The Devil Upstairs

Thrilled to share my review of this one.

In a quiet corner of Edinburgh, Cat Thomas is going through hell.
She’s tried everything. He respects nothing.

If your neighbour was making your life hell …
Would you call upon the devil?

Cat Thomas, a brilliant fraud investigator, has just relocated from Florida to a dreamy flat in historic Edinburgh. Everything seems perfect. Everything seems serene. Except for the unbelievably noisy wannabe rockstar upstairs.

Soon Cat’s blissful new life is in ruins. Desperate, she’s willing to try anything. When all else fails, she makes an appeal … to Satan.

And suddenly everything is eerily quiet. But her nightmare has only just begun …

I have loved this book. This is filled with mysterious characters, thrilling scenes and has been completely addictive from start to finish.

I have loved the Edinburgh setting, even more so as I was meant to go this year until the pandemic had other ideas. The author has completely hooked my attention and kept me entertained throughout. I have found this to be a novel filled with likeable characters and unpredictable events.

The novel has a good pace and this has been my first read by this author. However, it definitely won’t be the last. I am keen to read more already. Definitely a book I highly recommend.

Happy reading,

Little Miss Book Lover xoxox

The Serial Killer’s Wife

Published 27th May 2021 by Avon books.

Pre- order your copy here.

From the Cover

Beth and Tom Hardcastle are the envy of their neighbourhood – they have the perfect marriage, the perfect house, the perfect family.

When the police knock on their door one evening, Beth panics. Tom should be back from work by now – what if he’s crashed his car? She fears the worst.

But the worst is beyond imagining.

As the interrogation begins, Beth will find herself questioning everything she believed about her husband.

They’re saying he’s a monster. And they’re saying she knew.

My Bookish Thoughts

Alice Hunter take a bow, this is an outstanding psychological masterpiece. I honestly don’t know how any written review will do this beauty justice.

I have loved Beth as a character, she has seemed likeable and genuine from the very beginning. The author has made it easy for us to want good things for her and little Poppy.

Tom has been a character I have been unsure about but quickly disliked. This is definitely something easy to do but I really have struggled to find any likeable qualities from what we learn about him.

Alongside these characters, the author has included a range of ‘side’ characters. Again, I’ve had differing opinions of these. Each are well written and created with enough depth that you can form this thoughts about them.

I have loved how this book is written, I have been able to completely fall into the pages. The author has literally made me feel as though I’m right there with the characters which takes a true talent. I have literally devoured the pages of this one.

The cover of this is stunning. It’s enough to capture the eye of the reader, arouse curiosity and intrigue but mysterious enough to keep the reader wanting more.

There is nothing negative I can say about this book. It is a delight to read, filled with suspense and oh my goodness that ending. I cannot wait to see what the author has in store for us following this book.

I have definitely been converted as a fan of this wonderful author. This is a superb read, deserving of all the stars and one I highly recommend.

Happy reading

Little Miss Book Lover xoxo

How to Save a Life

A heart stops. Their story starts.

Praise for Eva Carter’s How to Save a Life:

‘I couldn’t put it down until I reached the final page’ Beth O’Leary, author of The Flatshare

‘A sweeping, brave, epic love story. I was hooked from the very first page’ Josie Silver, author of One Day in December

Sometimes saving a life is only the start of the story . . .

It’s nearly midnight on the eve of the millennium when eighteen-year-old Joel’s heart stops. A school friend, Kerry, performs CPR for almost twenty exhausting minutes, ultimately saving Joel’s life, while her best friend Tim freezes, unable to help.

That moment of life and death changes the course of all three lives over the next two decades: each time Kerry, Joel and Tim believe they’ve found love, discovered their vocation, or simply moved on, their lives collide again.

. . . Because bravery isn’t just about life or death decisions; it’s also about how to keep on living afterwards.

This is a perfect title for this gorgeous book. I have been completely gripped from Chapter 1 and this is a book that I have devoured in just one sitting. Eva Carter is a magnificent storyteller and this is a novel with a range of interesting and likeable characters.

This is a beautiful love story which is 100% worth crying over. It is based on the author’s own personal experience of carrying out CPR on her partner. This for me has made this even more beautiful and is definitely a book I will be recommending.

There are serious themes present within this book and it is extremely heartfelt, yet moving to read. I have been completely unwilling to put down. I am definitely a converted fan of this author and absolutely cannot wait to read more.

There is nothing negative I can say about this book. It is a wonderful read and should be on the TBR.

Happy Reading,

Little Miss Book Lover xoxo

Anna

A huge thank you to Rosie at Rebellion Publishing for my copy of this one.

Published 27th May 2021.

Beaten. Branded. Defiant.
Anna is a possession. Owned by the man named Will, she is cared for and protected. But when she falls pregnant, Anna finds the strength to run. And when Will catches up with her in her new life, it is not just Anna who is in danger.

This has been the dark read I have been looking for and I have to admit, I have devoured this book in just one sitting.

I love a dystopian novel and this has been a great read for a rainy Saturday afternoon. The synopsis was what instantly raised intrigue for me and I definitely haven’t been disappointed.

There are aspects of this book that may trigger some readers. We meet Anna, a character who has lost her husband and been captured by Will. Will treats Anna as a possession, she is branded, cared for, protected and owned.

As a reader, we really get into Anna’s thoughts as we read and she is a character I have really felt for. The author has included talk between male characters regarding “training” Anna which really gives an insight into the types of relationships explored within the pages of this one.

Anna does escape Will after falling pregnant. We continue our journey with her which I have been kept hooked by. This is one that is a great read and extremely well-written. This is my first read by this author, but I absolutely want to read more.

Happy reading,

little Miss Book Lover xoxo

Things to do Before the End of the World

Timely and powerful; the new coming-of-age thriller from the bestselling author of The One Memory of Flora Banks. 

1. Live your best life.
2. Uncover family secrets.
3. Trust no one

What would you do when you hear the news that humans have done such damage to the earth that there might only be a limited amount of safe air left – a year’s worth at most?
You’d work through your bucket list, heal rifts, do everything you’ve never been brave enough to do before?

Olivia is struggling to do any of this. What it is she truly wants to do? Who do she wants to be?

This has been a surprising read. You don’t expect an end of the world catastrophe novel to be so uplifting.

This is a novel which is completely away from my usual genre. However, I have been completely pulled in and unwilling to put this one down.

I have really enjoyed reading this one and loved the fact that the “end of the world” has not been the focus of this novel.

It has definitely been a read which has exceeded my expectations. This is my first read by this author, it definitely won’t be the last. I have been completely converted as a fan. This is a definite read to add to the TBR.

Raven Fire

‘Fifteen slaughtered.’
He closed his eyes, jiggling his baby son in his lap. Enika was red -faced but had stopped crying. Cassien thoughthe might start himself, as much from frustration as grief. ‘When is it going to end?’
‘Maybe not in my lifetime.’ Rothfel sat heavily in the chair opposite him, rubbing a hand over his face and tugging at his greying brown beard. ‘Hopefully in your son’s, though.’
The candle flickered, sending shadows darting across the study. The palace was quiet, but for the city bell striking twice.
‘Do we know who?’
‘Raven scouts think it’s just the usual bandits, self-entitled men who use us as an excuse to rob, kill,and enslave.’
‘Did they take prisoners?’
Enika gurgled.
Rothfel nodded. ‘The Ravens caught up with them. They took three bandits captive to question, the rest fought to the death.’
‘Did the prisoners survive?’
Rothfel stared at the candle. ‘They did. Someof them weren’t in good shape though.’
Cassien clenched his jaw and his temperature rose. Enika squirmed and grizzled again, and Cassien tried his best to relax and cool his anger.
‘All right.’ Cassien sighed. ‘Thanks for the report. Why don’t you get your self off to bed?’
The alchemist and former thief placed his hands on the table. ‘I reckon I might. The kid okay?’
Cassien looked down at his son. ‘I think he may have another tooth coming through.’
Rothfel grunted. ‘Good luck with that.’
Cassien gave the m an a brief smile as he stood to leave, closing the door softly behind him. Cassien leant back in his chair, cuddling Enika closer. It was fourteen years since they’d taken Eastern Chem and united the land under the Raven Laws. Every year the struggle to maintain peace, to ensure freedom for women, got a little easier; but there were always uprisings, new factions trying to revert things to how they had been. They’d been through two years of terrible earthquakes, followed by a poor harvest, but his wife’s ca reful planning and foresight had meant Caergard had thrived and remained one of the most stable provinces in Chem.
The door opened a crack and an anxious young face peered in. ‘Dad?’
‘What are you doing up?’
Raith let go of the door handle and crept in, his eyes wide in the candlelight. The eight- year-old boy had his mother’s dark hair, but Cassien’s silver irises. ‘I heard Enika crying and you leaving your room. Dad, I…’ Raith bit his lower lip.
‘What is it?’ Apprehension tightened Cassien’s chest muscles.
Raith’s eyes brightened, but he couldn’t get his words out, shifting his feet. Cassien opened his mouth to reassure his son, but the boy beat him to it. He raised a hand and an erratic flame sparked and guttered in his palm.
Cassien leapt up, his son’s na me coming out in a shocked whisper. He put Enika down carefully on the chair and hurried to kneel before Raith, taking his hands and kissing his forehead. ‘You have power!

Family Secrets at Hedgehog Hollow

Every family has its secrets, and at Hedgehog Hollow there is no exception…

It was always Samantha’s dream to run her beautiful rescue centre, Hedgehog Hollow, full-time. But just as her wish comes true, she becomes a victim of her own kindness when she finds herself with a house full of guests – all with their own problems and secrets – looking to her for support.

When her self-absorbed cousin, Chloe, unexpectedly turns up at the farm – swiftly handing over her baby to Samantha to care for – trouble is definitely brewing. Especially as Chloe won’t tell anyone why she’s left her husband, James…

As Samantha juggles new hedgehog arrivals, family dramas and her own health challenges, it soon becomes clear that she needs to start putting herself first for once. Little does she know that life-changing secrets from the past are about to unravel and turn their lives upside down…

Return to glorious Hedgehog Hollow with top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland for a heartwarming, emotional but uplifting story of family, friendship and moving on from the past.

I absolutely adore this author and always say that every book is my new favourite and this one is definitely no different. This is a book that I have found utterly impossible to put down.

I absolutely want to visit Hedgehog Hollow and experience this gorgeous setting for myself. I absolutely need more. This is a perfect title and absolutely superb read.

This is definitely a delightful escape which has been filled with wonderful characters and a delightful setting.

I have devoured this book in just one sitting. I have been completely unwilling to put this one down. This is definitely a read to get on the TBR.

Life’s A Beach

I am so thrilled and excited to join the blog tour for this gorgeous lady.

Sun, sea and inescapable exes…

Peach is excited to hear that her sister, Di, is getting married. Of course, she would have preferred her little sister to be engaged to someone she’s known longer than a week – and the fact that his name is Charles doesn’t bode well – but who is she to judge?! Afterall, her own love life is non-existent, and who doesn’t love a destination wedding…?

Whisked away to the gorgeous Italian coast, Peach assumes her role as chief bridesmaid and, despite her reservations about the groom, she tries to ensure everything goes to plan.

But weddings are never straightforward affairs… throw in some unexpected guests in the form of ex-boyfriends and one night stands, and soon enough there is more drama than a reality tv show.

Can Peach keep the show on the road, or might she end up in a whirlwind romance of her own…?

My Bookish Thoughts

Well, Queen Portia has done it again! She’s rocked up to, completely nailed another absolutely wonderful masterpiece that has left me with tears streaming down my cheeks.

This is a beautiful and heartwarming novel with the perfect amounts of romance, drama and laughs. I have devoured this in just hours and can safely say that this is absolutely my new favourite of the fabulous Portia’s books.

I adore the characters in this book, Peach is brilliant! Who doesn’t want a fiancée that’s crossed between Matthew M and Chris H, although I’d need a dash of Channin Tatum thrown in as well. Peach has really made this a great read with her antics and mishaps.

Matt is just gorgeous and I’ve wanted great things from him. If only real men were like Matt. Even with his douche bag ways he is a nice guy.. definitely a favourite on the fictional boyfriend list.

Throughout this one, we have a number of secrets unveiled. Some are more entertaining than others. There are events to make you laugh and cry.

I adore the cover of this book; it’s cute, inviting and definitely transports you go a different setting. I want to be on that beach.

I cannot say anything negative about this book. Portia has absolutely created a masterpiece and is most definitely a queen of the genre. This is a heartwarming and beautiful tale which shows that the right people really will ride out the bumps and obstacles with you.

A definite five star read and one which I will be highly recommending. Also, if any of my bookish friends haven’t yet delved into queen Portia’s novels, this is an absolute must!

The Ladies Midnight Swimming Club

Thrilled to join the blog tour for this fantastic author. Thank you Aria for my advanced copy of this book.

Three women, three different stages of life, united by one thing: the chance to start again. 

When Elizabeth’s husband dies, leaving her with crippling debt, she must turn to her friend, Jo for help, who calls in her daughter, Lucy to run the village surgery. Leaving her city life, and past demons, behind, Lucy is determined to make the most of her fresh start. 

As life slowly begins to resemble something normal for the three women, Jo’s world is turned upside down when she receives some shocking news. 

In search of some solace, Jo and Elizabeth find themselves enjoying midnight dips in the freezing Irish sea. Here they can laugh, cry and wash away all their fears. As well as conjure a fundraising plan for the local hospice; to take a dip in the nip… 

An emotional story about taking chances, finding new friends and living life to the fullest. 

I absolutely adore Faith Hogan and was so excited about a new book release. I had to instantly join this blog tour.

This is set in a beautiful Irish village and contains likeable and relatable characters.

Hogan has filled the pages with themes of grief, hope and friendship. This is written in such a way that I have been able to feel the emotions of the characters.

I am so touched by this book and even after finishing this one, I have been completely unable to stop thinking about this one.

This is quite possibly my favourite of this author’s books. I have found this book moving and a complete gem and joy to read.

A definite five star read and one I recommend.

The Six Tudor Queens: Katherine Parr

This absolutely wonderful gem is published by Headline May 13th 2021.

You can get a copy here.

A huge thank you to Caitlin for my advanced copy of this novel.

From the cover:

A WOMAN TORN BETWEEN LOVE AND DUTY.

Two husbands dead, a boy and a sick man. And now Katharine is free to make her own choice. 

The ageing King’s eye falls upon her. She cannot refuse him… or betray that she wanted another. 

She becomes the sixth wife – a queen and a friend. Henry loves and trusts her. But Katharine is hiding another secret in her heart, a deeply held faith that could see her burn…

KATHARINE PARR. HENRY’S FINAL QUEEN. HER STORY.

Renowned, bestselling historian Alison Weir reveals a warm, clever woman of great fortitude who rose boldly to every turn her life took.

Bookish Thoughts:

I absolutely adore anything to do with Henry VIII and the Tudor queens. I have the previous books in this series so was so keen to get my hands on this absolute gem. This is a time period in history that I find particularly interesting and fascinating. If there was any time period I could visit, this would be it.

Before reading this novel, I can’t say I knew all that much about Katherine Parr. This has been enlightening and completely engaging; so much so that I have devoured this book over the period of 24 hours. I have been so keen to steal Tudor moments whenever I have been able.

Weir has provided an extremely knowledgeable account of Queen Katherine. I love how Weir writes as I find she is engaging and the writing flows. This book has allowed me to visit the Tudor court and expand my knowledge of Henry’s final queen. I have definitely been shocked at some of the events covered in this book.

The fact that Weir allows her readers to feel as though they are there with the characters is a huge talent. This is definitely knowledgeable author who possesses the talent to transport the reader. Additionally, creating novels which are utterly impossible to put down.

This book is truly a historical fictional masterpiece. I am such a huge fan of this author and already eagerly anticipating what comes next. This is an absolutely must read for lovers of historical fiction. Alison Weir is a fantastic author, if you haven’t read any of her books- shame on you! Please do so ASAP. 

A definite five star read which I absolutely recommend.

About the author:

Alison Weir is the top-selling female historian (and the fifth-bestselling historian overall) in the United Kingdom, and has sold over 3 million books worldwide. She has published nineteen history books, including her most recent non-fiction book, Queens of the Crusades, the second in her England’s Medieval Queens quartet. Alison has also published several historical novels, including Innocent Traitor and The Lady Elizabeth. 

Katharine Parr: The Sixth Wife is Alison Weir’s eleventh published novel and the final book in the Six Tudor Queens series about the wives of Henry VIII, which was launched in 2016 to great critical acclaim. All five previous novels in the series were Sunday Timesbestsellers. 

Alison is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an honorary life patron of Historic Royal Palaces.

Happy reading bookworms,

Little Miss Book Lover xoxo