#TheFourWinds – KristinHannah (@PanMacmillan) #KristinHannah #AmericanHistory #GreatDepression #review #booktwitter

She will discover the best of herself in the worst of times . . .

Texas, 1934. Elsa Martinelli had finally found the life she’d yearned for. A family, a home and a livelihood on a farm on the Great Plains. But when drought threatens all she and her community hold dear, Elsa’s world is shattered to the winds.

Fearful of the future, when Elsa wakes to find her husband has fled, she is forced to make the most agonizing decision of her life. Fight for the land she loves or take her beloved children, Loreda and Ant, west to California in search of a better life. Will it be the land of milk and honey? Or will their experience challenge every ounce of strength they possess?

From the overriding love of a mother for her child, the value of female friendship and the ability to love again – against all odds, Elsa’s incredible journey is a story of survival, hope and what we do for the ones we love.

TWG’s Thoughts.

I have been delaying writing my review of ‘The Four Winds’ because I knew that, deep down in my heart of hearts, I would never find just the right words to sum up my thoughts of the storyline. I had to give it a go though.

‘The Four Winds’ was the first book I have read by Kristin Hannah, and it certainly hasn’t been the last. Since finishing, my collection of Hannah’s books has increased drastically and I have read ‘The Nightingale’ and ‘Night Road’ (more on those another time).

It didn’t take me long to work out that the plot of ‘The Four Winds’ was very heavy and, in places, somewhat depressing. Goodness me, it was set in the time of the ‘Great Depression’ in America, so obviously it wasn’t going to be all sunshine and roses, laughter and joviality. Whilst most people would associate the words ‘heavy’ and ‘depressing’ with negative connotations, and rightly so, I found that the storyline needed that darkness to showcase the strength of the main character, Elsa, as well as the strength of the real life people who lived through such a tumultuous time. It wasn’t the fact that I was revelling in other peoples misfortune by enjoying a storyline that had heartbreak and devastation at the centre of it, not at all, however it opened my eyes to a time in history that should be spoken about.

Elsa was a majorly flawed character who wanted to do so right by everyone else, that she ended up doing the complete opposite. She was quite a naïve woman and that often got her into trouble. At times I felt like she was forgetting that she had two children, with their lives depending on her strength and courage to point them in the right direction, safely. Something which again, ended up being the complete opposite and Loreda and Ant were put in harms way. It’s crazy to think just how different life was back in the 1930’s, let alone in 1930 America, and I loved how those differences were portrayed in the storyline.

With the best intentions in mind, I absolutely loved ‘The Four Winds’, and I was blown away (pardon the pun) by the powerfully flawed characters, the eyeopening historical moments, and the power behind Kristin Hannah’s words. Every sentence was delivered with determination and hard hitting grit. By the time the book had ended, my brain was awash with emotion, empathy, and belief that no matter what you’re faced with in life, you must attack it head on with courage, whether you feel strong or not.

Buy now on Amazon.

#JoJosFrenchEscape #LorraineWilson @RomanceMinx @RaRaResources @0nemorechapter_ #publicationday #blogger

Happy publication day, Lorraine Wilson! Flights may be grounded just now, but if you’re missing venturing overseas, then this little home away from home novel may just be the ticket. Many thanks to Rachel and the publisher for the tour invite and ARC.

Trapped in paradise…

For twelve months JoJo Grant has been hiding from a secret too shameful to share. And whilst her sanctuary might be the beautiful French countryside, JoJo has a horrible feeling that her peace is about to be shattered…because bursting into her life is the hottest celebrity chef around – Callum O’Connor.

Callum knows all about JoJo’s past, her time as a reality star, the scandal that has dogged her, but he isn’t sure why she’s still hiding? After spending time with Jojo, it’s obvious to him that she has nothing to be ashamed of – she just needs to be a little braver…

But as much as JoJo likes Callum, he thrives on the glare of the outside world. Can JoJo let go of her past…with Callum by her side?

What does TWG think?

Before I delve into my nitty gritty thoughts, I want to briefly touch on the message that this story conveys as it’s something incredibly important. JoJo hasn’t had an easy time of it in regards to her love life, after finding herself splattered all over social media for all and sundry to see. Literally. Thanks to her ex boyfriend, Aiden, JoJo was put into a position that nobody should ever find themselves in. The meanings of consent, trust, misuse of power, and emotional damage, are the building blocks to the message of the storyline, and as I said above, a very important message at that. Nobody has the right to refuse you when it comes to using the word ‘NO’, and nobody should ever use you in a way where the law is being questioned.

I know that what I have written above sounds very deep and serious (that’s because it is), but there is a lot of humour to go alongside that depth. Also, if you’re a fan of the old sex scene then make yourself comfortable as there is quite a few in here! Believable and hot to trot on one hand, yet on the other hand, the use of the word ‘sex’ and ‘folds’ to describe the vaginal region had me cringing big time. For me, those words poured water over the heat and turned a highly charged scene into a ‘noooo’.

That aside, I thought the dogs were absolutely brilliant – I wish I I called my rescue dog ‘Flump’! How brilliant is that name! Barney is such a dote and reminded me of my own little Barney dog. Flumps antics with the stealing were hilarious! He, alongside the other four legged friends mentioned, were the stars of the show in my eyes. 100 percent.

I flew through this novel, and I ended up really enjoying the strong friendships and companionships that were described in such moving detail. I could tell that the author really believed in those relationships and that they were written straight from the heart.

An enjoyable read with a rough around the edges storyline that showed promise.

Buy now.

#BarefootOnTheBeach by Katlyn Duncan (@Katlyn_Duncan) @RaRaResources #blogtour #review @HQDigitalUK

Next up is a review of ‘Barefoot On The Beach’ by Katlyn Duncan – many thanks to HQ for the ARC, and thank you to Rachel for the tour invite.

I know we all wish we could walk barefoot on the beach just now, but please do hold off a bit longer by staying at home and enjoy this read about a beach instead.

Renee Clarke is perfectly happy just the way she is…

Renee may be thrilled to be planning her sister’s wedding, but after witnessing her mother’s two failed marriages, she has always vowed that she is better off on her own.

But when Renee discovers that Luc Hardy has moved next door, her world is knocked off kilter. Luc was her whirlwind summer romance as a teen and, more importantly, her first love. Now he’s back in West Cove, looking more handsome than ever. There is no escaping the romance in the air this summer. With the wedding planning in full swing, Renee begins to believe that she might be able to put her childhood reservations about marriage aside.

Yet when her mother arrives, she stirs a torrent of emotions in Renee’s heart. She’s up to her old tricks again – boasting about her latest conquests – reaffirming Renee’s lack of faith in love.

As Renee’s happily-ever-after hangs in the balance, will Luc be able to convince her that true love can last forever?

What does TWG think?

If you’re after a gentle, easy read with all the nods to romance, then this novel will be right up your street.

When I say ‘easy read’, I mean that as a complimentary phrase, just to clarify. I’m finding reading quite difficult just now and heavy novels are avoided wherever possible. I need books which aren’t too heavy, too serious, or too taxing, and I really feel that ‘Barefoot on the Beach’ ticked those boxes for me.

The only similarity between Renee and Cait is that they’re related. That’s it. They really are like chalk and cheese as Renee is more organised and sees things through, whereas Cait expects things to be done for her as and when she chooses. It’s safe to say that she comes across quite spoilt, whilst also having a really unapproachable personality – i didnt gel with her much at all.

Whilst I could see how obligated to do what her sister asked of her, I wish Renee put her foot down. Yes, she may have been a motherly figure for her growing up, but that was then. It annoyed me that whenever Cait clicked her fingers Renee would come running, putting her own happiness on the back burner.

I did enjoy reading this book. I loved the setting, the doggy antics and the sweet romance that was gently interwoven into the story, however I felt like certain situations went on for much longer than they should have. For example, the row the sisters had just kept going backwards and forwards, not really adding much content to what the author had already built up. I felt like the delivery on some things could have been a bit more punchy than it was. That is only my opinion though, and I still really enjoyed the book despite that.

During an uncertain time in our own lives, one thing we can count on is the certainty of a happily ever after; something which Katlyn Duncan delivered on greatly.

Buy now.

Anyone fancy #ChasingMoonbeamsInMerrimentBay with me and @EmilyHarvale? @RaRaResources #review

Yas!!! Another Emily Harvale book, don’t mind if I do!

Thanks, as always, to Rachel for inviting me to take part in the blog tour and for the ARC.

Cat Devon is finally with the love of her life – and she couldn’t be happier about that. But discovering the identity of her real dad and the fact she has two half-brothers was a shock. Getting to know her new family is now a priority.

Kyra Devon is only eighteen, but she’s more mature than her mum in many ways and is coping far better with everything that’s happened. Kyra knows what she wants and unlike Cat, she’s not going to let opportunities slip away.

Mary Devon has regained her daughter and her granddaughter, but she’s grieving for her mother, and also for the loss of the love she thought she’d found. Putting on a brave face may not be the best way for Mary to get over it.

When a long-lost painting called Moonbeams Kiss is discovered in a hidden cellar beneath the floorboards in Devon Villa, a story of love, loss and treachery unfolds, bringing with it repercussions for each of the Devon women.

This is Book Two in Emily Harvale’s Merriment Bay series which is interconnected to her Wyntersleap series. Each series can be read alone, but several characters appear in both series.

What does TWG think?

One thing I never thought would happen was Mary Devon going soft – and it did! Did she have a personality transplant on the quiet or something?!

To be fair on her, she has had a few not so great things happen to her of late (read the books and you’ll find out, if you havent already), and I guess negative things can mellow someone and help them to realise that their snipey behaviour needed to be directed someplace other than towards those who have been there for them. Easier said than done though.

It was such a joy to be back with Cat and her daughter Kyra this time round, where we managed to seamlessly pick up where we left off and find out where the Devon ladies stood on the whole father identity situation. I think we got a lot more than what we bargained for though as a whole new can of worms was opened in the cellar!

May i just say what a brilliant incorporation of history – I loved finding out a bit more about Cat’s ancestry and an unsolved disappearance! It was a tad gripping i must say, although i totally wished that someone a little bit more disheveled was at the forefront of it all instead of Francis. I’m sure that hes nice and everything, but he made me feel a little uneasy. He was more forward than a false start at a race!!

As always, I was in my element reading an Emily Harvale novel, what with the perfectly placed humour alongside very colourful characters. What’s not to like? I am so eager to find out what happens next!

A fab story to put a much needed smile on your face!

Buy now.

#MessyWonderfulUs @CatherineIsaac_ @SimonSchusterUK @ed_pr #blogtour #bloggers

Next up is my review for ‘Messy, Wonderful Us’ by Catherine Isaac. Many thanks to EdPr for the blog tour invite and to Simon and Schuster for the ARC. Here is my review:

In late 1983, a letter arrives, containing secrets so unthinkable that it is hidden away, apparently forever.

More than three decades later, it is found . . . by the last person who was ever supposed to see it.

When Allie opens an envelope in her grandmother’s house, it changes everything she knows about her family – and herself.

With the truth liable to hurt those she loves most, she hires a private detective to find out what happened to her late mother in the summer before Allie was born. Taking leave from her job as a research scientist, she is led far from home, accompanied by her best friend Ed.

But the secrets that emerge go far beyond anything they were expecting. Now, Allie must find the courage to confront her family’s tangled past and reshape her own future.

What does TWG think?

What would you do if you found out something that could threaten everything you have only ever known? Would you want to find out the truth despite being told to leave it? Or would you ignore what you had found out and carry on as normal?

I cant even answer that to be honest, and I dont think anyone could unless they were actually in that situation, and even then the answer could change multiple times!

Allie found a letter that took her breath away and left her questioning her entire upbringing, and she had to make the decision to either move on, or do a little bit of detective work. So, she decided on the latter….but at what cost?

As well as Allie’s dilemmas, her best friend, Ed, seemed to be beating himself up from the inside out. To him his marriage was on the rocks, but to his wife, Ed merely seemed ‘depressed’. It was pretty clear that Ed was joining Allie on her journey of self discovery.

‘Messy, Wonderful Us’ reminded me of a wood burner on a cold day; slow to heat up but when it was warm, it engulfed its surroundings in a powerful warmth that took my breath away and protected me in it’s own little fireball bubble.

The entire storyline was a magnetic force and beautifully written, and the fact that Allie’s job was researching cystic fibrosis was outstanding and gave the book even more of a unique edge.

Allie and Ed’s friendship is one that filled me with envy as it was just so genuine. I couldnt help but wish for a friendship like that for myself.

My heart was so invested in Catherine Isaac’s enticing story telling, I was bereft when the storyline came to an end! The attention to detail, scene setting, character development, relationship timelines were incredibly well thought out and made me able to envision all the finer details of the book as though I was there in person.

This was such a beautifully written, humbling, magical storyline which highlighted Catherine Isaac’s outstanding talent – I genuinely cannot fault this story at all. It has genuinely stolen my heart and soul. Such a stunning, stunning read.

Buy now.

#FromThailandWithLove #blogtour @rararesources @CamillaIsley #review

Huge thanks to Rachel for inviting me to take part in the blog tour for ‘From Thailand With Love’, and for the ARC. I am delighted to be taking part in the blog tour today.

All Logan has to do is to get the gold and get the girl. Easy, right?

Travel photographer Winter Knowles and archeology professor Logan Spencer dislike each other at first sight. Stuck together into the wild, these two unwilling teammates will bicker and banter their way through a laugh-packed treasure hunt.

After years of searching, a new mapping technology has given Logan a clue to the location of the legendary Lost City of Gold. A discovery that could make his career. So the last thing he needs on this life-changing expedition is for his team to get distracted by a pair of long legs.

When Winter accepted the assignment on a tropical island she didn’t sign up for a brooding team leader who’d clearly prefer to run a boys-only club. Never one to back down from a challenge, Winter is ready to show him she’s no damsel in distress.

But when a treasure like no other is uncovered and ruthless enemies will want to keep it for themselves, it’ll be up to the two of them to save the day. Left alone to fight in the jungle, they will soon discover their lives might not be the only thing at stake—their hearts could be too.

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

A hilarious enemies to lovers romance packed with danger, action, and comedy.

From Thailand with Love is part of a series of interconnected romantic comedies but can be read as a standalone novel as all the other books in the First Comes Love series.

What does TWG think?

My goodness me! I was NOT expecting this!! ‘From Thailand With Love’ is full of romance, dry humour, sexual tension, and incredible scenery. All of which I was expecting! What I was no expecting however, was a dark, action based element making it’s way into the storyline! It was a bit like Indiana Jones meets Pocahontas!

As unexpected as that may have been, I raced through the book with sheer glee and determination. Does the guy get the girl? Does the girl prove that shes not just hormones on legs? Does the expedition go without a hitch?

So many questions were answered in such a short space of time. I mean, this book isn’t the longest, yet it packs an almighty punch in terms of its storyline and characters. I really enjoyed my time in Thailand with Satan and Barbie!!

Camilla Isley is an author who puts a unique spin on the romance genre, upping the ante in terms of getting hot under the collar and making her storylines stand out. She certainly has delivered this time, that’s for sure!!

Buy now.

I would LOVE to visit here! #TheItalianVilla @DanielaSacerdo3 @Bookouture #blogtour #review

Many thanks to Bookouture for inviting me to take part in the blog tour for ‘The Italian Villa’, and for the ARC. Here is my review:

Italy, 1938 – Elisa clings to Leo in the shadow of the Montevino mountains, the call to war ringing in her ears. They hatch a plan to wed in secret before Leo flees to the woods to join the resistance, and vow to find each other again when the war is over. But history has other plans…

Texas, present day – Callie Di Giacomo, a small-town waitress, is still reeling from the discovery that she’s adopted when she arrives in Montevino in search of answers about her real family – the keys to the stunning hillside villa she has just inherited clutched tightly in her hand. In her birthmother’s wardrobe grief-stricken Callie finds a diary belonging to a woman named Elisa Stella, one of Italy’s first ever female doctors, wrapped in pale blue ribbon.

Page by page, Callie is swept away by Elisa’s story, increasingly certain that their lives – and their fates – are somehow connected, and that the truth about her family is hidden somewhere within the crinkled yellow pages. But just when all the pieces look like they are falling into place, a devastating betrayal in the diary unlocks a heart-breaking secret about who Callie’s mother really is. Can Callie, like Elisa, find the light in her darkest moment and use it to spark a new future?

What does TWG think?

There was something just so humbling about the storyline behind ‘The Italian Villa, and the fact that it had some references to real life events really emphasised the importance of family bonds. It was heartbreaking to learn about what Italians went through during the war because of religion. I cant even begin to imagine what families went through during that time, and that’s merely my thoughts after reading about it!

I loved how the storyline was a dual timeline read, switching between the ‘present’ with Callie’s journey as she tries to find out where she came from, and the past via the diary written by Elisa. For a recently turned 21 year old, Callie had such an old head on young shoulders and her actions throughout the story didnt quite seem to match with the way her character was being portrayed. I’m not saying that that is a bad thing, however it left me feeling as though the overall storyline wasnt as seamless as it probably should have been.

‘The Italian Villa’ is such a picturesque, humbling novel which gives Italy the time in the spotlight to shine..and not just because of the beautiful sounding location. Callie’s story was both thought provoking and emotive, and overall I really enjoyed getting to know her and following her on her journey of self discovery.

Buy now.

#ARivieraRetreat #blogtour #extract #boldwoodbloggers @BoldwoodBooks @jenniewriter

Many thanks to Boldwood Books for inviting me to take part in Jennifer Bohnet’s blog tour for ‘A Riviera Retreat’. To close the tour I have an extract to share with you. Enjoy!

When Retreat owner Amy offers three lucky competition winners a holiday on the Cote d’Azur, she has no idea that this simple act of kindness will have life-changing repercussions on her own life as well as those who join her…

Young entrepreneur Chelsea has just been subjected to a very public relationship break up and needs to get away to lick her wounds.

MP’s wife Victoria is at a crossroads in her life now that the children have left home. She realises she has ambitions of her own and needs some ‘me time’ to figure things out.

Recently widowed Matilda is assessing life without her beloved husband. Can she find the courage to follow their dream on her own?

The four women, despite their differences, bond and support each other, making memories and forming friendships that will last for years.

Buy now.

Extract.

Tasha had run Belle Vue Villa as a successful auberge after Francois, her husband, had died and Amy knew that the villa would have to continue to earn its keep for her in the future. Rather than having holidaymakers turn up willy-nilly looking for a bed, Amy decided to focus on offering short retreats for writers and painters throughout the year. That way she’d always know how busy she’d be – with the added bonus of not having to worry about unexpected or unwanted strangers knocking on the door at all times of the day or night.

Lots of Tasha’s guests had left comments in the visitor’s book over the years, saying how special the house felt; how serene the atmosphere around the place was; several had said the villa was definitely a little French paradise. Amy had vowed to herself that she would do her utmost to keep the lovely ambiance that Tasha had masterfully created in and around the villa, while she endeavoured to put her own stamp on the place.

Five years on, Amy knew she could feel proud of what she’d achieved at Belle Vue. The auberge was now a popular venue as a retreat for artists and writers and it was her guests who left compliments in the visitor’s book and were returning time and time again. One particular writer had returned four times last year, saying she wrote more in a week when staying there than she wrote in a month at home. Amy knew Tasha would be proud and thrilled for her at the way the retreat had found its place in a niche market and taken off so well.

Turning back into the kitchen, Amy picked up the photo of her aunt that stood on the dresser and gently touched it. She owed Tasha so much. Thoughtfully, she replaced the photo. But how to show that gratitude? Tasha had always drummed into her the notion ‘it’s easy to take, but you must always, always give back too’. Amy knew that if Tasha had still been alive, she’d have wholeheartedly endorsed the current ‘do a random act of kindness for a stranger’ memes that seemed to appear every day on social media.

Amy smiled, remembering how Tasha had thoroughly embraced social media, joining groups, signing up for causes and having hundreds of friends on Facebook. Amy also knew her grateful act of ‘paying it back’ was long overdue, but despite thinking about it for weeks, months, not a single idea had surfaced. Nothing she thought of seemed grateful enough.

She glanced at the kitchen clock. A little early, but she’d open the bottle of wine she’d bought especially for today and leave it to breathe for a while. Opening a bottle of wine and silently toasting Tasha while watching the DVD of the film Enchanted April was a ritual that always finished off this particular day for Amy. Tasha had introduced her to the film and together they had watched it countless times.

As the credits rolled at the end of the film, Amy switched off the DVD, poured the last of the wine into her glass and opened her laptop, her head spinning not only from the wine she’d drunk but also with the perfect idea of how to give something back. To finally thank the universe for her good fortune.

Like the film she’d just watched, where an advertisement drew four women together, all strangers to each other, for a holiday in an Italian castle in the 1920s, her random act of kindness would begin with an advertisement too. Not in a newspaper but on twenty-first century social media.

Are you a woman who longs to spend time in retreat? Or simply in need of a holiday?

Answer the following question: Who wrote the book Enchanted April, and in less than one hundred words say which character you identify with most and why you need to win a holiday (June 6–16) at a retreat in the countryside behind the French Riviera. Travel expenses not included but low-cost flights are available to Nice. Transport to and from the airport will be arranged. Please note the date of the holiday on offer is NOT changeable or transferable.

Competition closes midnight the 31st of this month. Three lucky winners will be notified by email within one week of the competition closing.

#StasiWinter – I wondered why it felt so cold! @djy_writer @ZaffreBooks @Tr4cyF3nt0n #blogtour

Anyone else feeling a little bit chilly today, as though, erm, winter is rife?

Today I am hosting David Young and ‘Stasi Winter’ as part of the blog tour. Many thanks to Tracy Fenton and Zaffre Books for the tour invite and ARC.

In 1978 East Germany, nothing is at it seems. The state’s power is absolute, history is re-written, and the ‘truth’ is whatever the Stasi say it is.

So when a woman’s murder is officially labelled ‘accidental death’, Major Karin Müller of the People’s Police is faced with a dilemma. To solve the crime, she must disregard the official version of events. But defying the Stasi means putting her own life – and the lives of her young family – in danger.

As the worst winter in living memory holds Germany in its freeze, Müller must untangle a web of state secrets and make a choice: between truth and lies, justice and injustice, and, ultimately, life and death.

What does TWG think?

If you’re new to David Young’s novels, ‘Stasi Winter’ is book 5 in the Karin Muller series, with each book reading well on their own. Just be mindful that you may not have the full backstory of character relationships if you do read the books out of order.

‘Stasi Winter’ is written well. There is no doubt about that at all. It’s very clear that the author has researched his locations and finer details to ensure authenticity throughout, and I really did appreciate it. For me, however, I found the shell of the story to be a bit confusing and quite slow at times. I do realise that books of this genre require a slow build up to create more tension, and whilst the tension was definitely there, I would have liked the pace to speed up a bit more, rather than the characters to-ing and fro-ing as often as they did.

Despite the slow pace, I still found myself enjoying historical crime elements to the book, and I ended up being quite addicted to the ‘will they wont they?’ parts. It just goes to show that, under pressure, logistics go out of the window and peoples choices can often appear quite selfish.

What I love about this series is the fact that I can dip in and out of the books and still feel as though I’m part of the overall vibe when I come back to the stories at a later date.

Overall, an intriguing, well thought out novel that made Scottish weather seem like Summer!

Buy now!

What IS #TheGoodInGoodbye? Is there even such a thing? #review #blogtour @Queenoffirelas @RaRaResources

It gives me great pleasure to be kicking off the blog tour for book two in the ‘Lisa Millar’ series, ‘The Good In Goodbye’. Many thanks to Rachel for having me on the tour, and for the ARC. Here is my review:

Relationships are complicated. Long distance ones, even more so.

When Lisa Millar met AJ Williams online through mutual friends, she wasn’t prepared to fall in love with the man of her dreams. She was even less prepared to discover that he already had a wife. In a heart-wrenching story of love attempting to transcend miles, Lisa finds herself pregnant and on the wrong side of the Atlantic from the man she loves.

Will their love conquer all? Or will the intricacies of a relationship woven across the Atlantic be too much to take and tear them apart once and for all?

(Warning: This book ends on a cliff hanger)

What does TWG think?

Before I go any further, if you arent already aware – ‘The Good In Goodbye’ is part of a series, the second book in fact. I would whole heartedly suggest that you get the first book, ‘Intimate Strangers’ read first before you get stuck into this one. The storyline in this book will make more sense to you if you do it that way.

So, yeah, as the blurb so rightly warns you, this DOES end on a cliffhanger. Something I didn’t realise until the very last minute as I dont read blurbs! Did it ruin the experience for me? Not at all. It just means that i really need to get my hands on book three….like right now!!

Mental health and different emotions are such a huge part of this book. Speaking from a personal point of view a moment, I could relate to the way that Lisa was feeling as I am feeling that way currently and have been for a while. The delivery of such raw emotions made me cry. All I wanted to do was run to Lisa and say ‘I feel this too, help me!’. Not only that, seeing emotions and thoughts I could relate to in black and white, really hit home as I have spent so long trying to find the words to convey how much my own mental health has spiralled.

Lisa has such a devastating time throughout this book, and the serious nature of the situation she found herself in was definitely an eye-opener. The entire scenario was written so clearly, and so honestly, I cannot even begin to imagine how much research the author embarked on to make it as realistic as possible.

Jeremy…..what a lad. I really wasnt sure of him in book one as I found him very over the top, yet he redeemed himself this time around. In fact, I bloody love him now. Everyone needs a Jeremy in their life, and I’m gutted I dont have one in mine!!

The whole Lisa and AJ situation made me angry! Firstly, Lisa did know what she was getting herself in for with the distance and everything else. Secondly, AJ really needs to get it into his head that simply saying ‘sorry’ doesnt just magically fix things. Thirdly, neither of them owe the other one anything, so they really need to work out what is best for them when it comes to their relationship!

Now before anyone says I’m harsh, I’m well aware that AJ has his own problems and that his own mental health can snowball. However, he really needs to take heed of the responsibilities he now has! As for his priorities, well, I’ll be here all night if I started going on about those!

From the moment I picked up the book until the moment I had finished it, the book stayed in my hands the whole time. I refused to stop reading until there were no more pages to read and, it’s safe to say that I was extremely invested in these characters and their colourful lives.

I know that I have a strong opinion about the two main characters, but can I just say that I bloody loved this book! Lasairiona is incredible at what she does! I love the way she makes her characters come to life as though they’re three dimensional instead of simply being words on a page. I found her storyline to be such a powerful and poignant masterpiece in terms of the deep rooted emotions which were there from start to finish.

‘The Good In Goodbye’ has left its mark on me. Luckily, the fact that it’s a thoughtful and brilliantly written novel makes me incredibly lucky to have the mark of such a enlightening read, left on me. This is raw, cut throat, unsettling, yet it is also a one of a kind read that I urge you all to get your hands on.

Buy now from Amazon UK.

Buy now from Amazon US