Maddy's Book Blog

  The Christmas Magpie by Mark Edwards   If you’ve followed Lucy’s story, this fourth instalment is a must-read. Dark, twisted, and deliciously unsettling— The Christmas Magpie is Mark Edwards at his chilling best. If you’ve followed Lucy’s story, this fourth instalment is a must-read. Mark Edwards proves once again that beneath his family-man exterior lies a master of psychological suspense. The Christmas Magpie is part 4 of the Magpies series, and yes—Lucy is back. If you know, you know. Her presence looms large, even if she’s not always centre stage, and the tension she brings is unmistakable.   It’s Noel and Dani’s first Christmas in their new home, and they’re hoping for a picture-perfect holiday. But things quickly unravel. Unwelcome gifts start appearing on their doorstep, they feel watched, unsettled by the eerie obsession their neighbours have with a nearby women’s prison. A tragedy at a Christmas party sets off a chain of events that pulls them deeper in...

  The Book of Lost Hours by Hayley Gelfuso If you loved The Midnight Library , The Book of Lost Hours will feel like a kindred spirit—rich in imagination, emotional depth, and time-bending wonder. Hayley Gelfuso’s debut novel, The Book of Lost Hours , is a sweeping historical fantasy that blends the poignancy of memory with the thrill of time travel. Like Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library , it explores the weight of personal and collective history—but through a darker, more haunting lens.   The story begins in 1938, when eleven-year-old Lisavet Levy is thrown into Time Space by her father as he goes to save her brother. Tragically, neither return—victims of Kristallnacht. Lisavet is raised in Time Space by Azrael, a ghostly guardian, and grows up surrounded by books that hold people’s memories. When she discovers that people are entering Time Space to burn these memories, she makes it her mission to protect them. In 1965, Amelia inherits a special watch from her Uncle...

  All We Want for Christmas by Phillipa Ashley   I’ve read many of Phillipa Ashley’s novels and have loved them all, so I was surprised when the first chapter of All We Want for Christmas felt jarringly different—almost as if written by someone else. It lacked the usual warmth and polish I’ve come to expect, and I nearly gave up on the book altogether. I’m so glad I didn’t. Once past that rocky start, the story unfolded into the kind of heartfelt, charming tale Ashley is known for, and I ended up thoroughly enjoying the rest. Lara is thriving in her new role as events manager at Ravendale Castle, a welcome change after the turmoil of her previous job. Her world is upended when Flynn, the strikingly handsome technical manager, returns to the castle. Their brief encounter—and unexpected kiss—had seemed like a fleeting moment, but Flynn saw the job opportunity as a chance to reconnect. What he didn’t anticipate was the emotional whirlwind that awaited him, including reunio...

  New Beginnings for Christmas: The Book of Beginnings, Book 2 by Sally Page I have read a couple of Sally Page’s books, including the original Book of Beginnings, so I felt like I had returned to visit old friends in this heartwarming sequel. While this novel stands well on its own, returning readers will appreciate the deeper emotional layers and continuity that make the experience all the more rewarding. Malcolm may not believe in a higher power, but he does believe in Reverend Ruth. Seeing her worn down by the demands of the village and the chaos of Christmas, he decides to offer her a quiet escape—a peaceful lunch and a pampered overnight stay on Boxing Day. But Ruth, and perhaps even the spirit of Malcolm’s late mother, have other plans. What unfolds is a Christmas full of unexpected joy, gentle humour, and the possibility that one of Malcolm’s long-held hopes might finally come true. Sally Page once again delivers a story full of heart, humour, and gentle wisdom. New B...

  Match Me if You Can by Heidi Shertok Match Me if You Can is the second Heidi Shertok novel I have read, and once again she explores the complexities of Orthodox Jewish relationships. While I appreciated the storytelling, I found the portrayal of ultra-Orthodox norms somewhat blurred. In that community, boundaries around physical contact, modesty, and sexual discourse aren’t flexible choices—they’re deeply ingrained values. That said, the narrative was engaging, and I genuinely enjoyed the story despite those inconsistencies. Ashira’s mother was a matchmaker, and Ashira has followed in her footsteps. But loss has shaped her life in painful ways. After her mother’s death and her father’s mysterious disappearance, Ashira vowed never to fall in love, convinced that anyone she cares for will eventually leave. Her childhood crush, Caleb—her brother’s best friend—only reinforced that belief when he joined the army without a word. Now, years later, Caleb returns, and the chemistry be...

  Remain by Nicholas Sparks I’ve always enjoyed Nicholas Sparks’ novels, and Remain is no exception. He has a remarkable ability to write convincingly from a woman’s perspective, and his stories consistently offer something deeper than just romance. This one delivers the love story you’d expect, but with a surprising twist—an unsolved murder and eerie, otherworldly elements that add layers of suspense and intrigue.   After a long battle with grief following his sister’s death, Tate is released from a psychiatric hospital, still fragile but searching for purpose. His best friend Oscar offers him a lifeline: the chance to design a summer house, and a quiet place to stay at a vacant bed and breakfast. But solitude quickly gives way to mystery when Tate encounters a woman unlike any he’s ever known—captivating, enigmatic, and strangely out of place. There’s just one chilling truth: she’s been murdered, and she doesn’t know it.   Remain is a haunting and beautifully wr...

  Dreams Come True at the Fairytale Museum by Jaimie Admans   I’ve read and enjoyed all of Jaimie Admans’ enchanting Ever After Street books, and I’m thrilled to say that Dreams Come True at the Fairytale Museum is just as delightful. Although it’s the sixth in the series, it stands perfectly well on its own, offering a magical, feel-good escape that’s impossible to resist.   Standing in the shadows of the castle, the ‘Colours of the Wind’ museum is run by Lissa, who is passionate about sharing the magic of fairytales with children and kindred spirits. When the building is threatened by developers and rising rent, Lissa must team up with Warren—the landlord’s son—to save the museum. With help from the quirky shop owners of Ever After Street, a little bit of magic, and a wishing well, this heartwarming story unfolds with charm, community, and hope.   This is a truly magical and heartwarming story, filled with community spirit, fairytale charm, and a touch...