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sams_fireside's reviews
269 reviews
The Hero Virus by Russell Dumper
I had no idea how I'd feel about this book, Russell is a new-to-me author and the subject, a little outside my comfort zone. There definitely aren't any cute bookshops and happy-ever-afters in The Hero Virus! Think thriller, crime and suspense with a dystopian undertone, the world looks like it's going to end, and that might just well be due to just one man. I enjoyed it from beginning to end, it's fast-paced, entertaining, has great character development and I didn't know how it was all going to end. At one point I thought there might be a sequel coming. The author wrapped it all up nicely though, but there is definitely scope for another book if the characters fancy another outing! Oh, and that last sentence..... I thought that might happen!
I'm looking forward to going back and reading Russell's first novel, Britannia Rises - I just hope that no dogs die!
Thank you to Russell Dumper and The Conrad Press for the opportunity to read and review The Hero Virus.
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Warning! The dog dies! This isn't a spoiler because it's in the synopsis - I just never read them! However, it happens early on, and I soon got past that tragic event as the story picked up pace and, despite the murder, death, blood, guts and gore, I absolutely could not get enough, I was eager to find out what happened, and those pages just weren't turning fast enough!
I had no idea how I'd feel about this book, Russell is a new-to-me author and the subject, a little outside my comfort zone. There definitely aren't any cute bookshops and happy-ever-afters in The Hero Virus! Think thriller, crime and suspense with a dystopian undertone, the world looks like it's going to end, and that might just well be due to just one man. I enjoyed it from beginning to end, it's fast-paced, entertaining, has great character development and I didn't know how it was all going to end. At one point I thought there might be a sequel coming. The author wrapped it all up nicely though, but there is definitely scope for another book if the characters fancy another outing! Oh, and that last sentence..... I thought that might happen!
I'm looking forward to going back and reading Russell's first novel, Britannia Rises - I just hope that no dogs die!
Thank you to Russell Dumper and The Conrad Press for the opportunity to read and review The Hero Virus.
The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-hearted by Rebecca Raisin
I adored the bookshop and everything about it, from the 'potions and passages' to the quirky members of the book club. The characters are charming, and we even get a fleeting appearance from Anais, who pops in from one of Rebecca's previous books, so we also get to see what she's been up to!
We had a place near where I used to live called Astley Book Farm, in Warwickshire in the UK, and it was an amazing place. Full of second-hand books, shelf upon shelf of every genre you could think of, and something new to discover at every turn, oh and amazing cakes too! The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted reminded me a bit of this book farm - maybe they should start with the 'potions and passages' too, for any lost souls who might wander in!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Paris is once again our destination city for Rebecca's latest novel, The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted, and it was such a cute story. Coco is our protagonist and we journey with her as she weaves her way through relocation to another country, struggles with a teenage daughter, and coming to terms with the a*s*at her ex-partner was, alongside trying to find a job to help her on her way.
I adored the bookshop and everything about it, from the 'potions and passages' to the quirky members of the book club. The characters are charming, and we even get a fleeting appearance from Anais, who pops in from one of Rebecca's previous books, so we also get to see what she's been up to!
We had a place near where I used to live called Astley Book Farm, in Warwickshire in the UK, and it was an amazing place. Full of second-hand books, shelf upon shelf of every genre you could think of, and something new to discover at every turn, oh and amazing cakes too! The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted reminded me a bit of this book farm - maybe they should start with the 'potions and passages' too, for any lost souls who might wander in!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin.
A Forever Home at Honeybee Croft by Jessica Redland
Poppy's Dad was suffering with Alzheimer's and I felt that this subject was sensitively dealt with and researched thoroughly. Thankfully, no one I know has had to go through this terrible disease, but I know a lot more about it now than I did previously.
Jessica loves to bring her characters, from other books, into her current read and I adore this. It's like saying hello to old friends, finding out what they're up to now, and what's happened since we last met. All like one big happy family! I can't wait for Jessica's next book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review A Forever Home at Honeybee Croft by Jessica Redland.
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book is adorable. I fell in love with Poppy and Joel from the beginning, and I wasn't sure how they'd end up together, but I just knew they would. They clicked immediately and it was just so cute. Joel's daughter, Imogen, was a gem. I loved that she clicked with Poppy from the start, and, that isn't always an easy thing to do, but Imogen just knew that she wanted her Dad to be happy and Poppy was going to be the one who made that happen.
Poppy's Dad was suffering with Alzheimer's and I felt that this subject was sensitively dealt with and researched thoroughly. Thankfully, no one I know has had to go through this terrible disease, but I know a lot more about it now than I did previously.
Jessica loves to bring her characters, from other books, into her current read and I adore this. It's like saying hello to old friends, finding out what they're up to now, and what's happened since we last met. All like one big happy family! I can't wait for Jessica's next book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review A Forever Home at Honeybee Croft by Jessica Redland.
We Three Kings by Kristen Bailey
I loved the IT aspect, how the four make up the IT Department with the company they work for and the banter they share about the rest of the building’s IT mishaps! They also reminded me so much of the amazing IT team that I had the pleasure of knowing when I worked for twenty-plus years in a hospital in the UK. The lads in the book each reminded me of different team members I knew!
We Three Kings is a book full of cosiness, hugs, kindness and families and I loved it. Kristen has made her way to be one of my must-read authors and I can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Kristen Bailey for the opportunity to read We Three Kings.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Another belter from Kristen and once again I was laughing out loud, right from the very beginning! We Three Kings was hugely funny, with a fair amount of cuteness and a spritz of romance. I fell in love with the geeky Jasper, Frank, Leo and Maggie, along with all their families. The food made me so hungry, all of the time and in particular the Singaporean wedding food, including the lobster noodles and satay with peanut dipping sauce - yum yum!
I loved the IT aspect, how the four make up the IT Department with the company they work for and the banter they share about the rest of the building’s IT mishaps! They also reminded me so much of the amazing IT team that I had the pleasure of knowing when I worked for twenty-plus years in a hospital in the UK. The lads in the book each reminded me of different team members I knew!
We Three Kings is a book full of cosiness, hugs, kindness and families and I loved it. Kristen has made her way to be one of my must-read authors and I can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Kristen Bailey for the opportunity to read We Three Kings.
A Better Tomorrow for the East End Library Girls (Library Girls, #4 by Patricia McBride, Patricia McBride
It was fun to see the American GIs appear in the East End of London, helping out with repairs in the areas that have been affected by the bombing before they were deployed to fight, and of course all the local girls are flirting at every opportunity they get!
Some of the old characters make an appearance too, and I loved how Edith's future looks to be panning out, and it'll be interesting how the absent men are brought back into future books as they return from war.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review A Better Tomorrow for the East End Library Girls by Patricia McBride.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
As soon as I see that Patricia has written another book, I'm champing at the bit to read it and, in particular, this series about the East End Library Girls. Cordelia, Mavis and Jane are an inspiration to the community they live in, opening the library doors to young and old alike, as well as helping their fellow EastEnders in the best way they can.
It was fun to see the American GIs appear in the East End of London, helping out with repairs in the areas that have been affected by the bombing before they were deployed to fight, and of course all the local girls are flirting at every opportunity they get!
Some of the old characters make an appearance too, and I loved how Edith's future looks to be panning out, and it'll be interesting how the absent men are brought back into future books as they return from war.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review A Better Tomorrow for the East End Library Girls by Patricia McBride.
The Christmas Jigsaw Murders by Alexandra Benedict
I really enjoyed this, Edie is a feisty octogenarian who sets crossword puzzles and is famous amongst crossword puzzle solvers. She doesn't care what she says, or who she upsets as she goes along her merry way, trying to help (or hinder) the police solve the murders that are being committed, all of which look to be just one piece of a bigger jigsaw puzzle.
There are thriller vibes woven through the book and despite the cosy mystery setting, there are some dark and heart-stopping moments included which I loved. I would definitely like to read some more of Alexandra's books, and I'm glad I read this just before Christmas.
There are some puzzles included within the pages, for the reader to solve, but I admit I didn't bother with these. I just wanted to get on and read!
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Cosy mysteries are really not my thing - they used to be - I used to read a lot of Agatha Raisin books, but I got bored and drifted to other things. However, this choice from #BookstaBritsBookClub may have persuaded me to try some more again, and for that I guess I have to thank Alexandra Benedict, author of The Christmas Jigsaw Murders.
I really enjoyed this, Edie is a feisty octogenarian who sets crossword puzzles and is famous amongst crossword puzzle solvers. She doesn't care what she says, or who she upsets as she goes along her merry way, trying to help (or hinder) the police solve the murders that are being committed, all of which look to be just one piece of a bigger jigsaw puzzle.
There are thriller vibes woven through the book and despite the cosy mystery setting, there are some dark and heart-stopping moments included which I loved. I would definitely like to read some more of Alexandra's books, and I'm glad I read this just before Christmas.
There are some puzzles included within the pages, for the reader to solve, but I admit I didn't bother with these. I just wanted to get on and read!
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall was no different to a lot of classics I've read. It's a long book, but not a lot actually happens. Despite that, the story was interesting and beautifully written. Every single time I read about how women were often treated in the 1800s, I'm shocked that society was ever like that, but yes, that's just the way it was. Did you know that it was perfectly acceptable for there to be a clause in a man's will, forbidding his wife to marry after his death?!
I loved that Helen, our female main character, eventually became strong enough to stand up for herself and her son and managed to distance herself from her husband for enough time as to become more independent. Considered ahead of its time, Anne Brontë's second novel covered issues that were often not discussed, including infidelity, alcohol abuse and mental abuse within a marriage.
I would definitely read this again, and I think I'd discover more about the characters the second time around.
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall was December's choice for the classics book chat I'm in, #classiclitbookclub. Due to the time of year, a few of us decided to pass on this, but I still wanted to read it. My first Anne Brontë book and I loved it. It took me a good few weeks to finish it, and I read and listened to others in between, so yes, I took my time. With classics in particular I need to firstly be in the mood to read it, and secondly, concentrate on what's happening, so I actually understand it! No one is judging you on how long it takes to read a book and whether you find it easy or not. It's taken me a while to be confident enough to say in my chats, that nope, sorry, I didn't get that at all!
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall was no different to a lot of classics I've read. It's a long book, but not a lot actually happens. Despite that, the story was interesting and beautifully written. Every single time I read about how women were often treated in the 1800s, I'm shocked that society was ever like that, but yes, that's just the way it was. Did you know that it was perfectly acceptable for there to be a clause in a man's will, forbidding his wife to marry after his death?!
I loved that Helen, our female main character, eventually became strong enough to stand up for herself and her son and managed to distance herself from her husband for enough time as to become more independent. Considered ahead of its time, Anne Brontë's second novel covered issues that were often not discussed, including infidelity, alcohol abuse and mental abuse within a marriage.
I would definitely read this again, and I think I'd discover more about the characters the second time around.
How Do I Tell You by Nicola May
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Nicola May has been one of my go-to authors for a few years now, so when I got the opportunity to read her new novel, How Do I Tell You? I was straight in there to join the blog tour.
I rarely, if ever, read the synopsis of a book. I base my choices on author and/or book cover, and this was no exception. Suffice it to say I was surprised by the storyline, not in a bad way, it was just unexpected. Once I'd got my head around what was going on, I settled down and enjoyed the solidarity that Victoria, our female main character, found with her true friends and family who surrounded her, whilst she came to terms with the unexpected news she received.
There are some brilliant characters in Nicola's new book, I loved Jerico, Danny and Ray who all had Victoria's back, right from the start. They were supportive, encouraging and just downright awesome. Nicola deals with a difficult subject incredibly well, with sensitivity and, very obviously, a great deal of research.
I would advise anyone wanting to read this book to check the trigger warnings first, but I have no hesitation in recommending it. Another bestseller from Nicola for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review, How Do I Tell You? by Nicola May.
Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier
This is such a good story, and I'd forgotten a lot of what happened. I remembered the gist, the Inn in the middle of Bodmin Moor, the smuggling and the wrecks at sea, but I'd forgotten many of the characters and how influential they are to the story.
Daphne du Maurier has an incredible imagination, her vivid descriptions of the dank and dreary Jamaica Inn and the wilderness and inhospitable Bodmin Moor are something which will stay with the reader, long after the last page has been turned.
Jamaica Inn is a gothic, dark, gruesome and twisted novel, and so much more than many people perceive it. There is nothing fun and fanciful about Du Maurier's writing, so if that's your thing, you'll not like this one. If it is, delve in and immerse yourself in the mists of Bodmin Moor.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I've lost track of how many times I've read this book, and all I know is that Daphne du Maurier has been a favourite of mine since I was a teenager. So when Jamaica Inn was chosen as our January read for the classics chat I'm in, I couldn't wait to disappear again onto the wild Cornish moors!
This is such a good story, and I'd forgotten a lot of what happened. I remembered the gist, the Inn in the middle of Bodmin Moor, the smuggling and the wrecks at sea, but I'd forgotten many of the characters and how influential they are to the story.
Daphne du Maurier has an incredible imagination, her vivid descriptions of the dank and dreary Jamaica Inn and the wilderness and inhospitable Bodmin Moor are something which will stay with the reader, long after the last page has been turned.
Jamaica Inn is a gothic, dark, gruesome and twisted novel, and so much more than many people perceive it. There is nothing fun and fanciful about Du Maurier's writing, so if that's your thing, you'll not like this one. If it is, delve in and immerse yourself in the mists of Bodmin Moor.
Dark times for the Clarks Factory Girls by May Ellis
I love to read about the resilience of people, towns and villages, as they dealt with the horrors which war threw at them. Despite the hardships, they battle on and usually come out smiling. May Ellis draws me into her books and makes me feel like a part of the family, and I can just imagine sitting down with them and having a cuppa and a natter in front of the fire.
The world has come a long way since the early 1900s, when women weren't allowed to work once they got married and were expected to keep house and look after the children. Sometimes it's difficult to imagine how that was even a thing!
I love my days with the girls, and I can't wait to see what May has in store for them next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review Dark Times for the Clarks Factory Girls by May Ellis.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Book three in The Clarks Factory Girls series from May Ellis and once again we are thrown into war-torn Somerset, and the lives of the men and women of Street, many of whom work in the Clarks shoe factory. Throughout the series, battles are being fought, on the frontline, but also in homes, where parents and children don't always see eye to eye!
I love to read about the resilience of people, towns and villages, as they dealt with the horrors which war threw at them. Despite the hardships, they battle on and usually come out smiling. May Ellis draws me into her books and makes me feel like a part of the family, and I can just imagine sitting down with them and having a cuppa and a natter in front of the fire.
The world has come a long way since the early 1900s, when women weren't allowed to work once they got married and were expected to keep house and look after the children. Sometimes it's difficult to imagine how that was even a thing!
I love my days with the girls, and I can't wait to see what May has in store for them next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review Dark Times for the Clarks Factory Girls by May Ellis.