Killer Diamonds by Rebecca Chance

Killer Diamonds by Rebecca Chance
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After decades in the spotlight as an Oscar-winning film star and famous beauty, Vivienne Winter is one of the most recognizable women on the planet. When she decides to auction her multimillion dollar jewellery collection for charity, there's no shortage of people eager to buy a piece of her incredible history.

Young, ambitious Christine Smith is a jewellery expert working for a centuries-old auction house. But in a world of aristocratic snobs, her working-class origins are holding her back. She's desperate to secure the sale of Vivienne Winter's gem collection: it's set to be the biggest auction since Elizabeth Taylor's. However, meeting the Hollywood star is just the first hurdle Christine has to jump.

Vivienne's handsome, spoilt and sexy playboy grandson Angel is the heir to her fortune. The anger and resentment he feels towards his grandmother for selling what he'd counted on as one day being his inheritance sets in motion a series of events with deadly consequences. Angel is totally unscrupulous, and no one will emerge from his plotting unscathed. For it seems that family secrets cut sharper than diamonds . . .

Wasn’t really into this book – I felt the story line was weak and the characters didn’t gel with each other or with me as a reader. Having opened up with a murder the book then goes back in time with the central character Vivienne living out her somewhat hedonistic life and neglecting her daughter Pearl who goes on to have her own son Angel and is forced by Vivienne to hand him over to her care in exchange for Vivienne hushing up a rather nasty murder. Angel is damaged and grows up to be outwardly the perfect playboy who eventually ends up working closely with a gems curator Christine Smith who has been asked to catalogue Vivienne’s vast jewellery collection. It sounds like a good plot line and it is but it seemed for me to loose its way and I struggled to finish this one. Yes it had all the trade mark raunchy scenes so that should keep fans happy but I felt it lacked the killer punch so can only give this 3 stars.

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

There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Over a year after her parents sent her away from Hawaii to live with her grandmother in landlocked Nebraska, Makani Young is still adjusting to her new life. She's made a small group of close friends and even flirted with romance, but her past in Hawaii is still hard to forget.

And then . . . one by one the students of her new high school begin to die in a series of gruesome murders. Makani doesn't know who's next on the list. Between this, and a secret scorching relationship with the school weirdo, this school year may turn out to be one to die for . . . literally.

There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins will have you swooning with fear and romance, and is the perfect page-turner for fans of Scream Queens and I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Stephanie Perkins is well known for her contemporary YA, which have all proved to be very popular. This was long awaited and I think had a lot of hype, it had been a while since the last Stephanie Perkins book and knowing how brilliant they are, expectations for this was high.

I feel Perkins really stepped out of her comfort zone for this one and decided to write something different, for which I applaud her, it is not easy when a formula is so successful to have the confidence to try something new, but she gave it a go.

Personally for me, this didn't work, the mix of genres was a challenge and one I feel didn't work that well. It was billed as a horror, I didn't think it was scary, there was a lot of romance in it and being such a short book, I feel perhaps too much was tried to fit into it.

There were gory scenes in the book and I feel Perkins wrote these well but the ending was a little of a let down. I recommend that if you like Perkins books, give this a go. Just try to go into it without really high expectations. I would like to read other genres from Perkins such as thriller/horror, however I feel she should try to stick to one genre instead of mixing them.

Overall it was an O.K read, I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Frostfire by Amanda Hocking

Frostfire by Amanda Hocking

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Frostfire by Amanda Hocking is the stunning first installment in a tale of love, betrayal and the need to belong, the Kanin Chronicles.

Will she give up her dream to follow her heart?

Bryn Aven is determined to gain status amongst the Kanin, the most powerful of the hidden tribes. But as a half-blood, winning respect is a huge challenge. Bryn's almost-human community distrusts people, and those from other tribes are almost as suspect.

She has just one goal to get ahead: to join the elite guard protecting the Kanin royal family. And Bryn's vowed that nothing will stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss, Ridley Dresden.

But her plans are put on hold when fallen hero Konstantin starts acting dangerously. Bryn loved him once, but now he's kidnapping Kanin children - stealing them from hidden placements within human families. She's sent to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?

I am not a fantasy fan so this was a hard read for me. Having said that I do love Game of Thrones but perhaps this genre comes over better on the screen than in print - at least it seems to for me. I found this a heavy read, difficult to get into and when I put it down it was difficult to remember what I had previously read so picking it up was a strain.




I am sure that Amanda Hocking is a gifted writer and though she does try to convey atmosphere I just found it really hard to connect with this novel. It's a shame as I'm sure if you love fantasy reads this is a pretty passable novel but just not for me. Don't be put off reading it for yourself just because it didn't do it for me but on the basis that I have to review on my own enjoyment I can only give this a 3 star rating - I'm sure fans would disagree!




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

The Paris Secret by Karen Swan

The Paris Secret by Karen Swan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not every door should be opened . . .

With stunning locations and page-turning tension, The Paris Secret is an intense and gripping tale from bestselling author Karen Swan.

Somewhere along the cobbled streets of Paris, an apartment lies thick with dust and secrets: full of priceless artworks hidden away for decades.

High-flying fine art agent Flora from London, more comfortable with the tension of a million-pound auction than a cosy candlelit dinner for two, is called in to assess these suddenly discovered treasures. As an expert in her field, she must trace the history of each painting and discover who has concealed them for so long.

Thrown in amongst the glamorous Vermeil family as they move between Paris and Antibes, Flora begins to discover that things aren't all that they seem, while back at home her own family is recoiling from a seismic shock. The terse and brooding Xavier Vermeil seems intent on forcing Flora out of his family's affairs - but just what is he hiding?

Well written with good atmospheric passages which transport the reader into the heart of Paris, Vienna, Antibes and London.

After a property has been broken into in Paris a long-forgotten apartment is discovered that contains priceless artworks dating back to Vichy France. The building is owned by the Vermeil family who had no idea of the apartments existence until they are informed that the building has been broken into. Madame Vermeil is anxious to know what is in the apartment.

We are introduced to Flora a fine art adviser and auctioneer who is sent to Paris to verify artworks that might be in the apartment, clearly these art artworks seized during the Nazi occupation which is why they were hidden away for so long. Flora has to authenticate the artworks but can only trace them back to Franz von Taschelt, a Jew who appears to have swindled fellow Jews out of their collections during Nazi rule. Of course, under these circumstances no one wants to touch the paintings so the collections in terms of selling on is worthless.

Flora is set up in Vienna in one of the Vermeil family homes to start cataloguing the collection and meets Xavier the owners son a brooding mysterious character who despite herself Flora is attracted to.

Well written characters, good story subject that takes us back in time to WW11 and the German occupation and secrets that span decades waiting to be discovered along with a romance thrown in for good measure. Lovely introduction to the art world that would be good holiday reading material. A well deserved 4 stars from me.

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

Searching for a Silver Lining by Miranda Dickinson Blog Tour

Blurb:

It began with a promise . . . Matilda Bell is left heartbroken when she falls out with her beloved grandfather just before he dies. Haunted by regret, she makes a promise that will soon change everything . . . When spirited former singing star Reenie Silver enters her life, Mattie seizes the opportunity to make amends. Together, Mattie and Reenie embark on an incredible journey that will find lost friends, uncover secrets from the glamorous 1950s and put right a sixty-year wrong. Touchingly funny, warm and life-affirming, this is a sparkling story of second chances. Perfect for fans of Cecelia Ahern, Searching for a Silver Lining will take you on a trip you'll never forget.


Review:

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Miranda's books, I think I have read every one of them and I have never been disappointed. I thought Searching for a Silver lining was a different type of book, one that was unexpected but just as good as her others.

The reason I haven't given this book 5* is because although I liked it, I didn't like the historic element to the book. When I read the blurb and I discovered there was mention of the 1950's it filled me with dread. It wasn't as bad as I thought, although there is mention of the past as you discover what happened to Mattie's grandfather and what made him the man he was, it was written in diary form so broke up the book. There was also Rennie's memories coming through too, neither of which are very offensive.

This is a story about friendship, forgiveness and searching for something, in more than one way. Mattie has fallen out with her grandfather, unfortunately he dies before they have chance to make up and the guilt is tearing Mattie apart, if only she wasn't so stubborn!

Through doing a good deed Mattie is introduced to Rennie, an old lady in her 80's, who as it turns out used to be in the most famous band of the 50's! This band also happened to be her grandfathers favourite, by listening to her stories Mattie somehow feels closer to her late grandfather. Through a series of diaries he left her she discovers who he was growing up.

Through listening to Rennie's stories she realises she has her own burdens and guilt's that have followed her since the band split. Together they can put at least one of these things right hopefully and Mattie agrees to help Rennie.

Get ready for a road trip like no other! This is a book that is so unique, I have never read anything like it. Although it is not my favourite Dickinson novel this is one you must read. It is only not my favourite down to my taste. I did enjoy reading this, it made me feel very calm and melo when reading it, I thought it was intriguing and different. Definitely complete escapism and one for those of us wishing to slow things down in our own lives to take some time out.


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







Author info:

Miranda Dickinson has always had a head full of stories. From an early age she dreamed of writing a book that would make the heady heights of Kingswinford Library and today she is a bestselling author. She began to write in earnest when a friend gave her The World's Slowest PC, and has subsequently written the bestselling novelsFairytale of New York, Welcome to My World, It Started With a Kiss, When I Fall in Love, Take A Look At Me Now,I'll Take New York and A Parcel for Anna Browne. Miranda lives with her husband Bob and daughter Flo in Dudley.

Searching for a Silver Lining – The Unseen Crew 

I used to get very annoyed by questions about ‘juggling writing and family life’, frequently asked of women authors. I’ve still yet to see a male author be asked this. But actually, whatever life you have and regardless of whether you have kids or not, writing books depends on the support you have. For years, very few people knew I wrote. But as soon as I met my husband, Bob, I told him about my writing dreams and he began to support me. 

Now, with both of us self-employed and a certain curly-headed bouncy little lady to look after, I depend on his help, advice and utter belief in me more than ever before. Because here’s the truth: Searching for a Silver Lining simply wouldn’t exist without my unseen support crew. It’s so much more than just childcare. Bob, his parents, my parents and a key group of writer chums I’m chuffed to bits to call my close friends have boosted my confidence, provided physical and moral support, made meals, washed up, offered shoulders to cry on and sent me off to write while taking care of everything else. I’m so grateful for their help, belief and encouragement. 

I hope Searching for a Silver Lining rewards their unwavering faith in me. It’s why there is an extra-special dedication in this book – you’ll have to read it to discover who I’ve dedicated it to! Thanks so much for reading this blog exclusive! For more, follow my Searching for a Silver Lining blog tour. I really hope you enjoy reading the story!

Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll

Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Her perfect life is a perfect lie . . . Ani FaNelli is the woman who has it all: the glamorous job, the designer wardrobe, the handsome and rich fiancé. But behind her sharp edges and meticulously crafted facade lies the darkest of pasts . . .

When a documentary producer invites Ani to tell her side of the chilling and violent incident that took place when she was a teenager at the prestigious Bradley school, she hopes it will be an opportunity to prove how far she's turned her life around since then. She'll even let the production company film her lavish wedding, the final step in her transformation.

But as the wedding and filming converge, Ani's past threatens to come back and haunt her. And as her immaculate veneer starts to crack, she is forced to question: will breaking her silence destroy all that she has worked for - or, will it at long last, set Ani free?

This is probably going to be a little controversial but...

Oh dear, I really wanted to like this especially with the glowing reports and all the marketing hype but it really did fall a long way short of my expectations. I am an honest reviewer and don't get swayed by others opinions always making up my own mind and telling it how it is so for this reason I can't pretend it was a great piece of literary work or that it is the 'must read' book of the season, sorry.

I was on page 85 and still nothing concrete had happened and I almost lost the will to live to continue reading but I am nothing if not thorough so did plough on to the end.

Unfortunately it was a predictable as I had thought, no twists or unexpected thrills to keep the reader going or anything to keep me mildly interested in the characters. I hated TifAni FaNelli - what a stupid name and a shallow character, quite honestly I couldn't have cared less about her, the pronunciation of her name, or the 'story'. Everyone was so manufactured and hollow, and where was the humour that the back cover boasted about? There was nothing to anchor the reader, serious issues like rape were glossed over with little or no emotion and even a sexually ignorant girl of 14 would surely show more emotion, guilt or shame over what happened to her than this shallow character - just not believable for me.

I knew it I was not enjoying it because I had to keep reading back to remind me what I had read each time I picked the book up and I really struggled to want to pick it up - took me over a week as I kept putting it off! Normally a page turner will have me done in a day.This book was boring and dull and frankly I am at a loss as to why it was compared to such good writers as Gillian Flynn, Jodi Picoult and Lauren Weisberger when it is clearly not in the same league.

No not for me, all I can give this poor attempt is 1 star, there are far better books out there don't waste your time reading this one.

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

The Moomin Colouring Book by Macmillan Children's Books

The Moomin Colouring Book by Macmillan Children's Books
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This stylish and unique Moomin Colouring Book features original artwork from the coveted archive of Tove Jansson, creator of the Moomins; one of the most cherished children's book series ever written.

Beautifully conceived and designed, this contemporary colouring book features striking patterns and scenes as well as all your favourite Moomin characters and their most memorable quotes. The perfect gift for Moomin fans of all ages.


When I was sent this book to review I couldn't wait, I remember The Moomins as a child and loved it. I especially loved it when I went to Finland and discovered they have a Moomin Land! - Anyway enough of that, lets get on with the review.

The paper is quite thick, although I haven't used sharpies on this as I am unsure whether it would be thick enough to stop the colour coming through. I have used pencils though and I was really impressed with the look of it.

The sleeve of the book is beautiful too with gold elements on it, although it is not a hardback it is really sturdy and strong.

I took this into school for the children to colour during some free time and they loved it, they are 6 and 7, the illustrations are perfect for them. They are not too detailed or difficult to follow, which was perfect for them.

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

The Secrets of Happiness by Lucy Diamond

The Secrets of Happiness by Lucy Diamond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The best things in life . . . can be just around the corner

Rachel and Becca aren't real sisters, or so they say. They are stepsisters, living far apart, with little in common. Rachel is the successful one: happily married with three children and a big house, plus an impressive career. Artistic Becca, meanwhile, lurches from one dead-end job to another, shares a titchy flat, and has given up on love.

The two of them have lost touch, but when Rachel doesn't come home one night, Becca is called in to help.
Once there, she quickly realizes that her stepsister's life is not so perfect after all: Rachel's handsome husband
has moved out, her children are rebelling, and her glamorous career has taken a nosedive. Worst of all,
nobody seems to have a clue where she might be.

As Becca begins to untangle Rachel's secrets, she is forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about
her own life, and the future seems uncertain.

But sometimes happiness can be found in the most unexpected places . .



For the beginning of the half term I was at a lost of what to read. This was sent to me a while ago and I hadn't got round to it, mainly because it seemed intimidating in size and I knew I wanted to be able to really devote some time to it. I decided to settle down with it and I am so glad I did.

I have previously read short stories by Lucy Diamond and have really enjoyed them, so I was hoping I would enjoy this just as much and I did.

Rachel and Becca are step sisters, they have never been the closest and Becca has not heard from Rachel in a long time. So when Becca is called one night from a 'friend' of Rachel's stating she has the children and Rachel has gone AWOL Becca jumps in t help out, hoping that she can perhaps rekindle her friendship with her sister along the way.

When Becca steps into Rachel's shoes she starts to discover that her sisters life isn't as perfect as it seems and she begins to wonder exactly where Rachel is. This is a completely different life to Becca's and she struggles to slip into Rachel initially, after a while she begins to realise she is enjoying the country lifestyle and it gets he questioning her own life.

This is a family drama book, where both sisters go on a journey to really find out who they are, the characters are well developed and even secondary characters have great story lines and are likable. I couldn't really say who my favourite character was in this book as they all have their own qualities that I enjoyed reading about.

The story was a little predictable, however I didn't mind this as I was rooting for a happy ending for all involved. Although the book is a monster - over 450 pages, it didn't seem like that to read. I managed to finish this in three sittings, it also didn't seem too long, just the right amount. It is a heartwarming tale that was an easy read. I enjoyed the element of mystery in the story along with the romance and 'finding yourself' aspect. I also felt it encourages you to look at your own life and if your stuck in a rut, remember the grass is not always greener...

I would recommend this as a great read for a holiday, or when you have time to really invest in the book. I also will be reading more novels by Lucy Diamond in the future.

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

Solomon and Mortimer by Catherine Rayner

Solomon and Mortimer by Catherine Rayner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Solomon Crocodile and his friend Mortimer are bored. They want to find some fun, but what can they do? Tree-climbing is tricky, chasing lizards doesn't end well and flying turns out to be a lot harder than it looks. But then they spot the biggest hippo in the river. Just imagine the splash he'd make if two naughty crocodiles were to surprise him! But Solomon and Mortimer are about to get a whole lot more than they bargained for...

Sure to delight fans of the original Solomon Crocodile, which has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide, this warm, funny and charming tale from the Kate Greenaway Medal winning Catherine Rayner is one that young children will ask for again and again.


This is quite a naughty book, where the crocodiles are playing and attempt to creep up on another animal in the lake. To begin with you don't know that they are playing and initially the children I read this to were generally worried about this.

The story however was a cheeky one, which was humourous, only a few of the children I read this to got the joke. Although those who did found it very funny.

It would have been nice to have read the previous book with these characters in but it didn't stop the children enjoying this one.

This is a fun tale of how crocodiles like to play. The illustrations and the colouring in the book are lovely. It looks really fresh and clean.

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

Lucy Locket: Online Disaster by Emma Moss

Lucy Locket: Online Disaster by Emma Moss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



NEWSFLASH . . . VLOGGING IS GO!

It's bad enough having to move house, school and country all at the same time, without making a fool of yourself on the first day of term. But that's just what Lucy's done - and one of her classmates has videoed the whole thing and put it online!

Lucy's so stressed, her stammer's become worse than ever. So when a friend encourages her to create her own videos, she thinks it's a terrible idea - surely she's embarrassed herself enough for one lifetime!

But when Lucy finally gives vlogging a try, she's amazed to find that people actually want to watch . . .

Includes tips for making your own vlogs!

I bought this book on a bit of a whim today, I wanted something light and easy to read. This book is certainly that.

This story is about Lucy, she has moved over from the US as her mother got a job as a vet. (Not really sure why that meant they had to move abroad...surely there are vets in the US??) Lucy has left her life and her best friend (Morgan) behind, she is dreading her first day at school and is worried she won't make any friends.

Morgan is a vlogger and wanted to encourage Lucy to get into it. Lucy doesn't feel comfortable in front of the camera, especially without Morgan there and feels she couldn't ever vlog. Morgan has bought Lucy a camera as a leaving present in hope that perhaps she will use it.

Lucy's first day at school is a total disaster, one that encourages her stammer to come out. Lucy suffers from this when she is nervous or stressed, so trying to keep her awful day from her parents, doesn't go down too well as they can spot something has been up right from the beginning.

This is a story of friendship, new beginnings, struggling with new situations and discovering who you are.

I did enjoy this story, it did exactly what I wanted it to do. It was light-hearted, had an element of romance and a lot of friendship. I would however question the age this book is aimed at. It is suggested for audiences 10 and up, there is no bad language or anything in the book, but personally I wouldn't want a child of 10 reading how to start their own YouTube channel, which tips are given at the end of the book. I would say due to the nature of the story 14 and up would be more appropriate. That is just my personal opinion and others may not agree with me on that.

Overall I did enjoy the book and I read it in one sitting. If you are looking for a fun quick read I would recommend this to you. This kept me entertained for a couple of hours in the afternoon. :)

Flawed by Cecelia Ahern

Flawed by Cecelia Ahern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The stunning YA debut from internationally bestselling author Cecelia Ahern.

Celestine North lives a perfect life. She’s a model daughter and sister, she’s well-liked by her classmates and teachers, and she’s dating the impossibly charming Art Crevan.

But then Celestine encounters a situation in which she makes an instinctive decision. She breaks a rule and now faces life-changing repercussions. She could be imprisoned. She could be branded. She could be found FLAWED.

In this stunning novel, bestselling author Cecelia Ahern depicts a society in which perfection is paramount and mistakes are punished. And where one young woman decides to take a stand that could cost her everything.



I absolutely love Cecelia Ahern's novels and when I knew she was writing a YA I knew I wanted to get my hands on a copy. I was over the moon to find out that I had won a competition to receive an early copy of Flawed. As soon as my copy arrived I began and I am so glad I did, this certainly disappoint. The only thing I am disappointed about is that I need to wait a whole year for the next in the installment.

Normally I do not like dystopians, they tend to be a bit too far fetched for me and I find it difficult to relate to them as they are too far away from reality. This book however is very different. Although it is a dystopian I would say this is a great introduction into the genre if like me you don't really get on with them very well.

This is such an interesting book, one that stayed with me night after night of reading parts of it, I haven't been so hooked on a book for a long time. Celestine is perfect, living her life with her prefect boyfriend Art. They live in a controlled society, one where they can be branded flawed for doing things that are considered wrong. Not by the police but by the Guild.

One day Celestine finds herself in a situation, one that she cannot ignore , she chooses to make a quick decision, one which now could be life changing.

There were times in the book when I didn't want to keep reading through discuss of parts of it, then there were other parts, which I thought was completely unfair and I wished I could influence Celestine and other characters in the book. I felt I was on a roller coaster ride with Celestine and never knew who I could trust. Even after finishing the novel I am still unsure of characters and not sure if they have an ulterior motive.

This for me was totally new and unique, I have never read a book like this. It was totally engaging and I honestly had no idea where the book was going. I really enjoyed this debut young adult, there was a lot of description and the characters were well developed.

I loved Carrick in the story, there is so much mystery with him, some of which still are not clear. I think Art was too weak and he doesn't have a back bone, not willing to stand up for himself or to his father. I think he would have gained more respect from me if he had shown a more courageous side.

The only negative I have about this book is that there are a lot of unanswered questions and we were left on a huge cliff hanger. This is the first in a series, I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for Perfect next year.

I would recommend this book to Cecelia Ahern fans as well as those who read young adult books. I feel if you are new to dystopians and want to get into them, this would be a good one to start with.

I would like to thank Maximum Pop for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell

Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

'Everybody likes everything these days. The whole world is a nerd.'
'Are you mad because other people like Star Wars? Are you mad because people like me like Star Wars?'
'Maybe.'

If you broke Elena's heart, Star Wars would spill out. So when she decides to queue outside her local cinema to see the new movie, she's expecting a celebration with crowds of people who love Han, Luke and Leia just as much as she does.

What she's not expecting is to be last in a line of only three people; to have to pee into a collectible Star Wars soda cup behind a dumpster or to meet that unlikely someone who just might truly understand the way she feels.


This is a short story, which has been released for world book day. I am a sucker for a short story and being Rainbow Rowell, I knew I had to get hold of a copy. I bought this and finished it in the same day.

I don't like Star Wars (Think I may have seen one of the films once?!) A was a little worried that I wouldn't enjoy this story, however it made no difference to me if I liked it or had seen it, which was great. Star Wars I feel was a back story and the reason all the characters met up, but it was much more than that.

Elena, Troy and Gabe are queuing for the opening of the new Star Wars film, they are an unlikely threesome, however you get to know all of them in their own ways. I found it humourous in places and really loved the story about the line, and that there was only the three of them. I loved how the characters were developed even though it was short, it didn't feel rushed.

I loved the story line in the book, I liked the characters and everything about it. I am so glad I grabbed a copy, my only negative was the length of it. I could have easily enjoyed a full length novel of this. If you haven't managed to get a copy yet, what are you waiting for?

Pretending to Dance by Diane Chamberlain

Pretending to Dance by Diane Chamberlain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When the pretending ends, the lying begins . . . Molly Arnette is good at keeping secrets. As she and her husband try to adopt a baby, she worries that the truth she's kept hidden about her North Carolina childhood will rise to the surface and destroy not only her chance at adoption, but her marriage as well. Molly ran away from her family twenty years ago after a shocking event left her devastated and distrustful of those she loved. Now, as she tries to find a way to make peace with her past and embrace a healthy future, she discovers that even she doesn't know the truth of what happened in her family of pretenders.



This was the first novel by Diane Chamberlain I have read, it won't be my last.

Beautifully written it charts the life of teenager Molly Arnette her father Graham, mother Nora and their extended family all living in Morrison Ridge an idyllic 100 acre compound in Swannanoa in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

The story starts out in San Diego where Molly is grown up and an attorney, married to Aiden who is also a lawyer they are trying to adopt a baby after the loss of their own baby and Molly's hysterectomy. Molly is nervous of revealing her family history and over the course of the novel the reasons why start to fit together. Her husband Aiden does not know her past as she has never felt able to share this with him and he struggles to understand some of her fears over an adoption.

The novel switches from the grown up Molly narrating to the fourteen year old Molly as flashbacks reveal her past and her growing up in the 1990's. So, the scene is set and we see her grow up before our eyes as the story moves on.

We met fourteen year old Molly in the summer holidays and the only one of her 'friends' around is Stacy who she does not know very well but she invites for a sleepover. Stacy is everything that Molly is not and their friendship causes Molly to make some unwise choices that contribute to the feelings of guilt that haunt her after her father dies. Molly's relationship with her father is very strong and like most teenagers, even though her father has MS and is very ill, she believes he will always be around. His death therefore is a great shock to her and her belief that her mother Nora may have had a hand in it is more than she can bear.

Though Diane Chamberlains' skillful writing we experience a mixture of coming of age, highly charged emotional situations, difficult complex family relationships and the unconditional love of a father for his daughter. Her fourteenth year was to her the worst year of her life for many reasons and it takes her more than 20 years to reconcile her past and put her demons behind her before she can move on with her husband and begin a family of her own.

This was such a deeply moving book, I loved the gentle Graham her father who although he suffered greatly he never burdened anyone while he struggled to cope with his degenerative illness. Physically he had no movement other than being able to move his head and yet through the eloquent language and empathy of the writer I felt Graham could move mountains. His affect on those around him was astounding given his disabilities and somehow I was able to read this without pity for him but admiration. The author managed to make the reader feel that the lives of all the family were enriched by him - he was not a burden - that takes great skill as a writer.

I don't want to reveal anything about this book as it really has to be read and although it does tackle a physical disability it is also about great love, hope, growing up, secrets, mistakes and struggles in hearts and minds.

I really couldn't give this book any less than 5 stars for its' bewitching brilliant writing, its poignant messages and its' gentle journey of self discovery, heart wrenching loss and the freedom of forgiveness. Quite simply a beautiful memorable read.

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

Life on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers

Life on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mom,

I went to the store. See inside the fridge. I watered the plants. I cleaned out Peter's cage. I tidied the sitting room. And the kitchen. And I did the washing up.

I'm going to bed.

Your live-in servant,

Claire

Life on the Refrigerator Door is told exclusively through notes exchanged by Claire and her mother, Elizabeth, during the course of a life-altering year. Their story builds to an emotional crescendo when Elizabeth is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Stunningly sad but ultimately uplifting, this is a clever, moving, and original portrait of the relationship between a daughter and mother. It is about how we live our lives constantly rushing, and never making time for those we love. It is also an elegy to how much can be said in so few words, if only we made the time to say them.

A new edition of this simultaneously heartbreaking and heart-warming novel by Alice Kuipers.




Life on the refrigerator door was sent to me to review. I knew nothing about it before it arrived. I choose not to read the blurb and just go on the title and the cover.

This is about a mother and daughter, both have incredibly busy lives - Claire a fifteen year old girl and her mum as a baby delivery nurse. The only communication they seem to have is through notes left on the fridge. These are the notes that form this debut novel. These notes are meaningless most of the time, ranging from being late home to grabbing some shopping. Except one day, one particular note turns both of their lives upside down forever.

The book is very short, it is just over 200 pages long, but each page is only a note, these range in lengths but made the book incredibly easy to read. I finished it in a couple of hours.

There are a few issues I had with this book and that's the reason I am only giving the book 3*, first of all, I know that Claire is only fifteen years old, however the way she behaved at times in this book drove me mad. She screams spoilt brat right out of the page, she is self centred and thinks about no one except herself. I found it very hard to connect to her and acutally disliked her for the majority of the novel. The other thing I have a problem with is the mother - she is meant to be in the medical industry but then seems to know little about medical problems. I also think that she came across very irresponsible, she does not have a mobile phone and then moans at her daughter when she doesn't pick up hers. She also communicates largely by notes to her daughter all the time? This novel if nothing else illustrates the importance of talk in families.

I do think that there are very strong messages that come through in this novel, however they are not as moving as I would have thought and they seem to just catch up with the reader towards the end.

I do enjoy reading books written in different formats and for me I enjoyed reading the series of notes, whether this was the best format to choose for a subject so emotional I am still unsure about. Personally I didn't find the novel heartbreaking or bringing a tear to my eye and I think this was because there was lack of description in the novel. This is something that would not be necessary in note form.

The author did leave a lot for the reader to fill in, not all notes followed on from one another and you were filing the blanks yourself. I also quite enjoyed this aspect of the novel, however I think that the novel may have benefited at times from some narration.

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

The Giant of Jum - Elli Woollard

The Giant of Jum by Elli Woollard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Fee!" he said, and "Fi!" he said, and "Fo!" he said and "Fum!"

Look out children, the Giant of Jum is grumpy and hungry and he's off in search of a tasty snack. And the tastiest of all is a boy known as Jack! But Jack and his friends don't see a scary giant, they see a magically tall man - a man who can fetch lost balls and rescue cats from trees! Perhaps this hungry giant is softer than he seems...

An incredible rhyming text and a brilliant, big-hearted twist on a classic fairy tale, this book sees the launch of a major new picture book pairing: the uniquely talented author and poet, Elli Woollard, and award-winning illustrator, Benji Davies.

Also contains an important message for all: don't eat kids, eat cake!



This book was sent to me to review, I decided to take it into school to read to my class to get their opinion on it.

I originally thought that this maybe a little young for my year 3 class, but I shouldn't have been worried. They loved it!

They loved the language and the rhyme in the story and found it amusing, they also made the connection to Jack and the Beanstalk but told me they preferred this version! They also really loved the illustrations, they are so bright and colourful. They said that this is the type of book they would want someone to read to them again and again, as well as reading it for their selves. They said that they would recommend it to a friend, a brother or sister. They said they would rate this highly.

From a teachers perspective I also loved the book, I loved the rhyme aspect in it and that it is like a traditional tale. This is perfect for younger children to teach them about these. I also loved the illustrations, this was a big hit for me and my class and I felt so lucky that I had the chance to share it with them. This book gets a huge 5* from all of us.

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

Lucinda Riley's The Seven Sisters Blog Tour with Hardback edition giveaway!

Today is my stop on The Seven Sisters blog tour, I have an extract from the book for you today along with the chance to win a beautiful hardback edition of the book. So if you love the sound of this please make sure you enter the giveaway, which you will find at the end of this post. 

Extract from The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley

I spent the small hours translating the quotes on the armillary

sphere. Whether each one was relevant to the other girls, I

didn’t feel it was my place to investigate. I left mine until last,

almost too frightened to know what it said. When I’d fi nished

translating it, I took a deep breath and read it.

Never let your fear decide your destiny

I knew that the seven words Pa Salt had left me could not

have described me and who I was any more accurately.

The next morning, after making my requisite cup of tea, I

returned to the bedroom, tentatively pulled the envelope from

under my pillow, and carried it into the sitting room. I studied

it for a while as I sipped my tea.

Then, taking a few deep breaths, I picked it up and tore it

open. Inside was a letter, but also something else; as I reached

inside to grasp it, it felt solid, yet somehow also soft beneath

my fingers. As I drew it out, I saw it was a triangular-shaped

stone tile, creamy in colour but with a green hue to it. I

turned it over and saw there was an illegible faded inscription

on the back of it.

Unable to decipher it, I set it down, and, with trembling

hands, I unfolded Pa’s letter and began to read.

Atlantis

Lake Geneva

Switzerland

My dearest Maia,

I’m sure as you sit and read this that you’ll be

feeling confused and sad. My beloved fi rst-born girl,

I can only tell you what a joy you have been to me.

Even though I can’t claim to be your natural father,

I beg you to believe that I have loved you as though I

was. And I must tell you that it was you who inspired

me to continue to adopt your beautiful younger

sisters, and that all of you have given me more

pleasure than anything else in my life.

You have never asked me to tell you about your

true heritage, the story of where I found you and the

circumstances that led up to your adoption. Rest

assured, I would have told you if you had, as one of

your sisters did a few years ago. But as I leave this

earth, I feel it is only right to allow you the freedom

to discover it in the future if you wish.

None of you came to me with a birth certifi cate,

and as you know, all of you are offi cially registered as

my daughters. No one can take that away from you.

However, at the very least, I can point you in the

right direction. After that, only you can choose to

take the journey back into your past if you so wish.

On the armillary sphere, which you have now

seen, are a set of coordinates indicating exactly where

on this planet your story began. And there is also a

small clue inside the envelope to help you further.

Maia, I can’t tell you what you’ll fi nd if you do

decide to return to the country of your birth. But

what I can tell you is that your true family and their

story touched my life.

I’m sad that there is no time left for me to relate

my own story to you, and that perhaps you sometimes

felt that I kept many things to myself. What I

did, I did to protect you all. But of course, no man,

or woman, is an island. And as you grew up, I had to

set you free to fly.

We all hold secrets inside us, but please believe

me when I say that family is everything. And that the

love of a parent for a child is the most powerful force

on earth.

Maia, it’s understandable that I look back on my

life and regret many of the decisions that I’ve made

during it. Of course, it is the human condition to

make mistakes, as that is how we learn and grow. But

my dearest wish is to at least pass on any wisdom

that I’ve gathered to my precious daughters.

I think there is a part of you that, because of your

life experience so far, has led you to lose your faith in

human nature. My dearest Maia, please know that I

too have suffered from the same affl iction and it

blighted my life at times. However, I have learnt over

the many years I’ve spent on this earth that for every

one bad apple, there are thousands more whose

hearts are full of kindness. And you must trust to the

intrinsic goodness inside each of us. Only then will

you be able to live and love fully.

I will leave you now, my dearest Maia; I’m sure I

have given you and your sisters much to think about.

I am watching over you always from the heavens.

Your loving father,

Pa Salt x

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning a copy of this stunning book is to enter via the rafflecopter below. You do need to be living in the UK or have a UK address to enter. Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

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