Archive | August 2024

The Map Maker’s Promise by Catherine Law

Aug18

Secrets

The Map Maker’s Promise by Catherine Law is a comprehensive dual timeline novel that entertained me from the start. The story is fiction but is grounded in fact.

The action is set during the 1940’s and in 1985. The two time periods alternate as the setting moves from London and the south, to Invernesshire. Scotland is a peaceful location, with its’ fresh air, beautiful scenery and isolation. The residents of a small community function as a family, offering support to each other.

War-torn London is stifling. Friendships and work colleagues are not always supportive. Those who should set examples, take advantage of the young and innocent. A life is ruined forever after a character abuses his position.

During the 1940’s, unmarried mothers were viewed as a disgrace. We follow a young woman who is shipped off to Scotland rather than subjecting the family to gossip and shame. The character always feels ‘less-than’ and is ashamed of her situation. She keeps quiet about one awful night that will haunt her forever.

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I Will Ruin You by Linwood Barclay

Aug16

The Truth Will Out

I Will Ruin You by Linwood Barclay is a thrilling contemporary suspense that I read in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep!

The past has a way of catching up with us. Hidden secrets sooner or later rise to the surface. Consequences need to be faced.

Within the book there are heroes and villains. They look alike on the surface but underneath they are very different.

Greed and lust for money always corrupts. We witness the fallout when the local drug lords are crossed.

A dark secret must be protected at all costs. Whatever it takes, the truth must stay buried.

We see a kind hearted, brave character whose actions, through no fault of his own, mean his life is heading for a fall. The actions should have been applauded, and not hounded.

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Things We Do For Love by Miranda Dickinson

Aug15

A Wonderful Light Hearted Read

Things We Do For Love by Miranda Dickinson is a delightful, contemporary novel that will warm your heart and leave you smiling.

The novel is set over a summer in Stratford Upon Avon and celebrates all things Shakespeare. We follow the Garden Players as they bring the works of the bard to life.

We see how hard it is to break into acting. As well as sheer hard work, a little bit of luck is needed.

Shakespeare brings out the passion in his followers. To have his works performed in his home town is the icing on the cake for them.

We witness the uglier side of theatre as a jealous director has the power to thwart a talented career.

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The Right Place by Sophia Money-Coutts

Aug15

Returning To Life

The Right Place by Sophia Money-Coutts is a most delightful contemporary novel that I read in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep!

The action is mainly set in present day, with a few flash backs over a character’s life.

Having been left a French hotel by her late aunt, thirty something Maggie flies to the south of France in order to wrap up things and sell the place. Though a shadow of its former glory, there is a charm still lurking within the walls. Memories loom large for Maggie.

Memories loom large for others too, as former guests return to celebrate special anniversaries and events. The hotel is so much more than bricks and mortar. It is a place that is alive with past memories.

Maggie awakens the hotel, whilst simultaneously awakening her life. For too long, life has been a series of doctors, IVF and miscarriages. Maggie awakens her passion for cooking as she creates recipes that awaken the taste buds.

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