NetGalley Reviewer nix21230

Part of a series, but can be read standalone.  War time London and the three librarians Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane take to the streets to protest against their living conditions, standing up together against dirty landlords, rent increases and horrible living conditions.  The librarians also take books to the people, run treasure hunts within the library and provide hope to the local community. Cordelia enjoys life, but is split as to how far to take it with one of the American GIs. A bit of dancing, isn't wrong, is it? This story, is another great example of how history can come to life, be more real and provide us all with a better understanding of the struggles, perseverance and community present during the war in London.  A Better Tomorrow for the East End Library Girls by Patricia McBride will be published on 4 December 2024. #ABetterTomorrowfortheEastEndLibraryGirls #NetGalley

Noelle is heading back to her hometown to find out what her aunt has left her in her will. She's leaving it 'til last minute and in true Christmas story style, bad weather cancels her flights.  Completely distraught, she lets out her frustration on the Captain Kol Vinter. Against his better judgement, he offers to drive Noelle to her destination, it's close to where he is going. What could go wrong? It has all the tropes as listed in the blurb of the book: Holiday, Forced Proximity, One Bed, Opposites Attract, Return to Small Hometown, Blizzard, Afraid to Commit, Not Who I Thought You Were, Pilot, Horse Girl, Possessive Man, Sassy Girl. Enjoyable, quick, read.  Christmas Cancellation by Evie James is currently scheduled to publish on 20 November 2024. 

As it says in the blurb from the publisher: " Hallmark with Snark " Two writers, who both hate Christmas, are set the challenge to spend a week in a Noelville, a dedicated Christmas resort and write a sappy, Christmas loving story. The winner gets a sought after promotion. What could go wrong? Well, it is the festive season and not even these two Grinches manage to stay unaffected by the magic. Lots of fab banter, some 'balanced' Christmas sap - all in all a sweet Christmas story with e HEA.  It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Julianna Keyes is available from 1 December 2024.  #ItsBeginningtoLookaLotLikeChristmas #NetGalley.

Intense. Heart wrenching. The intrigue was real, and often extremely well hidden.  "To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession." Kat lives for her figure skating. Heath Rocha was a way to get there - not her first love. Kat is determination. Heath is power, dark power.  The figure skating world is manipulative, where being best is closely linked to having money, and people in your hands. To always wanting more of everything. Quote from the book: "But what was the point if you had everything and enjoyed nothing?" I loved the layers of this story. It would be fab on the big screen! The Favourites by Layne Fargo is currently set to publish on 16 January 2025.  #TheFavourites #NetGalley

Psychological thriller - please check trigger warnings! Emotional family drama, favourite daughter who dies, father who's overstepping, pregnancy, living to get revenge - it all makes sense during the second part of the story, when things that have only been alluded to earlier are brought together.  I'm glad I continued reading, despite the slow beginning and the darker themes. The story comes together well in the end, but for me I'll return to more happy stories including the author's books set on Arran. As a side note, there is something seriously wrong with our justice system (quote from the ARC); ‘ I just know how much stress and heartache lies ahead for you. Especially if this goes to court. To trial. Your life will be ripped apart. Our lives will be ripped apart. Nothing will ever be the same. ’ Feelings of guilt and shame are flooding through me. ‘I’m sorry,’ I whisper. ‘But I can’t be the victim anymore. I need to speak out.’ Do check out Lorna Henderson's a...

I picked up this ARC late, but I am glad I did, as this was a fun and different type of story by Callaghan. I've thoroughly enjoyed her two Christmas stories, and her Ms Perfectly Fine - her writing is always spot on.   In Potions & Proposals we arrive to the mystical town of Foxford, where a new High Priest(ess) is going to be selected. Lucinda and Benedict have been pranking each other - and the whole village - since they were children and they still do to the dismay of everyone around them. Now they're pitched against each other for the lead roll, unless they agree to work together under a binding spell. The village is getting there revenge! The banter between the two of them drives the story forward, and they soon realise that it's better to work together to save their coven, the continue with their pranks and sabotaging for each other.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series as there is plenty of unfinished business.