A beutiful story of being old and young

I was asked to review this by Lovereading.com

I had not come across this author but so glad I was asked to review.

A remarkable story- thought provoking and emotional too - It’s about getting old, being young and what we do with our lives.

Florence is lying on the floor in her sheltered accommodation she muses over her life- a new resident has arrived is this someone she thought had died over 60 years ago. Her friend Elsie then helps her to remember the past and a secret Florence has kept to herself.

The author writes beautifully and the reader will be drawn to the characters who are real and interesting.

I often wonder when I am older what I will muse over - I have to admit to a few tears a long the way.

Beautiful and I could not put this down totally devoured to the end.

Good for kids and good message

I was asked to review this by Librarything.com

This is a cute book and the author writes about birds that cannot fly- this is about being different and this is a great message for children and adults. We do not all conform to what is expected or the "norm" we need to be accepted for what we are.

This book highlights how the birds help each other- this is a simple message which children will understand it does not need anything other than this message. The illustrations are good.

Don't give up.

Recommended for 6 year olds and upward.

A nostalgic read

I was asked to review this book by Nudge Reviewers.

I was glad to receive this in the Christmas holidays. I trained as a nurse in the 1980s and watch tv programmes set in the 50s such as Call the Midwife but always interested in other types of nurses and Aileen works in a paeds (children) at this time. Nurses at this time were looked upon as angels and staff respected each other- perhaps more so then.

The author now an MP also trained as nurse so is pulling on her knowledge and training. 

The story is set in Liverpool in the 50s and the reader gets a sense of the dockyards, community life emerging from the war. Although this is book four in the Lovely Lane series readers can read this as a stand alone book , but why not read the others in the series too. The book as expected is emotional, we forget the hardships people went through and the dawn of the National Health Service. This was a calling and people devoted their lives to the sick. Sister Tapps is a good example overworked but the hospital is her family.

Will the neglected baby boy survive? - death was common in children still in the 50s and the author tackles these issues in a humane way.

A great old fashioned festive read - recommended.

Happy Christmas and look forward to 2018

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

My pledge for 2018 is to read more books and write more reviews

See more of my reviews in 2018

Jane Brown

Thought provoking and a heathy easy guide

I was asked to review by Librarything.com.

This book  is a cookbook and reference book. The author discusses possible causes of cancer some the reader will be familiar (smoking, diet, poor lifestyle) with and some not.

Diet today for some people is dreadful, people do not know how to cook and rely on processed foods laden with salts and sugars.

The author states there are three ingredients that may reduce the risk of cancer- Ginger, garlic and turmeric staples in the far east and India.

The book is well researched and has a good resource guide at the back for further reading. What is also interesting is the author discusses dementia and Alzheimer's also and again diet plays a part.

It is focused on the states with worrying statistics but is equally apt for readers in the UK.

The recipes are easy to cook and flavoursome also- salmon and green mango lush and kale chips yummy.

This book is apt for all people wanting to look at their diet a good reference guide to start 2018 off.

entertaining

I was asked to review this book by Librarything.com

The author has sent me other books which I will read and spend 2018 reviewing.

This is satire and good satire it is thought provoking and makes the reader think why we sometimes do things is it because society and our peers expects this or do we do certain things as personal choice.

The book is set around basically just that a chap who wants to do what he wants - his plants. Life is never what we expect - although I plan something just turns your world the other way.

It was funny and sad , but it does put life into perspective - again personally getting tied up in knots worrying does no good.

For the main character just deciding to sit when the American national anthem is played he gets more than he bargained for- the media whips this to a frenzy and he is forced to go on the run. Has he done something wrong? what would you do? can the media get things out of perspective?

Really entertaining - Thank you Jacob for letting me review this and giving me a batch of books for 2018.

A cute autumnal romance

I was asked to review this book by Librarything.com

Delightful autumnal read, fast paced cute read but there was a good storyline. This was funny with great chemistry between the characters. The characters were likable and real.

The author writes well and I am now seeking out this author to see what else has been written

This was a quick read for me but well recommended pumpkins and the autumn a great time of the year

Hope and joy at Christmas

I was asked to review this book by Librarything.com

This is a cute festive read ideal for the upcoming holidays when you want to take yourself off drink some gingerbread latte and snuggle up with the festive pjs.

This is a story of hope and a new start.

Joy Holliday takes her five year old daughter, Piper, to stay in Glacier Creek  with her late husbands parents  She's travelled there after reading Piper's letter to Father Christmas one of her wishes is to see snow.

Christmas will not be easy for them, but Joy is a wonderful mother Piper is cute.

They meet a friend of her late husband Cole - he has problems of his own and Christmas is not a great time for him either as he was abandoned on Christmas Eve as a child! Sounds a little too much - readers it is a beautiful story of hope, new happenings and light at the end of a horrid dark tunnel.

Will this be a good ending - read it and see.

Fun and quirky

I am always glad when this author emails me with - do you want to review this book. The answer is always Yes Please.

This is fun and quirky. Ambrosine Dubreauil comes home to New Orleans to run her late grandmother's shop with the wacky name of "Who Do Voodoo"! She is able to perform spells. Then in comes the gorgeous  Remy LaCroix, who owns an alligator farm yes seriously. He needs a form of potion to keep the poachers at bay.

It is an unlikely story but snuggle up and enjoy as the romance blossoms.

A cute and quirky short fun read.

Dark, secrets and a wonderful read.

I read this in November on my winter holiday, I had this on my kindle and knew very little about it. It had a feel of the Girl with the Pearl Earing it has an air of mystery. Set in 1686 in Amsterdam newly wed Petronella arrives to take up residence with her husband and his family.

This has a Du Maurier feel of the second Mrs De Winter arriving at Mannerly. The reader feels for Petronella and what seems like a really dysfunctional family and husband who appears as though she does not exist.

The reader gets pulled into this house, secrets people who are not as they appear to be.

Her husband gifts her a replica cabinet house and enlists a miniaturist to create miniature objects and people - all too soon the house is becoming strangely familiar and she is living her life through this.

The characters are strange but real, the author writes well and enables the reader imagine Amsterdam at this time with frozen canals.

This is a different age with different values, prejudices, betrayal and identity.

Wonderfully written and this is the authors debut novel what a start to her writing career.

Another great from Brown

I read this on my winter holiday, although I did not feel this was the best novel Dan Brown has written none the less- it was a great read.

Religion and science is always a big debate in the world and it was interesting how Dan Brown presented this.

Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going ? Gauguin.

The format is the same, Weird man on a mission, beautiful woman expert in her field, mystery murder Langdon and the woman go off to solve the mystery all is not as it seems. Brown drip feeds the reader with just enough information to keep them gripped to the end. History and art are thrown into the mix.

Dan Brown researches his subject meticulously, despite some reviews he writes well and keeps the reader wanting for more.

Interesting characters, the reader can imagine the cities visited, and a great read.

Recommended and sure this will be developed into a blockbuster film.

Cute and not too scary

.

Really glad to be asked by the author to review this cute book. I have been fortunate to review a Tovi the Penguin and just love these books.

Just came at the right time as we are getting ready and in the mood for Halloween.

It is cute well written- a joy to read. I can picture children with Halloween costumes saying reads it to me again.

The illustrations are really good and children can see lots in these pictures and it is Halloween without it being gruesome and too scary for little ones.

Basically about finding a pumpkin for a lantern

Not just for Halloween

Loved it.

Another great book by the king of twists

I have just got round to reviewing this book- what can I say Robert Goddard pulls it out of the bag every time.

I ensure for every holiday I have a Robert Goddard with me.

He is the king of twists, turns and intrigue.

This book I read in a day you cannot put his books down. Jonathan Kellaway,  has what he thinks is his farewell chat with his boss and then to go to retirement after serving his long career with a multi-national company. But there is just one think to do  is to source some missing documents to enable a doctor of  historian who for some reason is writing the company history.

As ever never straight forward taking him from Cornwall to Italy, storyline jumps back and forward through a timeline between the late 1960s, 1984, and 2010.

He has to confront lost loves, relationship with the wren family, murders- questions and answers later in the story, just when the reader thinks they are making headway another twist is thrown into the mix. The author gives the reader as much information and sometimes a little more - the reader needs to have a good memory and this is drip fed.

The ending - the reader and the main character are left with questions and for the reader to make their own mind up.

I can never wait for the next book.

whacky

I was asked to review this by Meerkat Press.

Wow what a whacky book, loved it - a story about life and death- Mike driving to his ex wife funeral picks up Marvin who has lost his record business but aside from that he has weird idea that he had another life and that he thinks he was the executioner who was responsible for burning Saint Joan of Arc- how weird then find her spirit in a woman in LA - yes the same place Mike Ex wife funeral is taking place.

Both men have problems/issues and both are on the road together.

Well written and great for the reader who wants to read something out of the ordinary with this supernatural theme running through it.

Sounds weird -is weird but strangely an enjoyable read.

Christmas romance and sparkle

I was asked to review this by the author.

Beautifully written and yet again Sharon Kleve gives the reader a heart-warming romance and what better at Christmas.

A year after  Confectioner Evies parents have died tragically just before Christmas. With an ex cheating boyfriend- her friend suggests she gets a pet from Shelter. She meets Nick a lovely Vet and Brewster the dog.

Can Evie enjoy Christmas again after so much heartbreak and tragedy- it does all end well.

Beautifully written heart-warming, with real characters, friends, cute dog, love and the magic and sparkle of Christmas.

Fans of Sharon Kleve will love this short story and new readers snuggle down in the holidays and enjoy.

Great stocking filler present too - never too early to start shopping.

Thank you Sharon for asking me to review this

Happy Holidays.

A lovely Novella

I was asked to review this by Librarything.com

This sequel had it all, romance, steaminess, fun, Christmas (even though I read this in October), swashbuckling pirates and the odd tear along the way.

This is the sequel to "The Pirates Bride" although the reader does not have to have read this -it does aid the reader with the characters.

It is sometime since we read about the main characters -Sophie and Andre who are very much in love, after a somewhat complicated relationship- readers they are now married.

Christmas is fast approaching and it looks like they will spend the festive period on the "Jade Princess" but Sophie wants to spend this on land rather than at sea- the reasons are apparent at the end of the story.

A lovely gentle read with a bit of history thrown into the mix.

An ideal stocking filler when you just want something light to read over the Christmas break, with a Gingerbread latte and Christmas pyjamas.

Thank you Librarything and Cathy Skendrovich for letting me review this book.

What a great great

I was really lucky to be asked to review this book by Librarything.com.

Setting is 1940s London and the blitz. Two daughters survive Hitler's bombing of their home- parents are buried in the rubble - presumed dead. Their father a pianist survives unbeknown to the daughters - but has had amnesia.

Years later one of the daughters thinks she recognises him in a newspaper and thus a story of dark secrets, I could not put this down.

The author has researched this part of history well and other aspects of World War II. The author writes in an atmospheric way and the reader becomes entangled in this story.

family, conspiracy and people changed by the devastation of war just part of the web weaved by the author.

The book takes the reader on a journey that gets murkier as the story moves on.

Well recommended, well written and an author to look out for.

Will be up there in the ten best sellers for Christmas 2017.

Christmas treats from Five great authors

I checked my emails last night and there was an mail from Sharon Kleve asking if I would review this amazing Christmas recipe book from five really great authors. These authors are not chefs but novelists so this really was exciting for me and as the days get colder we start to plan Christmas.

These are really different recipes - I find myself groaning when the cookery magazines come out at Christmas- I hear myself shouting there are only so many ways to cook sprouts, it is only a Sunday roast we have seen it all before- in this you haven't

I would recommend this as a gift, stocking filler or to treat yourself reader this Christmas.

There are recipes for everyone here -vegan, gluten free etc.

All kept jumping out at me all kept telling me new slant on Christmas all were from the authors own recipes.

A great alternative to the predictable turkey Pork roulade easy to make and sounds yummy, I always make pickles and keep for the festive period, here there was Garlic dill pickles sounds great with cold cuts and left over turkey. We normally have Christmas morning smoked salmon and scrambled eggs - here is difference frittata.

How about reindeer kisses drink- wow marshmallow infused vodka to name one of the ingredients.

instead of buying snacks that are processed and expensive - check out spicy cashews easy to make in advance and store in a tin easy peasy.

the book is jam packed with different recipes that will wow your family and friends.

This is a must for a great book gift this Christmas. Love it.

Thank you Sharon Kleve for the email and giving me the chance to review, give me great different Christmas recipes to wow the family and a great gift ideas.

Thought provoking

I was asked to review this book by Nudge

As a poll clerk and canvasser I was interested in this book and thought I probably knew the answers- well I witnessed the arguments for and against Brexit on the 23rd June 2016- in a little church hall in Gloucestershire- I was merely scratching the surface.

This is ideal for readers who want to learn a bit of psychology around politics- it states we sometime vote for reasons we are not consciously aware of. take Brexit again the media flooded our brains with immigration- so when people started to go to the booths they truly thought this would solve the problem.

Then later that year President Trump was elected- who would have thought that was going to happen, but as I keep saying people must have believed in him as they voted for him.

As I have discussed the UK and the USA in the last two paragraphs, the author gives a good distribution between the UK and USA.

The author gives a good argument of how we today are so influenced by social media and advertising that is displayed on the internet that subconsciously affects how we think. Years ago we would have looked at class and how much money we have, and now there appears to be a shift. We are even influenced by what someone looks like.

This is not a heavy going book, readers will find this easy to read and extremely thought provoking.

I recommend this book - perhaps we will be more aware of influences when we go to the booths at the next election.

Good for fans of middle earth

I was asked to review this by Meercat press.com.

This is a YA fantasy book. I was intrigued by the cover of the book - mystifying.

An area which has been in the throws of war for a long time- fans of Tolkien will enjoy this - there is magic, mystery, creatures and fantasy thrown into the mix.

Some reviews have stated this is a difficult book to get into, or they did not like the characters . I enjoyed both as with all fantasy books, the reader needs to shut themselves off from real life and enjoy the story and the writing.

There are three main characters to this story -Janto a prince, Janto finance Serra - trying to face her past and demons within her, and Vesperi -who is a challenging character both dangerous but brave too.

It is moralistic with good versus evil. Definitely a quest and adventure with some humour thrown into the mix.

If you enjoy the television series Game of Thrones - you will enjoy this.

Beautifully Written

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

I was intrigued - I was not familiar with this author but on reading reviews - readers really enjoy this authors style of writing.

The story is written by a fictional author about the author F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda.

Beautifully written with style and written in the 3rd person gives this more depth to his writing

I am now seeking out this author

Another quirky and fun story in the Sage series.

..



I am so fortunate to be asked to review this authors books- here is another in the Sage series. These books so make me chuckle and I think to myself here we go again.

Sage continues to establish her private investigation business and now she is engaged to the narcotics police chap Carter Morgan.

This time round is as usual total madness - Sage barely passes her defensive driving test, works on a new case from her ex boss (who just happens to be dead!!) friend, engages in a little cookery classes (which do not go well)

There is even a lobster thrown into the mix- read the book to find out more.

There was even a surprise twist at the end.

This author continues to deliver fun quirky and well written romance stories

I do hope there are more.

Thank you Sharon Kleve for asking me to review- it is always a pleasure.

Fascinatiing Insight

What was it like?

This was interesting for me- personally as I had worked in West Yorkshire in the middle nineties in chest and upper GI surgery. West Yorkshire provided employment in heavy industry and the mills as well as other industries. Naively I thought a lot of diseases had gone with the demise of industry and the coal mines – but I was not thinking globally.

This book addresses the subject of silica-caused lung disease from varied angles, and frightening this could be a global health issue in todays modern world.

The problem is that diseases I was witness to, took years to become apparent – such as asbestosis and mesothelioma – when patients could be treated with complex surgery or to keep the symptoms at bay.

The author gives a good account of the history, it was known certain industries were an occupational hazard as workers were subjected breathing in dust, fumes and other hazards. Occupational health was poor, even though there were unions and welfare set ups as lot of diseases were not and some still not recognised.

The book is well written and contributed by experts.

Although the reader may think this could be a heavy read, the book is set out well and it was easy to read. The author enables the reader to understand. It is referenced well. Some books of this genre can be difficult to read, as politics, legal and medical terminology can feel beyond the reader- this was not the case.

What were the highlights? 

Personally, I thought silicosis was now confined to the history books, thinking of areas such as Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s and the defeat of the coal miners unions, which lead to the closure of a lot of Britain’s mines. Silica – readers are informed is not just due to the coal mines but a variety of industries which still occur today, such as glass making, foundry works and even pencil production in India.

The author sets out to discuss that learning from history maybe the key to diagnosing and treating workers worldwide early.

  

Strengths & weaknesses:

There were no weaknesses this book gave a fascinating insight to diseases that are still prevalent today.

  

Who should read it?

This should be on the reading list for medical and nursing students -it gives a great insight to this disease, industrial and social history and that it is not confined to history it is still here today.

Empowering

What was it like?

Describe the contents of the book (what the book is about, topics it covers, etc.). What does it cover well - what would you like to have seen more of - or is it perfect?

Is it detailed enough, or is it too in-depth? Which sections did you enjoy? How well written is it and how accessible?

This is a well written book for carers and loved ones in how to care for conditions such as Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss and other conditions.

Although written for families in the States this is equally apt for the UK.  The book begins with exactly what dementia is ( you would expect a definition but not all books do this assuming the reader knows)

The suffers are people and there is a great deal that can be done to improve peoples lives and as a carer that is not always evident. The authors acknowledge that through the persons perceptions, melancholy, aggression, what at times feels like madness, and continually reminding them of what is to the carer “normality”. Carers feel there will be cure and through treatment there may be an improvement but for many there will never be a cure (certainly in their life time) So how does the carer manage, they need to be fit and well, eat nutritionally take exercise – but not to upset the person by shouting or pushing them into situations they do not want to do.

There is helpful suggestions such as placating the day so less is expected of them at a time when they may not be at their best.

I particularly liked the chapter on special arrangements if the family member is sick (we do all get sick) this has an impact on the person who becomes more confused – so planning is the key.

There is small real life case stories as well which helps the carer to know it happens to their people too and gives permission for life to go on with elements of humour.

 

What were the highlights? 

Written so practically that it covers all aspects and is the bible for family and friends, it is not patronising and condescending and the chapters are well set out and easy to read. If the reader wants to find a subject it is there and easy to find in the contents.

If the carer needs to seek further information again this is included.

The authors understand they are clinicians and have the experience.

 

Strengths & weaknesses:

This first and foremost empowers the carer, gives support and guidance when they need it most

Well researched and updated this is the 6^th edition

Who should read it?

This is for carers and families, but equally should be on the reading list for nursing and medical students, every ward should have a copy nursing and clinicians can learn so much from this and ensure a high standard of care for these patients.

On the bog

I was asked to review this by Librarything.com.

This made me chuckle - a stocking filler for the bloke at Christmas you do not know what to give.

This is essentially short stories for you to read on the bog, I do have books in my downstairs loo and would have this book to add to the collection.

Readers you do need to reads these on the bog, you will undoubtedly be in there for longer , it passes the time and the stories are really fun and engaging.

I am not sure if readers will enjoy these stories in a different setting

Go on give it a go.

A new slant on reflection

What was it like?

This is a new version of the reflective practice, as nurses we are all familiar with, but this has been revised and contains a great deal more which is apt for personal lives too.

There are five sections to enable the reader to work through this topic

1.    Reflective practice in three chapters

3.    Practice learning

4.    To enable the reader to lay deeper foundations of professionalism

5.    To explore future perspectives on reflective practice and challenges educators and learners to further expand their capacity for deep learning through incorporation of other theories.

This is much wider than my experience of reflective practice and experience recently whilst revalidating my Nursing Registration with the NMC.

This enables the nurse to look at their practice as a whole and working practices on a daily basis rather than one off reflections.

What were the highlights? 

The chapters are well set out and easy for the reader to read and understand. The references are up to date and also contain reference to authors  such as Shon and Benner that shaped my nursing career.

The authors have acknowledged the importance of quality and safety which I was impressed with- Staff struggle with governance and patient safety and find it difficult to incorporate into their daily clinical tasks seeing this often as and add on, and not being able to understand it is all part of caring for the patient. In an age of litigation and duty of candour staff are all too often frightened they wll harm a patient. The book gives advice to to the reader in what they should achive and what circumstances they are faced with and to develop skills that will enable them to practice as they should following guidelines and policies.

Strengths & weaknesses:

There were no weaknesses this book is written for practitioners in the States but is equally apt for the UK healthcare setting.

Who should read it?

This is a text book for all levels of nursing staff junior and senior. This will pave the way for new nurses and enable more snior nurses to revalidate their registrations and continually reflect and learn in practice. A book for all clinical areas book shelves.

Beautiful story written from the heart.

I had wanted to review this for a long time and I found this is in an National Trust second hand book shop 

This was written with tact, taste and in a different time. 

The reader is saddened to think that the royal nanny was shunned by the royal family. I do believe she thought she was writing this with permission- why do I think that- during the war and the threat of invasion it is widely know that Elizabeth and Margaret lived at Windsor and there are some accounts that after a day in the East End - the king and Queen stayed at Windsor also- they would have wanted to be together if they needed to make a quick getaway. 

The reader gains insight into the lives- but only just and written with a cosiness and professionalism- this was not intended to give away secrets or show the royal family in a different light- this was a member of staff who loved the family and I believed they did too, even Queen Mary confided in the nanny.

It is a beautiful book and looking at this now knowing of kiss and tell stories, royal family members airing their laundry in public, this has innocence  written all over it.

Why this back fired on the nanny one will probably never know, and why she was so cruelly shunned.

The irony was on her death, she sent back all the letters she received - showing a devotion to the end.

A poweful ending to a great trilogy

I was asked to read this by the author and really glad I did. This is the end to the trilogy and bring this to a spectacular end.

Although I love history I did not know a great deal about Henry V11. The author has carried out his research so well and attention to detail throughout this book. The story is cleverly told by the leading character.

Some historical books can be really heavy to read and the reader struggles with facts and accounts, but this author writes so well and makes it an easy read for the reader.

At the end of the Wars of the Roses- Henry defeated Richard III at Bosworth and then married Elizabeth of York- the story continues on dealing with being king - and the troubles that went with that part of history. The author brought Henry to life and I found I wanted to know more.

Well recommended and an author I want to read more from.

Thank you for letting me review your work Tony.

A great sunbed read

I was asked to review this by Librarything.com

This book was such fun to read and not a predictable story at all. There was drama, and families that I would relate to as my own - very dysfunctional and on a cruise too. There are the secrets, relationships either beginning or ended, as with all families there are lies and there is even a bit of crime thrown into the mix here also.

Who would not want to go on a Caribbean Christmas cruise - well some may not want to with their families you know it could be a disaster.

the author writes well and this is such an easy book to read, will be a great sunbed read on the beach this summer. 

Well recommended.  

Another great nover in the Sage series

I was asked by the author to review this book- I have been lucky to review a number of her books.

This one was shorter than the others - this is book three of the Sage McGuire Romance series.

Things are as hectic as ever Sage is still with her narcotics cop- Carter. Her dead boss is appearing to her in her dreams - Mr Smithfield as he wants to beyond the grave give sage clues as to how he died. Sage then gets on to this and of course Carter wants her to keep safe and not get involved - she does not listen. - But this enables Carter and his colleagues to be involved. Sounds mad but it works.

Sage and Carter are good together and some of the pages of this book are rather steamy - but the author writes in a good way and does not make this to be seedy or disgusting.

the author writes well as produces really good stories- the characters keep developing.

Well recommended and a great sun bed read this summer.

Thank you for allowing me to read your books

Quirky

I was asked to review this book by Librarything.com

I have to confess I did not know this author and I was in for a treat. this was fun and the characters really quirky. This was a real girly book. The characters are fun together and this is a feel good book.

13 years ago Ezra meets Donnya by she moves away with her parents. But as expected neither forgets each other then the characters in their 30s - Donnya is now managing a tea shop.

They meet up again and then the story moves forward.

This author writes well and tells good stories - a great sun bed read this  summer.

the music shop

I was asked to review this by Lovereading.co.uk

beautiful book. So nostalgic although for me the late 80s seems like yesterday.

Frank with his record shop – remember these well and before CD and I pods. He is resisting CD and who would not as this was a dying age of the record. He can find music to suit the customer but what does Frank need then in walks Ilse Brauchmann then a story that the reader does not expect.

It portrays life then and is tinged with humour also

Lovely read and is due for publication July 2017 – so just in time for the great sun bed read expect a lot of sun tan cream on the pages and up there in the top ten shelf.

Total madness that works

I was asked to review this book by Librarything.com. This is a comical book, a little far fetched in places but that is what makes this a chuckle to read.

A salesman selling underwear from a suitcase to a encounter with a woman whose car had broken down -who maybe not as she seems, to being on the run from Russian spies to terrorists. This woman appears to empower him in his business.

they lose touch but strangely they meet up and it all becomes total madness again.

The writer writes well and writes a mad story that works and keeps the reader enthralled to the end.

Well recommended.

Enchanting

I was asked to review this enchanting book by Librarything.

What a lovely story for children and one of those stories boy given an old pair of Arabian shoes - the ones with the curled up toes. Of course the child is going to think what a load of rubbish- but he was wrong and thus begins adventures with interesting people along the way. These encounters have a moralistic story to tell.

I loved the fact this had a good intriguing story, things are not always as they seem.

Time is of the essence

I was asked to review this book by Librarything.com

I work full time and struggle with time, I always seem to be battling against the clock. So when asked to review this book -I thought this may help me.

the book gave me a background to the psychology - how we perceive time, how we can make time - can I be more organised - how do I cope when things are out of my control?
the author writes well and personally this gave me tips on how to literally make every second count - will that mean I can watch box sets - probably not as life is too short.
The book made me realise as I am contemplating less hours at work that time is precious and not as important as money (although helps too)

Recommended read and worth the time.

A remarkable man

I enjoy reading about people who made a difference in the both world war and was really pleased to be asked to review this really interesting book by Nudge.

The book is so well written and gives a great account of Hugh "Boon" Trenchard and quite rightly has been described as " the father of the Royal Air Force" 

With a life expectancy being weeks in the Royal Air Force and the battle of Britain this man survived and carried on in retirement as a powerful influence.

Trenchard's story begins not as the reader would expect, as he actually failed his entrance exams to both the navy and army on several occasions, but as luck would have it he managed to join the Royal Flying Corps in 1912. Two years later the first world war commenced and he rose up the ranks.

I will leave it up to the reader to decide if they did feel Trenchards position led to the terrible cost of German civilian lives with the bombings in the second world war or the fall of Singapore and base defenses- one today has to remember we are well read on aspects in history but hindsight is a great thing.

A worthwhile read and next time I am near Whitehall - I will seek out his statue.

Long awaited and tumultuous read

I was asked to review this by Nudge and was thrilled 28 years ago I read the first book - Pillars of the Earth on holiday and was blown away. 18 years later saw the author then bring out the long awaited World without End and 10 years later I am sitting here with the third instalment. The book although a long time coming is worth the wait. I was given one of a limited edition numbered book proof of 1240.

This is a spy story with Elizabeth the first reigning in the sixteenth century. As ever Ken Follett's attention to detail in his writing and historical research is second to none. This author is meticulous and this adds to the readers enjoyment of another epic novel.

In this period we are still in Kingsbridge and moved on from the black death and the hundred years war, the descendants are still living dramatic and harrowing lives. This time in the Elizabethan age religion, espionage and love on differing sides. We get entangled with the characters Ned and Margery love and being on differing sides of religion. Readers who know their history will know as the story progresses Mary Queen of Scots with her supporters trying ti rid Elizabeth from her throne and ultimately the demise of Mary. What Ken Follett does effortlessly is weave a wonderful story in and around with fact and fiction. This is the author's gift.

The story is as brutal as it is historical with characters the reader will recognise and some they will not, facts they will know and others they will not.

The book is divided into four parts which breaks this into manageable sections - it is a huge read of over 750 pages, but certainly worth the wait.

As the book ends the reader wonders whether there could be another book, on two continents.

I thank the author and Macmillan publishing for allowing me to review this book.

More antics from Sage

I was asked to review this by the author - this is book 2 - Chase Me was the first which I have previously reviewed and loved 

Cute and fun this the second of the Sage McGuire Romance Books.

This time the saga continues with Sage who is planning on leaving her post at Smithfield Laboratories and wants to start her own Private Investigation business- as ever the reader will be chuckling as they read this mad story things go wrong as predicted - that is certain- then there is Carter her boyfriend - a gorgeous policeman.

Will Sage get the business up and running? what will get in the way?

Sharon writes so well and her books are such fun- thank you for letting me read your second book. Loved it.

Touching

I was asked to review by Librarything.com 

Touching collection of stories, beautiful and as the title suggest with sorrow. This will bring on some tears; you will reflect, be horrified and be cast a spell of magic too. It is a strange rollercoaster of emotions.
The writer writes well, and to pull this together is something of an art. There is just so much emotion in this short story book. 

A really talented author, I urge you to read this book.

A great story

I was asked to review by Librarything.com I have read a lot around the Second World War, and when it comes to fiction I am a little wary as to research of this period and the occupation of Holland. Jews were being rounded up and transported to the “camps” which was described well. I need not have worried this was research well and the story line kept me thinking. This is a sequel to the Last Lie – I did read this first and recommend the readers to do so. If readers are unaware of this period in history it takes them into this world of turmoil and horror with a great story which will grip the reader to the end.

Another Great Romance

I was really please when the author asked me to review another of her great books.

I loved this book- it was cute and lots of fun. The character Sage knew her own mind, really stubborn, has the dream job but had a cuteness about her. then there is Sergeant Carter Morgan, when he meets Sage his life takes an unexpected turn.

He wants to protect her but things get out of hand- will he stand by her - they are good together and there is a cuteness to this romance.

hope there is more in this series and from an author I just love to read.

weird

Asked to review this by Inspired by Kathy.
I was intrigued to read it but not really my thing. although this was rather a strange romance- the love triangle was even stranger.I could not really fathom out how the main character could be attracted to this skeletor  like character in appearance.

Do you believe in ghosts - no matter the main character has a barn full of them- her mother is dead and she is trying to rid herself of these ghosts, she then appears to fall for this ghost called Dex- confused - so is the main character.

Interesting concept but not really for me

Cute

I was asked to review this cute book by inspired by Kathy.

Just loved this, great for children has a sense of hope and perseverance when Benny loses his job when the war ends, is grounded but returns to flying.

Th book is pleasing to the eye and is simplistic.

Good pictures of vintage planes, good to teach children history too. Informative and a joy for children to read.

This will have you weeping for the story and make you think what if on a personal level

I was asked to review this by Lovereading.com.

This book was on two levels for me the story and made me think about me and what I still think about but with a sense of good memories.

We spend our lives making what we think are informed choices, but were they good choices- we have to live with them.

This book was so beautifully written, and heart wrenching at the same time, I read this in one sitting I was entranced, wept and thought. 

The story told over ten years is about two people Lucy and Gabe who meet in university. The day they met was 9/11 and that is a day most of us will never forget this shook the world.

What makes this book so special is it makes the reader think, but boy did I weep, I knew where this was going but needed to keep going. Surprisingly at times I found myself laughing as there are some comical parts to this too.

This book will be a main contender on the sunbeds this summer- well recommended.

Due for publication in May 2017.

Blow by blow crime over 3 days

I was asked to review this by Lovereading.co.uk

I have not read any books by this author and was intrigued by the cover and boy was this is a crime novel to stop the reader in their tracks.

Told over three days (I read it in one)  wife leave the pool area to go back to the room  on an idyllic island she is staying at with six year old child and husband. The husband wonders why she is taking so long – the room is empty but is covered in blood- is he trying to cover up – did he do it? He appears guilty- why. Then he and his daughter vanish, what is going on?

The story is told minute by minute and the reader is entranced the whole way through.

Fast paced with incredible twists and turns. The ending is quite a shock.

This is an author to look out for.

Questions answered and a great crime novel

I was asked to review Leigh Russell’s DI Geraldine Steels no 9 crime novel Deadly Alibi by Real Readers. I have been fortunate enough to have reviewed a number in the past- and Leigh novels never disappoint.

The author’s characters have grown from strength to strength over the years. In this book Geraldine’s personal life is at the forefront she has been through the mill, and questions I had in other books were answered Geraldine was adopted, she discovers her real mother but as she dies wants her to take care of her twin sister – drug user, addict and wants what she can take from Geraldine. As this is going on in the back ground there are two murders to be solved.

A woman's body is found outside a charity shop The woman’s husband is then accused – has he done it, was this a domestic clearly gone wrong or did someone else do it. A lover of the same man is murdered also – who did it?

The plot has many twists and turns and the reader needs to carry on to the end to find out just what happened.

Geraldine is a complex character and for readers with a difficult childhood can connect with – the story thunders on with the complex case and if Geraldine can save her twin (highlighting not everyone leads a perfect life)

For some readers the private life maybe distracting, but this book 9 and fans have been there from the start and this as I stated earlier answered a great deal of questions.

The author has a gift of leaving little clues for the reader to latch onto, easy to read, believable characters.

This will be up there this summer in the top ten a great holiday read.