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The Bookseller by Valerie Keogh #Review

  Today I am featurung the latest psychological thriller by Valerie Keogh . The Bookseller was published by Boldwood Books on March 3rd. A woman with a dark past... Helen Appleby just wants a quiet life. Recently released from prison for the manslaughter of her partner, she's trying to forget her past mistakes – all of them - to rebuild her life and move on. When she decides to open a bookshop, she’s certain this is the perfect new start. Here, amongst the quiet shelves of her shop and between the covers of her books, she can hide away from the real world and begin again. The world of books the perfect place to find happiness - even if it is all lies. But the past can never stay hidden… As she settles into life as an apparently timid bookseller, it seems that someone is determined to sabotage Helen's new life and ruin everything she's built. But Helen has killed once before. And to protect her future, she could be willing to kill again... Don't miss anot...

There's No Place Like Home by Jane Lovering #Review

 

We are off to the Yorkshire Moors for another novel by Jane Lovering. There's No Place Like Home was published by Boldwood Books on January 10th. 


Isabel, Izzy to her friends, has got nothing left to lose when she makes the bravest decision of her life.

A month living under canvas on the Yorkshire Moors with five strangers wouldn’t normally be her idea of a good time, even if there is prize money to be won at the end of it, but she’s all out of options.

Joining her in this wild goose chase, being filmed for a TV show, are farmer Seb, whose marriage is creaking but who is desperate not to lose his family. Sheltered Ruth who needs an opportunity to show she can make her own decisions. Glamorous socialite Kanga, who has been living a lie. American Junior who has his own secret that has led him there. And last but not least, mysterious and brooding Mac, who Izzy can’t help but be drawn to.

As the fickleness of nature tests them all to their limits, this disparate group come together to face the challenge. But when Izzy finally tells them the truth that has brought her out on the Moors, will that be the end of their adventure, or the beginning of her future? Because what Izzy really needs is a place to call home, and someone to share it with could be even better…


 My Thoughts

There are some entertaining moments in this story as Izzy and a disparate group of characters take to the Yorkshire Moors in the depths of Winter. Their task is to take part in the filming of a reality programme as they go on the hunt of a mysterious creature. None of them believe that this is anything other than a wild goose chase, but they all have a reason for wanting to be there and are willing to go along with the search. As the novel develops, you realise that they have some serious issues beneath the surface. Some are caused through family relationships. Others have relationship difficulties. 

    Izzy is the focus of the book and gets your sympathy from the start. She is at times the voice of reason and has a clear idea of what she wants to get from the programme. There are a few poignant moments but largely the emphasis is on humour. Romance is a slow burn but there nevertheless. This is an entertaining read which manages to sell the idea that this group of people would take part in the programme.

In short: romance blossoms as characters face up to what they want in the future.


About the Author

 

Jane Lovering is the bestselling and award-winning romantic comedy writer who won the RNA Novel of the Year Award in 2012 with Please Don’t Stop the Music. She lives in Yorkshire and has a cat and a bonkers terrier, as well as five children who have now left home.

 

You can follow Jane here:  Twitter  | Facebook |  Website   |  Bookbub  |  Newsletter Sign up

Book links: Amazon UK  

Thanks to Jane Lovering, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

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