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Blog Tour: The Adults by Caroline Hulse

Title: The Adults
Author: Caroline Hulse
Published: August 23rd, 2018
Publisher: Orion
Rating: ★★★★
Find the Author: Goodreads 


Disclosure: I was sent this ARC by the publisher, reviewing it as an impartial review. This does not sway my opinion of the book. As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.

The most hilarious debut you will read this year. 
* * * * *MEET THE ADULTS.Claire and Matt are divorced but decide what’s best for their daughter Scarlett is to have a ‘normal’ family Christmas. They can’t agree on whose idea it was, or who said they should bring their new partners. But someone did – and it’s too late to pull the plug.Claire brings her new boyfriend Patrick, a seemingly eligible Iron-Man-in-Waiting. Matt brings the new love of his life Alex, funny, smart, and extremely patient. Scarlett, their daughter, brings her imaginary friend Posey. He’s a rabbit.Together the five (or six?) of them grit their teeth over Organized Fun activities, drinking a little too much after bed-time, oversharing classified secrets about their pasts and, before you know it, their holiday is a powder keg that ends – where this story starts – with a tearful, frightened, call to the police…
But what happened? They said they’d all be adults about this…
* * * * *
If you loved THE BREAK by Marian Keyes or raved about THE ROSIE PROJECT – look no further than THE ADULTS.

First Thoughts…

There’s something just super relaxing about reading a book like The Adults. I think when I read YA, I’m like this is my game face, I’m ready to read! But Adult fiction is just a lot more calming to me, no matter what the genre or plot. When I first was introduced to The Adults by the lovely team at Orion, I couldn’t say no! It sounded like a true breath of fresh air.

My Review…

I would pick up any book that was for fans of The Rosie Project. I truly devoured those books and thought this little slice of fiction would be no exception! So, first and foremost, Claire and Matt are a divorced couple. They have a daughter together, Scarlett, who really is a little star among the pages. They want her to have a life as normal as possible, and in doing that, a perfect Christmas that runs along the line of normalcy. They don’t know how it happened, but soon enough, they’re all together and the awkwardness starts to appear. Despite the fact that they have new partners, it first gets off to a rocky but steady start. But then the cracks start to appear. 
With Claire’s new partner Patrick and Matt’s new love Alex, with Scarlett (and her imaginary friend Posey the rabbit) they make an unlikely bunch. Doing activities together and “bonding” with organised “fun” they start to unravel. Oversharing leads to secrets, tears and a whole lot of fireworks. But what they don’t expect most is to learn something new about themselves, each other and what it really means to be an adult.
Overall, I really just couldn’t get enough of The Adults. Whilst it took me a little bit to really get into the novel, the middle and end sure made up for it. The points of view, striking and capturing my attention, were poignant and funny and just so real (is it strange I really loved Posey, the imaginary “friend”?) I never expected for The Adults to be as it was (if that makes sense) and it took me on a whole different journey (in the best way possible). If you’re looking for a novel with humour, “adulting” and mayhem that leaves you feeling like you’ve read something importantly great, you’ve found your new favourite read. Four amazing stars! 
Hi Caroline! Your characters go through so much before the book even begins. Which character has been your favourite to craft personality-wise?

Hi! I should probably answer about a human character first. On that basis, it’s Patrick. I enjoyed writing his dual-edge character, showing the difference between his successful, enviable ‘outside’ and the teeming insecurities within.
Overall though, my favourite character was Posey. There’s an element of wish-fulfilment in writing a character’s imaginary friend who exists purely to support and entertain that human: who can get over physical hurdles effortlessly (logistics, gravity etc.) and who doesn’t care about anyone’s needs or feelings except those of ‘their’ human. It would be ace to go through life with a side-kick like that.
Also, Posey gets to have all the fun, all apart for having to sleep in the airing cupboard. I wouldn’t be so keen on that part.

The Adults is such a funny, yet oh-so-real book. What inspired Claire and Matt’s story?

I was trying to think of a plot for an everyday suspense, with the potential to produce tension between well-meaning people. I don’t really like to write ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’: in my books, people are more complicated than that.
I read an article in a weekend section about an ex-couple who went on holiday together with their shared family and new partners, and I just thought, How? Why?
I wish all my exes well, but I don’t have to see them on a day-to-day basis – and I don’t think it would be a great idea to go on holiday with them and their new partners! But people do! And those people must be way more mature than me.

You blend humour and drama together faultlessly. If you could write in any other genre, what would it be?

Firstly, that is lovely, thank you.
I read widely, mostly crime and thrillers, book club and literary stuff, and I would love to write a serious thriller one day. I just need to think of a killer, edge-of-your-seat plot, and work out how to drop the comedy that sneaks in to my writing. Leave it with me.

Finally, if The Adults was made into a movie, who would you *love* to play who?

I’m so sorry, I can’t answer this properly. The people in the book are so real in my mind, I can’t think how to suggest actors for it. It’s a good thing I’m not a casting director, and if The Adults does get produced as a movie, I’ll be fascinated to see who they choose!

Thank you so much for answering my questions, today.
No problem, and I’m so pleased you enjoyed the book.

Caroline Hulse spends most of her days writing, having fulfilled her dream of having a job she could do in pyjamas. She also works in Human Resources sometimes.
She is openly competitive and loves playing board and card games. She can often be found in casino poker rooms, and wishes other people would want to play Cluedo for money.
She lives with her husband in Manchester, UK, where the two are captive to the whims of a small, controlling dog.he Goodreads database with this name.

Have you read The Adults? Are you looking forward to it?


Let me know in the comments or on twitter @LittleMemoirs!


Tweet me about the book and get involved in the Blog Tour with the tag #TheAdults


happy reading!

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Book Review: The Guilty Wife by Elle Croft

Title: The Guilty Wife

Author:  Elle Croft

Published: January 25th, 2018

Publisher: Orion

Find the Author: Goodreads 


Disclosure: I was sent this book for review by the publisher. As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.


Add To Goodreads

WIFE. MISTRESS. MURDERER.
If you were being framed for murder, how far would you go to clear your name?
The debut psychological thriller that reads as Apple Tree Yardmeets Behind Closed Doors, by way of Double Jeopardy.
I’m not guilty of murder.
Bethany Reston is happily married. But she’s also having an affair with a famous client.
And no one can ever know.
But that doesn’t make me innocent.
When Bethany’s lover is brutally murdered, she has to hide her grief from everyone.
But someone knows her secret. And then one day the threats begin.
With an ever-growing pile of evidence pointing to her as the murderer, the only way she can protect her secrets is to prove her innocence. And that means tracking down a killer.
An incredibly taut, tense game of cat and mouse – with a twist you’ll never see coming.

First Thoughts… When I read Adult fiction, it’s got to be a killer-read. I can’t take any of that bland, non-existent storyline and same old, same old. I need action! Characters! An epic plot! So when I was approached to read The Guilty Wife, I was intrigued. Thrillers are definitely a genre that is popular at the moment. I own a lot of them, but never seem to get that gel with any of them, so I went into the book with an open mind.

My Review… I wasn’t expecting to like The Guilty Wife this much. But, sitting here after finishing the last few pages and reeling from a story with more twists and turns than a roller-coaster, I can say it blew my expectations out of the water. Bethany Reston is a married woman who runs a photographer studio, living in London, happily it would appear from the surface. Peaking underneath the wobbly surface, she is having an affair with a client of hers. A suave billionaire – who also happens to be married. Oh, and now, he’s dead. 

See, Calum (the dead billionaire Bethany was having an affair with) had no intentions of leaving his wife for Bethany. But that doesn’t make Bethany guilty, from a shallow perspective. But as the mistress? That does make her a suspect in the spotlight. But the further that Bethany has to hide her grief from everyone in secret, the more the mystery unravels. Throughout the bustling plot, many suspects and intricate mystery that wove itself through a modern mystery, I was totally engrossed by the compelling story Elle Croft had written. Bethany knows that to protect herself from the spotlight and evidence crawling back to her, she has to prove her story is the truth. The only way she knows to clear her name is to catch the killer. But catching a murderer? Not as easy (or safe) as it may seem…

Overall, this book totally changed my perspectives on trying something new to read. I was so surprised how I didn’t know who was guilty or not, and the things I didn’t see coming (even though I’m usually so good at that!). I did get a little lost toward the end when the plot started unraveling, but as a whole, The Guilty Wife is a must-read for Thriller-lovers and a true great read. I can see myself recommending this to a lot of my friends and family that love this genre for it’s originality and surprises around each corner! Huge four stars. Loved.



Have you read The Guilty Wife?

What did you think?

Let me know on Twitter, Facebook or in the Comments! 

happy reading!

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Book Review: “The Fall” by Bethany Griffin (Halloween Week of Horrors)

Title: The Fall

Author: Bethany Griffin
Genre:  Young Adult – Supernatural/Paranormal (Gothic)
Release Date: October 2nd, 2014
Published by: Orion Childrens


★ I received this from Orion / Indigo for review. As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. ★ 

For Madeline, the House of Usher is a nightmare to live in – but impossible to leave – in this brand new Gothic novel from Bethany Griffin, author of the Masque of the Red Death sequence.


Madeline and her twin brother Roderick have the Usher name, the Usher house – and the Usher disease. Something is wrong with the family’s blood – and it seems to have spread to the house itself. Sometimes Madeline even thinks that the house is alive… When Roderick is sent away to school, the house seems to want revenge on the one member of the Usher family left behind: Madeline herself.

A gorgeous, eerie, darkly Gothic tale, THE FALL is guaranteed to intrigue and enthrall its readers, winning legions of new fans for the talented Bethany Griffin. Perfect for fans of Laini Taylor, Becca Fitzpatrick and Cassandra Clare.

Hailed as a creepy, Gothic thriller from Bethany Griffin, I was immediately intrigued to The Fall. Inspired by the Edgar Allen Poe work, “The Fall of the House of Usher”, I was ready to get into the Halloween spirit with this read!



The Fall follows Madeline Usher, a girl that has spent her whole life living in the Usher House, an old and not to mention, cursed, house. You can never leave the house, and yet, you’re not really there either. The house is pretty much evil in itself, ruthless and sly. Here, in a strange turn of events, the house is the enemy in this thriller read. Not a person, but a house. 

The story is slow-paced and not withholding on the frights and creepy atmosphere. We first meet Madeline when she awakes in a coffin. She realizes soon enough that she’s not just in a coffin, but she has been buried alive in the house. We don’t find out why just yet – first, we go back through Madeline’s years in the house and parts of her life at different ages until we understand – and then we return. 

But the understanding is the tricky part – there isn’t a straight forward answer. The answers to the Gothic setting of suspense and creep factors were written between the lines. We cannot understand the story until we live it like Madeline, piecing through the moments of her life and enveloping ourselves in her tormented world inside the Usher House. 

Although The Fall was short paced and the chapters weren’t long, it was still by far a great read. At times I was confused, then amazed, then taken aback by the strangeness of Madeline’s world. But the first chapter – that will stay with me for a very long time. Bethany Griffin has written a breathtaking, incredible novel that will leave you chilled and amazed with the cliffhanger and brilliant storytelling. 

With paranormal settings and a storyline that will pull you in, The Fall is not to be missed this Halloween. 

The first chapter will always be my favourite. And that ending.

Fans of thrillers, slow-paced suspense and paranormal novels!




Have you read The Fall?

What did you think?


Tell me in the comments, on twitter or by using the hashtag #TheFall


happy reading! 

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Book Review: “If You Find Me” by Emily Murdoch





Title: If You Find Me 

Author: Emily Murdoch
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary
Release Date: 30th January, 2014
Published by: Indigo (Orion)
Purchase at: Amazon

Thank you to Indigo for a copy of If You Find Me! As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias.












There are some things you can’t leave behind…

A broken-down camper hidden deep in a national forest is the only home fifteen year-old Carey can remember. 
The trees keep guard over her threadbare existence, with the one bright spot being Carey’s younger sister, Jenessa, who depends on Carey for her very survival. All they have is each other, as their mentally ill mother comes and goes with greater frequency. Until that one fateful day their mother disappears for good, and two strangers arrive. Suddenly, the girls are taken from the woods and thrust into a bright and perplexing new world of high school, clothes and boys.

Now, Carey must face the truth of why her mother abducted her ten years ago, while haunted by a past that won’t let her go… a dark past that hides many a secret, including the reason Jenessa hasn’t spoken a word in over a year. Carey knows she must keep her sister close, and her secrets even closer, or risk watching her new life come crashing down.


 There has been so much buzz about If You Find Me across the blogs I read and it was getting four and five stars all over Goodreads whenever I was browsing, so of course I hit want-to-read. I was so happy to get a copy of the AH-mazing book with the equally incredible UK cover, which is more than beautiful, from Orion/Indigo. 


 I was actually speechless after finishing If You Find Me – for all the right reasons. It left me feeling like I had just read something I just needed to tell everyone about, like they needed to read just how amazing it was. It had the spark of a John Green novel to rope in any YA book lover and the authenticity of a Jodi Picoult book to interest Adult readers. Ultimately, I couldn’t see how anyone wouldn’t love what beauty the pages held.

 I honestly think that there is a very rare beauty in IYFM that just pours emotion all over the pages, written powerfully and exquisitely, constantly leaving me in complete awe. The plot pulled on my heartstrings and it was honestly impossible not to fall in love with the story and the characters. 
There was a certain uniqueness about it’s premise and the way it wasn’t at all predictable, constantly surprising me and leaving me, again, speechless.  Love is a main subject that exists in the story-world, whether it’s the sisterly bond between Carey and Jenessa or when the sisters have to adapt to the new world that should have been theirs all along, I really got a glimpse at how beautifully complex it all was and how truthful and believable the story felt to me. 

 Carey had a very distinctive narrative voice and she was quite the incredible character. She was a great sister and friend to Jenessa and their bond and friendship was breathtaking; how they had come to rely on each other and depend on that connection to carry them through some of the toughest times in their lives. 
A character that surprised me was definitely Melissa, because I thought that possibly, she wouldn’t accept the sisters into her life, but she did and she was wonderful with them, welcoming them with open arms. All the relationships were crafted enchantingly and the characters alone were well worth praising in the novel. 

In a league of it’s own by far, If You Find Me was a rare gem among the others in it’s genre. I can’t recommend it highly enough to give it justice. Emily Murdoch is definitely an author I’m going to watch for in the future and I can’t wait to read more from her. 5 star worthy completely.


Have you read If You Find Me?

What did you think? 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!

happy reading!
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This Week I…{#1}

“This Week I…” is a new weekly sort-of meme where I generally ramble on about what happened in my week, book related and more. 



                          
Alice Through The Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter
Anything to Have You by Paige Harbison

 

                                                 

                                                
  Stormy & Heaven’s Gonna Wait by Hedley –
I could listen to Hedley all day, so it’s no surprise they’re in my playlist this week
Perfume (feat. Sia) by Britney Spears – 
I only just discovered this version of the song online and fell for it completely
Dark Horse by Katy Perry –
If there’s ever a time for a girl-power / kick-ass song, I will always pick this one. And it’s so catchy! 
Overjoyed by Bastille – 
Such a hauntingly beautiful song
I Do Not Love You by Ron Pope –
Another musician I could find so many songs that I love within the albums! This is just one of many, many favourites I have
The Funeral by Band of Horses –
I heard this in a YouTube video and just couldn’t get over how breathtakingly beautiful the song is!



Teen Wolf –
I love how incredible this show has evolved throughout the seasons, and now in Season 3, I’m more enthralled in the whole Scott/Allison/Stiles situation more than ever before
Grey’s Anatomy – 
How can you not be addicted to this show? 
Pretty Little Liars –
I can’t EVER miss my weekly dose of the Little Liars and when I’m not watching
 it, I’m thinking of A’s next move. What are Alison’s motives? Is Ezra really A? WHO IS A, already?!
Some others I need to catch up on: The Vampire Diaries (Klaus and Caroline?!) The Originals (How confusing is all this Witchy-stuff getting?!)


If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch – Thank you; Orion!
The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow – So excited for this one! It’s been on my TBR list forever. Thanks Mira Ink!
Letting Go by Bridie Hall – I love reading novella’s every once in a while, so I can’t wait to start this one. Thanks Bridie!


What did you do this week?

Are you excited for any of these books/music/shows?

Tell me in the comments!

Happy Reading/Listening/Watching!
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Review: “She Is Not Invisible” by Marcus Sedgwick

Title: She Is Not Invisible

Author: Marcus Sedgwick

Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary

Release Date: October 3rd, 2013

Published by: Orion Children’s

 

 

With thanks to Orion for sending me a copy for a fair and honest review. As always, my reviews are non-bias!

 

 

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17839197-she-is-not-invisible
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laureth Peak’s father is a writer. For years he’s been trying, and failing, to write a novel about coincidence. His wife thinks he’s obsessed, Laureth thinks he’s on the verge of a breakdown.He’s supposed to be doing research in Austria, so when his notebook shows up in New York, Laureth knows something is wrong.

On impulse she steals her mother’s credit card and heads for the States, taking her strange little brother Benjamin with her. Reunited with the notebook, they begin to follow clues inside, trying to find their wayward father. Ahead lie challenges and threats, all of which are that much tougher for Laureth than they would be for any other 16-year old.

Because Laureth Peak is blind.

I was so amazed by the synopsis of She Is Not Invisible that I was bemused by it. Totally unique and intriguing, I was so pleased when I got sent a copy by Orion (their books are awesome!) for review. YAY.

 

What struck me first was how
detailed and precise Laureth’s narration was, and how intricate her life was
like being blind, but that it did not trouble her at all. It was so realistically accurate that I was astounded at how
powerful Marcus Sedgwick had written her point of view. Her outlook on the
world was strong and vivid, because she had learned to perceive things
differently to how others would with sight, and how strong of a poise she had
regardless.
The story follows Laureth as she
steals her mother’s credit card to journey to find out what happened to her
father, who’s notebook has shown up in New York after he was doing research in
Austria. He’s been trying to write a novel about coincidence for several
years and without success. Laureth’s mother thinks he has an obsession with it,
though Laureth has her own suspicions, including thinking he might be heading
for a breakdown of some sort, but that something just isn’t right about the situation. So when she finds out about his notebook showing
up nowhere near Austria, and all the way over in NYC, Laureth knows that the
pieces don’t add up and she must do something…soon. 
With her odd little brother
Benjamin, she heads off into the unknown territory to find her father. I
thought at this point, and at many before and after this point, that Laureth was
incredibly brave, yet delicate at times, she had the courage that isn’t found
in just anybody, but in someone who truly believes in themselves, blind or not.
I was amazed that in the entire
novel, there wasn’t a moment where I thought I was missing out on any
descriptive writing or lacking details, because of Laureth being blind. She was
inquisitive and very aware of her surroundings, and that made for a magnificent
novel with more power and emotion than I had read in a very long time. I was
baffled, fascinated and hooked at the challenges that Laureth and Benjamin and
their family went through throughout the novel, and the consequences and
coincidence that intertwined with the plot was inevitably brilliant. 
A huge five star novel
that’s surely going to be loved by many more to come, that I thought was astonishing
and flawless. Incredible!

Have you read “She is Not Invisible”?

 

What did you think? 

 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!

 

happy reading!

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Review: “Ostrich” by Matt Greene {with thanks to Weidenfeld & Nicholson / lovereading.co.uk}

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
Title: Ostrich
Author: Matt Greene
Genre: Best suited to older YA readers/Adult Fiction
Release Date: September 5th, 2013
Published by: Weidenfeld & Nicholson
Format: Hardback ARC
 

 

Many thanks to lovereading.co.uk and Weidenfeld & Nicholson for the copy of this novel! My opinions are all non-bias and I received this from the publishers in exchange for an honest review as I’m on the panel of reviewers at lovereading.co.uk!

 

 

 

 
Alex has a story to tell. He just doesn’t know what kind it is yet. He’s got a lot of the same concerns most of us do growing up (exams, puberty and, in his case, a punctuation obsession plus a little quantum mechanics) but lately, ever since his brain surgery, everyone in his life is behaving more than a little mysteriously.
Maybe it’s adjusting to life after epilepsy or maybe it’s the pressure of his pending scholarship application, but Alex is starting to see the world through different eyes. He’s certain there’s something rotten at the heart of his parents’ marriage, and when his beloved hamster Jaws 2 starts acting up as well he decides it’s time to investigate.
So begins the journey that takes him to the limits of his understanding, the edge of his endurance, the threshold of manhood, and the country music aisle in Virgin Megastore. And eventually, on the eve of his English Composition exam, to the door of his mother’s home-made dark room. But will Alex have the courage to expose the terrible secret that lies beyond? Or would it be better for everyone if he buried his head in the sand?

 

When I was first given the chance to read Ostrich, I jumped at it. It’s been compared to the likes of The Fault in Our Stars and Submarine, so naturally, I was immediately drawn to it, especially as John Green’s novels are always surrounded by so much hype and love.

The cover! Wow. The UK edition is bright orange and so retro, not to mention gorgeous. I recently read and reviewed Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple, and there was a quote by her on the cover that claimed it was irresistible…I knew right then that I was going to be reading that ASAP.

 

 

I knew right away this was something unique. Not just unique…it was one of a kind, a mesmerising, detailed look into the complicated life of Alex. He was a character that many readers long to read about; Matt Greene gave us a deep look into the life of Alex with a witty, quirky character with a real story tell.

Half way through Ostrich, I recalled that it reminded me of when I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower because of in the way Matt Greene had given us a detailed look into Alex’s life in the way he told his story in a very truthful, intuitive way. It was slowly placed, and that was perfect for the genre it was set in, as to not rush the story along, and I loved that it was that way. It was downright hilarious in places that literally made me want to write all these different quotes down to write with my review, but there were so many witty one-liners that I kept picking a different favourite! Alex was just such a smart, funny and knowledgeable young boy, and that opened up my eyes to how refreshing it was to read about such an extraordinary character. He wasn’t naïve and understood everything about his brain surgery and just how much his parents loved him. There was this one quote that stood out as my favourite. It’s about Alex saying that he is his mother’s world. And she would die for him. That, is what I call truly connecting with the reader.

Overall, Ostrich was a story about life’s ups and downs, and how unexpected it can truly be. It was a pure and beautiful novel with everything you’ll need to make you laugh, cry and leave you with memories of how whimsical this twelve-year-old boy was, and how wonderful his story really was.
Of course, this would have nothing short of five stars.
 

Of all the books in my TBR list, this one stood out the most, and not just because of it’s tangerine colour, haha. It was one of those reads that just left me feeling like I’d read something that I knew was going to be liked and loved by everyone. And although it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it surely was mine.
 

 

I would love it if you could  Follow on Bloglovin  on bloglovin’! I love getting new followers and I promise there will always be a book here that you love.

 

Happy reading!

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Adult Fiction Review: “The Secrets Women Keep” by Fanny Blake {with thanks to lovereading.co.uk}

Published by: Orion
Author: Fanny Blake
Source: Publisher & lovereading.co.uk

No matter what the genre, I love getting books from lovereading.co.uk. They always seem to know the most perfect read for any day. Onwards with the review!

A little about “The Secrets Women Keep”…
 
Rose waits for her family to arrive at their villa in Tuscany when a casual glance at her husband’s phone tips her world upside down. The text reads simply: ‘Miss you. Love you. Come back soon.’
Daniel has always been popular with women, she knows that. But until this moment she has had no cause for worry. Has something shifted within their marriage without her realising?
As the family gathers for the summer break, Rose’s faith in Daniel is shaken. How well does she really know him? She fears that, after decades of marriage and children, the man who lies beside her at night is lying in other ways too. Then events take a tragic turn.
Wise, wry and richly entertaining, The Secrets Women Keep celebrates the passionate, emotional lives women lead as wives, mothers and grandmothers.


My Review:


The Secrets Women Keep was a breath of fresh air, something lovely to read on a Summer’s day or a beach-read. Blake writes with enthralling words that really hold your attention throughout the plot, twisting out of the genres; romance, mystery, sadness and humour.
I felt there was a certain entertaining factor and wise aspect of the novel and was written with something so realistic that it painted a vision for how it would appear, something that helped me sympathise and understand the plot and story more. I felt sympathetic to Rose with all that happened to her during the novel, and how certain people can turn out to be something you didn’t think they were, and the struggle with her secrets. It was lovely to see how a family can pull together through everything and remain strong no matter what. The Secrets Women Keep was a five-star read and I absolutely adored it.
If you’re looking for that perfect Summer read, find out more about Ms. Blake’s novel here.

thank you so much to lovereading.co.uk & Orion for the copy of Fanny Blake’s latest amazing work of words!
 
happy reading,
xo Becca

Book Review: “Elijah’s Mermaid” by Essie Fox (with thanks to lovereading.co.uk and Orion)

Captivating and unique, Elijah’s Mermaid is growing to be one of the best original, pure books I’ve read for a long time…


Elijah’s Mermaid by Essie Fox
Published by: Orion
Available: May 2013 in Paperback/Hardback/eBook £12.99


Following the success of Essie Fox’s highly acclaimed debut THE SOMNAMBULIST, this is a gloriously gothic new novel from one of the most talented historical writers around.
Since she was found as a baby, floating in the Thames one foggy night, the web-toed Pearl has been brought up in a brothel known as the House of Mermaids. Cosseted and pampered there, it is only when her fourteenth birthday approaches that Pearl realises she is to be sold to the highest bidder.
Meanwhile, the orphaned twins, Lily and Elijah, have shared an idyllic childhood, raised in a secluded country house with their grandfather, Augustus Lamb. But when Lily and Elijah go on a visit London, a chance meeting with the ethereal Pearl will have repercussions for all of them, binding their fates together in a dark and dangerous way…
In this bewitching, sensual novel, Essie Fox has written another tale of obsessive love and betrayal, moving from the respectable worlds of Victorian art and literature, and into the shadowy demi-monde of brothels, asylums and freak show tents – a world in which nothing and no-one is quite what they seem to be.

Elijah’s Mermaid was set in mid 19th Century London, England, where the setting is detailed as Victorian Gothic and bewitching; which I instantly noticed as the storyline progressed quickly. The story fixed on Pearl—an orphan raised in a brothel, and also focused on Lily and Elijah—twins, who live in the country with their grandfather, Augustus Lamb; a writer of fairytales. From the very start I knew there was a darkness dwelling in each character, though although not all the obsessive, powerful darkness came to the surface, I could tell it was there and got stronger as the book developed. There were glimmers of a grand love for Elijah and Pearl, two characters who didn’t only have an instant connection but underlying roots that would draw them closer. Elijah’s Mermaid told of a story-world I easily fell into and as I read more, it was obvious that I wasn’t putting the book down until I had finished. Overall, it was fascinating, with gripping characters and twists and turns that kept me wanting to read more and more. A true five star read.

 

 

You can also read this review at Goodreads.

Many thanks to lovereading.co.uk and Orion for sending me a copy of this amazing book!

xo Becca

Becca
Jayne
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