Jill Barry The House Sitter, reviewed by Jessie Cahalin
Characters’ actions are measured with precision in this gripping psychological thriller. The house sitter, Ruth Morgan, is complex and plans to be an integral part of the Deacons’ lives.
‘A fledgling idea trembles in the dark recesses of Ruth’s imagination… Up went the hand to stroke her throat.’
Shadows of the past haunts Ruth. Lost in the tension at the midpoint of this novel, I fell into the abyss with Ruth and worried that I felt empathy for this dangerous character.
Bethan is Ruth’s counterfoil, and her investigation orchestrates intrigue. Love is in the air for Bethan and this adds a hopeful dimension in this thrilling narrative.
Clues and tension are skilfully woven into the characters’ viewpoints. Clever writing with an intricate narrative that will chill you to the bone.
Kate Ryder Beneath Cornish Skies, reviewed by Jane Cable
Beneath Cornish Skies tells the story of Cassandra Shaw, who leaves behind her outwardly perfect but soulless life in Sussex to work for a chaotic Cornish family. The contrasts between the two settings are sharp, but united by the author’s love of horses, nature, and the lore attaching to the natural world.
This book blends romance with new beginnings and a ghostly past. Don’t be put off by the fact it’s described as ‘book 3 of 3’ on Amazon, it is in fact a standalone novel and has achieved a bestseller flag in paranormal ghost romance.
Naomi Miller Imperfect Alchemist reviewed by Kitty Wilson
I adored this well-written tale of two women at opposite ends of the social spectrum in the sixteenth century coming together and working in tandem in herbalism and alchemy. Their story covers a myriad of themes from both lives, including the suspicion and misogyny behind witchcraft trials in the villages and their impact alongside the high arts represented by Mary Sidney’s renowned Wilton Circle. Although a fictional account of The Countess of Pembroke’s life, the author’s knowledge of history and the literature alongside her skill at writing makes this a novel that pulls you in utterly, making me as a reader willing to believe this is how it was. It certainly is a fitting tribute to a woman who was at the forefront of new thinking and intellectual debate in a time women were overlooked in every arena. I loved it and shall be looking for more books from this author.
Jan Baynham Her Sister’s Secret, reviewed by Imogen Martin
Jan Baynham’s second novel slips seamlessly between Rose in the 1940s and Jennifer in the 1960s. It opens in a mid-Wales village where Rose works at the Big House whilst Mam tries to keep the peace at home. When Rose meets Italian prisoner-of-war Marco, the sparks fly. I was fascinated, as I have a friend whose Italian father and Welsh mother met in exactly this way. Unlike my friend, there’s no happy ending for Rose when her domineering father finds out about the relationship.
In the 1960s, the family secret comes tumbling out after a chance discovery by Jennifer. Will she have the courage to travel to Sicily to find out the truth?
Jan Baynham captures the excitement of standing on the cusp of a new life in Cardiff, the big city, in contrast to the vivid portrayal of small Welsh village life.
Her Sister’s Secret is a cracking read with passion, hurt and wisdom intertwined. Whilst it has parallels with Jan’s debut novel Her Mother’s Secret, this is a stand-alone saga.