prettylittlewriter

 Synopsis
‘The book club was her idea, of course. Alice's.
It was her way into our group. A chance to get close.
I knew from the day she arrived that she couldn't be trusted.

Our MC Lucy has only been in her little village for around 3 months, but she’s already made some great friends who are all incredibly close, and love going to the pub together and getting jolly.

Suddenly she gets a new next door neighbour, Alice, who seems to be acting strange around her, and is inserting herself into her friendship group quite easily, even managing to organise a book club.

Lucy just thinks she’s very friendly to start, and desperate to make friends, but it starts to become clear quite quickly that she is actually there to cause problems.

Lucy left London due to having an affair with her boss and it ending badly, and we know early on that Alice knows about this, and for some reason is seeking revenge.

Each character within the story gets their own voice for some chapters, and we start to see the cracks within their friendships, as they are all keeping secrets from each other, some worse than others.

Alice isn’t just trying to fuck up Lucy’s life, she’s also determined to ruin the lives of the others.

There were some parts of the story that I found far-fetched, including a murder and attempted murder from Alice, as I just don’t think it would happen like that in real life. I also was a little bit disappointed with the outcome of the story, Alice’s reason for going after Lucy seemed a bit of a reach (although you can tell she’s a psychopath, so she probably thought it made sense) and also the way things get left with Lucy at the end of the story just seemed very anti-climactic.

However, overall I really did enjoy the story and the build up to the ending.

3/5 stars

Synopsis
‘When the department store she works in closes for good, Carmen has perilously little cash and few options. She doesn’t want to move in with her perfect sister Sofia, in Sofia’s perfect house with her perfect children and her perfectly ordered Edinburgh life.
Frankly, Sofia doesn’t exactly want Carmen there either. Her sister has always been sarcastic and difficult. But Sofia has yet another baby on the way, a mother desperate to see her daughters get along, and a client who needs a retail assistant for his ailing bookshop, so welcoming Carmen might still have some benefits for everyone.
At Sofia’s behest, Carmen is thrown into the daily workings of old Mr. McCredie’s ancient bookshop on the streets of the old dark city. Can she use her design skills to revamp the store and bring it back to popularity in time to benefit from Christmas shopping traffic? Can she choose between bad boy literary rock star Blair and quiet Quaker student Oke? And will she heal the rift with the most important people of all: her family?’

This was a lovely heart-warming read.

I always like to read Christmas stories over the holidays, but I ended up finishing this in January because there’s just never enough time between seeing friends and family and having a break from work!

At the start of the novel, I didn’t like Carmen. She was mean, and very selfish. But that didn’t last very long. Once she arrived at her sister’s and started working for Mr McCredie, she really turned into an MC that you like and are rooting for.

I loved watching the bond develop between her and her sister, Sofia. The fact that they hated each other to start with, and Carmen hated children, to then have them being incredibly close and the children, especially Phoebe, gravitating towards Carmen all the time, was just lovely to see.

I would say, I was waiting for the romance part of the novel to come into it a lot sooner, and as soon as we met Blair, I knew that this could not be the guy she ended up with, as he was a complete narcissist, so when it took nearly 3/4’s of the book to have a real chance at romance between Carmen and Oke, I found it slightly disappointing. It was also incredibly infuriating reading them either missing each other constantly, or one of them getting the wrong idea about another person that they were seen with, I was getting quite impatient!

I love that Carmen ended up helping Mr McCredie in more ways than one, the bookshop and his own past, with the introduction of some family member’s he didn’t know he had. It was so heart-warming and sweet to read.

Jenny has done a wonderful job of creating the most magical bookshop ever. If it existed, I would want to live there! Once Carmen had done her thing and started bringing in new decorations, and books that people would actually read, it just felt so cosy and I wanted to jump into the book and go shopping there!

Overall, I absolutely loved this book, and it really is the perfect festive read!

4/5 stars

Synopsis
‘Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?’ 

This is my favourite Bridgerton novel so far! I’m not sure whether it’s because there isn’t currently a season of the TV show to compare it to, but I just found this so much more romantic and sweet.

I loved the Cinderella storyline with Sophie, treated abhorrently by her stepmother and sisters (although Posy ended up a sweetheart!) with a deadline of making it home at midnight and leaving an item of clothing behind! One thing I must say with all of these masked ball scenarios where the man doesn’t recognise the woman in real life, is how totally unrealistic they are. I could 100% tell if they were the same person if I’d been staring at a part of their face an entire night!!

I also adored Benedict’s character. He was such a strong and empathetic character, who from the offset of meeting Sophie (as Sophie, not the mystery woman) wanted to help her, comfort her, and give her what he could. I thought Anthony was my favourite Bridgerton brother, but I now think it’s definitely Benedict!

Araminta was an absolutely horrendous woman, whom I really wished had gotten a little bit more of a punishment at the end of the novel than she did, however, I was still really impressed with Posy and how her character really grew up and took charge in the end.

Violet (Mrs Bridgerton) and the entire family actually, made Sophie feel so welcome around them, and never treated her with any disrespect or even as they would a normal maid when she started working for them at Benedict’s request, and I really believe that’s because they all knew that she was different, and that Benedict was in love with her from the start!

So overall I absolutely adored this third instalment, and I’m hoping to enjoy all the rest! The only think I would have liked more of is smut, which is why I’m giving it a 4 star rating instead of 5, but that’s not to everyone’s taste!

4/5 stars

 Synopsis
‘For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet fishing village. Kya Clark is barefoot and wild; unfit for polite society. So in late 1969, when the popular Chase Andrews is found dead, locals immediately suspect her.

I’ve had this book on my tbr pile for over a year now, and in anticipation for the movie coming out this month, I thought I’d better get on and read it!

4/5 stars

Synopsis
'Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby.

Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small-town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute.

If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.'

This is probably one of the best rom-com novels I've read to date. Henry has perfected that comfortable and cosy vibe with one of the best book boyfriends that will now be the standard for me with every book boyfriend going forward (Charlie is THE best!).

I haven't read any of Emily's previous novels, but as this has been hyped up so much recently, I picked this one up first and I was not disappointed in any aspect, at all. 

I love the fact that its all about Nora hating the stereotypical trope of girl/guy goes to small town, saves a business and falls in love and doesn't believe it happens in real life, and then, although in a slightly different way, this is exactly what Book Lovers is about.

Nora's character was so likeable, I loved how much she loved her sister Libby, and she would do absolutely anything to make sure she has her happiness, even at the cost of her own! Watching her fall in love with Charlie as the chapters went on was so heart-warming, sweet and filled me with pure happiness. 

Quite often within romance novels, there is some form of miscommunication that throws the romance off and splits the characters apart, but we don't have that here. Both characters are completely honest with each other throughout, with some slight omissions from each other occasionally, but it all still flows comfortably and most importantly, they show each other so much respect. 

If you like a romance novel, you NEED to read this! I really hope someone picks this up and makes it into a movie (I could definitely see it done by Hallmark!).

5/5 stars

Synopsis 
'Hidden among us is a secret coven of witches. They are Her Majesty’s Royal Coven. They protect crown and country from magical forces and otherworldly evil. But their greatest enemy will come from within.

There are whisperings of a prophecy that will bring the coven to its knees, and five best friends are about to be caught at the centre. Life as a modern witch was never simple … but now it’s about to get apocalyptic.'

This is the first book I've read from Juno, and my god it's a brilliant one. The premise is brilliant, a secret undercover Witch Coven within the UK that works with the Government? Yes please! (what I'd give to have this be real life!). 

The world building was perfect, I understood every aspect of the world, including the part HMRC had to play and how each character would fit into the story. 

The friendship within this novel is brilliant. Each and every character (minus Helen) is wonderful, and heart-warming and joyous. Niamh is my favourite, and I was rooting for her to be with Luke and I absolutely adored how insanely protective she was of Theo. 

What I loved the most about this novel is how brilliantly queer it is. Before going into the novel, knowing the author is trans, I was expecting to see an element of it within the story, but Juno brings it to the forefront of the novel, with transphobia being the main antagonistic part of the story, which is incredibly clever and brilliant. 

Juno also tackles racism within the novel with the character of Leonie, who is a lesbian black woman, and although Juno isn't black herself, she deals with the topic with sensitivity and inclusivity. 

The book is quite long, over 400 pages of thrilling drama, but I devoured it quickly as I was desperate to find out how it would end!

The only thing I didn't like about the novel is that it ends on a cliff-hanger, so now I'm gutted and not so patiently waiting for the next one! 

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed and I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves stories about witches, friendship and queerness! 

Ps. How absolutely INSANE is this Fairyloot edition from their adult subscription box?! 

5/5 stars 

 Synopsis
'A windswept private island off the coast of Massachusetts.

Welcome back to the Sinclair family.

They were always liars.'

E. Lockhart has done it again. This is yet another jaw-dropping story about the Sinclair family, but surrounding the parents of the Liars in the first novel, in their adolescence. In We Were Liars, the parents of the young ones, seemed like terrible people, constantly bickering and being absolutely ridiculous over who can have what from their late mother’s belongings. In Family of Liars, we are introduced to the bond they had as children/teenagers, and what they went through which influenced how they are in the first novel.
There are 3 shocking revelations, the first one is very sad, the 2nd not sad in the slightest and not a huge surprise, but the third, however not as big a shock as the main twist in We Were Liars, was still very impressive and unexpected.

I have mixed feelings about the sisters, with Penny being very selfish and downright vindictive towards Carrie at times, and Carrie can also seem quite selfish and although she has her reasons for being upset, it is not a reason for being mean to her sisters, especially her younger sisters Rosemary and Bess.

Their Uncle brings along his children and three boys to the island, Cousin Yardley’s boyfriend George, and two of his friends. Their arrival stirs up emotions in Carrie that she has never experienced before, including passion and obsessiveness when she starts falling for one of the boys, Pfeff.
Pfeff is an arrogant type, who seems to be able to charm absolutely everyone, no matter who they are and what resistance they put to him. His use of the word ‘please’ was infuriating, and if you read the novel, you’ll understand why.

When we start getting to the gritty part of Carrie’s story, to find out what really happened that summer, I couldn’t put the book down. I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time, reading as fast as I could so I could find out how it ends.
Again we have the same short snappy sentences and chapters which help keep your attention and wanting to read ‘just one more chapter’.
We also have similar fairytale stories from Carrie as in We Were Liars, to slowly help tell her story.

Overall I absolutely loved it, and although not quite as big a revelation, I was still thoroughly impressed and enjoyed the story immensely!

4.5/5 stars

 Synopsis
'1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, this author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry.
And in truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...
—Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time, the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry—he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister—but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...'

After watching the Bridgerton series, which I absolutely adore, I've been determined to read all the books before the next series comes out (I'm sure I've got loads of time as filming hasn't even started yet for season 3). 

The second in the series is the same as the TV show, and surrounds Anthony Bridgerton on his quest to find a wife. 

There is a huge difference with the book from the TV series, which is there is NOT a love triangle between Anthony, Kate and Edwina. Yes, Anthony wishes to court Edwina initially, as she is the newly introduced daughter of the season, however, within the novel, Kate cannot hide her interest in Anthony from her sister, therefore, nothing further happens with them. 

In some ways I preferred this, as the fact that Anthony almost married Edwina in the series made me angry, but it also made for lesser sexual tension and edging between Anthony and Kate. I think the reason I loved their romance so much on screen is how much sexual tension there was until a final climax at the end!

Kate's character is lovely, my favourite so far, and much prefer her character than Daphne from book 1. Anthony is very much the same in the book as the TV show, although slightly more masochistic and sexist as he is determined never to love Kate, and that it's okay to step-out on your wife if you don't love her *eye-roll*. 

There are some brilliant lines within the novel, especially from Kate. Quinn's writing is witty, clever and just perfect at keeping you hooked. There are also some incredibly romantic lines, with the iconic 'I burn for you' making a comeback, which I absolutely adore.

I would still say I prefer the TV show version (Johnathan Bailey is a god and Simone Ashley a goddess) but I still enjoyed the novel a lot and I will be continuing the series!

3.5/5 stars

Synopsis 
'Emily made a mistake, a mistake midwifes can't afford to make. Escaping to her dad's home in Devon to regroup and check in on him – his dementia has been worsening, and her guilt along with it – she is surprised when a beautiful stranger answers the door. Francoise is her dad's new carer, but Emily's father seems to have deteriorated under her care.

Emily doesn't trust Francoise – but she doesn't trust herself either. Each has a secret. And one of them will kill to keep it . . .'

Thank you so much to Penguin for the uncorrected proof to read and review!

The novel starts with Emily helping a couple give birth. Everything seems fine, she helps the mother through a successful birth, and the baby is given a full bill of health. Until it wasn’t fine. And Emily finds herself suspending pending trial for something she has done.

She heads home to her Father, in the hopes that he will reassure her, and give her the love she desperately needs during this time. But when she finds Francoise, his new French carer at the door, she realises there is a lot she doesn’t know about her Father.

The book starts out pretty strong, a mysterious suspense that keeps you guessing as to what Emily as done, and just what kind of person she might be. Then we meet Francoise, through Emily’s eyes, and she seems very suspicious. But then we move on to Francoise’s perspective, and you are then left wondering which of them is telling the truth.

I liked that we switched between the perspectives of Emily and Francoise, and I also like that we ventured into the mind of Harold also, during his time in the war. It really helped build the characters, and allowed you to have a better understanding of them, as both Emily and Francoise were highly suspicious of each other, which often clouded their judgement.

I found that Corry put in little titbits of information that lured you into thinking other characters could have also been involved with what was going on within the novel, which was quite clever, and certainly had me questioning everything I thought I knew.

I did find however, that once I got about halfway through the novel, it starts to drift away from the strong first half and turns into a novel with too many extra bits of information that were either unnecessary, or just something added in to confuse you which I found a little frustrating.

There are a lot of twists and turns that keep you guessing constantly, and although I was expecting a different ending, it was a nice surprise to be proven wrong and it wrapped up nicely too.

Overall it was an enjoyable read, with just a little bit too much repetition and confusion for me to rate higher than a 3.5!

3.5/5 stars

Synopsis 
'STEVEN HARDING IS A HANDSOME, WELL-RESPECTED PROFESSOR.
ELLIE MASTERSON IS A WIDE-EYED YOUNG COLLEGE STUDENT.
Together, they are driving south from New York, for their first holiday together: three days in an isolated cabin, far from the city.
Ahead of them, the promise of long, dark nights - and the chance to explore one another's bodies, away from prying eyes.
It should be a perfect, romantic trip for two.
EXCEPT THAT HE'S NOT WHO HE SAYS HE IS.
BUT THEN AGAIN, NEITHER IS SHE . . .'
Thank you to Netgalley & Penguin Michael Joseph for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book.

I went into this novel knowing nothing about it, except for the fact that the advertising said ‘get ready to meet 2022’s most fucked up couple!’. So I had high hopes for a lot of drama and insane twists.

What I found was that there was indeed, a lot of drama and some twists to the novel, however, it all fell a little flat for me. Quite early on we find out that Steven is the worst kind of man, one that likes to get his own way with everything, and everyone. Without spoiling it, it is quite a difficult read, and I feel there should be a trigger warning with it, but I think that would probably also spoil the main big plotline.

Ellie is a great character, with some brilliant lines throughout and she has a huge plan for their weekend away, which doesn’t end the way either of them expected.

Laure is also brilliant at creating a very tense atmosphere, with some incredibly detailed descriptions of the landscape and the home they are staying in.

However, the main reason this novel fell flat for me with it’s potential for greatness, is that everything seemed to be repetitive. Ellie would say something, Steven would say something back, and it kept going in circles until finally, the ending happened.

I think the book could have been a lot shorter, had the characters actually acted on what was going on WAY before they did. The intrigue of finding out what happened kept me reading, but only just. It would probably make a great movie, as they could fit everything into an hour and a half film, but I spent around 3-4 hours reading this, and it felt way too long.

Overall, it was enjoyable to a point, but it wasn’t my favourite locked-room thriller, and although the storyline is a very important subject, this book just didn’t do it justice for me.

2.5/5 stars