Tag: Reviews

~ What’s On Your Bookshelf – January 2026 ~

It’s been a while since I contributed to this challenge hosted by Debbie @ Deb’s World, so with the new year just started I am once again joining in.

If you read Debbie’s post and I urge you to do so for some great recommendations, you will realise what a prolific reader she is. I like to think of myself as an avid reader and try to read two or three a month.

I have four to share this month, but I’ll come clean as some are from December also.

I was trying to clean up the virtual bookshelf on my iPad and either delete some old samples or get on with reading them.

So it was with this book, a fairly old one by Lisa Jewell that I hadn’t realised was unread.
“Melville Heights is one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Bristol, England. It’s not the sort of place where people are brutally murdered in their own kitchens. But it is the sort of place where everyone has a secret. And everyone is watching you. Tom Fitzwilliam, the local headmaster is beloved by one and all, including Joey Mullen, his new neighbour. Joey and her new husband have just moved in with her brother and his wife. Her obsession is taking over her life.” – Taken from Goodreads.
I read this in about two days and couldn’t put it down. Another great book from Lisa Jewell.

This author is fairly new to me and this is the second book by Liz Moore I’ve read. It’s hard to believe this book was written in 2016 as it deals with what is now ChatGPT and AI. Starting in 1980 and ending up in 2009 with flashbacks to 1920, 1940 and 1950. The story focuses on David and Ada Sibelius. David is a single father to Ada. He works in a computer science lab and Ada is “home-schooled”. He teaches her what he thinks is necessary. Years later when David is diagnosed with Alzheimers, his secrets come to light. This was a fantastic read, such a beautiful story and kept me guessing until the end. Highly recommend.

Michael Connelly is a favourite author of mine and this is his latest offering. Mickey Haller leaves criminal court behind for his first civil lawsuit. Coincidentally this book is also about AI and the moral and ethical dilemmas that go with it. Jack McEvoy is also a key player in this book. I like it when Michael Connolly brings characters together. This is still a gripping court room drama as he goes head to head with the powerful tech companies.

An excellent if harrowing read – not for the faint hearted. The story starts in 1987 with Cora and her small daughter, Maia, walking to register the new baby’s name.
“Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, and one that will prove as cataclysmic as the storm from which it emerged. Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, believing it will enable him to become his own person. Or he is Gordon, named after his father and raised in his cruel image – but is there still a chance to break the mould?“ Amazon
Quite stressful to read in parts but I still loved it and gave it 5/5 on Goodreads. Does Bear/Julian/Gordon try to live up to their name or escape from it? I enjoyed reading the different storylines. It is my book choice for book club this month and it will invoke much discussion.

A footnote here about What’s Been on My Screen.

The Night Manager – Series Two.

I’ve only watched two episodes so far. Maybe not as good as the first series and a tad overdramatic. But I will keep on watching, as Olivia Colman is in it.

HiJack – Series Two

One episode in and I’m already confused! But anything with Idris Elba in it I will watch. This series involves an underground train in Berlin. Hoping for clarification in the next episode!

Song, Sung, Blue – Cinema

Not technically on my screen but at the local cinema. I just loved this film. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson deserve oscars, as does the screenplay and music. I had a vague idea before seeing it, I knew it wasn’t about Neil Diamond himself, just the music. A truly wonderful uplifting film.

What’s On Your Bookshelf – January 2024

Since I have a historical books to share this month I decided to feature a painting of 19th century ladies reading forbidden books. The artist was Alexander Mark Rossi painted in 1897. Historical novels are one of my favourite genres and I love putting my feet up and travelling back in time. Even if you were privileged and had money life was still difficult for a woman, especially so if she couldn’t have children or didn’t conspire to what her husband’s idea of a wife should be.

A rollicking royal romp as described by Goodreads and I totally agree. The story of Lady Augusta and Lady Julia, two 42 year old twin sisters living independently in the 18th century. Lady Augusta is the feisty one and prone to getting herself in all sorts of trouble. After helping a friend out to retrieve some letters from a man in Vauxhall Gardens, they decide to start helping other unfortunate women. In the course of their adventures they meet Lord Evan, an outlaw who has escaped his imprisonment in the colonies. I loved this book and am hoping for a sequel. It wasn’t all polite tea parties and music assemblies I found, there were some very gruesome details thrown in. A very well researched book into women’s lives during this period.

I always enjoy this author’s books and this was no exception. I hadn’t intentionally set out to read two books of a similar theme and was surprised to find references to a terrible practice in the 18th and 19th century in both books. This book features Lady Caroline Corsham who sets out to find the murderer of her dear friend Lucia. She later discovers that Lucia was not in fact a “lady” but a high class prostitute. Lady Caroline enlists the help of “thief-taker” Peregrine Child. Both Lady Caroline and Peregrine Child featured in the earlier book Blood and Sugar. There were many characters in this book and I had to concentrate to remember who was who. I whizzed through the pages and look forward to reading her next when it comes out.

A light story featuring many of Jane Austen’s characters. All of whom I had heard of but couldn’t remember in which story. Very clever how the author intertwined their plot lines throughout the book. I had to use a Jane Austen character website, which was very useful! I did think this was more of a YA story, but then again I don’t know many young adults these days reading Jane Austen type stories. 

“The happily married Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a house party, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—characters beloved by Jane Austen fans. Definitely not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, it’s clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet they’re all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst” – Goodreads

The two youngest guests Juliet Tilney and Jonathon (the oldest son of the Darcy’s) set out to discover who the murder is. An easy and enjoyable read.

What’s on Your Bookshelf is a challenge hosted by Deb, Jo, Donna and Sue every month. If you need any recommendations look no further than these wonderful blogs to find your next riveting read.

Sunday Drives – Masonmill Cafe and Beer Garden {Carmel, Western Australia}

Sunday seems to roll around far too quickly as the weeks just fly by. As usual Anthony suggested a drive out to the hills, his job to drive and mine to find somewhere. There’s not many wineries we haven’t tried and a few of them are now just cellar doors with no restaurants or have just closed completely. So on opening up google maps I spotted Masonmill Cafe. It said it was reopening on Sunday 5 November and I managed to book a table for 4. We had definitely not visited here before.

Masonmill Cafe, Carmel WA

The drive is around 40 minutes from where we live, it’s a beautiful drive as well. As we approached I couldn’t believe how massive this place was, covering ten acres and already from the car I could see fantastic landscaped gardens.

We walked up to the restaurant only to find out that I had booked the cafe instead! Who knew there was a difference? Disappointingly there were no spare tables so we trekked back down again to the cafe. On hindsight this was the better option as we heard there were 90 minute delays for food. Although the cafe was not without problems too, as the owners had changed the food and wine menu, leaving staff confused!

A round of mini golf anyone?

After lunch we had a walk around the gardens. We couldn’t believe the many different types of roses on display and other flowers, tantalising the air with their floral perfume. The waitress in the cafe made us laugh as she spotted a lady with a bag and secateurs cutting herself a few blooms to take home – the cheek!

Masonmill Cafe, Carmel WA
Masonmill Cafe, Carmel WA

This place is ideal for a wedding, the bride wouldn’t even need a bouquet, just stand behind a rose bush or the abundant flowering jasmine.

There were many places to just sit and relax and enjoy a picnic, which is something you can order also instead of eating in the restaurant or cafe.

Masonmill Cafe, Carmel WA
Fish pond with Koi, Carp and Goldfish
Masonmill Cafe, Carmel WA
Pull up a Seat and smell the roses
Masonmill Cafe, Carmel WA
There are small bags of fish food for sale, probably the reason the fish are so large
Masonmill Cafe, Carmel WA

Tree canopied walkways and rose lined paths, a wonderful way to while away a Sunday afternoon.

Cheeky mosaic mural on the wall of one of the courtyards
Masonmill Cafe, Carmel WA
Fun selfie of Cheryl and Me!
Masonmill Cafe, Carmel WA
Try a beer or two in the Irish Pub courtyard
Masonmill Cafe, Carmel WA
Masonmill Cafe, Carmel WA
A mini dance floor for dancing under the stars

We had a glorious afternoon here and I think we will go back and try the restaurant next time.

Have a great week and don’t forget to wake up and smell the roses!

Linking to
Weekend Coffee Share/PPAC
Pull Up a Seat

~ What’s On Your Bookshelf – October 2023 ~

It’s time for some great book reviews again, from our lovely hosts, Debbie, Donna, Sue and Jo {And Anyways}. As you can see my feature photo is my iPad – my title should be what’s on your iPad this month!

“Do you read reviews before you read the book?”

I am notorious for doing this if I am unsure about a book. I have read so many brilliant reviews from the professional writers and start reading the book, only to find that it really isn’t as good as stated. So I then go to the readers’ reviews to get a better idea, I’ll plod on if the majority say it gets better, but put it on the DNF shelf if not!

This month I’ve got psychological thrillers and a historical saga written by some new authors for me. I missed last month, so there’s a few here!

This is a good one to start with as it takes place the night before Halloween. I enjoyed this thriller of a ride, but you do have to suspend belief as you travel back in time. I’ll definitely be reading more from Gillian McAllister. 4/5

As Jen watches through the window, she sees her funny, seemingly happy teenage son stab a total stranger. Who the victim is she doesn’t know, only that their lives have now irrevocably changed.
The morning after expecting to go back to the police station, Jen sees Ben come out of his bedroom! It is the day before. She realises now she may be able to stop the murder from happening.

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The Other Mothers – Katherine Faulkner

Tash, a failed journalist, searches for a playgroup for her son in one of London’s wealthiest suburbs. She hears of a young nanny that has died in mysterious circumstances and thinks this may be the answer to putting her back in print again, if she can find the answers. Another mystery surrounding affluent and wealthy mothers and their kids. As Tash begins to investigate, she realises she’s very close to finding the answer. Mysterious and compelling. 4/5

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The Stranger in the Mirror – Liv Constantine

I’ve read The Last Mrs. Parrish and thought it was riveting, so I saw this one pop up on my kindle and gave it a go.
Set in New Jersey and Boston told from Addison and Julian’s points of view, it is the story of a woman who has lost the last few years of her memory. Quite creepy in parts and I couldn’t wait to finish this book. Who is Addison really? Why does she keep having flashbacks of something terrifying? Who can she trust? Another good read. 4/5

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Stay Buried – Kate Webb

Detective Inspector Matt Lockyer is currently working cold cases in Wiltshire, UK. 14 years ago he put away a woman who is still in jail. Out of the blue she contacts him and asks him to visit. He has always felt guilty about this but at the time was 100% sure he had the right person… but what if he was wrong. I loved this book from start to finish and am waiting for the second in the series. So many red herrings, twists and turns. A wonderful debut. 5/5

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The Torrent – Dinuka McKenzie

An Australian crime thriller, set in Northern New South Wales. Heavily pregnant and a week away from maternity leave, Detective Sergeant Kate Miles is exhausted and counting down the days. But a violent hold-up at a local fast-food restaurant with unsettling connections to her own past, means that her final days will be anything but straightforward. Gripping and on the edge of your seat drama. A brilliant debut from Dinuka McKenzie, hopefully a start to another series. Fantastic descriptive writing that had me hooked. 5/5

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Blood & Sugar – Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Set in 1781 in Deptford, London. An unidentified body hangs upon a hook at Deptford Dock – horribly tortured and branded with a slaver’s mark. Captain Harry Corsham, a war hero, later finds out that this was his once great friend, Tad. He determines to find out what had happened to Tad. Graphic in places but well worth reading. About the slave trade between Africa, the Caribbean and England. Although slaves were not allowed in England, slave trading was allowed. There were so many characters in this novel that I did have to keep going back. This is probably better read as a book, because of the maps. It was certainly an eye-opener and there were certain elements that were true to fact. A fantastic historical page turner. 5/5

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So many books now have the same titles, it must be hard for authors to think up new titles that are catchy.

I hope you will enjoy one or a few of the novels I have reviewed for this month.

Happy Reading!

~ What’s on Your Bookshelf – August 2023 ~

Once again it’s time to review all the fantastic books we’ve been reading. I’ve read too many samples this month, the joy of having an e-reader and Kindle! There have been a fair few that have had great reviews but were not my cup of tea. I can generally tell within the first chapter if I’m going to like a book or not. I’ve probably become more fussy and it’s so tempting seeing all the brightly coloured covers just waiting to be read.

I have been trying to clear some of the many samples I have downloaded and also the free “Kindle Firsts” that I receive every month for .99p. The following are three new authors for me, which is great news!

The Running Girls

This book has been on my TBR shelf for ages now, so I thought it was about time I read it. A police procedural thriller set in Galveston, Texas about a twenty year old murder and a recent one, both with the same modus operandi. Is it a copycat or the same person? Detective Laurie Campbell is put in charge of the new case although she remember the old one too. It’s difficult for her in many ways, the suspect is her father-in-law, who served 16 years for the first murder of his wife. She’s fairly certain he didn’t commit the second though, even if the rest of the community think otherwise. If he didn’t commit the second, did he even commit the first?
I enjoyed this book and it kept me guessing throughout, so many red herrings! 4/5

“The more that you read, the more things you will know,
The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”  – Dr. Seuss

The Square of Sevens


The above book was released recently and the cover and title intrigued me immediately, even before I knew what it was about.
If you enjoy historical fiction then you will love this book. This is a great romp of a ride through the hierarchy of Georgian England . Full of skullduggery and unscrupulous behaviour. A girl called Red brought up by a fortune-telling father until seven years of age where she has lived life on the road. When her father dies she is brought up by a gentleman scholar and thrust into the realms of high society in Bath and London. She is a great success reading the cards of the Lords and Ladies. It’s only when she get older does the nagging question of who her mother was begins to gnaw away at her. I loved this book and will look for more by this author. 5/5

If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” – J.K. Rowling 

Hang The Moon

Another historical book, but this time set in prohibition Virginia about a girl called Sallie Kincaid. Banished at the age of 8 to live with her aunt, Sallie returns to Claiborne county when her step-mother dies. Such a good story reading about Sallie’s life as a bootlegger, first working for her father “the Duke” and then herself. The author writes vividly of life in these small towns and villages, of lawlessness and conflict. This book is full of secrets and lies and throughout Sallie is trying to work out exactly what happened to her mother. 5/5

It seems I have picked up a theme here about young girls looking for answers about their mothers. Both so very different but living life on their own terms.

This is a challenge hosted by Debbie, Jo, Donna and Sue – if you need ideas or recommendations head along to their websites for some great reads.

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~ A Trip to Melbourne – July 2023 ~ Delays, Disasters and Dirty Apartments

The day we left started well, we got up on time, after that not so well. We left our house 15 minutes late and after ten minutes drove straight into heavy traffic. Looking at Google maps it still seemed ok, but then it just kept adding on minute after minute. After not moving for 30 minutes, we decided to turn at the next break in the road and try another way. For reasons only known to my dear hubby he didn’t do as Lady Google suggested but went his own way. We could only turn back if we drove up the kerb and over the grass divider which he did! I thought we had lost the bumper at the very least or an oil leak with the noise the car made bumping back onto the road.

Finally getting to the airport carpark with 30 minutes to spare before the flight, we still had to wait for the bus to terminal. When we got to the counter we found that the flight was delayed, yay! so the check in clerk put our bags on the belt and they almost made it, but not quite. Apparently our seats had been given to someone else! We were outside of the required check in time. We were offered another flight at midnight getting in at 5 am, but really 3 am Perth time. What would we do all day? We had booked a carpark for five days, I couldn’t cope with such a late flight.

In the end I booked another flight for the afternoon, at great cost but saving time, Anthony would have gone on the midnight flight at no cost and having hours to kill.

What would you do? Are you Team Ali or Team Anthony?

I can’t believe we missed the flight, the reason – being complacent with my dear hubby and not giving him stress to hurry himself along.

The flight we took was delayed for over an hour, so we didn’t end up getting to our apartment until 10pm.

On landing the first thing I did was check my messages, as luckily Elena Damian and the kids had all made their flight. Oh my! the photos she sent of the apartment! She refused to sleep there that night as it was truly appalling. Absolutely filthy dirty throughout, although the beds did have clean bedding. There was a family already there – of cockroaches! Our apartment was better but the smell of smoke was awful.

I am now having an ongoing dispute with Booking.Com about receiving some compensation.

Anyway I’ll end this diatribe now and just say in the end we had a fabulous family time. It’s been over six months since we were altogether.

The first two days for us were spent getting to know Melbourne again. Elena and Damian visited the aquarium and zoo where the kids had the best time.

Melbourne is such an easy city to get around, there are tram and bus stops everywhere and the train routes are excellent. We bought a Myki card which enables you to tap on and off, there is also a free zone in the middle of the city.

  • Melbourne
    St Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Colourful trams
  • Lunch on the Yarra
  • A busking Darth Vadar
  • Dusk from our balcony
  • Stacked container building
  • Waiting for a tram
  • More trams
  • Melbourne Skyline
❤️ Out on the town with the newly engaged couple ❤️

Just a few of the photos I took on the first two days.

📚 What’s On Your Bookshelf – October 2022 📚

What have I been reading this month? Read on to find out!

Last month I read and posted a book by Lisa Jewell – The Family Upstairs – and said I couldn’t put it down, so quickly after that I followed up with the sequel – The Family Remains.

In this story we find out what has become of “The Family Upstairs” and also what happens when the police in France find Michael’s body and the story of his second wife Rachel. There is also a body found on the banks of the Thames which has DCI Samuel Owusu following the trail of clues left behind.

I enjoyed this book every bit as much as the first and it kept me guessing until the last page. 5/5

It seems I am hooked on Lisa Jewell for the moment! Another page turner so different from the last two, I don’t know how she does it.

A story that goes back and forth between 2017 and 2019, about the disappearance in 2018 of Tallulah and her boyfriend and her mother’s search for answers. In 2019, Sophie a published author moves to the village with her boyfriend who starts a new job as headmaster of the local boarding school and soon becomes involved in the search. 5/5

Another Andee Lawrence story, but in this book she is not the main character. Although I enjoyed this book I did get confused about the different relationships between the characters! It kept me guessing until the very end. 4/5

I’ve enjoyed all Jane Harper’s books and this was no exception. Set in the Clare Valley and featuring Aaron Falk once again. Another disappearing act! This one also had me guessing until the very end. I love the way she writes about small communities and the interaction between everyone. 4/5

“Classic’ – a book which people praise and don’t read.”  – Mark Twain

This is a challenge set by Debbie from Deb’s World and also Sue, Donna and Jo. I love this challenge as I love reading! Although I am not a prolific a reader as Debbie. This month she has posed the question “When do you stop reading a book you are not enjoying?”. For me it is generally once I have read the sample I have downloaded to see if it has me hooked. That is the beauty of an e-reader or Kindle I think. Because what speaks to one person will fall on deaf ears of another. There are far too many books out there and such little time to continue doggedly through a boring book.

“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading” William Styron

📚 What’s On Your Bookshelf – September 2022 📚

I somehow missed last month’s but still don’t seem to have that many this month, I’ve been watching too much TV!

Anyway I do enjoy this challenge as it gives me recommendations to read the following month. This challenge is hosted by Debbie at Deb’s World, also Sue, Donna and Jo whose links you can find on Debbie’s page.

My offerings for this month are:

The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi is pure fantasy. I like a fantasy book now and again but this went above and beyond, I tried to give up a few times but kept going back! It is extremely gory and gruesome but I finished it, I’m not sure about anymore though. Well written – 4/5

Opal Country or Treasure and Dirt by Chris Hammer. This is a stand alone book which features all new people. I enjoyed this murder mystery set in the Opal Mining Country of Australia. Great descriptions of the mining towns. – 4/5

The Lady’s Guide to Good Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin. I’ve seen this on other blogger’s posts so won’t go into detail, except to say what a fun easy read it was. Fully of jolly japes and dastardly deeds. 4/5

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell – Just amazing. Loved this book from the first page and read it at every opportunity I could, even while stirring pots and eating dinner! I’m now reading The Family Remains the sequel. 5/5

Little Sister by Gytha Lodge. This is the fourth book in the Detective Jonah Sheens books and I’ve enjoyed them all. This story is full of twists and turns, I didn’t know which way was up in the end! Loved it though. 5/5

All links go to Amazon UK, where there are full synopses and reviews.

I’m looking forward to reading everyone else’s book recommendations and to see if anyone has read the books above.

Especially if you are in Groundhog Day

A Family Trip to Melbourne – Part Three – Lunch at Mornington Peninsula

With the weekend upon us it meant Laurence and Maddy were able to join us for a day out. We all fancied a winery but with so many in Victoria where to go, North, South or East? After some research we decided to wing it and try one in the South East, Mornington Peninsula. Well our first choice didn’t work out which was Foxey’s Hangout, but the carpark attendant suggested we try the sister winery around 15 minutes up the road, called Morning Sun Vineyard. There wasn’t much sun around but plenty of wine.

The menu was short and tapas style so we just ordered every item! Sadly I forgot to take many photos of the food as it disappeared all too quickly. The staff and service were excellent and you could taste any wine. The location was just perfect and it was very cosy inside.

Parmesan coated broccolini
Figs wrapped in parma ham

A luscious Shiraz for three and a “flight of whites” for me.

Not much left on those plates
An almost perfectly quartered photo – Cows galloping across the field

Another fractioned photo!

The Gang

A wonderful way to spend a Saturday, family, food and wine

On the drive home we passed by a stunning mural on a water tank, so I jumped out and took a few photos. Located on Arthurs Seat Road it was painted by Michael Leeworthy. It depicts life in Arthurs Seat and is a tribute to the local firefighters. I’m linking it to PPAC.

📚 What’s on your Bookshelf – #4 📚

It’s time to review the books we have been reading this month. I have not read near as many as Debbie at Deb’s World who is one of the co-hosts for this challenge.

I finished the last in The Highbury Series by Allie Cresswell – Dear Jane. I enjoyed all three books about the people and events leading up to Emma by Jane Austen. Dear Jane focuses mainly on Jane Fairfax and Frank Weston. Allie Cresswell writes just like Jane Austen. I would describe these books as a “cozy read”. Curling up on the sofa with one of these books is like chatting with an old friend.

The next book has been on my “to be read” list for a while, so I thought I had better tackle it.
The Vanishing of Audrey Wilde by Eve Chase

I did enjoy this book but preferred the story set in 1959 about the four sisters than the other part set fifty years later. It seemed like the book was written by two different authors! The book focuses on a house that both families lived in.

I also got round to reading a book by Susan Lewis – I Have Something To Tell You.

This book had a very good twist at the end which I thought I had guessed but didn’t! I like the fact that she doesn’t just make it about the victim but also the solicitor who has been engaged by him.

The Andee Lawrence series of books are also very good.

My A to Z of Favourite Authors – This Month is “B”

Fiona Barton – I have read all three of Fiona’s books and I’m hoping she will be writing another soon. They are all very different and usually have two storylines through them that tie up at the end. All three books feature a journalist called Kate Waters.

Suzanne Bugler – I’ve read two of her books, I would describe them as psychological thrillers.
The Child Inside and This Perfect World. Very easy to read but intriguing!

I’m loving this challenge as one of my favourite things is reading book reviews. I can now find many new and different types of authors to add to my growing lists of books!