Roberta Reads

The Book-Lovers' Retreat: the perfect summer getaway by Heidi Swain My rating: 5 of 5 stars A new Heidi Swain book is always a treat, and this one is set in a new location. So needless to say, I was very excited to get my hands on it! I really enjoyed this book. I absolutely loved the concept, of a holiday for fans of a book and film. I loved the execution too, the way things weren’t quite as expected, but still worked out really well. I loved all four of the main characters, though Tori took a little longer. She came across as shallow and selfish to start with, but soon showed that there’s a lot more substance to her. I thought the storyline with Rachel was great. It’s easy to get into one of those kind of relationships, and difficult to get out of. I thought the story did a good job of showing that, but still having the happy ending. I loved the friendships, both the existing one between the women, and the new ones that are developed during the...

Summer at the Scottish Castle by Rachel Bowdler My rating: 5 of 5 stars I discovered Rachel Bowdler when I read Honeymoon for One (which I loved). So I was pleased to get my hands on Summer at the Scottish Castle. I really loved this book. I love the LGBTQ+ representation. I love all the characters, especially Mac and Arran. I love the setting, at a Scottish Castle and village. My only frustration was with Jess not telling Mac about her title. It’s totally understandable, but I couldn’t have done it! The plot was really enjoyable, plenty of romance, and found family, and people choosing what’s right for them. I loved Jess’s storyline especially. This was such a heartwarming and lovely romance, I honestly can’t recommend it enough. I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

  Death on Deck: 5 stars I’ve been a fan of the Lady Eleanor Swift series since the very first book, so I was pleased to get my hands on Death on Deck. I really enjoyed reading this book. The huge ship made a big change in setting, and certainly added some drama to the story!  As always, I loved spending more time with this collection of characters, who feel like old friends. Gladstone (as usual) added some much needed moments of comedy.  The plot was an interesting one. There was more going on than first meets the eye, which made it more complicated for Eleanor (and therefore the reader) to figure out the culprit(s). I do so enjoy it when I don’t have everything worked out before the end. Overall, this was another exciting and fun episode in a favourite series. And the ending is the absolute best (can’t say more because of spoilers)! I can’t wait to see what Eleanor and friends get up to next! I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own. Book Description: Whe...

Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar My rating: 5 of 5 stars I loved both the previous books in this series (though Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop was more emotional than I prefer), so I was excited to catch up with all my Clove Lore friends in Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was lovely to see how the village was recovering from the traumatic events of the winter, moving forward with their plans. And there’s a long awaited wedding of two much loved characters too! I loved getting to know Monty better, and the two new characters were great too. Radia was an absolute delight, and I could empathise with all Joy has been through, and how she’s protected her child. I loved that, by the end of the book, she’s been able to let down some of those walls. Overall, this was a lovely and emotional (in a good way) romance, with a wonderful sense of community. I recommend the whole series. I was ...

Yesterday Crumb and the Teapot of Chaos by Andy Sagar My rating: 4 of 5 stars ~~ slight spoilers in the trigger warning at the end ~~ I absolutely loved the first book in this series (Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup), so I couldn’t wait to read Yesterday Crumb and the Teapot of Chaos. I loved this book so much. I love Yesterday, her name, her grit and determination, and her fox ears! I love that she’s a tea witch (and that such magic exists). I love all the other characters too. I really enjoyed seeing some different aspects of the setting, the world building is really excellent. Learning about some other kinds of magic was fun. This story seems a darker than the previous one, but it is also a great adventure, and full of hope and friendship too. Overall, this was another exciting and magical adventure with characters that I love. I’m looking forward to the next book! TW: death of main character (ending with questionable dead/alive status) ...

Winter's Keep: A Weather Weaver Adventure #3 - A Weather Weaver Adventure by Tamsin Mori My rating: 5 of 5 stars I loved the previous two books in this series, so I was eager to get my hands on Winter’s Keep. It certainly didn’t disappoint! It was great to return to this much loved world, and cast of characters. The world building is excellent, and in each book we see a slightly wider view. I absolutely love the idea of weather weavers, and I so enjoyed seeing Stella starting to actually weave magical items. These books have a great cast of characters, and we meet new ones with each book. I love Stella, she always tries to do what’s right, and she’s brave enough to own up to her mistakes. I enjoyed learning more about Heather (I can’t say any more without spoilers!). Sid was an excellent addition to the cast, and produced some funny moments. The plot is great, with lots of adventure, working together with friends, and saving the day. Overall, thi...

  Review: 4 stars I really enjoyed this previous book in this series (Death Among the Diamonds), so I was keen to get my hands on Death by a Cornish Cove. Cressida, Ruby, and Dotty attend a fancy dress ball in Cornwall, where one of the guests drops dead. Naturally, they investigate! This book was very enjoyable to read. There’s a good balance between the fun elements, and the mystery. I loved spending more time with Cressida and Ruby, and the way that Ruby often assists the investigation.  The plot was great, with plenty of suspects, and a confusion of clues. It all came together neatly at the end, and I hadn’t guessed the murderer before the big reveal.  If you’re looking for a fun and exciting historical cosy crime, this one’s a pippin. I look forward to the next book in the series. I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own. Book Description: A seaside party at a Cornish mansion with plenty of fizz, what could be more perfect? But something fishy is afoot...

One Enchanted Evening by Katie Fforde My rating: 4 of 5 stars I’ve been a fan of Katie Fforde’s books since I started reading romance in my late teens. So I got my hands on One Enchanted Evening asap! This story is set in the 1960s, and follows Meg, the third of the friends first introduced in A Wedding in the Country. This book would work really well as a standalone, but I have enjoyed reading them in order. I loved the setting of this story. The Nightingale Woods is enchanting, if rather run down, and I loved exploring it and the grounds through Meg’s eyes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I really liked Meg, who is a quiet character in general, but stands up for herself when necessary. I wasn’t sure about Justin to start with, he was very rude and patronising, but by the end of the story we get to see his true character. I loved the fact that as well as the romance(s), the story is full of friendships. Overall, this was a lovely gentle roma...

Dragonracers by Peter Bunzl My rating: 4 of 5 stars I’ve enjoyed many of Peter Bunzl’s previous books, and I enjoy stories about dragons, so Dragonracers was a no brainier for me. I really loved Kitty and her absolute determination to fly, though I can understand why her father is so reluctant to allow how to participate in such a dangerous (at that time) activity as a child. I liked that she and Harris didn’t lose their kindness towards others in their ambition to win the race. The plot was a lot of fun, with Kitty and Harris trying to keep the dragon secret as she grows so rapidly! And the race was exciting to read. I loved the author’s note at the end, which described the real London to Manchester air race. Overall, this was a wonderful adventure that was huge fun to read. I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

A Terrible Village Poisoning by Hannah Hendy My rating: 4 of 5 stars I really enjoyed the previous two books in this series (The Dinner Lady Detectives and An Unfortunate Christmas Murder), so I was keen to get my hands on A Terrible Village Poisoning. This time around, Margery, Clementine, and friends are not in their familiar surroundings, but on holiday in another village. Naturally, people start dropping dead, and they can’t resist poking their noses in. I loved revisiting these characters, they are so much fun. I really like the relationship that Margery and Clementine have, they understand each other well and care very much. The plot is particularly fun this time - there’s a lot of confusing things going on in this village, and it takes a while to start making sense. It was very enjoyable trying to figure out the solution as more clues were revealed! Overall, this was a fun mystery, with a collection of characters that never fail to make me lau...