2025 Reading Challenge discussion

The Secrets of Eastby End

Rachel and Joss are married and keen to continue the hard work to rebuild Eastby End. But as new arrivals bring fresh challenges and heartache, their future together becomes far from certain ...

My comments:

Really loved the second book in this series, this was mainly about Livia, Janey, Ellis, Logan and Gill arriving in the valley. I suspect this series is not over as it sort of tended with the two new doctors arriving so I suspect we're going to be seeing more of these characters which I hope we will be.

Would not really call this a romance as such this was more a saga there was a bit of romance between the few characters who already had partners however not with the new ones. I was expecting it to build up to Ellice and Livia geting together and Logan and Janey potentially although there was no hint of that so weather that's the plan or not we may have to wait and see. Loved the way the book ended and the secret that was kept. Really hope more romance is in the offing as there are some lovely characters in this saga who deserve a happy ending.

Dreadful

A sharp-witted, high fantasy farce featuring killer moat squid, toxic masculinity, evil wizards and a garlic festival - all at once. Perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher, K. J. Parker and Travis Baldree.

It’s bad enough waking up in a half-destroyed evil wizard’s workshop with no eyebrows, no memories, and no idea how long you have before the Dread Lord Whomever shows up to murder you horribly and then turn your skull into a goblet or something.
It’s a lot worse when you realize that Dread Lord Whomever is… you.
Gav isn’t really sure how he ended up with a castle full of goblins, or why he has a princess locked in a cell. All he can do is play along with his own evil plan in hopes of getting his memories back before he gets himself killed.
But as he realizes that nothing – from the incredibly tasteless cloak adorned with flames to the aforementioned princess – is quite what it seems, Gav must face up to all the things the Dread Lord Gavrax has done. And he’ll have to answer the hardest question of all – who does he want to be?
Dread Lord Gavrax has had better weeks.

My comments:

I was not able to get into this book at all, found it a very slow book and the story was not engaging for me at all. I found myself not liking any of the characters and if it were not for reading this book for a book group i'd have tunred it off after about an hour. I don't like writing bad reviews however unfortunately I could not get into this one and would not recommend it.

Hi Ian! I'm glad to see that in spite of your busy schedule, you are making good progress on your goal! I hope you are enjoying lots of amazing books along the way.

I see that you are reading The Chronicles of Narnia. Is there a reason you skipped The Silver Chair? I only noticed because it's my next book in the series, and I plan on reading it for our monthly Treasure Island challenge.

Happy reading!

I’m actually on the last battle, maybe I forgot to review the Silverchair.will have to have a look

Ian wrote: "I’m actually on the last battle, maybe I forgot to review the Silverchair.will have to have a look"

Ah ok. I'm glad it's not the case that it wasn't good and therefore you skipped it. 😊

The Silver Chair

Enjoyed this one, it was not my favourite of the series however i enjoy the quest Jill and eustus had to go on. Really enjoyed reading this one. Looking forward to book 7.

The Proposal by Lori Wick

1810 London, England. William Jennings has never been interested in marriage and family. So when a relative dies and leaves Jennings three young children, his world turns upside down.

Thrilled to have boys to carry on his name, William invests time in the two brothers, but the little girl is tended to by a negligent nanny. Finally, Jennings seeks help from his sister and soon becomes acquainted with her neighbor, Marianne Walker. Her strength and faith intrigues Jennings, but will he allow himself to fall for her and the God she loves?

My comments:

I love this authors writing, I read her rocky mountain memories books a few years a go and loved them. This was slightly different however it was really good. I loved the way William became more open minded and Marianne was a lovely character to. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Ring of Bright Water

Hailed a masterpiece when it was first published, the story of Gavin Maxwell's life with otters on the remote west coast of Scotland remains one of the most lyrical, moving descriptions of a man's relationship with the natural world. ""One of the outstanding wildlife books of all time.""-New York Herald Tribune First published 1960 by Longmans, Green & Co.

My comments:

I read this book when I was around 12 and remember watching the film with my parents when I was young. I loved the book then and I loved it a lot more this time. The descriptions of the authors life with the Otters was amazing and I enjoyed this book very much. Well worth the five star rating.

The Way Home

She seemed to have it all—
except a way home.

Broadcast journalist Amy Winter has her sights set on a network job, and the sports-star trial she’s been assigned to cover for her Atlanta station might be just the thing to get her noticed by the corporate bigwigs. If she can persuade prosecuting attorney Cal Richards to cooperate with her coverage. But the man is more tight-lipped than a CIA agent.

Cal has no time for pushy journalists who prefer sensationalism over substance. And Amy is beyond pushy. Case in point—finagling her way into a date with him. When their paths cross in a different setting, however, his opinion of her begins to change…and his feelings start to deepen. But the dream he’s kept close to his heart doesn’t align with her career ambitions, creating a major roadblock to romance.

Can these two strong, determined people find a way to reconcile their divergent ambitions and build a future together, or will their blossoming love vanish like a Smoky Mountains mist?

In this RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award winner, bestselling author Irene Hannon shares a tender story about the power of love to change lives and the importance of discovering what really matters.

My comments:

I really enjoyed this story, Cal and Amy were wonderful Characters and I really liked how they grew and learned together. As usual this was a wonderful story by this author and I'm looking forward to more. I'm already reading the second book in this series now. Once the brides series comes out on Audible i'll read that in order as well. There is not one book i've read by this author that I have not enjoyed.

Seasons of the Heart

Can two lonely, hurting people let go of the past
and take a second chance on love?

Single mom Kate Nolan has endured more than her share of trauma and loss, and now her young daughter is having adjustment issues at her new day-care facility. The five-year-old has also developed mysterious stomachaches that need attention, even if Kate would prefer not to set foot in a medical facility ever again.

Pediatrician Eric Carlson never forgot the woman in the smashed car on that icy night he stopped to assist at an accident scene. And when she brings her little girl to his office, it’s clear both mother and daughter are under severe stress.

Arranging to have his recently widowed mother take over day-care duties seems like a solution to multiple problems. Except the setup brings problems of its own. Because as Kate and Eric begin to see more of each other, sparks fly—and neither is looking for romance. But if they can both find a way to leave the past behind and open their hearts again to the gift of love, might they discover that the best is yet to be?

In this RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award finalist, bestselling author Irene Hannon delves deep into the heart of characters yearning for love...and takes readers along on a touching journey to healing and hope.

My comments:

I really loved this book, the two main characters were likable from the start. Erick was so caring to Kate and it was lovely to see them gradually start to let go of there pasts. I felt sorry for Erick as it was clear he liked Kate early on however due to his views on marriage although he was divorced he did not feel he could give his life to anyone else while his x wife was still alive. I loved the way Kate cared for Sarah and the way she was always willing to put her needs first even if it made her uncomfortable. As usual with this Authors work this was an enjoyible story and i'm always looking out for what might be coming next.

The Fifth Season

I did quite enjoy this book however their was a lot happening and it took a long time to get into it. I also read it for a book club however I started it a bit later than I probably should given how much was involved in the story. I found the plot difficult to follow in a lot of the story as it was not always easy to work out where I was in the story and which character I was reading about. I think this is a book I will read again when I can take my time to go through it at a slower pace before deciding weather I feel i'd want to continue and read the rest of the series.

Don't Leave Me Here: Saskia’s true story of secrets, kidnap and abuse

'Don't leave me here! Please, don't leave me.'

What possesses a mum to kidnap her own child? That's what Maggie asks herself when she's asked to foster 13-year-old Saskia, the subject of a bitter custody battle between her parents. When Saskia's mum Rosa fears the courts are going to favour her ex-husband, James, she takes matters into her own hands.

With Rosa facing criminal charges, and Saskia refusing to live with her dad, her future looks uncertain.

Will Maggie be able to step in and discover the bombshell that will tear this family apart?

From Britain's best-loved foster carer, a new and inspiring true story of secrets and hope.

my comments:

This was again another great book by this author. Saskia's story was really sad and my heart went out to her from the start. I loved how Maggie helped both Saskia and Roza and the way she was so supportive with both of them. I would recommend this and all of this authors books as they're always really good.

book:Hidden Nature|217388081

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author presents a new novel about an injured cop who must fight to bring down a pair of twisted killers…

Natural Resources police officer, Sloan Cooper, and her partner had just taken down three men preying on hikers in the Western Maryland mountains. Driving back, she pulled in at a convenience store—and walked right into a robbery in progress. One gunshot from a jittery thief was about to change her world.

After being shocked back to life on the operating table, she has a long recovery ahead, so she moves back to her parents’ peaceful house in Heron’s Rest. As for the boyfriend who dumped her via text while she was in the hospital, good riddance.

She may be down, but she’s not out. So when a woman vanishes, leaving her car behind in a supermarket parking lot, Sloan searches online for similar cases. She finds them, spread across three states. Men and women, old and young—the missing seem to have nothing in common. And the abductions keep happening.

Luckily, the new man in her life shares her passion for solving this mystery. But it will take every ounce of endurance to get to the dark heart of this bizarre case—and she's willing to risk her life again if that's what it takes to stop the horror.

My comments:

This was a wonderful story and I was taken in from the start wanting to know how the story unfolded. Slone was a fantastic main character and I really loved her determination to solve cases. All the other characters in the book apart from Clara and Sam were loving characters and I loved all of them. I liked Clara and Sam as the bad guys as they were both really well developed characters and I liked their twisted way of thinking even if I did not agree with it. this was a wonderful story that I found very difficult to put down when reading.

A New Family at Puddleduck Farm

Welcome back to Puddleduck Farm and a wonderfully warm, festive and uplifting read from Della Galton

Uplifting, poignant, feel-good fiction at its best. Perfect for the fans of Alison Sherlock, Sarah Hope and Lisa Hobman

Are there enough hours in the day for everyone to find their happy place?

Phoebe Dashwood and Sam Hendrie welcome their beautiful baby daughter into their already busy lives. With motherhood now top of Phoebe’s to-do list alongside being a vet, and running an animal sanctuary there’s no time for daydreaming.

As Phoebe battles sleepless nights, extra challenges arise in the shape of abandoned African pygmy hedgehogs, stolen cats, and a worrying trend to keep wildlife as pets.

Meanwhile, Sam is selflessly left holding the baby and when a familiar face from the past returns old feelings are tested. With so many plates spinning Sam worries something may get broken – he just hopes it won’t be their relationship.

Can parenthood, a relationship, and a professional life be successfully juggled and is it really ever possible to have it all?

My comments:

When the last book in this series finished it tied things off really well so was not sure if their would be another however I was very excited when I found their was. I love Phebie and Sam as Characters and have from the start and their story unfolding as they juggle running Puddleduck farm with having a baby and other jobs it's amazing how they grow as characters. This book was good because I like the fact in every book they have to solve a mystry regarding animals and this time it was stolen cats. Another great book in this series and it was also good to see Jade feature from the Duck pond rescue in this book and I hope their will be more cross over between the two sancturies. Looking forward to the next book this author has to offer from either this series or duck pond rescue or something else.

Nevernight

In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.

Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father’s failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.

Now, Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic—the Red Church. If she bests her fellow students in contests of steel, poison and the subtle arts, she’ll be inducted among the Blades of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the vengeance she desires. But a killer is loose within the Church’s halls, the bloody secrets of Mia’s past return to haunt her, and a plot to bring down the entire congregation is unfolding in the shadows she so loves.

Will she even survive to initiation, let alone have her revenge?

My comments:

When I first started this book I really struggled to get into it, it took me until chapter 5 to really start becoming invested when action started happening. If i'd not been reading this for a book club I would never have picked it up as i'd never heard of the series and i'm still new to the fantacy Jonra as only got into it in the last couple of years. I'm still not sure weather i'm invested enough to read the rest of the series as I had to rush through it to get it read in time so i'll probably read it again at a slower pace to decide weather I feel I want to read the rest of the series although I am interested in Mia's journey and how it un folds so their is a good chance I will in the future.

Mia was a very well developed character and I really liked her loyalty to her friends and the people she loves. What was done to her family was horrible and I think anyone would want revenge. The action scenes in the story were very wel described and I really enjoyed those parts of the book. I also liked Mia's mentor and for an old man he was very tough.

The story as a whole was confusing with the two time frames being told together, I would have personally found it easier if there had been a chapter based on the present and a chapter based on Mia's past. I'm glad I read this book though and I suspect this is a trillogy I will most lightly finish.

Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop: A BRAND NEW heartwarming and uplifting read from Jessica Redland to curl up with for 2025

Must-listen for fans of Trisha Ashley, Sarah Hope and Phillipa Ashley!It's the most wonderful time of the year at Bay Books, and a new love story is being written in the stars

Nestled amongst the comforting shelves of her beloved Bay Books, Lily Appleton finds the peace and quiet she needs. But with Christmas just around the corner, Lily has to find an extra pair of hands to help her share the bookish magic.

After selling his business, Lars Jóhannsson is feeling lost. A job at Bay Books would give him the space he needs to contemplate his next move, but returning would mean confronting a painful past he's been avoiding. He’s also fairly sure he’s the one person Lily would never want to see again.

Lily is torn. Lars could be the perfect fit for Bay Books, but he once rejected her friendship and the hurt still lingers. But working together, Lily discovers a vulnerability that Lars has kept hidden away, along with a few surprising secrets. And as the Christmas season sprinkles its magic, Lily discovers the warmth of renewed friendship and the joy of heartwarming traditions from Lars’s Icelandic roots.

Surrounded by the quiet magic of the season and the soft glow of festive lights, perhaps there’s even the possibility of finding a love as enchanting as the Northern Lights on a winter's night.

My comments:

As usual this Author did not disappoint with yet another wonderful book. I loved Lily and Lars straight away as characters. Their story was full of warmth and enjoyment and I loved the fact that Lars Icelandic roots were included. I especially loved the way Christmas links so well with books in Iceland and how important reading is. It was also lovely to have a story where books were so much a part of the story. This book made me smile and I read the whole book in 1 day. The two readers also read the book fantasticly well. I can't wait for the next book already. Jesica Redland has quickly become one of my favourite authors and I am always excited to see what's coming next.