World Book Night Approaching April 23rd 2016

Received my box of books from Tewkesbury Library and am in the process of distributing books to friends and work colleagues. Great to be involved for the 4th year running.

Divine Ecstasy

I was asked to review for Net Gallery.

Readers please read the other books in the series before you start on this book- you will be in for a treat and will be hooked.

This is an amazing series of fantasy books, everything about the characters Sasha and Hades is steamy - well you get that from the amazing art work on the cover.

Good pace of the story the author never disappoints although this is the 8th book in the series.

Will leave the reader wondering but do not worry the next book will be out in the summer, I will be ordering this next book.

The Dead Of Sanguine

I have reviewed a few of Travis books and was glad when he asked me to review this one.

Travis has written a novel around demon hunters- a woman that has everything yet her secret  and that the Vantasyls are one of the thirteen vampire hunter clans of Danthea. her task is  is to chronicle the vampires who haunt the streets by night.

The author has cleverly brought together real life and fantasy into this novel I really found this difficult to put down as tried to save herself and the power that is killing women in her city. Wow really was on the edge of my seat with this great new novel.

I would urge readers to check this author out.

The Lies Between Us

I was introduced to this book by the author on The Good Housekeeping Book Room on Facebook as I am a member.

I was intrigued by the cover and wanted to find out more.

Eva feels a failure by her mother who has a drink problem, making things worse for both mum and daughter. Kathleen her mother has not been lucky in love and relationship with her child have not gone well.

The author has written this story well and the chapters are told from mums perspective in the 60s and other parts from the 80s from the daughters perspective. As we know from history the 60s was not always the colourful swinging times although the young people of that time set out to have a better life than their parents. Kathleen in the 60s appears to be this happy person with a job and in love, but something happens and this has effects on her and her family.
 until something happens which then affects her, and consequently her family, for years to come.

The author has captured the feelings well and how this niggles on through life. I have to say I really empathised with Kathleen and as the story unfold you understand why she is the way she is today.

This is a story of family secrets and strong characters- I will be seeking out this author in future.

Can see this up there in the top ten for the summer a great sun bed read. 

Romeo and What's Her Name

I reviewed this book from Swoon Reads this am

Really sweet read and so comical a really light hearted story when the girl does not wait for the guy to make the first move. Read this in one sitting this morning.

The author writes well and has created good characters - a joy to read.

Will be looking out for this author.

I am a professional reader for Net Gallery

Black Eyed Susans

I was asked to review this book by Netgallery.

The storyline feels very much like a lot of similar novels out there.

Nevertheless I was hooked from page one and read on to the end.

Essentially the plot is about  Tessa who is Surviving victim of a serial killer. This is written in the first person. Gruesomely she was found in a grave with other dead victims .a man named Terrel, is convicted partially on the evidence of Tessa  is on death row awaiting the inevitable execution.

Medical teams try to sort out her post traumatic disorders and just what happened trauma in Tessa.The psycho analysis for me was really insightful and fascinating. She is convinced Terrel did not commit these terrible murders and battles against the clock to stop him going to his death.

The book thunders on and the reader is gripped as to whether Terrel is the murderer or if not who the murderer is.

Although the subject matter is familiar the slant the author takes is different and it s all about Tessa and how she can solve this.

The book is tense and at times quite scary but a recommended great read.

Carrying by Theodore Weesner

I was asked to review this book by Librarything.com.

For the author's fan this book has been an 8 year wait.

This book explores race and class in America and continues on the story of Jimmy Murphy from a teenager attending school to being a trained soldier. The books sees Jimmy mature  and a mentorship emerges with his professor as jimmy is engulfed in a war zone.

This was an unusual book for me but for readers out there who are interested in war fare and military novels this will be right up their street.

The author writes well and has researched his subject well.

A Dictionary of Mutual Undertanding

I was asked  to review this book by Net Gallery. The cover was really intriguing and then the description even more.
Essentially this book starts off with An elderly woman (survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bomb) has a visitor who was claiming to be her grandson from Nagasaki. She thought him dead.
The story then develops through lots of generations, letter, recollections and diaries.
Nagasaki has a terrible but interesting history and if the reader is unfamiliar the book takes on a persona of a dictionary and gives definitions and culture information. I have not read a fictional book around the bombing of Nagasaki and the effects on families other than the factual documentary type literature. This I found real and really interesting.

I found the story quite sad but was written with dignity.

I would recommend this book and will expect this to be in the top ten best sellers this summer of 2016.

Champagne Uncorked

I was asked to review this by Net Gallery and as someone who just loves the odd glass or two of champagne but up till now apart from a trip to Riems did not know one champagne from another except if called champagne then has to have been made in the champagne region of France.

The author spent a year in France (oh such joy) following the creation of the  Krug Grande Cuvée.

What is absolutely fascinating about this book and the author's journey - is the history behind all of this. Joseph Krug who risked everything to start up his business.

The author explains the climate and the growing of the gapes which culminates in us drinking the most wonderful bubbly drink in the world.

The author writes with passion and knowledge leaving the reader more in the know than just being able to drink champagne.   

A well recommended read thank you Net Gallery.

Montecristo Martin Suter

I was asked to review this by Real Readers this is due for publication on the 23^rd June 2016 by No Exit Press.

This makes an interesting and has a new slant on thrillers as set in the world of high finance and Swiss banks – unusual by works.

The main character Jonas Brand a video journalist who wants more out of life than the career he has at present. He is looking for something to stimulate his intellect.  He has this desire to direct his own film- Montecristo, the plot concerns a man falsely imprisoned in Thailand on drugs charges, who seeks retribution on those who have framed him. 

For Jonas two events occur – the first whilst traveling on a train jumps out of the emergency door – is this suicide? Secondly Jonas then receives two 100 Swiss franc bank notes with the same serial number what is the significance of this.

The story is fast paced in a melting pot of finance, politics and media. There are lots of twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes.

The author has captured the plot well and has created good believable characters. Can see this up there in the top ten for the summer a good airport read and has the makings of a good television drama.

I will be looking out for this author in future well recommended. 

Jill and Terry David Stanley

I was asked to review this book by the Nursing Times Journal. 

I received a signed copy from the author which I will treasure 

Here is my review for the journal.

Description: 

This is the story of Jill and Terry two disabled people who were able to find love. This is written by David Stanley who was a nurse Educator in South Australia in the late 1980s early 1990s.

At the time of writing this, they were both in their late 20s. Jill was disabled from birth and Terry severely disabled from an injury early on in life. They lived in residential care.

Terry could not talk but Jill understood his communication from grunts and sounds. In a time of segregation they met and married. As expected the path never runs smoothly. 

Highlights: 

The author has captured the story well, and as I undertook my “psychiatric and mentally handicapped” placements I understand this time well, but at the same time feel apologetic for the way we formed opinions about disabled people. Why should they not enjoy a normal life and yes a sexual relationship too.

The book explores what would people think if they shared a room, and why not they were married for goodness sake. The reader needs to be mindful this is not today this was the late 80s early nineties.

The book leave nothing to the imagination and Jill and Terry’s sexual intercourse has to be assisted – written with dignity.

List strengths and weaknesses:

As the publication states a love story of sorts, it is a remarkable story no holds barred. Patients are people who ever you nurse and despite prejudices there remarkable people who have sadly passed away had a life and knew love. There were no weaknesses.

Potential Readers:

All nurses who are looking after any specialty, this provokes debate, makes you look at yourself as a professional and as a person and ensures that you look after people as individuals.

I would urge universities to include this book on the student nurse essential reading list.

The Truth About Julia Anna Schaffner

I was asked to review this book by the Good Housekeeping Magazine.

This is the author's debut novel and wow what a start to her writing career. I was really excited to read this as there has been a lot of publicity around this novel.

Julia sets off a bomb in a London coffee shop with terrible consequences. Journalist Clare is writing from her prison cell ( readers all will be revealed as to why she is in prison as the story unfolds) 

The story is written from from the journalist perspective- Clare , to her editor who is her ex-lover. 

This felt new and intriguing and a book you have to see through to the very end.

The author uses the psychology behind why someone will commit terrorism -which enhances the read. This certainly left me thinking. 

The Amazing Mr Blunden

After going part time at work I decided to look up some old classics I loved years ago and here is one of them. 

I first read away back in 1976 and thought will this still be intriguing as it was 40 years ago.

I was taken back to Camden Town, the old gentleman, Edwardian London with snow falling, smell of gas lights and a time when the First World War had just ended.

Just when Mrs Allen is trying to make ends meet, with a baby and two children Jamie and Lucy, the old man appears at their door and offers them a life line- to be a caretaker of an old country house.

The house is run down and the question of why they have been sent there is raised, but two children appear to Lucy and Jamie, they are in trouble. 

Lucy and Jamie learn they must travel back in time 100 years to 1818 to try and stop what happened long ago.

A truly magical ghost story- I would urge parents- if you can get a reasonably priced copy to let your children read this. This is up there with the classics.

Ides of March Bob Mayer

I was asked to review this by Librarything.com.

This was intriguing and from the blurb thought this was an unusual read but one worth reading.

This is a story about an Atlantean civilization who have devised machines that make time travel possible. this is  used by the Time Patrol and their enemy The Shadow. The Shadow's aim basically is to change history in a specific way, and if successful to target certain historical events  on the same day in six different years.  A Time Tsunami is evolved that destroys the current timeline (though other timelines continue to exist in parallel) . The Time Patrol are enabled to go back for approximately 24 hours at a time to work to prevent The Shadow from changing history.  Sounds complicated but if the reader takes their time it is such an interesting and thought provoking read. You keep asking yourself - could this happen?

In this book, six members of the Time Patrol are sent back to March 15th ( hence the title the Ides of March) in 6 different years. Their stories are told in parallel.

I persevered with it - the historical events were interesting but did not learn anything new ( but was not expecting to)

An interesting read, interesting author recommended.

The Creepshow Adria J Cimmo

I was asked to review this book by Librarything.com.

This is a subject that happens in the work place, but usually the woman goes part time and colleagues who take over generally are a threat because they are good and have more time. This story was different - the woman (Wanda) is successful, maternity leave follows but the person who has taken over cannot do the job. The author tackles this subject well and her writing is good.

There is a probable suicide in the work place too - she has to sort this out and needs to work mad hours to try an accomplish this, save her clients get out of the read and try to bring up a baby.

I have experienced bullying in the workplace but not sexual harassment and this is an aspect Wanda experiences first hand. The legal aspects are interesting as the story unfolds.

I wanted to shout at times to Wanda - but unless you are in that situation - just how would you the reader work this thorough.

I really enjoyed this book and will be looking out for this author in the future.

House Without Lies Rachel Branton

I was asked to review this by Inspired by Kathy.

I have not read any books by this author before so was really pleased to say this was a really good read. The main character Lily has had a hard life and has been unloved. She takes in teenagers so she can help.

Jameson is a counsellor and tried to persuade Lily to be legitimate  and  become a fully fledged foster parent- this could result in Lily loosing some of her teenagers she has been helping. This is not plain sailing and a safe house is needed.

Then there is the relationship between Jameson and Lily could this be the real thing?

A good summer read and recommended author this book was a real joy to read.

A perfumers Secret

I was asked to review this by Librarything.com.

A beautifully written book, and loved the description of the setting in the South of France. The main character Zoe is shocked to find out that she is part of a perfumer's family  as she travels from New York to Grasse France to find out about a family she never knew. 

She has been left a special perfume by an aunt, but when this appears predictable the perfume is stolen and Zoe has to try to find this. Waiting in the wings is Phillipe her competitor.

Read this in one sitting could not put down.

A good summer read with a glass of vin rouge.

A Pitying Of Doves

I was asked to review this book by Real Readers and what a treat as I had previously been asked to review the authors debut novel – a Siege of Bitterns by Real Readers.

This is Birder novel 2.

For readers who have not come across this author, this is murder on a different slant – this is a story set around bird watching and in an interesting setting in Norfolk.  The author has an interesting background pursing bird watching on five continents and editor of bird watching journals.

Inspector Domenic Jejeune returns still not mad keen on policing as he would rather be bird watching. Another murder a senior attaché of the Mexican Consulate is found murdered alongside the director of a local bird sanctuary. (Thus a another dilemma for Jejeune as this means that with the directors death there is a position now for a research position studying birds) His moral duty is to solve the crime and solve it he will.

A great read by this new up and coming author whose love of bird watching is infectious to the reader. His style of writing is good. The descriptions of the Norfolk coast are absolutely stunning.

The author cleverly uses a few twists and turns and as there is a third book on the horizon so there is room for the characters to develop further.

A thoroughly recommended read.

The Butterfly Summer

I was asked to review by Lovereading.co.uk

A simply great read, ideal for fans of Kate Morton and Jojo Moyes.

Nina Parr;s birthright is a crumbling house in Cornwall called Keepsake. The story told on two sides by Nina and her grandmother.

The house hold secrets of the family and some quite disturbing too. This is a story of many twists and turns and essentially a quite dysfunctional family. The reader is taken through generations of the said family.

The story is about inheritance, but about what happened to the women of the family, there are wrong doings and sadness too. 

I found this a most enjoyable read and can see this being in the top ten over the summer and a great airport buy for the sunbed.   

Due for publication in May 2016.

I was asked to review this by Inspired by Kathy.

I was really pulled into this story from page one, this was a really unique story- a new world.

There are twists and sideways turns - really could not put this down, the author has written the plot and characters well.

This is true escapism with magic and intrigue thrown into the melting plot. The story leaves you wondering what happens next so I will be looking out for the next book in the series- cannot wait.

I was asked to review this book by Inspired by Kathy

This is a really thought provoking subject for a teenager (although statistics show the other spectrum of the coin where there is an increasing amount of teenagers suffering from obesity also- eating is a really problem)

This is a YA novel, the subject is dark but the author is mindful to be sensitive and it is funny also. The author writes well and brings her characters to life.

The story begins with sadness, her mother being ashamed of her, disgust at being overweight - lots of baggage suffice to say.

The story personally could have focused more on the main character's eating disorder and perhaps looked at research and statistics to pull the story together more. This is light hearted with romance thrown into the mix also.

A thought provoking read and a story that remains with you.