📖 Book Review ~ The Secret Photographs by Jacquie Bloese

Hodder & Stoughton
Paperback - 3 October 2024

My thanks to the publisher and Graeme Williams for my copy of this book

 

England, 1895: In the bustling seaside town of Brighton, photography is all the rage. Ellen Harper assists her twin brother running one of the city's seafront studios, where fashionable ladies and gentlemen pose in their finery to have their likeness captured forever in a silver frame.

But behind the façade of a respectable business, the siblings have something to hide. After the studio closes for the day, secret photographs are taken in the back room. There is money to be made from this underground trade, but if exposed to the light of day, these photographs would destroy them...

When newly married Clementine comes to sit for a portrait, Ellen learns she is looking for a lady's companion. Longing for a life of her own choosing and freedom from the deals her brother has made, Ellen accepts the post. The new position transports her to a sweeping white-fronted townhouse on one of Brighton's most prestigious crescents, full of every luxury imaginable.

But Clementine's gilded world hides as much darkness as Ellen hoped to escape... What will happen when the secrets Ellen has left behind finally catch up to her…

📖 My Review..

Despite its elegant facade the seaside resort of Brighton has its seedier side and in the dark and gloomy back room of a respectable portrait studio photographs are being taken of a rather more risqué nature. The Victorian penchant for erotic photographs comes to life as we follow the fortunes of twins Ellen and Reynold Harper who, like the working girls they photograph, do what they must in order to survive poverty and hardship. Ellen’s association both with the wealthy Clementine Brouwer and the poverty stricken Lily March could not be more different and yet this trio of women will take you by the hand into the underbelly of Victorian England.

Beautifully written with vivid descriptions not just about the growing demand for pornography but also of the hypocrisy and double standards of Victorian gentlemen whose clandestine purchases of increasingly explicit photographs kept this trade alive. The story has its dark moments which bring the brooding alleyways and seedy salons to life in such a vivid way that I often felt like a voyeur brushing away the cigar smoke and quietly observing as the scenes unfolded. Ellen, Clementine and Lily each have a powerful story to tell and their voices lends credence as we observe the constraints on women of all social classes, rich or poor they were all the mercy of unscrupulous men. It’s a story of intimate female relationships, of a series of wrongdoings being made right and of a desperately sad tragedy which seemed to take on its own inevitable momentum.

The Secret Photographs, from its exquisite book cover, to the strength of its narrative, there is never a moment when the story doesn’t draw you into a dark and dangerous world where female friendships were forged and strengthened by what they had each endured.

* Previously published as The Golden Hour in hardback.

 About the Author

Jacquie Bloese is a writer of historical book group fiction, originally from the Channel Island of Guernsey. She draws her inspiration from atmospheric locations with intriguing histories, and people - both real and imaginary - whose stories are calling out to be told.

Her first novel THE FRENCH HOUSE, set during the German Occupation of Guernsey in the second World War, was a Richard and Judy Winter 2022 book club pick, and a finalist in the Mslexia Novel Award. Her second novel THE GOLDEN HOUR is inspired by the seaside town of Brighton, where Jacquie currently lives, and tells the story of three women from different classes who become caught up in the underground world of erotic photography in 1890s Victorian England.

Website

Twitter /X @novelthesecond #TheSecretPhotographs

Twitter / X @HodderBooks

Blue Sky @jacquiebloese.bsky.social

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🎄 Festive Book Review ~ A Christmas Wish on Arran by Ellie Henderson

 

Joffe Books
22 October 2024

Scottish Romance #4

Thanks to the publisher for my copy of the book 

When Beth Ferguson’s dream of a career in journalism in London ends in tatters, she’s offered a new start as the local reporter on the Isle of Arran.

The only problem? Returning to the place she first met Callum. Her first love. And the man who broke her heart.

It’s been 25 years since ‘that day’. Surely he’s no longer there.

But Callum is still in Arran. Still gorgeous. Still making Beth’s heart flutter.

Despite the time apart, the more they try to ignore their chemistry, the more it reignites the flame between them.

As the close-knit island prepares for Christmas, Beth reconnects with Arran’s magic. But it’s Callum who pulls at her heartstrings. And when tragedy strikes, it’s Callum who shows Beth that time and distance can’t change what the heart really wants.

🎄 My Review..

I hadn’t realised when I picked up this book that it was part of a series of stories set on the Scottish Isle of Arran but whilst I suspect that there are reappearing characters in each of the books, not knowing much about their back story didn’t detract from the delight of spending time on Arran with Beth and Callum.

Beth is newly returned to Scotland after spending much of her adult life in London. Her arrival on Arran as the new reporter on the local newspaper allows her to take stock of her life, leaving her troubles behind and starting afresh in a place which is familiar as she spent some of her teenage years on the island, working and falling in love. When Beth accidentally bumps into Callum, now a grown up version of the boy she loved twenty-five years ago. However, Beth is torn between guarding her secrets or allowing life to offer her and Callum a second chance at happiness. This is such a lovely story as not only does the beautiful Isle of Arran comes alive but we also get to spend time with a lovely array of characters who bring a real heartwarming empathy to this delightful will they, won’t they story. The coziness of living in a small town comes to life and shows how supportive small communities can be when people need help.

Wonderfully festive, with oodles of charm, and a heartwarming love story at its heart, A Christmas Wish on Arran had everything I wanted from a festive read. It’s as comforting as a delicious hot chocolate sprinkled with cream and marshmallows and is perfect escapism from the Christmas rush.

About the Author

Ellie Henderson lives near the sea on the east coast of Scotland and is a regular visitor to the Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland. When she's not writing she runs creative workshops in the community.

Twitter / X @EllieHbooks #AChristmasWishOnArran

Twitter / X @JoffeBooks

🎄 Book Review ~ A Skye Full of Stars by Sue Moorcroft

 

Avon Books Uk
7 November 2024
Skye Sisters #2

My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book

Under the winter stars, anything is possible…

Ezzie Wynter can’t wait for Christmas on the beautiful Isle of Skye. Her island home sparkles at this time of year thanks to the snow-capped mountains and frosty winter walks, topped off with family gatherings with those she loves the most.

But her peaceful Christmas idyll is upended when she hears that the Larson family – the owners of Rothach Hall – are flying in from Sweden for the festivities. As Manager of their grand Scottish manor house, Ezzie suddenly has decorations to hang, food to source and itineraries to organise.

Life only becomes more difficult when Mats Larson turns up. The owners’ handsome, self-assured son is used to doing things his own way – and he is only another headache to add to her overflowing list.

Yet when unexpected visitors arrive looking for Ezzie, nothing else matters as she is left questioning everything she ever knew about herself. But amidst the Christmas chaos, she might also discover that, when all is lost, it’s sometimes those we least expect who come to our aid...

🎄My Review…

This wonderfully festive story gets my Christmas reads off to a fine start as returning to the beautiful Isle of Skye in this second novel of the Skye Sisters trilogy has been a real delight.  

This novel focuses on Ezzie Wynter who is the newly appointed manager of Rothach Hall and together with her sister, Thea, the head gardener, we get a glimpse into the running of this delightful Scottish manor. When Ezzie receives the news that the Larsons, the Swedish owners of the property, are arriving earlier than expected for Christmas Ezzie is determined to prove to them just how efficiently she is managing everything but with the family’s arrival comes a set of problems for Ezzie and also the arrival of some unexpected visitors causes Ezzie to reconsider events from her past.

Whilst it would be perfectly possible to read this second book as a standalone, it does make sense to read Thea’s story in the first book as that way you get to understand the Wynter sisters and discover more about the owners of Rothach Hall and their place within the story. This one introduces us to Mats Larson, the eldest son of the family who, newly divorced, seems to have quite a lot going on in his personal life, which is in danger of spilling over into his time at Rothach Hall. There’s a nice blend of family time spent with the Larsons, along with delightful visits to places on the island and yet it is the burgeoning romantic relationship at its heart which makes this into something rather special. 

Both heartwarming, and heartfelt, A Skye Full of Stars is such a lovely read that I was quite disappointed when the story ended as I would have quite liked to have stayed at Rothach Hall for a wonderfully festive holiday. However, there is the tantalising delight of the third book in the trilogy to look forward to, when we will discover more about Valentina, the third of the Wynter sisters, who will definitely have another fascinating story to tell us. Can’t wait to read it…

About the Author

Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author, and her novels have been #1 on Kindle UK and Top 100 on Kindle US, Canada and Italy. She writes two books a year for publishing giant HarperCollins and has won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Novel of the Year, Readers’ Best Romantic Novel award, a HOLT Medallion and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She’s the president of the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Her novels, short stories, serials, columns, writing ‘how to’ and courses have appeared around the world.

🎄 Featured Book of the Month ~ Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

Harper Collins
21 November 2021

Thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book

December, 1952

As a young Queen Elizabeth II prepares to deliver her first Christmas speech, staff work behind the scenes to get ready for the festivities at Sandringham Estate. Among them are Jack and Olive – old friends who are surprised to be reunited after seven years apart.

While Olive works for the BBC reporting on the royal family, and Jack is employed in the queen’s kitchens, their bond deepens – until a secret threatens to tear them apart. When the truth comes to light, it could change Olive and Jack's lives forever.

But maybe Christmas has one last gift to deliver…

🎄My Review..

As I start this month of festive reads I can think of no better story to have as my featured book of the month in December than Christmas with the Queen. Right from the very start of this lovely story, which covers the years 1952-1957, I was taken back in time to the early years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, watching her grow in confidence as she takes on the daunting task of broadcasting her first Christmas speech to the nation and commonwealth.

Not only is this a fascinating look at how the Queen’s Christmas Day broadcasts developed, but it also gives us the chance get to know the two lovely lead characters who hold the story together in such a special way. Olive Carter is a fledgling journalist working at the BBC and hoping to become a royal correspondent and American, Jack Devereux, a talented chef, who gets the opportunity to work in the royal kitchens at Buckingham Palace, Sandringham and Balmoral. Told in individual chapter we learn more about Olive and Jack, and also about Queen Elizabeth herself which makes for a fascinating glimpse into this royal world. However, running alongside is the story of Jack and Olive’s friendship which began in 1945 at the end of WWII and of a secret which, once discovered, will test Olive and Jack’s will they, won’t they relationship to the limit.

Beautifully written, with such a heartwarming message, Christmas with the Queen captured my imagination from the start. It sweeps you from post war London, to the elegant beauty of the Royal estate at Sandringham and gives a tantalising glimpse into life there however,  it is with Olive and Jack where the heart of the story lies, and it is their story running alongside that of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip which makes this into such a special festive read.

About the Authors

Hazel Gaynor is an award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author know fir her deeply moving historical novels which explore the defining moments of the 20th century. A recipient of the 2015 RNA Historical novel of the year award. Hazel’s wotk has been translated into twenty languages and is published in twenty-seven territories to date. She lives in Ireland with her family.

Heather Webb is the award winning and bestselling author of ten historical novels. To date her books have been translated into eighteen languages. She lives in Connecticut with her family and two mischievous cats.

Hazel and Heather’s co-written historical novels include:

Last Christmas in Paris

Meet me in Monaco 

Three Words for Goodbye 

Christmas with the Queen

Social Media

Hazel’s Website

X @HazelGaynor #ChristmasWithTheQueen

Blue Sky @hazelgaynor.bsky.social

Heather’s Website

X@msheatherwebb

Blue Sky @msheatherwebb.bsky.social

X @HarperCollinsUK

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📖 Book Review ~ Wanton Troopers by Lindsey Erith

Olympia Publishers
28 November 2024

My thanks to the publishers
and publicist Martha Halford-Fumigalli for my copy of this book

The action unfolds in the cloud-wracked autumn of 1645 as the defeated Royalist Hugh Malahide returns to his Uncle’s impoverished estate in need of sanctuary; “He had half expected warmth at last and blessings, had them stored up as miser’s gain. But he had already been upstaged. The tableau that greeted him was not of upflung arms and welcome, but of a medical emergency in front of him, centred on a writhing, groaning heap of bloodied old clothes there on the floor of his uncle’s hallway.”

The ‘groaning heap’ is Tom Fentiman, a figure who will drag the hero, Hugh, into a whirlwind adventure of danger and betrayal, and into the path of the beautiful Isabella, daughter of his Parliamentarian rival, with whom romance and a happy life seems an impossibility, but one he does not resist.

Can this defeated Royalist reject the siren song of King Charles’s lost cause, and survive? Only armed by force of character and a charm-the-birds smile, Hugh sets about seduction, burglary and defying Fate.

📖 My Review..

Looking for sanctuary from his Royalist duties during the latter years of the English Civil War, Hugh Malahide returns to his impoverished uncle’s house somewhat less of a hero, and more of a survivor, only to find that there is a seriously injured man whose very presence in the house is something of a problem. These are difficult times with Royalist neighbours at odds with their Puritan counterparts and with animosity festering in the air there is little chance of charity. However, this chance encounter with the injured stranger brings Hugh into contact with Isabella Fentiman, and the start of a relationship which will test his loyalty in more ways than one.

This is so beautifully written that I felt like I had stepped right back in time and saw the English countryside through the eyes of one who had lived and walked there in 1645. There’s a strong sense of history, neither glorying nor denying the eventual outcome of the Civil War, each side had their successes and failures but what is brought to life is the rural ambience of a country at odds with itself. It was a time when neighbours were pitted against each other and law abiding folk could be held hostage by marauding scavengers. Situations were difficult, money was scarce and with few choices available some turned to thievery whilst others sought a different approach. Malahide is faced with difficult choices.

With a tender love story at its heart The Wanton Troopers allows a tantalising glimpse into a long ago world and with this talented author’s wonderful way with words, I was quite enchanted and rather sorry to say goodbye to the Malahide and Fentimens and wished them well in their future.

About the Author

Lindsey Erith was born in Reigate, the daughter of the photographer John Erith. She survived a girls’ public school and coming to terms with severe health problems before achieving a graphics Diploma. This gave her an entry to portraiture and strengthened her keen interest in character and likeness.

Woven throughout her life has been an abiding passion for music, reflected in the poetic rhythm of her original writing style. Her love of music led to the love of her life and a Valentine’s Day happy marriage to the distinguished classical music producer John Boyden, whose unwavering belief in her encouraged her to submit her first book for publication.

Wanton Troopers, her new book, is written in the same style and period as Mary Florida. Each ‘Royalist Romance’ explores the heights of love and longing in the tumultuous aftermath of the English Civil War.

Website

#WantonTroopers

Twitter / X @ olympiapub

Twitter / X @MarthaHalfordPR

📖 Publication Day Book Review ~ Gemini Pockets : The Brontës : Charles Dickens

Gemini
28 November 2024
Thanks to the publisher for my copies of theses book 

From techniques on how to achieve Deep Sleep to an all-access pass to the record- breaking life of Ariana Grande; and from quizzes and puzzles for classic lit lovers to the original best-selling glossary of Cockney Rhyming Slang; these are enticing little gifts to pick up, prize and pocket.

With over 100 titles scheduled across Music, Fashion, Travel, Humour and more, Gemini’s Pocket series will become a mainstay across the trade, and will be supported with major marketing activity at launch and throughout 2025.

Drawing on the vivid detail in the seven completed novels of the three Brontë sisters -- Charlotte, Emily and Anne -- the ingenious quizzes and puzzles in this fun collection will test your memory. Even the illustrations, by Edmund Dulac, require you to recognise the characters they depict.

📖 My Review..

In order get the best out of this mini literary quiz book you really need to know your Brontës and whilst I thought I knew quite a lot about this trio of sisters I was challenged to get some of the answers but I have definitely had great fun trying and thankfully, there are answers at the end of the book.

Full of lovely Brontë information these pocket sized books are the perfect size to have tucked away in your bag ready to bring out when you need to pass the time. I’ve loved everything about this little book, from the gentle tones of its coloured pages, to the beautiful illustrations, and snippets of Brontë information which are scattered like little jewels throughout the whole of the book.  I have to admit to feeling rather guilty actually writing in the book, as that is something I really find difficult to do however, I got over my terror of marking pristine pages by using a soft pencil which was easily erased.

Gemini
28 November 2024

A variety of ingenious puzzles to test your knowledge of the works of Charles Dickens, creator of many of the best-known characters in fiction and widely regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. Illustrated throughout by the British caricaturist George Cruikshank, who was praised as the Hogarth of his day.

📖 My Review..

Similarly with the Brontë book this pocket quiz book contains so much about Dickens that it’s a real joy to read, even if, like me, you don’t like writing in the pages of a book there is more than enough to peruse and ponder. The illustrations make such a difference and truly make this pocket Dickens into something rather special. I’ve been reading Dickens for pleasure ever since I first picked up Oliver Twist in my teens but this feisty little book tested my knowledge and made me want to read, or listen, to these fabulous stories all over again.

In the run up to Christmas when we search for little literary gifts to tempt the readers in our lives look no further than this group of Gemini Pockets. They’re fun, fabulous and kept me entertained from start to finish.

Gemini Pockets

From little guides to soothe your soul to all-access passes to the lives of pop icons, and from quizzes and puzzles for literature lovers to books on food, nature, fashion and more, Gemini Pockets are the perfect fit for your life and interests.

Twitter / X @ geminibooksgp

📖 Book Review ~ Ten Poems about Daughters and Sons from Candlestick Press

Candlestick Press
2024

My thanks to the publisher for my copy of these pamphlets

A daughter will always be a daughter, and this beautiful and tender selection celebrates that joyful fact.

We begin with a birth and progress through the years via familiar landmarks; the beloved toys of early childhood and tricky teenage arguments lead to the inevitable moment when a daughter must leave home.

A poem about teaching a daughter to swim becomes a moving expression of a rite of passage into independence:

“You will watch her

leaving the shore behind

and the current will flow

the right way. That day,

the water will hold her…”

from ‘Teaching Your Daughter to Swim’ by Clare Shaw

Running through every poem there is an abiding sense of the power of the bond between a parent and daughter – and of course there is always love.

Poems by Michael Brown, SL Grange, Harry Guest, Joanna Ingham, James P Lenfestey, Kim Moore, Marilyn Nelson, Clare Shaw, Anne Stevenson and Claire Walker.

Cover illustration by Caroline Barker.

📖 My Review...

I'm blessed to have been a daughter and now have a daughter and a son of my own, both infinitely precious. These lovely poetry pamphlets celebrate the wonder and blessing of having a daughter and a son in our lives.

Having a daughter is one of life's blessings, I've loved having a daughter, from watching her grow from quiet babyhood, into to a confident adult,  and now a mother herself , just continues the joy.

Beginning with birth, the poems help to celebrate a life shared, special moments which bring us all together. That precious moment when a woman become a mother is celebrated with this lovely poem:

From Poem for a Daughter by Anne Stevenson 

" A woman's life is her own

 until it is taken away

by a first particular cry.

then she is not alone

but part of the premises

of everything there is

a time, a tribe, a war

When we belong to the world

we become what we are..."

From A Daughter's First Term at University by Harry Guest

This one forcibly reminds me of leaving my daughter at her shared house in Leeds, having bundled everything she needed for her first term at university into the car. We crossed the Pennines from Lancashire into Yorkshire and back to the city of her birth. There was excitement but also sadness with an indescribable sense of loss.

"...The fact remains- the one whom you loved as an everyday presence has been

 elected  a citizen of a world you'll never inhabit

She's left, rightly so, to gain where others have given,

she's cut the cord, packed her bags, embarked on adulthood..."

The sharing of love and the deepening of the parental bond is celebrated in each of these ten lovely poems. I think Ten Poems about Daughters is rather special and is definitely one to treasure and pass on to my daughter so that she, in turn, can pass it on to her daughter.

Candlestick Press
2024

In this delightful mini anthology we find touching and uplifting poems exploring sons as babies and sons as young men, as well as everything in between.

We meet a boy daydreaming in bed on a summer’s evening, his mother delighting in his wakefulness as his imagination roams in the dark. There’s a son begging his dad for a bedtime story, which must be different from the last one.

And then there are unforgettable rites of passage such as a gap year, which turns out to be as much of an adventure for the parent as for the child:

“My heart soars like the birds in your bright blue skies.
My love glows like the sunrise over the lost city.
I sing along to Ella Fitzgerald, A tisket A tasket.
I have a son out in the big wide world.”

from ‘Gap Year’ by Jackie Kay


The poems are a reminder of the delights, joys and endless surprises of watching a son grow through childhood into whatever happens next.

Poems by Emily Blewitt, Josephine Corcoran, Glyn Edwards, Langston Hughes, Jackie Kay, Galway Kinnell, Li-Young Lee, David Morley, Sinéad Morrissey and Naomi Shihab Nye.

Cover illustration by Caroline Barker.

 📖 My Review..

I'm blessed to have been a daughter and now have a daughter and a son of my own, both infinitely precious. These lovely poetry pamphlets celebrate the wonder and blessing of having a daughter and a son in our lives.

I've loved being the mother of a son, watching him grow from sturdy babyhood, to being a strong and protective father himself to a daughter. This anthology of ten intuitive poems about sons shares that unbreakable bond between parent and child.

"A man crosses the street in the rain

stepping gently, looking two times north and south:

because his son is asleep on his shoulder

no car must splash him,

No car drive too near his shadow.."

From Shoulders by Naomi Shihab Nye

Beautifully written, as always, and with much to consider I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this anthology of Ten Poems about Sons. From baby hood, to adulthood and stages in between this anthology celebrates the bond that parents have with their sons.  The cheery cover with its young boy at a desk, with his atlas, reminds me of my son who would squirrel away every postcard that arrived from overseas until the atlas became a wishlist of foreign places to travel. Another pamphlet to treasure ..

  About the Publisher

Candlestick Press is a small, independent press publishing sumptuously produced poetry pamphlets that serve as a wonderful alternative to a greetings card, with matching envelopes and bookmarks left blank for your message. Their subjects include Mountains, Clouds, Walking, Birds, Wine and Happiness. Candlestick Press pamphlets are stocked by chain and independent bookshops, galleries and garden centres nationwide and available to order online.

Twitter/X @poetrycandle

Website