The Keeper of Stories

 The Keeper of Stories- Sally Page- Women's fiction

Janice is a cleaner. She sees many things as she goes about her work and feels

everyone has a story to tell- just one that makes them who they are. She really

doesn't like her husband any more- he has had almost a job for every year

she has known him and she finds him dull and tedious so she finds life in other

people. When she goes to clean for Mrs B, she finally meets someone who

wants to know her story- but does she have one? 

This is a treasure of a read- there is just that certain something about Janice

that keeps the pages turning- to me the skill of an excellent author. I believe

that this is a debut novel- wow- keep me posted for the next one please- a

stunning piece of writing that makes reading this so easy and a pleasure-not

something everyone can do. A warmth of characters that you can't help

but take to and a story that invites you in with a welcome.

A highly recommended read. 

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

 

THE INVITE by Sheryl Browne-psychological thriller

OMG! A read once started I didn't want to put down. Zoe is back from Portugal having lost her job and most things in her life. She was in a relationship and then found out not only was he married but he has children. Daniel, like others, had lied to her and even worse she thinks he is stalking her. She comes back to her friend's birthday party where she is introduced to Kaitlins new man Greg. When Katilin announces they are getting married and that she is pregnant, Zoe is very protective and thinks she is leaping too quickly- something learnt from her own experiences. They argue and Zoe leaves abruptly. Kaitlin sends Greg after her so that she can apologise. They learn soon after that Zoe has gone missing and Greg hasn't exactly been truthful and that Daniel has been constantly calling her- he is in the area. What has happened to Zoe and just who is telling the truth?

Oh wow! This is a brilliantly written fast paced read- a real page turner. I took to Zoe and Kaitlin - the characters came across well and although perhaps a little naive in life- they acted as you would expect them to in the situation.Different chapters are narrated by several of the characters giving differing perspectives. Wonderfully portrayed tensions and emotions kept me enthralled. This is my first book by this author and I would have no hesitation at reading her others. In fact please sign me up now for the next one! A thrilling gripping read. Stunning.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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Book Description:

Kaitlin has been looking forward to her engagement party for weeks. She’s finally introducing her fiancé Greg to her best friend Zoe, but as the champagne corks pop, her dream party soon becomes her worst nightmare…

Staring at the stunning diamond solitaire on her finger, Kaitlin knows her relationship has been a whirlwind… but Greg looks after her, and he loves playing dad to her young daughter. How could she refuse when he’s already planned their romantic elopement?

As the guests arrive, Kaitlin wonders why Greg is suddenly acting so shifty. Is that a flicker of recognition on Zoe’s face? And why does she look terrified every time her phone rings?

Kaitlin watches as Zoe knocks back her white wine and makes a beeline for Greg. Then, after a heated conversation, her best friend stumbles outside without looking back.

Days later, the police knock at Kaitlin’s door – Zoe is missing.

When the police question Greg about the night of the party, Kaitlin knows he’s telling lies. But why would he? Can she really trust the man she’s marrying? And could her precious daughter’s life now be in danger too?

The Invite is an absolutely unmissable psychological thriller, perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Wife. You’ll be hooked from the first page!

Author Bio:

Bestselling Author, Sheryl Browne, writes taut, twisty psychological thriller. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Sheryl has several books published and two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies where she completed her MA in Creative Writing. Sheryl has also obtained a Certificate of Achievement in Forensic Science and – according to readers – she makes an excellent psychopath. Sheryl’s latest psychological thriller THE INVITE comes to you from BOOKOUTURE. Her previous works include the DI Matthew Adams Crime Thriller series, along with contemporary fiction novels, The Rest of My Life and Learning to Love.

 

To find out more about Sheryl. go to www.sherylbrowne.com

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B09NNJQSWWsocial

Apple: http://ow.ly/qYPx50HVB4x Kobo: http://ow.ly/Y1V550HVB4v Google: http://ow.ly/xSPv50HVB4w

Audio:

UK: zpr.io/4JRwCMdLNFwv

US: zpr.io/xbB9FjHnbDbG

Listen to a sample here:

https://soundcloud.com/bookouture/the-invite-by-sheryl-browne-narrated-by-tamsin-kennard

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Midnight Lies- Chris Collett- Crime +  #giveaway

DCI Tom Mariner is at the helm and there are lots of things to navigate. He chased a man who had stabbed someone and now he is being accused of pulling the man off a roof. There has been a fatal RTA, only when the car was further inspected another body was found- one already dead. Tom then gets a visit from Norfolk police who have found a body. He worked on a case of a missing woman many years ago and it was someone he knew from his childhood- the body is now known to be the missing woman.

I really enjoy this series- they happily stand alone- Tom and his team are real characters who have a depth to them that makes them come alive on the pages. There's a lot going on but it is very easy to follow. Three unrelated cases, three different enquiries and then a personal one for one of the team thrown in for good measure, which again brings depth and reality to the characters.A fast paced read with twists and turns with changes of pace on each case.

A highly entertaining read which I enjoyed very much. 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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MIDNIGHT LIES BLURB Discover an utterly addictive new crime mystery from a No. 1 bestselling author! Secrets, lies, bodies. Nothing stays buried forever . . .It starts on an abandoned campsite in Norfolk.Developers unearth a human skeleton. The remains of an eighteen-year-old girl.  Robina Scanlon — a blast from the past that shocks Detective Tom Mariner to his core.In the sweltering summer of 1976, they met on holiday and teenage Mariner fell for her instantly.He thought she was the one who got away. Now he realizes she never even left.She was murdered back at the campsite where they met, all those years ago.Mariner drives to Norfolk, his head so full of ghosts he can barely think straight.What happened to his first love?The mystery of her death becomes a dangerous obsession. The truth is a terrible secret that lies buried deep in the past.And someone out there will do anything to keep it that way . . .

A nail-bitingly tense crime mystery that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of Peter James, Angela Marsons, Rachel McLean, Caro Ramsay, Helen H. Durrant, Ian Rankin and Peter Robinson.

Read what everyone is saying about the Detective Mariner mysteries:   “It would be impossible not to like Mariner!” Margaret, NetGalley   “Collett is a wonderful writer, subtle, clever, strong on atmosphere and character.” Yorkshire Post   “Fully fledged female characters distinguish Collett’s police procedurals.” Publishers Weekly   “Well written, thoughtful, and entertaining.” Booklist   “I didn’t want to put it down!” Anne   “I do like a good police procedural and this definitely fits the bill.” Elaine

THE DETECTIVE Detective Inspector Tom Mariner is, on the surface, an average dedicated policeman, but his experiences as a younger man have given him an insight into life on the dark side, and a clear sense of right and wrong. Mariner has little interest in material things. He lives in a modest canal-side cottage, enjoys the occasional (real) beer and game of dominoes and drives an old car. He is most at home in the outdoors, with an OS map and a compass, and in times of crisis, will take off and walk for miles in any weather.  DI MARINER SERIES Book 1: DEADLY LIES Book 2: INNOCENT LIES Book 3: KILLER LIES Book 4: BABY LIES Book 5: MARRIED LIES Book 6: BURIED LIES Book 7: MISSING LIES Book 8: DARKEST LIES Book 9: MIDNIGHT LIES

CHRIS COLLETT Chris Collett grew up in a Norfolk seaside town where she worked in a boarding house (now defunct) a local bakery (closed down) and a crisp factory (razed to the ground). After leaving school she trained, in Liverpool, as a teacher for children with learning disabilities, including autism. Now a recently retired university lecturer, Chris is married with two grown up children and lives in Birmingham, UK on DI Tom Mariner's 'patch'. She has published short stories, teaches creative and crime writing and is a manuscript assessor for the Crime Writers Association. BOOKS BY CHRIS COLLETT DETECTIVE MARINER MYSTERY SERIES: DEADLY LIES INNOCENT LIES KILLER LIES BABY LIES MARRIED LIES BURIED LIES MISSING LIES DETECTIVE TOM MARINER BOOKS 1-3 BOX SET DETECTIVE TOM MARINER BOOKS 1-7 BOX SET STANDALONE NOVELS: THE TRUTH ABOUT MURDER FOLLOW CHRIS ON AUTHOR WEBSITE FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM GOODREADS

Giveaway :

Complete this form : https://forms.gle/Pyg6Kkwo8yEQXVsP8

(not organised by nickis book blog)

The Silent Chapter

 

The Silent Chapter- Katherine Blakeman- Historical fiction (WW 1 to WW2)

A stunning read of wartime, bravery and history. This is the story of Dorothy and Patrick back around the time of the first world war and beyond. Patrick came from a rigid middle class family and thought that everyone called their father “ father-sir” such was his father Bruce’s hold on the family. Dotties family, although working class, still wanted to be thought of as    “ respectable” and as soon as she was stepping out with Patrick her father threw her out. Prior to this several in the family had lost their jobs as they were “associated” with one of them who spoke out. Sadly such was life for many at that time. Dottie and her friends were suffragists- the non violent, more verbal versions of the suffragette movement starting to want equal rights for women.This tells of their life together and of life's ups and downs, the wars, social history and much more.

 This is a well written account of life at that time and the era is portrayed very clearly. Bruce was a patriarchal narcissist who indoctrinated his children- something that sadly can still exist in both genders. I found this was a real page turner whilst despising Bruce and longing for the women to fight back. So well is this written that it stirred such emotions. I felt for Edna, Dorothy and the women in general. Dorothy was made of sterner stuff but society dictated otherwise most of the time. To give an idea of the harshness of that society- women were not “allowed” to speak in church (other than sing and say amen) doing so would bring shame on the whole family. Thankfully, how things have changed due to the bravery of women of that era and beyond in most parts of the world. A brilliantly written emotive read- one I shall not forget in a hurry. Stunning.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

Purchase Link :https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Chapter-Heartwarming-Heartbreaking-Twentieth-Century-ebook/dp/B09NQDRLXH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YNTZ3OKL6HBT&keywords=the+silent+chapter+katherine+blakeman&qid=1641920980&sprefix=the+silend+chapter%2Caps%2C405&sr=8-1

Book blurb:

THE UNMISSABLE DEBUT NOVEL BY KATHERINE BLAKEMAN

How far can one couple be pushed?

On a mud-caked Manchester lakeside at Christmas 1918, the unlikeliest of romance blossoms. One a disturbed ex-soldier and the other a headstrong ex-suffragist, yet Patrick and Dorothy Hammond fit together like pieces of a jigsaw. The quiet village of Little Wychwood is just the place for them to escape the confines of their old lives. There, at last, they are free to realise their dreams: restoring a farm and starting a family.

Except it’s not quite as simple as that. Things start to go wrong very quickly, and the Hammonds are swung around and around on an emotional trapeze as they battle their way through the next forty years. With their own families being rocked apart and revealing horrifying secrets, not to mention the wars they fight inside their own minds, will they manage to hold it all together for the sake of their children, their faith... and their village?

Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore and Lyn Andrews, prepare to be swept away as this enchanting tale of love, loss and forgiveness is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

Content Warning: domestic abuse, child loss and suicide.

Impromptu

 

Impromptu by Martin Lilley -Dystopian/mystery short story 5*

One of the most stunning debut novels I have ever been privileged to read. Cat and her twin brother Tom know they are about to die. It is their sixteenth birthday and for a while now people have been dying on their birthdays at the exact time of their birth. Something known as the unforeseen. Tom was born seventeen minutes before Cat and it is now their birthday. Governments all over the world who have come up with excuse after excuse trying to link to all of the recent deaths. The streets have become unsafe to go out and Tom's time of birth is approaching. 

I loved this. I'm not normally into dystopian reads but this one is a gem and has that air of mystery wrapped around it. There is a wonderful quality of writing and a skill with words, not often seen in a debut novel. The intricately woven plot absorbed me and as one small part was answered another door opened. There is a nice build of tension and I found myself wanting to know what the answer was. When I got there- wow! I wasn't disappointed. Expect the unexpected and a smile along the way. A writer well worth looking out for.  A well thought out and very clever premise and one skillfully written. Loved it doesn't cover it. Stunning 

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Life, Death and Biscuits

 Life, Death and Biscuits by Anthea Allen- Nursing/medical memoir

Oh wow! ( I write this and am not sure that should have the exclamation mark- it should and it shouldn't-reading on may explain this). This is a book about the very front line during the pandemic in a small corner of London, England. Many know about people requiring ventilators during this period- what many don’t know is that it takes the experience of a critical care nurse to operate them- few nurses were trained in this and even less doctors. Anthea is a one of these highly skilled nurses and tells of her days through emails to friends which by putting words on paper kept her sane. She asked for some biscuits as many of the staff being kitted up in PPE couldn't leave the ward (if they did it was a full clothes and ppe change for which they didn't have time or energy) and the hospital shops refused to serve them, knowing they were dealing with such critically ill covid patients. The response she got was overwhelming. 

Thank you doesn't seem enough to these dedicated, caring staff. To the nurses and doctors through to those many don't even know about- the lab technicians who do all the tests on which medicine depends, the pharmaceutical staff working day and night to find vaccines and test medicines on which many lives depend. The porters, the cleaners, the administration staff the list goes on. Everyone of them made and every day makes the NHS (and private care) what it is in this country- a truly brilliant organisation. For anyone who complains- try being ill abroad or even in Ireland where I understand that a GP trip may cost you 50E or more each and every time. 

This is brilliantly written. The clarity of what was happening through to the smiles when a doughnut appeared makes this a very real read.  A truly inspiring memorable read and several messages for us all to look after ourselves- stay fit and healthy and don’t take unnecessary risks. As I understand Steve Jobs once said “ let food be your medicine otherwise medicine will be your food”. We can all help the NHS by doing this. One life- live it well. 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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The Paris Network  by Siobhan Curham-Historical fiction (WW2)

Wartime France: Laurence has said goodbye to her lifelong friend Luc,who has gone to war. She runs a bookshop and has sent him off with a poem to try and keep his heart uplifted. Soon the Germans have taken over and life very much changes for the small rural village. Laurence is determined that the Germans won’t get the better of her and hides her radio- a banned item- so that she can listen to the BBC and find out what is going on elsewhere in the world. Seeing the cafe owner shot in the square makes her determined to do something, anything she can to help the resistance, something she heard a man called General De Gaulle on the radio talk about.

USA 1993: Jeanne has just said goodbye to her mother for the final time when she learns of something that rocks her world. Soon afterwards, she and her father travel to France to find out more about Laurence and how her father met someone he is describing as the bravest woman he ever met. 

I loved this, there is a tension between the pages and I took to both Laurence and Jeanne. Both very determined women and Laurence is certainly something very special. A book of hope and determination, of love and life and the ups and downs therein of whatever form. Of tough times that we now can't really imagine but through reading we can learn so much. A truly stunning memorable read. 

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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Book Description:

Paris, 1940: He pressed the tattered book into her hands. ‘You must go to the café and ask at the counter for Pierre Duras. Tell him that I sent you. Tell him you’re there to save the people of France.’

Sliding the coded message in between the crisp pages of the hardback novel, bookstore owner Laurence slips out into the cold night to meet her resistance contact, pulling her woollen beret down further over her face. The silence of the night is suddenly shattered by an Allied plane rushing overhead, its tail aflame, heading down towards the forest. Her every nerve stands on end. She must try to rescue the pilot.

But straying from her mission isn’t part of the plan, and if she is discovered it won’t only be her life at risk…

America, years later: when Jeanne uncovers a dusty old box in her father’s garage, her world as she knows it is turned upside down. She has inherited a bookstore in a tiny French village just outside of Paris from a mysterious woman named Laurence.

Travelling to France to search for answers about the woman her father has kept a secret for years, Jeanne finds the store tucked away in a corner of the cobbled main square. Boarded up, it is in complete disrepair. Inside, she finds a tiny silver pendant hidden beneath the blackened, scorched floorboards.

As Jeanne pieces together Laurence’s incredible story, she discovers a woman whose bravery knew no bounds. But will the truth about who Laurence really is shatter Jeanne’s heart, or change her future?

Inspired by true events, an epic and emotional novel about one woman’s strength to survive in the most difficult circumstances and the power of love in the face of darkness. Fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and The Lost Girls of Paris will be completely gripped from the very first page.

Author Bio:

Siobhan Curham is an award-winning author, ghost writer, editor and writing coach. She has also written for many newspapers, magazines and websites, including The Guardian, Breathe magazine, Cosmopolitan, Writers’ Forum, DatingAdvice.com, and Spirit & Destiny. Siobhan has been a guest on various radio and TV shows, including Woman’s Hour, BBC News, GMTV and BBC Breakfast. And she has spoken at businesses, schools, universities and literary festivals around the world, including the BBC, Hay Festival, Cheltenham Festival, Bath Festival, Ilkley Festival, London Book Fair and Sharjah Reading Festival.

https://www.facebook.com/Siobhan-Curham-Author-398343120181969

https://www.instagram.com/SiobhanCurham/

https://twitter.com/SiobhanCurham

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B09NDWYHWMsocial

Audio:

UK: zpr.io/cSqeybP5cfya
US: zpr.io/bS7LKZ5hXuVG

Listen to a sample here:

https://soundcloud.com/bookouture/the-paris-network-by-siobhan-curham-narrated-by-laurence-bouvard

The Dummy Pass

 

The Dummy Pass-Patrick Smith- Children's (8-12yrs)

This is a book aimed at 8-12 year olds to help with separation and divorce especially boys(or any rugby lover). The author explains that males sometimes find it more difficult to express their emotions sadly due to the enduring stereotype of “ boys don’t cry”. 

William is 10 years old and is being hassled at school- not exactly bullying but certainly being picked on occasionally. His friends are very supportive and encourage him to try out for the rugby teams he has been playing and practising with his father. He finds that whilst practising in the back garden he suddenly becomes Billy and that he is playing with much older boys, even men. In real life he soon finds that playing is not only hel[ing him concentrate on his school work more but also giving him confidence to stand up to the teasers who soon leave him alone.

I enjoyed reading this and felt that it goes through many issues that children may encounter at school and at home. To show them that they are not alone in any situation- others have been through it before them and can help guide the way. Talking things out may be the first step to help and reassurance. A wonderful read for any child experiencing these situations

 For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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Blurb William loves to play rugby in the back garden with his dad and wants to try out for the school rugby team. His friends, Tom and Finlay, think that it’s a great idea, but the school bullies, Stephen and Harry, think he’ll never make it. But while William is excited about the rugby, his parents are having more rows and the tension at home is getting worse. Can William make the school team? Will he play well? Will his parents’ relationship survive? And who is the mysterious Billy?

About the Author As well as being an author, Patrick is a marketing consultant, charity director and open water swimmer. He is also a divorced father. After graduating from Bradford University and working for and running a number of marketing agencies, Patrick rediscovered his love of writing in his late forties. This book will be the first of many (he hopes).

The Marriage Secret

 

The Marriage Secret by Carey Baldwin - psychological thriller

Holly has just given birth- her husband is an obstetrics consultant and during labour she suspects him of causing her pain. She left her shoes out and he said “ she would pay for it”. He is beginning to control her every move- even demanding that she send him pictures when she is out to prove where she is. His mother says to Holly that he has always lied and thinks he can get away with it. As Holly says chains are not always made of links, and abuse takes many different forms. He is one manipulating, perfidious husband. Zach knows a secret from Holly’s past, something she told him on their wedding day and is now regretting doing so. If she holds his secret, will he uphold hers?

OMG! I loved this! It's  a fast paced tale of cleverly woven deception and one where you are not sure whom to trust. Where each chapter partly answers one thing and then adds another and then the final twist- I won’t give anything away other than to say trust no-one. A brilliantly plotted out read and characters you think you can take to- or perhaps not! A highly recommended read to keep you on the edge of your seat. 

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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The Marriage Secret: An utterly unputdownable psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist 

He married me despite my darkest secret. But am I safe now that I know his?
From the outside, my marriage to Zach was perfect: dream home, a perfect baby girl and passionate, all-consuming love. When we met, I confessed my darkest secret to him and he never judged me for it. Instead, he vowed to always protect me whatever the cost. But as I cradle my gorgeous baby, I have to accept that the husband who used to be my everything, has changed. At first it was little things: expecting me to keep to a strict schedule, picking out my clothes for me. Now, he controls every aspect of my life: from how much money I have, to when I leave the house and who I can see.

One fateful night, a young woman is found murdered and Zach is a potential suspect. Turning towards me, a look of warmth returning to his eyes, he swears he’s innocent, and I realize there is only one solution. If I agree to be his alibi, he will keep my secret and our daughter can grow up in a loving home. In that moment, I do what any faithful wife would do: I stand by him.
But I know deep down, only one of us will make it out of this marriage alive.
A completely unputdownable and twist-filled psychological thriller from USA Today bestselling author Carey Baldwin. Fans of The Wife Between Us, The Marriage and Gone Girl will be totally addicted to The Marriage Secret.  Buy links:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B09M79VMSKsocial          

Apple: http://ow.ly/onLU50HB94c

Kobo: http://ow.ly/4Crc50HB94g

Google: http://ow.ly/L07x50HB94e 

About the author

By day Carey is a dedicated pediatrician. By night she's a USA Today bestselling and award winning author of edgy suspense. In addition to her MD, Carey also holds a PhD in clinical psychology. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers. Author social media Twitter: @careybaldwin Instagram: @authorcareybaldwin

Website: https://www.careybaldwin.net/