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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Safe House in Books

Oct 12, 2019  
Safe House
Safe House
Jo Jakeman | 2019 | Crime, Mystery, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the second novel I have read by this author, the first being Sticks and Stones, and I have enjoyed them both.

Charlie is trying to re-build her life after having spent time in prison; she buys a run down cottage in a small Cornish village and although she tries to keep herself to herself whilst renovating, she starts to become involved in village life and developing friendships amongst the residents but she soon begins to feel uneasy and things start to happen.

With a plausible story line, complex, well developed and interesting characters, a great setting culminating in a thrilling conclusion, this is an enjoyable read.

My thanks go to Random House UK, Vintage Publishing via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
  
The Dream Weavers
The Dream Weavers
Barbara Erskine | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Dream Weavers is an historical fiction novel, with one foot in Saxon Mercia and the other in modern day Hereford. There’s a touch of the supernatural as well - all the better to see the past with. And I loved reading it.
Simon is writing a book of Anglo-Saxon history, and starts to hear a woman calling a name outside his rented cottage. When he goes out to look, no one is there.
The cottage owner brings in her local spiritual advisor, Bea, who hopes to put the ghost outside to rest. This is only the beginning.
The timelines alternate between King Offa’s daughter, Eadburh, and Bea’s life in Hereford with her husband who is a priest at the cathedral.
I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy this - but I really did! It uses religion without being overly religious, and the same goes for the more Pagan elements. It was a a really interesting, highly readable book. I haven’t read much about the history around King Offa’s time, so I enjoyed the opportunity to do that. It was a book that was difficult to put down - except that was done for me, as I read a stave a day on The Pigeonhole! It’s a big book, but it really didn’t feel that way. It sent me off on little internet searches as well - namely Anchorites, and what types of dogs Anglo-Saxons kept as pets (and whether they did or not!). I like a book that interests me enough to read around it!
This is definitely one for the historical fiction fans, especially those that like a bit of the magical element as well. I loved reading it!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, and to HarperCollins for giving me access via NetGalley for an honest review.