Category Archives: Book reviews

February 8, 2022 · 11:34 am

FIVE STAR REVIEW ON READERS’ FAVORITE

For my new readers on Kobo, Barnes and Noble and Apple:

Not long after it was published I was delighted to receive a five star review for:

‘Murder, now and then’ on Readers’ Favourite.

Here’s a copy of the review:

Book Review

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite

Murder Now and Then: 1919 to 2019 Murder Mystery by Diana Jackson is a murder mystery with a difference – a time difference. Joanna Thomas is a farmer’s wife in 2019, who stands accused of the murder of her husband. She had no motive and the murder weapon has never been found, leaving Inspector Norton scratching his head in dismay. DS Brown and DS Petersen are not convinced that Joanne’s the murderer and continue their search, uncovering a number of coincidences that lead back to 1919, to another unsolved murder. Now they have more than one possible suspect, with alibis that don’t entirely check out. DS Brown and Petersen travel to Jersey in a bid to solve the crime but, on their return, things take a turn for the worse. It’s looking very likely that the murder in 1919 may have some strange bearing on the murder on 2019, but what it is?

Murder Now and Then: 1919 to 2019 by Diane Jackson is an ingenious story. I never figured out the connection between the two murders and that, to me, is the mark of a well-written mystery! It’s not a fast-paced book, but the story doesn’t lend itself to that. Ms. Jackson has taken the time to let us get to know and understand the characters in the story, how they fit in, as well as giving us the benefit of some historical research. It has a very well developed plot and is something very different, very clever. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be watching for more from Diana Jackson.

If you’d like to read the real thing then visit the site:

Readers’ Favorite – ‘Murder, now and then’ review

                                             *****

It made my day!

Author Diana Jackson’s popular novel MURDER Now and Then is now available on Kobo, Barnes and Noble and Apple for the first time, at a discounted price of $2.99.

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January 21, 2022 · 9:17 am

Diana’s January Book Review ~ The Strawberry Thief by Joanna Harris

In Waterstones

Diana’s January Book Review ~ The Strawberry Thief by Joanna Harris. I must be the last person to read Chocolat, so when I spotted this paperback in Waterstones before Christmas, I was drawn to it. I think it is the fourth in the series, but great as a standalone novel too.

I’m not strictly following the theme running through many books I choose to review this time, for reasons you’ll read in my review:

  • They tell a tale linked to history
  • The books are often set in two time periods
  • The location is a place either I have an affection for, or one I would dearly love to visit.

Why did I choose this book?

Strawberry Thief was set in a small (imaginary) village in south west France near Bordeaux, where some of my family live, and so it was easy for me to imagine the scene from the start. I did not know at the time, but Vianne tries to make sense of the present by reflecting on her time with her mother in the past… but above all, I chose it because I love chocolate; and wild strawberries too.

Did you feel empathy for any particular character?

I could not help but feel Vianne a kindred spirit, trying to settle into a new home – a quiet village; quite a contrast to her last base in the city. Suddenly coping with all the joys and drawbacks of living in a smaller tight knit community. Mind you, as a chocolatier she had an advantage; chocolate.

Is there a lasting thought or memory of the book which remains with you?

Yes ~ What will the wind blow in today?

A mysterious book of life’s struggled, neighbourly conflict, misunderstandings, guilt and love ~ maternal and romantic and of course CHOCOLATE!

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December 13, 2021 · 8:23 am

Diana’s Book Review ~ The Girl From the Island by Lorna Cook

I’m still following the theme running through many books I choose to review:

  • They tell a tale linked to history
  • The books are often set in two time periods
  • The location is a place either I have an affection for, or one I would dearly love to visit.

Why did I choose this book?

The Girl from the Island was set on Guernsey, the island where Grandpa and Great Grandfather were born. They moved to Woolston Southampton when Grandpa was a toddler but Great Grandfather eventually returned, but died there during WW2. This book is set in modern times, but also on the island during WW2. I know this history well, but was intrigued to see if another novel could be written to grip my attention. It did!

Did you feel empathy for any particular character?

Where can I start? Of the two sisters during WW2 it was Persephone I was drawn to most; her willingness to put her life on the line for the cause; her tug of emotions as she tried to distance herself from the man she had fallen in love with ten years before, but who had arrived at her house, a Nazi who was taking over her late mother’s bedroom. What a complex but wonderful character.

Is there a lasting thought or memory of the book which remains with you?

One scene I just cannot share with you, because it would be a spoiler but it was poignant, tragic, full of tension ~ everything really to draw me closer to Persy and like her even more intensely. You’ll just have to read the book to find out.

Available on Amazon

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