Theatre review: The Time Traveller's Wife at the Apollo Theatre

Based on the book of the same name by Audrey Niffenegger, The Time Traveller's Wife at its core is the love story between Henry and Clare. The twist? Henry is a time traveller and Clare first meets him when she's still a child. In his own chronological timeline, however, Henry doesn't meet Clare until they're both in their 20s. Are you confused yet? Not only that, but Henry cannot control when he travels – making it very hard for him to live his life as he doesn't know when – and for how long – he is gone.  

Book review: The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett [blog tour]

October was a truly festive reading month for me. But rather than devouring another romance book, this time around I returned to the fictional town of Lockwood, and particularly the Fairway Players from Janice Hallett's novel The Appeal as they gear up for their seasonal production. After all, no Christmas is complete without a dash of murder...

Book review: The Cat Who Solved Three Murders (Conrad the Cat Detective #2) by L T Shearer

The Cat Who Solved Three Murders had me sold with its premise (and lovely cover) as our family cat is a calico so I have a particular soft spot for these mischievous creatures. Not only that, but I also know an adorable cat who lives on a London canal boat, just like Conrad – it was clearly meant to be! And I'm so glad to say that this book lived up to its furry expectations, and then some. 

Book review: Countdown to Christmas by Jo Thomas [blog tour]

Around Christmas I'm usually busy spending time with family, playing games, and cooking and baking – not so much reading. So I'm delighted to get my festive fix early on with the plethora of seasonal novels that have just been released. I'm one of those people who gets in the autumn mode in late August and a festive one just a few months later, so I never find it too early to crack open snow-covered books and Cadbury Roses. And Countdown to Christmas by Jo Thomas has been a very fitting addition to my Christmas reading list this year. 

Book review: That Festive Feeling by Heidi Swain [blog tour]

I'm a latecomer to the Heidi Swain fan club, but after reading both the fantastic The Book-Lovers' Retreat and the delightful Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage this year, I was really excited for her new festive novel. I cannot resist a Christmas romance at the best of times and especially not from one of my newest favourite authors! 

Book review: It Always Snows on Mistletoe Square by Ali McNamara

I can't believe it's been 10 years since I devoured my first Ali McNamara book with Step Back in Time – and what a delightful journey it's been. From Letters From Lighthouse Cottage and From Nothing Hill With Four Weddings... Actually through to her novels set in the fictional Cornish town of St Felix, such as The Little Flower Shop By the Sea (still my absolute fav!) and Cornish Clouds and Silver Linking Skies. Her books have whisked me away all over the UK, with different characters all with their own unique stories to tell. But one thing has always been consistent in her books: a touch of magic. Combine that with the festive season for her first Christmas novel, and you've got something truly magical. 

Book review: The Turnglass by Gareth Rubin [blog tour]

When I saw that The Turnglass by Gareth Rubin isn't only a murder mystery but a tête-bêche as well, I was instantly sold. This is a type of novel made up of two separate books that are linked in unexpected ways, one story providing clues to the mystery within the other. It may sound a little confusing at first, but it is a very clever and fun way to read a novel. Some of my all-time favourite books, Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz, are great examples of this innovative storytelling format – so I had high hopes for this one too!

Book review: Always By Your Side by Julie Haworth [blog tour]

I tend to read a lot of murder mysteries and historical fiction novels, but after a while I just need some cosy comfort in my life. And when I saw the cover for Julie Haworth's debut novel, Always By Your Side, it immediately hit the spot for me. Wholesome English countryside goodness? Yes, please. 

Theatre review: Death Note: The Musical in Concert at the London Palladium

Death Note is a popular manga series by writer Tsugumi Ohba and illustrator Takeshi Obata, which has garnered a steady fan base throughout its 20-year history and countless adaptations, from anime to a live action Netflix movie. A musical version was inevitable to bring this epic story to the stage – and it's finally made it to the London stage! 

Book review: The Shell House Detectives by Emylia Hall [blog tour]

I've hugely enjoyed Emylia Hall's writing ever since I had the opportunity to review her debut novel The Book of Summers back in 2012 (I cannot believe this is over 10 years ago now, where does time go?!). And I love that as my reading preferences have moved away from contemporary women's fiction, so have her stories. The Shell House Detectives is the first book in a new cosy crime series – and immediately after turning the final page, I was already gasping for more.