Emma's Review: Her Last Promise by Catherine Hokin

Reviewed by Emma Crowley

Berlin, 1938.When Hanni’s beloved sister suddenly vanishes in the middle of the night, Hanni knows her high-ranking Nazi father, Reiner, is not telling her the whole truth and may hold the key to her disappearance.

Years later, after finally learning how to live with her troubled past, Hanni dedicates herself to raising her teenage son, Leo, but her sister is never far from her mind. But when Leo begins to share Reiner’s pro-Nazi views and runs away from home to meet his grandfather, Hanni’s world collapses in an instant. She is determined not to lose her son to her father’s cruelty, like she lost her darling sister all those years ago…

Hanni has tried to stop her father before and nearly lost her life. Now she is fighting for Leo too and the stakes are higher than ever. She can’t lose him to the Nazis. She won’t let her father take her son away from her. Hanni knows this is her last chance to bring her father to justice. With her son’s life hanging in the balance, Hanni knows this will be her toughest battle yet. But with Reiner’s popularity stronger than ever, will she succeed? 

Book Links: Kindle or Paperback 

Giveaway: Win a copy of Seven Exes by Lucy Vine

I was originally supposed to be reviewing Seven Exes as part of the blog tour last week but sadly I was struck down with a migraine on Friday, which has lasted longer than the normal couple of days, so I haven't been able to stay online long enough to prep and write the review but am hoping to within the next couple of days once my headache finally clears.

So instead to honour my blog tour commitment, albeit a few days later than scheduled, I have decided to offer one of the regular followers of the blog the chance to win a copy of Seven Exes to read for themselves. I'm sure that you'll be able to relate to many of the situations that Esther's journey takes her on as I did. 

Esther is out with her two friends, bemoaning her lack of relationship, when she finds a magazine from the noughties. Seeking comfort – and a laugh – she turns to the dating advice only to find an article that feels a little too close to home. According to the journalist, there are seven people a woman will date before finding the one:

The First Love, The Work Mistake, The Friend with Benefits, The Overlap, The Missed Chance, The Bastard and The Serious One. 

Giveaway: Win a copy of Deception by Lesley Pearse

Today it's paperback publication day for Deception, the 30th and latest novel from bestselling author Lesley Pearse. As Emma reviewed Deception last year when it was published in eBook and Hardcover, you can read her review here, we are joining in publication day celebrations by hosting a giveaway instead.  

No one wants to believe their mother is a liar . . .

After her mother's funeral, Alice Kent is approached by a man who insists he's her real father. Initially upset and disbelieving, Alice soon discovers that tugging at this loose thread unravels the expertly woven tapestry of lies which was her mother Sally's life.

Extract from The Murder Affair by Alice Castle

When Bookouture did a shout out for participants for their latest blog tour, we weren't in a position to sign up to review. Instead to offer our support we agreed to host an extract from The Murder Affair, the latest in the Beth Haldane Mystery series from Alice Castle but first a little about the book.

In a quiet little village, mourners gather for a church funeral. But some of the tears flowing are fake – and Beth Haldane suspects foul play…

On a rainy afternoon, Beth Haldane accompanies her elderly mother Wendy to the funeral of her boyfriend and local councillor Len. But as they gather in the church, Beth can’t help but notice how many women are there who look just like her mother.

As the service begins it soon becomes clear that all of the women thought they were Len’s special someone – and one of them even claims to be his distraught wife. Wendy suspects foul play and immediately asks Beth to investigate.

Emma's Review: The Path to the Last House Before the Sea by Liz Eeles

Reviewed by Emma Crowley

Fleeing from a heartbreaking mistake, all former nurse Alyssa wants is to focus on her new job giving tours of Heaven’s Cove to visitors and sharing the myths and legends of this beautiful place. Nobody needs to know the real reason she came to the village…

Over cups of tea with elderly resident Magda she soon makes a friend who is alone in the world too. For decades, Magda has been secretly in love with her best friend Stan. Desperate to return Magda’s kindness, Alyssa is eager to bring these two lost souls together. But meeting Stan’s tall, handsome son Jack scuppers her plans.

Dedicated to caring for Stan, Jack says Alyssa’s focus on legends keeps the village in the past. But when Alyssa finds an old map revealing the true story of a Heaven’s Cove couple who sacrificed everything for love, she’s sure the romantic tale could bring Stan and Magda together… and although digging up old secrets soon ruffles feathers in the village, with Jack and Alyssa growing close, she can’t help but think she might find happiness after all.

But will Alyssa ever be able to open up about her own past? Or will the truth tear them apart?

Book Link: Kindle