emma_rreads's Reviews (183)

When a woman's body is found decades after she vanished, young reporter Nicoletta reports the news, but soon discovers that things don't quite add up.....
An enjoyable read that I sailed through quickly with really interesting and topical discussion points around abortion. It did feel a little contrived at times, and things fell into place a little too easily throughout the investigation while I felt that some of the grittier parts of the book could have been explored with more depth. I really enjoyed the authors writing however and would definitely read more from her. 

A fascinating read of how one of the actresses from one of my favourite tv shows was drawn into a cult. Brilliantly read by Bethany Joy Lenz, it’s told from a position of strength and healing and really makes you consider how people’s vulnerabilities are preyed on.

A really readable novel focusing on a woman, Lucy, whose sister, Nicki, is missing. 
Nicely paced, my only quibble is that the twist felt a little contrived and close to the edge of being unbelievable…I felt as if another layer could have been added to help explain this a little more believably. Still, it held me in its clutches and the chapters told from the POV of the abductor were brilliantly chilling and more than made up for any doubts. 

This was such a refreshing read, the story of a germaphobe young man who seems to be on the spectrum, and a greyhound called Gary. It’s funny and endearing, and the moments between Gary and Benjamin are so touching. With a backdrop of nefarious dog owners at the racetrack as well as Benjamin coming to terms with his Nan’s failing health, it’s a lovely read which offers something a little different

How I have loved my time with the effervescent folk at Coopers Chase!  The series is terrific fun and has brightened up many a dull drive or cleaning session. This one was also sad too with

the death of Elizabeth’s husband, Stephen. It was brilliantly written, in keeping with the characters and felt true to who they were

I will very much be looking forward to the fifth instalment, due out in 2025, I believe!

Enjoyable whimsical read that left me feeling all warm inside by its end! 

I’m currently enjoying a phase of obsessively reading wartime historical fiction, and The Weight of Goodbye stands proudly amongst them. 
Following Lucia, a young and privileged woman as she learns a truth about her father she can’t stomach and leaves her family behind. Told across multiple timelines, it follows her through friendship, love and tragedy. I loved the sections of the novel which focused on Lucia’s experiences as an ambulance driver during the Blitz, and I was fascinated by the references to the Blackshirts, which somehow I’ve never come across before, but will now be looking into.
An emotional read, perfect for curling up with and getting lost in.

Was this an easy read? No, it’s bound to be one that will be triggering for some because it deals with some tough topics. However, for me this was a masterclass in characterisation. Adelaide is imperfectly perfect, the kind of character you fall in love with and ride the highs and lows with. Her relationship with Rory and her wonderful friendship group provide light and shade bringing this story to life. It goes to dark places, but it also feels relatable and full of hope. I loved every second of Adelaide.

Wow, this was dark, with a hugely unlikeable main character, but I was in equal measure horrified and fascinated. The writing is sublime, layered and enticing. Abuse is a central theme, and I’m not going to lie it is thematically a tough read. But from a psychological and human perspective it is brilliant.

I’m really enjoying this series, fun with a great cast of ballsy characters (Elizabeth and Joyce are the ultimate dream team) I wasn’t initially sure if i would like Fiona Shaw as a narrator as I loved Lesley Manville, but I settled in and enjoyed this title just as much