Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop - Jenny Colgan

Jenny Colgan is hands down one of my favorite authors. I'm always waiting for her new titles. And....Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop is here! 

Now, this sequel picks up where it let off in 'The Christmas Bookshop'. You can absolutely read this latest as a stand alonn - but you'd be missing a wonderful tale. I say buy them both for yourself for Christmas.

Why do I enjoy Colgan's books so much? Well, the characters are wonderfully drawn. I always feel like I'd love to meet them all and join in. In this sequel, I feel like I'm catching up with old friends. The players are not perfect, instead they feel like real people. There's always a romantic timeline that isn't quite a straight journey. I love the yes, no, maybe so trip to the final pages. Carmen is a wonderful lead, but the supporting cast is just as fun, full of quirky personalities.  I do have to say that her nieces steal the show on more than one occasion.

The settings are wonderful as well. I'd love to live in many of the places Colgan visits or imagines. This time we're again at McCredie’s little Old Town bookshop in Edinburgh. Oh, I want to visit, or heck, work there! The descriptions of the books in the shop are so detailed. Colgan adds to this location in this new book. There are more and more little alcoves, brim full of old books. Make that treasures. And some unexpected rooms upstairs. Carmen is doing everything she can to keep the shop running, but is it going to be enough? 

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop is a book you can easily escape into. And I know you'll love it. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop. More please!

Meredith, Alone - Claire Alexander

Meredith, Alone is Claire Alexander's debut novel. 

In the opening pages, we meet Meredith - who has not left her home in over 1214 days. Now initially, I thought oh, Covid. But no, the book was written prior to that. 

She has a remote job, wonderful friends who understand, an online support group, hobbies such as jigsaw puzzles and baking and a cat named Fred. There is a reason that Meredith has not left. But it's not revealed until we've come to know her better. A then and now narrative allows the listener to see behind the barriers she's erected to stay 'safe'. And the barriers are under siege as the 'then' is knocking on her door, threatening her sanctuary.

Meredith is a wonderfully likeable protagonist. Despite her own issues she's kind, thoughtful and engaging. She has a wonderful circle of support that is just as likable. On the flip side is her family. Especially her mother. Oh, I had a hard time with her. She's deliberately cruel, manipulative and abusive. As the past continues to reveal itself, the trauma Meredith has weathered is so saddening. (There's other trauma besides her mum, but I don't want to supply spoilers, so I'll let you discover those on your own.

Now, that being said, I don't want you to think the narrative is all negative. It's quite the opposite actually. Meredith's journey will have you reaching out for the tissue box, urging her on.  And it's not just Meredith - the supporting players all have their own issues. And that's the thing - everybody has 'something'. 

Alexander has done a wonderful job of bringing difficult scenarios to life in a realistic, believable manner. Gentle readers, there are a number of triggers in this book.

I chose to listen to Meredith, Alone. The reader was Freya Mavor and she was a wonderful choice. Her voice fit the mental image I had for Meredith. Her diction is clear and easy on the ears. She enunciates well and the speed is just right. She has perfectly caught the emotions, actions and situations of the book, bringing the characters to life. This is one of those books that is better having listened and become immersed in the book. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Meredith, Alone.

An Island Wedding - Jenny Colgan

Oh, Jenny Colgan can't write fast enough for me! She is hands down one of my favorite authors. Her latest is An Island Wedding.

When I start the newest book, I feel like I'm settling in to catch up with old friends. As well as making some new ones as new characters are introduced with each new entry. Some who may have been in a supporting role in previous tales now take a larger role. But, each and every one of them has a part to play in the tapestry that is the life of Mure. I have my favorite characters - and those who are not. (I'm looking at you Jan)

Colgan keeps her various series moving forward. This time, we return to the wee Scottish island of Mure and the main character Flora. Flora and her fiancé Joel are going to tie the knot at last - on summer solstice. But when a past resident of the island wants to book the hotel on the same weekend, plans change. But are they for the better?

Colgan does a bang up job with the interactions, complications, emotions and feelings of her characters. They ring true. Everyday life, love lost, love found, friendship, family rifts, family uniting and community are the driving forces behind Colgan's plotting.

There's a satisfying ending for this book, but the door has been left open for the next tale. And this listener can't wait!

I chose to listen to this latest. The reader was Eilidh Beaton and she did a fantastic job interpreting and bringing Colgan's characters and setting to life. She has the loveliest Scottish brogue that is easily understood and pleasant to listen to. But honestly, you'd think there was more than one reader presenting the book. Beaton provides so many different voices for the population of Mure. Old, young, male, female and easily identifying the characters. She easily presents the emotions and situations of the Colgan's work. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of An Island Wedding. 

An easy five stars for the book and for the audio performance. I can't wait for the next Jenny Colgan book!

The Christmas Bookshop - Jenny Colgan

A Christmas book! A new Christmas book by Jenny Colgan! A new Christmas book by Jenny Colgan that features a bookshop! I knew I would love The Christmas Bookshop before I even turned a page!

Carmen feels like she's always lived in the shadow of her brilliant sister's accomplishments. Sophia lives in a perfect house with her perfect children, perfect husband and a perfectly ordered yuppie life. But when Carmen loses her department store job and can't find another, she begrudgingly takes Sophia's offer to come to Edinburgh help one of her clients with a failing bookstore.....

Oh, I always love Colgan's settings. The bookstore is in the old historical shopping district in downtown Edinburgh. The nooks and crannies, the other eclectic shops and especially McCredie's bookshop sounded exactly like a place I'd love to visit and explore. Colgan weaves in actual attractions and history throughout her story. 

The lead character in Colgan's books is always one I'm firmly behind and Carmen was no exception. She's sassy on the outside, but kind and caring on the inside and also a bit unsure of herself. Where is her life headed? Where is her non existent love life? Well, you just know there's going to be a 'right' one and a 'wrong one'. Blair is a successful self-help author. And then we have Oke - a dendrologist (he studies trees) I love the yes, no, maybe so of the burgeoning (or not) relationships. And although we know how things are going to turn out, the journey there is so much fun.

The supporting cast is just as fun. Oh my gosh, the snarkiness of Skylar, Sophia's nanny is laugh out loud over the top. I loved Sophie's children - their personalities, dialogue and interactions mirror the young Carmen and Sophia. Can the sisters repair their relationship?

And that brings me to the Christmas element - loads of Christmas books mentioned, decorations, traditions, celebrations and more had me happily lost in the season.

Another feel good, heartwarming novel from Jenny Colgan. She's my hands down favourite for a 'take me away from it all' read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Christmas Bookshop. Best read with a cup of cocoa with marshmallows.

PS - I love when characters from other 'series' make cameo appearances in a novel. Faithful readers will be happy to see Ramsey and Zoe from The Bookshop on the Shore.

The Bookshop on the Shore - Jenny Colgan

Ahh, Jenny Colgan, you had me at bookshop. Well, that's not quite true - I will happily pick up anything you write! But a love of books is indeed woven through the pages of this novel. Colgan's latest North American release is The Bookshop on the Shore.

Before you even start to read, take the time to read the author's notes at the front of the book. Colgan is very funny and it will give you some background and insight into her writing.

Setting is always important in Colgan's books. This time we're on the shores of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. A run down house full of books - and secrets. A village full of wee shops - and quirky, lovable supporting characters. The descriptions of land and sea have me wanting to visit, as do the villagers.

Colgan's characters immediately endear themselves to the reader. While Nina and Surinder from The Bookshop on the Corner have a role in this latest, it is Zoe's story that is front and center. She's a struggling single mom to four year old Hari - who has chosen not to speak. This move means a place to live - up in that 'big house' looking after three motherless children after the housekeeper goes home. And driving the bookmobile in the day. Uh, huh a great premise. The reader is firmly behind Zoe as she navigates a new home, two new jobs and trying to give Hari the best life she can.

And of course, it wouldn't be a Colgan book without a romantic subplot. Will Zoe connect with the single father of her charges? Or reconnect with Hari's father?  I always enjoy the yes/no/maybe so...And the romance isn't confined to our lead character. Nina is expecting her first child - and I have to say I am smitten with her partner Lennox.

But of course, there are hurdles to clear on the way to that happy-ever-after ending. Colgan tackles some tough issues in this latest with a deft touch.

Colgan is my go-to author when I need a warm, witty feel-good comfort read. And this latest did not disappoint. Here's an excerpt of The Bookshop on the Shore. I will be eagerly awaiting Colgan's next book!

Jenny Colgan is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including Little Beach Street Bakery, Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop, and Christmas at the Cupcake Café, all international bestsellers. Jenny is married with three children and lives in London and Scotland.You can connect with Jenny Colgan on her website, find her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

The Last Witness - Denzil Meyrick

The Last Witness by Denzil Meyrick is the second book in his Detective Daley series. Now, I haven't read the first book, but didn't feel lost at all in The Last Witness. (although the first one sounds cracking good) The Last Witness is the first book in the series to be published in North America.

The series is set in Scotland. James Machie was a criminal kingpin in Glasgow. Five years ago he was assinated in the back of a transport vehicle. Then how in the world is on camera today killing those who testified against him? His former right hand man Frank MacDougall, has been in the witness protection program for the last five years. Jim Daley is stunned to find out that Frank has been living on his patch for the entire time. And that he now responsible for the safety of Frank and his family.

I liked Jim as a character, but I have to say that my favourite is his Sergeant, Brian Scott. His irreverent attitude is great fun and the perfect foil against their Superintendent, John Scott. (who's a piece of work) Daley plays peacemaker between the two.

Meyrick's dialogue is written as it would be spoken - Scottish brogue and all. I found it easy after a few pages, but some may not. There's also a fair amount of swearing and lots of drinking. Again, it fits the tone of the book, the characters and the setting. But some may be offended.

Meyrick has penned an imaginative plot, filled it with lots of action and created characters I would revisit again. He also has a dark sense of humour that mixes well with the noir feeling of The Last Witness.

Meyrick is writing what he knows, in settings, characters and plotting. "Denzil Meyrick was educated in Argyll, then after studying politics, joined the Strathclyde Police, serving in Glasgow. After being injured and developing back problems, he now works as a freelance journalist in both print and on radio. Denzil lives in Scotland." His prose absolutely have the ring of authenticity and accuracy.

And although the ending tied up things nicely, there's one or two questions about Daley's personal life that will hopefully be answered in the next book - one I'll be reading. Fans of Stuart MacBride would enjoy Meyrick's writing.  Read an excerpt of The Last Witness.

Closed Doors - Lisa O'Donnell

I adored Lisa O'Donnell's debut novel The Death of Bees. (my review) And so did a lot of others - O'Donnell was the winner of The Commonwealth Book Prize. When I heard she had a new novel - Closed Doors - I jumped at the chance to read it.

O'Donnell has again set her novel in the recent past. Closed Doors takes place in the early 1980's on a small Scottish island where eleven year old Michael Murray lives with his mother Rosemary, his unemployed father Brian and his Granny.

Michael is busy practicing his 'keepie-uppies' for the talent show the neighbourhood kids are going to put on, arguing with his arch nemesis Dirty Alice and keeping an eye on what goes on in his bit of the world. But when his mother comes home from work bruised and bleeding, he's sent to his room. Why won't his ma go to the police? Why is he told to tell the neighbours she fell down the stairs? What happened to her?

Confused and worried, Michael needs to know what happened to her and what is going on.

"I listen at doors now. It's the only way to find out stuff. No one tells me anything."

Life has changed drastically for the Murray family. As adult readers, we know what has happened to Rosemary. And as adults, it is heartbreaking to watch Michael try to make sense of things. He continues to listen at doors, hearing bits and pieces and being told half truths as the family struggles to keep things quiet. But gossip in a small town cannot be contained and when another woman is hurt, there can be no more secrets.

O'Donnell has created yet another wonderful child narrator in Michael. His voice is real, running the gamut of emotions. There is a sense of innocence in the children of this island. Part of it is the insular nature of island living, part of it is the time period used. I can't imagine this same story being told in present day. O'Donnell has chosen time and place well - it absolutely works. The loss of that innocence makes Closed Doors a coming of age tale in so many ways.

"It's terrible to know too many things about people. It makes you feel like a liar because you have to act like you know nothing at all when the truth is you know everything there is to know."

"Lies make people happy, I think, and that's why people tell them, not to hurt or anger anyone, but to keep them safe from the truth, except our lie, the lie Ma and Da and Granny are telling to themselves and everyone else around them, it is the worst of lies and it is making no one happy and when lies don't make you happy, you have to wonder what will happen nest.

O'Donnell also deftly explores family and family dynamics in Closed Doors. What secrets would you keep to protect your family? And at what cost?

Closed Doors is another great read from a talented wordsmith. I'll be waiting for book number three.

"Lisa O'Donnell won the Orange Screenwriting Prize in 2000 for her screenplay The Wedding Gift. Her debut novel, The Death of Bees, was the winner of the 2013 Commonwealth Book Prize. She lives in Scotland." You can find Lisa O'Donnell on Facebook and on Twitter.

See what others on the TLC Book Tour thought. Full schedule can be found here.

Cross and Burn - Val McDermid

Val McDermid's latest book is the eighth entry in her Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series. Cross and Burn picks up a few months after the ending of The Retribution. (my review)

The series is set in England. Tony Hill is a clinical psychologist who assists the Bradfield Police Department with profiling. He's good at his job...."he understood them because he had come within a hair's breadth of being them." Carol Jordan is a Detective Chief Inspector with Bradfield. They've made a spectacular team professionally. And they're slowly building a personal relationship as well.

Or were.....their last case ended with catastrophic results. Carol has left the force and retreated from everything. Tony is functioning, but barely. And their unit has been disbanded. But, when someone starts targeting women who look like Carol, they must put differences aside to stop a killer.

McDermid grabbed me from the opening pages. It is the killer who has the first chapter....

'He woke every morning with a prickle of excitement. Would today be the day? Would he finally meet her, his perfect wife? He knew who she was, of course. He'd been watching her for a couple of weeks now, growing used to her habits, getting to know who her friends were, learning her little ways. How she pushed her hair behind her ears when she settled into the driver's seat of her car. How she turned all the lights on as soon as she came home to her lonely flat. How she never ever seemed to check in her rear-view mirror."

Creepy! McDermid cuts back and forth between the investigation and the killer's point of view. His chapters are deliciously chilling.

McDermid is a master of the police procedural. The plots in McDermid's books are devious, dark and gritty. But for this reader, it is the characters that draw me back time and time again. I truly had no idea where McDermid could take this series after the ending of the last book. In Cross and Burn it is DC Paula McIntyre who takes the lead role. I enjoyed seeing another recurring character fleshed out. But Tony and Carol's storyline is the one that intrigues me the most. It's real and raw - I sometimes feel like an interloper, inadvertently intruding on someone's private conversations and grief.

The title comes from a quote by David Russell...."The hardest thing in life is to know which bridge to cross and which to burn."

The last few pages put a close to this case, but leaves the door wide open for the next installment - one I'll eagerly be awaiting.

Although you can read any of this series as a stand alone, I heartily recommend starting at the beginning - it's a must for crime lovers. A television series - Wire in the Blood - is also based on these characters.
Read an excerpt of Cross and Burn. You can find Val McDermid on Twitter. And on Facebook as well.

The Guilty One - Lisa Ballantyne

The Guilty One is Scottish author Lisa Ballantyne's debut novel.

Ballantyne's premise is based on headlines we're all seen in newspapers - horrible, inexplicable crimes - children murdering children.

Solicitor Daniel Hunter is called to take on the defense of eleven year old Sebastian. The charge is murdering his eight year old neighbour in a playground across from their homes.  Initially reluctant, Daniel changes his mind after interviewing Sebastian. The boy reminds him of himself at that age.. Sebastian's home life is less than idyllic. Daniel's was downright turbulent - until a steadying hand entered his life. But still, there is something a bit off about the boy....

Ballantyne tells the story in alternating chapters from Daniel's viewpoint - past and present. As he seeks to defend Sebastian, we slowly but surely relive his own childhood. But could Daniel be letting his own emotions and experiences cloud his judgement? This is an effective technique - curiousity had me wanting to read just one more chapter....

I enjoyed Daniel's backstory very much. Minnie, the woman who takes on the young Daniel, was an absolutely wonderful character. Ballantyne does an excellent job depicting a child trying to cope with anger, loss and grief. The more we read of Daniel's story, we realize that he has not truly ever put those days behind him. He is still carrying around much anger and guilt.

But, the present day chapters dealing with the trial just didn't seem as 'fleshed out' to me. Although we get some details regarding Sebastian's home life, they are never really explored. Sebastian as a character is well drawn - his comments, thoughts and mannerisms all paint a picture of a disturbed, creepy child. But does that make him guilty?

The trial scenes were well done, but the middle of the book seemed to drag a bit, with some ground seeming to be covered over and over again.

Ballantyne explores guilt with every character in mind - in addition to our two lead characters - the parents, neighbours and society all hold a degree of blame. The Guilty One is a disturbing comment on today's society.

However, I was somewhat disappointed with the ending - it was almost predictable, as was the 'revelation' of Daniel's story. Still, I thought this was a really good debut. Read an excerpt of The Guilty One.

"Lisa Ballantyne was born in Armadale, West Lothian, Scotland and was educated at Armadale Academy and University of St Andrews where she studied English Literature. She spent most of her twenties in China, working in
international development, education and latterly for small English and Chinese magazines. She speaks Mandarin. She returned to the UK in 2002, to work in higher education, most recently for University of Glasgow. She lives in Glasgow. This is her first novel." You can find  Lisa Ballantyne on Facebook and on Twitter.

See what others on the TLC Book Tour thought. Full schedule can be found here.

Birthdays for the Dead - Stuart MacBride

Stuart MacBride is another author whose name I was familiar with, but hadn't sampled yet. Well, that's all changed. I just read Birthdays for the Dead and I am hooked.

MacBride grabs you by the throat in the opening prologue and only eases his grip long enough to let you take a breath and then the pressure is back on. Non-stop.

The day's mail includes a birthday card for Detective Constable Ash Henderson's daughter Rebecca - she would have been eighteen. Rebecca went missing days before her thirteenth birthday and it's assumed she ran away. But, Ash knows differently. She was a victim of The Birthday Boy - a sadistic killer who sends parents horrific photos of their dead daughters in a yearly birthday card. And Ash has just received his latest. The Oldcastle police have been chasing this maniac for over eight years and they may have just caught a break - a body has been found. Ash has withheld his cards and daughter's death from everyone as he doesn't want to be taken off the case. But, it's taken a toll - he's divorced, lives in a dive, is dangerously in debt to the local mob, eats painkillers constantly and is a little too quick with his fists. He's a train wreck of a man - and you can't help but hoping he comes out on top.

Whew. Where to start? It took me the first few chapters to catch on to MacBride's style - fast and furious, but also with some funny bits. I know, after what I just described, funny doesn't seem possible. But Ash is paired up with Alice,  a very 'different' psychologist, who has her own set of issues. The dialogue between the two is quite witty. On the flip side, Mrs. Kerrigan scared the bejesus out of me. The action truly never stops, the tension never lets up and I was unable to predict where the plot was headed next. Or the ending.

Gentle readers be warned - Birthdays for the Dead is dark, gritty and violent. But, boy oh boy crime fans - it's oh so good! This was my first MacBride, but definitely won't be my last.  Read an excerpt of Birthdays for the Dead. I was glad that this was a stand alone book. (But I would like to see more of this character) as MacBride also writes a crime series featuring Logan McRae that I want to start from the beginning.

You can find Stuart MacBride on Twitter and on Facebook.