Novel Nerd Blog - Book Reviews by Smitha

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW I nvitation to Italy by Victoria Springfield is a heartwarming novel that takes readers on a journey to the beautiful Italian island of Procida. The story follows Abi, who is devastated when her ex-husband takes their daughter to spend the summer with his new fiancée in Italy. Encouraged by her friend, Abi decides to book a holiday at the Hotel Paradiso, where she finally meets the woman she has been avoiding for so long. The strained relationship between Abi and Marisa is put to the test during the summer, as they navigate their feelings and differences. At the same time, we meet Loretta, a former swimming sensation who now runs the Hotel Paradiso. When an old friend comes to stay, Loretta is forced to confront her past and the fears that have held her back for so long. As she opens her heart, she discovers that things may not be as they seem with Salvo. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Invitation to Italy. The author does a fantastic job of transporting ...

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW Due to release on April 28th 2024, Double Jeopardy by Stephen Penner offers readers a compelling dive into the dark and twisted underbelly of Rain City, where murder, lies, and corruption reign supreme. In this fourth installment of the legal thriller series featuring attorney Daniel Raine, Penner delivers a gripping narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. The story kicks off with a mysterious death in custody at the county jail, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle as attorney Daniel Raine takes on the case, determined to unearth the truth behind the young man's demise. As Raine delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a tangled web of deceit and betrayal, where no one is who they seem and everyone has something to hide. Penner masterfully crafts a narrative filled with suspense and intrigue, drawing readers into a world where morality is blurred and danger lurks around every corner. The ch...

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW Hard Times For The East End Library Girls is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of a group of young women facing challenges in post-war London. Patricia McBride skillfully weaves together a tale of friendship, resilience, and the power of community amidst adversity. In Hard Times For The East End Library Girls, author Patricia McBride takes readers on a poignant journey through the challenges and triumphs of three resilient women in post-war London. As war encroaches on their lives, chief librarian Cordelia, along with her colleagues Mavis and Jane, face personal hardships that test their strength and perseverance. The novel vividly depicts the impact of war on the protagonists' lives, from Cordelia's bombed flat to Jane's struggles with her injured husband. Despite the darkness that surrounds them, the bond between the three friends grows stronger as they find purpose in transforming the Silvertown library into a beacon of hope for t...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW "Coming Home to Roseford Villas" by Fay Keenan invites readers into a charming world of second chances and rediscovered love set against the backdrop of the picturesque village of Roseford. Aurora Henderson, affectionately known as Rory, and Leo McKendrick were once young lovers whose paths diverged due to life's twists and turns. Now, two decades later, fate intervenes as they find themselves back in Roseford, both in need of a fresh start. Keenan masterfully crafts a narrative that blends romance, nostalgia, and the allure of small-town life. Rory, weary from her teaching career and yearning to pursue her passion for writing, seeks solace in the tranquility of Roseford. Conversely, Leo, facing the end of his expatriate life in Australia, finds himself drawn back to his roots to manage his family's B&B, Roseford Villas. As they reconnect, old feelings resurface, prompting them to reconsider the possibility of a second chance at love....

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW   "The Trials of Lila Dalton" follows the gripping story of Lila Dalton, a woman who finds herself in a courtroom before the Judge with no memory of who she is or how she got there. As she struggles to piece together her past, she finds herself embroiled in a complex legal battle when she is accused of a crime she can't remember committing. With the help of a determined lawyer, Lila navigates the intricacies of the courtroom, facing unexpected twists and turns as she fights to uncover the truth about her identity and the events leading up to her amnesia. L.J. Shepherd delivers a jaw-droppingly clever thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final page. "L. J. Shepherd's 'The Trials of Lila Dalton' is a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue that will leave readers breathless. From the very first page, Shepherd masterfully weaves a tale of amnesia, mystery, and courtroom drama that keeps you guessing...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW "One Dead, Two to Go" by Elena Hartwell plunges readers into the gritty world of private investigator Edwina "Eddie Shoes" Schultz as she navigates a treacherous case in the seedy underbelly of Bellingham, Washington. Eddie's latest job involves staking out a dubious hotel, capturing evidence of infidelity for her client, Kendra Hallings. However, the routine surveillance takes a sinister turn when Kendra's husband Mr Hailings is seen bidding his Mistress Deirdre Fox  goodbye for the last time; Deidre's lifeless body is soon discovered in an abandoned building. As suspicions swirl and Kendra disappears, Eddie finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue and danger. Reluctantly delving into the murky depths of the investigation, Eddie is spurred on by her adrenaline-junkie mother, Chava, whose arrival adds a layer of chaos to Eddie's already complicated life. Despite Chava's lack of parenting skills, her unconventiona...