Nicki's book blog

  The Boy in the Attic by Imogen Matthew- WW2 historical fiction  Set in two timelines this tells the story of Ilse in Holland during the second world war and of Anna in present day (2001). Ilse has been trying to forage for food ever more getting scarce since the Germans invaded. They have had to resort to eating tulip bulbs as there is little else around. When Ilse gets an invitation to go and help her friend at the sanatorium it is a double blessing. Ilse wanted to train to be a doctor before the war started and going would mean that meagre rations would last her parents longer. On arrival in Amsterdam she soon discovers her friend is hiding rather more than a secret. Anna is trying to find the family of her father who they have just found out about his origins which takes her to Holland, away  from Hugo who she is getting rather tired of.  I loved this. For me the dual timelines were easy to follow and really gave the story an edge. I empathised with both Ilse and Anna both being i

  Childhood Sweetheart by Wendy Clarke -psychological thriller Moira owns some holiday lodges on the island of Bray (off Scotland) and Ailsa looks after them, who lives with her young son Kyle. Eleven years ago one of Moira’s sons was killed in an accident when he was in a boat on the loch with his brother. When Jonah returns after many years it is a surprise for both of the women. There are secrets and lies on all sides which in turn affect the others. Why is Jonah back and why now? This is a beautifully described book of a Scottish island, the wildness and  the beauty therein. I found this rather slow to get going but once it did I was intrigued but did guess some of the premise. It's written in two timelines- present day and back when Ailsa, Jonah and Callum were young. I liked Ailsa and Moira and their determination in life whilst thinking of others. An interesting read with stunning “ scenery”.  For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog ---------------------

  One Hot Summer by Anita Waller-psychological thriller   There’s something about Anitas book. Something that cleverly draws you in and steals time. Something magical, entrancing almost. This one is about some arsonists who are throwing petrol bombs at sheds and summerhouses. What they perhaps didn't realise was that in the first one they torched there were two youngsters inside who both lost their lives. DI Laura Henshall and DS Will Peters are doing their very best to try and find out who and why. It soon appears that the gang have either inside information as they are one step ahead or even someone? A note is received saying that there is a threat of a much larger fire with potential huge loss of life unless demands are met. Can the team find out who and why in time? I loved this and was unable to put it down. I liked Laura and Will who came across very well and a little backstory which adds depth and even a little romance. A cleverly thought out plot and a stunning awesome read

  T he Wife Who Risked Everything by Ellie Midwood WW2 Based on a true story of several women who took a stand to protect their loved ones. "When the power of love is stronger than any threat" Margot was an aspiring actress happily married to Jochen until Hitler took over Germany. Jochen is Jewish and has had his German status removed and lost his job as it is illegal to employ jews. Soon Margot suffers, all because she is married to him. She loses her job and becomes a seamstress but is rebuffed daily all because of her married name. Things go from bad to worse but Margot is determined that the nazis won;t get the better of them. Oh wow! This is a war story with a difference. Of one womans tenacity and determination in the face of terror and adversity, determined to do the best for herself, her husband and anyone being treated so very badly by the regime. I couldn't help but admire Margot and her integrity to do right both by humans and animals (loved Goose!). A truly st

  Murder before Evensong- Reverend Richard Coles- Cozy crime/ Literary Fiction What a delightful read! I was slightly late to the party on this one and knew the book had good reviews which piqued my interest. It's the first in a series ( the Canon Clements mysteries) and is a read with a smile set in a village around a manor house and of course a church. Richard writes as if he has been doing this all his life (this is his first novel- there have been non fiction books before this) and has that talent for taking the reader right into the village and almost “ knowing” the parishioners. I'm fairly sure that with artistic licence that there are a few nuggets of truth scattered here and there from Richard's eclectic life. There are larger than life characters and some lighthearted gems of lines- one about what is needed for a nuclear fallout instantly springs to mind- I won’t spoil anything but its one I'll remember with a smile as I will this book. A real gem and treasure

  I saac and the Egg by Bobby Palmer-Literary Fiction Issac has lost his wife and is standing on a bridge about to end it all when he hears a scream to echo his own thoughts. He climbs down and looks around and to his surprise finds a giant egg. For reasons unknown to him he takes it home. He develops a sort of relationship with the egg,  despite it being unable to communicate with him and this is their story.  This is a totally ridiculous story, bear with me. So ridiculous that it drew me in hook, line and sinker and I loved it.  There's just something about this that drew me in and made me smile.  We have all been in that frame of mind where all we wanted to do was beat the wall and whether we did it physically or metaphorically we get where Isaac is mentally.  It's enchanting,  it's magical,  it's tragic and it's uplifting.  One I highly recommend. All there is to say is “wawooo”. If you know, you know.   For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblo

  The Ex Between Us by Nicola Marsh-psychological thriller   Joelle and Abigail have been friends since school where they both had a crush on the same boy. They are now adults and Abi has a son by Callan- the boy they both liked. Call is in his son's life, who is now off to college, but there is no relationship with Abi. Jo however has her own agenda and has been keeping in touch with him unknown to Abi. When both women start getting harassing messages and things in their lives disrupted they wonder if it's an old school acquaintance who is back in the area, who is getting revenge- someone who also liked Cal and was rather nasty at the time. Alternate chapters take us back to their school days around the time Abi  got pregnant and present day narrated by each of the main characters.  This is one of those reads that you begin quite comfortably with and as the pages turn the suspense and tension build. Both Jo and Abi have their nuances, as do we all, and look at life slightly di

  The Little Shop of Hidden Treasures- Holly Hepburn- contemporary fiction I won this book and am so glad I did. It was four separate books put into one and it really is a treasure of a read. Hope has moved back to York after losing her husband to cancer. She's looking for work but not quite sure what when she sees an ad in a shop window- a window she loved as a child. When a mystery is partly unravelled Hope is keen to investigate however this takes her on a journey both mentally and physically. One of learning about herself and others. A little romance, a little humour and plenty of smiles abound in this wonderful feel good read. If you need to think about the good in others when the world is a little off axis then this could be the perfect tonic as it was for me. A wonderful holiday read.

  The Highland Hens by Judy Leigh Women’s fiction- Mimi is a star, well at least she was, or she thought she was and sadly spends her time reliving her youth, dressing up and singing. The dancing isn't so great when you are in your late eighties. Her three sons Angus, Hamish and Fin despair but are glad that their mother is at least enjoying life- or is she? Young Jess (at late fifties :) ) has bought a cottage that her brother is doing up for her. Only one job finds another and another and it's going to be months before she can move in. She was taking a few days holiday before moving in when the work was only going to take a few days. Now she might just stay a while longer as there's clearly no rush to get back. When Jess and Mimi cross paths a friendship forms quite unlike any other each has known. This is a treasure of a read. I smiled and I cried. Judy has that special talent to bring characters to life and leave the reader with that feel good factor and one of one life