Review: The Paris Secret

Title:  The Paris Secret

Author: Lily Graham

Publisher: 4th October 2018 by Bookouture

Pages: 205 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: historical fiction, WWII

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

On the brink of the second world war, a beautiful Parisian bookshop hides a heartbreaking secret that will tear one family apart forever …

The last time Valerie was in Paris, she was three-years-old, running from the Nazis, away from the only home she had ever known.

Now as a young woman, Valerie must return to Paris, to the bookshop and her only surviving relative, her grandfather Vincent, to find out what really happened to those she loved. As she gets to know Vincent again, she hears a tragic story of Nazi occupied Paris, a doomed love affair and a mother willing to sacrifice everything for her beloved daughter.

Can Valerie and Vincent help each other to mend the wounds of the past? Valerie isn’t after a fairy-tale ending, she only wants the truth. But what is the one devastating secret that Vincent is determined to keep from his granddaughter?

My Thoughts

‘He gave you away for a reason, Val. I know that you want this fairy-tale reunion but I’m just not sure you’re going to get it.’

What a great little read this turned out to be! A Parisian bookshop during the Nazi occupation - it has heartbreak written all over it! I enjoyed so much of this tale, the writing so was wonderful that you felt yourself sitting anxiously in the bookshop awaiting the vile Nazi officer’s arrival. Detailing the story of  Mireille during the occupation and later with Valerie in the 1960s, you will find much to admire in this mother and daughter duo.

‘None of us knew what would happen –we’d hoped they’d be here a few months and then be gone, driven back by the allies … we couldn’t know what was to follow. In a way that was a blessing, and a curse.’

Loving all things Parisian and booky, you cannot help but get swept away in the misadventures that take place in this bookshop. You will be drawn in by the well described characters and most certainly find a special affinity for Vincent - a seemingly grumpy old man on the outside, but just look at all he has had to bare throughout with his daughter and granddaughter. I especially enjoyed his commentary on the range of book titles offered.

My only disappointment is that the book was too short! At just over 200 pages, I read it in a day! So whilst on the one hand it was great to have the story move along at such a cracking pace, I could not help but wish for just a little more detail. The characters were certainly inviting, but to have been given the opportunity for greater depth towards more of the thoughts behind their actions - especially Valerie’s father or Vincent’s anguish and loss - would just have provided the icing on the cake!

‘This is about me, or the man I used to be, before my country went mad –the world, really – and when I’m with you I think maybe I could be that man again, some day…’

It truly packed a punch for such a short read. It was enlightening to be provided with such a strong insight into the horrific bullying that took place during the Occupation, to then witness the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought in the resistance - simply heartbreaking how so many lives were irrevocably altered.

‘The city wanted to rid itself of every last reminder of the Occupation. To punish all those people who had collaborated with the Germans.’

This was a wonderful weekend read with the alternating timelines working well. For its length it was so focused in depicting this one family’s tale during a distressing time in history. I only wished it could have gone on for longer as I was saddened to leave this cosy Parisian bookshop.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

Review: The Little Book Cafe: Amy's Story

Title: The Little Book Cafe: Amy’s Story

Author: Georgia Hill

Publisher: Harper Impulse and Killer Reads, October 19th

Pages: 136 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

Escape to the seaside for a new three-part series for fans of The Canal Boat Cafe and Willow Cottage

Amy, the manager of The Little Book Café, is a hopeless romantic who had her heart broken, but quietly refuses to give up on love.

With her friends Tash and Emma, not to mention their shared love of books and delicious cake from the café next door, Amy might just find the courage to fall for a real life romance this time…

Amy's Story is the final instalment of The Little Book Cafe series so wrap up warm this Autumn and treasure this wonderful book.

My Thoughts

This is the first book I have read by Georgia Hill, but I will definitely get my hands on her others, especially the rest of this series! I thoroughly enjoyed this light hearted read. All the characters were very likeable, even Biddy Roulestone.

"...or maybe it was the absence of its most troublesome member, the pensioner with a past, Biddy Roulestone.”

The book revolves around a group of characters who live in a small town called, Berecombe. They are members of a book club run by Amy, the manager of the only bookshop in town. I really enjoyed reading about her relationships with all the characters individually, especially her one sided budding romance!

“Is there anything so painful as unrequited love, she wondered, feeling the familiar longing for him shoot through her.”

The chapters were very short so it was a quick and easy read, but I still had trouble putting it down. It was a short book and I must admit I was quite disappointed when I got to the end, I wanted more!

Throughout the book, Amy, the protagonist, became more confident through the support of her friends and developed her relationships further, especially with her Mum.

“I agree. I’m so glad you’ve come, Mum.”

As is common in books about relationships, there was a few misunderstandings along the way, but Georgia wrapped all that up at the end and it had a very satisfying conclusion!

Overall, this was a light, easy, fun and thoroughly enjoyable read and if you like books by Monica McInerney or Marian Keyes, then this book is for you!

"Ah, hush your mouth, man...Wouldn't I be the terrible eejit if I let you go?"

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

Review: Under My Skin

Title: Under My Skin

Author: Lisa Unger

Publisher: Harlequin Australia, HQ (Fiction, Non Fiction, YA) & MIRA HQ Fiction, 23 September

Pages: 304 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: Mystery and Thrillers

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

From New York Times bestselling author and master of suspense Lisa Unger comes an addictive psychological thriller about a woman on the hunt for her husband’s killer.

What if the nightmares are actually memories?

It’s been a year since Poppy’s husband, Jack, was brutally murdered during his morning run through Manhattan’s Riverside Park. In the immediate aftermath, Poppy spiralled into an oblivion of grief, disappearing for several days only to turn up ragged and confused and wearing a tight red dress she didn’t recognise. What happened to Poppy during those lost days? And more importantly, what happened to Jack?

The case was never solved, and Poppy has finally begun to move on. But those lost days have never stopped haunting her. Poppy starts having nightmares and blackouts — there are periods of time she can’t remember, and she's unable to tell the difference between what is real and what she’s imagining. When she begins to sense that someone is following her, Poppy is plunged into a game of cat and mouse, determined to unravel the mystery around her husband’s death. But can she handle the truth about what really happened?

My Thoughts

Under My Skin was a really compelling psychological thriller that I greatly enjoyed. It kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The protagonist, Poppy, was trying to move on from the murder of her husband. She was unable to do this because she was spiralling down into a well of grief and the methods she was using to cope were causing her more problems.

The book is very well written and starts off with a description of one of Poppy’s online dates. It flashes between the past and the present and you have to really be concentrating to know what period each chapter is!

Poppy starts to have what she thinks are nightmares, but she isn’t sure whether they are nightmares or memories returning from her lost days.

“The details of the dream are already slippery. What kind of car? What club? It’s important  to remember; I must dig into that place.”

I really liked the character, Detective Grayson, the detective trying to solve Jack’s murder. He was doing his job, but he was also showing his human side to Poppy and even though they met under such tragic circumstances, they almost became friends who relied on each other.

“I appreciate how he often uses Jack’s name, doesn’t call him ‘your husband’ or ‘the victim’. I feel like he knew Jack, that they might have been friends.”

Layla was Poppy’s best friend and even though she was just trying to keep Poppy safe, I felt like she was too controlling and tried to take over Poppy’s life. It was only when Poppy ‘escaped Layla’s clutches’, that she really started to heal.

“You’re not staying here,”...she casts a quick dismissive look at Grayson. “Pack a bag.”

All the characters Poppy meets along the way, eventually lead to an outcome, but there is a very surprising twist at the end that I certainly didn’t see coming. Lisa places suspicion on one character and then does a complete turnaround! Very clever storyteller!

This is a very enjoyable thriller and if you like suspense, then pick yourself up a copy of Under My Skin.

“I wish he had protected himself.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

Review: Muse of Nightmares

Title: Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer #2)

Author: Laini Taylor

Publisher: 2nd October 2018 by Hachette Australia

Pages: 528 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: fantasy, young adult

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

Sarai has lived and breathed nightmares since she was six years old.

She believed she knew every horror, and was beyond surprise.

She was wrong.

In the wake of tragedy, neither Lazlo nor Sarai are who they were before. One a god, the other a ghost, they struggle to grasp the new boundaries of their selves as dark-minded Minya holds them hostage, intent on vengeance against Weep.

Lazlo faces an unthinkable choice--save the woman he loves, or everyone else?--while Sarai feels more helpless than ever. But is she? Sometimes, only the direst need can teach us our own depths, and Sarai, the muse of nightmares, has not yet discovered what she's capable of.

As humans and godspawn reel in the aftermath of the citadel's near fall, a new foe shatters their fragile hopes, and the mysteries of the Mesarthim are resurrected: Where did the gods come from, and why? What was done with thousands of children born in the citadel nursery? And most important of all, as forgotten doors are opened and new worlds revealed: Must heroes always slay monsters, or is it possible to save them instead?

Love and hate, revenge and redemption, destruction and salvation all clash in this gorgeous sequel to the New York Times bestseller, Strange the Dreamer.

My Thoughts

‘They stared at each other in mistrust and confusion. Across worlds and through portals cut long ago by angels, their lives collided right here. Both came to this place seeking something.’

Last year Laini Taylor introduced us to ‘Strange the Dreamer’ (review HERE) and it was magnificent. I found myself swept away by her lyrical prose on an amazing journey to some incredible places with memorable and unforgettable characters. But the ending, what a c-l-i-f-f-h-a-n-g-e-r! How she has made us wait for a magical conclusion to this mighty tale. Thankfully, this book picks up right at the harrowing conclusion to Strange the Dreamer. Left with so many questions, you will be happy to know that all will be answered in the epic conclusion to this wonderful duology. Worlds expand, relationships get more interwoven as you once more return to the amazing world building that Laini is renowned for.

This tale is more complex than its predecessor - elaborations from other worlds, characters and timelines all merge together for an almighty conclusion. Two new characters, with seemingly little connection to those from Weep, will gradually tie all the loose strings together and provide answers to the many questions raised in book one. Sisters born before the Godspawn will tell their tale of misery and heartbreak and eventually merge with those in Weep for a fitting conclusion.

‘Would she find, no matter what she tried, that some people cannot be saved?’

Laini Taylor is one of the most remarkable storytellers I have ever come across. The raw emotion combined with out of this world experiences combine to sweep the reader away on an unforgettable journey. The imagination! The complexity of plot! The heartfelt emotions merge together to provide a truly breathtaking experience. This is writing at the next level and you feel such connection to these characters, you will find it difficult to lay the book aside at any point.

If you read and loved, ‘Strange the Dreamer’, I doubt you will be disappointed with this sequel. All of your burning questions from the harrowing conclusion to book one, and indeed so much more, will be given. The incredible history of those ‘blue Gods’ in the sky will be revealed and it will go beyond anything you could have imagined. Once again, it is just best to go in blind and let the story unfurl and captivate you: overcoming the odds and past mistakes and learning to forgive and see beyond the surface. I just can’t wait to see where Laini will take us next.

“You don’t know yet what you’re capable of, but I’m willing to bet it’s extraordinary.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Girl on the Page

Title:  The Girl on the Page

Author: John Purcell

Publisher: 24th September 2018 by HarperCollins Australia

Pages: 352 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: contemporary

My Rating: 3 cups

Synopsis:

Two women, two great betrayals, one path to redemption. A punchy, powerful and page-turning novel about the redemptive power of great literature, from industry insider, John Purcell.

Amy Winston is a hard-drinking, bed-hopping, hot-shot young book editor on a downward spiral. Having made her name and fortune by turning an average thriller writer into a Lee Child, Amy is given the unenviable task of steering literary great Helen Owen back to publication.

When Amy knocks on the door of their beautiful townhouse in north-west London, Helen and her husband, the novelist Malcolm Taylor, are conducting a silent war of attrition. The townhouse was paid for with the enormous seven-figure advance Helen was given for the novel she wrote to end fifty years of making ends meet on critical acclaim alone. The novel Malcolm thinks unworthy of her. The novel Helen has yet to deliver. The novel Amy has come to collect.

Amy has never faced a challenge like this one. Helen and Malcolm are brilliant, complicated writers who unsettle Amy into asking questions of herself - questions about what she values, her principles, whether she has integrity, whether she is authentic. Before she knows it, answering these questions becomes a matter of life or death.

From ultimate book industry insider, John Purcell, comes a literary page-turner, a ferocious and fast-paced novel that cuts to the core of what it means to balance ambition and integrity, and the redemptive power of great literature.

My Thoughts

This is a really hard book to review - I am so torn. Some parts were .... well, no words really ... that bad. Then other parts were just brilliant. Presented as a window into the world of publishing (a world I would not want to enter by the way, if this is anything to go by) I think this book suffers a real sense of a lack of identity.

I will confess that I did not fully appreciate this book as it attempted to tick too many boxes for me, in too short a space. In one chapter there might be drama filled angst, another in your face erotica, skip to the next chapter that was filled with horrific sadness, then blend in another on a strong literary stance regarding literature in today’s modern world. Is it any wonder I was confused as it really was quite disconcerting.

It’s rather sad as this book held much potential but got lost in too many threads. Many a reader would appreciate some sort of indication, for example, for the sections that can really only be described as soft porn. Maybe it could have better focused more on character analysis but that was lost in trashy encounters that really did not contribute a great deal to the overall plot. A stronger focus on the characters of Helen and Malcolm, representative of this clash of what constitutes good literature, would have been amazing. For herein lay its strength.

‘What good is fiction if it doesn’t allow you to practise at living life?’

The epilogue was incredible! Here, finally, at last I could see what lay at the root for the motivation for this book (for me). Indeed what is literature and how do we know if it’s any good? Is it pure and meaningful or is it there to sell books? Many a book and author comes into the spotlight (‘Poisonwood Bible, Atonement and The Life of Pi. They sell millions of copies and get mistaken for literature.’) as lying just beneath the surface is a truly insightful proclamation on what makes a good read!

‘There’s uphill reading and downhill reading. As you can imagine, uphill reading requires more effort. Downhill, less so. Readers will do both in their reading lives.’

The Girl on the Page will certainly take you on an undulating ride, with you never knowing what the next page will bring - sex and scandal! Sadness and shock! Release and redemption! This is a book that is multi faceted in every way and so very complex, but at its core lies a brilliantly eloquent portrayal of great literature versus commercial page turners. I will leave the verdict up to you.

“Great writing is rare. With so little time on this planet, shouldn’t we spend at least some of that time getting acquainted with the writers most often acknowledged as exceptional?”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

Review: Table for Eight

Title: Table for Eight

Author: Tricia Stringer

Publisher: 24th September 2018 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 400 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary fiction

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

A cruise – no matter how magical – can't change your life. Can it…? Clever, charming dressmaker Ketty Clift is embarking on her final cruise from Sydney before she must make serious changes in her life. Supported by the ship's all-powerful maitre d' Carlos, she has a mission: transform the lives of those who join her at her dining table every evening. Not only can Ketty turn Cinderellas into princesses with her legendary style–eye, but she has a gift for bringing people together. But this trip is different. As the glamour and indulgence of the cruise takes hold, and the ship sails further away from Sydney towards the Pacific Islands, it becomes clear that her fellow travelers – a troubled family, a grieving widower and an angry divorcee determined to wreak revenge on her ex – are going to be harder work than usual. As Ketty tries to deal with her own problems, including the unexpected arrival on board of her long-lost love, Leo – the man who broke her heart – as well as troubling news from home, she begins to realize this might be the one cruise that defeats her…

A witty, warm and wise story of how embracing the new with an open heart can transform your life.

My Thoughts

“What would life be like without the anticipation of another cruise?”

Table for Eight by Australian author Tricia Stringer is a most enjoyable read, especially for those of you who have any interest in cruising - either been or wishing to venture on one. Having cruised myself, I simply adored reading about so many aspects that were familiar to the cruising holiday. Everything from the running of the ship, to activities (both on and off board), to the people you would meet. I felt so many happy memories come flooding back, so for that reason alone, it is worth the read. Alternatively, if you have ever contemplated cruising then this will provide you with great insight into how things might look and feel.

“You two should walk up to the little church at the top of the hill,” Ketty said. “The church is interesting and the view amazing.”

(Lifou - New Caledonia)

On this particular cruise, you follow all the members from one particular dining table, thus, ‘Table for Eight’ and what they encounter on their South Pacific adventure. Each of them are there for a variety of reasons and it turns into far more than just a holiday. Through their interactions with each other, many may find their lives upturned and ultimately changed.

What you have here is a really moving tale: strangers (some not so) who find themselves placed together with the trials and tribulations and really, the baggage that they bring with them, and how the insights of these other strangers and the circumstances they find themselves in, may shed new light on their life story. Most of the characters belong to an older generation and that is where the baggage comes into (pardon the travel pun - unintentional). They have lived through so much and this may be their opportunity for a second chance.

This truly was a delightful read that left me with that feel good, happy sigh. If you are looking for light and easy escapism (maybe a cruise to the South Pacific?) then be enticed by this tale of love and laughter, trauma and tears, reflection and resolution.

“They both stared out into the night, cocooned in the warm tropical air and lulled by the soft sounds of the waves against the hull.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.