Release Day Review: An English Wife by Adrienne Chinn

The English Wife is a captivating novel about two women and how their lives are intertwined. 

As a reader, I'm always cautious when I pick up a novel when duel times lines are involved because quite often I feel overwhelmed trying to remember names and details. I needn't have worried about The English Wife as Ms Chinn has produced an easy to follow narrative which also includes multiply points of view too. The novel has two distinct parts. The first follows Ellie's life in Norwich during World War II and Sophie's unscheduled arrival in Newfoundland in 2001. Part two focuses on Ellie's life after she arrives in Newfoundland in 1946, and Sophie's second visit back to the island in 2011. 

Tippy's Tickle, what a wonderful place it is. The descriptions bring the place alive making it easy to visualise the rugged landscape and to see it through the eyes of Ellie as she arrived in Newfoundland after travelling thousands of miles from Norwich. I enjoyed learning about the lifestyles of the habitants and the history. Mostly I appreciated how Ellie's life evolved away from her family and the people she surrounded herself with.

Family drama, secrets and the complexities of relationships. The English Wife is emotionally charged, with tragedy and heartbreak as well as regret and sacrifice as the lives of Ellie and Sophie collide in an unexpected way. The outcome gives both women closure in what turns out to be a complicated situation and highlights that actions have consequences. The narrative begins slowly, but there's a gradual increase in pace building to a satisfying but bitter-sweet outcome. 

Overall, expect to embark on an emotional journey full of twists and turns in this beautifully written and engaging novel. 

***arc generously received courtesy of 0ne More Chapter via NetGalley***

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Release Day Review: Two Rogues Make A Right by Cat Sebastian

Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The eagerly anticipated third novel in the Seducing The Sedgwicks series is a delight. It's enjoyable as standalone, however, I strongly recommend reading the series in numerical order to fully appreciate the connection between the Sedgwick and Easterbrook families.

Martin Easterbrook and Will Sedgwick are life-long friends although in recent times they've spent little time together. When Will learns of Martin's ill health, he whisks his dear friend away to Sussex, to care for him. During their time together as Martin struggles with consumption and Will battles his own addiction and PTSD. As time progresses, the pair become close, sharing a tenderness neither can avoid. However, their time together has to come to an end, as both men have obligations to fulfil until fate brings them back together.

As romances go, this is an exceedingly slow-burn but equally satisfying friends to lovers story. These two men, both dealing with their personal problems share tenderness and respect, at a time of mutual need. Both are acutely aware of their attraction to each other, but also wary of destroying the close link they've shared since they were small boys. Thankfully, they maintain a small network of family and acquaintances, sympathetic to their plight as the pair take tentative steps to take their relationship to a level neither thought possible.

Unlike the previous two novels in this series, I appreciated the simplicity of Will and Martin's story, which matches their personalities perfectly. Additionally, I liked catching-up with Ben and Hartley Sedgwick along with other likeable secondary characters. As someone who's read many of the author's other novels, I've huge respect for Ms Sebastian's writing and this novel is another fine example of a well-paced and written M/M historical romance.

***arc generously received courtesy of Avon Impulse via Edelweiss+***

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