Book Review: The Dry by Jane Harper

“The rumors were fed well, and grew fat and solid. They sprouted legs and heads, and they never died.”

Originally published in 2017, The Dry by Jane Harper follows Federal Police investigator Aaron Falk who reluctantly returns to home to the small Australian town of Kiewarra, a farming community in the grip of the worst drought in a century. Falk is loath to face the townsfolk who turned their backs on him twenty years earlier, but must make his way back to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, who has been shot along with his wife and child. Forced to probe deeper into the deaths of the Hadler family, Luke’s death threatens to bring to the surface a secret that Falk and Luke Hadler shared. A secret Falk thought was long buried.

Book Review: Shadow Of A Doubt by Michelle Davies

“He’s not here yet. But he will be, soon, and when Matty sees him too, everyone will know she is telling the truth about what’s been disturbing her nighttime for the past few months.”

Set to be released on 4th February, Shadow Of A Doubt by Michelle Davies follows Cara who, twenty-six years ago, was sent to a psychiatric unit for killing her brother in their family home. But the truth is, she didn’t do it. The whole world believed that eight-year-old Cara killed her younger brother on that fateful night, but she blamed it on a paranormal entity she swears was haunting her house. No one believed her and, after two years of treatment in a psychiatric unit for delusional disorder, Cara was shunned by her remaining family and put into foster care. Now she’s being forced to return to the family home for the first time since her brother’s death, but what if she’s about to re-discover the evil that was lurking inside its walls?

BLOG TOUR: Into The Woods by David Mark

Set to be released on 21st January, Into The Woods By David Mark follows investigative journalist Rowan Blake who is looking for an idea for his next book. He’s soon reminded of the case of three school-friends thirty years ago who went missing after taking a walk in the woods. Only two came back – their memories a jumble of hallucinations and twisted visions. But why did nobody look for the missing girl?

Book Review: The Shadow Man by Helen Fields

“A sleeping woman watched over by the stranger who had hidden for hours in the shadowed bay of her bedroom curtains. That’s all there was to the scene. He was a spider, patient and unmoving, poised to drop and stun his prey. There was no malice to it. Only need.”

Set to be released on 4th February, The Shadow Man by Helen Fields follows Forensic Psychologist Connie Woodwine and Detective Brodie Baarda as they try to find a kidnapper lurking the streets of Edinburgh who is collecting his victims. But he doesn’t keep them safe. Elspeth, Meggy and Xavier are locked in a flat. They don’t know where they are, and they don’t know why they’re there. They only know that the shadow man has taken them, and he won’t let them go. Desperate to escape, the three of them must find a way out of their living hell, even if it means uncovering a very dark truth. Because the shadow man isn’t a nightmare. He’s all too real. And he’s watching.

Book Review: The Familiars by Stacey Halls

“Sounds like a witch to me. How else would she know those things?”

Published in 2019, The Familiars by Stacey Halls is set in Lancashire in 1612 and follows newly-wed noblewoman Fleetwood Shuttleworth who, at the age of only 17, is with child again. None of her previous pregnancies have borne fruit, and her husband, Richard, is anxious for an heir. Then Fleetwood discovers a hidden doctor’s letter that carries a dire prediction: she will not survive another birth. By chance, she meets a midwife named Alice Grey, who promises to help her deliver a healthy baby. But Alice soon stands accused of witchcraft. Is there more to Alice than meets the eye? Fleetwood must risk everything to prove her innocence, but time is running out and both of their lives are at stake. Only they know the truth. Only they can save each other.

Book Review: Would Like To Meet by Rachel Winters

“Sometimes you can only get where you need to go by taking small steps. You just have to be willing to take a chance.”

The 2020 rom-com by Rachel Winters, Would Like To Meet follows 29-year-old Evie Summers who, after seven years as an assistant, is ready to finally get the promotion she deserves. But now the TV and film agency she’s been running behind the scenes is in trouble, and Evie will lose her job unless she can convince the agency’s biggest and most arrogant client, Ezra Chester, to finish writing the script for a Hollywood romantic comedy. The catch? Ezra is suffering from writer’s block, and he’ll only put pen to paper if singleton Evie can prove to him that you can fall in love like they do in the movies. With the future of the agency in jeopardy, Evie embarks on a mission to meet a man the way Sally met Harry or Hugh Grant met Julia Roberts.

Book Review: The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

“The four winds have blown us here, people from all across the country, to the very end of this great land. And now, at last, we make our stand, fight for what we know to be right. We fight for our American dream, that it will be possible again.”

Set to be released on 2nd February, The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah is set in Texas, 1934. Millions are out of work and a drought has broken the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods. The crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all. In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elsa Martinelli must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life.

Book Review: The Last House On Needless Street by Catriona Ward

“Killing things is hard, sure, but keeping them see and alive is much more difficult. Oh boy, do I know about that.”

Set to be released on 18th March 2021, The Last House On Needless Street by Catriona Ward tells the story of a serial killer, and a stolen child. In the dark forest at the end of Needless Street, lies something buried. But it’s not what you think. Ted lives in an ordinary house at the end of an ordinary street. All of these things are true, yet they are all lies… You think you know what’s inside the last house on Needless Street. You think you’ve read this story before. That’s where you’re wrong.

READALONG: Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid

“I don’t need you to be mad that it happened. I need you to be mad that it just like… happens.”

The 2020 book Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid follows a young black babysitter, Emira Tucker, who is confronted while watching two-year-old Briar one night, when a security guard at their local high-end supermarket accuses Emira of kidnapping. A small crowd gathers, and a bystander films everything. Her boss, Alix Chamberlain, resolves to make it right. But Emira is aimless, broke, and wary of Alix’s desire to help. At twenty-five, she is about to lose her health insurance and has no idea what to do with her life. When the video of Emira unearths someone from Alix’s past, both women find themselves on a crash course that will upend everything they think they know about themselves, and each other.

Book Review: The Burning Girls by CJ Tudor

“500 years ago: eight martyrs were burnt to death. 30 years ago: two teenagers vanished without trace. Two months ago: the vicar committed suicide.”

Set to be released on 21st January, The Burning Girls by CJ Tudor follows the new Reverand of Chapel Croft, Jack Brooks, and her teenage daughter Flo, who are hoping to make a fresh start with a new job and a new home. But, as Jack knows, the past isn’t easily forgotten. And in a close-knit community where the residents seem as proud as they are haunted by Chapel Croft’s history, Jack must tread carefully. Ancient superstitions as well as a mistrust of outsiders will be hard to overcome. Yet right away, Jack has more frightening concerns. Why is Flo plagued by visions of burning girls? Who’s sending them sinister, threatening messages? And why did no one mention that the last vicar killed himself? Chapel Croft’s secrets lie deep and dark as the tomb. Jack wouldn’t touch them if not for Flo – anything to protect Flo. But the past is catching up with Chapel Croft – and with Jack. For old ghosts with scores to settle will never rest…

BLOG TOUR: The Missing Woman by Georgina Cross

“It’s like straight out of a thriller book. / Where do you think I got the idea from?”

Set to be released on 6th January 2021, The Missing Woman by Georgina Cross is set on in a town with two halves. On one side, women like Sabine Miller live in their huge houses with their perfect lives and happy marriages. They are “the other woman”. Erica isn’t like them. She is a single mum, but she doesn’t envy their lives; not anymore. On the fourth of July, the whole town is gathered at the local pool when Sabine throws Erica a desperate look across the water and suddenly disappears. Running to the back gate, all Erica finds is a gold charm bracelet that Sabine dropped on her way out. Hours later, Sabine’s husband reports her as missing. The whole town begins searching the streets, calling Sabine’s name over and over. On the TV, Mark is begging for someone to bring his wife home. Erica was the last person to see her alive, but she doesn’t want the police to find out otherwise they’ll begin questioning her. She’s terrified that they’ll find out what happened the two apparent strangers years ago – something she’s never told anyone.

Book Review: After The End by Clare Mackintosh

“Everyone has an opinion, yet the truth is that no one can really know what is right. No one can predict the future, and so all we can do is make a decision based on the facts we have, and—sometimes on what our heart tells us.”

After The End by Clare Mackintosh, published in 2019, follows parents Max and Pip – husband and wife, best friends, lovers, and the strongest couple around. But when their son gets sick and the doctors put the question of his survival into their hands, Max and Pip can’t agree. They each want a different future for their son. What if they could have both?

Book Review: This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens

“Life is change. If nothing’s changing, you aren’t living.”

Sophie Cousens‘ 2020 new-year romance This Time Next Year follows down-to-earth baker Minnie Cooper and well-to-do Quinn Hamilton. They were both born on New Year’s Day at the same hospital, with Quinn being born minutes earlier to win the cash prize for being the first baby born in London in 1990. Because Minnie’s birthdays have always been unlucky since, she believes that it’s down to Quinn. So when they coincidentally meet on their thirtieth birthdays, Minnie sees only more evidence that fortune has continued to favour him. The handsome, charming business owner truly seems to have it all – including the perfect girlfriend. But if Quinn and Minnie are from different worlds, why do they keep bumping into each other? And why is it that each frustrating interaction somehow seems to leave them both hoping for more?

My 2020 Reading Wrap-Up

Over the past couple of years, I have documented every film that I have watched and reviewed them all using Letterboxd. As a way to motivate myself to read more, I thought I would do the same for what books I have been reading, using Goodreads as a way to set myself a reading challenge every year.

I initially set my target as 25 books this year, but a few things happened that meant I reached this goal quite early on. Firstly, I had a baby, so this meant that I was awake at silly hours with plenty of time to read. Then, there was lockdown. Because of lockdown, I decided to join Bookstagram and NetGalley and get more serious about reviewing books. So now, instead of reading two books at most a month, I’ve been reading up to ten.

I upped my goal to 60 around halfway through the year, and still managed to pass that by reaching 74 books. This year has really rekindled my love of books, and I can’t wait to start 2021 with this new passion.

Here’s how my 2020 challenge went:

Book Review: Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage by Katie Ginger

“It’s one thing to steal a recipe but another to steal a grandma. She probably doesn’t even have one anymore. I bet she devoured hers like a praying mantis.”

Published in 2019, Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage by Katie Ginger sees Esme’s world crumble when she loses her glitzy job on a top TV programme, her gorgeous boyfriend and her stunning London apartment, all in one fell swoop just before Christmas. Forced suddenly to move back to her sleepy home town of Sandchester, everything is looking bleak, despite the snow blanketing the roof and the fairy lights that twinkle in her rustic little cottage. That is until she reconnects with an old crush and finds herself unexpectedly getting swept away. But Joe, handsome and charming as he is, is not all he seems. Esme soon realises that he has a tragic past which he just might not be able to overcome. Surrounded by her loving family and supportive friends, Esme is determined to have a go at forging her own path, even if it all comes to nothing. But one question still lingers in her mind: will she find someone to kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas?

Book Review: A Perfect Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

A Perfect Cornish Christmas is a 2019 book by Phillipa Ashley that follows Scarlett and Ellie, two sisters who head to the little Cornish town of Porthmellow after the reveal of a shocking family secret the year before has left the family feeling anything but merry and bright. When Scarlett found out that Ellie was only her half-sister, all she’s wanted since is to find out who her real father is. So she heads to Porthmellow, where she believes the truth of her birth is hidden. She just didn’t bargain on being drawn into the Christmas festival preparations – or meeting Jude Penberth, whose charm threatens to complicate life further. Everything will come to a head at Porthmellow’s Christmas Festival, but can Scarlett have the perfect Christmas this year? Or are there more surprises on the way?

READALONG: The Appeal by Janice Hallett

“Will you accept the challenge? Can you uncover the truth? Do you dare?”

Set to be released on 14th January 2021, The Appeal by Janice Hallett tells a story through a series of documents – including emails, texts, and letters – relating to the events surrounding the Fairway Players’ staging of All My Sons, and the tragic death of one of its members. Another member is currently in prison for the crime. As the reader, it is your job to read through these documents to see if the killer has given themselves away. Will you accept the challenge? Can you predict correctly and save someone for being wrongly imprisoned?

Book Review: A Wedding In December by Sarah Morgan

“But life goes on, right? You keep walking, even when your feet are bleeding and you can hardly stand upright.”

Published in 2019, A Wedding In December by Sarah Morgan is set in the snowy Aspen, where the White family gathers for their youngest daughter Rosie’s whirlwind Christmas wedding. First to arrive are the bride’s parents, Maggie and Nick. Their daughter’s marriage is a milestone they are determined to celebrate wholeheartedly, but they are hiding a huge secret about their own: they are on the brink of divorce. Rosie’s older sister Katie is also dreading the wedding. Worried that impulsive, sweet-hearted Rosie is making a mistake, Katie is determined to save her sister from herself. If only the irritatingly good-looking best man, Jordan, would stop interfering with her plans. Meanwhile, bride-to-be Rosie loves her fiance but is having serious second thoughts. Except everyone has arrived – how can she tell them she’s not sure? As the big day gets closer, and emotions run even higher, this is one White family Christmas none of them will ever forget.

Book Review: The Betrayal (Olivia Sinclair #1) by Terry Lynn Thomas

“Olivia Sinclair’s life fell apart on the day of her sixty-second birthday.”

Set to be released on 7th January 2021, The Betrayal by Terry Lynn Thomas is the first in a planned Olivia Sinclair series. The story follows attorney Olivia Sinclair who is shocked to receive an anonymous video showing her husband Richard sleeping with someone else. After years of handling other people’s divorces, she thought she could recognise a marriage in trouble. She angrily throws Richard out of the home they share. But days later she’s arrested—for the murder of his mistress. Olivia knows she’s innocent but, with all the evidence pointing at her and an obvious motive, she must find the real killer to clear her name. She may be used to dealing with messy divorces, but this one will be her most difficult case yet. Olivia’s husband has already betrayed her: would he set her up for murder?

Book Review: The Christmas Killer (DI James Walker #1) by Alex Pine

“As the snow begins to fall, the body count begins to climb…”

The 2020 thriller by Alex Pine, The Christmas Killer follows DI James Walker who is ready for a quiet family Christmas in the sleepy village of Kirkby Abbey. But when he opens an early Christmas present left on his doorstep, he soon realises that won’t be possible. Inside is a gruesome surprise, and a promise – twelve days, twelve murders. Not long after, the first body is found, half-frozen in the snow. As the blizzards descend, panic spreads through the remote Cumbrian village – there’s a killer amongst them, and with eleven more victims to go, anyone could be next.