emma_rreads's Reviews (183)

I really wanted to love this book, but I really struggled with it. The cast of characters felt so large that I was constantly trying to figure out who was who. Added to that I didn’t gel with the writing style and couldn’t quite settle into it. Due to this, I never bonded with or felt any kind of connection with the characters and I really think this type of book requires that level of emotional connection to really feel it. Disappointing, especially after seeing all the rave reviews but then you can’t love every book!

A really enjoyable listen, easy to get into and lots of fun! Coopers Chase and its residents are brilliant, I really enjoyed the dynamic between them and Donna and Chris (the real police officers!) 

This book blew me away! The concept is so unusual and I wasn’t sure if it would work, but it really did and I loved it.

Commencing in 1486, Orsola Rosso is the daughter in the male dominated field of glassmaking on Murano, near Venice. We’re told that time works differently in Venice, and so decades and centuries go by in the outside world, while the Rosso family endure. Plague, occupation, wars, depressions……in The Glassmaker is a history of the craft, the city and those who live there. It’s cleverly written, and I will be highly recommending it. 

Oooooo, now this one is a thinker! I loved every second of this tale, which had me hoodwinked into thinking it was a heartwarming tale of a life affirming nature. 
Nope, it’s actually rather dark and twisty, dealing with themes of jealousy and mental health with religious undertones throughout. 
Cerys is gifted a surprise inheritance, completely life changing but with a set of strict rules she must follow to the letter….but soon she feels spied upon, her paranoia increasing. And is that Jesus on bike?!
Absolutely not what I thought it was going to be, and it was all the better for it!

I’m now up to date with all the Walsh family antics, and I’ve loved my time with them! An audiobook always seems to take me an age to get through, but when I get the opportunity (definitely a lot of non child friendly content in this one, no good for car journeys with the kids 😂) I always settle into Marian Keyes books like snuggling into freshly washed sheets. While Watermelon and Rachel’s Holiday will always be the stand out listens/reads for me, I’ve really enjoyed them all! 

I start every book in the Bridgerton series sure that this is the one that will end my binge - and then I find myself writing another review feeling a little bereft that my time with that sibling is over! Onto the last!

When Nell’s death date is predicted to be at the young age of thirty eight, she grabs life by the horns and experiences life to the max, all the while distancing herself from her loved ones. But when she wakes up the day after her death date very much alive, she is forced to reconsider what it is she wants from life.
With quirky characters (we should all be a bit more Juno) and witty writing, The Second Chance is a brilliant read. Ideal for book clubs who are looking for a lighter, life affirming read but with plenty to discuss. 

Without doubt my favourite to date, I absolutely loved Francesca’s story. That she was a widow added a different layer to the central romance and I could not put this down until I had finished!

I loved Eloise’s story and the development of her relationship with Phillip, as well as her more maternal side toward Amanda and Oliver. Once again, lovely, refreshing and I’m certainly loving a happy ending at the moment!

Again, I really enjoyed this and having very recently watched this season book Pen and Colin exist in my mind very separately to tv Pen and Colin! While not my favourite of the Bridgerton series, I did love it still and I’m continuing to enjoy the warm book hug i’m receiving from these books!