♥ a food, travel and lifestyle blog ♥
Everyone Here is Lying opening lines: They don't speak as William walks her to her car parked behind the motel; they never leave their cars out front, where they might be recognized. My blurb: Living in a small neighbourhood means everyone knows everyone. And people seem to have a way into each other's business. Many … Continue reading Everyone Here is Lying, Shari Lapena
This Time Could Be Different opening lines: "How did this get here, Rob?" The earring that Madeline had lost months ago trembled in her outstretched hand. My blurb: Madeline has her dream job. She is an important cog in the wheel at the bank. And as a senior executive, a lot is expected of her. … Continue reading This Time Could Be Different, Khristin Wierman
"Watch the boat Chandan, it floats on the ocean. It rises and falls with your breath's gentle motion." Chandan has had an exciting day out with his mum - but now it's time for bed, and however hard he tries, he just can't sleep. Luckily, his mum has some calming mindfulness techniques at her fingertips. The bedtime … Continue reading The Bedtime Boat, Sital Gorasia Chapman
In June, Dave and I took the long and windy roads from Gordons Bay to Greyton, where we stopped for lunch at 1854. As it was a cold day we decided to sit in the restaurant, rather than on the deck. The dining area is comfortable, but could have been improved had the fire been … Continue reading 1854 Restaurant, Greyton
One night, Spike creeps downstairs in his pyjamas to find that his granny has turned into a dinosaur - GRANNYSAURUS! There are dinosaurs BOOGYING in the living room. With Brontosaurus, Stegosaurus and Giganotosaurus, it's a DINO DISCO! Spike wants to stay up and party too! How will Grannysaurus ever get him back to bed? Perhaps her … Continue reading Grannysaurus, David Walliams
The Cassandra Complex opening lines: Where does a story start? It's a lie, the first page of a book, because it masquerades as a beginning. My blurb: Cassandra wakes up, and immediately she knows something is wrong. Her watch which was definitely stolen yesterday when she had a meltdown is right where it belongs. Then … Continue reading The Cassandra Complex, Holly Smale
Cross Down opening line: In front of President Kent and the historic Resolute Desk, General Wayne Grissom, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sits with his uniform hat in his lap and says, "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Mr. President." My blurb: Detective John Sampson's boss does not feel like … Continue reading Cross Down, James Patterson
Things I Wish I Told My Mother opening line: Right now, I am standing thirty feet away from seventy million dollars. My blurb: They say Doctors make the worst patients, and my mother, Dr. Elizabeth Ormson is not the exception to the rule. She will not listen to the cardiologist in charge of her care. … Continue reading Things I Wish I Told My Mother
Since writing this review, Husk has relocated to a stunning venue, right on Beach Road. We last visited when they were still in the industrial area. A little gem of a place, that I wish the best of luck to in their permanent space. Husk Last year December I asked Gerhard how he found himself … Continue reading Husk, Gordons Bay
The Half Burnt House opening lines: 'If you could see the future', Sam asked her, 'would you want to?' It was the end of the school day and they were sitting outside the sixth-form building. My blurb: The future really is shaped by the past. Michael Hyde is the perfect person to commit a heinous … Continue reading The Half Burnt House, Alex North
I Will Find You opening lines: I am serving the fifth year of a life sentence for murdering my own child. Spoiler alert: I didn't do it. My blurb: David Burroughs is in prison for murdering his son. The evidence against him was overwhelming. He was covered in blood and there was an eyewitness. But … Continue reading I Will Find You, Harlan Coben
I always feel that the best way to be a part of the local culture is to eat where the locals eat. This was no different to when we were in Naples. I asked the hotel concierge where the best place was to get supper. He recommended La Nuova Italia. La Nuova Italia Pasquale and … Continue reading La Nuova Italia, Naples
One Enchanted Evening opening lines: Just for a moment, Meg was on her own on the station platform. She had travelled into deepest Dorset and it felt like another world. My blurb: Ever since attending Mme Wilson's cooking school, Meg has wanted to cook in a professional kitchen. And now it is going to happen! … Continue reading One Enchanted Evening, Katie Fforde
When looking for the perfect place to stay, close to the airport in Naples, Hotel Palazzo Argenta ticked all of the boxes. Hotel Palazzo Argenta This newly built, 3 star hotel was ideally situated for us in the Secondigliano district of Naples. We needed to be a close bus ride to the airport as we had … Continue reading Hotel Palazzo Argenta, Naples
Countdown opening line: I check my watch and if all goes well, the killing will begin in less than two minutes. My blurb: Jeremy Windsor needs to play Amy to the best of his ability. The ex-Army Ranger turned CIA agent could be the perfect foil for the plan his Government need to make work. … Continue reading Countdown, James Patterson
SpaccaNapoli Home ticked all of our boxes for a five night stay in Naples. Situated in the vibey Spanish Quarter, you will feel like a local if you choose this apartment as a self catering option. SpaccaNapoli Home This 90 m² property has an unusual layout with one bathroom off the entrance, and the other … Continue reading SpaccaNapoli Home
House of Wolves opening line: Alone on his boat and half drunk, the Golden Gate Bridge off to his left and Alcatraz dead ahead, Joe Wolf started to sing about having left his heart in San Francisco. My blurb: Jenny Wolf lives and breathes football, but not enough to be in the family business. To … Continue reading House of Wolves, James Patterson
Café Fleur takes its inspiration from the stunning gardens at Vergelegen Wine Estate. Situated in what was previously Camphors, the space is now bright with a floral theme, and the menu is classically French. I was invited to attend a luncheon at Café Fleur as part of an introduction to the new winemaker at the … Continue reading Café Fleur, Somerset West
Someone Else's Shoes opening line: Sam stares up at the slowly lightening ceiling and practices her breathing, like the doctor advised her, as she tries to stop her 5a.m. thoughts congealing into one enormous dark cloud above her head. My blurb: Sam has to keep her job no matter what. So when she accidently leaves … Continue reading Someone Else’s Shoes, Jojo Moyes
Amazing Grace Adams opening lines: Grace is hot. There's the sun, like boiled breath, on the roof of her car but it's more than that. My blurb: Grace is doing her best. Her best to save her child. And her best to save herself. She feels like she has failed at every turn. Her marriage … Continue reading Amazing Grace Adams, Fran Littlewood