totallytales's Reviews (1.9k)

Lottie is left a cottage, by her old friend Gwen with the proviso that she lives in it for one year, then she can do whatever she chooses with it. An excited overwhelmed Lottie packs up and heads to Wynbridge, will this be the start of her country dream?

I loved this novel it has everything! - A gorgeous cottage in need of some TLC, a very handsome vet, an equally handsome handyman and it is set in the idyllic Wynbridge. Only one of the best villages around! (if only it was a real place where I could actually live there).

It's brimming with strong engaging characters and a fabulous plot that keeps you guessing. Perfect for brightening up your day, so get cosy and enjoy your escape to Wynbridge.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was utterly captivated by Messy Wonderful Us, it stole a piece of my heart!

This bittersweet tale about the messy side of love, relationships & the way they shape our lives. The characters are so relatable and real I laughed and cried along with them and for them reading these pages.

I don't want to give to much away and ruin it, so all I will say is this stunning Italian setting, a heart-breaking plot with gasp-worthy twists and turns makes this a poignant, uplifting story one you will not want to miss!

All the stars and a piece of my heart, it has gone straight up there and joined the ranks of my all-time favourites Me Before You and PS I Love you for me.

Thank-you EDPR for sending me a copy in exchange for an open & honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved the premise of this book, the characters are well developed, I really felt for Jake and I was intrigued to see where it was going, who killed Jordan?

The killer reveal is a surprise largely because the reader wasn't really given enough about the character to make him a suspect before that, it is explained and fits with the rest of the book.

BUT that plot twist with the Mayor? That is a surprise I cannot get on board with it comes out of nowhere, is confusing and far-fetched, to say the least... It really distracted from the main story and I'm gutted it ruined it for me.

Thanks to HQ Stories for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

⭐⭐

A beautifully penned tale, with characters it is impossible not to care about. Rich in detail and vividly told it's easy to get swept up by the tale, drawing you into Mabel's life and the time she lived in.

It missed out on 5⭐ because I felt it was a little too predictable and the discussion regarding class felt a bit too contrived. This wasn't my favourite Pearse novel but it was an easy, enjoyable read and I would recommend her as an author to anyone looking for a strong female lead book.

Thank-you EDPR for sending me a copy in exchange for an open & honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gripping from the start, the characters, the storyline, and location were fabulously executed constantly increasing the tension and sense of foreboding. Especially as I didn't like any of the characters, in fact, they were all quite deplorable but I couldn't stop reading about them which is the hallmark of a great writer for me, creating unlikeable characters in a way you still won't want to stop reading about.

I loved the five intertwined points of view in the beginning but by the middle, it was getting a bit tedious reading the same events five times it felt like we weren't really getting anywhere. Of course, I'm sure that is the point to increase the suspense and draw out the whodunit for as long as possible. The reveal also pushes the boundaries of believability with one too many coincidences.

Overall a compulsive entertaining read, that will keep you guessing till the very end. If you loved the Hunting Party you'll be sure to love this too it is very similar to an isolated setting, old friends, booze and a dead body... get your detective hats on bookworms!

Thank-you Harper Collins & Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for an open & honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really wanted to love this novel, but no matter how hard I tried I couldn't, I found it altogether odd (sadly not the loveable kind) and very uncomfortable to read in places. I'm sure others will adore it but it certainly didn't hit the spot I'd hoped it would for me.

It isn't all bad it made me giggle a few times (the opening croissant debacle springs to mind here!) and there are some gorgeous literary phrases. But for the most part, I found I couldn't connect with the characters at all.

It is current, it's frank & honest but Jenny is so selfish, self-obsessed and petty it broke my heart too much for me to be able to enjoy reading it. She was lacking any redeeming features for me to able to hold on to in her darkest self-absorbed moments.

Thank-you The Borough Press & Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for an open & honest review.

⭐⭐⭐

Absolutely pitch-perfect! If you are looking for a dark, gritty crime novel that totally captures you within its pages then look no further.

This compelling read will transport you to 1970's Glasgow into the world of McCoy, a brilliant protagonist a bit rough around the edges and far from perfect but he has real heart making him the perfect anti-hero.

The plot is unforgettable, the dialogue is sharp and engaging. This was my first Harry McCoy novel but it certainly won't be my last. A gripping nerve-jangling thriller is a must-read for all crime readers out there!

Thank-you Anne Cater & Canongate Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an open & honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This novel is a beautiful love story with a twist, it draws you in and breaks your heart (make sure you have your tissues at the ready!) Serle creates a compelling, clever and unique novel with characters that you love and are instantly rooting for.

A read in one sitting kind of book! A love story I wasn't expecting. It gives you all the feels and it deserves all the stars, heart-wrenching and heartwarming & will most certainly stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

Thank-you Quercus & Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for an open & honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Is it too early to call a book of the year?!

I loved One Day in December so I was intrigued to see what Silver had come up with next. She absolutely blew me away with this novel a poignant read of love and loss.

This novel had everything it touched my heart, made me absolutely ball my eyes out and above all, it gave me hope. I felt like "There is more than one happy ending for everyone."