Roberta Reads

The Picture House Murders by Fiona Veitch Smith My rating: 4 of 5 stars I’m always on the lookout for new cosy crimes (especially historical) to read, so I was pleased to pick up The Picture House Murders by Fiona Veitch Smith. I enjoyed reading this book, which had a well thought out plot. The mystery was intriguing, and there were plenty of suspects. I liked Clara very much, she has plenty of courage. Although she’s sometimes (not surprisingly) daunted by the deep waters she finds herself in, she persists until she works out what’s really going on. I found myself frustrated by the limitations on women, though I’m sure this is realistic for the time it’s set in. I also struggled with the fact that there was no one Clara could trust, this (along with the conspiracy going on) made the story feel a little darker than most cosy crimes I read. I really liked the fact that this story is set in Newcastle, I don’t think I’ve ever read a historical cosy crim...

  Review - 4 out of 5 stars: I absolutely loved Camilla Isley’s The Love Theorem, so I was eager to get started on Love Quest. This book is Winter’s story, and she’s off to act as photographer on an expedition in Thailand. I loved reading her first sight of expedition leader Logan, which was hilarious. The banter between Winter and the rest of the team was also a lot of fun. I enjoyed reading about such a different setting to The Love Theorem, and such different characters. One thing that hadn’t changed though, was how easy and joyful the text is to read.  The only thing I didn’t like, was how much of an adrenaline ride the second half of the book was. That’s really not my thing at all. However, I know lots of people enjoy a bit of excitement, and it definitely moved the story on. If you like some danger and excitement in your romance, this will hit all the right spots. It’s adventurous, and funny, as well as a romance. I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own. ...

  Review - 5 out of 5 stars: I’ve enjoyed many books by Jaimie Admans before, so I was pleased to get her latest, A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street. I absolutely loved this book, and it’s definitely in the top ten for 2023. As usual when a book is just perfect like this one, it renders me slightly incoherent! I loved the two main characters, and the way they got to know each other over the course of the story. I loved the way that they helped each other with their difficulties and felt relaxed together. I loved the way the story took the elements of Cinderella and made it so much better! The result is absolutely magical. It’s funny, and tender, and honestly just wonderful. I don’t know what else I can say to convey how much I loved this book. I can’t wait to read the next in the series. I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own. Description: A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street A picture-perfect town; a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street... ...

  Review - 5 out of 5 stars: I’ve enjoyed a number of Julie Caplin’s books before, and when I saw the pretty cover of The French Chateau Dream, I couldn’t resist. I loved reading this book. It was so much fun. I loved Hattie and Luc, and their interactions. It made me laugh and the whole atmosphere was lighthearted. The secondary characters were also excellent. The location of the Chateau and its surroundings came through very clearly. I could practically feel the warm sunshine. I loved reading about the Chateau and Solange gradually coming back to life. Overall, this was a warm and romantic read. Like a blissful summer holiday. I highly recommend it. I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own. Blurb: The French Chateau Dream When wedding planner Hattie signs up for her dream job, organising her cousin’s wedding in France, it offers the perfect escape from a relationship that’s been going south for a while. Unfortunately when she arrives at the idyllic Chateau St Marti...