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she_loves_to_read's Reviews (80)
Elsie Silver said,'I'm ready to enter my Sparrow Falls era.' And having read Fragile, I can safely say that I am more than ready to follow her. It's billed as being 'a swoon worthy small-town town romance', it did live up to that, but it is also so much more!
It's a story of found family (something I love), secrets, lies, infatuation, loss, adoration, healing, trauma, friendship, opportunity, loyalty, hate, connection, growth, heartbreak, spice, passion, murder, stalking, FBI profiling, love and the coming together of a small community in times of need.
I love the main characters of Rhodes and Anson, who both bring so much to the story both individually and as a couple. Their connection, love, and passion for each other are something every girl dreams about. Anson is perfect book boyfriend material, alongside Shep, Cole, and pretty much most of the male characters in the book. I'm really looking forward to learning more about them in subsequent stories in the series. I also have to mention Lolli too, who is really positive and great fun to be around, and quite honestly, I aspire to be like her when I grow up. 😉
With a whole host of tropes to please all tastes. An engaging prologue setting the scene perfectly. An excellently written and executed plot with brilliantly emotion inducing writing. Perfect pace and fabulous character development. Catherine has quickly and easily won a place on my favourite authors list.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series, and if Catherine is looking for a new bestie, I'd like an application form, please because we have a lot in common and I need a Thelma to my Louise in my search for more book boyfriends 🤣 .
It's a story of found family (something I love), secrets, lies, infatuation, loss, adoration, healing, trauma, friendship, opportunity, loyalty, hate, connection, growth, heartbreak, spice, passion, murder, stalking, FBI profiling, love and the coming together of a small community in times of need.
I love the main characters of Rhodes and Anson, who both bring so much to the story both individually and as a couple. Their connection, love, and passion for each other are something every girl dreams about. Anson is perfect book boyfriend material, alongside Shep, Cole, and pretty much most of the male characters in the book. I'm really looking forward to learning more about them in subsequent stories in the series. I also have to mention Lolli too, who is really positive and great fun to be around, and quite honestly, I aspire to be like her when I grow up. 😉
With a whole host of tropes to please all tastes. An engaging prologue setting the scene perfectly. An excellently written and executed plot with brilliantly emotion inducing writing. Perfect pace and fabulous character development. Catherine has quickly and easily won a place on my favourite authors list.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series, and if Catherine is looking for a new bestie, I'd like an application form, please because we have a lot in common and I need a Thelma to my Louise in my search for more book boyfriends 🤣 .
Following the deaths of her much loved husband and son, Helen decides to move back to her childhood home in the UK, having spent 60 years in Australia. Where she quickly falls into a lonely and monotonous daily routine of shopping, listening to the radio, watching tv, taking baths, and sleeping. Almost willing death to come in order to bring her peace.
But her life changes, one cold winter night when she ventures outside to rescue an abandoned fish tank full of rubbish from her neighbours driveway. Making a surprising discovery amongst it all in the form of a small mouse whom she names Sipsworth.
What follows is a touching, heartwarming, and poignant story of loss, love, community, joy, friendship, resilience, loneliness, healing, the importance of connection, unexpectedly finding yourself, even in the latter stages of your life and finding a purpose in the most unexpected people and places.
I really love the character of Helen, who is so well written and portrayed that you really can relate to her as being one of your parents/grandparents. Especially as the story progresses and we learn more about her life leading up to the timeline involved in her story. Really humanising her to the readers.
Simons writing is simple yet heartfelt, emotional, and thought-provoking. Creating a narrative about how society sees our elderly, the role they have and continue to play, and how important it is to build and maintain our connections with them at all stages of our lives.
If you're looking for a story full of love, connection, and hope. Then this is one for your tbr.
But her life changes, one cold winter night when she ventures outside to rescue an abandoned fish tank full of rubbish from her neighbours driveway. Making a surprising discovery amongst it all in the form of a small mouse whom she names Sipsworth.
What follows is a touching, heartwarming, and poignant story of loss, love, community, joy, friendship, resilience, loneliness, healing, the importance of connection, unexpectedly finding yourself, even in the latter stages of your life and finding a purpose in the most unexpected people and places.
I really love the character of Helen, who is so well written and portrayed that you really can relate to her as being one of your parents/grandparents. Especially as the story progresses and we learn more about her life leading up to the timeline involved in her story. Really humanising her to the readers.
Simons writing is simple yet heartfelt, emotional, and thought-provoking. Creating a narrative about how society sees our elderly, the role they have and continue to play, and how important it is to build and maintain our connections with them at all stages of our lives.
If you're looking for a story full of love, connection, and hope. Then this is one for your tbr.
Detectives Hunter and Garcia are back with another complex and challenging case when an unidentified female body is discovered laid out on a slav in an abandoned butcher's shop. Bearing no visible marks other than the fact that her lips have been stitched shut. With the team hoping for answers via an autopsy. They are ill prepared for the true horror that reveals itself or the devastating discovery that will rock them to their very core.
It soon becomes clear that they are on the hunt for a sadistic serial killer whose obsession with love has slowly but surely become embroiled with feelings of hate, escalating violence, and an evermore brutal MO.
Not that I ever doubted he would. But Cjris has smashed it again with a unique, gripping, action-pacled, addictive, suspense filled, breathtaking, and cleverly crafted serial killer thriller. One that keeps you on your toes and your heart pounding from the very first to the very last page.
Even though the story is based around his own experiences, the level of research, attention to detail, insight, layered, and well constructed characters and storylines, fitted into short, pacy chapters with just enough detail to keep you on the edge of your seat is masterful.
I love that we get to gain more insight into, particularly Hunter's background, persona, and why he is the way he is and does the things he does. It really adds so much depth and dimension to an already brilliant story.
With twists, turns, red herrings, emotion, thrills, suspense, intrigue, and a brilliantly orchestrated movie worthy ending. Chris has secured his place as probably one of my favourite thriller authors of all time!
It soon becomes clear that they are on the hunt for a sadistic serial killer whose obsession with love has slowly but surely become embroiled with feelings of hate, escalating violence, and an evermore brutal MO.
Not that I ever doubted he would. But Cjris has smashed it again with a unique, gripping, action-pacled, addictive, suspense filled, breathtaking, and cleverly crafted serial killer thriller. One that keeps you on your toes and your heart pounding from the very first to the very last page.
Even though the story is based around his own experiences, the level of research, attention to detail, insight, layered, and well constructed characters and storylines, fitted into short, pacy chapters with just enough detail to keep you on the edge of your seat is masterful.
I love that we get to gain more insight into, particularly Hunter's background, persona, and why he is the way he is and does the things he does. It really adds so much depth and dimension to an already brilliant story.
With twists, turns, red herrings, emotion, thrills, suspense, intrigue, and a brilliantly orchestrated movie worthy ending. Chris has secured his place as probably one of my favourite thriller authors of all time!
Cecily Larson's hidden life is told across two different timelines beginning in 1924, when at the age of 4, Cecily is dropped off at an orphanage in Chocago by her mother, who promises to be back within the year 3 years pass by and with no sign of Madeline coming to claim her. Cecily is sold to a travelling circus with plans to introduce her as the little sister of their glamorous bareback rider, Isabelle DuMonde. Despite a rocky start, Cecily begins to feel like she finally belongs and has a family of her own. But when Cecily meets and falls in love with young roustabout Lucky. Her life is thrown into turmoil, and she finds herself travelling a very dangerous path.
In the second timeline, we are introduced to 2015, and a 94 Yr old Cecily is living a relatively quiet life in Minnesota. That is until her family surprised her with a DNA test and her life, and that of her family's is thrown into question when unexpected results bring to life her tragic past. Triggering an emotional and complicated multi-generational journey of discovery, secrets, lies, betrayal, hope, love, survival, strength, loss, determination, heartbreak, and more importantly, self-discovery, belonging, happiness, acceptance, forgiveness and peace.
Ellen has written a beautifully compelling, emotional, heartbreaking, and at the same time heartwarming story. Bringing to life and giving a voice to the many thousands of young girls/women who were the subject of involuntary sterilisations and illegal adoptions across the US in the early to mid 20th century. Whilst brilliantly raising the questions about the meaning of family and the importance of knowing where we come from.
The pace was perfectly fluid. Adjusting and changing according to the storyline. Her characters and the majority of strong female leads spanning 3 generations. Are all well drawn, realistic, and relatable. With her writing style, imagination, and scene setting, drawing her readers in and seamlessly illiciting empathy, sympathy, understanding, and a sense of sisterhood in equal measure.
I loved quite literally everything about Cecily, whose sense of determination, strength, hope, courage, and love for her family is palpable in everything she does. She is probably one of my favourite characters so far this year. the one niggle I have is that I feel like the part of the storyline that involves Grace felt a little rushed considering that she played such an important and large part of Cecily's story. I really would have liked to have seen more and learnt more about her than we did.
Apart from that, I'm very excited to read Ellen's other books and look forward to following her writing journey going forward.
In the second timeline, we are introduced to 2015, and a 94 Yr old Cecily is living a relatively quiet life in Minnesota. That is until her family surprised her with a DNA test and her life, and that of her family's is thrown into question when unexpected results bring to life her tragic past. Triggering an emotional and complicated multi-generational journey of discovery, secrets, lies, betrayal, hope, love, survival, strength, loss, determination, heartbreak, and more importantly, self-discovery, belonging, happiness, acceptance, forgiveness and peace.
Ellen has written a beautifully compelling, emotional, heartbreaking, and at the same time heartwarming story. Bringing to life and giving a voice to the many thousands of young girls/women who were the subject of involuntary sterilisations and illegal adoptions across the US in the early to mid 20th century. Whilst brilliantly raising the questions about the meaning of family and the importance of knowing where we come from.
The pace was perfectly fluid. Adjusting and changing according to the storyline. Her characters and the majority of strong female leads spanning 3 generations. Are all well drawn, realistic, and relatable. With her writing style, imagination, and scene setting, drawing her readers in and seamlessly illiciting empathy, sympathy, understanding, and a sense of sisterhood in equal measure.
I loved quite literally everything about Cecily, whose sense of determination, strength, hope, courage, and love for her family is palpable in everything she does. She is probably one of my favourite characters so far this year. the one niggle I have is that I feel like the part of the storyline that involves Grace felt a little rushed considering that she played such an important and large part of Cecily's story. I really would have liked to have seen more and learnt more about her than we did.
Apart from that, I'm very excited to read Ellen's other books and look forward to following her writing journey going forward.
DCS Kat Frank, AIDE Lock, and the team are back with a new cold case to investigate when a headless and handless body is found on a local farm. A complex case made all the more difficult when a second body is discovered, and social media meddling sparks fears that the Aston Strangler is back. Raising the stakes and tension in equal measure. Especially when Kat is accused of putting the wrong man behind bars years earlier. With Kat determined to keep the past buried at the same time as an unknown stranger is relentless in their efforts to dole out the 'truth' and revenge. Lock's evidence based algorithms are challenged by the judgement of his partner. The truth will come out, but at what cost?
Jo has done it again. Her writing just keeps getting better and better! Her writing is imaginative, immersive, and clever. With the immense, thorough research, and love of writing, clear to see in her realistic, relatable, and diverse cast of characters. Intricate and complex dual storylines that merge together seamlessly and the way in which she completely balances the drama, action, thrills, twists, turns, and pace perfectly. Layering the pros and cons of using AI in policing, science, facts, relationships, and drama in such a thought-provoking and emotion inducing way.
Especially when she throws in a cliffhanger ending, you don't see coming. Leaving you open mouthed and desperate to find out when book 4 is coming.
Jo is an absolute master at what she does!
A must-read series for all crime/sci-fi fans the world over and an autobuy author for me!
Jo has done it again. Her writing just keeps getting better and better! Her writing is imaginative, immersive, and clever. With the immense, thorough research, and love of writing, clear to see in her realistic, relatable, and diverse cast of characters. Intricate and complex dual storylines that merge together seamlessly and the way in which she completely balances the drama, action, thrills, twists, turns, and pace perfectly. Layering the pros and cons of using AI in policing, science, facts, relationships, and drama in such a thought-provoking and emotion inducing way.
Especially when she throws in a cliffhanger ending, you don't see coming. Leaving you open mouthed and desperate to find out when book 4 is coming.
Jo is an absolute master at what she does!
A must-read series for all crime/sci-fi fans the world over and an autobuy author for me!
It's June 1759, and London is in the midst of a sultry summer. A London that is rife with violence and the threat of riots erupting, palpable. Lizzie Hardwicke is busy playing her trade in Soho's brothels when a civil servant linked to one of her fellow working girls seemingly commits suicide. Lizzie's experience as an undercover sleuth for a local magistrate kicks in, and her instincts lead her into seeking answers from fashionable gambling houses where politicians mix pleasure with ambition. With a dangerous new arrival, making life difficult at the brothels and a gambling house owner brutally murdered. Dark secrets threaten to ruin her burgeoning relationship with magistrate assistant William Davenport and the potential to send her to the gallows herself. Lizzie faces a race against time to find answers in order to save herself and restore order to the streets of Soho.
I absolutely loved this latest instalment in the series. Georgiba has created a brilliant protagonist in Lizzie. Who is strong, tenacious, fearsome, unconventional, inquisitive, kind, caring, and ready to face anything in order to better her life, circumstances, and seek justice for those who need it most. The story is action-packed. With brilliantly drawn and developed characters. Vivid and descriptive scene setting and excellent attention to detail. With snippets of back story littered throughout, giving her readers a little reminder of adventures past. Little red herrings, twists, and turns galore. Great pace, fluid plotline, and a fabulous array of supporting characters. Viper in the Nest is a firm contender for one of my favourite historical fiction stories in recent years.
I hope we see Lizzie again soon!
I absolutely loved this latest instalment in the series. Georgiba has created a brilliant protagonist in Lizzie. Who is strong, tenacious, fearsome, unconventional, inquisitive, kind, caring, and ready to face anything in order to better her life, circumstances, and seek justice for those who need it most. The story is action-packed. With brilliantly drawn and developed characters. Vivid and descriptive scene setting and excellent attention to detail. With snippets of back story littered throughout, giving her readers a little reminder of adventures past. Little red herrings, twists, and turns galore. Great pace, fluid plotline, and a fabulous array of supporting characters. Viper in the Nest is a firm contender for one of my favourite historical fiction stories in recent years.
I hope we see Lizzie again soon!
This beautifully written true story is evocative, emotional, devastating, heartbreaking, and heartwarming in equal measure.
Beginning at a time of political unrest and a crumbling empire in 1954 Grenada. We are introduced to Bea, who is swept off her feet by handsome, Irish surveyor, Patrick. Despute fierce opposition to an inter-racial marriage from some of those closest to them. The couple embark on an often tumultuous and challenging life spanning many different continents. With the addition of a second timeline beginning, also in Grenada in 2015. We are introduced to Amelia, who is at the cusp of great change in her life. Having recently lost her mum, becoming a grandmother and supporting a father with dementia. Amelia's life is thrown into turmoil when she happens upon a handwritten letter unveiling a long buried family secrets whilst packing her mums possessions.
What follows is a tale of generational trauma, secrets, lies, survival, family, discovery, depression, strength, loss, heartbreak, being lost and then found, friendship, impossible decisions, new beginnings and the ever present love that always prevails over everything.
Despite being a debut. It most definitely doesn't read like one. Hannah is a natural storyteller whose writing is imaginative, heartfelt, compelling, and emotive.
The pace and flow of the story are perfect. Her characters are extremely realistic and relatable. Her purpose is clear, and I absolutely love the way in which she portrays some of the more emotive themes and topics within the story. Especially due to the fact that this is a personal story for Hannah to tell.
I definitely recommend reading the author's note at the end.
Just beautiful! I can't wait to see what comes next!
Beginning at a time of political unrest and a crumbling empire in 1954 Grenada. We are introduced to Bea, who is swept off her feet by handsome, Irish surveyor, Patrick. Despute fierce opposition to an inter-racial marriage from some of those closest to them. The couple embark on an often tumultuous and challenging life spanning many different continents. With the addition of a second timeline beginning, also in Grenada in 2015. We are introduced to Amelia, who is at the cusp of great change in her life. Having recently lost her mum, becoming a grandmother and supporting a father with dementia. Amelia's life is thrown into turmoil when she happens upon a handwritten letter unveiling a long buried family secrets whilst packing her mums possessions.
What follows is a tale of generational trauma, secrets, lies, survival, family, discovery, depression, strength, loss, heartbreak, being lost and then found, friendship, impossible decisions, new beginnings and the ever present love that always prevails over everything.
Despite being a debut. It most definitely doesn't read like one. Hannah is a natural storyteller whose writing is imaginative, heartfelt, compelling, and emotive.
The pace and flow of the story are perfect. Her characters are extremely realistic and relatable. Her purpose is clear, and I absolutely love the way in which she portrays some of the more emotive themes and topics within the story. Especially due to the fact that this is a personal story for Hannah to tell.
I definitely recommend reading the author's note at the end.
Just beautiful! I can't wait to see what comes next!
Parenting Different: How to Raise Your Neurodivergent Kids to Be Their Authentic, Awesome Selves
Sarah's brilliantly crafted book was born from her own experiences as a mum to Chloe, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 12. As a registered social worker who had worked with autistic families for over a decade and her own experiences as a late diagnosed ADHDer.
Staying that she wanted the book to one that she had been given early on in their journey. A journey that led to her and her partner 'to discover ways or parenting that we were never taught growing up in a society that runs on systems designed for neurotypical brains.' With the hope that the book 'answers burning questions , and brings us one step closer to creating a world where everyone feels accepted and heard.'
Something that having read the book. I can safely say that she has and will continue to do going forward with the inclusion of insights from Chloe and other neurosparkly people and Q&A sections that highlight some of the most common questions parents ask her. Alongside kindness, empathy, practical advice, strategies, non judgement, encouragement, compassion, and, more importantly, honesty and humour. ( I absolutely love her term, neurosparkly) Sarah has created a really important, relatable, and inspiring resource for neurodivergent parents, families, loved ones, carers, educators, legislators, and health professionals the world over. Helping to navigate the minefield of what it is to parent, love, and care for neurosparkly people.
It's most definitely one of my bibles moving forward, and I'll share it with anyone and everyone who may be on the same journey as myself and my daughters.
Thank you, Sarah. ❤️
Staying that she wanted the book to one that she had been given early on in their journey. A journey that led to her and her partner 'to discover ways or parenting that we were never taught growing up in a society that runs on systems designed for neurotypical brains.' With the hope that the book 'answers burning questions , and brings us one step closer to creating a world where everyone feels accepted and heard.'
Something that having read the book. I can safely say that she has and will continue to do going forward with the inclusion of insights from Chloe and other neurosparkly people and Q&A sections that highlight some of the most common questions parents ask her. Alongside kindness, empathy, practical advice, strategies, non judgement, encouragement, compassion, and, more importantly, honesty and humour. ( I absolutely love her term, neurosparkly) Sarah has created a really important, relatable, and inspiring resource for neurodivergent parents, families, loved ones, carers, educators, legislators, and health professionals the world over. Helping to navigate the minefield of what it is to parent, love, and care for neurosparkly people.
It's most definitely one of my bibles moving forward, and I'll share it with anyone and everyone who may be on the same journey as myself and my daughters.
Thank you, Sarah. ❤️
When i see that the idea of the story was born in part from Abigail's life and how she saw it at the time. With the other part from her fascination with the 'Golden State Killer'. I was really intrigued to read it. Of course, there is an element of crime weaved into its tapestry. But it's ultimately a story of the unbreakable bonds of connection and love.
We join Edward and Isabel at a time when they have been drawn back together in order to deliver impact statements at the sentencing of the vile individual who invaded their home and their lives years previously. Brutally attacking them and completely changing their world and life as they knew it.
Told mainly from Isabel's past pov via a letter/diary to her attacker and Edwards pov more in the here and now. Abigail digs deep into the harrowing trauma tangled up in and after the attack. How it impacted all of those involved at the time, moving forward and in the here and now. One big casualty being their marriage. Exploring love, heartbreak, survival, trauma, secrets, lies, betrayal, justice, and what it all means in equal measure.
It's a very character driven story that is written with thought-provoking and breathtaking poignancy. Abigail is an excellent storyteller whose words, thoughts, ideas, characters, and accompanying scenes are tangible and gripping to those lucky enough to get lost in the pages of her books.
Most definitely one of my favourite reads so far this year.
We join Edward and Isabel at a time when they have been drawn back together in order to deliver impact statements at the sentencing of the vile individual who invaded their home and their lives years previously. Brutally attacking them and completely changing their world and life as they knew it.
Told mainly from Isabel's past pov via a letter/diary to her attacker and Edwards pov more in the here and now. Abigail digs deep into the harrowing trauma tangled up in and after the attack. How it impacted all of those involved at the time, moving forward and in the here and now. One big casualty being their marriage. Exploring love, heartbreak, survival, trauma, secrets, lies, betrayal, justice, and what it all means in equal measure.
It's a very character driven story that is written with thought-provoking and breathtaking poignancy. Abigail is an excellent storyteller whose words, thoughts, ideas, characters, and accompanying scenes are tangible and gripping to those lucky enough to get lost in the pages of her books.
Most definitely one of my favourite reads so far this year.
If you're like me and love a story with a great message at the heart of it. Then this will be a perfect addition to your tbr. I'll be honest. I haven't read much Japanese literature before now. So I wasn't sure what to expect. But I absolutely loved the uplifting and cosy elements of the book and the message that the author wanted to extend to their readers.
The story is kept quite simple. But the message weaved within its pages is an important one.
Featuring Nanami, a little girl who loves reading and whose local library is a home from home. So much so that she starts noticing when books start to go missing. After a little investigation, she comes across a suspicious looking man in a grey suit whose behaviour is suspect. When Nanami follows him, she happens upon a talking tabby cat called Tiger, who warns her how dangerous it would be to go on her own. So, the two decide to join forces and embark on an eventful and dangerous journey to try to save her much loved library. Learning the great value of literature along the way and, more importantly, a lesson that teaches us to make sure that we always remember to think for ourselves. No matter what others say or do. Behave accordingly and to also remember how important books and stories are in being able to teach us about some many different aspects of life and the world.
It's a simple story, with great characters, untold imagination, descriptive scene setting, and moral story and lesson at the heart of it. What more could you want from a book?
I loved it!
The story is kept quite simple. But the message weaved within its pages is an important one.
Featuring Nanami, a little girl who loves reading and whose local library is a home from home. So much so that she starts noticing when books start to go missing. After a little investigation, she comes across a suspicious looking man in a grey suit whose behaviour is suspect. When Nanami follows him, she happens upon a talking tabby cat called Tiger, who warns her how dangerous it would be to go on her own. So, the two decide to join forces and embark on an eventful and dangerous journey to try to save her much loved library. Learning the great value of literature along the way and, more importantly, a lesson that teaches us to make sure that we always remember to think for ourselves. No matter what others say or do. Behave accordingly and to also remember how important books and stories are in being able to teach us about some many different aspects of life and the world.
It's a simple story, with great characters, untold imagination, descriptive scene setting, and moral story and lesson at the heart of it. What more could you want from a book?
I loved it!