BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: The Way Home - Amanda Prowse

What if a stranger threatened to take away a lifetime of cherished memories?

Lilly-Bob loves her home by the River Thames in the heart of London. Throughout her childhood, it echoed with music and her father’s love, and for seventy years it’s been her sanctuary through a life well lived. These days, the familiar walls and treasured memories keep loneliness at bay.

But for months she’s been ignoring letters from a building developer, and now a compulsory purchase scheme threatens to take her home by force. Seventeen-year-old Lilly-Bob didn’t fear change, but present-day Lilly refuses to let go.

As the pressure builds, Lilly feels increasingly alone. But as her neighbours rally together, she finds herself drawn into the fold―making new friends, finding purpose, and glimpsing the possibility of something new.

Torn between the comfort of the past and the call of progress, Lilly-Bob must decide: is home made of bricks and mortar, or is it a place inside ourselves?

 

What did I think?

Amanda Prowse books are always a guaranteed five star read for me and The Way Home is no exception.  Amanda never fails to make me cry and I thought I had gotten away with it this time as my tears didn't appear until about 80% through.  You got me again, Mrs Prowse!

I had never heard of compulsory purchase orders before and it must be very upsetting to be on the receiving end of one.  That's what happens to Lilly-Bob when she is being forced to leave the only home she has ever known.  All of her memories are in her home and it feels like losing her parents all over again. 

With a past and present timeline, there are flashbacks of heartwarming and heartbreaking events from Lilly-Bob's life in between battles with the developer and her blossoming friendships with her neighbours and a mystery man she meets on the banks of the River Thames.

It really made me think about how much we attach memories to places and things when really the memories are inside ourselves all along.  I completely understood why Lilly-Bob wanted to hang on to her home, but for some people it can be difficult to return to a place after the loss of a loved one as it reminds us that they're not there anymore.  It's also a stark reminder that there are two sides to every story and it was this revelation that made me cry.

Filled with friendship, love and warmth, The Way Home is an incredibly emotional and heartwarming story that lingers long after the final page has been turned.  All the stars once again for Amanda Prowse.

I received a gifted digital copy to read and review for the Love Books Tours bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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Hope There's Someone - Lee Stewart

In the decaying streets of Sunderland, twenty-one-year-old Chris Paige is barely holding on as guardian to his volatile, grieving thirteen-year-old-sister, Jess. When Jess vanishes one day, Chris's desperate hunt for answers unearths a devastating family truth - one that could destroy them both.

Raw, unflinching, and impossible to put down, Hope There's Someone is a gripping story of sibling loyalty, buried trauma, and how far one man will go to protect what little family he has left.

For fans of Shuggie Bain, Trainspotting, and This Is England. This is a raw and darkly funny portrait of grief, poverty, and lost potential in Modern Britain.

What did I think?

I always get a thrill out of seeing my local area in books and Lee Stewarts fiction debut is set in Sunderland.  I wasn't really sure what to expect from the cover and the description but this is an absolutely cracking novel that's full of drama and it hooked me from the start.

I really felt for Chris who has given up has place at university to look after his sister when their mam dies.  Chris and Jess are both grieving but Chris is struggling to make ends meet and Jess, with her teenage mood swings, doesn't make life any easier for him.  Money has to come from somewhere and Chris inevitably gets tangled up with some dodgy characters.

The story took so many twists and turns as the past and present played out and I was completely riveted.  I have to admit that I made an assumption about their mam's cause of death but I couldn't have been more wrong.  Now that's what I call sharply plotted.  Well played, Mr Stewart!  Well played indeed.

Hope There's Someone is a dark and gritty novel that is filled with shocks and surprises.  It has a young protagonist that you instantly root for and I loved every minute of it.  Lee Stewart is one to watch and I'm going to be shouting about this book for a very long time.  An easy five stars for this unmissable and unforgettable crime thriller.

Many thanks to the author for sending me a digital ARC; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: Some Rise By Sin - Siôn Scott-Wilson

1829 is a tough year to be a body snatcher. Burke and Hare have just been convicted of killing people to sell their bodies, to widespread outrage—but despite the bad press, doctors still need fresh corpses for medical research.

Sammy and Facey are a couple of so-called ‘resurrection men’, making a living among society's fringe-dwellers by hoisting the newly departed from the churchyards of London whilst masquerading as late-night bakers. Operating on tip-offs and rumours in the capital’s drinking dens and fighting pits, the pair find themselves in receipt of some valuable intelligence: an unusual cadaver has popped up on the market, that of a hermaphrodite.

For any medic worth his salt it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—a medical curiosity and rara avis—and famous anatomist Joshua Brookes commissions the two men to obtain the body, at any cost. But some corpses hold secrets, and before long the enterprise becomes a deadlier and more complex undertaking than either man could ever have imagined.

Some Rise by Sin is a rich, authentic and absorbing historical narrative with a darker edge, a story of surviving on the outskirts of respectability. With echoes of Michel Faber’s The Crimson Petal and the White, it is meticulously researched and suffused with the dark and grimy atmosphere of Regency London, and explores what ambition can mean for poor people in a society that conspires to grind them down at every turn.

What did I think?

I didn't expect a book about body snatchers to be so funny and I absolutely loved reading Some Rise by Sin by Siôn Scott-Wilson.  I couldn't put it down once I started reading and read it in two sittings.

You've heard of Burke and Hare, now meet Sammy and Facey who provide the medical profession of Victorian London with fresh corpses to dissect.  It's always interesting to read how fascinated the Victorians were with bodies so it's no wonder that dodgy gangs of body snatchers saw a gap in the black market; it's all about supply and demand.

The story is entertaining and action-packed as Sammy and Facey track down the body of a hermaphrodite which several parties are interested in acquiring.  I sometimes couldn't hold in my laughter at their hilarious escapades that are vividly described by Siôn Scott-Wilson.  The pair are a cracking double act who reminded me of Blackadder and Baldrick; Sammy is the thinker who comes up with his cunning plans whereas Facey dives straight in with his fists flying.

It is written colloquially that really adds colour and depth to the story, although I did have to keep stopping to look up some of the unfamiliar Victorian words.  I didn't always know what they meant at first but I still found it incredibly funny.  I think the book would have benefitted from a glossary of terms at the back as I really didn't want to put the book down to look them up.

Incredibly atmospheric and wonderfully entertaining, Some Rise By Sin is a gripping and amusing novel.  I am delighted to see that it is the first book in a series and I can't wait to see what Sammy and Facey get up to next.  A very highly recommended read.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the Novel Tours bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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REVIEW TOUR: Ride - Or Die Trying - Paul Drayton

 

A brutally honest and hilarious memoir about addiction recovery, fame-adjacent life and learning how to start again.

When Paul Drayton briefly finds himself in prison in 2022 after a dangerous driving conviction, he is forced to confront the truth about the life he has been living. What follows is a candid and deeply personal journey through addiction, relationships, identity and recovery.

From growing up in Sunderland to navigating London’s nightlife scene, falling in love with Alan Carr to discovering what it feels like to live beside fame without sharing the spotlight, Paul reflects on the highs, the chaos and the mistakes that shaped his life.

A late ADHD diagnosis at fifty and determined to rebuild his future, he begins the difficult process of understanding himself and creating a new chapter.

Honest, self-aware and funny, this is a memoir about accountability, resilience and the courage to start again.

What did I think?

I didn't realise that Paul Drayton is Alan Carr's ex-husband when I first heard about Ride - Or Die Trying; I wanted to read it as Paul is a local lad from Sunderland and I'm so pleased that he's a Mackem otherwise I might have missed this fabulous book.

Paul Drayton is very brave to put his story out there, especially after all of the negative press he experienced when he was struggling with his addictions.  In his raw and brutally honest memoir, he gives the reader a glimpse into the showbiz lifestyle and the effects of living in the shadow of a famous other half. 

Paul has an amazing sense of humour and that shines through every page.  It's not a laugh on every page kind of book as Paul touches on some tough and poignant subjects but each chapter is filled with honesty, emotion and a lot of inner strength.  I don't know Paul but I feel very proud of him for sharing his story with the world.

As you would expect from someone who was married to the Chatty Man, it's a very chatty book and Paul's natural dry north-eastern wit adds a very entertaining and funny slant to the stories.  There are several personal photographs included that accompany the prose and give the reader further insight into Paul's life.  It's not an exposé on Alan Carr, it's very much Paul's own story and I loved it.

Honest, poignant and entertaining, Ride - Or Die Trying is a cracking memoir that had me laughing one minute and crying the next.  It's bold, inspirational and well worth a read.

I received a gifted paperback for the Literally PR Online Book Review Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: A Fatal Choice - Alison Baxter

In Victorian England, propriety was everything. But truth was often the price.

Three women bound by duty, class and expectation find their lives intertwined within the confines of a seemingly respectable household.

Julia Pennefather has spent her life longing for the security of a home and family. Ellen Fugill knows the price of loyalty in a world where servants are expected to see everything and say nothing. And talented Ada Ashley arrives concealing a secret past that makes her painfully vulnerable.

When disaster strikes, the women do not confront the truth but deny it. Stifling the voice of conscience, they each make choices shaped by fear, love and the limits placed on them by Victorian convention. Choices that cannot be undone.

As the consequences ripple through their lives, the cost of silence becomes impossible to ignore. In a society that offers women few options, and even fewer protections, survival depends on endurance. But sometimes that is not enough.

A richly atmospheric historical novel, A Fatal Choice explores the ways that women both support and betray each other, perfect for readers of Jessie Burton and Sarah Waters.

What did I think?

Wow!  A Fatal Choice is one of the best historical fiction novels I have ever read and it is even more stunning when you read the author's note at the end and discover that it is inspired by real people and actual events.

It starts with a haunting excerpt from a newspaper about the death of a young lady and her baby and then Alison Baxter takes the reader on a compelling journey as we discover the story behind this tragic event.  Told from the points of view of three women: Julia, Ada and Ellen, this is an unforgettable and poignant tale.

Julia Pennefather was left penniless after her father died but through the charity of her uncle she still leads a privileged life.  Sharrock Dupen must see pound signs in his eyes when he meets Julia and as he is younger than her, Julia doesn't see the harm in knocking a few years off her age.  Sharrock isn't exactly being honest with Julia either.

As Julia's story unfolds, two women enter her life: Ellen, her loyal servant, and Ada, the mysterious and aloof governess who is employed to school Julia's children.  The excerpt from the beginning of the book was never far from my mind and I both wanted to read fast to discover what happened and slowly to prolong the life of one of the characters.

The stigma of being labelled a spinster in Victorian England must have been awful and it's no wonder that women chose to be a little creative with their age.  It's also quite shocking how easily women were sent to asylums, not necessarily to get any help they might need but more as an excuse to get rid of them so their husband could remarry.  I have to share a quote from one of Ada's chapters that really resonated with me:

"Hysteria is a convenient label with which to control women."

Immersive, evocative and completely breathtaking, A Fatal Choice is a book I will be recommending for a very long time.  An easy five stars and a very highly recommended read.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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The Light Years (The Cazalet Chronicles Book 1) - Elizabeth Jane Howard

1937. Every summer, the Cazalet brothers – Hugh, Edward and Rupert – return to the family home in the heart of the Sussex countryside with their wives and children. There, they are joined by their formidable parents and unmarried sister Rachel to enjoy two glorious months of picnics, games and sun-drenched excursions to the coast. But not even this idyllic setting can soothe the siblings’ fears and heartache.

Hugh, haunted by memories of the Great War, is terrified at the looming prospect of a second. Edward, charming and handsome, is torn between his wife and his latest infidelity. Rupert, a talented painter, is in turmoil over his inability to please his demanding new wife. Meanwhile, Rachel’s unflinching loyalty to the family means risking her one chance at happiness . . .

 

What did I think?

The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard was first published in 1990 and I'm surprised I haven't read it until now but it's definitely a case of better late than never.  It's the first book of The Cazalet Chronicles and I am completely invested in the lives of this quirky and privileged family.

The book starts with a family tree and a cast of characters that are both very useful and I referred to it a lot until I got to know the characters.  It's such an honour to see into the lives of each branch of the family tree as they return to the family home for the summer.  With England on the brink of war, they are very fortunate to have another home outside of London although one of the brothers would perhaps prefer to stay in London where his wife can't see what he's getting up to.

I think this is the first book I have read where I have really appreciated the short time between the two world wars.  Those who fought in 1914-18 are still carrying the scars and their loved ones have barely got over the worry of their husbands and sons never returning home.  Even though this is a wealthy family, they have been touched by war.

Elizabeth Jane Howard writes so beautifully and vividly.  I could easily imagine the various scenes that played out and I don't think I have ever made a note of so many favourite quotes from the exquisite prose.  There are some disturbing scenes as the family negotiate the rollercoaster of life but they are handled very sensitively.

Compelling, immersive and evocative, The Light Years is a wonderful introduction to the Cazalet family and I can't wait to see what is in store for them next.  Very highly recommended.

I received a gifted ARC for the Book Break readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: Rose Red Undead (Fablenoir book 2) - Vic Sinclair

After descending into the terrifying underbelly of magickal New York and uncovering unspeakable crimes, Detective Jackson Slade and the fierce outlaw Goldilocks must face a whole new level of death and destruction festering from a strange world below the earth.

Meanwhile in Los Angeles, an orphan nicknamed Snow White reunites with her black-winged guardian angel Lucifer as he appears during her shift in the night cafe. When the archangel convinces Snow her magickal abilities are needed to stop the darkness consuming New York City, harrowing memories are brought to the surface as she’s forced to face the demonic creatures from her past.

As paths of chaos cross and uncertain alliances are tested, the reanimated sorceress known as Rose Red stands at the center of a decaying world, leaving utter destruction in her wake.

With the wolves closing in and the butchered bodies piling high, it’s up to Jack, Goldilocks, and Snow to try and put an end to this nightmare of a fairy tale.

 

What did I think?

Having absolutely loved Fablenoir I couldn't wait to to read the sequel, Rose Red Undead,  and once again Vic Sinclair takes the reader on a dark and twisted journey with an unusual cast of characters.

The characters are all inspired by fairy tales, nursery rhymes and children's literature but they are nothing like the originals.  Jack (of beanstalk fame) is a detective who is addicted to magic beans and turns to outlaw Goldilocks to fight the powerful sorceress Rose Red, the sister of Snow White.

Although it's a different story to Fablenoir with some new characters, I would advise reading Fablenoir first as it's brilliant but also gives you the story behind the Jack and Goldilocks partnership.  I sometimes got a bit confused about the characters, especially those who had several names like Elizabeth Snow, who is also Lili and Snow White.  I was reading too fast though so part of the confusion was my own greed in devouring every dark and delicious word as fast as I could.

The plot is very dark and gripping and Vic Sinclair's writing is breathtakingly evocative, resulting in a book that is difficult to put down and impossible to forget.  Rose Red Undead is an original and imaginative urban fantasy novel that is well worth a read.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the LBT bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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