The Other Side

The Other Side

By Milo McGivern

Genre:-Children's Fiction

Age:-8-12 Years

Publisher:-Matador

Blurb:-The Island of Animaux is a mysterious, wonderful place. Unknown to humans, hidden by fog and always on the move around the planet. It is a land of crazy, mad, funny adventures. Welcome back!

 The five new tales in The Other Side follow on from the ones in the last book, Coffee and Ice Cream. Aubrey the Turkey is once again up to his neck in bother. See where he ends up when a magic trick goes wrong, also how Clifford Platypus, Walli Hog and their friends manage to save him. Travel with Aubrey, Clifford and Walli as they go on an enjoyable seaside holiday, at least for the Turkey. Watch as the island becomes stuck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, unable to move. The biggest crisis in its long history!

 Please enjoy the stories. And don't be afraid to laugh, particularly as Aubrey's expense. But please, please, please-continue to remember to keep the latest position of the island top secret!

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My Review:-This is Book Five in 'The Island ofAnimaux series.' We decided to read this book as one of our bedtime stories and we all enjoyed it. A place that no humans know about and it moves around the planet. We get to meet many characters, both old and new in this book. Aubrey turkey, Clifford the Platypus and Walli Hog. The stories are fun but also have meaning, the environment, love and loss. I found it a great way of helping children with emotions. I liked the idea of the map at the beginning along with two coordinates. The little pictures throughout the book adds to the stories. Emily enjoyed this book and found it easy to read.

Retribution-Landscapes of Love

Retribution-Landscapes of Love Book 2

By Philip Tyler

Genre:-Literary Fiction/Contemporary Fiction

Pages:-338

Publisher:-Pickhill Publishing

Blurb:-Retribution is the second book in the Landscapes of Love trilogy. The complex relationship between Charlie, Daniel and Anne Marie moves to the beautiful landscapes of Saudi Arabia. Charlie lives on the large family estate in the spectacular Yorkshire Dales. Since university, where she was physically abused by a wealthy American fellow student, she has had no interest in developing relationships and has thrown herself into managing the estate and enjoying her successful business as a landscape photographer. Daniel is an independent mercenary who works for governments and wealthy organisations around the world. He uses the financial rewards to run conservation programmes for white rhinos in Kenya and mountain gorillas in Rwanda. When his wife is killed, he uses his business skills to track down those responsible in the whole 'white gold' supply chain across the world and destroy them. Anne-Marie is a very intelligent and extremely beautiful Afo-American who helps Daniel with his dangerous work. Anne-Marie develops a passionate love for Charlie.

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My Review:-This is Book Two of 'Landscapes of Love'. I had the pleasure of reading and review Book One 'Catharsis'. We are taken on a journey in the life of Charlie, Daniel and Anne Marie. With the beautiful backdrop of Saudi Arabia. Even though each of the characters are totally different from each other, but all fit together. We get to see how the characters Charlie, Daniel and Anne Marie are developing, Charlie a landscape photographer and doesn't let past traumas (we learnt of these in Book One)

Hexed

Hexed

By Lisa Wakely

Genre:-YA/Supernatural/Fantasy

Pages:-200

Publisher:-

Blurb:-After sixteen-year-old Harriet Flynn trips over an ancient gravestone etched with strange markings in a seventeenth-century holiday village and reads the inscription, she and her friends are alarmed to wake up with supernatural powers.

 Having magical abilities is fun at first, but when a series of accidents cause the group to become frightened, Harriet becomes determined to find out what's going on.

 While investigating the history of the gravestone they came across that night, Harriet realises she has unwittingly awakened a centuries-old, deadly curse and she is the only one who can put an end to it-and she has less than a day.

 With time running out, Harriet must find the true key, to save herself and the ones she loves.

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My Review:-At sixteen-year-old Harriet Flynn is left to help her mother at the holiday village they ran with her father having to go away. Harriet needs to help with the reenactment of life back in the seventeenth century. After tripping over a gravestone the night before, Harriet and her friends wake in the morning with magical powers, but not sure why or how. Even though it was fun at first they soon learn it's going to be a lot harder than they think to sort out. Harriet only has day with the help of her friends to find the true key. Will this be to much for Harriet and her friends?

I really enjoyed this book, even though Hexed is aimed at young adults, I think it is suitable for any age. It was a quick and easy read. My fourteen-year-old granddaughter is now reading it.

Me Here Without You Now

Me Here Without You Now

By Edie D. Browning

Genre:-Romance/Contemporary Fiction/Women's Fiction

Pages:-198

Blurb:-A Winter of Heartbreak and Hope: Navigating Love in the Modern Age

After building a life abroad with her true love, Louise finds herself dating again. Trying to make sense of late-night eggplant and fire emojis, she grapples with the loss of the love of her life.

 Me Here Without You Now is a love story after the love story set against the stunning but cold backdrop of Finland's winter. It is a feel-good romance book that follows Louise who struggles to move on and finds herself lost in the process. Between modern text-dating in her forties and navigating the complexities of a budding relationship with a younger man, she becomes entangled in obsessions, and losing touch with those who matter most, including her son.

 As the story unfolds through the winter months and culminates just after the New Year, Louise's journey takes a transformative turn. She begins to shed her, obsessions and reconnects with those around her, and ultimately finds love again in this touching family drama fiction.

 This heartfelt, beautiful and inspiring novel is about love, life, and the resilience of mothers that will make you laugh and cry simultaneously. It underscores that while grief is universal, healing is unique for everyone, reminding us that no matter how challenging life becomes, hope and healing are always within reach.

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My Review:-This is Book One of Four in the 'Me Series'. Louise is a widow now that her husband Matt has died and is bring up her teenage son, Peter. Since Matt died Louise hasn't been in a good place, she was depressed, but still she put everything she could into Peter. Louise is a teacher and was getting some attention from two male teachers, David and Sammy. Peter was also had a crush on his friend. The story does move from Louise to Peter, but also past and present. Louise has to deal with grief since Matt died, but also finding herself again. There are so many emotion going on through this story, one minute you're laughing, the next crying. 

Crow Face, Doll Face

Crow Face, Doll Face

By Carly Holmes

Genre:-Contemporary Literary Fiction

Pages:-256

Publisher:-Honno Welsh Women's Press

Blurb:-Annie surrendered her fantasy of travelling the world, settled instead for marrying her beloved Peter and becoming a mother.

 When her two youngest daughters-her Crow Face and her Doll Face-perform a seemingly impossible act of levitation at a family picnic, Annie realises that they are truly extraordinary. Magical. And it's her role to protect them. With growing paranoia and a bitter fatalism, she spirits her daughters away from their home and the wreck of her marriage. But she commits a terrible, unthinkable, unmotherly act on the way.

 Crow Face, Doll Face is an uncanny, brooding tale of domestic disturbances, dysfunctional families, flawed mothers, and unfulfilled dreams.

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My Review:-Annie's dream has always been to travel the world. When Annie married Peter the love of her life and became a mother she knew this wasn't going to happen, because Peter didn't want to travel.  Annie had Julian first, followed by Elsa, but her relationship with Elsa wasn't good, she wore gloves when she picked her, which wasn't that often, (I feel like she may have had PND). Everything was different when she had Kitty, she was beautiful and they would call her Doll Face, shortly after they after Leila, who looked like a crow, so they would call her Crow Face. Annie thinks there is something extra special about Kitty and Leila, and they are treated different to their brother and sister. I know some parents do treat their children different from each other, but how far would you go? I don't want to say much more, apart from you need to read this book.  I have to say I loved the cover and I think it fits the book well. It had me gripped from the start, even at times I wanted to put it down but there was always something that made me to keep on reading to the end. I will be looking for more books by Carly Holmes.

Through The Snow Globe

Through The Snow Globe - #DecktheShelves Christmas Book

By Annie Rains

Genre:-Feel Good Fiction

Publisher:-Canelo

Blurb:--It's a Wonderful life meets Groundhog Day in USA. Today bestselling author Annie Rains's new novel, as a woman dangerously close to losing it all receives an unexpected Christmas gift that prompts a surprising journey of self-discovery...and another chance at happiness.

 Diana Merriman, a physical therapist, is probably the only person in the small town of Snow Haven, North Carolina, who isn't looking forward to Christmas. It's been three weeks since her fiance Linus was critically injured when a car hit him as he biked home from the toy store he owns and manages. Watching him open his eyes is the only gift she wants, but she can't help losing a little more hope every day.

 But an unexpected visit from a friendly neighbour and finding a snow globe of Snow Haven-a gift Linus had hidden in the closet-the night before Christmas Eve changes things in ways Diana never would have imagined. Because on Christmas Eve Diana wakes up to find that it's not-Christmas Eve, that is. Instead, it's somehow December 4 all over again, the day Linus got hurt, and as mystified as Diana is, she immediately starts a plan to save her partner from his fate.

 Nothing is that simple, of course. Instead of a single repeat of that day, Diana finds herself in an endless loop of December 4, experiencing every possible variation of events. Along the way, she uncovers startling truths about herself, her relationship, and even her career that illustrate the ways she's retreated from her life- and in the face of life's slights and outright blows, from her deepest feelings. Suddenly hope is second only to joy as Diana opens her heart of the people she loves in every way she can.

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My Review:-Diana Merriman had it all, until that morning when her fiance, Linus was in a bike accident. With Christmas being the last thing on her mind, Diana comes across a present that Linus had hidden from her, a snow globe, but not just any snow globe, it was of Snow Haven where they lived. Diana has the chance to change everything when she wakes up and finds its December 4th again, the day of Linus's accident. What is she going to do? The ending wasn't what I expected but it was perfect for Diana. This is a easy to read and well wrote book, perfect for this time of the year. It did have a feel of Groundhog Day when the same day keeps repeating until you get it right. With the 4th December repeating itself I did think it gave Diana time to look at her life differently. The story reminds you that you never know what is round the corner, always tell your love  ones how much you love and care about them.

The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field

The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field -#DecktheShelves Christmas Book Tours

By Lilac Mills

Genre:-Feel Good Fiction

Publisher:-Canelo

Blurb:-Harriet is facing her second Christmas on her own since her husband walked out. With little child support, she's struggling to manage financially, not helped when daughter Sara is invited to a posh birthday party and needs a new outfit.

 When Owen, a passionate environmentalist and popular blogger, overhears Harriet bemoaning her situation, he challenges her to only buy second-hand until Christmas, and Harriet accepts. What she doesn't know is that Owen is reporting her journey anonymously to all his followers.

 Though the challenge is proving successful, it's not without its troubles. Can Harriet really keep her children and bank balance happy this way? As Owen's feeling toward Harriet deepen, he begins to panic about the blog-how will she react when she finds her life documented online?

 Foxmore's inaugural Christmas fayre is fast approaching and will either be the toast of the town-or the downfall of their relationship.

 A festive romance with buckets of hearts, for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Sue Moorcroft

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My Review:-This is Book Two in the 'Foxmore Village'. It's Christmas time again, that means another year that Harriet has no help,  husband left her two years earlier. When Harriet meets Owen, a passionate environmentalist and a blogger, he gives Harriet a challenge, she could only buy second hand till Christmas, When Harriet agreed to this, there was one thing that Owen forgot to mention that he was going to post on his blog about Harriet and her second hand challenge. Will Harriet be able to keep her children happy, along with her bank balance?  Will it be more than just a challenge when the big day arrives...you'll have to read the book to find out. I read this book in one day, it was a easy read and will relate to a lot of us.

A Christmas Carol with Grandfather Time

A Christmas Carol with Grandfather Time

By Rose English

Genre:-Christmas Picture Book

Age:-4-8+ years

Pages:-32

Blurb: A seasonal treat, a modern, lyrical re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic-'A Christmas Carol'

 The book is specially designed for families to share during the Holiday Season, or for young competent readers to try for themselves. This is a beautiful picture book to treasure, with full colour images on every pages.

 Grandfather Time is a magical clock-he brings us the story of young Ebenezer, a boy who is not very caring and really hates sharing. One Christmas Eve, not very long-ago Grandfather Time decides to teach the boy a lesson. So with the help of his friends; the Ghost of Past, Present and Future and with lessons to learn he brings forth the first tutor-a litter golden-red King Charles spaniel, called Miss Ruby Heart.

 Will this unlikely pair be able to teach the boy the error of his ways? Or will he be doomed to be a scruffy, lonely teenager stuck forever in his own little world?

#SharingleCaring **£1 from every book purchased will go towards donating a book to each child in Hereford County Hospital over the Christmas Season 2023, Thank You**

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My Review:-A Christmas Carol with a difference, this one has Grandfather Time. This story is told in away that children young and old will understand and love. Young Ebenezer is a young boy that doesn't like to share, he wasn't a very nice and didn't care about anything. Grandfather Time takes Ebenezer to see children that are both caring and know how to share. There is something for everyone in this book, even a dog ghost called Miss Ruby Heart. There are children from different origins and different abilities which will appeal to all children. The story is a lovely rhyming story, with beautiful  illustration colourful and full of fun.

Meeting Pip

Meeting Pip

By Fiona Lowry

Genre:-Children's Fiction (Age 3-7)

Pages:-24

Publisher:-Austin Maccauley

Blurb:-Golden Wizard Book Prize 2023 Winner.

Do you believe in the tooth fairy?

 Imagine, if, at the bottom of your garden there lived a fairy-what would you do?

Faith and Harris play around the old Oaktree at the bottom of their garden.

This is known as the Fairy Woods, but has anyone ever seen a fairy, or is it just stories from grandparents?

Harris doesn't believe in fairies but when his older sister sees something new on the Oaktree, she sets out to prove that they are real.

 Only then do the fun conversations begin with Pip and the children begin begin ro see the world in a whole new way.

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www.fionalowryautjor.com

My Review:-My granddaughter Emily asked if she could read this book to me as our bedtime story. In this book we get to meet brother and sister Faith and Harris, Faith is the older sister. The old Oaktree isn't like any other old tree, this was 19, Primrose Gardens and a special tooth fairy called Pip lived here. As the children play in the garden around the old Oaktree.  Faith noticed something different about the tree, there was a door, but she had never noticed this before. Harris doesn't believe in fairies, but Faith did and she knew how to help her brother believe. They decided to write a letter to say 'Hi' and asked if a fairy lived there would there say 'Hi' back. It wasn't long before Harris started to believe in fairies and the letters became something special between Pip and the children. This is a beautiful book that is a easy read, but also a lovely picture book for younger children. There is plenty to talk about on each page, along with a magical feeling. Emily has her own fairy at Nana's house but hers isn't a tooth fairy, it's just a fairy that lives with the tooth mouse. Emily and her fairy leave letters for each other as well.

Under The Tamarind Tree

Under The Tamarind Tree

By Nigar Alam

Genre:-Historical Fiction/Literary Fiction

Pages:-320

Publisher:-Bedford Square Publishers

Blurb:-A story of love tested to its limits by moral dilemmas, and the beauty and fragilit of childhood friendships.

 1964-Karachi, Pakistan. Rozeena will lose her home-her parents' safe haven since fleeing India and the terrors of Partition-if her medical career doesn't take off soon. But success may come with at a price. Meanwhile, the interwoven lives of her childhood best friends-Haaris, Aalya, and Zohair-seen to be unraveling with each passing day. The once small and inconsequential differences between their families' social standing now threaten to divide them. Then one fateful night someone ends up dead and the life they once took for granted shatters.

 2019-Rozeena receives a call rom a voice she never thought she'd hear again. What begins as an request to look after a friend's teenaged granddaughter grows into an unconventional friendship-one that unearths buried secrets and just might ruin everything Rozeena has worked so hard to protect.

 Captivating and atmospheric, Under the Tamarind Tree shows us the high-stakes ripple effects of generational trauma, and the lengths people will go to safeguard the ones they love.

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My Review:-A story set in dual timelines, 1964 and 2019, in Karachi, Pakistan. The story is told through the eyes of Rozeena. Three refugees, Rozeena, Zohair, Aalya and Haaris who is from a wealthy family are a group of friends, the story is based around them growing up and what becomes of them.   Even though they don't say anything to each other, Haaris and Rozeena, also Aalya and Zohair have feelings for each other but because of family beliefs nothing is said. After so many years being childhood friends, Haaris decides to plan a party for everyone, but something happens that changed the four friends forever. After studying for a medical career, Rozeena becomes a doctor. There is one thing that we hear so much about and that's the BIG SECRET, but you will have to wait before you find that out. The story does jump from one time line to another and at times it is a bit confusing but it didn't stop me reading to the end. 

21 Miles

21 Miles

By Nicola Garrad

Genre:-Young Adult Fiction(13-18years)/Fiction about emigration and immigration/Fiction about prejudice and racism/Fiction about family

Pages:-272

Publisher:-HopeRoad Publishing

Blurb:-Gritty and exciting contemporary adventure about teenagers and teenage refugess

Explores cultural differences and expectations

A fast-paced, tender and unflinching depiction of teenage friendship and resilience against the odds

Touches on the Windrush Scandal, climate crisis, looked-after children and child criminal exploitation

Suitable as a PSHE/English classroom resource and for discussions around Black History Month

Nicola Garrard has taught in secondary schools, with over 20 years first-hand experience working with young people

Donny and Zoe are back. This time they must get out of Calais before they both end up in jail. This isn't a holiday. This is a role-swapping, day trip to hell. With football.

 Older, wiser and more confident, life is going well for Donny, 17. He's a former gang member who's escaped a brutal life of criminal exploitation. He and his best friend Zoe plan a day trip to France ahead of their sixth form exams. After a fun morning in Calais, they're about to return to the port when they see a boy, Amin, being attacked. Streetwise Donny chases the man off. Wanting to clothes, and Zoe drives Amin with Donny's and passport to the Eurotunnel terminal to take him to Folkstone.

After all, what could possibly go wrong?

All Donny has to do is lie low at the park until Zoe's return. But, lost in France and arrested as an 'illegal' migrant, he must rely on the help of unaccompanied teenage refugees, living rough in the dunes east of Calais to survive. Can Donny use his boat skills to cross the busiest shipping channel in the world and make it home in time?

 As Nicola Garrard says: 'In 2014 I read a news article about the suffering of separated child refuges in Calais, just 21 miles from our coast. I started to collect donations of food and clothing with the help of other parents. I filled my small campervan and took these essentials to Calais a number of times. There, I volunteered with a grassroots French refugee charity. On one occasion, I met a small thirteen-year-old Eritrean girl in Calais who begged me to take her to England where she had family. Fearing for her safety, I desperately wanted to help. But I didn't agree to take her. People-smuggling is against the law: I might have lost my career, been fined, and sent to prison. It was the right decision. But after we lost touch, I was left with the 'what if' of her request.

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My Review:- In this story we travel with Donny and Zoe on a day trip to France, but it's not going to be like any other day trip. After helping someone out, Donny is left behind in France, he must prove who he is, as well as find a way home. With help from refugees Donny must do what he can to stay safe, even with many obstacles that are in front him. The loved both old and new characters.  The author has put so much into this story that it feels true. Refugees are at the heart of the news, we've all seen and read about boats being full trying to cross the channel. 

 

The Road Home

By Nigel Stewart

Genre:-

Blurb:-Joe Thompson is a success. Great job, own house, car, money. He's got it all-or he thinks he has until one day, his boss suddenly decides he needs some time off and tells him to take a break, with immediate effect, which leads Joe to get in the car and drive somewhere, anywhere. Eventually, he arrives in Ripon, and the cathedral. Imbibing the atmosphere and the history, Joe's road trip leads him onto several more cathedrals. Is it a pilgrimage? Is he looking for something he can't find except in the sanctity of a cathedral? Or is what he is looking for much more simple. A chance encounter with Louise gives himwhat was really missing in his life-love on equal terms, until he learns Louise's love comes with complexities, something Joe does not know if he can cope with.

 What happens to someone when they get lost? When their past and present don't add up to their future? Is what Joe has got worth giving up for what he really wants and will he only find it on the road home?

 Nigel Stewart's novel takes Joe not only on a physical journey but an emotional one, too, where he is able to discover the complexities of his own personality and why he has become who he is and how he can become who he really wants to be. The book explores the effects of modern day life when you think you have it all and you actually have nothing.

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The Counterfeit Detective

The Counterfeit Detective

By Simpson Grears

Genre:-Crime/Thriller/Mystery

Pages:-332

Publisher:-Rymour Books

Blurb:-An American professor discovers the diaries of John Ledbury, known as the counterfeit detective, a minor poet who, in Victorian London, is employed to reply to the mail that comes addressed to Sherlock Holmes at 221b Baker Street.

 Through the diaries, he unearths a series of baffling unsolved murders. He travels through England and Scotland but he realizes that, that in order to solve the mystery, he has to travel further, back through time itself.

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My Review:-When an American professor finds some diaries from the past, he feels it's his job to look at them in more detail. The diaries were those that John Ledbury had wrote. It's not long before the professor finds some of the cases are unsolved. He decides to look into the cases in more detail, but to do that he must look back in time. The Counterfeit Detective is a dual timeline story.  I feel we have a mixture of fact and fiction, sometimes the two are weaved so close together you're not sure which is which. The way the story is wrote shows just how good of a writer Simpson Grears is.

Plenty More Fish

Plenty More Fish

By Dawn Martin

Genre:-Contemporary Fiction

Pages:-260

Blurb:-When Pete leaves Chloe for another woman she is forced to raise their family alone. When an impromptu internet pop-up leads her to a dating site, she naively believes she has found the perfect way of finding love again. After meeting a string of unlikely suitors she finally meets Mel, but unbeknown to her Mel is fighting his own demons, and things are about to get a lot more complicated.

 Plenty More Fish pushes the boundaries as it follows Chloe on a dark and dangerous journey that sees her wade through a sea of sociopaths in her desperate quest to find her soulmate. As she ventures into deeper waters, friends and colleagues become increasingly concerned for her safety, but will she listen to them before it's too late?

 Author Bio:-Dawn was born in London, England in 1962 and trained as a Registered Nurse in 1986. She currently lives near Portsmouth, Hampshire with her husband and two Boxer dogs and she works part-time as a nurse practitioner in a GP surgery in Portsmouth.

 Dawn's writing style has been described by many as quirky and unique, and she's not afraid to break the rules along the way. Dawn is naturally competitive and isn't afraid to push boundaries so her stories often contain unexpected twists and unpredictable endings. She considers herself to be a realist, so if you're looking for a happy-ever-after type storyline you might have to keep on looking.

 Plenty More Fish is the author's debut novel and forms part of a trilogy. Her second book, His Other Child will follow soon and the third book which currently has no title, is all a work in progress.

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Buy Links:-

https://amzn.to/47fbOVp

Private Inquiries: The Secret History of Female Sleuths

Private Inquiries

By Caitlin Davies

Genre:-Criminology/Non Fiction

Pages:-320

Publisher:-The History Press

Blurb:-A history of the UK's real-life female detectives-from mid-Victorian era to present day.

Based on original research alongside interviews with modern-day female investigators.

 The female private detective has been a staple of popular culture for over 150 years, from Victorian lady sleuths to 'busy-body spinsters' and gun-toting modern Pls. But what about the real-life women behind these fictional tales-what crimes did they solve, and where are their stories?

 In Private Inquires, Caitlin Davies traces the history of the UK's female investigators, uncovering the truth about their lives and careers from the 1850s to the present day.

 Women such as

• Victorian private inquiry agent Antonia Moser-the first woman to open her own agency.
• Annette Kerner, who ran the Mayfair Detective Agency on Baker Street in the 1940s
• Liverpool sleuth Zena Scott-archer, who became the first woman president of the World Association of Detectives

Caitlin also follows in the footsteps of her subjects, undertaking a professional qualification to become a Private Investigator, and meeting modern Pls to disentangle fact from fiction.

 Female investigators are on the rise in the UK-and despite the industry's sleazy reputation, nearly a third of new trainees are women. After a century of undercover work, it's time to reveal the secrets of their trailblazing forebears.

 'Private Inquiries is a must-read-a riveting mythbuster, with its revelations of the real histories of women Pls,'  VAL McDermid

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My Review:-Caitlin Davies takes us on a journey through the years, from 1850s to the present day, looking at 'Female Private Investigators.'  We learn about REAL PIs, the ones that have been forgotten, in the past, but have paved the way for female PIs today. Caitlin has done a lot of research and has taken the time to explain about the crimes both fact and fiction in this book, looking back at the history, why and how women became PIs.  Caitlin even took the time to get the qualification in 'Private Investigation.'  Caitlin has taken the time to speak to PIs, as well as working a long side them. Female PIs are often seen on TV but not spoken much about in the real world, where I think if it was spoken about more women would look at a career in PI. I feel like I have learnt so much from reading this book. 

The Lost Supper

The Lost Supper: Searching For The Future of Food in the Flavours of the Past

By Taras Grescoe

Genre:-History of Food/Non Fiction

Pages:-312

Publisher:-Greystone Books

Blurb:-In the tradition of Michael Pollan, Anthony Bourdain, and Mark Bittman, "a surprising, flavorsome tour of ancient cuisines" (kirkus ☆)-from Neolithic bread to ancient Roman fish sauce-and why reviving the foods of the past is the key to saving the future.

 Many of us are worried (or at least we should be) about the impacts of globalization, pollution, and biotechnology on our diets. Whether it's monoculture crops, hormone-fed beef, or high-fructose corn syrup, industrially-produced foods have troubling consequences for us and the planet. But as culinary diversity diminishes, many people are looking to a surprising place to safeguard the future: into the past.

 The Lost Supper explores an idea that is quickly spreading among restaurateurs, food producers, scientists, and gastronomes around the world: that the key to healthy and sustainable eating lies not in looking forward, but in looking back to the foods that lave sustained us through our half-million-year existence as a species.

 Acclaimed author Taras Grescoe introduces readers to the surprising and forgotten flavors whose revival is captivating food-lovers around the world: ancient sourdough bread last baked by Egyptain pharaohs; raw-milk farmhouse cheese from critically endangered British dairy cattle; ham from Spanish pata negra pigs that have been foraging on acorns on a secluded island since before the United States was a nation; and olive ol from wild olive trees uniquely capable of resisting quickly evolving pests and modern pathogens.

 From Ancient Roman fish sauce to Aztec caviar to the long-thought-extinct sliphium, The Lost Supper is a deep dive into the latest frontier of global gastronomy-the archaeology of taste. Through vivid writing, history, and first-hand culinary experience, Grescoe sets out a provocative case: in order to save these foods, he argues, we've got to eat them.

Published in partnership with the David Suzuki Institute.

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My Review:-In this book 'The Lost Supper' we look back at what is food, food that has sustained us through half-million-years. Taras Grescoe takes us with him on a journey to discover why we have lost so many of our foods. Traveling around the world seeking out food that once was part of our diet, and do they still exist. Taras has conversations with growers, archaeologists, chefs, farmers and anyone that harvest food. I found this book an interesting read, as well as learning about food and how it as lasted so long. The back of the book has a 'Selected Bibliography' and a place for notes. There are a lot of food that I would try, but I have to say I'll give anything fish, especially fish sauce a big miss. Is there food that you once had growing up, but now you don't hear or see it?

Never Tell Anyone Your Name

Never Tell Anyone Your Name

By Frederico Ivanier 

Translated By:-Claire Storey

Genre:-Young Adult Fiction

Pages:-128

Publisher:-Hope Road Publishing

Blurb:-A worldwide first!

The first YA novel from Uruguay ever published in English.

 Travelling between France and Spain, a 16 year-old-boy is marooned in on the Spanish border, in the unfamiliar Spanish town of Irun, with nowhere to go. Snow is falling, darkness is creeping in, and the next train to Madrid is not till midnight.

 Lost and hungry, he has eight hours to kill. His favourite rock band blasting in his ears, he explores the shuttered town, thinking of Lucrecia, his first love who told him it was over, and how he was heartbroken.

 A dark-eyed Spanish girl befriends him, and he is instantly attracted to her. But what are her intentions, and who is she really?

 The two teens spend the evening walking and talking as night falls. Midnight approaches, and the boy with no name must leave and return to board his train.

 Dark forces gather, and his hours in Irun come to a truly shocking end. An unforgettable twist sees the tables turned in this hypnotic coming-of-age fantasy.

 Perfect for young adult and any readers who love dark mysteries, speculative fiction and horror. And vampires

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My Review:-A sixteen-year-old boy has missed his connecting train to Madrid, he now has to wait for eight hours before the next train is due that he can take. The town is only small, with his favourite band blasting in his ears the boy decides to look around. He meets a young girl, who almost kills him, but the boy manages to win the girl over. Will he catch his next train? This novel isn't a long one , but the author has managed to add what is needed to make this book a enjoyable read.

Murder at Holly House

Murder at Holly House

By Denzil Meyrick

Genre:-Crime Mystery/Historical Crime

Pages:-368

Publisher:-Bantam/Transworld

Blurb:-Denzil Meyrick is from Campbeltown on the Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll.

After studying politics, he enjoyed a varied career as a police officer, distillery manager, and director of several companies.

 He is the No.1 bestselling author of the DCI Daley series, and is now an exective producer of a major TV adaptation of his books.

 Denzil lives on Loch Lomondside in Scotland with his wife Fiona and cats.

You can find him on Twitter @Lochlomonden, Facebook @DenzilMeyrickAuthor, or on his website

www.denzil,eyrick.com

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My Review:-I've never read anything by Denzil Meyrick, but the blurb is what made me want to give it a read and I glad I did. Inspector Frank Grasby is sent to investigate some thefts at Elderby, but things soon get a lot harder when a body  is found in the chimney of Holly House. Not long later a second body is found. Frank soon finds there's more to this than meets the eye. Why and what are the locals hiding? The story has plenty of twists that will keep you turning the pages.

Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life

Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life

By Helen Fisher

Genre:-Contemporary Fiction/Humour

Pages:-432

Publisher:-Simon and Schuster

Blurb:-A poignant and life-affirming tale of love, loss and finding friendship where you least expect them...

 Joe loves predictability. But his life is a surprising adventure. Joe-Nathan likes the two parts of his name separate, just like dinner and dessert. Mean Charlie at work sometimes calls him Joe-Nuthin. But Joe is far from nothing. Joe is a good friend, he's good at his job, good at making things and good at following the rules. He's learning how to do lots of things by himself.

 Joe's mother knows there are a million things in life he isn't prepared for. While she helps guide him every day, she's also writing a book full of advice for Joe-things she hasn't explained to him yet, things he might forget, questions he hasn't asked, or might not get the chance to ask...

 Following her wisdom-applying it in his own unique way-this next part of Joe's life is more of a surprise than he expects. Because he's about to learn that remarkable things can happen when you leave your comfort zone, and that you can do even the hardest things with a little help from your friends.

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My Review:-Joe-Nathan has always had the guidance from his mother, as well as his own gut instinct, but all that is about to change when he leaves his own comfort zone.  With the help from those around him, Joe-Nathan opens the door to things he would never thought of doing before. His mother knows there is many things that he needs to learn and because of that she keeps writing a book full with advice and help with things he will come across or even might need. The story shows kindness, compassion, along with a bit of humour. There are parts that feel real, especially having to step out of our comfort zone and not knowing what might happen if we doing. The story was a bit slow at the beginning, but that doesn't last long, so keep reading

Ameles/Currents of Unmindfulness

Ameles/Currents of Unmindfulness

By R.M. Francis

Genre:-Horror Short Stories/Contemporary Horror

Pages:-156

Publisher:-PoeGirl Publishing

Blurb:-In Greek Mythology, those who drank from the underworld river, Ameles Potamos, would suffer inexplicable disorientation. They would be left adrift, out of time, out of place, sometimes out of their minds.

 The tales in Ameles/Currents of Unmindfulness by R.M. Francis, his debut collection, range from the quietly unsettling to weird and full=on horror.

R.M. Francis plays around with genre conventions and forms to deliver a flood of dark disturbing imagery that will stay with you in the darkest recesses of your mind.

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My Review:-I wasn't sure what to except from this book, as I haven't read many horror anthologies and nothing by R.M. Francis. This is a book of short stories but ones that I have enjoyed read, even if some felt creeping and weird. I must say 'Lottie' was one that I found a bit weird and how easy it was to picture the story in my head. I love the writing style of the author, didn't give you everything but enough to make you think. `I felt like I wanted to read more. I will be looking for more from the author.

Buy Links

https://amzn.to/3qs54U4 (Amazon UK)

https://amzn.to/3OwGKII (Amazon USA)

Murder At The Rookery Grange Retreat

Murder At The Rookery Grange Retreat

By Gina Kirkham

Genre:-Cozy Crime Mystery

Publisher:-Bloodhound Books

Blurb:-Christmas Eve, 1989. A couple is found slumped in front of their twinkling Christmas tree in an apparent murder-suicide.

 Today. Librarian Pru Pearce is preparing for her wedding to police detective Andy Barnes. But after one of her Women's Institute friends suffers a suspicious accident at Rookery Grange, a home for the elderly and infirm, Pru and the other ladies are on alert. And when one of the residents is asphyxiated with a pillow, no one can rest easy...

 With her wedding taking a disastrous turn and a killer on the loose, the part-time detective makes another vow: to investigate and solve the mystery. Will she unravel generations of murderous secret and find the culprit?

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My Review:-This is Book Three of  'The Prunella Pearce Mysteries.' I've read Murders at the Montgomery Hall Hotel and enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to this book. Don't worry if you haven't read the other two books and this can be read as a standalone. The women of Winterbottom Women's Institute are back again. Pru is getting everything ready for her upcoming wedding to detective Andy Barnes. While visiting Winnie at Rookery Grange, they start to investigating in a murder of a resident, but this isn't the first thing to happen there. Will Pru and the other ladies discover who the killer is before it's time for Pru's wedding day? This is a easy read and you can't help but love the characters in this book. I could just imagine the women of my local WI investigating like Pru and her friends.

Fatal Tribute

Fatal Tribute: Seacastle Mysteries Book 3

By PJ Skinner

Genre:-Cozy Mystery

Blurb:-How do you find the murderer, when every act is convincing?

Tanya Bowe, an ex-investigative journalist, agrees to interview the contestants of the National Talent Competition for the local newspaper, but finds herself up to her neck in secrets, sabotage and simmering resentment. The tensions increase when her condescending sister comes to stay next door for the duration of the contest. Several rising strs on the circuit hope to win the competition, but old stager, Lance Emerald, is not going down without a fight. When Lance is found dead in his dressing room, Tanya is determined to find the murderer but complex dynamics between the contestants and fraught family relationship make the mystery harder to solve.

 Can Tanya uncover the truth before another murder takes centre stage?

In this enthralling English, small-town, cozy mystery, Tanya finds herself out of her depth in the cut-throat world of Talent competitions. If you love a cozy whodunnit set at the seaside, with a cast of recurring characters, this is the series for you.

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My Review:-This is Book Three in' The Seacastle Mysteries.'  It's time for the National Talent Competition and Tanya Bowe has been asked to interview the contestants. When a member of a tribute band is found dead, Tanya can't help but get involved, and find out what's been going on and who did it. We also get to meet Helen, Tanya's sister and her niece Olivia. It was nice to see that past characters are back again, along with a few new ones. We learn a bit more about Harry and his search for his brother. I've loved this easy to read book and looking forward in seeing what PJ has for us next.

Disaster Dates and Lucky Escapes

Disaster Dates and Lucky Escapes: Finding The One in the Age of Online Dating

By Tess Smith-Roberts

Genre:-Graphic Novel/Humour/Marriage and Dating

Pages:-50

Publisher:-Kyle Books/Octopus

Blurb:-Meet Olive. She's just a regular gal looking for love, but navigating the wild world of modern dating is getting her no closer to finding the one-why are there so many weirdos out there?!

 Follow serial dater Olive on her quest for companionship, as she navigates the terrible world of app-based dating and goes on dates that go from bad to worse to even disastrous, including a man who disappears after going to the toilet in a restaurant and is later on the beach; and a professional triangle player who vomits all over her on the beach; and a professional triangle player who gets into a fist fight and jumps out of not one but two moving cabs.

 Will Olive ever find the one? And will they be everything she's looking for?

 Following up on the popularity of her dating comics series on Instagram, Disaster Dates and Lucky Escapes is crammed full of outrageous dates illustrated in artist Tess Smith-Roberts's colourful and fun signature style. The sometimes gross, often relatable but always laugh-out-loud hilarious stories are weaved into a narrative, all happening to one main character who's just trying to find love in an online world, with some dates submitted by Tess's followers, some inspired by previous submissions and, of course, some fan favourites from her viral dating comics.

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Instagram:-@tesssmithroberts @octopus_books_ @randomthingstours @paulalearmouth

X(Twitter):-@octopus_books @RandomTTours @mamof9 

My Review:-I've never read a comic type book for many years, I forgot just how good they are. I love olive and sharing adventures of dating. This is a quick and enjoyable read that will have you laughing throughout the whole book. I think we've all had dates that have been the same as Olive. The illustrations are perfect for this book. This would make a great socking filler for Christmas.  

Humplelepumple and the Sorcerer's Feast

Humplepumple and the Sorcerer's Feast

By Rolf Blickling

Genre:-Children 10-12

Pages:-142

Publisher:-Turtle Publishing

Blurb:-In the enchanting land of the Felicitens, Humplepumple wakes up to a baffling realisation-he is far from home, caught in a realm of blissful wonder. But beneath the idyllic facade, a dark cloud looms. The Terribly Stinking Terrifying Sorcerer threatens to cast his shadow over the Felicitens' joyous realm. 

 Determined to outwit this sorcerer of deceit, Humplepumple and his four newfound companions embark on a daring plan-a plan that involves luring the sorcerer to a sumptuous feast unlike any other. With delectable dishes and an abundance of surprises, their cunning strategy takes shape.

 Humplepumple and the Sorcerer's Feast is a delightful tale of friendship, bravery and enchantment of extraordinary plans. Join Humplepumple and his remarkable companions as they embark on an adventure, where wit and the power of unity are the keys to triumph. Full of twists and surprises, this whimsical journey will leave readers spellbound and hungry for more.

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Instagram:-@humplepumplebook @lovebookstours @paulalearmouth #LBTCrew

X(Twitter):-@KellyALacey @lovebookstours @mamof9 #LBTCrew

My Review:-This is Book One in 'Humplepumple Adventures.' Who wouldn't want to go to the land of Felicitens with Humplpumple. The story is an adventure in a place where everything is magical, along with some interesting characters, Kiko was the first person Humplpumple seen when he woke, Mohit, Nirtac, Farthog and I did like Sregalup known as Isay, oh and not forgetting the terribly Stinking Terrifying Sorcerer. We are taken along with Humplpumple in an adventure that he wasn't expecting. We have good and evil, building friendships and relationship, while helping his new friends out wit the Sorcerer. I don't think it's just a children's book, but adults would also love it.

Solstice

Solstice (The Widdershins Trilogy Book Three)

By Helen Steadman

Genre:-Witchcraft/wicca/Historical Fiction

Pages:-256

Publisher:-Bell Jar Books

Blurb:-England, 1673. Still a world of witches, witch trials and witchfinders.

 When a new vicar arrives to take over the parish of Mutton Clog, the village finds itself in the grip of puritan fever, and suspicious eyes are turned on Rose Driver.

 Rose's mother, brother and grandmother were all put to death by the fanatical witchfinder, John Sharpe.  Almost quarter of a century after the Newcastle witch trials, Sharpe is no longer a threat. Rose should be safe in her quiet village, but is history about to repeat itself?

 Find out in Solstice, the powerful conclusion to The Widdershins Trilogy. Inspired by real witch trials, Solstice tells the story of one woman's struggle for survival in a hostile and superstitious world.

 The Widdershins Trilogy was inspired by the little-known Newcastle witch trials, where fifteen women and one man were hanged for witchcraft on a single day in August 1650.

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My Review:-When I read the blurb for this book, I knew it was one that would interest me. Living in Newcastle Upon Tyne, I've heard and read the stories about the witch trials, how fifteen women and a man were hung in Newcastle, even done a ghost haunt on the subject.  This is Book Three in 'The Widdershins Trilogy,' I haven't read the other two books but I didn't think I had missed anything. England 1673. Rose Driver has had a troubled past and hopes that the new vicar would be different. The village was in the middle of puritan fever, and everyone was looking at Rose, which wasn't something new, after all her family were put to death by John Sharpe, a witchfinder. Rose, Tilly and Tommy Green would play at Witch Cottage, Meg Wetherby use to live there. Meg's cottage was a place that would mean more to Rose as she got older. I don't want to spoil anything for you so will let you read the rest. This is a book that I've really enjoyed and will be reading Books one and two.

Taken To The Hills

Taken To The Hills

By S. J. Richards

Narrator:-Aubrey Parsons

Audiobook Length:-7 Hours and 30 Minutes

Genre:-Crime Fiction

Publisher:-Apple Loft Press

Blurb:-Abductions and murder are not what ex-DCI Luke Sackville expected when he left the police after tragedy struck his family.

 Luke's return to the workplace was meant to be a soft landing but when a woman vanishes after being accused of taking bides, he is assigned a disparate team and tasked with brides, he is assigned a disparate team and tasked with tracking her down.

 Their search becomes more urgent when her disappearance is linked to the death of a second woman. When a third goes missing the hunt becomes a race against time. Luke's return to work presents him with the most challenging case of his career as the murder victims mount.

 Murder and intrigue are peppered with humour in this fast-paced crime thriller set in and around the beautiful city of Bath in the southwest of England.

 Taken to the Hills is the first in the Luke Sackville crime series. If you like a team you can root for then you'll love this page-turner. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, JM Dalgleish and David J Gatward

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X (Twitter):-@SRichardsauthor @KellyALacey @lovebookstours @mamof9 #LBTCRew

My Review:-This is Book one in 'Luke Sackville Crime Thrillers.' We begin bt meeting Ex-DCI Luke Sackville, he is just returning back to work after being away after the death of his wife. Luke's new work role is in security. A woman that works for Filchers, the same company as Luke has disappeared, but it's not as simple as that, she's accused of taking brides, and she can't be found anywhere. Luke can't but wonder is there more to it. When other women that has also worked for the same company go missing, Luke starts his own investigation, with the help from his new team, some that you wouldn't expect. There are plenty of twists and turns, along with a few clues as the story moves on. The narrator worked well with the different characters and the parts they played in the story. I'm looking forward to Book Two.

The Gingerbread Christmas Village

The Gingerbread Christmas Village

By Kiley Dunbar

Genre:-Contemporary/Romance

Pages:-304

Publisher:-Hera

Blurb:-The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit (a model village made of gingerbread) and grotto have been an important part of the sleepy Cotswold hamlet's Christmas celebrations for decades.

 For years the gingerbread exhibitions drew visitors from across the region and each year the model town grew more elaborate and ambitious but recently, interest has been dwindling. The gingerbread grotto needs to be rehomed or close forever.

 Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event's founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece.

 She has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village, but despairs when she finds her only support is her old friend. Izzy, her niece Lucy from Birmingham, and Fern, the shy young farmer's daughter. Oh, and Patrick, the gorgeous, reliable school caretaker.

 As if this wasn't enough, Lucy is determined to get her out dating again and persuades her to try some online dating apps but Margi's had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has just missed her chance.

 Can they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her old spark and her Christmas spirit back?

A cosy, totally feel-good seasonal read that will have you smiling. The perfect read to snuggle up and have you feeling festive! Fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley will love this book.

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Instagram:-@KileyDunbar @hera_books @lovebookstours @paulalearmouth #LBTCrew

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My Review:-I love a Christmas story, especially at this time of the year and this didn't disappoint. Curling up with my hot chocolate, added to the Christmas feeling. Margi is sixty-four-year-old and has had enough of everything Christmas, as well as the lack of eligible men. Margi is persuaded to try some dating apps online. Will this be her last hope for happiness? Margi's not sure if this is going to be the last year of 'The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit.) The gingerbread village was her mother's legacy which has been the village tradition for many years.

 I loved all the character both young and old. It was nice to see that Kiley had made the older character the vocal point of the book. It shows that just because you're getting older you can still be attractive and have a life. Margi is struggling with her feelings, like so many people do once they start getting older.

A heart warming story.

Happiness Seeker

Happiness Seeker

By Jennifer Burkinshaw

Genre:-YA Fiction

Pages:-342

Publisher:-Beaten Track Publishing

Blurb:-Would you lay down your life for a friend?

Budding playwriter Allie prefers to keep her drama on the stage...

...until she goes on a week's sixth-form trip to the stunning but treacherous Morcambe Bay where she meets a mysterious boy whose accent she can't place.

The more Allie learns about Mareno and the dangers that ensnare him, the more determined she becomes to write him a happy story. But the drama that unfolds is all too real, with an ending no one would seek.

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