Maddy's Book Blog

  The French Bookshop Murder by Greg Mosse   I hadn’t heard of Greg Mosse before picking up The French Bookshop Murder , but the title, cover, and blurb instantly caught my eye. I’m so glad they did—this was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I’ll definitely be seeking out more of his work.   Zoe Pascal decides to leave England behind and move to a French village she remembers from childhood. Book-obsessed, she’s thrilled to buy a beautiful bookshop with a flat above it. But when a tourist is found dead in the local church—and Zoe is the last person to see her alive—she suddenly finds herself at the centre of a murder investigation. As she begins to uncover the village’s secrets, strange questions arise: why are so many people carrying a children’s book? What are they searching for? And who, in this quiet place, can truly be trusted?   The French Bookshop Murder was a thoroughly enjoyable read—atmospheric, gently mysterious, and full of charm. I loved foll...

  Jane, Divided by Craig Lancaster     When I was given the chance to read a new Craig Lancaster novel, I accepted with alacrity. His previous books have always stayed with me—beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and full of characters who feel achingly real. Jane, Divided is no exception. With quiet brilliance, Lancaster brings his female protagonist to life, capturing her complexities, vulnerabilities, and strength in a way that feels both authentic and deeply moving.     When Jane leaves Montana behind, she’s not just walking away from a failed marriage— she’s trying to outrun the emotional weight of her past. Returning to Texas, a place she swore she’d never revisit, means confronting old wounds and stepping into roles she thought she’d left behind: daughter, teacher, single mother. Living under her father’s roof and re-entering the classroom after years away is no easy feat, but Lancaster handles these transitions with quiet grace. The question...

  Gracie Jenkins Runs a Marathon by Penny Mirren   I’d read Penny Mirren before, so when I was offered Gracie Jenkins Runs a Marathon , I was genuinely excited—and it absolutely delivered. The premise alone is uplifting: a woman in her seventies deciding to run a marathon. But what unfolds is a tender, quietly powerful story about family, friendship, and the unexpected ways we grow when we choose to help others.   When Jill and her daughter Emily move near to Gracie and her husband Andrew, old wounds resurface and the atmosphere between the sisters is strained. But Emily’s warmth and persistence begin to bridge the gap—especially when she encourages Gracie to join a local running club. What starts as a reluctant step outside her comfort zone becomes a lifeline, as Gracie finds friendship, purpose, and a renewed sense of self. The growing bond with Emily gently nudges her closer to Jill, raising the question: can fractured family ties be mended with time, empathy, ...

  Everything Changes But You by Sarah Bennett     Everything Changes But You is another heartwarming gem from Sarah Bennett, and I was so happy to return to the world of Halfmoon Quay. It felt like catching up with old friends—comforting, familiar, and full of charm. I’m so glad I discovered this series; it’s the kind of storytelling that stays with you.     Issy’s life at the café is full of routine and responsibility, but beneath the surface, she’s quietly grieving her parents' deaths, and the rejection of her best friend, and she is craving something more. Her bond with Grandma Maud is a highlight—warm, quirky, and deeply touching—and Maud’s unexpected romance adds a lovely spark. Liam’s return brings tension and tenderness, as old feelings resurface and new possibilities begin to form. I really enjoyed watching their relationship unfold slowly and naturally, with all the awkwardness and hope that comes from revisiting the past. The setting of ...

  Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop: Christmas on Castle Street by Jessica Redland   Jessica Redland never fails to deliver comfort and charm, and Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop is no exception. Stepping into this festive tale felt like curling up with a cosy blanket and catching up with old friends—familiar faces from the series returned with heart and humour, yet the story stands beautifully on its own. Set against the magical backdrop of a bookshop at Christmastime, it gently reminds us that sometimes the best gifts are the connections we rediscover.   Lily Appleton runs the Bay Bookshop with her father, but when he needs surgery, they’re forced to find a temporary replacement. The best applicant turns out to be Lars—Lily’s ex-classmate and once-close childhood friend. Their friendship fractured in high school when Lars, struggling with personal issues, cruelly pushed Lily away. Now, years later, he’s embarrassed, and she’s still hurt. But as they work side...

  Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House by Sharon Booth     Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House is the second book I’ve read by Sharon Booth set in the enchanting village of Rowan Vale, and I’m completely hooked. Her stories are right up my street—beautifully drawn characters, a touch of romance, and just the right amount of ghostly charm.   Clara’s journey in Rowan Vale hasn’t been without its secrets, and now that her children are older, she’s hoping to carve out something just for herself—a new business, a fresh start. But with old truths surfacing and Jack growing distant, cracks begin to show. Meanwhile, resident ghosts Agnes and Aubrey are having their own marital spat, with Aubrey desperate to explore the village and Agnes firmly against it. With two relationships teetering, this Christmas might bring more than just festive cheer. This story had me completely hooked. I loved the blend of festive charm and emotional depth, and the way Clara’s personal ...

  Last Stop on the Winter Wonderland Express by Rebecca Raisin   Rebecca Raisin’s books always feel like a cosy escape, and Last Stop on the Winter Wonderland Express is no exception. It’s full of charm, warmth, and festive sparkle—and if that train journey really exists, I’d be first in line to book it.   When Aubrey’s fiancé dumps her at the altar, she’s devastated—but determined not to miss out on the honeymoon of a lifetime. She boards the luxury train alone, travelling through Europe’s magical Christmas markets and ending in Lapland under the Northern Lights. To avoid pity from fellow passengers, she blurts out that her husband died rather than left her. Soon she’s swept up by a group of singles calling themselves The Unlucky in Love Travel Club—one of whom is the very attractive Jasper, and before long, sparks begin to fly.   Once I started reading, I was completely swept away. Despite the festive theme, Last Stop on the Winter Wonderland Express ...