Review: Sisterhood

Title: Sisterhood

Author: Cathy Kelly

Publisher: 29th February 2024 by HarperCollins Publishers Australia

Pages: 384 pages

Genre: women’s fiction

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

As the waves crash on to a wild Atlantic beach, Lou is at a crossroads. For the first time ever, just giving up seems like an option. In just one night, at her own 50th birthday, her world has imploded. Her mother has kept a secret hidden all her life. And it changes everything. Before Lou can take another step, she needs to get to the bottom of the shocking truth that alters who she really is. Along with her sister, Toni, who is facing her own crisis, the two women sets out on a life-changing journey – one that will take them through Ireland’s wildest coastline and to Sicily’s sun-baked rocky shores. It will also take Lou deep into her relationships with her mother, her sister and her daughter to figure out how to stop pleasing everyone else – and carve out who she really wants to be.

My Thoughts

Sisterhood is the story of Lou and Toni. Lou is a sensitive soul, a real people pleaser. Her sister, Toni, is the strong one who won't be pushed around. On the evening of Lou's 50th birthday, their mother drops a bombshell with the fallout being that the two sisters embark on a journey (literal and figurative) which will ultimately see them learning about themselves, each other and a whole range of other things. 

‘Whatever happened, she would make her sister take at least the weekend to figure out that she did far too much for everyone. Otherwise nothing would change and Lou would be a doormat all her life.’

There are many themes covered throughout this tale. The obvious ones pertain to the sisters themselves - Lou never saying ‘no’ to people and being walked all over; and Toni, the woman in leadership and the battles her gender face in that role. Other topics that arise concern office politics, sexual harassment, empty nest syndrome, communication and love in relationships, anxiety and depression, family secrets, honesty and learning to speak up for yourself. 

‘For now, she would enjoy what she had. Wasn't that the secret to happiness, according to all the self-help books she'd read? Enjoy the now and don't worry about the future because you can't control it.

Easier said than done.’

Sisterhood is a feel good story as these two very different sisters come together to tackle the secrets that have unraveled their lives. Time together allows them to take stock of their lives, reevaluate and take the steps necessary to make the needed changes. In this drama filled story, sisterly love prevails to give them both the courage to change and become the people they know they can be. 

‘You can't change people,' said Lou, shrugging.

'Yeah, you can only change how you react to them'

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Chasing the Horizon

Title: Chasing the Horizon

Author: Mary Connealy

Publisher: 13th February 2024 by Bethany House Publishers

Pages: 304 pages

Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance

Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

Her only chance at freedom waits across the horizon

Upon uncovering her tyrannical father's malevolent plot to commit her to an asylum, Beth Rutledge fabricates a plan of her own. She will rescue her mother, who had already been sent to the asylum, and escape together on a wagon train heading west. Posing as sisters, Beth and her mother travel with the pioneers in hopes of making it to Idaho before the others start asking too many questions.

Wagon-train scout Jake Holt senses that the mysterious women in his caravan are running from something. When rumors begin to spread of Pinkerton agents searching relentlessly for wanted criminals who match the description of those on his wagon train, including Beth, she begins to open up to him, and he learns something more sinister is at hand. Can they risk trusting each other with their lives--and their hearts--when danger threatens their every step?

My Thoughts

I have a newly acquired love of Westerns thanks to Taylor Sheridan’s TV series, 1883. So I was delighted to return to this period of American history and embark on another wagon trail to Oregon - in fact, one of the last ones thanks to the new rail line which would see wagon trails become obsolete. 

“You seemed to want to be away from trouble, too,” he added. “Did that trouble follow you all the way out here?”

This is the first book in a new series by Mary Connealy. It covers a few themes with a range of primary and secondary characters which made this read multidimensional. Firstly is the journey on the wagon trail itself. As one can imagine there are plenty of hardships, majestic scenery and day-to-day life on the trail with these true pioneers working together when times are tough.

‘They rolled into and across the prairies of Wyoming. For days, weeks, months, the horses and cattle plodded on. The early excitement among the pioneers had been given a quick death … Now it faded to dull drudgery as each day stretched out the same. The only break in the sameness came when terrible storms whipped across the plains. Then they longed for the boring sameness to return.’

Secondly, there is a fabulous plot with mother and daughter escaping and running away from an all controlling husband/father. Underpinning this is the awful recount of how the husband had placed Eugenia ‘Ginny’ in an insane asylum for no other reason than a form of control. This is the story of their escape and how they felt that moving West was their only hope of freedom.

‘So they were leaving trouble behind. So be it. Many who headed west were doing the same. Just so long as they didn’t bring trouble with them’

Finally, there is some romance which is very understated. I like that the focus remains on the above two factors. The thrill of being on the run deserves precedence but all up, the tale is well balanced and most engaging. Be warned - there are some incomplete storylines especially regarding secondary characters. This book definitely lends itself to future instalments, however, this was a story I could easily follow and a series I would willingly return to. 

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB |  GOODREADS

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

 

Review: The Bookshop by the Loch

Title: The Bookshop by the Loch

Author: Julie Shackman

Publisher: 31st January 2024 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

Pages: 362 pages

Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Women's Fiction

Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

The brand new Scottish spring escape from bestselling author, Julie ShackmanLexie Dunbar is a book lover. And her favourite place in the world is her local bookstore, Book Ends. So when she hears that it’s going to be sold, Lexie decides she needs to do something to help.

Lexie’s plan to save the ailing shop is fully underway until gorgeous-but-grouchy artist Tobias Black arrives on the scene determined to turn the bookstore into an art gallery. Lexie is horrified, the last thing the quaint town of Bracken Way needs is a pretentious artist, even if he does seem to charm everyone but her.

Tensions continue to rise until Tobias discovers a shocking secret that shows they might have more in common than they realise. As sparks fly, can Lexie and Tobias work together, or will opposing ideas get in the way of them finding their very own happy ever after…

My Thoughts

I am always up for a book about books and especially one set in a bookshop, so Julie’s latest was always going to be on my radar. This is the sixth book in the Scottish Escapes series, I have not read previous ones but can confirm that this is easily read as a standalone. 

“You know what books mean to me. I don’t have to tell you how important I think reading is … At Book Ends, I hope I can encourage people who’ve never picked up a book before, to give reading a try.”

I thought this was going to be light and romantic - which in some aspects it was - but there was much more to this read than that. It definitely starts off that way and the enemies to lovers trope was ringing out strongly. However, the further along you read it becomes very clear there are multiple threads to this story. Julie has a few pokers in this fire and does a good job interweaving them and ultimately tying them all together. To be honest, I felt there were a few too many complications and removing one of them would have added to the overall credibility of the story. 

If I had to make a decision on the theme, I would suggest that this is a book primarily about families and the many dramas and complications that often come with that. Under this heading topics of illness, separation, grief, adoption are some of the stronger themes rather than the romance which takes a back seat. 

‘You grab happiness with both hands when it comes along - and never let go.’

If family dramas are something you enjoy reading about and how life presents opportunities for starting over, then The Bookshop by the Loch in the beautiful Scottish Highlands is calling your name. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West

Title: The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West

Author: Sara Ackerman

Publisher: 7th February 2024 by Harlequin Australia & Mira

Pages: 384 pages

Genre: historical fiction, women’s fiction 

Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

An extraordinary story, inspired by real events, of a female aviator who defies the odds to embark on a daring air race across the Pacific, perfect for fans of Great Circle and Her Last Flight.

1927. Olivia "Livy" West is a fearless young pilot with a love of adventure. She yearns to cross oceans and travel the skies. When she learns of the Dole Air Race––a high-stakes contest to be the first to make the 2,400 mile Pacific crossing from the West Coast to Hawai'i—she sets her sights on qualifying. But it soon becomes clear that only men will make the cut. In a last-ditch effort to take part, Livy manages to be picked as a navigator for one of the pilots, before setting out on a harrowing journey that some will not survive.

1987. Wren Summers is down to her last dime when she learns she has inherited a remote piece of land on the Big Island with nothing on it but a dilapidated barn and an overgrown mac nut grove. She plans on selling it and using the money to live on, but she is drawn in by the mysterious objects kept in the barn by her late great-uncle––clues to a tragic piece of aviation history lost to time. Determined to find out what really happened all those years ago, Wren enlists the help of residents at a nearby retirement home to uncover Olivia’s story piece by piece. What she discovers is more earth-shattering, and closer to home, than she could have ever imagined.

My Thoughts

The Unchartered Flight of Olivia West is a superb read. Inspired by real events with a dual time narrative that is sure to both engage and thrill readers. In the historical timeline of 1927 is Olivia ‘Livy’ West who defies the odds to become one of the first female aviators embarking on a race across the Pacific Ocean. The more contemporary timeline of 1987 sees Wren who is down on her luck but finds she has inherited a remote piece of land in the Hawaiian islands. How the two timelines come together is well worth the read. 

‘The whole world narrowed down to a pinhead, the words thundering in her ears. If there was one thing Olivia West knew about herself, it was this: tell her she couldn't do something and she would prove you wrong, whatever the cost.’

Stories of remarkable women from history are always gratifying and this one is no exception. Banned as a pilot but gaining a spot on 1927 aircraft to be navigator for the dangerous Dole Derby Race from San Francisco to Hawaii, Livy proves herself time and again. This is a story that is full of action, adventure, determination, strength and survival. Wren’s story from 1987, though not as strong, still proves to be the perfect addition for events to unfold. 

‘… when they banked again and began another nosedive. That was when Livy understood that they only had one shot at making it out alive - she had to get herself into the pilot seat.’

This tale has it all - action, adventure and romance. If this plot and period appeals, you are sure not to be disappointed. Through the tears and triumphs, through the race and romance, The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is sure to win many fans the world over. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Secrets of Crestwell Hall

Title: The Secrets of Crestwell Hall

Author: Alexandra Walsh

Publisher: 24th January 2024 by Boldwood Books

Pages: 386 pages

Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction

Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

‘A king adorns the throne… He has no subtlety, no grace but he does not deserve to die in the way that has been planned and this is why we shall stop them, our men, our kin and save us all.’

1605

Bess Throckmorton is well used to cunning plots and intrigues. With her husband Sir Walter Raleigh imprisoned in the Tower of London, and she and her family in a constant battle to outwit Robert Cecil, the most powerful man in the country who is determined to ruin her, Bess decides to retreat to her beloved home, Crestwell Hall. But there she is shocked to hear talk of a new plot to murder the king. So, unbeknownst to their menfolk, the wives of the plotters begin to work together to try to stop the impending disaster.

Present Day

Isabella Lacey and her daughter, Emily, are excited to be starting a new life at her aunt’s home, Crestwell Hall in Wiltshire. During renovations, Isabella discovers an ancient bible that once belonged to Bess Throckmorton, and to her astonishment finds that it doubled as a diary. As Isabella reads Bess’s story, a new version of the Gunpowder Plot begins to emerge - told by the women.

When Emily’s life is suddenly in terrible danger, Isabella understands the relentless fear felt by Bess, hundreds of years ago. And as the fateful date of 5th November draws ever closer, Bess and the plotters’ wives beg their husbands to stop before a chain of events is set into action that can only end one way…

My Thoughts

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed all of Alexandra’s books. If you love English history, particularly the Tudor/Stuart era, then this is most definitely the author for you. The Marquess House series was an extraordinary feat in reimagining aspects of Tudor history. This time, Alexandra tackles the infamous Gunpowder Plot of the 17th century which is also inclusive of a contemporary timeline.

‘We must persuade them away from the horror of this plot. They are good men who have become misguided. In the misery of the past years with the plague and the disappointments of King James’s Catholic policy, they’ve forgotten that their lives are happy and there are people who love them.’

In a nutshell Alexandra considers whether the wives of the conspirators in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 knew what was going on? Guy Fawkes is the name most associated with this event, however, Elizabeth (Bess) Throckmorton (wife of Sir Walter Raleigh who was being held in the Tower of London) is who Alexandra shines the spotlight on.  There are plots swirling around her and Bess must look to protect those she loves from being implicated to rid England of its unpopular King. In the present day, Isabella discovers Bess’s diary and faces a mysterious modern day/contemporary danger herself. It proved fascinating reading but be warned, it is an intriguing and complex read. For those who love a good conspiracy theory look no further.

‘…breathing in the atmosphere, imagining she could hear snippets of conversations from centuries gone by as she perambulated through the rooms …. Bess is giving me an entirely new perspective on the Gunpowder Plot,’

The dual narrative once again works well as the author has really done her research in an attempt to make the whole plot appear plausible! Love it! On the flip side however, there are A LOT of details, names and places and you really had to be thinking straight with the large (and I mean large) assortment of characters (all real though - which is actually mind blowing when you think about it). However, sometimes it did read a little like a history text book of ‘who’s who’ from the period. The book is about history, mystery, and romance, with a twist on the famous Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

‘Do you think we women are deaf?’ she hissed, anger giving her courage. ‘Or that we are fools? We have known for months that the men of the family have been plotting a heinous crime and we have done our best to save you from yourselves.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.