Nicki's book blog

  Will you Stay Another Day? by Samantha Tonge- women’s fiction Lili and Em were best buddies, the sort who know each other inside out and pretty much have their own language. One year after Em has tragically died Lili texts Em’s old number…………and gets a reply in Em “speak”- something only they would know. Is someone playing a cruel joke or is Em…?? Lili dare not think about what she truly hopes is real. Who is sending the texts and why? Wow! What a brilliant premise. Most of us have sadly lost someone dear and would love to be able to get a message to them, and even better to get one back- how truly special that would be. (I’ve got more than one in mind!).  Samantha knows how to draw a reader in and keep them there with her brilliant style of writing. I laughed and yes, I cried. I loved the characters and how it made me think of things in my own life. A truly memorable stunning read.  For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog ------------...

    One Snowy Day by Shari Low- women’s fiction A tale of generations and the love and care between them- or not sometimes! Jessie is about to set off with her husband to live his dream- to live in the sunshine. Jessie however isn't so sure. Her daughter Georgie who works in the salon with her has been offered the job of a lifetime in America however Jessie has left her the salon- a huge benefit for her long term. Alyssa runs the cafe opposite the salon but the property owner has just died and she gets a letter changing the terms of her contract.  Lachlan is the caring brother to his sibling who doesn’t and unsurprisingly they don’t get on. When their fathers will is read out Lachlan isn’t surprised that his father put a condition in there to stop Jason being his usual self- greedy and selfish .Twenty four hours in the lives of four intertwined people. Can they sort things out to get what they really want? I love Shari’s books, they are always a reflection on life. On ta...

  The Graveyard by Stewart Giles- crime A woman is murdered with her daughter watching by a man appearing to be a courier. When the same man is seen in the vicinity of another murder, Smith has his hands full. It’s almost Christmas in York and most people are prepping and pulling away from work, but when there are multiple murders to solve, Smith and his team are full on. Who would be doing this and why? Something very strange is going on. I'm in awe of Stewart and his imagination. Each and every time there is a captivating plot with twists which are so cleverly thought out and keep the pages ever turning faster. I race through these as I can't wait to find out what happens and despite the subject matter, it's a very easy read  (there are some gory references as to what's happened but nothing too graphic) and one that has even upset Smith as it’s a little techno for him. A belter of a read, one that kept me up to finish it. Wow, just wow! For more reviews please follow ...

  The Last Laugh Club by Kate Galley- Women’s Fiction Norman has recently passed away and has sent letters to three of his closest friends taking them on rather an adventure as he wants his ashes scattered in Shetland. Bridget appears to be getting forgetful and will be without her husband for the trip. Gloria was the boss at the factory where Bridget and Derek worked, somewhere Norman had an accident which changed his life as well as things between the group. Can they survive the trip and bury old hatchets? I really enjoyed this from the off. It's a wonderful light-hearted read with great characters. A reminder of living life to the full whatever your age and making the most of opportunities. Of love and laughter, of tears and smiles and how friends can change the world sometimes in the simplest of gestures. A memorable book I more than loved.  For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog --------------------------------------------------------...

  One More to Die by Joy Ellis- Crime DI Kate Carter is called out when a man’s body is found in a car that has come off the road, however he has been stabbed. When another body turns up also with an old record under the clothing. Kate knows the two murders are connected. Kate meanwhile has her own issues, it appears she has a stalker- she is receiving spooky messages and gifts which are a bit too close to home. Who is doing this and why? Oh wow! Reading one of Joy’s books is rather like opening a box of favourite chocolates. There’s your favourite (an excellent plot) and new tempting flavours surrounding it (wonderful characters) all made by a superb chocolatier (Joy of course!) and you can’t wait to dive in to see what awaits! I'm in awe of the talent of this author- every book is gripping and enticing and I could happily read all day and more. A stunning piece of writing that had me enthralled. Brilliant doesn't cover it. For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twit...

  Living the Good Life by Celia Anderson- Women’s fiction Many of us know the feeling when moving house into a new area- its traumatic to say the very least. Nell, her husband Barney and his father have moved to Willowbrook. Nell soon gets swept up in the local shop by the Rev Bev for a new project and Barney, trying to get out of doing his disastrous attempts at DIY finds a cafe where his skills may be put to better use. The saga louts are around causing mayhem as usual but as ever with good hearts. Are Nell and Barney going their separate ways or can they sort things out once and for all? I really enjoyed this. It's a life affirming read with messages for all of us. Taking the most of every opportunity and when life throws lemons- make lemonade as you never know what's around the corner- it could be something wonderful if you let it. I liked Nell and her positive attitude to life and especially the Rev Bev who I’d love to know in real life! A tonic for the soul that left me w...

  My Family Lies by NJ Moss-psychological thriller This is the story of Dominic, his mother and his wife each chapter told from their perspectives. Dominic has a secret and when driving to his mother Victoria’s to finally have it out with her, his car crashes leaving him in a coma. Victoria is a controlling parent- even to a grown child- and wants to protect the family secret. Eloise, Dominic’s wife, has her own turmoil but tentatively helps Victoria however it appears no-one is safe. There is a woman being held captive by another woman- both of whom know Dom. What the connection is we don’t yet know. Will the secrets finally be aired? OMG! If you want a read that throws you around, spins a little and then a tower of terror ride just for good measure- this could well be the one! It’s clever and calculated and has that special Nathan touch, the slightly dark edge to give that anticipation of what might be to come. A read where I found I didn’t trust any of the characters, as just ar...

  Murder Most Wilde by Helen Golden- Cozy Mystery Perry is treading the boards in an Oscar Wilde play when one of the actors collapses on stage- fatally. The police ask Lady Bea and Perry to help as they are rather short staffed due to another incident. Perry is enjoying being a spy amongst his fellow actors and between them draws up a list of suspects who could have the means and opportunity to load the fake cigarettes. Who has done this and why? I've loved this series- each one has a great plot (this one is twisted and clever)however for me it's the characters that really make this work. Perry, Lady Bea and of course Daisy  are like old friends and bring a smile as I'm writing this. The books would probably stand alone other than the relationships within, so why miss out on other brilliant reads (all 5* from me)? A wonderful ending to a brilliant series. I'll miss Bea and co, but have a feeling they might be mentioned in the new forthcoming series. Loved it.  For mor...