We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes #WeAllLiveHere @jojomoyes.bsky.social‬‪ @michaeljbooks.bsky.social‬ @MichaelJBooks #BookReview

 

Welcome to the Kennedy household:

Lila wrote a bestseller about keeping your marriage alive, before discovering her ex was playing happy families with another woman. A woman she sees everyday at school pick-up.

Bill, her stepdad, moved in after Lila’s mum died. He’s kind, old-fashioned and driving her absolutely nuts.

Celie, Lila’s eldest, hates school. Hates it so much she’s stopped going. Her mother’s fine with that – because she doesn’t know yet.

Violet is nine and sings age-inappropriate rap songs, laughs at fart jokes and Lila dearly hopes she’ll never, ever change.

And Truant the dog, who has just bitten the American actor who’s suddenly landed on the Kennedys' doorstep.

This is Gene – Lila’s estranged father, and no one’s idea of a role model. He walked out on Lila and her mum years ago – and wherever he goes domestic discord follows.

Because Gene’s presence changes things in unexpected ways. Soon the girls discover a kindred spirit in a man always chasing life’s joy. Bill even loosens up. And Lila finds herself, astonishingly, dating.

Something is happening to the Kennedy household – but what is it?

And will it break, or save, their family?

We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes was published on 11 February 2025 by Michael Joseph. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review. 

I have been reading Jojo Moyes for well over twenty years, way before I began this blog, before I even wrote book reviews. She's been a go-to author for so many years. I've always had a soft spot for The Last Letter from Your Lover (2010), and The Girl You Left Behind (2012). Surprisingly for me, both historical novels but both beautiful. 

Of course, Joyo really became hugely successful when Me Before You was published and then made into a film. That trilogy really showed just what a talent she is. 

We All Live Here is a modern, contemporary novel, based on the Kennedy family.  Lila once wrote a bestselling book about how to keep your marriage alive. Ironically, Lila is now single. Her husband Dan left her for another woman - not just any woman, but one of the school gate Mums and Lila has to see her every day ..... oh, and the other woman is now pregnant. 

Lila is doing the best job that she can in bringing up her two daughters. Dan gets involved when it suits, but it's Lila who bears the brunt of most of it. Eldest daughter Celie is having school issues, youngest daughter Violet is a joyful child and Lila just hopes that Celie's behaviour will not influence her. 

Recently Bill moved in with Lila and the girls. Bill is Lila's step-dad. Her Mum died some time ago and Bill is lonely. He just wants to be wanted, to look after people, to ensure that they are eating enough vegetables. He wants to be part of the family.  And then Gene arrives. After a thirty year absence, Lila's Dad Gene just appears on the doorstep. A fading American actor, he needs somewhere to stay. 

Jojo Moyes has created a family that her readers can really invest in. It's fair to say that there's no big plot twists, reveals or secrets, it's just a well written, at times very funny, domestic drama that kept me entertained throughout. It is wise and compassionate and shows us just what is important in life. Recommended by me

Jojo Moyes is a novelist and screenwriter. 

Her books include the bestsellers Me Before You, After You and Still Me, The One Plus One, The Giver of Stars, Someone Else's Shoes and her short story collection Paris for One and Other Stories. 

Jojo's novels have been translated into forty-six languages, have hit the number one spot in twelve countries and have sold over fifty-seven million copies worldwide. 

Me Before You has now sold over fourteen million copies worldwide and was adapted into a major film starring Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke. 

In 2023, Jojo joined BBC Maestro’s online platform of world-class experts with her course, Writing Love Stories, which is available now. 

Jojo lives in the UK.

www.jojomoyes.com

Facebook : JoJoMoyesAuthor

Instagram @jojomoyesofficial

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Into The Fire by G D Wright BLOG TOUR #IntoTheFire @GDWrightWrites @AvonBooksUK @RandomTTours @gdwrightwrites.bsky.‪social @avonbooks.bsky.social‬ #BookReview

 

HE RUNS INTO THE FLAMES A HERO.

Steve thought he had left his troubled past behind. Living a quiet life with his wife and children, everything changes the night he rescues a baby from a burning house, becoming an unexpected national hero.

HE EMERGES FROM THE ASHES A SUSPECT.

But as the spotlight shines brighter, so does the scrutiny, and a shocking accusation is made – that Steve is the man responsible for an unsolved murder in Beachbrook years prior.

BUT WHICH ONE IS HE REALLY?

As his world unravels, public opinion is firmly divided. Steve pleads his innocence, but DS Sue Willmott is determined to get to the bottom of what really happened all those years ago.

After all, even heroes hide secrets of their own.

Into The Fire by G D Wright was published on 5 June 2025 by Avon Books. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for this #RandomThingsTours Blog Tour

I have to confess that I've not read this author's previous novel; After The Storm which also features DS Sue Willmott. However, I don't feel confused by any of the characters in Into The Fire. This author is able to provide any back story needed by incorporating it well into his narrative. 

The prologue to this novel is stunning. I was instantly hooked, gripped by the descriptive prose, the element of fear, the wondering what is happening, and who to. This author certainly knows exactly how to engage his audience from the beginning. 

Steve and his wife Sarah have been out for drinks with friends. When they see a house up in flames, Steve doesn't hesitate to run into the building and rescue a baby that was inside. Steve is now a hero but Steve really doesn't want to be one. He's always avoided exposure, he doesn't do social media. Steve has a lot to hide. 

From hero to villain .... or, from villain to hero .... both can be applied to Steve. When things from his past are uncovered, his reputation changes instantly. It's an interesting theme to think about and to discuss. 

I'm not going to go over the plot, that's the job of your local book group!  However, I will say that Wright's ability to create characters who appear real is incredibly good. He sets up the reader with situations that are so challenging, this is not just a fast paced story, it is one that raises so many questions too. 

Into The Fire is very emotional, it's gripping and tense, with a finale that will blow your brains!  Highly recommended. 

Gary Wright joined Kent Police at the age of 18 and worked in a variety of uniformed roles. 

At the age of 29, and completely out of the blue, he suffered two cardiac arrests that led to the diagnosis of a life limiting and incurable disease of the heart. 

Following the implantation of an internal defibrillator into his heart, he was unable to continue policing and retired at the age of 30. 

He bought a coffee shop in Ramsgate Harbour, and spent years looking out over the sea

and dreaming up stories. 

He now writes full time, committing those very stories to paper.

www.authorgdwright.com

X @GDWrightWrites

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The Ancient Secret by Simon Wright BLOG TOUR #TheAncientSecret #SimonWright @ScarfBooks @RandomTTours #BookExtract

 

A BURIED LEGEND. A CURE FOR THE AGES. THE MOMENT OF TRUTH.

1980 Petra: A dangerous man steals a pair of precious relics. Determined to exploit their legendary power, his theft sets in motion devastating events.

2015 London: Professor Daniel Fairlight is fighting for his life. Now he must confront his own demons before he can defeat his deadliest adversary yet.

1630 Alexandria: Emir still bears the burden and blessing of his ring, one that he knows his enemies still hunt him for. His final battle may come at a price he cannot bear to pay.

Both Daniel and Emir face impossible sacrifices. Will they prove themselves worthy of the legend’s legacy, or will they die defending the rings and their secrets . . .?

Join Daniel and Emir on their final journey in the thrilling conclusion to the Red Scarf Trilogy. 

The Ancient Secret by Simon Wright is published on 5 June 2025 and is book three in the Red Scarf series. As part of this #RandomThingsTours Blog Tour, I am delighted to share an extract from the book with you today. 

Extract from The Ancient Secret by Simon Wright 

May 25, 1980

Petra, Jordan

Life was precious to the man—precious enough to kill for. And he had. Many times. This would just be one more. Make that, two, to be precise.

Wellness had always been important to him, central to his life in many ways, but it wasn’t until his fortieth year, as a landmark birthday loomed, that it became a defining pursuit. A fervent interest in all things health and fitness had evolved into something altogether more obsessive. With a startling clarity that he would subsequently refer to as an epiphany, the Turk recognised that, in the end, only one commodity counted. Time.

Once, three score years and ten had been an aspiration. Then it had become an expectation. Now, seventy was considered a young death. For this man, that wasn’t enough. Not nearly enough.

He had spent the first half of his life accumulating everything: wealth, power, possessions, and experiences. But now those things had lost their lustre. What use were they if he was going to depart so soon? He wanted more years. And not decrepit years, but full, purposeful, rewarding years. This craving had become a lifetime’s preoccupation. It haunted him, plagued him.There must be a way to buy more time. And not just a handful of frail twilight years, but decades in the

sun. Maybe not cheat death but certainly stay the execution.

His work in medicine became more focused, and more urgent. His company had given him wealth that only a stratospheric few could dream of, and now he ploughed millions of dollars into research and development in the field of anti-aging treatments and medicines. And yes, he had seen some breakthroughs. Advances that many would have characterised as miraculous. But as the sand continued to pour through his hourglass, so did his patience also diminish. Marginal gains

were of no use to him. Where was the game-changer?

As he methodically ran the blade of his ballistic knife across the sharpening block, he reflected on the circumstances that had delivered that game-changer and brought him to this ancient city. To Jordan, and to the catacombs of Petra.

Of course he had heard the rumours like everyone else, and dismissed them as fanciful conjecture, like everyone else. The legend of the Twin Rings would surface from time to time, prompted by a spurious sighting of the fabled bands, or an overzealous report of an abnormally aged resident in some lost corner of the world. A few years earlier, the fiftieth anniversary of Tutankhamun’s tomb being unearthed had reignited interest in some of the more salacious aspects of that discovery. The chambers of gold, the infant sarcophagi, the ensuing curse, and yes, the

rumoured provenance of the mythical Twin Rings.

The legend, preposterous as it was, had always held some intrigue for the Turk. Two rings, supposedly commissioned by King Tutankhamun to celebrate the much-anticipated arrival of his twin daughters but cursed when his babies were stillborn. The Vizier Penthu was blamed and outcast, but not before he hid the charmed amulets in Tut’s tomb. Reputed to bestow bearers with myriad powers, and carry the secret to a great treasure, the rings were sought across the centuries

… and the legend began.

Simon was born, raised and continues to live in and around the Home Counties of
London, England. 

He has forged a career as a leadership and brand consultant, advising and coaching business leaders internationally. 

When challenged on his credentials as a writer he cites a school commendation for creative writing and winning the Jane Austen Award for Achievements in English at his sixth form college. 

He acknowledges that other writers have more prestigious credentials. 

Simon’s first book, The Colossus, garnered some surprisingly favourable reviews, which encouraged Simon to continue pursuing his dream with the sequel, The Twin Rings, and now The Ancient Secret, completing the trilogy. 

Simon admits that response to the Red Scarf series has led to some alarming delusions of literary grandeur, although the Oxford comma and the dangling modifier continue to keep him awake at night.  

A Beautiful Way To Die by Eleni Kyriacou #ABeautifulWayToDie @elenikwriter @AriaFiction ‪@elenikwriter.bsky.social‬‪ @headofzeus.bsky.social‬ #BookReview

 

PLAY THEIR GAME
Hollywood, 1953. Young actress Ginny Watkins is turning heads. Even the legendary - and married - actor Max Whitman can't resist the allure of the hottest new starlet. He promises Ginny the world, in return for the right favour.

DO WHAT THEY SAY
London, 1954. Stella Hope, once the most famous actress in Hollywood, has been ousted to Ealing Studios after her divorce from the powerful Max. Just as she accepts her fate, she receives a letter, blackmailing her for a mistake she made many years ago.

OR THEY'LL BURY YOU
Two women on either side of stardom find themselves in the orbit of the same beguiling man. And one night, in the shadows of a glamorous Oscars afterparty, their lives are changed forever.

A Beautiful Way to Die delves into the decadence and depravity of the early film industry from Hollywood to London. Perfect for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Babylon.

A Beautiful Way to Die by Eleni Kyriacou was published on 8 May 2025 by Head of Zeus / Aria Fiction. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review.

This review was originally published in the June 2025 edition of The Mature Times. 

Eleni Kyriacou is an extremely skilful author, she has produced a plot that is compelling, addictive and thrilling. Her ability to create female characters is outstanding. In this classy, glamorous thriller we are served up two of the strongest characters in Ginny and Stella. 

The novel is set over two years; Ginny narrates events in Hollywood in 1953 whilst Stella relates her experiences in Ealing Studios, London in the following year. 

Ginny is new to Hollywood, with dreams of becoming the next big thing. She won a competition that enabled her to have an audition, but there’s no guarantee of a contract. Ginny has no money, if she doesn’t make it out there, there’s no way home. 

Stella has been at the top of the game. One half of a power couple with her husband Max Whitman, she was the most famous actress in Hollywood. However, her divorce from Max also means she has been ousted and is now acting in lower budget films for an English production company. 

Whilst the two timelines are separate, there are times when they over lap and the reader becomes aware of things that the characters know nothing about.  It’s a cleverly structured novel, the ideal way to tell all sides of the story whilst keeping that hint of tension and drama. 

It is Max Whitman who is the pivotal point in the plot. He is the man who connects Ginny and Stella and he is the man who is the most dangerous character in the book.  The author has created that old-school Hollywood glamour that everyone is aware of, but has also described the dark and dangerous underbelly of lies and deceit, and worse, that lie beneath the glitter. 

Powerful, compelling, glamorous and riveting. 

Eleni Kyriacou is an award-winning editor and journalist. 

Her writing has appeared in the Guardian, the Observer, Grazia, and Red, among others. 

She's the daughter of Greek Cypriot immigrant parents, and her novel, The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou, was selected as a BBC Between the Covers Book Club pick. 

Follow her on @EleniKWriter and www.elenikwriter.com

Named by Camilla Balshaw BLOG TOUR #Named @CamillaBalshaw @bedsqpublishers @RandomTTours #BookExtract

 

Our names are a shadow we carry around with us. They are part of who we are. Our names are a marker of our self-identity and our sense of self. Our names have the power to shock. They have the power to heal, and they have the power to trigger conversations around race, class, social mobility and belonging. But what is a name? What do our names tell us about ourselves? And why do they matter?

Named is a fascinating exploration of names, global naming conventions and identity politics woven into a moving, personal narrative about the finding of family and self. At the intersection of memoir and social and cultural history it is a truly fascinating book about the seemingly ordinary and every day.

The author's own narrative about her estrangement from her Nigerian father, the grapples with her Jamaican mother and her journey towards identity is woven through the chapters making it an engaging and intimate investigation of what makes us who we are.

Named by Camilla Balshaw is published today; 5 June 2025 by Bedford Square Publishers. As part of this #RandomThingsTours Blog Tour I am delighted to share an extract from the book with you today. 

Extract from Named by Camilla Balshaw 

What are we without a name?

Our names are entwined with our identity. They are repeated

in countless transactions, conversations and written correspond-

ence. Our names are stamped on our passports, utility bills and

employment IDs. They carry a lot of information. When we

hear a name, we attach an age, gender, class, nationality or

ethnic origin to the name’s bearer, and although we might

not like to admit it, when we hear a name, it influences our

first impressions of someone. Yet most of us don’t question

our names. They are just there, aren’t they? They are a neces-

sary identifier to differentiate us as individuals. And, let’s not

beat about the bush; they are a legal requirement. Without

them, how would we function as a society?

So allow me to introduce myself. My name is Camilla. Of

course it is. It’s the name written on the front cover of this

book. But growing up, I was called an entirely different name.

This was explored in an essay I wrote for the Guardian, which,

over time, grew into this book. As broadcast media has shown,

more of us are questioning what makes us who we are and

where we belong, so writing this story has felt increasingly

relevant and timely. I knew I wanted to write a personal and 

factual exploration of the use of names through the lens of

other people’s experiences as well as my own. So it is a memoir

of sorts. My story is the beating heart of this book. But it is

so much more than that. By telling my story, I consider wider

universal themes of how we fit into this world. The dynamics

of identity, belonging and not belonging, families and the

intricate relationships between mothers, fathers and daughters.

My parents’ shadows loom over the pages of this book. They

are the key to unlocking the door to my name. Without them,

this story can’t be told.

This is by no means a complete account of all the naming

practices worldwide. This book can’t discuss everything, and I

do not wish to overstep beyond my experiences and knowledge.

I wrote this book to invite you, the reader, to consider

your name. I hope it might spark conversations about what

our names mean to us, because this seemingly simple part of

our collective identities is anything but simple. There is a story

behind every name; although this is my story, part of it may

be your story, too.

And finally, remember, whatever the circumstances of your

name, take comfort in it. This name you carry around with

you is your trusted escort and friend. Cherish it, change it or

reclaim it.

Camilla Balshaw grew up in Luton. 

Her work has been published in the Observer and the Guardian. 

She has an MA in Creative & Life Writing from Goldsmiths and is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham. 

Her writing has been shortlisted and longlisted for a number of competitions. 

She lives in rural Norfolk. 

This is her first book.

X @CamillaBalshaw

Instagram @camillabalshaw

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It's Always The Husband by C L Taylor #ItsAlwaysTheHusband @CLTaylorauthor @AvonBooksUK‪ @callytaylor.bsky.social‬ @avonbooks.bsky.social‬ #BookReview #Competition #Win #Prize

 

Welcome to Lowbridge. Where secrets hide behind every door…

When newly divorced Jude arrives in the small town of Lowbridge, she is soon drawn to widower Will, the father of her young daughter's best friend.

But Will's past is shrouded in tragedy, with questions that no one knows the answer to – and after two tragedies tore his life apart in just a few short years, gossip and rumours abound about what really happened to the women he loved.

As whispers of murder surround Will, Jude becomes determined to uncover the truth – and with her own father's tragic fate haunting her, she refuses to let another innocent man suffer.

Yet in Lowbridge the darkness runs deep, and nothing is as it seems. Can Jude protect Will from a community out for blood? Or will she become the next victim in this web of deceit?

Because whilst one dead wife is tragic, two starts to look like murder…

It's Always The Husband by C L Taylor is published on 5 June 2025 by Avon Books. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review.

This review was originally published in The Mature Times - June 2025 edition.  

I also have one hardback copy to give away. Entry is simple; just fill out the competition widget in the blog post. UK entries only please. 

GOOD LUCK!

Sunday Times bestselling author and award winner C L Taylor is back with her eleventh novel. This psychological thriller hooked me from the very first page, with the school-gate setting and the cast of impeccably created characters, crime fiction fans are in for such a treat. 

Jude is newly divorced, she and her young daughter have just moved to Lowbridge. Jude has never been a fan of the school-gate type mothers, those who stand around, judging others, giving those looks, whilst being lovely when face to face. Jude is drawn to Will; the single father of her daughters friend.  However, Jude is quickly told about Will’s past. Not one, but two, dead wives. The school gate mums do not believe that he’s an innocent man and do their best to let Jude know that

However, Jude has her own family tragedy and she is determined that she will find out the truth about Will. She doesn’t want another man to have to deal with what her own father dealt with. 

Tense, compelling and addictive. Taylor is a master at creating tangled relationships and slowly exposing long buried secrets.  It always feels as though nobody is quite who they appear to be and the blend of themes, including blackmail and murder are so cleverly done. 

The author expertly serves up a totally unexpected, and brilliantly executed twisty morsal that will have readers gasping and scratching their heads. It’s is utter pleasure to discover. 

Her best novel to date. Highly recommended 

C.L. Taylor is an award winning Sunday Times bestselling author of ten gripping
psychological thrillers including EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick for autumn 2024, THE GUILTY COUPLE, (Richard and Judy Book Club 2023) and SLEEP (Richard and Judy Book Club 2019).

C.L. Taylor's books have sold over two million copies in the UK alone, hit number one on Amazon Kindle, Audible, Kobo, iBooks and Google Play, and have been translated into over 30 languages and optioned for TV.

Her books are not a series and can be read in any order

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell #DontLetHimIn @lisajewelluk @PenguinUKBooks #BookReview

 

He’s the perfect man.

He says he loves you.

You think he might even be made for you.

Before long he’s moved into your house – and into your heart.

And then he leaves for days at a time. You don’t know where he’s gone or who he’s with.

And you realise - if you looked back - you’d say to yourself:

DON’T LET HIM IN.

Don’t miss the new read-in-one-sitting Lisa Jewell novel; a cautionary story that could happen to you…

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell is published on 3 July 2025 by Century Books / Penguin. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review. 

I picked this one up and saw that my physical proof copy had just over 450 pages .... that's a hefty one I think .... this will keep me going for a week or so.  Oh no, not at all. I absolutely gulped this one down, the pages flew by so quickly, I made myself dizzy. What a thrilling, devilish story, populated with characters who are often difficult to like or sympathise and with a narrative that twists and turns like the biggest, scariest rollercoaster. 

Paddy Swann was a successful and well liked local restaurateur who was tragically killed when a recently diagnosed mentally ill man pushed him onto the tracks, in front of a train. Paddy's wife Nina is devastated, not only is her husband dead, but she's no in charge of the business. Their daughter Ash, herself mentally unstable cannot come to terms with the death of her father. When an old friend of Paddy's gets in touch, and then begins to see more of Nina, Ash is uncomfortable. This feels like more than another man in her dad's place. Nick Radcliffe is handsome, smart, intelligent  ..... but Ash is convinced that he's dodgy. 

Martha is a woman in her early fifties. Balancing the demands of two teenage children, a toddler and her florist shop is not easy. She and her husband Al haven't been together for that long, they are happy, but there's always financial pressure on them. Al's job takes him away from home for days on end, sometimes he doesn't keep in touch as he should. Martha doesn't like to question, but .... 

And so we have the basic plot .....  but it is really really isn't basic at all!  There are multiple narratives, there are a lot of characters. Readers will questions themselves as they read, you think you've got it all worked out and then Jewell throws a curveball that spins you totally off course. 

Multi layered and really complex in places,  with characters who cry out to be loved but who are often difficult to even like. This one really is unputdownable. It is tense and sharp, deliciously complicated and incredibly well paced. Highly recommended. 

Lisa Jewell's first novel, Ralph’s Party, was published in 1999 and was the best-selling
debut novel of the year. 

Since then she has published another twenty-three novels, most lately a number of dark psychological thrillers, including Then She Was Gone, The Family Upstairs and None of This is True. 

Lisa is a number one New York Times and Sunday Times author who has sold over ten million books worldwide and been published in more than thirty languages. 

She lives in north London with her husband, two daughters, Daisy, a Romanian rescue dog, and a mad orange cat called Ivy. 

@lisajewelluk on X 

@lisajewelluk on Instagram 

@lisajewellofficial on Facebook.