Roberta Reads

  Review - 5 Stars: The Lady Eleanor Swift mysteries are a favourite series, and we’re already on book 12. I have loved every single one, including Murder in an Irish Castle. This time, Eleanor and Clifford have travelled to Ireland, where they’ve been invited to spend Christmas at the estate she inherited there from her uncle. When they arrive, they discover that all is not as it should be at the estate, and in the village. They obviously then investigate! This book felt more sinister than any of the previous stories. I think perhaps because Eleanor was cut off from all her usual resources (except for Clifford), and there seemed to be some sort of conspiracy going on. However, there was still plenty of banter between the two, and other funny moments. It was interesting to see them manage both the mystery, and the day to day chores etc, without the usual backup. Luckily they are both very intrepid and resourceful, after all their adventures (both in the book series and before). The...

A Snowfall by the Sea by Isla Gordon My rating: 4 of 5 stars I’ve been enjoying Isla Gordon’s books for many years now (under her various pen names). This one is no exception. The story follows Cleo, who has got a bit stuck in her life, and wants to start speaking up for herself more. I think Isla Gordon does an excellent job of showing us how trapped Cleo has become by her own inertia and wanting to please the people she loves, and really making the reader feel that frustration build. I really enjoyed seeing Cleo start to break that shell and figure out what she wants from life. Of course, as well as the personal development, there’s a lovely romance too. I loved seeing all the almost moments through the years that Cleo and Eliot have known each other. I love romances that don’t just start over a few days! I enjoyed the relationship between Cleo and Gabriela, how they support each other. I loved the chaotic Christmas caused by the snow, with new peo...

A Killer Christmas at Honeychurch Hall by Hannah Dennison My rating: 3 of 5 stars It’s always fun to return to Honeychurch Hall and its surroundings for another mystery. This time around, a rare Emerald Barbie is stolen, and then dead bodies start appearing. This book was another fun and easy read from Hannah Dennison. I enjoyed following Kat as she tried to find out what on earth is going on, yet again! However, I’m beginning to find Kat’s relationship troubles rather tiresome. It’s about time she had some happiness in (or out of) a relationship. I also enjoyed Edith’s shenanigans, though I do feel concerned about her health. The plot was a good one, and I didn’t work out who the culprit was until almost the big reveal (mostly because there were so many shady characters!). It’s always enjoyable when I don’t have it figured out early in the book. Overall, this was a fun murder mystery, full of shady characters. A good way to while away a few hours. I...

Christmas at Applemore by Rachael Lucas My rating: 5 of 5 stars I’ve been a big fan of Rachael Lucas’ books ever since I read The Telephone Box Library, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Christmas at Applemore. I was not disappointed! It was so lovely to return to Applemore, and see how all my friends there are getting on. This book focuses on Polly, who runs the shop. All her siblings are paired off, and she’s feeling a little bit lonely. This story is set in the run up to Christmas, and the festive atmosphere is there right from page one. The story felt warm and cosy, like a big hug. I loved reading this book, I got so absorbed in the story that I didn’t realise I was near the end until I reached it. The plot was fun, and lovely. I loved the sense of community, and the wintery atmosphere. Overall, this was such a lovely story. It was full of festive feeling, and warm, happy endings. I highly recommend it to curl up somewhere warm with on a cold day. I...

Murder in the Wings by Kate P. Adams My rating: 5 of 5 stars I have been a fan of Kate P Adams’ writing since the very first Charleton House mystery. I loved Murder En Suite (the first book in the Joyce & Ginger series), so naturally I read Murder in the Wings as soon as I received it. I enjoyed this book so much. I wasn’t feeling well when I picked it up, and it was a wonderful distraction. I loved reuniting with Joyce and Ginger. They’re such a great pair of characters. Joyce is quite out there sometimes, but she’s got a great heart. Ginger is quieter, but just as strong minded as Joyce. I love reading their banter, watching them interact is so much fun, and they’re also becoming really good friends. I love their determination to have fun AND find out the truth. I also loved the mystery, which involves the past as well as the present. As always, it’s very well written, and I didn’t guess who the culprit was until very near the end. If you’re lo...

  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...