War Orphans by Lizzie Lane

War Orphans by Lizzie Lane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

“If at all possible, send or take your household animals into the country in advance of an emergency. If you cannot place them in the care of neighbours, it really is kindest to have them destroyed."

Joanna Ryan’s father has gone off to war, leaving her in the care of her step-mother, a woman more concerned with having a good time than being any sort of parent to her.

But then she finds a puppy, left for dead, and Joanna’s becomes determined to save him, sharing her meagre rations with him. But, in a time of war, pets are only seen as an unnecessary burden and she is forced to hide her new friend, Harry, from her step-mother and the authorities. With bombs falling over Bristol and with the prospect of evacuation on the horizon, can they stay together and keep each other safe?


War Orphans is a nice easy read, lots of heart and tugs at the heart strings. A little girl Joanna in the midst of war is a determined little fighter, she is treated badly by her stepmother and finds her salvation in looking after a little puppy who she finds left for dead after someone cruely throws a bag full of puppies into the river to drown. She rescues Harry and is determined to help him survive. The problem is that wartime means that food is hard to come by and having Harry and feeding him is against the law so Joanna hides Harry in an abandoned shed on the allotments.

Joanna grows up during this awful wartime and makes some friends along the way and those lives she crosses have their own hardships to bear.

It was a sweet little book and I suppose it does end how it should but didn't have any surprises for me; a nice distraction read and a little glimpse into this genre but not a great novel. I give this one a 3 star rating.

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

One Little Mistake by Emma Curtis

One Little Mistake by Emma Curtis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

YOU TRUSTED YOUR BEST FRIEND . . . YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE.

Vicky Seagrave is blessed: three beautiful children, a successful, doting husband, great friends and a job she loves. She should be perfectly happy.

When she makes a split-second decision that risks everything she holds dear, there's only person she trusts enough to turn to.

But Vicky is about to learn that one mistake is all it takes; that if you're careless with those you love, you don't deserve to keep them . . .



Really enjoyed this novel, it was well written and the use of suspense building throughout was what kept the pace from start to finish. Written from two points of view over two different time scales (1992 and 2010), Emma Curtis wove these together with seamless precision. I do read a lot of psychological thrillers and it was therefore not difficult for me to guess the connection but having said that it didn't detract from the story and was an excellent read that kept me awake until the wee small hours just to finish it.

The blurb tells the outline of how one little mistake and shared secrets between her best friend Amber Vicky felt she could trust, and the realisation that you can't really trust anyone sometimes least of all your best friend is the crux of this book. It is so much more than that though, mind games, secrets, insecurities, guilt, fear and hopelessness that once the genie is out of the bottle you can't just put it back and hope that everything will be the same. Vicky quickly learns that actions have consequences and she is powerless to make things right. The seemingly easy friendship between Vicky and Amber turns into a toxic relationship and sets in motion a series of events that spiral out of control. It poses the question how well we know our friends and whether we can trust our most intimate of secrets with them in the knowledge they might use them against us. Powerfully written, great character crafting and suspense building, a thoroughly enjoyable read and deserving 4 stars.

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

Girl Up by Laura Bates

Girl Up by Laura Bates
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

They told you you need to be thin and beautiful.

They told you to wear longer skirts, avoid going out late at night and move in groups - never accept drinks from a stranger, and wear shoes you can run in more easily than heels.

They told you to wear just enough make-up to look presentable but not enough to be a slut; to dress to flatter your apple, pear, hourglass figure, but not to be too tarty.

They warned you that if you try to be strong, or take control, you'll be shrill, bossy, a ballbreaker. Of course it's fine for the boys, but you should know your place.

They told you 'that's not for girls' - 'take it as a compliment' - 'don't rock the boat' - 'that'll go straight to your hips'.

They told you 'beauty is on the inside', but you knew they didn't really mean it.

Well I'm here to tell you something different.

Hilarious, jaunty and bold, GIRL UP exposes the truth about the pressures surrounding body image, the false representations in media, the complexities of a sex and relationships, the trials of social media and all the other lies they told us.


I am not sure really how to review this book. It sits slightly awkwardly with me. I am not a feminist and never tried to be and so some of the way this book has been written wasn't for me.

This book is very crude in places, just not my cup of tea. Yes there are lots of good points in the book and I feel other women/ younger girls should know and read but perhaps not in this way. If you are a lover of feminism or even writing an essay for university on this subject I would recommend you pick this book up as there are lots of great points in it and the author is honest throughout.

I enjoyed the fact the book was broken up with illustrations and diagrams throughout, I thought this stopped it being too 'heavy'. I can recognise that the author has spent a lot of time researching and clearly has a passion for this area, but I feel that sometimes it has been represented in a crude way. One that doesn't sit kindly with me. This is probably a bit of a controversial review as I can see most people who have read this have really enjoyed it. However, I have always reviewed a book honestly. There were parts of this book that I skimmed as I could see I wasn't enjoying the way it was written. Saying this, it doesn't mean it is an awful book as many will love this and be able to relate to it.

I have given this book 3* for the authors clear interest in this area and the fact she has backed her thoughts and writing up with expert opinions. The grammar and English is also correct throughout which makes a book much more enjoyable to read.

Although this is not a book for me, others have loved it and I would recommend you read it to for your own opinions on it.

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

We never said goodbye blog tour with extract

When Louise is dumped by Mike on their twentieth wedding anniversary, she faces the daunting task of picking up the pieces of her life. She can either choose to persevere in her adopted hometown of London, bolstered by dear friends and the fashion business she loves, or return to her native Sweden alone. Can she find happiness with an old flame in a city she avoided for two decades? Or will her ex’s violent, criminal past haunt her forever?

As Mike become increasingly unhinged, the choices Louise makes could prove fatal. Will she ever be able to say goodbye to the past and start afresh?

Helen has stopped by to include a guest post for the tour today, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks Helen!

The moment they arrived at Malmö Airport, both took a deep breath and inhaled the fresh air, so different to the pollution of London. The weather was sunny with a cool breeze. Taking a cab outside the airport, they were grateful they’d opted to wear jeans, T-shirts and jackets. They asked the cab driver to drop them close to the pedestrian walk, then stood, gazing around at the crowds of people talking and laughing. Many spoke a different language.

Malmö, like London and so many parts of Europe, was inhabited with people from other cultures.

“Let’s fika at Café Hollandia! I’m gasping for proper coffee and a cinnamon bun.”

Minutes later, seated in a plush velvet chair at a table by the counter and drooling over the assortment of scrumptious delights before them, Louise and Trine decided to share a prawn and egg sandwich, followed by chocolate mousse gateaux.

“This is simply delicious,” Trine declared, taking a bite of the cake and savouring it in her mouth. No matter how tasty the snacks were in her favourite Fulham café, nothing compared to Swedish confectionary in her view.

“Mamma used to take me here when she and I went shopping together. We’d cycle from our home in Limhamn and spend hours together talking and relaxing. Pappa and I visited art galleries every Saturday. I’ll never forget all the special times we shared.”

Louise’s voice faltered. Every time she returned to Malmö, the overwhelming sense of loss crushed her. This time wasn’t any different. She’d never get over losing her parents.

“Life’s much too precious to waste. Could you live here again?” Trine asked between mouthfuls of cake. She and Jasper had discussed it before the trip. Both agreed it would be the start of a new life for Louise and they’d look after the flat and The Studio if Louise wanted to return to Malmö. “You’ve been through so much in a short period of time. Jasper and I know you’re not happy. However much you try to hide it, we can see straight through you. We love you too much to turn a blind eye to it. Face up to it, Louise. You’ve not been happy for a very long time. Not even when you and Mike were together. You know it just as much as we do.”

“You seriously propose I relocate to Malmö? Is that the reason you persuaded me to come with you?” Louise wasn’t sure if her friend was right. She’d lived in London for many years. Malmö hadn’t changed that much yet Louise knew nothing was quite the way she remembered it. The political and cultural landscape had changed beyond recognition, both for better and worse. Furthermore, she’d lost touch with her aunt and close friends. What if she didn’t fit in? “Malmö’s not how it used to be. I can feel it in here.” Louise pointed to her stomach.

“If that’s how you feel, all I can tell you is that it takes time and perseverance to adjust. I know you’re apprehensive of starting over but you needn’t be! After decades in London, it won’t take long to feel at home.”

“If I didn’t know better, I’d imagine you want rid of me! Is that the real reason we’re in Malmö? Trine, I’m forty-five years old, with a business and a home in London. I’m too old and set in my ways to start over. Don’t you want us to work together anymore? I can’t imagine a life without you, Jasper and the kids.”

“You’ll never get rid of us! I’m not a selfish person, Louise. If I were, I wouldn’t tell you to move back to Malmö. I love our friendship and partnership but you’re just going through the motions of everyday life. Seeing you so unhappy is killing me! I know you say you’ve come to terms with what happened with Mike and I wish that was true. You’ve not dealt with it sufficiently, Louise. Malmö is

your chance for a new life. If you don’t like it, all you have to do is book a flight back to London. We’ll always be there for you.”

[…]

Louise’s initial thought when she woke up the next morning was how much she was warming to the idea of returning to Malmö. She hadn’t lived there since her parents died, yet in her heart she knew that her aunt and friends were right. There was no reason for her to remain in London except Trine and her family, and The Studio. Having breakfast in the small living room, Louise felt more alone than when Mike first left her. I’ll discuss it with Trine, she decided, recalling the Larsens’ promise to look after her flat and her share of the business in case she decided to return. I’m lonely. Mamma loved dogs. Perhaps I ought to get a rescue dog to keep me company? I’ll call Natasha tomorrow. She’s bound to know of someone who’s got puppies.

She was browsing through an old photo album when Trine called to ask if she’d like to join them for lunch. “Jasper’s been busy in the kitchen since dawn. The aroma is out of this world! We’ve got Sunday roast with hasselback potatoes and chocolate cake on the menu. Please say you’ll come.”

Salivating at the thought of all the food, Louise realised she was famished. “Alright! But I’ll not stay for long. Tell Jasper I want him to prepare a large G&T. I’ll catch a cab.” Louise refused to use the local transport that never arrived on time and had sold her BMW convertible after she moved into her flat, only a few minutes’ walk from The Studio.

Contrary to what she’d told them, Trine, Jasper and the kids persuaded her to stay much longer. Just as she was about to accept a lift home from Jasper, Trine took her aside.

“Do you recall that guy you used to date when your parents were alive? I can’t for the life of me remember his name. He was so sweet.”

“Why are you bringing him up now? Nicklas and I were kids.”

“That’s the one! Nicklas. You were deeply in love with each other. I wonder what happened to him.”

“He’s probably married with five kids. Honestly, I can’t figure you out, sometimes! Do you recall every guy you’ve dated? I sure don’t.”

“Nicklas wasn’t just a fling. The two of you were inseparable. Don’t you ever look back and wonder what might have happened had you not met Mike and moved to London?”

“Not really. What’s the point? Life’s transient. Nothing stays the same.”

Later, seated in Jasper’s van on the way back to Fulham, Louise couldn’t shake off Trine’s comments. I hope Nicklas has found someone who loves and understands him, she thought, then pushed his image to the back of her mind.

We Never Said Goodbye by Heléne Fermont is out 6th April (Fridhem, £9.99)

You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott

You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Katie and Eric Knox have dedicated their lives to their fifteen-year-old daughter Devon, a gymnastics prodigy and Olympic hopeful. But when a violent death rocks their close-knit gymnastics community just weeks before an all-important competition, everything the Knoxes have worked so hard for feels suddenly at risk.

 As rumors swirl among the other parents, revealing hidden plots and allegiances, Katie tries frantically to hold her family together while also finding herself drawn, irresistibly, to the crime itself, and the dark corners it threatens to illuminate. From a writer with "exceptional gifts for making nerves jangle and skin crawl," (Janet Maslin) YOU WILL KNOW ME is a breathless rollercoaster of a novel about the desperate limits of desire, jealousy, and ambition

Devon has a dream, of becoming a gym superstar, wanting to perform in all competitions going. Her parents Katie and Eric have supported her all the way, her coach now believes she can make it in the Olympics so Katie and Eric continue to support her.

Unfortunately this was not my type of book, I have no interest in this area and I found it extremely difficult to get into the book. I didn't find there were any major twists that I hadn't already guessed, I didn't find the 'mystery' was all that. I feel that the book had a massive hype and flopped for me. Yes the story was well written and in the past I have loved Megan Abbott's novels, but this is not one that I particularly care for. I have given the book 3* mainly for the way it has been written. Unfortunately I was deeply disappointed in this book.

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

Cat Castles: 20 Cardboard Habitats You Can Build Yourself by Carin Oliver

Cat Castles: 20 Cardboard Habitats You Can Build Yourself by Carin Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Build your cat “paw-some” homemade habitats with easy instructions and common materials.

Shoeboxes and paper bags are fine for other cats. But your favorite felines deserve luxurious living spaces! This DIY construction guide includes fun and easy instructions for making cardboard trains, ships, food trucks, rockets, and other hideouts. Also included are tips for climbing towers and scratching pads that they can use to stay sharp.

All twenty projects are quick to assemble and require inexpensive and easy-to-find materials. You can customize them to match your cat’s wildest desires!


This is such a cute book, this gives ideas and instructions on how to make places for your cat, such as castles, planes etc.

It has beautiful illustrations and the book is just a bit of fun. Perfect for any cat lover and child who needs entertaining over the holidays.

I would recommend this book to cat lovers.

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

The Quality of Silence by Rosamund Lupton

The Quality of Silence by Rosamund Lupton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I'll risk my life for you.
On 24 November Yasmin and her ten-year-old daughter Ruby set off on a journey across Northern Alaska. They're searching for Ruby's father, missing in the arctic wilderness.

More isolated with each frozen mile they cover, they travel deeper into an endless night. And Ruby, deaf since birth, must brave the darkness where sight cannot guide her.

She won't abandon her father. But winter has tightened its grip, and there is somebody out there who wants to stop them.

Somebody tracking them through the dark.


Set in the beautiful yet unforgiving and dangerous landscape of Alaska this is the story of determination of a mother and her deaf daughter to find her wildlife photographer husband who has been presumed killed in a fire in Anaktue. Yasmin travels with her daughter Ruby across Alaska after persuading a trucker to drive them as close to the scene as he can as they are both absolutely convinced Matt is alive. When events interrupt this journey Yasmin finds herself driving the truck across Alaska with Ruby and the distinct feeling that they are not alone.

Ruby is an amazing child, deaf since birth she has developed a wisdom beyond her years and heightened senses that drive the pair on. Wonderfully atmospheric passages transport the reader to the harsh and unforgiving climate of the Arctic; good suspense building up to the conclusion. I won't spoil how it ends you'll just have to read it but make sure you have a woolly jumper handy and are sitting by the fire as this is so descriptive you will feel the cold.

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