📖 Book Review ~ The Herb Knot by Jane Loftus

HQ Digital
8 May 2025
My thanks to the publisher for the copy of this book

 

The Hundred Years' War comes to life in this spellbinding tale of love, betrayal and conspiracy …

A quest born on the battlefield will change a young boy’s destiny… 

Rafi Dubois is five years old when his mother is murdered after the Battle of Crecy in 1346. Alone and lost, Rafi is given a token by the dying Englishman who tried to save his mother’s life: a half-broken family seal which he urges Rafi to return one day to Winchester.

Years later, when Rafi saves a wealthy merchant’s wife from a brutal robbery, he is rewarded with the chance to travel to England, taking the seal with him.

But when he reaches Winchester, Rafi finds himself in a turbulent world full of long-held allegiances, secrets and treachery. His path is fraught with danger and with powerful enemies working against him, Rafi falls in love with Edith, a market apothecary. But in doing so, Rafi unleashes a deadly chain of events which threatens to overwhelm them both…

📖My Review..

In the aftermath of the battle of Crécy five year old, Rafi Dubois not only witnesses the disappearance of his mother but also the death of an English soldier. Just prior to his death the soldier entrusts Rafi with his family seal which he entreats the young boy to return to his family in England. Years later, as a twenty year old, Rafi finally has the opportunity to travel from Ghent to Winchester, and his quest to return the seal finally begins. This is a task not without risk and Rafi soon discovers that he is faced with more questions than there are answers plus there is also an assortment of people who seem intent to do him harm. His ambitious search for the owners of the seal will bring Rafi into contact with a powerful Winchester merchant, and it is this connection which will lead him into great danger.

With impeccable research medieval Winchester springs to life, its dark and dangerous corners are filled with malice, its mean and moody streets are littered with the detritus of daily life and the sights, sounds and scents of a medieval town are described in realistic detail. That there is trouble ahead for Rafi is evident from the start however, the characters he meets, some inherently good, some downright evil, all add a realistic edge to this beautifully written story of family, friendship and the ultimate need to fulfil a duty promised.

The Herb Knot gives us a fascinating glimpse into a medieval world which is filled with intrigue and danger, whilst at the same time offering shreds of hope and love in a compelling story which lingers long after the last page is turned.

About the Author

Jane Loftus studied 16th Century European history before taking a postgraduate degree in modern political history. As a lone parent, she worked in Winchester Waterstones before taking a job in IT. This novel was written in the evenings while she was raising her son. Hugely passionate about the Middle Ages, she drew inspiration for this novel from the medieval layout of Winchester which has been painstakingly documented.

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📖 Blog Tour ~ Booked for Summer by Kathryn Freeman

One More Chapter
30 April 2025

Thanks to the publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation to the tour

 

A love story she didn't see coming…

When book lover Jade Taylor applies to manage the Little Bay Book Shack on Nantucket Island over the summer, the last thing she needs is the distraction of billionaire resort owner, Liam Haven.

But things take an unexpected turn when Liam becomes Jade’s boss – a man who only reads contracts for pleasure…

In a bid to save the bookshop from being absorbed into the Haven resort, Jade is determined to teach Liam that there’s more to life than acquiring real estate. And if she can make him realise happily ever afters do exist, might she be able to save the island’s bookshop in the process?

📖My Review…

Jade Taylor arrives on Nantucket Island to fulfil a lifelong dream of running a bookstore and the aptly named Little Bay Book Shack seems the ideal opportunity as not only does she get to spend three whole months with books, she also meets the deliciously handsome, Liam Haven who sweeps her off her feet as soon as she arrives in the resort. However, there is more to Liam than Jade realises and when she finds out exactly who he is, well, let’s say things don’t go to plan for either of them.

The affluent resort of Nantucket Island comes to life, from the millionaire clientele who holiday at Haven resort, to the beach side bars serving colourful cocktails there is never a moment when the story doesn’t pull you into this world which the author has recreated with such joyous detail. Jade is a force to be reckoned with and it’s been a real delight to see her relationship with Liam develop. Watching the spark of passion ignite between them, especially at the start of the book, gives the story a real sexual sizzle, however, there is so more to their personalities than what happens between the sheets. 

Such a lovely read, Booked for Summer made me laugh out loud especially as Jade attempts to remind Liam that having money is no guarantee of happiness and the poignant reminder that love and friendship are what are truly important. A delightful, light-hearted story which makes for perfect summer reading.

About the Author

A former pharmacist, Kathryn now writes romantic comedies. Feel good books that are sexy and sweet, funny yet heart-warming. Mr Right Across the Street won the RNA Award for Romantic Comedy in 2022.

With a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), the romance in her own life is all in her head. Then again, his unstinting support of her career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Twitter: @kathrynfreeman1

Facebook: facebook.com/kathrynfreeman

Instagram: kathryn.freeman_author

Website: http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

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📖 Blog Tour ~ The House at River’s Edge by Rachel Burton

Boldwood 
3 May 2025

Thanks to the publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of the book
And the invitation to the blog tour.

1914: Anticipating a long summer of freedom at her friend's family estate in Cambridge, Grace Villiers is disappointed by an unexpected addition to their party. Then the new arrival offers to teach Grace to swim, and she is forced to see there is more to Algernon Lake than his reputation. But, with war brewing across Europe, this will be a summer that changes everything.

1997: Following her father’s sudden death, Barbara finds herself living with her mother in a house that is, literally, falling down around them. As she tries to put their new home in order, she discovers a photograph of her grandfather as a young man with his friend – two soldiers at the start of the First World War. Setting aside her grief, Barbara becomes determined to uncover their story, hoping it will bring her closer to the family she feels slipping away.

But when her search for answers opens up truths she isn’t prepared for, Barbara will come to realise, some secrets may be best left alone.

📖My Review..

A group of close friends spend the long summer of 1914 enjoying their last chance of freedom before the onset of WWI. This bittersweet time is especially poignant for Grace Villiers as she meets the charismatic Algernon Lake, a young poet, who will have such an effect on her life going forward. 

In 1997, Barbara is facing a crossroads in her life, her father has recently died and she lives with her elderly mother in a house which requires much renovation. When Barbara discovers a photograph of two young WWI soldiers, and a trunk containing letters and other artefacts, she is determined to discover more about the past and her family’s connection to the two young men. 

This is a lovely dual time story which flips back and forth so seamlessly that I found I enjoyed spending time with Grace, and her friends back in 1914, whilst at the same time uncovering hidden family secrets with Barbara in 1997. The story flows really well with neither time period outshining the other although I found the inevitable change brought about by Grace’s wartime experiences to be particularly poignant. I found the story quite moving, love and loss feature strongly in both time frames, and there is a quiet sense of ghosts from the past sharing their secrets which have been hidden away for so long. I loved how the story evolved, sharing its secrets so eloquently, I felt as if I were a quiet bystander watching as tragedy unfolded. 

All the characters be they in 1914 or 1997 struck a chord with me and I felt a quiet satisfaction when the story came to an end, all the beautiful threads had been woven together in an emotional story which lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.

About the Author

Rachel Burton is the bestselling author of historical timeslip novels and romantic comedies. Rachel was born in Cambridge and studied Classics and English Literature before starting a career in law. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books.

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🎉🎉 Blogoversary 2025 🎉🎉

Fourteen years ago I started a blog I thought no-one would ever read, and I was quite comfy with that idea, and then gradually things started to change and Jaffareadstoo started to gain the attention of authors and publishers and pretty soon I was invited to read and promote more and more books. During this time I have been delighted, thrilled and really privileged to read some amazing books whilst at the same time getting to know other enthusiastic bloggers who all do what they do in order to share the joy of reading. Fourteen years has seen many changes in the blogging world not least in the rise of social media and the various ways of sharing information. Jaffareadstoo occupies just a little corner of this exciting world, enjoying all the book promotions and the lovely banter between readers. I get most of my book recommendations from fellow book bloggers and posts I see online.

Fourteen years ago I read predominantly physical books and I must admit that I still love the look, feel and smell of a new book however, small print and less good eyesight has necessitated the transition to digital and audio books which I have embraced wholeheartedly and I am immensely grateful to authors and publishers who now mostly send digital books for me to read.

Huge thanks, as always, goes to the authors, and publishers, who continue to support Jaffareadstoo, it’s still a tremendous privilege to review early copies of books, something I’ll never, ever take for granted.

And to all those who pop by to read my reviews, ~ thank you, and happy reading 📖 

📖 Blog Tour ~ Manhattan Down by Michael Cordy

Bantam Books/ Transworld
8 May 2025

My thanks to Sophie Ransom PR for my copy of the book
and the invitation to the blog tour

A propulsive rollercoaster high concept international thriller which dares to take the world to the edge of oblivion.

THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS JUST SAID GOODNIGHT.

On the anniversary eve of the 9/11 terror attack, New York swelters under a heat dome of record temperatures. Even the global leaders assembled at the UN HQ are forced to admit that the climate crisis has reached boiling point and the world’s time is running out.

That same day, at precisely 5:25 p.m., everyone on Manhattan Island – every man, woman and child, including all the world leaders at the UN – falls unconscious. Everyone that is, except for Samantha Rossi, a single mother reeling from devastating personal news and Nick Lockwood, a wounded NYPD detective who wakes from a coma just as the City That Never Sleeps falls into one.

📖 My Review..

Literally, in the blink of an eye, at 5:25pm on the eve of the 9/11 anniversary the entire island of Manhattan goes to sleep. Four million people fall, and remain where they fell, be that on the pavement or at their desk in an office block or whilst walking in the street and as Manhattan goes eerily silent there are only a handful of eco-warriors who know precisely what is going on and they are about to put their ambitious plan into action.

The story hits the ground running and doesn’t let up pace until the whole of this clever plot is revealed. With  a real sense of time and place Manhattan, lost in time, becomes another fascinating character in this daring story and I followed with a real sense of trepidation watching as the plot unfolded and the perpetrators started to reveal their true personalities. There’s a real sense of disquiet, rather like the deserted streets of our towns and cities during the recent global pandemic, an otherworldliness starts to evolve, with streets and building littered with bodies, there’s a glimpse of a futuristic world which could, however frightening it seems, be just around the corner.

This is a really accomplished thriller, from its scarily realistic setting, to the well thought out characters particularly those of the terrorists and also Samantha Rossi and Nick Lockwood who become real champions and who under normal circumstances would never have met and interacted. I flew through the story in a couple of sittings, reluctant to leave the sleeping Manhattan to its own devices and fascinated to see what would happen next in this fast action thriller.

Beautifully written, with such incredible and believable detail, I can well imagine Manhattan Down being picked up and made into a movie, it really is that good.

About the Author

Michel Cordy is the best selling author of 6 high concept thrillers, including the Sunday Times international bestseller The Messiah Code, The Lucifer Code  and the Sunday Times best seller, The Miracle Strain.  Having taken time off from writing novels to work in film, Michael Cordy is back with Manhattan Down. His novels have been translated into several languages and four have been sold to Hollywood. Michael lives in London with his wife and daughter.

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📖 Book Review ~ The Devil’s Draper by Donna Moore

Fly on the Wall Press
1 May 2025
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book 

When whispers of abuse at Arrol's department store reach Mabel, a determined policewoman, she knows she must act. Enlisting the help of Johnnie, a cunning thief, and Beatrice, a savvy businesswoman, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth.

Set against the backdrop of 1920s Glasgow, where women's voices are often silenced, this thrilling tale weaves together crime, justice, and the fight for equality. As the trio inches closer to exposing the scandal, they realize that in a world where women are rarely believed, their very lives may be at stake.

📖 My Review..

After reading The Unpicking in 2023 I was delighted to be given the opportunity of reading this second book in the series which takes us into the heart of Glasgow and to a department store which is abusing its female employees.

The 1920s was very much a period of social change particularly in the aftermath of The Great War when women were pretty much sidelined in favour of men especially in the work place and even Mabel Adair in her role as a policewoman is very much relegated to a minor role, so when an opportunity presents itself to get to the bottom of what is going on at Arrol’s department store in Glasgow Mabel is determined to do her very best. With the help of a skilful thief and a methodical business woman they start to uncover a web of deceit and violence against vulnerable women and are determined to bring the perpetrator to face justice.

Beautifully written, the story flows well and I was soon caught up with the intrigue and immersed in the Glasgow scene of the 1920s. I enjoyed meeting up again with some of the characters from The Unpicking and thought that Beatrice and Johnnie were worthy additions to this story about strong women doing what they can to fight for those women who are all too easy prey for unscrupulous individuals.

About the Author

Donna Moore is the author of crime fiction and historical fiction. Her first novel, a Private Eye spoof called Go To Helena Handbasket, won the Lefty Award for most humorous crime fiction novel and her second novel, Old Dogs, was shortlisted for both the Lefty and Last Laugh Awards. Her short stories have been published in various anthologies. In her day job she works as an adult literacy tutor for marginalised and vulnerable women, facilitates creative writing workshops and has a PhD in creative writing around women’s history and gender-based violence.

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📖 Book of My Month ~ Death on Wolf Fell by Nick Oldham

Severn House
6 May 2025

Thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book

 

A tense and utterly addictive police procedural set on the Lancashire moors featuring Sergeant Jessica Raker.

Former Metropolitan Police firearms officer Sergeant Jessica Raker is on a mission to bring down a brutal organized crime group operating in the idyllic Ribble Valley.

The OCG's leader, Mags Horsefield, is determined to make one of the members pay for getting caught by the police, using her contacts to make sure he’s released from prison early . . . into her waiting clutches.

Jess knows Mags from their school days, but their lives now couldn’t be more different. A fire at a local mill puts Jess on the tail of Mags’ OCG; is this her opportunity to catch the Ribble Valley’s most wanted criminal? The battle lines have been drawn, but when Jess is called to an incident at Wolf Fell Hall, a series of terrifying events follow…

📖My Review..

I love a good crime novel where I can instantly be familiar with the characters and also picture the setting in which they go about their nefarious business. Death on Wolf Fell intrigued me particularly because it’s set in my home county of Lancashire and some of the places mentioned I have visited so can easily put everything into context. The story begins with a dramatic opener which gets this pacy police procedural off to an explosive start with a gangland madam determined to succeed and a feisty police sergeant who is equally ferocious in her determination to stop crime boss Mags Horsefield in her tracks.

Nick Oldham is a new author for me and whilst I haven’t read the first book in this Jessica Raker series, this second book hits the ground running with enough back story included so that I never felt as if I was floundering in a sea of what happened before. It’s gritty and occasionally violent without being gratuitously so which makes everything feel authentic, if rather gung-ho at times. I feel DS Raker is a central character who will grow more into her lead detective role as the series progresses.There was enough bad stuff going on to keep me guessing and I enjoyed the insight into Jess’s personal life, with her kids and mother, and her burgeoning interest in fireman Joe.

I raced through the story pretty quickly as once started I could put the book down eager for the final outcome and hoped that Jess Raker would sort the good guys from the bad. The story ends on a real cliffhanger which gave me hope that there will be another DS Jessica Raker novel following in the not too distant future and in the meantime I can read the first book in the series Death at Dead Men’s Stakes so I’m all caught up. I am delighted to make Death on Wolf Fell the Book of my Month for May.

About the Author

Nick Oldham was born in Belthorn, Lancashire, in 1956. He has been a police officer since the age of nineteen, spending the majority of his service in operational roles, before retiring in 2005. He lives with his partner, Belinda, on the outskirts of Preston.

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