book-reviews
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What starts as the story of a lonely, set-in-her-ways woman rebuilding her life becomes a touching exploration of friendship, belonging, and second chances. Britt-Marie may be stubborn, blunt, and obsessed with routine, but beneath her prickly exterior is a character impossible not to root for as she discovers that life can still hold surprises, even…
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What begins as a disagreement between neighbours quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Those People Next Door is a thought-provoking thriller that blends social issues with courtroom drama, keeping you questioning everyone’s motives until the very end.
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The House in the Cerulean Sea is a heartwarming cosy fantasy that blends humour, magic and unforgettable characters with powerful themes of acceptance, found family and challenging prejudice. It’s a gentle yet thought-provoking story that reminds us that sometimes the people we’re taught to fear are the ones who teach us the most about love…
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*Advanced Reader Copy* Returning to The Book Club Murders felt like catching up with old friends. The familiar cast, another compelling mystery, and Maggie Allswell’s cosy writing style made this a thoroughly enjoyable read. While I found this instalment a little more predictable than the first, it was still an entertaining mystery that kept the…
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Atmosphere is a breathtaking blend of ambition, love, and resilience set against the backdrop of NASA’s 1980s Space Shuttle programme. Taylor Jenkins Reid creates a story that feels both intimate and epic, with a protagonist I couldn’t help but root for. Richly researched, emotionally powerful, and impossible to put down, this is a novel that…
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A fast-paced space heist set in the first city on the Moon, Artemis combines science-fiction, crime, humour, and conspiracy into an entertaining adventure. While it didn’t quite reach the heights of Project Hail Mary for me, Jazz Bashara’s witty narration and the unique lunar setting made this a fun and engaging read from beginning to…
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A beautifully layered novel exploring how one small decision can ripple through an entire lifetime. Thought-provoking, emotional, and quietly devastating, The Names examines identity, family, and the lasting impact of choice through three intertwining timelines.
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What follows is an unexpected story of connection, as Phoebe forms surprising friendships that slowly help her rediscover a reason to live and imagine a different future for herself. The wedding setting creates a striking contrast against Phoebe’s emotional state, with celebration and chaos unfolding alongside grief, loneliness, and quiet humour that lingers in the…
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At its heart, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a story about loss, loneliness, and the quiet ways healing can begin. Through the unlikely friendship between Tova, an aquarium cleaner, and Marcellus the octopus, the novel gently explores how connection can appear in the most unexpected places.
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A dazzling, scandal-filled journey through the golden age of Hollywood, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is far more than a story about fame and glamour. Beneath the designer gowns, red carpets, and dramatic headlines lies a deeply emotional tale of love, sacrifice, ambition, and identity. Evelyn Hugo is the kind of character who completely…
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*Advanced Reader Copy* A world divided by angels and demons, soul bonds that change lives forever, and a knight forced to question everything she has ever believed. The Wretched Divine delivers a rich high fantasy romance filled with forbidden tension, betrayal, political conflict, and emotional bonds that blur the line between good and evil. Slow…
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If you’ve ever wondered how I turn my thoughts into a full book review, it all starts long before I sit down to write. From choosing the right book to scribbling quick notes and shaping my final rating, reviewing is a process that grows with every page. Here’s a simple look at how I do…
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*Advanced Reader Copy* I went into The Book Club Murders not quite knowing what to expect, but it quickly won me over with its humour, charm, and intriguing premise. Following a book club that suspects they have stumbled across a real-life serial killer, the story balances light-hearted moments with genuine suspense. With a cast of…
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As Felicia gains the girl’s trust, more details begin to surface, bringing the tragedy far closer to home than she ever anticipated.” This one really stuck with me. One of Our Own is emotional, engaging, and hard to put down, even if you can see where it’s going.
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From the unpredictability of military life to the demands of astronaut training, Peake embraces uncertainty and adapts to whatever comes next. It’s a simple but powerful reminder to take life as it comes.
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In a palace where a single misstep can mean death, Maomao’s sharp mind and sharper tongue set her apart. What begins as survival soon becomes something far more dangerous as secrets unravel, poisons linger, and court intrigue tightens its grip.
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Orbital by Samantha Harvey is a quiet, reflective science-fiction novel that follows a group of astronauts observing Earth from space, focusing more on their thoughts and emotions than a traditional plot. While it explores powerful themes like grief, human connection, and the fragility of our planet, I often felt a little disconnected despite some thought-provoking…
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There’s something incredibly special about Jess and Norma. It feels less like reading a book and more like sitting down with them, listening to their stories unfold in their own voices. Warm, honest, and deeply personal, this memoir captures not just their journey, but the unbreakable bond between them. It’s comforting, moving, and at times…
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Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro is a dystopian novel that follows Kathy from her school days to her work as a carer and eventually a donor. The story’s ambiguity can be confusing at first, and I even had to Google a few details to follow along. Kathy’s emotionally distant narration made it hard…
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I discovered Simon Squibb on social media, where he asks people, “What’s your dream?” His book mixes practical advice with personal stories, sharing successes, mistakes, and tips for avoiding them. It’s inspiring and motivating, though occasionally pushy, and some ideas are controversial. I appreciated his reminder that everyone’s journey is different. Overall, it made me…