The Other Hand by Chris Cleave.

Given the rather cryptic blurb that appears on the back of this book I don't want to give away the storyline as I enjoyed reading the book without any idea of what was involved in the story.

I will say that the story intrigued me from the beginning.  The style of writing was brilliant and allowed me to enjoy Little Bee's accent as her words ran around my head.   I was gripped by the story from the start, quite early on a mystery is revealed that has you turning pages wanting to uncover the secret of how the two main characters, Little Bee and Sarah were connected.

Parts of the book were quite disturbing, and it deals with some heavy issues, but not in a way that will leave you feeling unsettled, rather it really makes you think; and I felt myself considering subjects in a way that I never would have before.

I know that this blog is a little bit cryptic, but I really enjoyed that I had no preconceptions of how the story would pan out when I read it, and hope that if you go on to read it you would feel the same too!  All I can say is that this book is full of very strong characters with an incredibly powerful story to tell, which will keep you turning pages at a fast pace.

The back page blurb:

We don't want to tell you too much about this book. It is a truly special story and we don't want to spoil it.

Nevertheless, you need to know something, so we will just say this:

It is extremely funny, but the African beach scene is horrific.

The story starts there, but the book doesn't.

And it's what happens afterwards that is most important.

Once you have read it, you'll want to tell everyone about it. When you do, please don't tell them what happens either. The magic is in how it unfolds.

Title: The Other Hand
Author: Chris Cleave

A Place To Call Home by Carole Matthews.

Like all Carole Matthews books this one welcomes you from the first page, and you'll soon find yourself lost within the story.  The book was filled with such warm characters who I fell in love with from the moment I started getting to know their story.

We meet Ayesha who makes the brave decision to leave an unhappy relationship, and in the dead of night flees her home town to start a new life in London with her daughter.  When she gets to her new accommodation she meets three new fabulous friends who support her as her new journey begins in the shadow of her past.

I really bonded with the character of Ayesha despite us coming from completely different worlds; she was so strong and was able to remain positive in adverse conditions.  I also really liked the character of Crystal who was so bubbly it was infectious, and seems like the perfect friend to have to help lift your spirits when you're feeling down as Ayesha sometimes was.

The house they all lived in seemed to be such a wonderful retreat from real life, and I loved reading about how lucky Ayesha was to have found herself in such a caring, supportive new home.

There are some dark topics in this book; from domestic violence and death to anxiety; but the overwhelming vibe throughout the story is one of positivity.

Like all Carole Matthew's books, this will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy, and is a book you will be sad to finish.

The back page blurb:
In the dead of night, Ayesha takes her daughter, Sabina, and slips quietly from her home, leaving behind a life full of pain. Boarding a coach to London, all Ayesha wants is a fresh start.

Hayden, a former popstar, has kept himself hidden away for years. He's only opened up his home to two people - Crystal, a professional dancer with a heart of gold, and Joy, an ill-tempered retiree with a soft spot for waifs and strays. 

When Crystal asks Hayden if Ayesha and Sabina can stay with them, he reluctantly agrees and, as different as they may be, they quickly form an unlikely bond. So when enemies threaten their peaceful home, they will do all they can to save it and each other.

Title: A Place To Call Home
Author: Carole Matthews
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