Roberta Reads

Sunlight over Crystal Sands by Holly Martin My rating: 5 of 5 stars Holly Martin books never fail to make me feel happy, I’ve loved them ever since I discovered them, years ago. This one certainly didn’t disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my high expectations! This is the story of Lyra and Nix, who meet in a hilarious mishap. It is set on Jewel Island, a location that I love, and so we get little bursts of well-loved characters from previous books in the Jewel Island series. I loved the two main characters, and their journey together. I loved the treasure hunt (can’t say any more because spoilers). The only (tiny) niggle I have is the very confusing lasagne recipe Lyra uses - cooking the mince in the oven, but *not* in the sauce? But every family has their own recipes, so this in no way detracts from the excellent writing and story. This story is a wonderful, lighthearted romance, that made me feel happy the entire time I was reading it (very rare). Th...

The wishing tree beside the shore by Jaimie Admans My rating: 4 of 5 stars I have enjoyed many Jaimie Admans books over the last few years, so I was pleased to receive an ARC of The Wishing Tree Beside the Shore. I love the idea of the tree, with so many stories in the carvings. I loved the way the community came together to try and save it. I thought Ryan and Felicity were great characters, and I enjoyed the story of them getting to know each other again, and learning to communicate better. However, my favourite characters were the sheep, and some of the care home residents. There were a good number of funny moments, which made me laugh. This story was a fun and entertaining romance, with a good dose of community, and a slightly magical tree. What could be better? I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

A Tragic Act by Kate P. Adams My rating: 5 of 5 stars It’s always a joy to return to Kate P Adam’s Charleton House series. I really enjoy this setting and collection of characters. Joyce is a particular favourite This time around, things are turning theatrical. After a rehearsal, Sophie comes across the body of the director. She then proceeds to dash around in her usual style, solving another mystery. This book was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the group of extra characters that the cast of the play brought, and I didn’t guess who the murderer was until right near the end. Kate P Adams does an excellent job of balancing the mystery, descriptions, character development, and humour. The result is easy to read, and kept me happily entertained for a few hours. I particularly liked the scene at the end, with everyone gathered round, digging into the cake. If you’re looking for a relaxing murder mystery, in an interesting setting, then look no further. This book...

Twisted Fairy Tales: Octo-Puss in Boots by Samantha Newman My rating: 4 of 5 stars I was attracted to this book by the octopus on the cover, and the excellent pun in the title. I was not disappointed. This story is chock full of funny puns, entertaining names, and great illustrations. The plot itself is fun, though not very involved. I was slightly disappointed that the only female character was given a very minor role, but you very rarely get everything you want in one book. This story would be an excellent choice to read aloud, and would entertain the reader, as well as the listener. Overall, this was a great lighthearted tale, full of humour. I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday by Kiley Dunbar My rating: 5 of 5 stars I’ve been a fan of Kiley Dunbar for a few years now, so I was delighted to receive a review copy of her latest book, The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday. The concept of working in a bookshop in a lovely location for a holiday is highly appealing, and something I’d love to do if I were healthy. Jude escapes to one for a two week break, when everything in her life is changing. Only she finds she’s sharing the holiday with a complete stranger. Cue hilarious shenanigans, carrying mattresses up and down spiral staircases, etc. This book was so relaxing and easy to read, right from the start. There is plenty of gentle humour, as well as the difficulties that Jude experiences. The setting comes through really strongly, I want to go there on holiday myself! If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing escape, look no further. This one will leave you with a warm, happy glow. I was given a free copy o...

Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Stephanie Baudet My rating: 4 of 5 stars I really enjoyed the illustrated adaptation of Sherlock Holmes: The Empty House that I read from this series, so I decided to try The Hound of the Baskervilles too. I wasn’t disappointed. This book was a really enjoyable read. The plot was interesting, and didn’t feel dumbed down (though obviously it was simplified). I think Stephanie Baudet has done an excellent job of adapting this story, and the fun illustrations by Adrianna Bellucci really bring it to life. I particularly like the way Holmes and Watson are portrayed. Overall, this was an enjoyable adaptation, suitable for children, and anyone else who wants a quick to read version. I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

The Summer Seekers: from the Sunday Times best seller of One More for Christmas comes her latest brand new romantic feel good novel of 2021 by Sarah Morgan My rating: 5 of 5 stars I have been a fan of Sarah Morgan’s books for many years now, so naturally I requested The Summer Seekers when it appeared on NetGalley. This is a tale of three women who have lost their way a little, and how they find it again. Kathleen is 80 and fears she is going to lose her independence, Liza (her daughter) has submerged herself in becoming the perfect mother and wife, and Martha is recovering from an unfortunate marriage and critical family. I loved this book. I loved the way that Kathleen and Martha’s personalities interacted. I loved the character development of all three women. I loved the summery atmosphere. I loved the gentle humour. I love the fact that the characters are women of different ages. Reading a Sarah Morgan book is like receiving a warm hug, and this ...

Chasing the Italian Dream by Jo Thomas My rating: 3 of 5 stars Having really enjoyed Jo Thomas’ previous books Finding Love at the Christmas Market, and Escape to the French Farmhouse, I decided to give Chasing the Italian Dream a whirl. I found this book was an absorbing read. The atmosphere of the location really came through, and I loved Nonno’s especially. I loved the warmth and love that went into all the food in this book. I warn you though, this story will make you crave pizza! I thought Lucia’s Nonna was also a great character, and the network of women was a wonderful touch. The one thing that frustrated me about this story is the lack of communication between Lucia and Giacomo. By 75% of the way through, they still haven’t talked properly about their past, or their future. I’m also not a huge fan of the competition and sabotage storyline, I found it stressful. I think it was well written in this case though, and an important part of the plot...

Written in Bone: Hidden Stories in What We Leave Behind by Sue Black My rating: 4 of 5 stars TW: rape, child abuse, murder, torture, and house fire cases mentioned (as you’d expect). I have not read Sue Black’s previous book, All That Remains (though it’s been on my TBR list for a while), but I have always been interested in anatomy in general. This book is a fascinating journey through the human skeleton from a forensic anthropologist’s point of view. Each part of the structure is discussed, how it functions, and examples of how it has been useful in court cases given. The result is, for the most part, easy to read. It is well written, and the mentions of criminal cases talked about in a matter of fact way. I did find one or two of them to be difficult to read, distressing accounts of child abuse and other violence. However, these are brief, and it is very interesting to read how marks left on the bone allow experts to work out what has happened to ...

Family Secrets at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland My rating: 4 of 5 stars I have very much enjoyed the previous two books in this series (Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow and New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow), so I was really pleased to receive an ARC of Family Secrets at Hedgehog Hollow. The writing flows really well, and it’s so easy to read. I was soon caught up in the story. The various POVs (and times) are clearly labelled at the top of each chapter, and I didn’t feel at all confused. I loved seeing things from Chloe’s perspective. She’s always come across as a selfish, erratic, drama-creating, sort of person, so it’s really interesting to see what’s actually going on inside her head. I think Jessica Redland does an excellent job of writing three-dimensional, realistic characters. I have loved Chloe’s character arc particularly. There’s so much more to her than appears in the first two books. Although this story (and series) contains more drama...