Book Review The Woman Next Door

The Woman Next Door

By

Cass Green

A dark and twisty psychological thriller, perfect for fans of HER by Harriet Lane and IN A DARK DARK WOOD by Ruth Ware.

Two suburban women. Two dark secrets. The almost perfect murder.

Everybody needs good neighbours

Melissa and Hester have lived next door to each other for years. When Melissa’s daughter was younger, Hester was almost like a grandmother to her. But recently they haven’t been so close.

Hester has plans to change all that. It’s obvious to her that despite Melissa’s outwardly glamorous and successful life, she needs Hester’s help.

But taking help from Hester might not be such a good idea for a woman with as many secrets as Melissa

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for my advance copy in return for an honest review.

From the very beginning I was gripped. Partly I think it was because the setting of the book seemed familiar. The shops mentioned for instance were instantly recognisable and this made it easier as a reader to imagine the characters and setting in my head.

The book is written from the point of view of the two main characters Hester and Melissa. It is clear from the beginning that both these women have secrets that they are hoping will stay hidden. The two have been neighbours for a while and Hester used to look after Melissa's daughter Tilly, becoming a kind of Aunty figure. However now Tilly is a teenager and it is clear that relations between the two women are no longer rosy. 

Hester is clearly a lonely lady who is now a widow and is childless, something that she seems to regret.She lives alone with just her dog Bertie for company.

Melissa appears to have it all. A husband who is a successful doctor now on TV, a daughter Tilly, a lovely house and lots of friends.

The book gets going pretty quickly and something happens to make these two women work together. However it is still clear that something else isn't quite right and both women have dark, dark secrets. 

I enjoyed the book immensely and found it an easy read. I liked how the story twisted and it kept me hooked.

Preorder here

Book Review My Husband's Wife

My Husband's Wife

FIRST COMES LOVE. THEN COMES MARRIAGE. THEN COMES MURDER.

When lawyer Lily marries Ed, she's determined to make a fresh start. To leave the past behind. Even if it means a little white lie or two...

But then she meets a convicted murderer, who reminds her of someone she used to know. But there's no way she can tell her husband why...

Where does the lying end...and murder begin?

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for my advance copy in return for an honest review.

My Husband's Wife is the debut novel by Jane Corry, although after reading it I would never have guessed that this was the authors debut. 
The story is told from the perspective of Lily and Carla and switches between the two. The first part is set some years ago and the second part in present day.Lily is a criminal defence lawyer married to Ed an artist. They are newlyweds and it becomes clear early on that they married very quickly and that Ed is on the rebound. They live in a small apartment and their neighbours are Carla, a 10 year old Italian girl and her single mother Francesca. Carla is bullied at school for her accent and her dark hair and her Mother is convinced the way forward in life is to be thin, attractive and have a man around to pay the rent. In fact Carla is just as manipulative as her Mother early on and this theme continues through her life.

Lily is defending a convicted murderer Joe Thomas who has been convicted of murdering his girlfriend. He protests his innocence and Lily is assigned to the case. The relationship between the two of them appears to highlight secrets that Lily is keeping from Ed and everyone else in her life.
Meanwhile Carla has started to visit Lily and Ed on Sundays while her Mother works and Ed has taken to drawing Carla at every opportunity.

In the second part of the book Carla returns as an attractive 23 year old. She has been in Rome studying to be a lawyer and moves back to England to do a conversion course so she can practice law in Britain. She tracks down Lily and Ed and they begin to see each other again. Carla's motive for contacting them again aren't altogether entirely honourable though. Ed has lost his inspiration and upon seeing Carla again regains it and she again becomes his muse.

There are many books at the moment under the "psychological thriller" umbrella and although this is a thriller it is also a great piece of literary fiction to be enjoyed by both genders of various ages. It's gritty and there is always something happening throughout the book. One of the characters is always "up to something" as it were!

If you are looking for a book to get thoroughly engrossed in then this one is for you. I started it on Saturday and finished it on Sunday, I could not put it down.


Order your copy here

Book Review Truly, Madly, Guilty

Book Review

Truly, Madly Guilty

By

Liane Moriarty

The electrifying new novel from the international bestselling author, Liane Moriarty Despite their differences, Erika and Clementine have been best friends since they were children. So when Erika needs help, Clementine should be the obvious person to turn to. Or so you'd think. For Clementine, as a mother of a two desperately trying to practise for the audition of a lifetime, the last thing she needs is Erika asking for something, again. But the barbecue should be the perfect way to forget their problems for a while. Especially when their hosts, Vid and Tiffany, are only too happy to distract them. Which is how it all spirals out of control... 

I received an advance copy of Truly, Madly, Guilty from NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review.
Many of my friends raved about Liane Moriarty's novel The Husband's Secret, but I have never read any novels by this author.
I must admit when I started reading it I began to get irritated with not knowing what exactly happened on the day of the barbecue. I felt it was dragged out a little too long and started to get lost in the timeline as the story jumped pre barbecue, barbecue and post barbecue! I was hoping the big reveal wouldn't be as mundane as Vid burning the burgers!

I sympathised with the character of Erica and her tough childhood, but I couldn't decide if I liked Clementine or not. One minute she seemed ditsy and likeable, the next selfish. The husbands of the characters Sam and Oliver seemed at times superfluous although one could argue they were just as central to the plot as the two female lead characters.

When the big reveal was at last reached in the book I thought it may lift the story and I would sink into reading the rest of the story easily, but for me that didn't happen. I wouldn't say I hated the book, the story itself was moving and as a parent I could almost feel what the characters were feeling. The movement to pre event, event and post event did leave me confused somewhat although it was clearly headed throughout the book.

Fans of Liane Moriarty may feel differently towards this book than me and I am still looking forward to reading The Husband's Secret.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy and this is my honest opinion.

Order your copy here

Book Review - Watching Edie by Camilla Way

Watching Edie by Camilla Way

THERE ARE SOME FRIENDS YOU’LL NEVER FORGET…

NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY

BEFORE

Edie is the friend that Heather has always craved. But one night, it goes terrifyingly wrong. And what started as an innocent friendship ends in two lives being destroyed.

AFTER

Sixteen years later, Edie is still rebuilding her life. But Heather isn’t ready to let her forget so easily. It’s no coincidence that she shows up when Edie needs her most.

NOW

Edie or Heather?

Heather or Edie?

Someone has to pay for what happened, but who will it be?

I received an advance copy from NETGALLEY in return for an honest review.

There are many psychological thrillers out there at the moment, but in my opinion this one truly stands out in the crowded bookshelves.

It is focused mainly on the characters of Edith - Edie and Heather and is set in the past when both girls are teenagers and in the present day.

Edie appears to be the girl who has it all. She is pretty and popular and befriends Heather, who is quite a loner. Heather comes from a deeply religious family and her Mother chooses what she should wear and where she can go, Edie of course is not the sort of friend that they want for Heather.

Something happens to make Edie pack up and leave their hometown moving to London. Present day and Edie is pregnant, alone and living in a tiny flat. Edie gives birth and finds she cannot cope and that's when Heather appears in her life again after years and years with no contact.

However something is not right. Heather hides Edie's mobile phone and discourages her from making contact with anybody.

What happened all those years before between Heather and Edie?

This book had me gripped from the start and I actually read it in one day. The action keeps you hooked and the plot moves along nicely.

I shall be looking out for more from this author and have already recommended this book to friends who are looking for a great thriller.

Now featured on Library Reads list on Netgalley - recommended by Librarians 

Pre order here out in Hardback on 28th July 2016

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Book Review for The Trouble With Henry and Zoe By Andy Jones

The Trouble With Henry and Zoe by Andy Jones

Book Review

A heart-warming and funny novel about love and the choices we make. How bad choices can lead to good things, and how life is never what you expect it to be. Perfect for fans of One Day and Me Before You, from the author of The Two of Us.

Henry and Zoe have more in common than they realise. For a start, they both have pasts they'd rather leave behind.

After jilting his childhood sweetheart on the eve of their wedding, Henry makes a break for London. He has no friends, no job, no home, no plan.

Zoe has great friends, two jobs, a new house, and a big scary plan. After a traumatic, life-changing event, she plans to leave London and spend a year travelling. Alone.

If Henry and Zoe had met one year ago, things might have worked out differently. But that s not the way life works. They meet seven months after their worlds have been turned upside down. And four months before Zoe is due to climb on a plane...

I have been waiting for another book by Andy Jones to arrive after reading and falling in love with the fantastic The Two Of Us and the lovely Dawn from Books and the City sent me an advance copy.
This certainly didn't disappoint and I absolutely loved it.

What happens when you meet someone at a turning point in your life? Especially if the last thing on your mind is a relationship? This is exactly the position Henry and Zoe find themselves in, the trouble is though they really enjoy each others company.
So what's stopping them? Well Henry has has left his fiancee effectively stranded at the altar and Zoe has just been through a very traumatic and life changing experience.

Andy Jones's writing as in his first novel - especially one scene, which I only have to think about and it has me blubbing - really gets under my skin. He manages to write from both a male and female point of view seamlessly moving between the two as the story goes on.
Zoe's situation in the story is so well written that I could feel her pain, guilt and loneliness so acutely I wanted to give her a hug.
I absolutely loved the scene where Henry returns to his home village and sees his ex fiancee for the first time and I was definitely as surprised as Henry was at what he found!

I recommend this book very highly. Grab a copy and sit in the sun (while we have it).

Out on ebook now and Paperback 28th July - Order here

Book Review for Summer at Skylark Farm by Heidi Swain

Summer at Skylark Farm

Book Review

I was looking forward to reading this book and managed to read the whole thing in one weekend. Heidi Swain manages to bring the countryside into your lounge in this gorgeous summery read.

For everyone dreaming of escaping to the country, fall in love this summer at Skylark Farm...
 
Amber is a city girl at heart. So when her boyfriend Jake Somerville suggests they move to the countryside to help out at his family farm, she doesn't quite know how to react. But work has been hectic and she needs a break so she decides to grasp the opportunity and make the best of it.
 
Dreaming of organic orchards, paddling in streams and frolicking in fields, Amber packs up her things and moves to Skylark Farm. But life is not quite how she imagined - it's cold and dirty and the farm buildings are dilapidated and crumbling.
 
But Amber is determined to make the best of it and throws herself into farm life. But can she really fit in here? And can she and Jake stay together when they are so different?
 
A story of love in the countryside from the author of the bestselling The Cherry Tree Café. Perfect for Escape to the Countrydreamers, Cath Kidston fans and Country Living addicts!

I absolutely loved Heidi's first novel The Cherry Tree Cafe, so I was confident that I would enjoy this too. The characters are well rounded and I particularly warmed to the main character Amber and the maternal figure of Annie. How I would adore a chance to rummage around in Annie's attic to uncover what treasures must be lying there.
Jake is a fantastic hero and it is clear he has as much love for Amber as he does for Skylark Farm. 
The setting for the novel sounds absolutely idyllic and reminded me - as Heidi herself mentions - of The Darling Buds Of May. I live in Kent and H.E Bates got it spot on with his tales of the Larkin Family and Heidi hits the spot in the same way when it comes to the trials and tribulations of country living.

Grab this book and go out into the open somewhere. Even if you live in a city, find a green space, lean against a tree, find time to be with nature, pour yourself a cider and sit back and lose yourself in this fantastic story.

Buy your copy here

• Simon & Schuster UK | 
• 464 pages | 
• ISBN 9781471150098 | 
• June 2016

List Price £2.99

Kentish Pip Cider

"Skylark"

Totally unrelated to Heidi's book, but by happy coincidence my clever hubby spotted this fantastic cider for sale nearby in Kent. Made by Kentish Pip it is their first sparkling cider and is named Skylark Cider. We bought Heidi some for her book launch present!

Visit their website here Kentish Pip where you can buy Skylark Cider and their other ciders too.

Summer at Skylark Farm

The Launch Party - Saturday 4th June - Norwich

UPDATE:
Summer at skylark farm will be published in paperback exclusive to Sainsbury on August 25th 2016

It was a very tired Mary who had her husband drive her to Norwich late Friday night so she could attend Heidi Swain's launch party for Summer at Skylark Farm.

Heidi's second novel was published by Simon and Schuster on June 2nd and she kindly invited both me and hubby to attend her launch at the Virgin Money Lounge in the centre of beautiful Norwich.

It was also a very special occasion as she had thoughtfully dedicated her precious creation to me. I was told in March and got goosebumps and cried when she told me her intention, but I had to keep it a secret! It was such a wonderful thing to do and I am very honoured.

Hubby and I arrived in Norwich at 10:45pm and found our Airbnb accommodation. A strange experience, but one we would definitely repeat. You literally stay in someones spare room, which I found a little unnerving, but it was OK. We weren't attacked in our beds and there was no wife swapping involved LOL. Our accommodation didn't offer breakfast, but we had a double room and our own bathroom at the top of a town house, which was literally 10 minutes from the Virgin Lounge. They also lent us a parking permit, which in a busy city was a complete bonus.

We made our way to the book launch stopping to breakfast in Debenhams first.

It was great to see Heidi and her hubby Paul again. I also got to meet fellow New Writers Scheme member Jenni Keer in the flesh after chatting online and caught up with my old friend Vicki Bowles and her lovely family.

Jenni Keer and I

Vicki Bowles, Heidi Swain and I

Heidi began her launch by introducing us to the book and thanked us all for coming. She thanked hubby and I for travelling so far to be there and then told everyone I was the Mary Anne she had dedicated her book to. I couldn't look at her and she couldn't look at me as we got quite emotional!

Next she introduced the room to Vicki Bowles who kicked off The Blog Tour last Monday. 

She then embarrassed her hubby by thanking him for his support and getting us all to wish him a Happy Birthday for the following week. He got a rousing "Happy Birthday" and a round of applause.

Heidi then treated us to a reading from Summer at Skylark Farm, which I have read and thoroughly enjoyed, then opened the floor to questions. Questions ranged from "How do you manage to be so fabulous?" (Jenni Keer) to "Does Skylark Farm actually exist?" (Sadly no)

After the questions and answers we all dived into the tasty treats, cupcakes and tea whilst chatting to each other. I met some lovely ladies from the Norfolk Chapter of the RNA and look forward to meeting more members soon.

Our present to Heidi - Skylark Cider from Kentish Pip 

Thank you Heidi for including us in your special day and for such a beautiful dedication.

You are a very special lady and a wonderful, very dear friend.

Heidi and me

 Links: 

Vicki: Blog tour

Laura: Blog Tour

Emma: Blog Tour

Rachale: Blog Tour

Rea: Blog Tour

Kirsty: Blog Tour

Alba: Blog Tour

Heidi's Blog: The Writer Files

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