From the Book Elf

  Three Summers  by Karen Swan My thanks to the author and publisher for sending me a copy of Three Summers to review and to  Random Things Resources for inviting me onto the tour. Synopsis Set against the sun-drenched shores of Puglia in the late 1950s and early 1960s, this sweeping, atmospheric story follows three childhood friends whose lives become irrevocably entwined by love, jealousy, and a tragedy that will reverberate for years to come. At the heart of the novel is Rafaella Parisi, an unassuming yet magnetic young woman who spends ten long months each year waiting for the noble Franchetti family to return to their grand summer villa – and most of all, for their son Cosimo. Though she is dating her gentle childhood neighbour, Fon Giannelli, Rafa’s heart belongs elsewhere. As passions ignite and tensions rise, one devastating night changes the course of their lives forever. Told across the span of three unforgettable summers, Three Summers is a deeply evocative tal...

Me Too by Katherine Light My thanks to Katharine for sending me a copy of Me Too to review and to  Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me onto the tour. Synopsis Nearly forty, Anna has a successful career, a long-term relationship, and a carefully maintained sense of independence. But as time begins to run out, one question becomes impossible to ignore. What if she’s left it too late for the one thing she truly wants—a baby? Divorced journalist Rob keeps his life free from complications. But when he runs into Anna at a friend’s wedding, he’s caught off guard. The girl he remembers is gone, replaced by a woman who is impossible to ignore. When Anna makes him an offer, it’s one he can’t quite believe. No strings. No expectations. Just one simple arrangement. It should be straightforward. But the closer they become, the harder it is to stay detached. What begins as a practical plan deepens into something far more tender and much more dangerous. If Anna allows herself to hope,...

Nero The Hero by Samantha Mattocks My thanks to Samantha for sending me a copy of  Nero The Hero to review and to  Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me onto the book tour. Synopsis Prepare to meet your new favourite superhero as Nero the Hero reveals his secret!  Nero is no ordinary dog. This miniature schnauzer has a beard, a bark, and a secret. When danger strikes, he transforms into Nero the Hero, a powerful protector with extraordinary abilities. Alongside his human, twelve-year-old Jack, Nero dives into fast-paced adventures filled with mystery, heart, and just a touch of fun. But when Jack makes a brave mistake and finds himself in real danger, Nero must face his greatest challenge yet to save his best friend alone. Perfect for readers aged 8-12, this highly illustrated chapter book blends action-packed fantasy with an engaging, accessible style, making it ideal for reluctant readers and confident young bookworms alike. With short chapters and dynamic illus...

The Scent of Youth  by Mandi Martin My thanks go to Mandi for sending me a copy of The Scent of Youth to review and to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to take part on the book tour. Synopsis Welcomed by kind souls, Josiah earns his keep as a skilled vermin remover and helpful stable hand. But when a rat-borne illness strikes the town, Josiah’s unique abilities bring him to the attention of the imposing Duke. Within the castle walls, caught in the strange dynamic between the Duke’s son Bergen and the formidable Helga – children and ogres in one – Josiah’s life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of the spirited Nadia. Their shared love of poetry ignites a passionate connection, but joy is fragile, and loss leaves an indelible mark. Unbeknownst to Josiah, Helga’s deep-seated hatred of children is taking root within the Duke’s domain, setting in motion a chain of events that will irrevocably alter his destiny… My Thoughts Mandi Martin has created a tome of a book whic...

The Death of Shame by Ambrose Parry  The Death of Shame by Ambrose Parry  was published on 4th June 2026 in Paperback by  Harper Collins . My thanks to the authors and publisher for sending me a copy to review and to  Random Things Tours for inviting me to take part on the tour. Synopsis When you are a prisoner of your secrets, the death of shame is the only path to liberty Annabel Banks was promised work as a maid with a prestigious Edinburgh family. But on her first day, she’s nowhere to be found. Concerned relatives contact Sarah Fisher to help. Sarah might know her way around the city – its light sides and dark – but soon she’ll discover the plight of dozens of girls ensnared in its many brothels: lured, abused and left ruined in the eyes of the world. Meanwhile, a prominent society figure throws himself from the Scott Monument. Will Raven is asked to establish whether the death was suicide or if someone else was involved. Drawing upon real historical events, Th...