Friendhip and great storytelling

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

A really heart-warming book due to be published on the 6th February 2020 - will make a great sunbed read in 2020.

A lovely story of friendship between Ginny and Cassie- there is 20 years between then but this does not hinder these neighbours. Ginny catches her boyfriend cheating with her line manager ( what rats) so enviably she is jobless and life is rubbish for her.
both neighbours despite the age gap come to realise they need each other. There is a dark side too but is written well and tackled well.

There were times when the book was funny, emotional and was faced with difficult circumstances - these all went into the melting pot to produce a lovely book more of friendship than romance. A little predictable at times but all went towards a great read.

I will now be seeking this author out as loved this book a great end to my reading for 2020 and spending the festive holidays with friends and family.

Thank you to Lovereading and the publishers for letting me review this book.

fun read

I was asked to review by Lovereading.co.uk

Having lived in Halifax West Yorkshire (about 25 years ago) I was intrigued to read this book. I had a blind date too - from Heptonstall near Hebden Bridge- so fond memories. I loved the references to this industrial and reborn town - it took me right back.

Like Jenny the main character I too had some horrendous blind dates but the book is so funny she is continually going on the dates to find the perfect man (does he exist- fun trying) but this is not just her doing her mother and friend are setting her up too!

There is a chap at work and he appears disinterested, but when he does appear interested this goes from bad to worse. Will poor Jenny ever find the "right man"? readers you will need to read this fun book preferably in one sitting.

Will there be a sequel - I really hope so.

Interesting read

I was asked by Love reading to review this book.

This was an interesting mental health book - I could relate to Amy in part with her experiences of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) not so much the depression side but I felt upset for her and I found it a little upsetting to read.

Amy has a career, house and friends but she does have OCD - I worked with a colleague who did not like public transport and had a difficult upbringing so social skills were not good, maybe that was part of Amy problems but her work family were so good with her - note to self to be understanding with colleagues.

She goes on a massive business trip to Australia - I find flights before during and after so stressful- even worrying if I will get my carry on bag above my seat! so I could relate to this too - well done Amy.

I wondered if there may have been a work romance here too but the readers were not given that information.

The author writes well and gives the reader a good insight to mental heath - could have done with more of the story.

All in all a good read I was asked by Love reading to review this book.

This was an interesting mental health book - I could relate to Amy in part with her experiences of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) not so much the depression side but I felt upset for her and I found it a little upsetting to read.

Amy has a career, house and friends but she does have OCD - I worked with a colleague who did not like public transport and had a difficult upbringing so social skills were not good, maybe that was part of Amy problems but her work family were so good with her - note to self to be understanding with colleagues.

She goes on a massive business trip to Australia - I find flights before during and after so stressful- even worrying if I will get my carry on bag above my seat! so I could relate to this too - well done Amy.

I wondered if there may have been a work romance here too but the readers were not given that information.

The author writes well and gives the reader a good insight to mental heath - could have done with more of the story.

All in all a good read I was asked by Love reading to review this book.

This was an interesting mental health book - I could relate to Amy in part with her experiences of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) not so much the depression side but I felt upset for her and I found it a little upsetting to read.

Amy has a career, house and friends but she does have OCD - I worked with a colleague who did not like public transport and had a difficult upbringing so social skills were not good, maybe that was part of Amy problems but her work family were so good with her - note to self to be understanding with colleagues.

She goes on a massive business trip to Australia - I find flights before during and after so stressful- even worrying if I will get my carry on bag above my seat! so I could relate to this too - well done Amy.

I wondered if there may have been a work romance here too but the readers were not given that information.

The author writes well and gives the reader a good insight to mental heath - could have done with more of the story.

All in all a good read I was asked by Love reading to review this book.

This was an interesting mental health book - I could relate to Amy in part with her experiences of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) not so much the depression side but I felt upset for her and I found it a little upsetting to read.

Amy has a career, house and friends but she does have OCD - I worked with a colleague who did not like public transport and had a difficult upbringing so social skills were not good, maybe that was part of Amy problems but her work family were so good with her - note to self to be understanding with colleagues.

She goes on a massive business trip to Australia - I find flights before during and after so stressful- even worrying if I will get my carry on bag above my seat! so I could relate to this too - well done Amy.

I wondered if there may have been a work romance here too but the readers were not given that information.












The author writes well and gives the reader a good insight to mental heath - could have done with more of the story.

All in all a good read 

beautiful

What a find read this in a country house hotel spa last week.

Beautiful book about some amazing people who come to live in the sprawling Edwardian house in London. All with their stories to tell and sadness in their past lives but this house and the owner with her memories of the swinging sixties and no so nice parts of this time.

The house comes under threat as the lease is running out will the house be saved for the owner and those under her roof?

Well written and such an enjoyable read I just love her books. 

Intersting but just lacked something

This book was nostalgic but lacked something.

Interesting story and interesting to learn about the author wife Margaret Forster  and was  lucky and privileged to go to university when his peers were destined for factories become apprentices or national service. 

I found the education part interesting and how universities have come on - especially Durham which is one of the elite universities.

I was brought up in the late 60s and could relate to the Scottish relatives and how damaged some were in my experience through hardship and two wars.

I felt once Hunter left home his family did not appear to have any bearing and maybe that was meant it is hard to identify.

I found the author interesting and will read another of his books. Sadly this lacked something.

beautiful

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

Beautiful, a great adventure, culture beautiful Seville and the chance for kids to learn a little bit of Spanish along the way.

Vince is the hero rescuing a cat just a beautiful fun book. Loved it.

interesting

I was asked by Lovereading.co.uk to review this book I was not quite sure of what this book was about at first. 

lots to think about and food for thought - this is really essentially for those who struggled with the writing of Marcus Aurelius books of meditations. 

This book gives the reader an staring block into the philosophy of stoicism and was surprisingly for me a good read


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work is shit this is not

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

Working in an office, feeling like I been round the block so many times and hearing new management terms that did not work before and probably wont work again I just loved these and thinking will have this in the office in 2020 to start the mad year off.

I do human factor training and loved the " what does success look like" reply "going home early"

How many times have you been for some dreadful interviews and wished you had said some of these things - the "working from home" when you know someone is just watching trash day time tv.

A great stocking filler great for office joke of the week and sometimes just to realise life is short but the work family are a big part of life.

Recommended I chucked my way through this.

moralistic

I was asked to review by Love Reading.co.uk

Written for young adults but will appeal to adults readers also.

The author tells the story of two differing boys and what brings them together, they both have a interest in habitats and badgers habiting in a wood near to where they live.  It shows how friendship is importance regardless of status or where they have come from.

I found myself in the treehouse whilst the boys looked onto the badgers and the illustrations added this beautifully drawn.

The author writes well and has a great understanding of nature and the natural world, and I literally could not put the book down and boy was there an ending.

moralistic which again will apply to both young adults  and grown ups.

Recommended read.

inspirational

hisbookisacombinationofmemoirandrunning/mentalhealthguide.IfoundthesectionswhereBellasharedherownexperienceofrunning-frominitiallypacingupanddownanalleywaytoincreasingherdistancetoanimpressive13k-tobehonest,relatableandquietlyinspiring.InmuchthesamewayasBryonyGordon,Bellaisapersonwhodecidedtorun,thereforesheruns.Thetipsforbeginnerrunnersattheendofthebookaresensibleandrealisticforcompletebeginnersand/orthosewithlittleconfidenceintheirabilities.Therewerelargesectionsinthefirsthalfofthebookthatdescribedavarietyofmentalhealthissues.Ireadthisbookduringananxiousperiodandskimmedthesesectionsastheyheightenedmyownanxiety.Thatsaid,forpeoplewhohavelittleornoknowledgeofanxiety/depression/PTSDandmore,thedetailedmedicalexplanationsmayofferaninsight.hisbookisacombinationofmemoirandrunning/mentalhealthguide.IfoundthesectionswhereBellasharedherownexperienceofrunning-frominitiallypacingupanddownanalleywaytoincreasingherdistancetoanimpressive13k-tobehonest,relatableandquietlyinspiring.InmuchthesamewayasBryonyGordon,Bellaisapersonwhodecidedtorun,thereforesheruns.Thetipsforbeginnerrunnersattheendofthebookaresensibleandrealisticforcompletebeginnersand/orthosewithlittleconfidenceintheirabilities.Therewerelargesectionsinthefirsthalfofthebookthatdescribedavarietyofmentalhealthissues.Ireadthisbookduringananxiousperiodandskimmedthesesectionsastheyheightenedmyownanxiety.Thatsaid,forpeoplewhohavelittleornoknowledgeofanxiety/depression/PTSDandmore,thedetailedmedicalexplanationsmayofferaninsight.


hisbookisacombinationofmemoirandrunning/mentalhealthguide.IfoundthesectionswhereBellasharedherownexperienceofrunning-frominitiallypacingupanddownanalleywaytoincreasingherdistancetoanimpressive13k-tobehonest,relatableandquietlyinspiring.InmuchthesamewayasBryonyGordon,Bellaisapersonwhodecidedtorun,thereforesheruns.Thetipsforbeginnerrunnersattheendofthebookaresensibleandrealisticforcompletebeginnersand/orthosewithlittleconfidenceintheirabilities.Therewerelargesectionsinthefirsthalfofthebookthatdescribedavarietyofmentalhealthissues.Ireadthisbookduringananxiousperiodandskimmedthesesectionsastheyheightenedmyownanxiety.Thatsaid,forpeoplewhohavelittleornoknowledgeofanxiety/depression/PTSDandmore,thedetailedmedicalexplanationsmayofferaninsight.


I was asked to review this  book by Nudge books 

This books encompasses the authors issues with life events, mental heath and a disbelief in herself.

Just how many people are probably glued to their sofas watching dreadful tv and thinking there is no way I can get up and do anything let alone exercise. This author got off her sofa and with baby steps started to go running. Sometimes this is all we need to get on with life and focus on exercise and fresh air rather than sitting around. For some people they cannot see the wood from the trees.

This book and the author are an inspiration to me and brought humour into this as well - I found myself chuckling along and then feeling quite emotional at the sametime.The author was hugerly honest so respect for this lady.

The author writes well, enclosed a good reference guide and the key to all of this nobody is looking at you so find something and do it.

I am off to swim that is my oulet I am not good but i keep going.

really liked

beautiful

I

















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

This is a beautiful book the author has created such a detailed account of relationships and beautiful Sardinia.

A beautiful story interesting plot with lovely characters in love in 19th Century Sardinia.

This would be a great sunbed read or like today sitting by the fire warmed by some hot chocolate 

Cannot believe I have never come across this author before - I am now seeking her out.

Good versus evil

I was asked by Lovereading .co.uk

This is children's book and a really interesting one too. Fantasy, science and physics with philosophy all bound together.

I wish I had read this as a child- it makes Physics real and interesting too.

Narnia, meets science meets Lewis Carroll two children fins themselves in the Land of the Mind where they were chosen by the ruler to save the land from the Dark Queen and find the Book of Understanding.

The illustrations are beautiful and for me the modernism of the book is sushi - in my day a cheese sandwich.

A man who wants to kill because of religion - this is apt today and a story of good versus evil.

Recommended book for middle grade children.

atmospheric

I was asked to review the translated version by Nudge books.

What a different slant on Leonardo Da Vinci in this whodunit, mystery historical facts and science all rolled into one.

Well researched steeped in history, the reader experiencing  a human side to the great man himself. Then a man is murdered and the leader at the time il Moro swiftly turns to Da Vinci for help - will he have the answer.

Well researched beautifully written and a joy for Da Vinci fans out there

I was asked to review this beautiful book and wonderful story by Lovereading.co.uk

Maisha the author writes means "life" in Swahili, this book message is about animal survival.

Children will love this book beautifully illustrated by Cal Howard.

This is a beautiful book to snuggle up and read with your child with a storyline to emphasise animals, their heritage. Society needs to preserve these wondaful creatures and what better than to emphasis this in a away children can understand and grow up with this knowledge.

I was so pleased when I began to read this as it said book one - fab there is more to come.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this wonderful tale of morality and preservation.  

recommended

no photo available as yet

Lady in Red: Eye Spy series #3

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

Coming late to the party I thought to review series three before the other books would not be practical so I got hold of book one and two and really got into this series in a big way. The series is intended for middle grade youngsters but this will appeal to adults also.

the story lines are good, I was intrigued to find out where the painting was hidden (Lady in Red) it is a really clever story with characters overcoming fears which I think is good for young adults and grown ups alike.

I couldn't wait to read this till the end - and I must admit I was not quite expecting the ending.

Due for publication 28th October (just in time for half term) well recommended and I hear that allow this was intended as a trilogy there may be another on the way - watch this space.

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new fantasy world

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

This is for young adults and a really great read  this is set in the mysterious world of Haven where long lost characters and people come to life. There is a lot of characters but the author writes so well that that reader is engrossed in this new mysterious world.
The characters are real and there is mystery, magic, ancient secrets and a dark side too.
This is a series and I for one cannot wait to continue in this series 
This author writes a good tale and could be up there with the Harry Potter fans.

Well done SJ Howland for creating a new fantasy world.

cute

I was asked to review this lovely illustrated book by Lovereading

A good book to read at bedtime and for the child not everyone gets is right first time and it is about persevering to get it right- just like Picco who is not good at playing football and requires to keep on going to succeed. It is all about improving and getting better.

The story is about friends, family and such an inspiration.

A lovely book to give a child confidence and if Picco can do it so can your child.

interesting

I was asked to review by Lovereading

This was interesting mental health with a very interesting fictional story.

I grew up fearing that I was not normal and did not conform - partly due to a rubbish childhood. The author explores this concept and those who the state feels "do not conform"

Readers reading this book will never know just how many people do suffer from this illness. The story line is in essence about an organisation which would like to eliminate mental illness. The story line is believable as are the characters that some readers can relate to and their suffering.

I could not put the book down a recommended read.

I was asked to review this book by Lovereading

This was interesting and I always feel a little of everything helps, healthy mind, fresh foods, exercise time off and for me being organised and forward thinking is a must otherwise my thoughts may be positive but my life is chaotic.

I think a lot of people want the happy life but it needs to be worked at and the reader needs to take some control and a little of each is a good step in the right direction.

I found the author was a good coach and I know if I can work on aspects of my life I will have positive outcomes - I think as well the reader needs to look at what he or she wants from life too and use this book as a tool to move forward.
Well written and easy to read

Recommended

thought provoking

I was asked to review this book by Lovereading and so glad I did. This book is a real find for children. Bereavement is terrible enough but in the eyes of a child it is unimaginable.

This beautifully illustrated book talks the issues of losing someone, but also touches on interfaith and climate change all so relevant in this world.

The book has lovely characters Taba Tiger and friends who are in gods garden a lovely way to describe heaven and where animals have gone beautiful analogy.

The book is beautifully written and the illustrations are cute and so cleverly drawn. The font is just right.

This would be such a lovely book at bedtime that has meaning and will enable your child to ask questions about the world today.

This would make a lovely stocking filler too.

Well researched

I was asked to review by Lovereading.co.uk

Having read about this period in the war and admiring pilots such as Geoffrey Wellum. I was keen to read this. Well researched and based on six days during the famous Battle of Britain where the airmen's life expectancy was actually something in the region of 4 weeks. At that time Europe was crushed by the Nazi and it could have been our turn next but the Battle of Britain played such a pilotable role in this. But as the novel shows this was not just about the airmen themselves women - working in the ops and maps rooms knowing what was happening but struggling to be recognised in their roles.

We have Johnnie the pilot and Eleanor in this story and the book alternates around these two main characters.

The author portrays this time well and those who have studied this time know, Britain was at the brink and history could have taken a very different turn.

Whether the reader is familiar with this period in history it makes a good read and highly recommended and those interested in this part of history the authors notes were fascinating and the reader can learn so much,

I look forward to reading more from John Rhodes.

whacky

I was asked to review by Lovereading

Well what a whacky read this was definitely on the lines of Alexander McColl Smith. The main character Isabel Flores Montserrat is definitely something else eccentric, leaving the Spanish police to run her mother's holiday rentals  Mallorca, it appears she is now in for a quiet life of sun, swimming and Spanish food. But not so fast reader guess what she returns to fighting crime in just a few days a British girl goes missing, there is a murder and to cap it all Columbian drug ring. So as readers guessed the quiet life is no longer and Flores and local chief Tolo Cabot race to the rescue.

Will Mallorca become peaceful again will they catch the criminal readers read the book to find out.

Whacky, original and a good read.