Review: Home Stretch

Title: Home Stretch

Author: Graham Norton

Publisher: 29th September 2020 by Hachette Australia

Pages: 360 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

It is 1987 and a small Irish community is preparing for the wedding of two of its young inhabitants. They're barely adults, not so long out of school and still part of the same set of friends they've grown up with. As the friends head home from the beach that last night before the wedding, there is a car accident. Three survive the crash but three are killed. And the reverberations are felt throughout the small town.

Connor, the young driver of the car, lives. But staying among the angry and the mourning is almost as hard as living with the shame, and so he leaves the only place he knows for another life. Travelling first to Liverpool, then London, by the noughties he has made a home - of sorts - for himself in New York. The city provides shelter and possibility for the displaced, somewhere Connor can forget his past and forge a new life.

But the secrets, the unspoken longings and regrets that have come to haunt those left behind will not be silenced. And before long, Connor will have to meet his past.

My Thoughts

Graham Norton is well known as a comedian, TV chat show host and , much to my surprise, novelist! I wanted to reconcile this funny man with what type of novel he would produce. Well, it would seem his talent list is long - this man can write! With very real characters and a most engaging ,topical story to tell, this read proved itself on multiple levels. All up an overall heartwarming tale that packs a powerful punch when it comes to families, friendships and the secrets that are kept. 

‘There are moments in any life that are to be treasured, but only sometimes are they recognised as they happen. That was how the five people in the blue estate car felt that day. The windows down, an optimistic glow about the town, two of their number about to embark on a whole new life together. It felt special. This was not a day to be forgotten or confused with all the others.’

Graham delivers some really heavy and topical themes in the book - everything from death and guilt, to prejudice and harmony. Credit to him, however, he pulls it all off with much aplomb. Through the use of flashbacks to the key car crash event of 1987, Graham writes through multiple POV communicating piece by piece of the life changing events that occurred on that fateful day. It is the authenticity that shines through as the range of emotions of key characters speak openly to the reader. Exploring how times have changed from 1980s to the present day, Graham masterfully writes about stigmas especially pertaining to being gay. This story could easily have become heavy and hard to read, but cleverly Graham makes the overarching theme one of hope and right winning at the end of the day. Cleverly balancing good and bad, right and wrong, he merges it all into one very engaging tale. 

‘The years, so many years, the hiding, the running, the love for these people he hadn’t allowed himself to feel, all came clattering down on him, leaving him crushed.’

Some readers may find it hard to understand and support but stick with it, for the book whilst having a bumpy start, really picks up pace and with some clever plot twists, comes out strong in the end. At the beginning there seemingly appears to be a multitude of characters to get your head around but that thins out sooner rather than later. One must also be prepared for not only chapter jumps in time (back and forth) but also within a chapter ie. ‘two years later...’ a new paragraph may begin. 

In the end I found Home Stretch to be quite the read. A compelling tale for the modern reader from family to societal evolution seen through the eyes of one small Irish village. Multilayered and ultimately a most entertaining and engaging story. 

‘Barry’s roundabout .... This was the scene of such devastation, the destruction of so many lives, surely it should look more significant? Cars, oblivious to the awful history of the place, cruised past. Connor felt it was rude, disrespectful somehow. True, he had spent his whole life trying to forget what had happened on this spot, but for the town of Mullinmore to do so seemed wrong.’

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

Review: Before the Crown

Title: Before the Crown

Author: Flora Harding

Publisher: 18th September 2020 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

Pages: 262 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, romance

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Before the crown there was a love story…

Windsor Castle, 1943

As war rages across the world, Princess Elizabeth comes face to face with the dashing naval officer she first met in London nine years before.

One of the youngest first lieutenants in the Royal Navy, Philip represents everything she has always been taught to avoid. Instability. Audacity. Adventure.

But when the king learns of their relationship, the suitability of the foreign prince is questioned by all at court.

He is the risk she has never been allowed to take. The risk not even the shadow of the crown will stop her from taking…

Step through the palace gates and discover a captivating historical novel of royal secrets and forbidden love exploring the tempestuous courtship between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in the wake of WWII.

My Thoughts

‘You don’t ever resent having a life of behaving well mapped out for you?’

I am such a fan of the TV series, The Crown, it therefore was only natural to delve into this story, Before the Crown. If you are too, then stop reading and go grab yourself a copy of this tale as I can guarantee you will love it. Apart from the stunning cover, you will lose yourself in what will be a timeless tale. 

‘Everybody else behaves to her in exactly the same way: they are often charming, always polite and deferential. At social occasions, the onus is on her to put people at their ease, but there is never anyone to put her at her ease. They treat her like a princess. Philip treats her as Elizabeth.’

This is, of course, a fictional retelling of Elizabeth and Philips early courtship and it is delightful. I feel that the author has really captured the voice of them both and it is fascinating to consider that this is what they may have been thinking and feeling in the early days of their relationship. There were definite obstacles to their marriage and it was fascinating to consider how they may have worked together to become the strong and solid duo we see today. Elizabeth was determined, Philip was not approved of, and all of this set against the backdrop of royal life mid century.

‘In that case, let’s forget about what your father thinks and what the government thinks and what the public thinks,’ he goes on. ‘Let’s decide what we want.’ His hand tightens around hers. ‘Will you marry me, Elizabeth, and be my wife so that we can face whatever the future brings side by side?’

Whilst it is fiction there are events that most definitely did occur and the trip to South Africa was a definite highlight that I enjoyed reading about. This is wonderful historical fiction with good character portrayed and well researched societal expectations of the day - inclusive of royal protocols. I thoroughly enjoyed what I could easily foresee as an insight into the mindset of both Philip and Elizabeth. He gave up everything to be her consort. 

‘It is less daunting than it once seemed. South Africa has given Elizabeth a new confidence. Her genuine interest in the country has helped her relax and it is easier now to talk to people. She will always be shy, but sitting on the horse under that acacia tree, Elizabeth feels a sense of purpose click into place, as if for the first time she fully understands the destiny that awaits her.’

For some light reading (with mandatory tea and scones of course!), I suggest you lose yourself for a few hours to this fascinating tale and step back into the early days of when it all began for this now iconic couple. 

‘Elizabeth’s quietness is obscurely restful. It is as if some quality in her absorbs some of his restlessness and smooths down his rough edges.’

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

Review: Kingdom of Sea and Stone

Title: Kingdom of Sea and Stone (Crown of Coral and Pearl #2)

Author: Mara Rutherford

Publisher: 7th October 2020 by Harlequin Teen

Pages: 416 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: young adult, fantasy

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

The Cruel Prince meets Ash Princess in this thrilling fantasy, the much-anticipated sequel to Crown of Coral and Pearl.

Ever since Nor was forced to go to a nearby kingdom in her sister's place, she's wanted nothing more than to return to the place and people she loves. But when her wish comes true, she soon finds herself cast out from both worlds, with a war on the horizon.

As an old enemy resurfaces more powerful than ever, Nor will have to keep the kingdom from falling apart with the help of Prince Talin and Nor's twin sister, Zadie. There are forces within the world more mysterious than any of them ever guessed-and they'll need to stay alive long enough to conquer them...

My Thoughts

“What’s troubling you?” he asked after a few minutes. “I can’t see my way forward anymore,” I said, my voice thick with unshed tears. “I know, child.” He smoothed my hair off my forehead. “Your journey has never been an easy one. I fear it never will be.” “Why?” I asked ... “Some of us are born knowing exactly who and what we are.” he said. “Others have to search a little harder.”

Kingdom of Sea and Stone is book two in the Crown of Coral and Pearl series which the author has stated is a duology. It picks up right from where book one left off which is wonderful for fans as the riveting story continues straight away. Nor returns to Varenia, but only briefly, as news arrives and she embarks on a journey in an attempt to avert a war. 

“...  somehow I don’t see that making you happy.” You have no idea what will make me happy,” I whispered. “You’re right, Nor. I don’t. But the real question is, do you?”

This is wonderful teen fantasy writing that is full of action and suspense. The world building is unique and worth reading in itself. Told from Nor’s point of view, it proves to be a definite asset for what would be its predominantly young female readers. Nor is on a journey of self discovery and she often struggles with finding a place for herself which I am sure many young people can relate to. Yet she is strong and intelligent, determined to stay true to herself and what she what’s her life to be. As stated, the settings are unique and the magic more pronounced in this volume. It does not solely revolve around the romance which is refreshing but the love interests are definitely present.  There are solid secondary characters who add much to the drama and personal development of several story arcs. 

“ ... you’ve tried so hard to escape that way of thinking, but it still controls you subconsciously. Real beauty can’t be painted on with cosmetics or pinned up onto your head. I know you know that.”  I remembered what Zadie had told me before I left for Varenia, how it was my inner strength that made me beautiful.’

All up this is a most engaging teen escapist read with strong female leads and writing that delivers not only a good tale but also strong messages.  With many aspects of this story to appreciate, with escape to unique settings and a touch of magic thrown in as well. A worthy sequel wrapping up a good duology. 

‘In that moment, I realized that Adriel was right. I hadn’t just been judging myself by Ilarean standards of beauty; I had been judging myself by the opinions of people who didn’t even know me, let alone care about me. I always tried to see the best in the people who had wronged me, but I never saw the best in myself.’

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

Review: The Glass Queen

Title: The Glass Queen - Book #2 The Forest of Good and Evil

Author: Gena Showalter

Publisher: 7th October 2020 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 552 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: teens, young adult, fantasy, sci fi

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Once Upon a Time meets Game of Thrones in book two of New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter's magical, romantic dark fantasy series, in which the fairy tales we know and love are prophecies of the future. Welcome to the Forest of Good and Evil, where villains may be heroes and heroes may be villains...it all depends on who you ask.

Ashleigh Ansklelisa may be called the Glass Princess due to her weak heart, but Saxon, king of the Avian, knows she is more dangerous than broken glass, in this Cinderella retelling that sweeps readers into the magical land of Enchantia, filled with treacherous enemies, unexpected allies, forbidden love, and dangerous magic! Can destined lovers find their way to each other, or will evil win the day? Everything changes at the stroke of midnight as one determined princess fights for her legacy, her love, and the crown that is her destiny.

My Thoughts

Okay ... I am a sucker for fairytale retellings. Here is one that is reimagined in a totally modern way - intrigue, drama, action and romance. This particular retelling is Cinderella as you never could have imagined. The Glass Queen is the second book in The Forest of Good and Evil series, however, readers can easily pick up and quickly get up to speed. It almost reads as a standalone. 

‘I wasn’t just Cinder. I was a mother of  dragons, the fated one of Craven, a designer of spectacular weapons, and a slayer of wicked phantoms.’

Maybe not so much Game of Thrones but definitely traces of Once Upon A Time are evident here. Fun modern twists on traditional classics. Ashleigh is quite the Cinder - brave, strong and very determined. I love the fact that in this world of reincarnation, no one is truly sure what fairytale role they will fulfill in the prophecy. There are loads of characters here that bring much to the story and the whole concept of working through lives to reach your destiny is clever. 

‘The second I remembered I stood in the presence of an enemy, I shot around, facing her again. I jutted my chin. More than anyone else in Enchantia, I knew the devastation this girl could cause. I knew the cruelties that lived in her heart.’

The few issues I had concerned some of the dialogue which was far too cheesy for me (but that might just be my age! LOL!) It is questionable whether this is ‘teen’ and rather more young adult due to the sexual content (my age once again!) It was also rather long and could have been edited to lose some of the scenes that added little to the storyline eg. What was happening in the tournament? Who cares!

As fairytale retellings go this was a winner for its unique and action packed twist. This is a great world created by the author and I look forward to what she has in store next for this series. 

“You know as well as I that the tales are symbolic rather than literal. The obvious is never the answer. What seems to be right is always wrong. What seems to go this way always veers that way. But I would take care, if I were you.” His voice turned menacing. “The king who despises his  daughter has a queen who dies far too soon.’

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

Review: A Wild Winter Swan

Title: A Wild Winter Swan

Author: Gregory Maguire

Publisher: 7th October 2020 by HarperCollins Australia

Pages: 230 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: fantasy, retelling

My Rating: 3 cups

Synopsis:

After brilliantly reimagining the worlds of Oz, Wonderland, Dickensian London, and the Nutcracker, the New York Times bestselling author of Wicked turns his unconventional genius to Hans Christian Andersen's "The Wild Swans," transforming this classic tale into an Italian-American girl's poignant coming-of-age story, set amid the magic of Christmas in 1960s New York.

Following her brother's death and her mother's emotional breakdown, Laura now lives on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, in a lonely townhouse she shares with her old-world, strict, often querulous grandparents. But the arrangement may be temporary. The quiet, awkward teenager has been getting into trouble at home and has been expelled from her high school for throwing a record album at a popular girl who bullied her. When Christmas is over and the new year begins, Laura may find herself at boarding school in Montreal.

Nearly unmoored from reality through her panic and submerged grief, Laura is startled when a handsome swan boy with only one wing lands on her roof. Hiding him from her ever-bickering grandparents, Laura tries to build the swan boy a wing so he can fly home. But the task is too difficult to accomplish herself. Little does Laura know that her struggle to find help for her new friend parallels that of her grandparents, who are desperate for a distant relative’s financial aid to save the family store.

As he explores themes of class, isolation, family, and the dangerous yearning to be saved by a power greater than ourselves, Gregory Maguire conjures a haunting, beautiful tale of magical realism that illuminates one young woman’s heartbreak and hope as she begins the inevitable journey to adulthood.

My Thoughts

I am a huge Wicked fan and swallowed everything I could on it. So bear in mind that when you sign up for a Gregory Maguire book, it is always going to be left of centre. His unique approach to twisting the classics is second to none. On this occasion the synopsis accurately sums up what this book is about:  a magical retelling of  Hans Christian Anderson’s, The Wild Swans, seen as a coming of age story of a young and troubled New York girl.

“... on probation till Easter. We’ll reassess then and see if you have been able to build on this beginning. But I’ll be requiring some heavy lifting from you, Laura. You’ll have to spread your wings now.”   “Oh,” said Laura. “Well, I have some practice there.”

Without doubt there are two strong factors in this read. One is the evocative portrayal of 1960s New York City at Christmas time. Strong atmospheric writing that made location just as much a feature as the plot itself. Secondly, the characterisation of the Italian-born grandparents and their Irish cook was phenomenal - I read with both an Italiano flourish and Irish brogue! Gregory’s writing is engaging:

‘She thought: His Nordic chill, my Mediterranean sun. His heroic north against my Catholic south. Pagan magic against Christian miracle.’

The premise, like Maguire’s other books, is clever but sadly this one fell somewhat flat for me. There is no doubt he can twist a tale like no other, however, I really felt the whole fantasy element was lacking. Who was this mysterious boy? Was he just a figment of her imagination? A necessary ‘encounter’ to knock Laura out of her negativity?  I kept waiting for a strong conceptual understanding but it did not deliver. I understood Laura’s loneliness and the strong impact of her family history and that, therefore, extraordinary circumstances were required to lift her up from her loneliness and teenage angst. I just don’t think Hans fit that bill. 

I really wanted to love this book but felt that the magical realism was not the strong point. In fact, it was the charming life inside that 1960s New York brownstone that really captured my imagination. 

‘This was the great mystery of the city in which she lived. It was so filled with variety that she had always trusted, somehow, that she would find her own available place in it. A perch, like that of any bird. A hidey-hole like the one that little white owl had found. There was enough otherliness here to have room for Laura. Surely?’

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

Review: The Arbella Stuart Conspiracy

Title: The Arbella Stuart Conspiracy - The Marquess House Trilogy Book 3

Author: Alexandra Walsh

Publisher: 25th May 2020 by Sapere Books

Pages: 500 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, mystery

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

The final instalment in the timeshift conspiracy series that you don’t want to miss! Perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Philippa Gregory, Kate Mosse and Tom Harper.

Get ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about British royal history…

Derbyshire, England, 1603

Elizabeth I is dead and the Tudor reign is over. As the men in power decide to pass the throne to the Scottish King James, one woman debates changing the course of history.

Two Tudor heirs have been covered up for decades and with a foreign king threatening the stability of England it could be time to bring the truth to the fore.

But there are reasons the Tudor children were put into hiding and exposing them would put not only their lives in danger, but the lives of many others as well…

Marquess House, Pembrokeshire, 2019

Dr Perdita Rivers and her sister Piper have returned to their ancestral home. But the ancient walls still contain riddles which the twins need to solve.

Perdita and Piper have already discovered earth-shattering secrets which will change the course of English history forever. But they are missing one vital piece of the puzzle.

Two Tudor rings have led them to cover-ups at the Tudor court, but now they must track down a missing silver locket to slot the final parts of the mystery together.

And just when it seems they could be ready to expose the centuries-old conspiracy, old enemies resurface to put their very lives at risk…

THE ARBELLA STUART CONSPIRACY is the final book in the Marquess House trilogy, a dual timeline conspiracy thriller with an ingenious twist on a well-known period of Tudor and Stuart history.

THE MARQUESS HOUSE TRILOGY SERIES

BOOK ONE: The Catherine Howard Conspiracy

BOOK TWO: The Elizabeth Tudor Conspiracy

BOOK THREE: The Arbella Stuart Conspiracy

My Thoughts

I read and thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series. If you love English history, particularly the Tudor/Stuart era, then this is most definitely the series for you. It is essential that you read all the books and in sequence for both the historical events and present day character development to make sense. Both narratives - past and present - in all three books are good. 

As with Alexandra’s previous two books, this instalment 'The Arbella Stuart Conspiracy' is a massively researched undertaking that is structured and planned to perfection. The historical premise of an alternate narrative to this Tudor period is so well written that it appears entirely plausible. This is linked wonderfully well with the present day and the theory that there are movements to suppress these undiscovered truths. As in dual time narratives it requires a solid link between the two stories to work and I believe Alexandra weaves the two well together once more. If you love a good conspiracy theory then this series has them by the dozen.

Unfortunately, I was not as enraptured with this final instalment as the previous two. Burnout? Maybe. They are long reads and the amount of information in this one became overwhelming at times. It definitely needed a glossary/chart/family tree (or three!) as the number of names and family connections just got lost in the vast amounts of information (if you are not diligent enough to go and research the connections). Whilst I loved reading about Catherine Howard (book 1) and Elizabeth Tudor (book 2) I really did not warm to Arbella Stuart. She was always angry and ‘snapping’ at people! The current day's tale still held a good mystery, but the information dumps by the lead characters were too much. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this series. It proved fascinating reading but be warned it is an intriguing yet complex read. I feel that it slid downhill from book one but still maintained a high level of attraction particularly for those who love a good conspiracy theory related to the Tudors. 

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

Review: The Saturday Morning Park Run

Title: The Saturday Morning Park Run

Author: Jules Wake

Publisher: 1st May 2020 by One More Chapter

Pages: 400 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: women’s fiction, romance

My Rating: 3 cups

Synopsis:

This is the story of two women.

One old, one young.

One looking for new adventures. One looking for a purpose.

Both needing a friend.

And this is how, along with two little girls in need of a family, a gorgeous stranger, and a scruffy dog, they bring the whole community together every Saturday morning for love, laughter and a little bit of running…(well, power walking).

Some people come into your life when you need them the most.

My Thoughts

‘Don’t you think you’re attributing quite a lot to … well, a run in the park?’

The infamous ‘Parkrun’! I was attracted to this book because my husband and daughter were doing the Parkrun before lockdown and I thought I could relate to the main theme. I have read Jules's books before, enjoying some romantic escapism, this one promised that and more. 

Overall this book has many contemporary themes which lift it above your average ‘chick lit’ book. Physical and mental health are at the forefront here, especially when related to a work life that may be consuming. Then there are themes of family, loneliness and finding your purpose in life. So there is much on offer in this read. 

‘There’s a fear, isn’t there? Deep rooted, submerged, but it’s there. What if it isn’t worth it? What if the hours we put in aren’t worth the stress? What’s left?’

It all centres around the worldwide organisation of Saturday morning Parkruns (if you are unsure of what this is you must Google it!)  With life’s many demands  (and I can vouch for this as my family have been participants) it definitely creates that supportive community, making connections and working towards goals. It is both a personal and community spirited event. 

‘Running free felt so much better than being on a treadmill. It didn’t matter if I came last; no one was going to say that I’d failed. No one was going to judge me – not even me. The thought was immensely liberating.’

This is a fun read where people come together to overcome obstacles - there are lessons to be learned - for both the young and old - and a little romance as well. However, I felt that it was overly long and lost some interest in the logistics of setting up the Parkrun. I also felt that there was the cliched older generation wisdom, the workaholic singles who realise ultimately their simpler life purpose and of course, the mandatory happy ending. I felt terrible for the little girls who were abandoned and thought that was stretching it somewhat. 

All up this was quite a different Jules Wake book - credit to her for trying something different - in looking beyond a straight romance to the broader community, finding real meaning and the much sought after work life balance. 

The finish line loomed closer. I pushed my body harder, my lungs bursting. Then just before the finish, the woman slowed and turned. ‘We go over together.’ And, in an extraordinarily generous gesture, we crossed the line at exactly the same time. And that was the moment I fell in love with the Parkrun.’

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