Tropical Girl Reads

The Violinist of Auschwitz – Book Review

The Violinist of Auschwitz: Based on a true story, an absolutely heartbreaking and gripping World War 2 novel by [Ellie Midwood]

Auschwitz, 1943: In the depths of hell, can hope rise? And can love triumph over hatred?

Based on the unforgettable true story of Alma Rosé, The Violinist of Auschwitz brings to life one of history’s most fearless, inspiring and courageous heroines. Alma’s bravery saved countless lives, bringing hope to those who had forgotten its meaning…

In Auschwitz, every day is a fight for survival. Alma is inmate 50381, the number tattooed on her skin in pale blue ink. She is cooped up with thousands of others, torn from loved ones, trapped in a maze of barbed wire. Every day people disappear, never to be seen again.

This tragic reality couldn’t be further from Alma’s previous life. An esteemed violinist, her performances left her audiences spellbound. But when the Nazis descend on Europe, none of that can save her…

When the head of the women’s camp appoints Alma as the conductor of the orchestra, performing for prisoners trudging to work as well as the highest-ranking Nazis, Alma refuses: “they can kill me but they won’t make me play”. Yet she soon realizes the power this position offers: she can provide starving girls with extra rations and save many from the clutches of death.

This is how Alma meets Miklos, a talented pianist. Surrounded by despair, they find happiness in joint rehearsals, secret notes, and concerts they give side by side––all the while praying that this will one day end. But in Auschwitz, the very air is tainted with loss, and tragedy is the only certainty… In such a hopeless place, can their love survive?

This devastatingly heartbreaking yet beautifully hopeful tale proves that even in the darkest of days, love can prevail––and give you something to live for. Fans of The Choice, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Orphan Train will lose their hearts to this magnificent tale.

No. of pages:- 356 pages

Date published:- will be published on 18th November 2020

Genre:- Holocaust/Non Fiction

Thank You Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC! This review is based on my complete honest opinion.

This book is based on the true story of a talented violinist, Alma Rose, an Austrian violinist who is in Auschwitz. She is a Jew. This story tells about how Alma, creates a Music Block at Auschwitz and had saved many girls from the Quarantine Block so they could be a part of the girl’s orchestra that she has created. This story talks about Alma’s courage, bravery and her willingness to do whatever she wants even if it involves befriending SS soldiers.

This story is truly emotional and the ending made me cry. What makes this story so powerful and gripping is in fact that this story is based on a true story. The descriptions of Auschwitz camp in particular was too disturbing at times to read that I have to pause and try to understand how much cruelty and brutality these Jews and other prisoners had to face from ruthless SS people. The exchange of luxurious goods to bread or a chocolate bar, the hard conditions, the conditions in the hospital…it was all at time too disturbing and sometimes I had a hard time as to how such brutality existed. But what made this story standing is the fact that Alma would negotiate with the SS leaders–particularly the well known “Angel of Death”, Josef Mengele–the girls who are in her orchestra will be kept alive and they had to perform in front of the SS leaders at Auschwitz. Through the Author’s note, this story was told from the survivors, who was a part of Alma’s orchestra at Auschwitz.

As usual, many Holocaust books I have read, this one is the most emotional and heartbreaking books I have read after Diary of a Young Girl – Anne Frank. The ending left me in tears but Alma’s story is worth telling to the world–her courageous and determination to keep the girls alive by making them train and perform in her orchestra. Worth five stars.

Ellie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, “The Girl from Berlin.” Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.

In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her fiancé and their Chihuahua named Shark Bait.

Readers’ Favorite – winner in the Historical fiction category (2016) – “The Girl from Berlin: Standartenführer’s Wife” (first place)

Readers’ Favorite – winner in the Historical fiction category (2016) – “The Austrian” (honorable mention)

New Apple – 2016 Award for Excellence in Independent Publishing – “The Austrian” (official selection)

Readers’ Favorite – winner in the Historical fiction category (2017) – “Emilia”

Readers’ Favorite – winner in the Historical fiction category (2018) – “A Motherland’s Daughter, A Fatherland’s Son”

Escape to the French Farmhouse–Book Review

Hey friends! I know I have been away from blogging for a while–it’s been raining, thundering and lightening so I was unable to post anything online:(. But today, I am able to –a romantic novel, Escape to French Farmhouse by Jo Thomas

Escape to the French Farmhouse: The most refreshing, feel-good story of the summer by [Jo Thomas]

Can Del find her recipe for happiness?

Del and her husband Ollie moved to a beautiful village in Provence for a fresh start after years of infertility struggles. But six weeks after they arrive, they’re packing the removal van once more. As Del watches the van leave for England, she suddenly realises exactly what will make her happier…a new life in France – without Ollie.

Now alone, all Del has is a crumbling farmhouse, a mortgage to pay and a few lavender plants. What on earth is she going to do? After discovering an old recipe book at the market run by the rather attractive Fabian, Del starts to bake. But can her new-found passion really help her let go of the past and lead to true happiness?

No. of pages:- 347 pages

Date published:- May 7th 2020

Genre:- Holiday Romance

Del and Ollie doesn’t seem to be having a happy married life but when Ollie is planning to move back to U.K from France, Del decided to remain behind hence ending her marriage with Ollie. Her house in France known as Le Petit Mas and she remains in that house. She comes across a recipe book, written in French and decides to try her hand in baking and cooking by using the lavender flowers in her garden. And soon, Del’s baking and cooking becomes popular in this small town of France and she makes friends with Henri, a bistro owner, Carine, the estate agent, Stephanie who is a homeless teenager and who moves in with Del with her son Tomas and Fabien with whom she develops romantic feelings.

The story is well written and I felt like I was in the countryside of France with Del! It was funny, warmly written and the author did a good job drawing the reader into the book! I like the community in that small town where everyone gets together and also the descriptions of the baked goods made me want to eat them! I also like the almost mother-daughter relationship between Stephanie and Del and the budding romance between Fabien and Del. Overall, it was a good summer reader filled with fun, joy and talks a lot about friendship and love. Worth five stars!

Silenced Girls – Book Review

Silenced Girls: An absolutely addictive mystery thriller (Agent Tori Hunter Book 1) by [Roger Stelljes]

Agent Tori Hunter takes in the body of the beautiful young woman curled up in the trunk of the car. Knowing what she will find, Tori gently lifts the bottom of the victim’s blouse. Decorating her back are two small dots an inch apart. Just like the others.

Guilt has kept FBI Agent Tori Hunter away from her home in Manchester Bay, Minnesota for twenty years, ever since her twin sister disappeared on the Fourth of July, when the girls should have been together. But when she receives an anonymous newspaper clipping about another missing girl, Genevieve, Tori is dragged back to the past. Just like Tori’s sister, Genevieve vanished without a trace, her empty car abandoned on a lonely lakeside road as Independence Day fireworks lit up the sky overhead.

Returning to Minnesota lake country, Tori finds Genevieve’s distraught parents desperate for answers. How could their beautiful, popular daughter be snatched so near her own home? Under pressure to make an arrest, the police have no time for Tori’s theories. Besides, they already have a suspect for Genevieve’s abductor: a local man seen flirting with her the night she disappeared.

When the suspect is found dead in his isolated cabin, his apparent suicide confirms his guilt to police. But Tori’s instincts tell her otherwise. Digging into cold cases, she discovers four women over the past twenty years who were found murdered in their cars late at night. Each had two puncture marks on her back. And when another missing young woman is found bound and strangled in the trunk of her own car, the tell-tale dots prove Tori’s suspicions tragically right. A dangerous killer is still out there…

Can Tori stop him before Genevieve meets the same fate? And if her twin’s kidnapper is pulling the strings, will Tori be the next to disappear?

An absolutely addictive mystery thriller that will have you turning the pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of Kendra Elliot, Robert Dugoni and Tess Gerritsen.

No. of pages:- 478 pages

Date published:- will be published on 11th November 2020

Genre:- Thriller

Thank You Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC! This review is based on my complete honest opinion.

Agent Tori Hunter, returns back to her hometown, Manchester Bay, Minnesota after leaving behind the memories to start new life in Boston and New York. She returns with only one aim–she has received a newspaper article, reminding her of her twin sister’s disappearance, Jessie who disappeared twenty years ago. Now returning back along with a detective Will Braddock, she and Will get together to investigate the disappearance of another girl Genevieve Lash, who disappeared on the anniversary of Jessie’s disappearance and they are both doing a cat and mouse chase.

The story was good, intense and gripping that I was hooked into the book from the start! The plot line was good and many of the characters are likable. There were so many twists and turns, so many suspects that you don’t know which one of them is the actual serial killer and the ending was good and unexpected! This book is completely unputdownable and I couldn’t wait to see what the ending was going to be!

This is the first book of the series and I can’t wait to read more of Tori Hunter’s series!

Overall, this is a fast paced thriller that will keep you awake at night–completely worth five stars!

five-stars | Gioventu Spa | Tratamientos de Belleza

~ GREAT BOOK ESCAPES FOR THE HOLIDAYS ~
Grab it quick! – The Tangled Web We Weave is 99 cents for a short time!

SILENCED GIRLS (Agent Tori Hunter Mystery #1) Pre-order the bestselling rerelease now & read it Nov. 11th! Just when you thought you’d escaped your past… it hunts you down. Book 2 & 3 – Coming 2021!

Read a Bookclub Beach Read Bestseller Favorite – THE TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE (McRyan Mystery #9) Get the #1 New Release now available in Audio. So many secrets, so many tangled up in the lies…

Super bargain tip – Click [Audiobook] and get my 3 book box set for free
DEADLY STILLWATER – FREE on Amazon Kindle – available to download now!

Don’t forget to [+Follow] me on Amazon – AND – http://www.RogerStelljes.com (my website fans get pre-order alerts, special offers including a free copy of STAKEOUT, and I provide exclusive info on writing the series).

A note of thanks…
I hope you’ll take a moment to download DEADLY STILLWATER – I offer it free to all my new readers as a quick way to get started in the series and it is one of the most reviewed and loved books in the series. I sincerely want to thank all of my readers for supporting me and my work over the years. What few people know is that I work full-time and write in the evenings and on the weekends. Writing has enabled me to help my son, who is dyslexic to attend a specialized school and over a long journey to finally graduate and head off to college. It’s an amazing moment to look over and see what was once a little boy that was teased and bullied for being “stupid”, and worked so incredibly hard over the years, to become a brilliant successful young man with so much depth and heart. So thank you again to all of the McRyan fans and I best be getting back to writing because now I have kids in college and lots of new storylines in mind (and I’d like to get in a golf game or watch some hockey once in a while!). Look for the next McRyan Mystery or FBI Agent Hunter Mystery or join my email list and I’ll let you know when it is ready…

WONDERING HOW AUDIOBOOKS WORK? You can download an audiobook with a 30-day free trial membership (cancel anytime). I recommend starting with a box set because you can get 3 books for free! Audiobooks are a great way to listen to books while working out, traveling to that sunny destination, driving in the car, cooking or gardening.

BOX SETS:
FIRST DEADLY CONSPIRACY – Books 1-3
MYSTERIES, THRILLERS & KILLERS Box – Books 4-6

Where will McRyan and Hunter be solving crimes next? Sign up for the NEW RELEASE alerts at http://www.RogerStelljes.com

My author picture is in front of the historic Stillwater lift bridge and one of the major locations in the book DEADLY STILLWATER. The bridge raises on a set schedule to allow larger boats to travel up and down the St. Croix River. Stillwater is considered the birthplace of Minnesota and it is also a frequent tourist destination with its river bluffs, amazing scenery, paddlewheel boats, caves and historic buildings which made it an ideal location for the book. While a voracious reader of novels, I’m also an avid sports fan, particularly of the Minnesota Golden Gopher hockey team as well as the Minnesota Twins, Vikings and the Wild. If you can’t find me at a game, you might find me on one of Minnesota’s lakes, golf courses, or at a local hockey rink. I became a fan of Michael Crichton, David Baldacci, W.E.B. Griffin, Robert Ludlum, James Patterson, Michael Connelly, Tami Hoag, John Sandford and Vince Flynn. All of them in one way, shape or form have influenced my writing.

BOOKS IN THE AGENT TORI HUNTER SERIES:

SILENCED GIRLS – BOOK 1 – Pre-order Oct. 13th
BOOK 2 & 3 – Coming 2021

BOOKS IN THE MCRYAN MYSTERY SERIES:

FIRST CASE – McRyan Mystery Series Prequel – An emotionally charged investigation full of unexpected twists and turns, Mac McRyan will need to follow a convoluted trail of evidence, secrets, and hidden agendas to help solve a murder mystery that is his first case.

THE ST. PAUL CONSPIRACY – MIPA (Midwest Independent Publishers) Merit Award Winner for Commercial Fiction, a MN Book Awards Nominee, and was the #1 e-book on Amazon in Germany (German translation). Readers will enjoy the compelling, gritty, and action-packed story that is set in and around historic St. Paul, Minnesota.

DEADLY STILLWATER – Downloaded over 1 million times worldwide! A pulse-pounding thriller that is set in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Wisconsin. Mac McRyan and other characters return for this heart-pounding thriller in the series.

ELECTING TO MURDER – Ruthless killers and escalating stakes. A clandestine late-night meeting in Kentucky, a murder in a seedy motel, a mysterious investigator operating in the shadows and dueling political masterminds all collide to provide Mac McRyan with the ultimate test in Electing To Murder.

FATALLY BOUND… by one mystery with deadly results. A brilliant, methodical and vicious killer is on a mission leaving a trail of bodies in this suspenseful and nerve-fraying mystery with an ingenious plot.

BLOOD SILENCE… Tainted water. Dead Bodies. Blood Silence. A web of unsettling twists, startling turns and unforeseen redemption add a layer of intrigue with each chapter that will pull you in further.

NEXT GIRL ON THE LIST – A killer is silently stalking his victim… who is next on the list? A warped mind traps innocent souls in a deadly web of deceit and desire.

STAKEOUT: A Case From The Dick Files – In a daring heist worth millions, one man narrowly escapes. Mac and Detective Lich join forces to stakeout suspects in a case from The Dick Files.

FIREBALL – One murder unleashes a fireball of ruthless revenge and brutal killings in this gripping, hardcore thriller that will keep you glued to each page.

THE TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE – #1 New Release – Once you’re in, there’s no way out. So many secrets, so many tangled up in the lies. Oh, what a tangled web we weave.

Sisters – Book Review

Hey all! Yesterday I decided to take a break from blogging but today I am back with a book review! It’s Sisters by Michelle Frances

Is blood really thicker than water?

Abby and Ellie were never close as children. Now in their thirties, they each harbour deep-rooted resentment for the other – Abby for her sister’s looks and her status as their mother’s favourite. Ellie meanwhile is envious of Abby’s perfect husband and picturesque home, a villa on the sun-soaked Italian island of Elba.

When Abby invites Ellie to stay, both sisters see the break as a chance to relax and put aside their differences. But with their mother Susanna there too, all the simmering tensions of the past quickly rise to the surface. And Ellie suspects that Abby and their mother are keeping a dangerous secret . . .

But after a shocking act, the sisters have only each other to rely on. Vulnerable and scared, trusting each other will be the biggest risk of all . . .

No. of pages:- 312 pages

Date published:- July 23rd 2020

Genre:- Thriller

Abby and Ellie are sisters but they don’t get along well. Abby used to have a very successful job but at the age of thirty six, she retires, moves to Elba and lives with her Italian husband Matteo in a villa. Ellie is a struggling schoolteacher with mounts of credit card debt and she was invited by Abby to spend time with them as Abby wanted to get to know her sister. But their mother, Susanna tags along and then the drama begins.

I like the plot line of the story. I mean with Abby and Ellie, I get to travel around Europe, cruising through Italy, France and Spain with police on pursuit. The characters in the story are complex as well–Abby is a bit reserved and wants to make amends with Ellie but their mother, Susanna didn’t want the two sisters to get along–in fact Susanna is trying to pinpoint the blame on Abby that Abby was trying to poison Ellie. Then the arrival of Susanna’s grandmother Kathleen adds more drama into the story as we learn that Kathleen is cold person. Then of course, the ending was unexpected! I also like how the relationship with Abby and Ellie improved on their road trip around Europe.

Overall, this was a good thriller, quiet a page turner and will keep you at the end of your seat! Worth four stars!

CCSD Schools Earn High Marks for School Climate - Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy

Bestselling author Michelle Frances graduated from Bournemouth Film School, Bournemouth, and from the Masters program at the American Film Institute, Los Angeles. Returning to London, she has worked in film and TV for several years as a script editor and producer for both the independent sector and BBC Wales Drama, producers of Dr. Who, War and Peace and Sherlock. The Girlfriend, her debut psychological thriller, has been optioned by Imaginarium Studios and translation rights have sold in sixteen foreign territories.

Murder Among Friends – Book Review

MURDER AMONG FRIENDS a totally gripping crime thriller full of twists by [JANICE FROST]

DISCOVER A BRAND-NEW SERIES FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR JANICE FROST.

Meet Jane Bell. After her husband dies she leaves her job as a teacher to volunteer as a special constable with the police.

On her very first shift Jane is called to the scene of a murder. A young man has dragged himself to the top of Greestone Stairs to die. Following her instincts, Jane finds herself becoming very involved in the case . . .

For Detective Steph Warwick, specials have no place in a murder investigation — and this upstart rookie is meddling where she doesn’t belong.

The victim ran a group at the university teaching men how to pick up women. Jane and Steph must venture into a dark and dangerous world of online misogyny.

Steph knows about abusive men. But can she work with Jane to put this killer behind bars?

No. of pages:- 245 pages

Date published:- will be published on 5th November 2020

Genre:- Thriller

Thank You Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book! This review is based on my complete honest opinion

Jane after her husband’s death leaves behind her teaching job and joins the police force. And while working on a shift, she discovers a body of a man name Mark Ripley who was being attacked and is dead. Detectives Warwick and her partner Elias are investigating this case and finds that Mark along with Adam and Phil are involved in some sort of a group where they train men on how to lure women. And while working on the case, Stephanie Warwick and Jane doesn’t seem to get along well…

The story was engaging and a bit fast paced though it was slow at first. I really like the character of Jane as she seems to be nice and friendly, getting along with everyone. However, to me, there was not much twists and turns you would expect in a thriller but otherwise, the story was OK and the ending was also OK. Not a bad thriller but a good one.

Overall, I would rate this book as four stars!

I am the author of five crime/mystery books featuring Detectives Jim Neal and Ava Merry. My novels are set in the fictitious East Midlands cathedral city of Stromford.

Dead Secret sees Jim and Ava pairing up to investigate the murder of a teenage girl. It is their first major case together and the two soon discover that they have very different personalities. Neal is intellectual and considered, Ava clever and occasionally reckless. Both are passionate about the job they do but have to work hard at being an effective team.

Dead Secret reached #13 in the Amazon Kindle Store, and the first sequel, Dark Secret reached #10. Both books spent several weeks in the Top 100. Her Husband’s Secret was published in November 2016, and the fourth book in the series, Their Fatal Secrets, in November 2017. The fifth book was launched in June 2018 and reached #55 on the day of its release.

I am originally from West Lothian in Scotland but moved to London in my early twenties. I lived and worked in the East End for ten years before moving to Lincolnshire where I currently live with my husband and two grown-up sons. When not reading or writing, I enjoy walking in the hills absorbing the scenery.

I am delighted to be published by the wonderful Joffe Books.

Hijab and Red Lipstick – Book Review

“You cannot do anything in this country without my permission.”

Being a teenager isn’t easy. And it doesn’t help when you have a mega strict Egyptian dad who tells you that everything is “haram” a.k.a. forbidden. All Sara wants to do is experiment with makeup, listen to the latest Destiny’s Child single and read fashion magazines, but her dad’s conservative interpretation of Islam makes it impossible. Things get even harder when her dad lands himself a job in the Arabian Gulf and moves Sara and her family to a country where the patriarchy rules supreme. In a country where you have to have your father’s permission for everything, every door feels like it is being closed on Sara’s future. In a desperate bid for freedom, Sara makes a judgement call that threatens to ruin their dysfunctional father-daughter relationship forever.

Hijab & Red Lipstick is told from the perspective of a young British Muslim woman growing up between London and the Middle East. It is a tale of a young woman’s difficult quest to find herself, offering an unusual and unique insight into life in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, where people’s personal lives, relationships and coming of age experiences are rarely spoken about

No. of pages:- 272 pages

Date published:- will be published on 5th November 2020

Genre:- Arab Culture

Thank You Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the ARC! This review is strictly based on my opinion.

This story is about a girl named Sara, who is half-British, half Egyptian, who was born and raised in Britain, but moves to the Gulf when her father gets a job there. Sara also has a strict father. Like every teenager, Sara wants to apply lipstick and be like a normal teenager listening to Destiny’s child but for her father, everything she likes is “haram” meaning forbidden.

I really enjoyed reading the story! Though this book reminds me a little bit of A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum, though this is a bit different. Both books talk about the Arab culture but in this book, it talks about how Sara’s father, who after moved to the Gulf changed and became strict with his children, particularly if they listen to western music, it is “haram” and going out without wearing a hijab is a “haram”. This book literally talks about how Sara is dealing with the Arab culture. The book was well written, witty and funny and as this book was written on Sara’s perspectives, it was interesting to know about her thoughts.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and worth four stars!

Here’s a bit about me
I’ve been writing ever since the moment I could hold a pen. I was always entering writing and poetry competitions at school – and won a fair few – and I even wrote the script for the end-of-year play when I was in Year 6!

Fast forward ten years later, and at the age of 20 I began to write articles for blogs, websites and glossy magazines while living in Qatar, and another decade later, at the ripe old age of 31, my first novel, Hijab and Red Lipstick, is being published in the UK by Hashtag Press. You can find out more about my writing experience on the Writing Services section of this website.

I am half English, half Egyptian, and was born and brought up in London, before moving to Qatar at the age of fourteen, where I lived until I was 29 years old.

I am now based in West Yorkshire where I live with my husband and work full time in the higher education sector.

Interesting fact: I used to be a personal trainer and fitness instructor and once modelled for Puma. I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in 2017 and damage to my joints meant I could no longer carry on coaching and teaching.

I am an avid reader and like to review books on my Instagram account as well as review them on the blog section of this website. My favourite things to do (other than writing and reading) are drinking a good coffee or cup of karak chai, hiking, watching movies, listening to old Arabic music, and exploring new cities.

I identify as a Muslim feminist, and I am passionate about women’s rights, gender justice, disability awareness, mental health and women in Islam.

A Mother Like You – Book Review

Hey all! I am back with a book review! A Mother Like You by Ruby Speechly

A Mother Like You: An unputdownable, twisty psychological thriller by [Ruby Speechley]

All mothers have secrets…some are unforgivable

Kate Marshall lives an enviable life. Married to handsome, charming, James, owner of a successful company, she seems to have it all.

But falling pregnant at 45 was never part of the plan. Especially as Kate’s hiding a devastating secret – one that she’s been running from for twenty years.

So when ex-boyfriend Paul comes back into her life, threatening to expose the truth about what Kate did, the clock is ticking. Can she keep her secrets and finally be the mother she always dreamed of – or will her past lies destroy her perfect life?

An unputdownable, complex and twisty psychological thriller about mothers and daughters – fans of Shalini Boland, Liane Moriarty and Jane Shemilt will love this gripping read.

No, of pages:- 255 pages

Date published:- will be published on 4th November 2020

Genre:- Thriller

Thank You Netgalley and Hera for granting me this book! This review is based on my complete honest opinion.

Kate Marshall seems to be living a life–married to a handsome and charming man James for ten years and running a successful company with her husband. But when ex-boyfriend Paul comes into picture, demanding her to pay some money, her past comes back crumbling as Paul threatened to reveal a secret about her, leaving behind the threatening messages…

The story was interesting. The plot line was good and the author really drew the reader into the story. It was unputdownable as well as the reader wants to know what this secret that Kate was actually hiding and there were some intense climax building up in the chapter. Towards the end, Kate’s secret is revealed which is shocking and unexpected! Overall, it was actually a fast paced thriller. It had made me guessing until the end which was shocking!

Really a good fast paced unputdownable thriller where you will not be able to put down the book! Worth five stars!

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A Frenzy of Sparks – Book Review

Hey guys! I am back with a book review!

A Frenzy of Sparks: A Novel by [Kristin Fields]

It’s 1965, and thirteen-year-old Gia, along with her older brother and cousins, are desperate to escape their sleepy, tree-lined neighborhood where nothing ever happens. The only thing Gia would miss is the surrounding marsh, where she feels at home among sea birds and salt water.

But when one of Gia’s cousins brings drugs into their neighborhood, it sets off a chain of events that quickly turn dangerous. Everyone will be caught in the ripples, and some may be swept away entirely. Gia is determined to keep herself and her family afloat while the world is turned upside down around her. Can she find a way to hold on to the life she was so eager to leave behind, or will she have to watch it all disappear beneath the marsh forever?

At turns heart-wrenching and hopeful, A Frenzy of Sparks explores a world where survival is the attempt to move forward while leaving pieces of your heart behind.

No. of pages:- 252 pages

Date published:- will be published on November 3rd 2020

Genre:- Historical Fiction/Crime

Thank You Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author for providing me the ARC of this book!

A Frenzy of Sparks is a story set in 1965 about a teenage girl named Gia set in the 1960’s and whose life changed when her cousins, Ray and Tommy introduces drugs to them.

This story is very emotional and realistic–the author has done a good job doing research about the life in the 1960’s and how drug overdose became very common during that era. Gia’s brother, Leo, gets addicted to drugs and due to his addiction to drugs, it shows how Gia and her family were destroyed due to consequences of drugs. The story is told from Gia’s perspectives and the way she deals with the life, particularly her anger towards Ray who actually destroyed their lives by introducing drugs. The struggles that Gia’s parents going through, particularly when Leo gets overdosed was emotional.

Overall, this is a heartbreaking, emotional read to be but was well written, keeping the reader hooked into the story–worth five stars!

Kristin Fields grew up in Queens, which she likes to think of as a small town next to a big city. Fields studied writing at Hofstra University, where she received the Eugene Schneider Fiction Award. After college, Fields found herself working on a historic farm, teaching high school English, and designing museum education programs. She is currently leading an initiative to bring gardens to New York City public schools, where she lives with her husband.

October Wrap Up

Total Number of Books I have read

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Rachel’s Pudding Pantry – Book Review

Third and final blog post of the day!

Rachel’s Pudding Pantry: The first in a cosy romance series from the ebook bestselling author (Pudding Pantry, Book 1) by [Caroline Roberts]

Step inside Rachel’s Pudding Pantry, a place where love, laughter and scrumptious bakes bring everyone together.

Primrose Farm is Rachel’s very own slice of heaven. Come rain or shine there’s always a pot of tea brewing by the Aga, the delicious aroma of freshly baked puddings, and a chorus of happy memories drifting through the kitchen.

But the farm is in a spot of trouble. As the daffodils spring, Rachel must plant the seeds of change if she wants to keep the farm afloat, and it’s all resting on a crazy plan. She’ll need one family cook book, her Mum Jill’s baking magic – and a reason to avoid her distractingly gorgeous neighbour, Tom . . .

Swapping their wellies for aprons, can Rachel and Jill bake their way into a brighter future? The proof will be in the pudding!

No. of pages:- 417 pages

Date published:- April 18th 2019

Genre:- Holiday ficiton

Rachel at the Primrose farm is facing debts–her father had died and she was left in charge of the farm. In order to pay up for the debts, she and her mother decided to put up a Pudding Pantry in the farm itself, as her mother, Jill is known for making delicious puddings and cakes. And while setting up the pudding pantry tells the adorable relationship between Rachel and her five year old daughter Maisie and the budding romance between Rachel and Tom.

I listened to this through audiobook and the narrator did a good job narrating the story. The story was warm, funny and cozy and I really thought the character of Maisie was cute and adorable! Not only that–the descriptions of the puddings and cakes, like carrot cake, sticky toffee pudding and lemon cup cakes made my mouth water that I wish I can have them as well. The story was well written and the author did a good job drawing the reader into the story. Really a warm and nice romance novel.

Overall, this is a cute cheesy and cozy romance novel and worth four stars!

CCSD Schools Earn High Marks for School Climate - Dean Rusk Middle School

Family, friends, food, a glass of bubbly and, of course, a good book make me smile. I love writing novels about love, loss, betrayal, and family, that explore how complex and yet beautiful love can be. I also like to write romantic comedy, letting the characters have a bit of flirty fun too! I believe in following your dreams and working hard towards them, which led me to Harper Impulse (Harper Collins) and a publishing deal (woop!) after many years of writing. Stunning Northumberland in England is my home – sandy beaches, castles and gorgeous countryside that have inspired my writing.