Author Archives: Emily Jane

About Emily Jane

✨ Mum and now book blogger wanting to spread the magic of reading! Fave Genres Mystery and Fantasy ✨

Sunday Post

Goodreads Top 5 Wednesday (on a Saturday!) – Mysteries

Welcome to Top 5 Wednesday! Hosted by Goodreads T5W group, last week’s prompt was Mysteries, in honour of May being considered Mystery Month. I have read a lot of Mysteries (particularly as this is my favourite genre of book!) so here are the latest ones that I have read:

Book Description From Goodreads:

“When a well-known British TV historian, Marmaduke Godolphin, is found murdered in the canals of Venice during carnival, stabbed by a stiletto blade, the Venetian police are eager to have the case solved and cleared up within a day – murder is bad for tourism!

The police recruit the help of retired archivist, Arnold Clover. Godolphin had hired his services on arriving in Venice to help sort through some historical papers of note. These dusty documents may contain previously unknown information about the assassination of the murderer, Lorenzino de’ Medici, 500 years previously.

How coincidental that Godolphin meets his death in the same place as the Medici murderer, Lorenzino, on a cold, dark, bloody night. Can Arnold use his powers of perception to establish a link and solve the murder of Godolphin?”

Random Things Tours – Book Review – The Medici Murders by David Hewson

Book Description From Goodreads:

“A Russian assassin is operating on the streets of London.

Emily Stearn – smart, headstrong, blessed with a photographic memory and niece of a former spy – has recently joined British Intelligence. She is a trainee. Watching, listening, analysing. Nothing too dangerous. Until she witnesses a colleague gunned down amid a routine surveillance mission.

Emily is convinced the masked killer is a woman. But the department concludes the killing bears the hallmarks of Andrei Reblov, codename Tinman. Reblov is suspected of working through a hit list of defence chiefs in revenge for European nations supplying Ukraine with weapons following Russia’s invasion.

Yet something doesn’t add up. Questions need to be answered.

Emily tracks Reblov across Europe, linking him to deaths in Rome, Berlin and Brussels. Now she’s sure he is heading for Paris, where the British prime minister is meeting European leaders in Versailles’ historic Hall of Mirrors.

As a special ops squad is assembled, led by veteran terror hunter Jack Easton, a vital clue to the London shooting drags Emily out of the office and into the field where not everything is what it seems.

Easton’s attempt to foil Reblov’s most daring assassination leads to an encounter aboard the last train to Paris. With the fate of Europe’s leaders at stake, neither man is prepared to back down.”

Book Review – The Hit List by Frank Malley

Book Description From Goodreads:

“It is an ordinary Thursday, and things should finally be returning to normal.

Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club are concerned. A local news legend is on the hunt for a sensational headline, and soon the gang are hot on the trail of two murders, ten years apart.

To make matters worse, a new nemesis pays Elizabeth a visit, presenting her with a deadly mission: kill or be killed…

While Elizabeth grapples with her conscience (and a gun), the gang and their unlikely new friends (including TV stars, money launderers and ex-KGB colonels) unravel a new mystery. But can they catch the culprit and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?”

Book Review -The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

Book Description From Goodreads:

“An isolated castle, a deadly crime. Is this real or nightmare?

In a remove castle high up in the Tuscan hills secrets are simmering among its glamorous English residents:

The ailing gentleman art-dealer

His dazzling niece

Her handsome Fascist husband

Their neglected young daughter

The housekeeper who knows everything

and Connie, the English widow working for them.

Every night, Connie hears sinister noises and a terrible wailing inside the walls. Is she losing her grip on reality?

Or does someone in the castle want her gone?”

Random Things Tours – Book Review – Murder Under The Tuscan Sun by Rachel Rhys

Book Description From Goodreads:

“After a fast paced introduction to the world of clairvoyance, ghost busting, mystery and murder, Tanz is currently hiding in bed, having nightmares about a suicidal psychopath, drinking red wine, irritating her cat and waiting to be evicted. Life as she knew it seven months ago has turned on its head and only the prospect of a new TV job in Newcastle and a month with her best friend Milo can help pick her up off the floor. But when she gets home, the Newcastle of more than a century before decides to haunt her bringing all kinds of spooks and horrors with it and she also finds that her new job involves more than it’s own share of intrigue and humiliation. Then it’s a case of six of one and half a dozen of the other, as Tanz, along with her dead friend Frank, attempts to expose a brutal murder that nobody even knows about. Join Tanz and her friends on another crazy, supernatural ride in GIN PALACE, the second in The Accidental Medium series.”

Random Things Tours – Book Review – Gin Palace by Tracy Whitwell

What books are on your list for Mystery Month?

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“book”, “read”, “book blog”, “easy read”, “don’t miss out”, “fiction”, “entertaining”, “what should I read next”, “what book do you recommend”, “mystery”

Time Travel Thursday on Friday!

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It’s Time Travel Thursday! This is where I take a look back at what I was reading this time last year (or the year before or the year before that…).

This day in 2022 I was reading:

Random Things Tours – Book Review – A Most Private Bank by Andreas Clenow

Book Description From Goodreads:

“A decade after Jim Dixon’s fall from grace, after the events that burnt his career on Wall Street, his past is catching up to him. Zurich had been the perfect place for a fresh start, a place where he could be a big fish in a small pond. The secretive world of Swiss high finance, a world of deception, greed, and excess, where everyone lies for one or another reason, provided the perfect cover. Until she showed up.

Meeting the socialite daughter of his former client was just a courtesy, nothing more. Another spoiled princess looking for VIP tickets to the opera, or a private shopping session at Louis Vuitton. So he thought. But Christina Rosenbaum was not the typical second generation heiress. This was the meeting that would set it all in motion.

Caught between unscrupulous bankers, hedge fund managers, organized crime, state actors, and law enforcement, Jim is left with no choice. One way or another, it will be over before the end of the week. This week would see careers destroyed, lives lost, and fortunes made.”

Random Things Tours – Book Review – Lucie Yi Is Not A Romantic by Lauren Ho

Book Description From Goodreads:

“An ambitious career woman signs up for a co-parenting website only to find a match she never expected, in this unflinchingly funny and honest novel from the author of Last Tang Standing.

Management consultant Lucie Yi is done waiting for Mr. Right. After a harrowing breakup foiled her plans for children—and drove her to a meltdown in a Tribeca baby store—she’s ready to take matters into her own hands. She signs up for an elective co-parenting website to find a suitable partner with whom to procreate—as platonic as family planning can be.

Collin Read checks all of Lucie’s boxes; he shares a similar cultural background, he’s honest, and most important, he’s ready to become a father. When they match, it doesn’t take long for Lucie to take a leap of faith for her future. So what if her conservative family might not approve? When Lucie becomes pregnant, the pair return to Singapore and, sure enough, her parents refuse to look on the bright side. Even more complicated, Lucie’s ex-fiancé reappears, sparking unresolved feelings and compounding work pressures and the baffling ways her body is changing. Suddenly her straightforward arrangement is falling apart before her very eyes, and Lucie will have to decide how to juggle the demands of the people she loves while pursuing the life she really wants.”

Quite different books, one a Crime/Thriller/Mystery and the other a Rom Com. I do like to mix up my reading!

What were you reading this time last year?

#bibliophile #igreads #currentlyreading #bookreview #instaread #lovetoread #booksarelife #readingisfundamental #whatimreading #bookreviewer #bookaddicts #bookpost #tbrpile #justread #bookishphotography #whattoreadnext #readallday #bookworms #booksofinstagram #bookwormproblems #bookaholic #bookpic #newreads #booknerd #timetravelthursday #pastreads #springreading #romance #thriller #mystery

“book”, “read”, “book blog”, “recommended”, “easy read”, “don’t miss out”, “fiction”, “past reads”,”entertaining”, “what should I read next”

Published Today! – Netgalley Book Review – Summer Wedding by Sarah Morgan

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Netgalley EARC

Genre: Contemporary/Romance

Number of Pages: 400

📖PLOT SUMMARY FROM GOODREADS📖

A family wedding

Catherine Swift is a bestselling romance author, but her personal story hasn’t been quite so successful; three failed marriages have left her relationship with her daughters strained. Engaged once again, Catherine is counting on this wedding, at her villa in Corfu, to finally bring the family together.

A summer of secrets

Adeline can’t believe her mother is getting married for a fourth time, or that she’s expected to attend. It brings back the pain of her mother’s infidelity and the baby who was the result. Not that she blames her half-sister Cassie, but then she’s never tried to know her, either. Cassie, on the other hand, is thrilled by her mother’s news – she’s always admired Catherine’s resilience, and is excited to meet the mystery groom. Cassie also has a secret of her own, and a summer in Corfu will give her the time she needs to process everything.

A chance to start over again

As the guests arrive on the island, and the big day approaches, Catherine begins to reveal secrets from her past, and suddenly both Cassie and Adeline realise that they don’t know their mother at all . . .

💭THOUGHTS💭

I was asked if I would be interested in reading this book because I had read and enjoyed previous books by Sarah Morgan. I of course accepted and was pleased that I did.

I expected it to be lighter than it was, but I really enjoyed the story and the darker turn that it took. My favourite books are those with a darker, mysterious side and this was one of those with some romance thrown in. I also like books that have a bookish theme to them so this book ticked a lot of boxes!

The writing was easy to get into and pulled you in. I liked the fact that there were multiple points of view throughout the story. As the reader you were privy to things that the other characters weren’t. What was clever was that there was still an air of mystery kept so you were hooked.

The book is made up of a Prologue, two parts split into chapters and an Epilogue. The Prologue drew you in immediately and the Epilogue finished it off nicely. The chapters were long and each one was from an individual point of view. The points of view that we heard from were the mum and the two sisters so each chapter alternated between the three of them. I liked the longer length of the chapters because it allowed you to really get into that character’s frame of mind before moving on. All the characters were excellent and so it was never a disappointment when you moved onto the next point of view.

The characters were excellent. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, at one point you didn’t like certain characters then you were persuaded to change your mind when you saw things from their perspective. It wasvery interesting and enjoyable to read about.

Lastly the settings. I loved the description of Corfu and whilst it took a backseat to the characters and their stories, there was enough there to add an extra layer to the story.

Overall a great read and a 5 star rating from me!

⭐Rated 5/5⭐

📖FOR SHORTER REVIEWS SEE📖

Amazon

Goodreads

Instagram

Facebook – I have also posted in the following Book Groups – Random Things Tours Bloggers Group, Women Reading Great Books and Good Housekeeping Book Room.

Twitter

bookstagram #instabook #bookphotography #igbooks #ilovereading #bookhaul #bookhoarder #bookaddiction #bookstoread #whattoread #fortheloveofbooks #bookblogging #bookpics #weekendreads #bookrecs #booknerdproblems #bookpictures #bookstagram #amreading #booksbooksbooks #instablog #booknerds #bookphotos #bibliophile #popularbooks #romance #contemporaryfiction #summerwedding #NetGalley

“book”, “read”, “book blog”, “easy read”, “don’t miss out”, “fiction”, “spring reading”, “summer reading”, “contemporary fiction”, “romance”, “NetGalley”

WWW Wednesday – Currently Reading, Finished Reading, Reading Next

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It’s W W W Wednesday! Hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words, here are my 3 Ws (Currently Reading, Just Finished Reading and Future Reading):

What I Am Currently Reading:

Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes (click for link to Goodreads)

I have read a bit more of this book, but prioritised a Blog Tour book over it, so I am not as far through as I could be!

What I Have Finished Reading:

Summer at the Ice Cream Cafe by Jo Thomas (click for link to Goodreads)

Keep your eyes peeled for my review on 8 June!

What I Am Reading Next:

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (click for link to Goodreads)

I keep meaning to start this book, but other ones get in the way! I have a couple of Blog Tours coming up and I am waiting for those books to come through, so if they do arrive then this book might be put back again…

What are your 3 Ws for this week?

#bookstagram #bibliophile #igreads #currentlyreading #finishedreading #bookreview #instaread #lovetoread #booksarelife #readingisfundamental #whatimreading #bookreviewer #bookaddicts #bookpost #tbrpile #justread #bookishphotography #whattoreadnext #readallday #bookworms #booksofinstagram #bookwormproblems #bookaholic #bookpic #newreads #booknerd #library #popularbooks #newbooks #wwwwednesday #springreading

“book”, “read”, “book review”, “book blog”, “new”, “recommended”, “easy read”, “don’t miss out”, “fiction”, “reading slump” “entertaining”, “what should I read next”, “what books do you recommend”, “popular books”

Top Ten Tuesday – Things That Make Me Instantly Want to Read a Book

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Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday! Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, this week it is Things That Make Me Instantly Want to Read a Book (these can be auto-buy authors, tropes you love, if an author you love blurbed it, settings, genres, etc.). This is a tough one as sometimes I like the look of a book without any real reason as to why! I have however managed to come up with this list:

At the top of my list would have to be the blurb. I always carefully read the blurb in case there is something in there that puts me off buying it, specifically if I think that it is going to be too sad. I do not like reading sad books.

⭐

If the cover of a book catches my eye – bright and colourful or dark and mysterious usually – then I will pick it up and read the blurb.

⭐

If there is a popular book on Instagram then I will investigate it further.

⭐

If someone recommends a book then I am more likely to investigate it.

⭐

I do have a couple of auto buy authors, but I tend to buy a book based on it’s individual merits (unless it is a series that I am currently enjoying!). A couple of my auto buy authors are Richard Osman and Dan Brown, with possibly Jo Thomas and Ali Hazelwood being added to that list.

⭐

If I am enjoying a series of books then I would automatically buy the next one and then investigate any other books that have been written by that author.

⭐

I tend to read seasonally so in the Summer I would prefer to read a beach or Summer holiday themed book, Christmas would have to have a Christmas theme, Winter I go for a cold theme – murder or a romance that is set in a cold place, October I tend to go for more Halloween/Fantasy inspired books and Spring is more of a free for all with nothing too extreme. I have found though that Spring type books are hard to find as they tend to leak into a Summer theme!

⭐

Each month I set myself a new genre/theme to read, so any book that fits into that tends to get picked over others!

⭐

If I am trying to find a book that fits in with a challenge on Instagram or on someone’s Blog then I will narrow my search down to that.

⭐

Sometimes just a catchy title grabs my attention. This only tends to work with me if the book is a Thriller though!

What are your reasons for picking a specific book?

“book”, “read”, “book blog”, “recommended”

Goodreads Monday (add your links in the comments section for all to see!) -Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

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Welcome to the new home of Goodreads Monday!

Goodreads Monday allows you to post about what books are on your “to read” lists, the progress you have made on your current books and reading challenge, and any other Goodreads news!

✨Don’t forget to add your link in the comments section so that we can all see each other’s posts!✨

The book that I have chosen this week is Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch (click for link to Goodreads).

Book Description From Goodreads:

“Probationary Constable Peter Grant dreams of being a detective in London’s Metropolitan Police. Too bad his superior plans to assign him to the Case Progression Unit, where the biggest threat he’ll face is a paper cut. But Peter’s prospects change in the aftermath of a puzzling murder, when he gains exclusive information from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost. Peter’s ability to speak with the lingering dead brings him to the attention of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, who investigates crimes involving magic and other manifestations of the uncanny. Now, as a wave of brutal and bizarre murders engulfs the city, Peter is plunged into a world where gods and goddesses mingle with mortals and a long-dead evil is making a comeback on a rising tide of magic.”

I came across this book when Blog hopping back in October 2022. It seemed an interesting blend of magic and mystery!

Currently Reading:

Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes (click for link to Goodreads

Progress on my Goodreads Reading Challenge:

I have read 24/50 books!

What book is on your Goodreads list? How is your reading progress and challenge going?

Don’t forget to add your link in the comments so that we can all see each others posts!

“book”, “read”, “book blog”, “don’t miss out”, “what should I read next”, “reading challenge”, “Goodreads”

Sunday Post

Library Book Review – A Year of Nature Poems by Joseph Coelho withKelly Louise Judd (Illustrations)

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Library Book

Genre: Poetry

Number of Pages: 32

📖PLOT SUMMARY FROM GOODREADS📖

From Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho comes a beautiful anthology of monthly nature poems which encourage a love for the natural world and the importance of looking after it.

See how animals behave through the seasons, and the cycle of trees and plants, from the first blossoms of spring through to the stark winter wonderland in December. Twelve inspiring poems from Joseph Coelho, one for each month of the year, paired with folk art from Kelly Louise Judd give this book year-round appeal. A beautiful book for your bookshelf, to spark an idea for your own poem, or to teach a love for nature and to help children foster a love for the natural world.

‘Heart-flutteringly lovely and powerful’ – Book Trust

‘In the classroom, this book could be used as a reference for writers to create their own season poems; play with the language of the original poems or pair their own personal memories with the weather or changing seasons.’ – North Somerset Teachers Book Award

‘This will appeal to all ages and never date…’ – LoveReading4Kids

With stunning illustrations, this true celebration of the world we live in is a treasure for you and your child to share.

💭THOUGHTS💭

I saw this book on the Libby App and thought that I would give it a go for National Poetry Month (in April – I will admit that I forgot to post this review then!). I don’t read a lot of poetry and would generally describe myself as “not a poetry person”. Despite this being the case, I do like to try poetry now and again just in case anything has changed. With regards to this specific poetry book, I found it difficult to get to grips with what was being said. My mind just didn’t work in the way that these poems required, which lead to me giving a 2 star rating. I have no doubt though that others will be able to see what I couldn’t and enjoy reading it.

The illustrations were beautiful and I enjoyed the description at the top of the page about certain things in nature that generally happened in that month. The poem then followed and related back to the description at the top of the page.

I also enjoyed the length. I didn’t want anything too long and so for that this was perfect. You could either get through it in one sitting or you could take your time and easily spread it throughout the year.

Overall a pretty book.

⭐Rated 2/5⭐

“book”, “read”, “book blog”, “fiction”, “spring reading”, “library book”, “book review”, “poetry”, “nature”

Stacking The Shelves

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Welcome to my Stacking The Shelves post hosted by Reading Reality. This week I signed up for a Blog Tour:

Ghost Ship by Kate Mosse (click for link to Goodreads)

Book Description From Goodreads:

“Next in the #1 Sunday Times bestselling series, New York Times bestselling author Kate Mosse returns with The Ghost Ship , a sweeping historical epic of adventure on the high seas.

The Barbary Coast, 1621. A mysterious vessel floats silently on the water. It is known only as the Ghost Ship . For months it has hunted pirates to liberate those enslaved by corsairs, manned by a courageous crew of mariners from Italy and France, Holland and the Canary Islands.

But the bravest men on board are not who they seem. And the stakes could not be higher. If arrested, they will be hanged for their crimes. Can they survive the journey and escape their fate?

A sweeping and epic love story, ranging from France in 1610 to Amsterdam and the Canary Islands in the 1620s, The Ghost Ship is a thrilling novel of adventure and buccaneering, love and revenge, stolen fortunes and hidden secrets on the high seas.”

I am due on the Blog Tour for this book on 14 July so keep your eyes peeled for my review!

What have you been stacking your shelves with this week?

“book”, “read”, “book blog”, “don’t miss out”, “fiction”, “entertaining”, “what should I read next”, “stacking the shelves”, “new books”, “bloggers day”, “historical fiction”, “popular books”