Star Wars Dooku: Jedi Lost by Cavan Scott

Star Wars Dooku: Jedi Lost by Cavan Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Delve into the history of the sinister Count Dooku in the original script to the thrilling Star Wars audio production!

Darth Tyranus. Count of Serenno. Leader of the Separatists. A red saber, unsheathed in the dark. But who was he before he became the right hand of the Sith? As Dooku courts a new apprentice, the hidden truth of the Sith Lord's past begins to come to light.

Dooku's life began as one of privilege--born within the stony walls of his family's estate, orbited by the Funeral Moon where the bones of his ancestors lie interred. But soon, his Jedi abilities are recognized, and he is taken from his home to be trained in the ways of the Force by the legendary Master Yoda.

As he hones his power, Dooku rises through the ranks, befriending fellow Jedi Sifo-Dyas and taking a Padawan of his own, the promising Qui-Gon Jinn--and tries to forget the life that he once led. But he finds himself drawn by a strange fascination with the Jedi Master Lene Kostana, and the mission she undertakes for the Order: finding and studying ancient relics of the Sith, in preparation for the eventual return of the deadliest enemies the Jedi have ever faced.

Caught between the world of the Jedi, the ancient responsibilities of his lost home, and the alluring power of the relics, Dooku struggles to stay in the light--even as the darkness begins to fall.

This is the script to the audio production of Dooku: Jedi Lost. The story builds on characters that we know very little about focusing mainly on Count Dooku but also Sifo-Dyas and Asajj Ventress. The audio play also introduces us to several new characters, the most important being Lene Kostana.

The story starts with Count Dooku giving Ventress the task of locating his sister, this part of the story is set in the present however; the story is told mostly in flashbacks in the form of holocrons that Dooku provides in order for Ventress to learn all she needs to find her sister. Whilst Ventess makes her way to the spaceport on Serenno she plays the holocrons, we see Dooku throughout many stages of his life, starting as a child in yhr Jedi academy, becoming an apprentice to Master Yoda, then a Master to Rael and later Qui-gon Ginn, all the way through to taking his seat on the Jedi council.

During these flashbacks of Dooku's life, we see his friendship with the Jedi Sifo-Dyas grow, and his connection with Master Lene Kostana develop. Lene is one of the great characters in this story, she is a Jedi who walks the line between light and dark, but who remains strong enough to never cross the line. We also learn about Dooku's family and his heritage, we learn about the father who hates him, the brother who doesn't want to know him and the sister who loves him.

These sections of Dooku's life are separated with Ventress' point of view in the present, we also see her struggle with the path she is taking and and how her former Master Ky Narec continues to try and guide her even from beyond the grave. This really is a great story, it has taken a character that we have seen briefly on screen in the prequel trilogy and developed him into one of my favourite characters as it slowly chronicles his slip towards the dark side.

I enjoyed this story immensely, it is very well written and provides great scene directions that really help visualise the action. Even after having read it, I would listen to it in its audio format as I feel the sound plays such a large part in this story, hearing it would add an extra dimension. Listen to it or read it, either way I guarantee you will enjoy Dooku: Jedi Lost.

I would give this 4 and a half stars, rounded up to 5 for Goodreads and Amazon, I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

The Rival by Charlotte Duckworth

The Rival by Charlotte Duckworth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

NOW
Helena is a career woman with no job and a mother without a baby. She blames Ashley for destroying her life. But is what happened really Ashley's fault?

THEN
When Helena hires Ashley to work for her, she's startled but impressed by her fierce ambition. They form a dream team and Helena is proud - maybe this is the protégée she's always wanted to have. But soon Helena realizes that nothing will stand in the way of Ashley's drive to get to the top. And when Helena becomes pregnant, everything she has worked so hard for is suddenly threatened, with devastating consequences...

Billed as a Crime Thriller this is more like woman’s fiction and as such my expectations were to be reading a crime/psychological thriller.

It was a mix of gossip and bitchy office rivalry that culminates in tragic consequences. It was well written but lacked pace and depth. I didn’t jell with any of the characters and because of this I felt indifferent to the outcome.

The ending had a twist of sorts but it was a very ordinary lack lustre read for me and therefore I can only give this 3 stars. Sorry just didn’t keep me interested

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Rewind by Catherine Ryan Howard

Rewind by Catherine Ryan Howard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

PLAY
Andrew, the manager of Shanamore Holiday Cottages, watches his only guest via a hidden camera in her room. One night the unthinkable happens: a shadowy figure emerges onscreen, kills her and destroys the camera. But who is the murderer? How did they know about the camera? And how will Andrew live with himself?

PAUSE
Natalie wishes she'd stayed at home as soon as she arrives in the wintry isolation of Shanamore. There's something creepy about the manager. She wants to leave, but she can't - not until she's found what she's looking for...

REWIND
This is an explosive story about a murder caught on camera. You've already missed the start. To get the full picture you must rewind the tape and play it through to the end, no matter how shocking...

A twisty clever thriller set in Ireland with creepy characters and remote isolated places this book really had it all.

Told through multiple timelines it did however become a bit disjointed and difficult to follow. Reading a little and returning later it was hard to remember what had gone on and I had to re-read the chapter before to refresh myself.

I did work out early on who had committed the murder but I wanted to know the motive and when it was revealed I felt it just was a bit weak and let down what otherwise could have been a five star rating.

It is a good read, I think that as such a prolific reader I probably am harder to please so go and buy it you won’t be disappointed. A solid 4 stars from me

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Seven Days by Alex Lake

Seven Days by Alex Lake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A race against time to save her child?

In seven days, Maggie's son, Max, turns three. But she's not planning a party or buying presents or updating his baby book. She's dreading it. Because in her world, third birthdays are the days on which the unthinkable happens? she loses her child.

For the last twelve years Maggie has been imprisoned in a basement. Abducted aged fifteen, she gave birth to two sons before Max, and on their third birthdays her captor came and took them from her.

She cannot let it happen again. But she has no idea how to stop it. And the clock is ticking?

A compulsive and addictive read from the first to the last page. Told through multiple viewpoints the story of a fifteen year old girl who is abducted while on her way to see a friend. She is imprisoned in a cellar beneath the abductors garage and remains there for 12 years. During this time she is raped and punished and has 3 sons. Each son is taken from her on their 3rd birthday and she never sees them again. Determined this won’t happen to her third son Max, Maggie resolves to get him out of his prison before his third birthday in seven days. In addition to her story we see how her disappearance affects her family and how they slowly fall apart particularly her younger brother James.

Short chapters give this story a pacey and urgent feel and time hopping fills in blanks through the story.

Good strong characters and an urgency to free Max kept this hurtling forward to the end. The ending was just as thrilling with the horrible thought that although it looked like it would be alright you were never completely sure and had to read to the end.

Highly recommended read, full of sadness that made me want to cry for Maggie and Max in parts. Couldn’t fault this one at all, it hits all the right spots - five stars.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

That's Not My Dinosaur by Fiona Watt

That's Not My Dinosaur by Fiona Watt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A touchy-feely board book with simple, repetitive text, tactile patches and bold illustrations suitable for babies and toddlers. A little white mouse appears on every page, for children to spot.


My four month old absolutely loves this book. He loves the bright colours on each page and he is beginning to touch all the different textures.

As a parent I love the fact it introduces different adjectives to him and we can feel the texture to match the adjective.

The board book is nice and thick, it won't be long before he is helping me to turn the pages. He loves this book so much that after we have finished we read it again and he is just as interested in it as he was the first time.

The Day We Meet Again by Miranda Dickinson

The Day We Meet Again by Miranda Dickinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phoebe and Sam meet by chance at St Pancras station. Heading in opposite directions, both seeking their own adventures, meeting the love of their lives wasn’t part of the plan. So they make a promise: to meet again in the same place in twelve months' time if they still want to be together.

But is life ever as simple as that?

Wow, where do I start, first of all I cannot believe this is Miranda's tenth book! Where has the time gone?

I love a good chick lit and this one really lived up to my expectations. Phoebe and Sam meet at a train station after their trains have been delayed. They don't know each other and they are going in completely opposite directions but there is instant attraction. They meet and the connection they make is so strong that they decide they want to meet up at the same place next year. Will they meet again in a years time and will they still feel the same way?

This is a beautiful book, one that I would say even if romance isn't your thing you would enjoy. Reading this book it bought up so many questions as you were going through it, would they meet someone else? Would they feel the same if they met up in a year? Can they go the distance?

I personally think this would make a fantastic film. I don't want to say much more about the book as I don't want to spoil it for you. All you need to know if that you have to read this book! Just make sure you clear your schedule so you can really allow yourself to be immersed in it.

This is another brilliant novel by Miranda and I can't wait for her next.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

WHEE TO THE MOON BY ARRON CHARMAN

Neil is a young boy who likes to scream “whee!” with excitement when he’s at the playground. Neil develops a love of flying. As he gets older, he learns how to fly aircraft that will take him on many different adventures. Even though he is now a grown up, Neil still excitedly screams “whee!” as he gets to fly all the way to the Moon!

The Swallows by Lisa Lutz

The Swallows by Lisa Lutz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

From the author of The Passenger -hailed by The New York Times Book Review as "a dead-serious thriller (with a funny bone)" - and the bestselling Spellman Files series comes a suspenseful novel about a new teacher at a not-so-elite boarding school who accidentally incites a gender war among the students and staff.

When Alexandra Witt arrives at Stonebridge Academy and insists on moving into a ramshackle cottage in the woods, curiosity among the student body and the staff skyrockets. Who is this young teacher who came here alone, dresses like the kids, and left her last school under a cloud of speculation?

With its picturesque campus and classic uniforms, Stonebridge might look the part, but as Alex soon learns, it's anything but old school. When she advises one of her new students to stand up for herself, the girl takes her advice a little too much to heart. Long-simmering tensions between the boys and girls boil over into a fight. And then total war.

By the time Gemma, Alex's favorite student, starts uncovering Stonebridge's darkest secrets with the help of some unlikely allies, Alex's bumpy start has become a nightmare. Cast into a role she never wanted, she watches the spark she ignited consume everything around her. And the only way out might carry an even higher cost.

Told by four narrators, none of whom inspires total confidence, The Swallows unfolds with brilliant timing, puzzle-like plotting, and riveting storytelling that will shock and delight readers everywhere.

The Swallows is told from multiple points of view which in itself can be confusing but add to that so many characters and it’s easy to see that this book takes an awful lot of concentration just to know who is “talking” and to stay focussed. So many characters made it difficult to know who was who and so many times I “lost the plot” because of it. It was a real headache to keep up with the storyline and the characters that I almost gave up. I did persevere but it was overly long and to be honest nothing much happened.



This novel was billed as a mystery/thriller but it was neither. I felt the genre was all wrong - it should have been a YA novel and I’m sure would appeal more to this demographic. There was no big reveal or twist that could in my opinion have saved it. It was also annoying that it seemed to have little sub plots that went nowhere and therefore rendered them pointless as having no relevance or tie up to the main story.



All in all it was an ok novel no fireworks, no real drama to get your teeth into and rather lack lustre characters. It could have been half its length, 501 pages requires a hefty investment of time so the author has to make it worth the effort, in my opinion it wasn’t , so sadly I have to give this a rather poor 3 stars.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Butterfly in Frost by Sylvia Day blog tour

Teagan Ransom has finally settled in a place she can call home, spending time with new friends sheadores, focusing on a fulfilling job, whilst reconciling the past and laying the groundwork for the future.

That is until Garrett Frost moves in next door. He’s obstinate and too bold, a raging and disruptive force of nature. Teagan recognizes the ghosts that haunt him, the torment driving him. Garrett would be risky in any form, but wounded, he’s far more dangerous. Tegan fears he could pull apart everything she has worked so hard to build, but Garret’s too determined…and too tempting.

Emotional and heartrending, Butterfly in Frost marks a brilliant return by global sensation Sylvia Day, the No.1 international multimillion bestselling author of the Crossfire saga.

Extract:

Despite the lengthy walk and a leisurely lunch, I’m still out of sorts as I stroll down the driveway to my house. I’ve been trying to compose myself all morning, and I’m irritated that I can’t. After all this time, I realize I haven’t come as far as I believed. As I skirt the detached garage and head up the walkway to my front door, I can’t help but glance over at the sleek black Range Rover parked at a haphazard angle in the neighboring driveway.

The hard lump of ice inside me still hurts. I’m angry. I’d had each day planned out going forward. A new city, new friends, new routines. Half a year’s worth of therapy and reconditioning, for what? My neighbors move, and I feel as if I’ve been deceived. As if the new life I’ve built came with a guarantee that nothing would change. With conscious determination, I exhale and try to push out my anxiety with it. I pull my keys from my pocket as I approach my front door and slide one into the dead bolt. When the lock opens, I use the same key in the original midcentury doorknob that sits in the dead center of the door. Once inside, I relock them both, toss my keys on the end table, and disarm the alarm before the grace period runs out and the earsplitting siren goes off. Going through each step in the same established order settles me some. But it’s being back in my home, alone, that provides the greatest relief. I gaze longingly at the couch, so exhausted I just want to curl into the cushions and sleep forever. I know what it means to feel this tired; I know what’s coming. That doesn’t mean I can stop it. Instead, I look ahead to the wall of windows overlooking the Sound. The left side of the butterfly roof wings up and over the double-sided fireplace and dining room, with clerestory windows following the graceful rise so nothing blocks the majestic view.

Just beyond the verdant hump of Maury and Vashon Islands, the sprawling Olympic Mountains lie west and run south. Some days, fog conceals the range so thoroughly, it disappears. But on cloudless days like today, I can see the snowcapped peaks stretching down the coast.

I soak it in, letting the familiarity calm me. I stand in the center of my living room long enough to watch another massive cargo ship lumber by on the way to Tacoma. Sunlight glitters off the gently moving water, and crab-trap buoys bob to the rhythm. It’s quiet here, so very different from the frenetic pace and noise of New York. I could hardly hear myself think there, with life beating at me from all sides, a very busy medical practice, and an ever-present camera crew. Here, I can be alone with my thoughts, with no one to judge me or pity me or expect me to “get over it.”

The Postcard by Zoe Folbigg

The Postcard by Zoe Folbigg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A year after the kiss that brought them together in a snowy train-station doorway, Maya and James are embarking on another journey – this time around the world.

The trip starts promisingly, with an opulent and romantic Indian wedding. But as their travels continue, Maya fears that 'love at first sight' might not survive trains, planes and tuk tuks, especially when she realises that what she really wants is a baby, and James doesn't feel the same. 

Can Maya and James navigate their different hopes and dreams to stay together? Or is love at first sight just a myth after all...

Romantic chic lit based on a true story and the second book in this series. I’d not read the first book but it didn’t affect the enjoyment of this second one.

Having taken the plunge and left their jobs for a year, this couple embark on an adventure around the world in the hopes that it will bring them closer together. With Maya’s hopes of romantic sunsets, tropical islands and maybe a proposal thrown in for good measure both her and James find the reality of backpacking can be stressful and tests their relationship to the limit.

Lovely atmospheric descriptions of countries add to the enjoyment as this novel ticks along. Not a pacy read and a bit slow to start with but it’s not a thriller so that’s fine. Nicely written with good central characters and plausible secondary ones. Not quite up there with the Sophie Kinsella’s and for me more humour would have given this the lift I felt it needed, however it was a decent holiday read and worth the time invested. A good 3 stars.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

What happens now? - Sophia Money - Coutts

What Happens Now? by Sophia Money-Coutts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After eight years together, Lil Bailey thought she’d already found ‘the one’ – that is, until he dumped her for a blonde twenty-something colleague. So she does what any self-respecting singleton would do: swipes right, puts on her best bra and finds herself on a first date with a handsome mountaineer called Max. What’s the worst that can happen?

Well it’s pretty bad actually. First Max ghosts her and then, after weeing on a stick (but mostly her hands), a few weeks later Lil discovers she’s pregnant. She’s single, thirty-one and living in a thimble-sized flat in London, it’s hardly the happily-ever-after she was looking for.

Lil’s ready to do the baby-thing on her own – it can’t be that hard, right? But she should probably tell Max, if she can track him down. Surely he’s not that Max, the highly eligible, headline-grabbing son of Lord and Lady Rushbrooke, currently trekking up a mountain in South Asia? Oh, maybe he wasn’t ignoring Lil after all…  

This is a real fun, entertaining read, one which was a bit of fresh air for me as I haven't read a book like this for a while. At the moment I have limited time to sit down and read a book for hours, so I need a book that will hold my attention and make me want to go back to read more of it. This book certainly did that.

Lil is going through a tough time, she has just come out of a relationship with a guy, who she thought was the one, they have been together for 8 years and she was ready for her relationship to go to the next level. However she has not got her happy ever after and is forced into the dating scene. Using an app she agrees to meet up with Max, things are good on the date and that night they get even better. In the morning when Lil wakes she finds Max has gone and although she thinks its a bit rubbish him running out on her like that begins to move on, that is until she finds herself pregnant.

I really enjoyed this book, it whizzed by and I really wanted to know what was going to happen to Lil and Max. I recommend this to anyone who wants a fun, light hearted read. Personally I can't wait to read more by Sophia.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

The Retreat - Sherri Smith blog tour

The Retreat: A Novel of Suspense by Sherri Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Katie Manning was a beloved child star until her mid-teens when her manager attacked and permanently scarred her face, effectively ending her career and sending her on a path of all-too-familiar post-Hollywood self-destruction.

Now twenty-seven, Katie wants a better answer to those clickbait "Where Are They Now?" articles that float around online. An answer she hopes to find when her brother's too-good-to-be-true fiancée invites her to a wellness retreat upstate. Together with Katie's two best friends - one struggling with crippling debt and family obligations, one running away from a failed job and relationship - Katie will try to find the inner peace promised at the tranquil retreat. But finding oneself just might drudge up more memories than Katie is prepared to deal with.

Each woman has come to the retreat for different reasons. Each has her secrets to hide. And at the end of this weekend, only one will be left standing.

Another book centered around a wellness retreat which seem to be a popular choice for writers at the moment. A psychological thriller that brings together 4 women Katie, Carmen, Ellie and Ariel who attend a weekend getaway each hoping to gain something uplifting from the experience.

Naturally things don’t go particularly well and at the end of the novel only one of the group come out alive. Well paced with characters although not entirely likeable do make this work.

Not as good at Nine Perfect strangers by Liane Morriarty but worth 4 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.



Excerpt: 



Excerpt 4. Carmen

She’d started donating her eggs in her second term at NYU when she realized that her financial-aid package, even with a scholarship, fell short of covering all of her tuition.

She had tried working as a bartender, but the late nights caused her grades to slip, and her partial scholarship was threatened. She was in danger of not being able to finish out the year. She would have had to drop out, left with nothing but crippling debt to show for it (which eventually happened anyway).

Enter Darla Gibbins from ReproGen. She’d solicited Carmen in the student commons, stepping out in front of her as if she were selling hand lotion in a mall. Darla looked like either a madam or a television evangelist. Chubby and virtually chinless, her fake thick lashes wagged from her eyelids like butterflies stuck in glittery grease. “What’s a little discomfort for a couple of weeks if it puts up to $10,000 in your pocket? Easy money.”

Ten thousand turned out to be seven thousand. But the egg donation was easy, and she could study in the waiting room. She was hooked.

Now Carmen was on her fourth donation because clearly she came from especially fecund stock, and the money was just cover- ing the little extras like clothes and replacing the busted picture window because they couldn’t go another winter with cardboard as their only protection. Her thirteen-year-old brother, the shithead, had gone on a Banksy-inspired vandalism spree and now Carmen was stuck paying off his fines to keep him out of juvie. Then to top it off, the hot water tank just went.

She told herself it was her last donation, but even she didn’t be- lieve it. She felt hooked. It wasn’t the easiest way to make money, but out of all the ways to make money, it wasn’t the worst either.

Carmen felt she was nine years old and back in the free swim- ming class offered to low-income families. The instructor had called the kids who’d passed to stand on the side and left the failures in the pool, half treading water, half drowning, looking up at them, chlorinated water burning up their noses and eyes. Carmen did everything right to escape that pool, but there she was anyway. Pov- erty was like a serial killer at the end of a horror movie; just when she thought she’d gotten away, it popped up stronger, yielding an electric bill like a machete.



She still skimmed the release of liability waiver and signed it anyway. She planned on backing out at the last minute to avoid Katie’s inevitable wheedling that would last the entire weekend. Carmen’s contract specifically stated she not partake in any drugs or alcohol, yet she couldn’t deny her interest was piqued. She’d love to drink some magical tea, morph into her spirit animal or whatever, and gallop around in some rainbow-drenched, unicorn-laden alter- nate universe for an hour or eight. Her life was hard. It’d be nice to sink into oblivion for a while. It was what she’d always liked about Katie; she brought out Carmen’s risk-taking side. She slayed her type A. Got her to loosen up, drink too much, have fun, take off her glasses, let her hair fall loose like the schoolmarm in some old- school rock video who suddenly gave in to all her seething impulses. Katie was her bad influence. Someone she could blame for doing what she really wanted to do.

The Night You Left by Emma Curtis

The Night You Left by Emma Curtis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT TO UNRAVEL A PERFECT LIFE . . .

When Grace’s fiancé vanishes without a trace the night after proposing, her life is turned upside down. But has Nick walked out on her, or is he in danger?

As Grace desperately searches for answers, it soon becomes clear that Nick wasn’t the uncomplicated man she thought she knew. And when she uncovers a hidden tragedy from his childhood, she realises an awful truth: that you can run from your past – but your secrets will always catch up with you . . .

When Grace’s finance Nick disappears the night after proposing her life begins to unravel. Refusing to believe he’s simply left her she is convinced something bad has happened to him. What follows is a race to find the truth and a discovery of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy her and her daughters life. So far so good. Then it fizzled out.

It was a slow burner in the respect that it took so long for something significant to happen. The pace did build up but there just wasn’t enough twists to keep the momentum going. I felt the characters were not as developed as they could have been and some scenarios not realistic enough. Where was the adrenaline rush to find Nick or to create tension when Grace was in danger of getting too close to the truth? There wasn’t enough excitement or energy for me and the ending was predictable.

Such a shame Emma Curtis didn’t wring out every ounce of drama in this tale- it could have been so much better.

An average read for me with an average 3 stars, enjoyable but not memorable 😟

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

How to Grow a Baby and Push It Out: A guide to pregnancy and birth straight from the midwife's mouth by Clemmie Hooper

How to Grow a Baby and Push It Out: A guide to pregnancy and birth straight from the midwife's mouth by Clemmie Hooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Everything you wanted to know but were too embarrassed to ask – a guide to pregnancy and birth straight from the midwife’s mouth.

Winner of the Gold and Consumer Choice award at the Mumii Best Baby and Toddler Gear Awards 2017

Mum to four little girls and midwife to many, Clemmie Hooper wants to share her knowledge, wisdom and stories about pregnancy, birth and mothering young children that aren’t so widely talked about – straight from the midwife’s mouth. From how to prevent tearing during birth to what you really need in your labour bag, Clemmie reveals everything pregnant women and new mums need to know with a good dose of humour and wit.


I got bought this as a present when I was 16 weeks pregnant. I had never thought about buying this to be honest but I found it very informative.

I really liked how the book was laid out in the number of weeks and explained parts of pregnancy. It also had other elements to the book such as real life stories from mum's and handy tips throughout.

Overall this really helped me prepare for the birth and made me feel more comfortable with it.

If you are a first time mum I recommend you buy this book.

Truly Happy Baby ... It Worked for Me: A practical parenting guide from a mum you can trust by Holly Willoughby

Truly Happy Baby ... It Worked for Me: A practical parenting guide from a mum you can trust by Holly Willoughby
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whether you’ve just had a baby or you’re about to welcome your new little bundle into the world, you probably have a LOT of questions …

I know I did! And I also know from first-hand experience with my three babies that one-size-fits all parenting doesn’t work. So this book is to help you find out what will work for you and your baby. I’ve included all the information and friendly advice I wish I’d been given before I became a mum for the first time, alongside the routines, shortcuts and tips that worked for me.

I hope this book will empower you during your first twelve months of parenthood to trust your own mummy intuition, and to care for your children in your own way – confidently and happily. We all have that intuition, we just need to learn to tune into it! With chapters on feeding, sleeping, wellbeing and lifestyle – as well as how to look after yourself – this book will equip you with all the know-how you need to get you through the sleepless nights and concerns, to all the magical first moments. It’s a collection of everything that worked for me as a new mum – and I hope it works for you, too.

Love, Holly xxx


Being a first time mum, it is daunting. I bought this book when I found out I was pregnant. I found this to be very informative, Holly although a celebrity, is one who is down to earth and I felt I could trust what she was saying after all, she has gone through it!

This is a book that I haven't read cover to cover but more of one that I can dip into when I feel the need. So far I have used it a lot and I feel I will continue to dip in and out of it. I love the layout of the book and also the images throughout.

I am tempted to purchase Holly's book on weaning so when the time comes I can be clued up with it.

I would recommend this to other first time mums.

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
We can’t choose the strangers we meet.

As the guests arrive at beautiful, remote Mitchell’s Inn, they’re all looking forward to a relaxing weekend deep in the forest, miles from anywhere. They watch their fellow guests with interest, from a polite distance.

Usually we can avoid the people who make us nervous, make us afraid.

With a violent storm raging, the group finds itself completely cut off from the outside world. Nobody can get in – or out. And then the first body is found . . . and the horrifying truth comes to light. There’s a killer among them – and nowhere to run.

Until we find ourselves in a situation we can’t escape. Trapped


I loved The Couple Next Door and was equally impressed by this cleaver who dunnit in An Unwanted Guest. So typically Agatha Christie in the way the story is woven from the atmospheric setting of an isolated hotel cut off in a snow storm to the complex clever characterisation of the colourful and secretive guests. And as guests start dying the suspense builds as it hurtles the reader at breakneck speed like a runaway train to the end.

I loved the plot and pace of this novel, each guest hiding secrets that provide so many red herrings that it’s almost impossible to unravel the truth until Shari Lapena wants to reveal it to the reader.


Full of suspense this psychological thriller takes the reader on a roller coaster of a ride from start to finish - a great read truly a stand out novel and has to get a five star rating. Highly recommended.

The Guilty Party by Mel McGrath

The Guilty Party by Mel McGrath
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

On a night out, four friends witness a stranger in trouble. They decide to do nothing to help.

Later, a body washes up on the banks of the Thames – and the group realises that ignoring the woman has left blood on their hands.

But why did each of them refuse to step in? Why did none of them want to be noticed that night? Who is really responsible?

This promised to be a great read but sadly I was disappointed in this novel by Mel McGrath

Four friends witness a rape in an alleyway and do nothing to help. A body is washed up in the Thames which turns out to be the attacked woman. All four friends turn a blind eye not wanting to get involved although they are in some way connected to the woman.

I thought this would be a really good read but it just didn’t have any substance for me. The characters were shallow and self obsessed, there was no pace and it all seemed to drag on and on. By halfway through I was just so fed up with it that I skim read to the end. It perked up a bit but really overly long and lack lustre.

I really can only give this a 2 star rating- with so many books out there time invested has to be worth it - sorry this wasn’t 😟

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

The Craftsman by Sharon J. Bolton

The Craftsman by Sharon J. Bolton

Devoted father or merciless killer?

His secrets are buried with him.

Florence Lovelady's career was made when she convicted coffin-maker Larry Glassbrook of a series of child murders 30 years ago. Like something from our worst nightmares the victims were buried...ALIVE.

Larry confessed to the crimes; it was an open and shut case. But now he's dead, and events from the past start to repeat themselves.

Did she get it wrong all those years ago?
Or is there something much darker at play?

Another cleverly crafted psychological thriller with a flavour of witchcraft which made the story fresh.

Told over two timelines 1969 and 1999 it follows the first murder case of newly qualified WPC Lovelady in Pendle Hill in Yorkshire. Several children go missing and when found they have been buried alive. The first victim is found buried alive with an effigy doll made by her killer.

Other children go missing and it’s a race against time to find them - all this takes place in 1969.

Lovelady goes on to solve the mystery and gets the killer much to the annoyance of this small towns all male officer force. 1960’s police force was dominated by men and the Yorkshire constabulary closed ranks around her - all except one DC Tom Devine

1999 and Lovelady has moved on, married and has a son Ben she goes back to Pendle Hill with Ben for the funeral of the man she arrested and charged for the murders, Larry Glassbrook. Her arrival stirs memories and the feeling she had all those years ago about the wrong man being accused surface again. Florence finds she may have been wrong and a whole new set of spooky goings on lead her to the truth.

Very well executed with plenty of atmosphere that has the reader completely hooked until the end. I’ve not read this author before but on the strength of this novel I would definitely read her work again. I would have given this 4.5 stars but rounded down to 4 - a recommended read.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

mDesign Soft Fabric Over The Door Hanging Storage Organizer with 3 Large Pockets for Child/Baby Room or Nursery – Polka Dot Pattern, Pack of 2, Light Gray with White Dots £26.94

• TIDY AND ORGANISED: This door hanging organiser is perfect for use as a bedroom or wardrobe storage unit to help keep things orderly where it's needed most.
• EASY SET UP: Our over the door wardrobe can be easily hung on top of any standard sized interior door without the need for special brackets or drilling.
• FUNCTIONAL STORAGE: This hanging bedroom organiser is built for space-saving practicality and convenience. The neutral grey with a dotted white pattern makes it a great fit for any interior design look.
• ROBUST MATERIAL: The wardrobe organiser unit is made of a robust and breathable polypropylene material, which is highly durable to ensure a long usage life.
• IDEAL MEASUREMENTS: With dimensions of 33.0 cm x 11.4 cm x 91.4 cm, this hanging storage solution is suitable for all standard sized doors and offers plenty of space inside three integrated pockets.

Review:

I bought these to help with storage for my little one's things. I hang these together on the back of the bathroom door and they have created me so much space and all his things are nicely organised in them. 

I was a little disappointed that the structure within the material is only made from cardboard as I didn't think for the price it was very good, however the items you are likely to keep in this unit would tend to be light so I think it isn't an issue, it would have been nice though if they were more sturdy. 

Overall I am very pleased with this product and would recommend it to anyone who needs to create additional space for the baby's items. This for me was a better alternative than a changing unit as I didn't have the space for one of those. 

Polar Gear Baby Hand Bag Size Changing Mat (Black)

Polar Gear Baby Hand Bag Size Changing Mat (Black) £8.99

Product Details:

• Velcro Closure
• Folds Flat For Travel/ Storage
• 20cm x 40cm x 20cm
• Interior Pocket
• Padded

I bought this as a spare changing mat to keep downstairs so I don't have to keep going upstairs to get the main one. 

I am very impressed with it, it is padded and folds up nicely. It does include a net bag to keep a few (I think about 4) nappies in, however I don't use it as I don't take it out of the house. 

I would say if you wanted this for your changing bag, it maybe a little large depending on the size of your bag. 

It is easy to clean, just a wipe over as it is waterproof. My little boy loves just laying on the mat, he is transfixed by the dots! 

I would say it is easy to fold, however not with one hand while you are holding the baby as you need to fold both sides in in order to roll up. 

Overall I am very pleased with my purchase and would recommend it to others, perhaps as an additional mat for the house.  

The Nanny by Gilly Macmillan

The Nanny by Gilly Macmillan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seven-year-old Jocelyn loves her nanny more than her own mother.
When her nanny disappears one night, Jo never gets over the loss.
How could she vanish without saying goodbye?

Thirty years on, Jo is forced to return to her family home and confront her troubled relationship with her mother. When human remains are discovered in the grounds of the house, Jo begins to question everything.

Then an unexpected visitor knocks at the door and Jo’s world is destroyed again as, one by one, she discovers her childhood memories aren’t what they seemed.

What secrets was her nanny hiding – and what was she running away from? And can Jo trust what her mother tells her?

Sometimes the truth hurts so much you’d rather hear the lie.



A tense and tightly woven psychological thriller that pulls the reader in from the start.

After leaving the family ancestral home, Jo finds herself having to return with her daughter Ruby after a family tragedy and reluctantly move back home with her estranged mother. Jo is determined that her relationship with her daughter will be close unlike her own with her mother Virginia was. She resents the fact that Ruby and her mother seem to get along so well and this rankles Jo. When Ruby accidentally uncovers a skull in the lake in the grounds of the Manor House Jo believes it might be her Nanny Hannah who disappeared when Jo was only seven.

A twisty tale of secrets and lies follows as the pace and tension builds to a conclusion that has to result in the elimination of someone. I did guess what was going on but really the pieces didn’t start to fall together until late in the book exactly what I assume Gillian Macmillan intended. It keeps you guessing who the remains belong to and more importantly who the killer/s was - which is not as straightforward as you might think. A good satisfying read - recommended for all psychological thriller fans and worth 4 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Juror #3 by James Patterson

Juror #3 by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A RACIALLY CHARGED MURDER SPLITS A TOWN IN TWO

Ruby Bozarth, a newcomer to Rosedale, Mississippi, is also fresh to the Mississippi Bar – and she faces an impossible task defending a college football star accused of murder.

The victim is a young woman from one of the town's oldest families, and Rosedale's upper crust are howling for blood.

Then news breaks of a second murder, and lurid, intertwining investigations unfold.

Ruby discovers that no one in Rosedale can be trusted, especially the twelve men and women on the jury.

They may be hiding the biggest secret of all.



A collaborative novel from two authors and in many ways it looked like two separate stories - they did come together eventually but I was a bit puzzled for a while how they could do this.

Brilliantly atmospheric, I could almost ‘see’ the characters and settings which made the novel more enjoyable. Good courtroom dramas in both involving the newly qualified and inexperienced Ruby Bozarth leading murder trials. Nice back story of impending love interest gave this novel all the ingredients of a good read. Nice short chapters kept the pace going and a good measure of surprises along the way made this an enjoyable read - 4 stars from me, recommended reading for legal loving readers.