riviera, but after immersing myself in the lives of these three women, I think I could quite happily live there, in a small cottage with the Mediterranean sparkling in the distance.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review A French Adventure by Jennifer Bohnet.
The Girl She Left Behind by Jo Bartlett
The Girl She Left Behind was sensitively written, with obvious research having gone into how police procedures deal with a missing person and the information which they can and can’t share with relatives.
I loved Phoebe, Jamie and Darcy. Darcy is an amazing little girl who seemingly deals with things the way only children know how to, and with the love and support of those closest to her.
Unfortunately, I could relate to the behaviour of Phoebe and Lucy’s Mum, in the fact that I had to work with someone who showed that sort of behaviour and it did bring up painful memories as I was reading but it did make me realise that I did the right thing by taking myself out of the situation.
The Girl She Left Behind is so much about the loving support of friends in times of need and how trying to at least provide some sense of normality can help with coping mechanisms. I would totally recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a contemporary novel, but please check the trigger warnings beforehand.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Girl She Left Behind by Jo Bartlett.
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book when I read the Author’s Note at the beginning, but I absolutely loved it from start to finish. You won’t find any spoilers in my review because personally, I think knowing how this ends would make it less enjoyable.
The Girl She Left Behind was sensitively written, with obvious research having gone into how police procedures deal with a missing person and the information which they can and can’t share with relatives.
I loved Phoebe, Jamie and Darcy. Darcy is an amazing little girl who seemingly deals with things the way only children know how to, and with the love and support of those closest to her.
Unfortunately, I could relate to the behaviour of Phoebe and Lucy’s Mum, in the fact that I had to work with someone who showed that sort of behaviour and it did bring up painful memories as I was reading but it did make me realise that I did the right thing by taking myself out of the situation.
The Girl She Left Behind is so much about the loving support of friends in times of need and how trying to at least provide some sense of normality can help with coping mechanisms. I would totally recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a contemporary novel, but please check the trigger warnings beforehand.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Girl She Left Behind by Jo Bartlett.
The Love Interest by Victoria Walters
The Love Interest is another brilliant novel by Victoria Walters and as soon as I got wind of it, I knew I had to read it.
Liv is working in the university library and to her horror, her brother’s best friend and her arch-enemy, is coming to work at the university too, and even worse, he’s moving in with her and her brother, albeit temporarily.
Any book that has books as one of its subject matters is always a win for me and this doesn’t disappoint. With lots of Mr Darcy and Pride and Prejudice references, The Love Interest kept me entertained during the first drab few days of February.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Love Interest by Victoria Walters.
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The perfect enemies-to-lovers romance and perfect for anyone who is a diehard romantic. The Love Interest just oozes romance from beginning to end, whether within the pages of the novel Liv is writing or on her perfect date - which has yet to happen!
The Love Interest is another brilliant novel by Victoria Walters and as soon as I got wind of it, I knew I had to read it.
Liv is working in the university library and to her horror, her brother’s best friend and her arch-enemy, is coming to work at the university too, and even worse, he’s moving in with her and her brother, albeit temporarily.
Any book that has books as one of its subject matters is always a win for me and this doesn’t disappoint. With lots of Mr Darcy and Pride and Prejudice references, The Love Interest kept me entertained during the first drab few days of February.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Love Interest by Victoria Walters.
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
I have seen this book reviewed many times over on Bookstagram and I love a story that educates and entertains me, and As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow, certainly did this.
I listened to it as an audiobook, read by Rasha Zamamiri and it was haunting. Whilst the majority of us are living free lives, enjoying vacations and being able to travel anywhere we want to, there is still a war continuing in Syria that has been going on for 13 years! I cannot even begin to imagine what that must be like to live through.
As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow is an absolutely incredible story with beautiful imagery, but it’s so sad. I’m sure the war in Syria is something that many people will be aware of, yet many won’t know to what extent it has affected and is affecting the people of that country. No one actually wants to leave all that they know and get on a boat to sail to who knows where. They do it because they have no choice if they want to stay alive.
Salama is our protagonist and an amazingly strong female character who is working hard to try to find a way for her and her pregnant sister-in-law to escape her beloved, yet war-torn country. Does she make it? You need to read it for yourself to find out.
As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow is classed as a YA book but is definitely a book which should be read by everyone, regardless of age.
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"It reminds me that as long as the lemon trees grow, hope will never die".
I have seen this book reviewed many times over on Bookstagram and I love a story that educates and entertains me, and As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow, certainly did this.
I listened to it as an audiobook, read by Rasha Zamamiri and it was haunting. Whilst the majority of us are living free lives, enjoying vacations and being able to travel anywhere we want to, there is still a war continuing in Syria that has been going on for 13 years! I cannot even begin to imagine what that must be like to live through.
As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow is an absolutely incredible story with beautiful imagery, but it’s so sad. I’m sure the war in Syria is something that many people will be aware of, yet many won’t know to what extent it has affected and is affecting the people of that country. No one actually wants to leave all that they know and get on a boat to sail to who knows where. They do it because they have no choice if they want to stay alive.
Salama is our protagonist and an amazingly strong female character who is working hard to try to find a way for her and her pregnant sister-in-law to escape her beloved, yet war-torn country. Does she make it? You need to read it for yourself to find out.
As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow is classed as a YA book but is definitely a book which should be read by everyone, regardless of age.
The Keeper of the Irish Secret by Susanne O'Leary
I loved all the characters in Susanne’s new book. From the outset, both Lily and Dominic had a place in my heart and I was rooting for them the whole way through. In particular, I really want to go and live in Dominic’s house on the beach with its great view of the Atlantic Ocean! I enjoyed the quirky, eccentricity of Wolfie’s character and I think he’d be such a fun man to work for!
I love reading books set in Ireland and as I’m reading them; I try to do the accent in my head! I’m looking forward to the next book in the Magnolia Manor series, which will tell Rose’s story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review The Keeper of the Irish Secret by Susanne O’Leary.
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Keeper of the Irish Secret is the first book in a new series - the Magnolia Manor series - and looks set to be just as much fun as Susanne’s previous books. Magnolia Manor, in Dingle, County Kerry, has been in the Fleury family for generations but has fallen into disrepair. The three granddaughters, Lily, Rose and Violet, have grand plans for the large Georgian house, but first, they need to persuade their grandmother that it’s a good idea!
I loved all the characters in Susanne’s new book. From the outset, both Lily and Dominic had a place in my heart and I was rooting for them the whole way through. In particular, I really want to go and live in Dominic’s house on the beach with its great view of the Atlantic Ocean! I enjoyed the quirky, eccentricity of Wolfie’s character and I think he’d be such a fun man to work for!
I love reading books set in Ireland and as I’m reading them; I try to do the accent in my head! I’m looking forward to the next book in the Magnolia Manor series, which will tell Rose’s story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review The Keeper of the Irish Secret by Susanne O’Leary.
The Berlin Wife's Resistance: An utterly heartbreaking and unforgettable WW2 historical novel by Marion Kummerow
Once again, I had my heart in my mouth throughout the entire book. Just what was in store for the families that were simply trying to stay alive in the country of their birth? A country that no longer wants them and will go to the utmost atrocities to rid Germany of these people, by any means necessary.
Marion Kummerow always researches her books brilliantly, and this one was no exception. I always learn something new when reading one of her novels and as I closed the cover on this one I was blown away by the attitude of the women who tried to save their families.
I recommend that you read this series in order to enable yourself to get the full story, and if you enjoy historical fiction and in particular a war story, then I hope you’ll enjoy this one too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review The Berlin Wife’s Resistance by Marion Kummerow.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I love this series from Marion Kummerow. The Berlin Wife’s Resistance is the third book in the German Wives series and we start this book as we finished off the second, where Julius and Edith are at the Swiss border hoping to escape Germany to begin a new life.
Once again, I had my heart in my mouth throughout the entire book. Just what was in store for the families that were simply trying to stay alive in the country of their birth? A country that no longer wants them and will go to the utmost atrocities to rid Germany of these people, by any means necessary.
Marion Kummerow always researches her books brilliantly, and this one was no exception. I always learn something new when reading one of her novels and as I closed the cover on this one I was blown away by the attitude of the women who tried to save their families.
I recommend that you read this series in order to enable yourself to get the full story, and if you enjoy historical fiction and in particular a war story, then I hope you’ll enjoy this one too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review The Berlin Wife’s Resistance by Marion Kummerow.
Bone Lake by Stacy Green
I really enjoyed Bone Lake. It was incredibly fast-paced, and I could hardly keep up with what was happening, let alone who I thought the murderer might be! The author cleverly keeps you guessing, right up until the very end, and there were a few times I thought I’d worked it out, only to have something or someone else thrown into the mix!
If you enjoy a good thriller which will keep you on your toes, then I would definitely recommend Bone Lake. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I’d love to read more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review Bone Lake by Stacy Green.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
When I first picked up Bone Lake by Stacy Green, I wasn’t aware that it was number eight in a series. I soon discovered that this absolutely doesn’t matter and can totally be read as a standalone novel. Nikki Hunt is an FBI agent and each book in the series covers different cases. Some references are made to what has happened previously, but nothing that means you need to read the others first.
I really enjoyed Bone Lake. It was incredibly fast-paced, and I could hardly keep up with what was happening, let alone who I thought the murderer might be! The author cleverly keeps you guessing, right up until the very end, and there were a few times I thought I’d worked it out, only to have something or someone else thrown into the mix!
If you enjoy a good thriller which will keep you on your toes, then I would definitely recommend Bone Lake. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I’d love to read more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review Bone Lake by Stacy Green.
The Hotel Room Mix-Up by Kathy Jay
The Hotel Room Mix-Up is predominantly told from alternating viewpoints, that of Callum and Ella, both of whom meet in Cornwall whilst attending separate weddings (not their own, I hasten to add)! There are a lot of ‘will they, won’t they’ moments - and I mean a lot! My head was spinning, wondering whether they were going to get their happily ever after!
Grab this book if you enjoy a story containing whirlwind romances, beaches, the ocean, puppies, laughter and lots of fun!
Thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read The Hotel Room Mix-Up by Kathy Jay.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this one, and it was escapism at its finest. It was funny, sad, and full of romance - at each page turn there was new, old, and second-chance romance. If you like your books with a romance overload, then this is for you. The Hotel Room Mix-Up allowed me time to escape into Callum and Ella’s Cornish world for a few days when my life is just busy and my head is a scrambled mess of lists and too many things to do!
The Hotel Room Mix-Up is predominantly told from alternating viewpoints, that of Callum and Ella, both of whom meet in Cornwall whilst attending separate weddings (not their own, I hasten to add)! There are a lot of ‘will they, won’t they’ moments - and I mean a lot! My head was spinning, wondering whether they were going to get their happily ever after!
Grab this book if you enjoy a story containing whirlwind romances, beaches, the ocean, puppies, laughter and lots of fun!
Thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read The Hotel Room Mix-Up by Kathy Jay.
Five Gold Rings by Kristen Bailey
Joe and Eve need to rectify a ring delivery which went to the wrong place. Five rings, five destinations and just a couple of days in which to ensure happy outcomes.
Our two protagonists tell their story in alternating chapters, and I promise you’ll be rooting for this couple until the very end, which comes all too quickly. I could have carried on reading about their adventures throughout London for a lot longer.
This would be amazing as a movie, and I honestly hope that someone picks this up for the big screen with some big-time actors. It would be good to see this out in time for Christmas 2024! I wonder if Richard Curtis is busy at the moment!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kristen Bailey for the opportunity to read and review Five Gold Rings.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Think ‘Love Actually’, ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ or ‘Notting Hill’, which sum up this fantastic Christmas book from the amazing Kristen Bailey. It’s hilarious, romantic, a bit mad and just that little bit sad. Don’t worry though, you won’t be crying, well not tears of sadness anyway. I laughed out loud a lot at this book.
Joe and Eve need to rectify a ring delivery which went to the wrong place. Five rings, five destinations and just a couple of days in which to ensure happy outcomes.
Our two protagonists tell their story in alternating chapters, and I promise you’ll be rooting for this couple until the very end, which comes all too quickly. I could have carried on reading about their adventures throughout London for a lot longer.
This would be amazing as a movie, and I honestly hope that someone picks this up for the big screen with some big-time actors. It would be good to see this out in time for Christmas 2024! I wonder if Richard Curtis is busy at the moment!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kristen Bailey for the opportunity to read and review Five Gold Rings.
Irish Eyes by Hope C. Tarr
Irish Eyes is beautifully written, and in parts, you could almost believe you were reading something written by Austen or Bronte. Initially set in the depths of Ireland, we are quickly transported to America and New York City as Rose, a young girl, falls in love with an American ex-soldier and emigrates to be with Adam in New York.
However, things don’t go to plan and Rose is left alone and penniless with just a carpet bag containing her belongings. Rose is a fighter and as the years progress she goes from strength to strength, albeit with various hurdles along the way.
Irish Eyes is up there as one of my top reads for 2023 and I’d recommend this if historical fiction is your thing.
Thank you to Lume/Joffe Books and Insta Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Irish Eyes by Hope C. Tarr.
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres. I love that I’m learning as well as reading at the same time and Irish Eyes was no exception. I loved it from start to finish and it taught me so much about the Irish immigrants at the turn of the twentieth century.
Irish Eyes is beautifully written, and in parts, you could almost believe you were reading something written by Austen or Bronte. Initially set in the depths of Ireland, we are quickly transported to America and New York City as Rose, a young girl, falls in love with an American ex-soldier and emigrates to be with Adam in New York.
However, things don’t go to plan and Rose is left alone and penniless with just a carpet bag containing her belongings. Rose is a fighter and as the years progress she goes from strength to strength, albeit with various hurdles along the way.
Irish Eyes is up there as one of my top reads for 2023 and I’d recommend this if historical fiction is your thing.
Thank you to Lume/Joffe Books and Insta Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Irish Eyes by Hope C. Tarr.