Book Review: The Surprise Party by Julia Crouch

 The Surprise Party

by

Julia Crouch

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication date: 28th June 2024

Genre: Psychological thriller

Pages: 343

Source: eCopy courtesy of the publisher 

 

Review: The Surprise Party

Eve and her husband Will are returning to the place they spent their honeymoon 29 years ago. A holiday in a secluded fishing village on the Crete coast is just what Eve hopes will rekindle their marriage. But first she has a confession to make! A long held secret she needs to divulge.

 

Poppy is also holidaying in the village. She is angry over her mother's lies and has recently broken up with her cheating boyfriend. Poppy is on a mission and she has it all planned. 

 

Eve's whole family arrives the next day for a surprise party for Eve's 50th birthday. Both Eve and Poppy now need to reassess their plans. When the morning after Eve's surprise party dawns, one guest will be dead.

This book had me hooked right from the gripping prologue where someone is in a life or death situation. This was such a great teaser because I then had to race through the book to see who it was and also how it ended.

A lot of the characters were messed up and honestly I thought the murderer could have been any one of them.

Lots of suspects, accusations, outbursts, unlikeable characters and great twists made The Surprise Party hard to put down. This is a read-in-one-sitting book!

I finished The Surprise Party eager for a follow up book.

My rating 4 / 5 🍷🍷🍷🍷

 

 

Book Review: All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

 All the Colours of the Dark

by

Chris Whitaker

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Imprint: Orion

Publication date: 25th June 2024

Genre: Crime/ Mystery/ Thriller

Pages: 580

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Good Reading

 

Review: All the Colours of the Dark

When Teenager Joseph 'Patch' Macauley is kidnapped his best friend Saint Brown makes it her mission to find him. Long after the authorities have given up Saint relentlessly looks for clues.

 

All the Colours of the Dark is a compelling crime read. I loved the short chapters that kept the story moving along at a fast pace and the 500+ pages flew by in no time.

 

The story starts with the abduction of a young teen and soon turns into a fast-paced mystery thriller that had me totally captivated.

 

A small town setting, flawed nuanced characters, lyrical prose and perfect imagery make All the Colours of the Dark an immersive and emotional read that spans almost three decades.

 

All the Colours of the Dark is an epic love story that will change the lives of two people forever, steering them towards an unknown destiny filled with heartache and despair. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: Among the Grey Gums by Paula J. Beavan

 Among the Grey Gums

by

Paula J. Beavan

Secrets, corruption and bushrangers.

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 5th June 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 400

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: Among the Grey Gums

Among the Grey Gums is my first read by Paula J. Beavan and I absolutely loved it! I do have Paula's debut novel on my shelf and I can't wait to read it.

 

I loved Lucy's character! She was forthright, courageous and strong.

 

1842 Hunter Valley, Lucy is a woman in a man's world, fighting to survive and make a living in a harsh environment. Everyone that knew her respected her but it was still a dangerous place for a woman, she had to not only be tough but smart too.

 

Constable Samuel Donovan was the perfect hero, respectful and compassionate. He had been sent to the Hunter Valley to investigate the local magistrate and why there had been no progress on capturing a gang of bushrangers. The Constable ends up helping Lucy try to clear her brother-in-law's name when he is accused of murder.

Among the Grey Gums is a riveting historical fiction. I love that Paula J. Beavan writes strong, feisty female characters. Lucy is doing what is considered to be a man's job, and doing it well. I liked the descriptions of the bullock teams, how they all had names and the whole process of yoking the team up, travelling through the harsh countryside and sleeping under the stars.

There is a perfect division of good and bad characters which balanced the story out nicely.

A very subtle romance thread added a heartwarming touch to this story of murder, corruption and manipulation.

I'm excited to read Daughter of the Hunter Valley, where we are introduced to another strong and resilient female character.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

 Bookshops & Bonedust

by

Travis Baldree

High fantasy. First loves. Second-hand books.

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Imprint: Tor

Publication date: 7th November 2023

Series: Legends & Lattes #0

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 352

Source: Own purchase

 

Review: Bookshops & Bonedust

Bookshops & Bonedust is a prequel to Legends & Lattes.

I totally enjoyed this cosy fantasy set in a small seaside village.

 

Viv finds herself recuperating from a battle injury in the small seaside town of Murk. All Viv wants to do is get back with her unit and capture the elusive necromancer Varine.

 

Aside from two fight scenes Bookshops & Bonedust is as cosy as they come. Every character is endearing from the potty-mouthed bookshop owner to her pet gryphet named Potroast. Bookshops & Bonedust is filled with plenty of good clean humour and heart.

 

Many reviewers have stated the first book was better but not having read Legends & Lattes I can't compare. I loved Bookshops & Bonedust for what it was, light-hearted and fun. It's a story about friendship and a bit of a journey for Viv to think through what she truly wants from life.

 

I loved the characters' passion for books and a good scone.

You know you've read a great book when you close it wanting to read more from this author.

 

If you've never read fantasy before, Bookshops & Bonedust would be a great place to start.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: Yes, Chef by Waitlyn Andrews

 Yes, Chef

by

Waitlyn Andrews

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 3rd August 2023

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance 

Pages: 340

Price: $7.76AU (kindle)

Source: eCopy from the author

 

Review: Yes, Chef

Claire moves to Paris to heal from past traumas and to find her own way in the culinary world.

She is currently working at Teaks restaurant where they are cooking their way towards a Michelin star. Claire's ultimate dream is to be on a team that is awarded the star. She has sworn off work romances at all costs, she doesn't want distractions or messy break-ups. That is until in comes James Sullivan, the new head chef. 

 

I loved everything about this book! It is a light-hearted, funny, sweet, closed-door, slow-burn romance.  

A sweet female lead who couldn't hate anyone even if  she tried and a broody male lead with grumpy meets sunshine vibes, enemies to friends to lovers and dating the boss all thrown into one.

 

I enjoyed the culinary vibe, the food, wine and behind the scenes running of a restaurant. The definition chapter headings were a fun addition and I loved looking out for the use of the word in each chapter.

 

Yes, Chef is the perfect read if you are after something light, fun and positive. It's a real feel-good read.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: Love & Rome by Jenna Lo Bianco

Love & Rome

by

Jenna Lo Bianco

Fate has plans for Stella Chiaro. She just doesn't know it yet.

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 28th May 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance

Pages: 361

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Love & Rome

Stella Chiaro has moved from Australia to her beloved Rome to start over and fix her life. She's on a deadline to find a stable job or return home, and time is running out.

 

I loved The Italian Marriage, Jenna Lo Bianco's debut novel, and Love & Rome is every bit as enchanting. 

 

Love & Rome is a fabulous read! I loved every character. Best friend Marcella stole the show, she is loud, outspoken, hilariously funny and so dedicated to Stella. Everything a best friend should be. Love interest Vincent, the new American flatmate, was handsome, confident and oh so smooth. The sweet and compassionate Marco, the owner of the new local bar, who Stella found she could open up to and relax. Each character is so perfectly drawn.

 

Love & Rome is the ultimate armchair travel story, destination fiction at its finest. Jenna Lo Bianco's vivid descriptions of the sights and food of Rome are a delight.

There are lots of Italian words throughout and while most were easy to understand in context to the conversations it was handy to have google translate close by.

 

I loved being immersed in Stella's dramatic life-changing journey from her traumatic past to a new life and love in Rome.

 

With The Italian Marriage and now Love & Rome Jenna Lo Bianco has proven herself to be a master storyteller.

 

My rating 5/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

My review of THE ITALIAN MARRIAGE 

 

Book Review: You Me Her by Sue Watson

 You Me Her

by

Sue Watson

ONE MARRIAGE       THREE PEOPLE        ONE MURDER

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication date: 3rd June 2024

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 390

RRP: $4.99AU (Kindle eBook)

Source: eCopy courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: You Me Her

Rachel has recently moved to their new family home with her four-year-old son. Her husband Tom has been renovating the house over the last few months whilst Rachel sold their flat in Manchester. It was her husband's dream to live by the sea in Cornwall however past demons have caused Rachel to be terrified of water and overprotective of her son.

Maybe I've simply read too many domestic thriller books (the gas-lighting husband, devoted wife, crazy ex scenario) as I did find the plot of You Me Her to be a little predictable and I guessed the ending quite early.

 

That little quibble aside, I found Sue Watson's writing utterly addictive. I was totally creeped out by the story and even found myself holding my breath at times.

 

The suspense escalates throughout the book and I found myself jumping back and forward with who to believe.

I liked that  there were mentions of COVID and isolation and the effect this had on some people's mental health.

 

You Me Her is filled with chilling suspense which kept me glued to the page.

If you enjoy a gripping psychological thriller You Me Her will not disappoint.

 

My rating 3.5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐½