Take Me Home by Alex Hart is a tightly written thriller which is classically New York. It dives deep into the characters and really tells the story. Full of twists and brilliant description, Take Me Home is the perfect thriller to take some time out of your day and just enjoy.
How much would you risk for a child who isn’t yours?
An ingenious, taut, global thriller for fans of Linwood Barclay and Harlan Coben…
When struggling journalist Harper returns a dress to the shop she bought it from that morning, she sees the same little girl sitting in the exact same place she saw her hours ago.
No one in the shop knows who the girl is.
No desperate parents have contacted mall security to say they’ve lost their daughter.
And the local police have no new reports of a missing child.The girl says she misses her mother.
But why is nobody looking for her?
And what if finding her home is the worst thing you could do?Take Me Home by Alex Hart is available here.
Category Archives: Book Reviews
SISTER SCRIBES’ READING ROUND UP: SEPTEMBER
Kirsten
The first book I read this month, was the winner of the 2020 Joan Hessayon award, The Rebel Heiress And The Knight by Melissa Oliver (published by Mills and Boon). The award was open to any writer whose debut novel had been through the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme was published this year and I am immensely proud and honoured that Another Us was also a contender. Anyway, I thoroughly 
enjoyed the Rebel Heiress And The Knight. It is set in the reign of King John – a period of history I really love – and is just a rollocking good read with twists and turns aplenty. It is also a proper romance – the chemistry and tension between the main two characters is fabulous and I loved the fact that Hugh is kind and honourable from the start. A marvellous debut and a worthy winner of the Joan Hessayon award.
Another book I have enjoyed this month is If I Can’t Have You by Charlotte Levin (published by Mantle). This is a real page turner and exquisitely written and explores themes of obsession, heartbreak and unrequited love. I was expecting our protagonist, Constance, to be simply bonkers – and can’t love make us all thus?! – but she is also variously vulnerable, lovely and hilarious. This book really stayed with me and I highly recommend it.
And, finally, I am rather late to the party with Hamnet, written by Maggie O’Farrell (published by Tinder Press) – but, just, WOW! Staggering beautiful and heartbreakingly poignant, this exploration of love and loss deserves every accolade and award …
Jane
I do love a dual timeline novel, and since writing one myself am even more in awe of writers who make them work. Clare Marchant’s stunning debut, The Secrets of Saffron Hall, is one such book. The level of research 
the author has undertaken shines almost as much as her gorgeous prose, and put together they make the book a thoroughly satisfying read.
I normally enjoy the historical strand of a story more, so wasn’t remotely surprised when I became more and more lost in Eleanor’s world at the cusp of the dissolution of the monasteries. That I read it on holiday while visiting ruined abbeys was undoubtedly a factor, but Tudor life in rural Norfolk was so richly drawn I just loved falling into it. I felt the chill winds sweeping across the fens, saw the saffron swaying gently in the dawn.
It took me longer to relate to twentieth century Amber although in the end I was rooting for her happy ending. The fact hers isn’t a traditional boy-meets-girl love story was brave for a debut and I loved it. Credit must also go to Aria for not dumbing this book down, as sadly seems to be so fashionable in romance publishing at the moment.
Kitty
Cornwall: Misfits, Curiosities and Legends
A Collection of Short Stories and other scribbles
This anthology combines all sorts of storytelling in the one book, with the spirit of Cornwall infusing each piece. It moves from moor to coast, from past to future and covers a multitude of genres including historical, fantasy, romance, magic realism and sci fi. Additionally, there is poetry and a script alongside the short stories and with such a wide variety of styles, I defy any reader not to be able to find a piece that resonates with them. Cornish history and mythology are bought to life, illustrated and built upon and I greatly enjoyed reading this anthology from a group of writers whose love of Cornwall shines through their work.
SISTER SCRIBES: SUSANNA BAVIN ON A SPOT OF ARMCHAIR TRAVEL
I look for various things in a book – well-rounded characters and a gripping plot are the two obvious ones. I’m sure many other readers require the same of their reading. But there is another feature that I don’t regard as an essential, although when I come across it in a story, it is, for me, quite simply the cherry on the cake – and that is a strong sense of place. There are some writers who possess the ability to create the setting of their story in a vivid way that makes the reader experience the place where the story is happening to a degree that transcends the story itself.
One book that achieves this beautifully is Jan Baynham’s debut novel, the Not The Booker Prize long-listed Her Mother’s Secret: the Summer of ’69. This is a dual-time story, which shows what happened to a talented young artist one summer back in the ’60s and then, years later, how her daughter follows in her footsteps to try to uncover the truth of what took place that during fateful summer. It is an engrossing, well-paced story, with characters to care about – a love story with dark and unexpected undercurrents. But for me, there was an additional character in the book – and that was the Greek setting itself. This wonderful book gave me a sense of the Greek landscape that I last experienced years ago when I read My Family and Other Animals for the first time. Through her mesmerising descriptions, Jan Baynham expertly transports her readers to the idyllic, sun-drenched island with its turquoise waters, spectacular views, sparkling sunshine and the warm breeze shifting through the leaves of the olive trees. In these uncertain days, if a holiday abroad doesn’t feel like the right thing for you, then, by bringing the landscape alive in this book, Jan Baynham has provided the next best thing.
Another book that for me falls into this special category is The Italian House by Teresa Crane, which was published in 1995. It is the story of a downtrodden young wife, who, shortly after the First World War, unexpectedly inherits her grandmother’s villa in Italy. A quirk of Italian law requires her to take possession in person, so she travels alone to Tuscany, where she falls in love with the place and with another man. But the Villa Castellini is a place of secrets, and strange events in the present form a link to disturbing family secrets from the past.
With its descriptions of the Tuscan hills beneath the clearest of skies, the river twisting and foaming through the village in the valley, and the track winding up the steep mountain to the villa, the sense of place in this novel is so strong and assured that the book ought to have a warning blazoned across the cover: this book will make you want to sell everything you possess and move to Tuscany. Don’t say you haven’t been warned.
SISTER SCRIBES’ READING ROUND UP: AUGUST
Kitty
The Shelf – Helly Acton
I loved this book, it was a whirlwind of a story picking the reader up and whizzing them through the chapters much as a reality show does with the viewer and it’s episodes. A fabulous debut, it was addictive, quick-witted and I genuinely couldn’t put it down. I loved how the sisterhood of these women shone through as they bonded over their shared experiences regardless of their very different personalities. The book challenged the sexist tropes frequently perpetuated on social media and reality tv and reflected in society today with a clear and necessary message to both our younger and our older selves. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am really looking forward to this author’s next book.
A Bicycle Built for Sue – Daisy Tate
This book took me through the emotions like you would not believe. Skilfully written, it manages to genuinely combine laugh out loud moments with segments so raw and emotional I had to pause and look away from the book for a bit.
It tackles some serious issues, suicide and self-harm but does so in a way that is both respectful, sincere and empathetic. However, the over-arching nature of this book is feelgood joy. The very opening pages – set in a 111 call-centre – set the tone by being witty, insightful and real.
The story itself is that of three unlikely friends who come together in a moment of adversity and resolve to do something out of the ordinary. They are to do a charity bike ride along Hadrian’s Wall, there are highs and lows, moments of danger and excitement but more importantly our characters learn an awful lot about each other and even more about themselves. This story is about the power of friendship and the characters represent the different stages of life and thus problems and issues we can all relate to, regardless of our age or experience. This book touched my heart and I am more than happy to highly recommend it.
Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay – Katie Ginger
This is a feelgood summer read, with sunshine, strawberries, and a crumbling Manor House. Add a handsome, honourable hero and a heroine who is not afraid to go for what she wants and you have the perfect recipe for a lovely, relaxing read chock full of community and romance. I really enjoyed it.
Jane
Having read all Kitty Wilson’s Cornish Village School books I approached the last one, Happy Ever After, with mixed feelings. While I was looking forward to it I knew it would be my final visit to Penmenna with all those wonderful characters, belly laughs and Cornish sunshine.
Happy Ever After is Marion’s story. Having been the scourge of the PTA – and indeed the village as a whole – for the entire series – finally she took centre stage with a love story quite unlike the ones which went before. I know Kitty is my friend, but her portrayal of a twenty year long relationship rather than a shiny brand new one was sensitive and real, funny and poignant. And for that, I loved this book.
SISTER SCRIBES: CASS GRAFTON ON JANE CABLE’S ANOTHER YOU
Today, I’m delighted to be talking to author, Jane Cable, about one of her novels, Another You, a moving saga of modern-day family life. Despite touching on the horrors of combat, past and present, it’s a heart-warming tale of one woman’s fight to reclaim her identity and discover what really matters to her.
Marie is the well-respected chef of The Smugglers pub, near Studland Bay, but despite her success in the kitchen, she feels less confident in her handling of relationships, both with her (almost) ex-husband, Stephen, and her much-loved son, Jude.
A chance meeting with an American soldier, just as the Bay is preparing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings, seems the perfect escape from worrying about everything—if only she could get rid of her debilitating migraines and the sense of the past coalescing with the present.
Another You was a brilliant read, and Jane is a proficient storyteller. Her characters are entirely relatable, their faults as much at play as their strengths. Although touching upon the lingering effects of PTSD and the invisible scars left by all wars, Jane manages to blend in romance, mystery, family relationships and an unforeseen twist towards the end.
The book stayed with me long after I’d finished, and I was keen to ask Jane some questions about it.
I was swept away by your beautiful descriptions of the Studland Bay area of Dorset. Was it the setting that inspired you initially or had you come across the tragic story that took place there during the war first?
Studland was the initial inspiration for Another You. I first visited with a friend in 2009 and fell in love with the enclosed bay with its calm blue waters and high white cliffs. It has a magic all of its own for me – arriving on the chain ferry from Sandbanks (Dorset’s millionaire’s row) you feel as though you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole and landed in another world. The Second World War story only came in at the second major redraft of the book, but when I read about it during my research into the area it spoke to me too loudly to ignore.
The connection between the past and the present is something you do so skilfully in your novels. What is it as a writer that attracts you to blending time periods?
I have always had an interest in consciousness beyond matter and the ways present and past could intermingle; either through the spirit world, inside people’s heads, or by any other mechanism it’s currently beyond us to understand. If that sounds seriously strange it springs from my firm belief that because we can’t possibly know everything we shouldn’t rule anything out. Just think how science continues to advance. As I writer I love the ambiguity of it all and try to let my readers make up their own minds about how it could happen.
On a lighter note, how are your cheffing skills? Are you as good a cook as Marie, because if so, please can I come to dinner?
I’m sorry, but I am no more than an adequate cook – not even the best chef in my own household, to be honest. But I loved researching Marie’s recipes for Another You. And you are more than welcome to risk dinner with me at any time. I’ll get the rosé in…
I’ll bring the glasses! Thank you, Jane, both for answering my questions and writing such an absorbing, well researched and beautifully told story about self-discovery, emerging from darkness into light and finding love where you least expect it.
No Regrets by Tabitha Webb Book Review
Ah, No Regrets. What a book you were. I enjoyed every minute of reading you. Most books have women as meek, mild little things. Not Tabitha Webb, though. She lets her characters roar. No Regrets follow three girlfriends as they fail, flounder and make bad decisions. Sometimes they are good, sometimes they are very, very naughty, but they are never not entertaining.
I saw Tabitha Webb talk about her book at a Harper Collins New Voices event at the beginning of the year and she was completely charming and funny, noting that she always thought her sex scenes were ‘PG, but turns out that is not the case.’
I only wish now I had elbowed my way in to have a chat with her. I reckon she makes the most fun, and loyal, friend ever. Anyway, back to the book: it is Jilly Cooper times ten. It is Jackie Collins and Helen Fielding rolled into one. It is both funny and outrageous and I cannot wait until I can read Tabitha Webb’s next book. Get it now, this is the perfect summer read. It will not fail to cheer you up in these covid times.
No Regrets is an outrageously funny, filthy and fabulous debut, focusing on the lives of three friends in their thirties and forties– Stella, Ana and Dixie. With shades of Sex and the City, this is the perfect summer read and carefree antidote to these troubled times.
Tabitha Webb was born in Ireland and grew up in Chicago, before being sent back to boarding school for her teenage years. She survived one term at university before packing her bags and chasing a hot surfer to America. During this period she was a rollerblading extra in the Robin Williams film The Birdcage, a dancer in a German pop video, and got held up at gunpoint.
After careers in TV and advertising, she made her first foray into fashion and now runs her eponymous fashion label, is happily married and has two daughters.
No Regrets was inspired by the love lives of women around the globe, coupled with a vivid imagination, and she can’t wait to shock and delight readers everywhere.
The Life We Almost Had by Amelia Henley | Book Review
The Life We Almost Had has the twist least likely to be guessed of any book I can think of. The book is clever and well done. Of course the book is a love story, but it is a unique one. The book is unbearably sad in places, yet it pulls you up. It keeps you guessing all of the way to the end. Highly recommended reading, this book is a triumph for Amelia Henley.
Anna wasn’t looking for love when Adam swept her off her feet but there was no denying their connection, and she believed they would be together forever. Years later, cracks have appeared in their relationship. Anna is questioning whether their love can really be eternal when a cruel twist of fate delivers a crushing blow, and Anna and Adam are completely lost to one another. Now, Anna needs Adam more than ever, but the way back to him has life-changing consequences. Is a second chance at first love really worth the sacrifice? Anna needs to decide and time is running out…
A beautiful and emotional love story that asks, how far would you go for a second chance at first love? Perfect for fans of The Man Who Didn’t Call and Miss You.
Amelia Henley is a hopeless romantic who has a penchant for exploring the intricacies of relationships through writing heart-breaking, high-concept love stories. Amelia also writes psychological thrillers under her real name, Louise Jensen. As Louise Jensen she has sold over a million copies of her global number one bestsellers. Her stories have been translated into twenty-five languages and optioned for TV as well as featuring on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestsellers list. Louise’s books have been nominated for multiple awards. The Life We Almost Had is the first story she’s written as Amelia Henley and she can’t wait to share it with readers.
SISTER SCRIBES’ READING ROUND UP: JULY
Jane
Rosanna Ley is one of my favourite novelists, which is the main reason I signed up for one of her writing retreats. That, of course, transported me to Spain, but her novels have taken me all over the world. From Venice with Love is no exception, as I followed Joanna not only to Venice, but to Lisbon and Prague, each city so beautifully described I felt I was really there. But it was Joanna’s sister Harriet’s story that held me, and she doesn’t even leave the Dorset village where they both grew up. She is an exquisitely drawn character, warts and all, and I felt as I was at her shoulder as she made a very different type of journey to her sister. Highly recommended.
Kitty
I listened to Candice Carty-Williams’ Queenie as an audiobook and it had me hooting with laughter whilst frantically winding the windows up in the car as some of her more detailed sexual exploits were narrated. The premise initially appears to be typical romcom with Queenie coming to terms with her break-up and with potential suitors popping up all over the place. However, as the book progresses we realise it encompasses far more and that Queenie is in no need of a hero. It takes a real deep dive into mental health and societal pressure and does so in a way that never loses humour or the readers attention. The family relationships had me squeaking with joy. The writing is hilarious, poignant and searingly insightful. Fabulous.
Lindsey Kelk really does deliver on all those descriptions applied to romantic comedy. Hilarious, laugh out loud, devastatingly witty – she hits them all. I have not yet read a book of hers I haven’t loved and In Case You Missed It is another example of her delivering the perfect romcom. It has a truly relatable heroine in Ros, a hero you quite want to bring home yourself, the coterie of well-defined and always amusing friends, the hideous boyfriend from her past, and beautifully described well-meaning but slightly cringy parents.
There is not a page that does not make me giggle and she manages to write comic scene after comic scene whilst developing a fabulous plot and proper romance along the way. Absolutely faultless.
I really enjoyed Clare Marchant’s dual timeline novel, Secrets of Saffron Hall. The book interweaves the story of a grieving mother in the modern day and a young wife in the time of Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine Howard. Both were written sympathetically and I thoroughly rooted for both characters. However, it was the historical timeline I found absolutely captivating. I loved being immersed in Eleanor’s story – the fear and uncertainty of living under a capricious king in times of religious upheaval, and the sense of doom contributed to by the reader knowing what will befall the queen, although unsure of how that will impact this particular family. The farming of the saffron itself was also of great interest and whilst aware of the value of saffron, I felt like I was learning something as I read. The authors historical research was clearly well done and she held my attention throughout. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.