Roberta Reads

  My  Review - 5 out of 5 Stars: I do love a Christmas romance, and Sue Moorcroft writes them so well!  I loved this story. Sky buys a house in Middledip, where she spent the happiest time of her childhood, and it proves a bit of a bolt hole when her job goes sideways. I loved returning to Middledip, and Sky is such a great character. I love the way she just gets stuck into village life, and how she cares about the environment. Daz is also a great character, and is generally kind and caring, though his lack of ability to see that someone’s behaviour could be down to past trauma, rather than just being dramatic, does slightly tell against him. However, it’s lack of experience and imagination, rather than lack of empathy, so I forgave him!  I loved Ron too, and his part in the plot, but I can’t really say anything about that without major spoilers. You’ll just have to read the book to find out! I really enjoyed seeing Sky and Daz get to know each other. I also really l...

Honeymoon for One by Rachel Bowdler My rating: 5 of 5 stars Every year, I pick one Christmas ARC by an unknown (to me) author. This was my pick for Christmas 2022. I was drawn in by the beautiful cover. I loved reading this book. It was definitely towards the more emotional end of what I like to read, but so worth it. I liked Robin and Neve a lot. They both have struggled with difficult relationships, which holds them back from romance. Consequently, their character development over the course of the story is lovely to see. I loved the setting so much, the lodge in snowy Canada. I loved Juniper too, she definitely added to the story. I loved the epilogue, it rounded off the book perfectly. Overall, this book was funny, sweet, romantic, and a little bit emotional. The perfect way to get those happy, seasonal feelings going. I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

4 out of 5 stars I chose this book because it looked like a lot of fun, and it was. The story follows Ava, when she and her mum move to a new town, because they’ve inherited a house there. The house is full of mysterious old artefacts, and magical fun ensues. I really enjoyed reading this book. It only took me about an hour, but it was a lot of fun. There was magic, and humour too. I really liked Ava, and Lily. And, of course, Pepper the dog! I loved the way the girls worked together to solve the problem. I loved the illustrations by Giang, they really bring the story to life. I particularly loved the one when Pepper’s food has been eaten by the mysterious creature! Overall, this was a fun and quick read, full of magic. I hope there will be more books to enjoy in this series. I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.  

The Day My Best Friend and a Migraine Slept Over by Audrey Beth Stein My rating: 4 of 5 stars I chose this book as I suffer from migraines, and I know that children can too. I think this book does a great job of informing about migraine in a way that is accessible to children, whilst also being a good story. The title seems a little clumsy, but it accurately conveys what the story is about. The illustrations are colourful and attractive, and do a good job of showing what experiencing an aura and migraine can be like. Overall, this book is both a fun story, and informative. View all my reviews

Snowed In For Christmas by Sarah Morgan My rating: 5 of 5 stars Sarah Morgan has been a top 10 author for many years, so I grabbed Snowed in for Christmas! I was not disappointed. I loved this book so much. I loved the setting (slightly isolated house in Scotland). I loved the snow (soooo Christmassy). I loved the family, how they didn’t always see eye to eye, but ultimately really cared for each other and backed each other up. And l loved the way throwing Lucy into the mix made such a contrast and brought out the best in everyone. I loved all the romances too. I liked the fact that there’s a long established relationship, as well as several that are earlier on. I think my favourite character was Nanna Jean. She was just so funny, and lovely! And there’s a lovely dog too. Overall, this story was both hilarious and heartwarming, simply a Christmassy delight. Perfect to get you into the festive spirit. I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are m...

A Boldly Daring Scheme by Lynn Messina My rating: 5 of 5 stars Audiobook review I loved this book so much. Flora is such a fun character to have as the main POV. She’s younger, and a bit more frivolous than Bea, but just as determined! I really hope we’ll see a lot more of Flora in future stories. I was so entertained by the story. Flora takes a mystery that doesn’t even exist, and somehow gets herself and Holcroft embroiled in a web of corruption. It’s hilarious, and also brilliant! The narration is spot on too, the voice that Jill Smith has chosen for Flora really conveys her character. And as always, her expression of emotions is excellent. Overall, this was an excellently narrated, hilarious romp. Brilliantly funny and also a fun mystery. What more could you want? I was given a copy of this audiobook, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

Murder on Board by Helena Dixon My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon has been a huge favourite with me since book 1, so I was thrilled to receive a copy of Murder on Board, the 10th book. I really enjoyed this book. I was so pleased to see Kitty and Matt working towards their future, and their relationship still going strong. I love following the romance going on in the background of all the murder mysteries. I also love the setting of this series too - both the location, and the time period. The mystery this time involved two seemingly separate events that occur in rapid succession at a party at the Dolphin. I did feel sorry for Inspector Greville in this one, not only did he have two cases to solve, but he also has to investigate his boss and his boss’s friends! Luckily, he has Kitty and Matt to help him. I enjoyed this one especially, as I didn’t have a clue what was going on until relatively late in the story. The pace...

A Sinister Establishment by Lynn Messina My rating: 4 of 5 stars Audiobook Review It is always a joy to return to the world of Beatrice Hyde-Clare. The combination of cozy crime, romance, and general frivolity is a winning one. This book begins with Bea & Kesgrave’s wedding, which is as entertaining as you’d imagine. As usual, we spend quite a long time in Bea’s head to start with. But then we get going with the fun mystery of a decapitated chef! The story is excellent. The mystery is thoroughly enjoyable, and kept me guessing. I loved seeing Bea and Kesgrave married, and their ongoing banter. And the humour was seriously brilliant in this volume. The story is liberally sprinkled with ridiculousness, in absolutely the best way. As usual, Jill Smith does an excellent job with the narration. It still takes me a little while to get my ear in, but once I do, it’s great. She does a brilliant job of getting the right expression in, particularly when br...

The Christmas Tree Cottage by Holly Martin My rating: 5 of 5 stars Holly Martin has been a favourite author for many years now, and I love Christmas books, so I snapped up The Christmas Tree Cottage as soon as I could. It’s just wonderful to return to Wishing Wood again. It’s such a beautiful and magical location. This time, the Christmassy atmosphere was palpable right from the start. I loved Evergreen Winters from the very first moment she appeared on the page. I love her hair, and her caravan, and her horse, and who she is. Heath is also a lovely character, who we’ve obviously met in the previous books in the series. It’s great to finally get to know him better. I loved the plot too, the way they all just accept Evergreen into their family. And I love Star so much, she’s brilliant! Overall, this was such a wonderful, heartwarming, and Christmassy romance. Like a big warm hug. I can’t wait to read Holly’s next book, The Little Beach Hut Hotel. I wa...