What Rachael Reads

The Last Page Cafe by Kate Storey My rating: 4 of 5 stars The Last Page Cafe is a beautiful tale of friendship, community, and new beginnings. Erin McRae is a middle-aged business owner, who single-handedly raised her son, Jack, who has just returned from university. Erin inherited The Bookmark Cafe from her late mother, and makes ends meet by providing a welcoming space for locals to come and relax with a coffee and a book. She runs a small book club, and struggles with change, but when a letter arrives that puts the future of the cafe in jeopardy, Erin needs all the help she can get to save it. Beautifully written and heartwarming, I will definitely be picking up more from this author. My rating: Publication date: 12th March 2026 Page count: 349 Buy on Amazon | Buy on Kobo View all my reviews

This book was one of the first ever books I was approved for on NetGalley. It has sat on my 'to-read' shelf for nearly 7 months. Having read it today, all I can say is, why did I wait so long? I am a huge fan of the relatively recent 'psychological thriller' genre and despite Out of Reach originally being published in 1997, it is as fresh and as current as its modern counterparts. The truth is always just out of reach… Kate McCaulay thinks she has rebuilt her life. She has a job as a local newspaper reporter, a flat above an antiques shop in a village by the sea, and a close group of friends. But one day her carefully erected existence collapses when tragedy explodes back into her life. Ten years ago Kate’s eight-week-old baby, Jamie, was stolen. The loss destroyed her marriage and still haunts her dreams with guilt and longing. And now letters have started arriving on her doormat, anonymous letters that read, ‘I know where he is…’ Tragedy strikes again when her colle...

All Fall Down by Tom Bale My rating: 4 of 5 stars After reading See How They Run I was very much looking forward to more from Tom. All Fall Down did not disappoint. Initially, for reasons unknown, I struggled to really connect with the novel. Eventually, however, the Turner family and their hidden pasts hooked me. Tom has a seemingly effortless ability to create an aura of fear and anticipation somewhat akin to Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn. All Fall Down is a gripping thriller and one to watch out for this year. View all my reviews

Rattle by Fiona Cummins My rating: 5 of 5 stars Wow! Just, wow! The first novel I have read by Fiona and I just loved it! I knew from the first few chapters that it was going to be a good one! I love her style, the ease of reading and attention to detail. The pace of the story was perfect and the character depth was just enough to get to know them, without all the extra baggage. Overall it was much better than I had expected. The synopsis didn't scream at me to make me want to read it, but having done so, I would highly recommend it and I am looking forward to more from Fiona. View all my reviews