totallytales's Reviews (1.9k)

An absolute gem! - I knew I was in for a treat Morgan's books are always a heart-warming delight but I think this is her best yet.

I found it impossible to put down, the characters draw you into their lives. They are flawed (aren't we all!), realistic and relatable. As the secrets start spilling out you'll be rooting for them to find their happy ending.

The writing is free-flowing and a joy to read, the two vivid perfectly drawn backdrops from the lively colour filled New York to the somewhat less hectic stunning Cumbria.

Don't miss this uplifting story of love, loss, family & new beginnings.

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

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A twisty creepy psychological thriller set in a tiny coastal town. Brilliantly narrated, this engaging read will keep you guessing till the very end.⠀


Filled with unpredictable, unreliable and for the most part unlikeable characters... But I love a dysfunctional cast, trying to guess what is really going on and what the motivates are. I guessed the some but others I didn't see coming! ⠀
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It missed out on 5

Oh my gosh! Where do I start? It is funny, feisty & full of heart seriously don't miss it!

Full disclosure, I was really worried this book wouldn't meet the lofty heights I hold The Flatshare to (best read of 2019! to be reread & treasured on my forever shelf!) but I am over the moon to report those worries were unfounded and The Switch completely blew me away and now holds the title of my best 2020 read so far!

It is absolutely perfect! O'Leary weaves another fabulous totally unique tale that sweeps you up into the lives of Eileen & Leena, the whole cast of characters are superb! - they have real substance and will no doubt find a way into your heart, even grumpy old Arnold! (& a couple will find their way into your bad books).

I laughed, I cried and above all, I was left feeling uplifted with that warm fuzzy glow inside wondering if it was too soon to reread it. The Switch is going right next to The Flatshare on my treasure forever shelf. I cannot wait to see what O'Leary comes up with next! ....how long do we have to wait for book 3?

Honestly, if there is only one book you read this year make sure it is this one! It envelops you into a community you didn't know you needed to be part of, it will steal your heart and stay will you long after the last page.

Thanks to Quercus & Netgalley for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect escapism - I absolutely loved this novel, the scenery is idyllic and the food sounds scrumptious!

The storytelling is beautiful, I was completely absorbed in the lives of Becky, Petra, and Elias. Filled with laugh-out-loud moments and a few more poignant ones too, you'll soon be hooked, torn between reading it as fast a possible so can see how it all turns out and not wanting it to end.

This perfect rich, warm and sunny read a fabulous story to lose yourself in, especially in these crazy times.

Thanks to Aria Fiction & Netgalley for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Beautifully written & poignant - I absolutely loved this novel!

This was an evocative tale, the setting was so vividly illustrated it was impossible not to get drawn into the action and transported to New York. Addictive and dazzling, you won't want to step away from it until you have turned the very last page.

This colourful cast of characters is multi-dimensional, totally distinctive from one another. They are far from perfect but brilliantly authentic. Vivian stole my heart from the first page and will always have a piece of it; vibrant, sexy and wise she is one incredible woman.

An absolute joy to read - the writing is charming, poetic and seemingly effortless. Gilbert set out for City of Girls to “go down like a champagne cocktail — light and bright, crisp and fun.” I'm delighted to report it did exactly that. It is also thoughtful, thought-provoking, a true gem.