From Mum with Love – Louise Emma Clarke

One of the best stories I have read in ages. Takes me back to when I had my kids as it didn’t go smoothly with me. Nice to feel I’m normal and not a freak of nature with how I struggled with motherhood but still loved my children with every waking moment and often even when I’m asleep even now my kids have grown up. Just wished these blogs were around when I was younger.

A spool of blue thread – Anne Tyler

The start did grab my attention with Denny with his dark behaviour but then how the story moved away sharply and goes over the past lost my interest a bit. Not liking the characters so far. (I’ve got to chapter 2 so far. )

The funeral got to me with everyone commenting on Brenda the dog rather than about poor Abby. Felt rushed in this part of the story even though it brought a tear to my eye.

Hated how cold Junior was and uncaring but preferred the story about Junior and Linnie and how they came to be.

The Gin Shack on the Beach – Catherine Miller

The cover did put me off reading this story but I am so glad I did. Amazing characters and story and loved every line of it.
Brilliantly written, and a story of not growing old gracefully.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers/author for allowing me to read this for unbiased review. Sorry its later than intended.

A Year at the Star and Sixpence – Holly Hepburn

This was originally a series but not a complete story.

The first part is Snowdrops at the Star and Sixpence. A sweet start so far but no character has grabbed me yet.

Okay there really isn’t any spark to the story. It’s ok as a story but there is no feelings for the characters development for me to care what happens to them.

Book Two is Valentine’s Day at the Star and Sixpence.

This little story doesn’t add anything to the characters. Still not loving the characters as they seem flat.

Summer at the Star and Sixpence

Okay we are up to Sam’s big secret coming out. Leaves on a small cliffhanger but guessing it will not continue into the next part apart from a small mention. I will update in the next instalment of the story.

Autumn at the Star and Sixpence

Okay another ten chapters that does not really move the characters from a will they or won’t they situation. Frustrating story development and still no chemistry between the love interest.

Christmas at the Star and Sixpence

This story failed to developed for me. I didn’t really like the characters or the different dramatic problems that really wasn’t much of a pull or a worry to me as a reader.

The Innocent Wife – Amy Lloyd

I am so glad I never read the blurbs. This has such an unusual start that the blurb would have spoilt. A great hook and grab beginning.

A little creeped out by the main character so far. Only fourth chapter in so we see but not sure if I’m going to like her yet…

Okay about 30% through this story and I’m struggling to find a connection to the main character. Still not liking her and the story although well written has not grabbed my attention. I will continue as I’m on the second faze of the story to see if I can get into this story.

Sorry this story was not for me. Disliked Sam all the way through and the ending was obvious to me.

Ensnared – Rita Stradling

Okay this is not going to be for kids but young adults could read this. Sexual scenes but could be a weak story for adults. I did enjoy this but I wanted a light read and it’s good just not a gripping storyline and you are going to guess the plot from the beginning but I still loved it. I know mixed messages here but for a light romantic read with a steampunk feel even if it’s set in the future.

The woman behind the waterfall – Leonora Meriel

Although this is beautifully written there is a flow like you get in poetry but for a full length novel gets tedious and hard to keep going as the story captures depression. You feel it in every line of the story and at the moment it’s not something I found easy to read. If you like stories that you feel the every point of anguish then this is for you.