Best Children's book since Harry Potter

 

I knew the author but did not know he wrote, so when I got the chance to read this during the long school holidays I was so intrigued.

I was gripped with the story from page one, excellent storytelling, with a puzzle element to this and the story is written well.

Two pupils set about to unlock this intruiging mystery. the protagonsists are James Price the great great grandson of the famous ghost hunters, Harry Price and Emma Houdini, great great garadughter of the great escape artist. The author brings these two great characters to life.

The imagery the author brings to this is stunning with cliff hangers and ghostly tales.

Written for 8-13 year olds, but many adults looking for a great ghostly read please don't hold back read this and then move to book 2.

Best children's book I have read since picking up the first Harry Potter book some 30 years ago.

So what are you waiting for pick this up this summer, and would make a great stocking filler for Christmas (never too early to start)

Beautiful and Poignant Read

 

I was late to the table with this novel
This is a beautiful and poignant novel about a couple who escape from war torn Syria in the hope of finding asylum in the UK. The story is told in the first person by Nuri, who with his wife Afra undertakes a shocking journey.
There is no holds barred with this novel- and there should not be.
Personally for me apart from hearing about people being crammed onto boats and risking their lives- I had no idea of the plight of these unfortuate human beings (some people forget that part) and the author has created characters who are real and realatable as the reader embarks on this journey with them.
Highly recommended.

Beautiful story on Two Timelines

 

I found this book on Amazon Prime during the hot summer of 2022. 

Beautifully written, set on two timelines which moved seemlessly, the storyline was captivating and I wanted this to go on and on as was fascinated by the story and Venice. 

The two characters Caroline and Juliet story was captivating - I thought predictable but getting into this romance/mystery I was wrong.

Recommended read 

 

I came across this book in a National Trust Bookshop- during the hot 2022 summer. I devoured this sitting in Odcombe Lodge Somerset.

I loved the humour of this book, well researched World War 2, letters fom frantic women in a topsy turvey world still with old ideas to a magazine. Mrs Bird who totally refuses to answer letters and give advice on relationships, sex, politics or much else. Thank goodness for Em who takes it upon herself to contact some of these woman. By day working in a magazine by night volunteering with the London Fire Service during the Blitz. 

This is about friendship, old standards, the horrific aspects of the blitz and working in an archaeic office for an outdated magazine - What could possibly go wrong. 

This is the first book in a series which I aim to complete in 2023. Recommended read.

A Fascinating Read

 

I was lucky to be approached by the author to read this well researched amd well written book. The author has spent a great deal of time reseaching her own family history which is in the attention to detail in her writing.

I thought I knew the subject but realised this was clearly not true, this is sad and it shocks to read about what people endured for religion (which sadly carries on throught the centuries). The author highlights the true and shocking prescution of protestants - which makes one makes the comparison of the Huguenots in France to the Nazi and prescution of the jews before and during world War 2. Although at times harrowing it is written in a great style of writing that the author has, and invites the reader to share her detailed family history and the history in general.
Recommended and I am now looking at the author's other work.

A Fitting Boook to end my NHS Career

 

I was given this book as a pre retirement gift - should have read at Christmas but once staring on page 1 - I read in an hour or so - Adam it was too short. I laughed, I reminised rembering christmas and new year on duty crying in the car thinking I was the only one not having Christmas and forever saying I just want to get back to Christmas. I found sadness too but loved this book. I totaslly related to the stories and 40 years of working as a nurse wish I had thought about writing about my experiences - but actually Adam you write so wittingly well.
The NHS Staff are so amazing and keepp putting up with a disorganised service and at times are treated badly not only by the public but the heirachy too.
Put this on your reading list for Christmas 2022

Totally inspiring

 

It has been a year since I have reviewed any book, Sars Covid-19 was and is an unusual time and I got out of reviewing but working at the day job from home meant I never left the day job. So was pleased when Caroline asked me to review this book.

I felt in some ways as the author did that I had left life for a while - but in a different way.

Changing your life and doing something drastic is something we all dream of but few do- Caroline and Allister did.

What an inspiring read, taking stock of life away from home, packing everything up and hoping that your relationship will survive this - and indeed it did, facing illness away from home, taking each day and cherishing it.

Life is uncertain whether it is illness or uncertainty in this mad world which you have no control. This has been such an inspiration and although I cried, I laughed and admired too.

Thank you Caroline for letting me read this book and for me to return to reviewing again.