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traceyroberts's Reviews (675)
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Gillian Harvey is a new author to me and I'm very pleased that I stumbled upon The Village Café in the Loire. I was drawn in by the pretty cover and fell in love with this warm, feel good escape to rural France.
Career driven Becky has a five year plan, but being signed off work with burnout isn't part of that plan. Becky isn't stressed with work, she's stressed because she's inherited a café in France from her Great Aunt, complete with a sit in tenant who refuses to move. Becky decides to use her time off work to travel to France and get the tenant to move so she can sell the café and get back to her life. But life in Loire has a few lessons to teach Becky.
I found Harvey’s writing style to be witty and engaging, capturing the beauty of rural life with warmth and humour. I especially enjoyed the friendship between Becky and Amber and loved their old fashioned movie nights.
Overall I found this to be a charming, uplifting read about fresh starts and following your heart. An ideal book to curl up with when you need a little sunshine.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing me with a complimentary digital review copy.
Career driven Becky has a five year plan, but being signed off work with burnout isn't part of that plan. Becky isn't stressed with work, she's stressed because she's inherited a café in France from her Great Aunt, complete with a sit in tenant who refuses to move. Becky decides to use her time off work to travel to France and get the tenant to move so she can sell the café and get back to her life. But life in Loire has a few lessons to teach Becky.
I found Harvey’s writing style to be witty and engaging, capturing the beauty of rural life with warmth and humour. I especially enjoyed the friendship between Becky and Amber and loved their old fashioned movie nights.
Overall I found this to be a charming, uplifting read about fresh starts and following your heart. An ideal book to curl up with when you need a little sunshine.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing me with a complimentary digital review copy.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
It was the title, "The Six Murders of Daphne St Clair" that drew me in to wanting to read this book. Who doesn't love a serial killer/crime story? Especially when the killer is a glamorous 90 year old care home resident. This twist was definitely a draw for me.
Daphne is sharp, witty and unpredictable, with sass and secrets in equal measure. I was hooked from the first confession and eager to learn her story. Ruth is an aspiring true crime writer who is interviewing Daphne for a podcast. She is driven to find the truth but also has her own motivations for making a podcast about Daphne. I absolutely loved the dynamic between these two women.
I thought the podcast structure works brilliantly. It feels intimate, immersive, and a bit addictive. However I wasn't a fan of the Reddit threads and found them a little distracting and didn't add much to the plot. I would have liked to hear more about the victims to build emotional layers.
I enjoyed the ending and found it satisfying, some of the final revelations were predictable but others were not. So all in all I found this to be a strong debut novel and I'm looking forward to seeing what this author does next.
Thank you to Headline Books for providing an ARC via Netgalley
Daphne is sharp, witty and unpredictable, with sass and secrets in equal measure. I was hooked from the first confession and eager to learn her story. Ruth is an aspiring true crime writer who is interviewing Daphne for a podcast. She is driven to find the truth but also has her own motivations for making a podcast about Daphne. I absolutely loved the dynamic between these two women.
I thought the podcast structure works brilliantly. It feels intimate, immersive, and a bit addictive. However I wasn't a fan of the Reddit threads and found them a little distracting and didn't add much to the plot. I would have liked to hear more about the victims to build emotional layers.
I enjoyed the ending and found it satisfying, some of the final revelations were predictable but others were not. So all in all I found this to be a strong debut novel and I'm looking forward to seeing what this author does next.
Thank you to Headline Books for providing an ARC via Netgalley
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
I love Sophie Hannah but I have to say that her new novel "No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done" is seriously one of the most bonkers and chaotic books I’ve read in a while (in a good way). It's wild, messy but weirdly addictive.
The Lambert family are completely unhinged, and the way their story unravels is like watching a slow motion car crash: you know it’s going to get worse, but you just can’t stop turning the pages. The drama is intense, and some of the twists genuinely surprised me.
That said, a few parts definitely had me confused and sometimes raising an eyebrow. Some of the drama felt a bit too over the top. There were a few occasions where I found myself thinking, “Would anyone really do that?”
However, even with the occasional eye roll and furrowed brow, I found myself hooked. The writing is sharp, the characters are a mess in the best way. So if you like dark, dysfunctional family stories with a lot of bite, this one’s totally worth your time.
With thanks to Bedford Square Publishers for providing me with a complimentary digital copy via Netgalley for review consideration
The Lambert family are completely unhinged, and the way their story unravels is like watching a slow motion car crash: you know it’s going to get worse, but you just can’t stop turning the pages. The drama is intense, and some of the twists genuinely surprised me.
That said, a few parts definitely had me confused and sometimes raising an eyebrow. Some of the drama felt a bit too over the top. There were a few occasions where I found myself thinking, “Would anyone really do that?”
However, even with the occasional eye roll and furrowed brow, I found myself hooked. The writing is sharp, the characters are a mess in the best way. So if you like dark, dysfunctional family stories with a lot of bite, this one’s totally worth your time.
With thanks to Bedford Square Publishers for providing me with a complimentary digital copy via Netgalley for review consideration
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
I really wanted to like Once Upon a Thyme, the title is clever, the premise sounded charming, and I was looking forward to a cozy, comforting escape to the countryside. I’m usually a fan of cute village stories with a dash of romance and humour. But unfortunately, this one just didn’t quite come together for me.
The main character had potential, but I found her hard to connect with. She was meant to be endearingly flawed, but I mostly just found her frustrating. The plot also lacked momentum and became a little repetitive with big pig escaping one too many times. So, by the halfway point I was struggling to stay engaged.
There are moments of wit and warmth and the food and plant references are delightful, but the tone sometimes veered into overly whimsical, which made the emotional moments harder to take seriously.
I can see how this book might appeal to readers who love gentle, eccentric British humour and aren’t too fussed about plot or character depth. But for me, it felt a bit too light despite some of the serious plot reveals.
I received a complimentary copy from Boldwood Books, via Netgalley.
The main character had potential, but I found her hard to connect with. She was meant to be endearingly flawed, but I mostly just found her frustrating. The plot also lacked momentum and became a little repetitive with big pig escaping one too many times. So, by the halfway point I was struggling to stay engaged.
There are moments of wit and warmth and the food and plant references are delightful, but the tone sometimes veered into overly whimsical, which made the emotional moments harder to take seriously.
I can see how this book might appeal to readers who love gentle, eccentric British humour and aren’t too fussed about plot or character depth. But for me, it felt a bit too light despite some of the serious plot reveals.
I received a complimentary copy from Boldwood Books, via Netgalley.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Clare Flynn is a new author to me but there was something about this gorgeous cover that called to me. Thank you to Storm Publishing for approving my request for an ARC and providing me with a copy for review purposes.
The Star of Ceylon is set in 1906 in what was then British Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka), and I must say the setting alone is worth the read. Flynn does such a great job bringing the atmosphere to life, from the steamy tropical coastlines to the misty hills of the interior. You can almost hear the buzz of the jungle and feel the tension in the colonial air.
But what really makes this book shine is the main character, Stella. She's smart, brave, and deeply human. She’s helping her father with his scientific research, even though no one gives her the credit she deserves, simply because she’s a woman. Her quiet determination is inspiring, and I found myself rooting for her as she tries to break free from society’s expectations.
There’s also a subtle and sweet romantic thread with Norton, a young civil servant who’s not quite comfortable with the colonial world he’s part of. Their relationship feels real, if a little quick to develop, and adds a lovely emotional layer to the story.
I feel that Flynn has found the perfect balance in tackling serious topics like gender roles, colonialism, and inequality without making the book feel heavy. It’s thoughtful, but still an easy and enjoyable read.
If you like historical fiction with a strong female lead, a touch of romance, and vivid storytelling, then I'd say The Star of Ceylon is a great pick.
Final verdict: Loved it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Star of Ceylon is set in 1906 in what was then British Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka), and I must say the setting alone is worth the read. Flynn does such a great job bringing the atmosphere to life, from the steamy tropical coastlines to the misty hills of the interior. You can almost hear the buzz of the jungle and feel the tension in the colonial air.
But what really makes this book shine is the main character, Stella. She's smart, brave, and deeply human. She’s helping her father with his scientific research, even though no one gives her the credit she deserves, simply because she’s a woman. Her quiet determination is inspiring, and I found myself rooting for her as she tries to break free from society’s expectations.
There’s also a subtle and sweet romantic thread with Norton, a young civil servant who’s not quite comfortable with the colonial world he’s part of. Their relationship feels real, if a little quick to develop, and adds a lovely emotional layer to the story.
I feel that Flynn has found the perfect balance in tackling serious topics like gender roles, colonialism, and inequality without making the book feel heavy. It’s thoughtful, but still an easy and enjoyable read.
If you like historical fiction with a strong female lead, a touch of romance, and vivid storytelling, then I'd say The Star of Ceylon is a great pick.
Final verdict: Loved it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
slow-paced
Palm Meridian offers an intriguing premise and promised Grace and Frankie vibes. It's set in a Florida retirement resort for queer women in 2067, where residents embrace life with vigour despite the world's climate challenges. The novel centers on Hannah, who, facing a terminal diagnosis, has chosen a medically assisted death. The story unfolds over a single day as Hannah throws a farewell party, to reconcile and make peace with her past and go out with a bang.
While this setting offers potential for rich storytelling, for me, the execution falls short. The narrative's attempt to blend humour with poignant moments often feels disjointed. The futuristic backdrop, meant to add depth, sometimes distracts from the core emotional journey.
I also found the pace felt quite slow and once I put the book down I struggled to want to pick it back up again. So, in conclusion , Palm Meridian has a compelling concept but it didn't quite land for me as much as I wanted to love it.
Thank you to Dialogue Books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.
While this setting offers potential for rich storytelling, for me, the execution falls short. The narrative's attempt to blend humour with poignant moments often feels disjointed. The futuristic backdrop, meant to add depth, sometimes distracts from the core emotional journey.
I also found the pace felt quite slow and once I put the book down I struggled to want to pick it back up again. So, in conclusion , Palm Meridian has a compelling concept but it didn't quite land for me as much as I wanted to love it.
Thank you to Dialogue Books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
To Hell With It is a sharp, heartfelt debut novel by Claire Frances and I'm utterly obsessed with it.
The book follows the character of Pearl, a 27 year old woman with OCD, as she tries to break free from the strict routines and compulsions that rule her daily life. Pearl is an amazing character, she's funny, brave and courageous. She feels the fear but does it anyway, with the support of some fabulous side characters.
This book had me hooked from the very first page with it's razor-sharp wit and unapologetic honesty. I think Claire Frances has found the perfect balance of humour and mental health in the writing of this novel. I've found that's made this read both relatable and unforgettable.
I would highly recommend this book and I'm very much looking forward to seeing what Claire Frances writes next.
With thanks to One More Chapter for inviting me to join the read along and for providing me with a complimentary proof copy.
The book follows the character of Pearl, a 27 year old woman with OCD, as she tries to break free from the strict routines and compulsions that rule her daily life. Pearl is an amazing character, she's funny, brave and courageous. She feels the fear but does it anyway, with the support of some fabulous side characters.
This book had me hooked from the very first page with it's razor-sharp wit and unapologetic honesty. I think Claire Frances has found the perfect balance of humour and mental health in the writing of this novel. I've found that's made this read both relatable and unforgettable.
I would highly recommend this book and I'm very much looking forward to seeing what Claire Frances writes next.
With thanks to One More Chapter for inviting me to join the read along and for providing me with a complimentary proof copy.
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of The Santorini Writing Retreat by Eva Glyn.
I was definitely drawn in by the vibrant cover and the promise of a moving, atmospheric read. It sounded like the perfect book to start the summer.
The Santorini setting is a definite highlight of this book, there are some lovely descriptions of the island and the delicious food. The idea of a writing retreat is also promising. But while the premise is strong, the execution feels scattered and would have benefited from a tighter focus. There are just too many storylines competing for attention, and as a result, no single arc feels fully fleshed out. Characters are introduced with intriguing backstories, but I didn't feel they were given the space needed to develop meaningfully. Unfortunately this prevented me from connecting deeply with any of them and feeling a little detached from the emotional core of the book.
Overall this was a pleasant and easy read, but not one that left a lasting impression.
I was definitely drawn in by the vibrant cover and the promise of a moving, atmospheric read. It sounded like the perfect book to start the summer.
The Santorini setting is a definite highlight of this book, there are some lovely descriptions of the island and the delicious food. The idea of a writing retreat is also promising. But while the premise is strong, the execution feels scattered and would have benefited from a tighter focus. There are just too many storylines competing for attention, and as a result, no single arc feels fully fleshed out. Characters are introduced with intriguing backstories, but I didn't feel they were given the space needed to develop meaningfully. Unfortunately this prevented me from connecting deeply with any of them and feeling a little detached from the emotional core of the book.
Overall this was a pleasant and easy read, but not one that left a lasting impression.