Never-My-Name and Isn't-My-Name

Never-My-Name and Isn't-My-Name: Naughty Fairy Twins

By:-Colin Stern

Illustrated By:-Emily Luke

Genre:-Children's Fiction

Pages:-32

Blurb:-"Never-my-name and Isn't-my-name were naughty fairy twins. But Isn't-my-name went missing, which is where my tale begins." When Never-my-name loses her fairy twin sister, Isn't-my-name, while playing on the snowy mountainside, she fears she may never see her again. Enlisting her fairy helpers, Never-my-name searches high and low but isn't-my-name is simply nowhere to be found. What she doesn't know is Isn't-my-name has gone on an accidental adventure where the help of a tea-loving, ancient green dragon and a blast of his fiery breath may hold the key to her safe return.

 Never-my-name and Isn't-my-name: naughty fairy twins is a beautifully illustrated poems by author Colin Stern that will delight young children up to six years old. With colourful characters and gentle humour, this fantastical fairytale is a classic in the making that will spark the imagination. The catchy rhythm and rhyme of this simple story, meanwhile, makes it perfect for reading aloud at bedtime...or any time.

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My Review:-This a story about naughty fairy twins Never-My Name and Isn't-My-Name. While playing amongst the silver birch on the mountainside Isn't-My-Name went missing. Even with the help from fairy helpers they still couldn't find her. Isn't-My-Name had fell deep down a hole where she meets a grass-green dragon sat upon a pile of gold. The dragon called Isn't-My-Name Jane, even though that wasn't the name she told him. After help from the dragon Isn't-My-Name is blown through the roof and lands on the snow. It's not long before all was forgotten when Never-My-Name meets back up with her twin. This is a lovely book with hand drawn illustrations and plenty to talk about on each page that will appeal to younger children. My granddaughters and I really enjoyed the fairy twins.

The Kitchen

The Kitchen (Book 2 The Chastity Reloaded series)

By Simone Buchholz

Genre:-Mystery Thriller/Suspense Literary Fiction

Pages:-202

Publisher:-Orenda Books

Blurb:-Hamburg State Prosecutor Chastity Riley and her colleagues investigate the murders of men with a history of abuse towards women . . . as a startling, horrifying series of revelations emerge. Germany's Queen of Krimi returns with the dark funny, mesmerizingly dark next instalment in an addictive series.

 When neatly packed male body parts wash up by the River Elbe, Hamburg State Prosecutor Chastity Riley and her colleagues begin a perplexing investigation. As the murdered men are identified, it becomes clear that they all had a history of abuse towards women, leading Riley to wonder if it would actually be in society's best interests to catch the killers. But when her best friend Carla is attacked, and the police show little interest in tracking down the offender, Chastity takes matters into her own hands and as a link between the two cases emerges, horrifying revelations threaten Chastity's own moral compass . . . and put everything at risk.

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My Review:-This is Book Two in 'The Chastity Reloaded Series' This book is translated from the original German book. Chastity Riley, Hamburg State Prosecutor is busy preparing for an upcoming court case when she gets a call to say male body parts, hands, feet, head have been found in the River Elbe in a bin liner. but this isn't going to the only ones that are found. It's not long before more body parts are found, but also a full body is found. Each of the body and parts found have be killed in the same way. It's up to Bruckner, Calabretta and Chastity to find out what happened, why and also who has done this. There is one thing in common, they all have a history of abusing women.

 There is also another storyline running alongside, Chastity's best friend Carla and bar owner has been raped by two men. When Chastity sees her she's not in a good place, but the police aren't that interested in the case, so after finding out what happened it's up to Chastity to find out more.

Are to two cases linked in some way, you need to read it to find out. The characters in the story are interesting group of people. Chastity is someone that knows what she wants and will do what she can to get it. This is a book that you will have to read yourself. I just want to say the translation by Rachel Ward is amazing. 

The Night In Question

The night In Question

By Suzan Fletcher

Genre:-Women Sleuths/Detective Fiction/Adventure Stories and Action

Pages:-448

Publisher:-Bantam/Transworld

Blurb:-Florence Butterfield has lived an extraordinary life full of travel, passion and adventure. But, at eighty-seven, she suspects there are no more surprises to come her way. Then, one midsummer's night, something terrible happens-so strange and unexpected that Florrie is suspicious. Was this really an accident, or is she living alongside a would-be murderer? The only clue is a magenta envelope, discarded earlier that day. And Florrie-cheerfully independent but often overlooked-is the only person determined to uncover the truth. As she does, Florrie finds herself looking back on her own life... and a long-buried secret, traced in faded scars across her knuckles, becomes ever harder to ignore.

 Readers of Elizbeth is Missing, Small Pleasures or Dear Mrs Bird will love prize-winning author Susan Fletcher's The Night In Question-an absorbing and uplifting novel with a uniquely loveable protagonist at its heart.

 'A wonderfully warm and involving page-turner.' Clare Chambers, Sunday Times bestselling author of Small Pleasures.

 'A life-affirming novel, full of surprises. It's a gripping literary whodunnit and so much more...I adored it,' Emma Stonex, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Lamplighters.

 'Every word is a jewel. A richly evocative and moving portrait of an unforgettable heroine who will teach you everything you need to know about life and love and loss. The best book I have read in a long time.' Veronica Henry, Sunday Times bestselling author of How to Find Love in a Bookshop.

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My Review:-Florence (Florrie) Butterfield has had an interesting life, travelling to many places...North African, Paris, Bas camp of Everest as well as remote Scottish towns. Florrie now 87 years old and a resident of Babbington Hall Residential Home and Assisted Living, after a freak accident with a Silent Night based, ending up in a wheelchair with one leg. But that doesn't stop Florrie enjoying her life. After the death of Arthur, a resident at the care home trips and dies, followed by Renata, the manager of the care home tumbling from her upper floor window, everyone thinking it was an attempt to kill herself. Florrie knows that something isn't right about it and decides she's needs to look into both case a bit deeper. With the help from Stanhope Jones, another resident of the care home they start looking what did happen to Renata that left her in a coma in hospital. Florrie had only been talking to Renata early that day about finding love and Renata had asked Florrie if she had ever been in love, it did leave Florrie think about memories and stories of her past that she was going to share with Renata but there was no sign that Renata was thinking about killing herself. 

 The book has great bunch of characters, Florrie is a great character on her own but when you add others such as Stanhope, a Polish Goth carer, an vicar, and a couple of sister-in-laws each having their own part in the story, it makes it so much more.  This isn't just a cosy crime, there is so much more friendship, love and also loss.

Aria and Liam: Baker Street Mystery

Aria and Liam: Baker Street Mystery

By Coline Monsarrat

Genre:-Children's Fiction

Publisher:-Apice Publishing

Blurb:-Meet Aria and Liam, two average 13-year-old with a not-so-average problem!

Hey, fellow adventurers! I, Aria, opened a portal to the past, which catapulted us into a 3,000-year-old kingdom! Since then, my BFF Liam and I have taken part in numerous adventures in history, facing exciting (and perilous!) missions. But don't worry; we're up for the challenge and learning how to become true adventurers! From ancient civilizations to historical events, we're on a mission to save the day and find our way back home. So come along for the ride as we explore the past and make history… literally!

 Get swept away into the foggy streets of London, where a baffling and cryptic adventure awaits Aria & Liam!

As Aria and Liam team up with the daughter of the famous writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, they must race against time to save him from a mysterious and sinister plot. But when Doyle announces the return of Sherlock Holmes, he suddenly vanishes, plunging them into a world of hidden clues and shadowy figures. Could the mastermind behind it all be a rival author, a member of a secret society, or someone from London's high society? With each chapter bringing a new surprise, Aria and Liam must use their smarts and bravery to crack the case and save Doyle before it's too late.

Will they prove themselves as sharp as the legendary detective, or will they fall victim to the same fate

Ideal for fearless adventurers aged 9 to 12 who love humour, excitement, and a dash of fantasy.

Aria & Liam is a series of standalone middle-grade books allowing young readers to enjoy each adventure in any order they wish.

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My Review:-Aria and Liam are taken back in time while on a school trip to 221B Baker Street, London. There they meet Mary Louise, the daughter of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle the famous writer, she needs the help of Aria and Liam. After announcing the return of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur goes missing. Could it possibly be a rival author, a member of a secret society or someone that belongs to London's high society? There are plenty of codes to crack and new twists along the way. Will Aria and Liam crack the case before it's to late. This is a great book that is for ages 8-12 years but I do recommend it for anyone 8 and upwards. Even though it's part of Aria and Liam series, it can be read as a standalone.

The Heart Of Winter

The Heart Of Winter

By Shona Kinsella

Genre:-Fantasy/Mythology

Pages:-240

Publisher:-Flame Tree Press

Blurb:-Brigit is a young woman living in a Scotland still ruled by tribes and largely Pagan. As Christianity is beginning to find a foothold, Brigit pays lip service to the church, but truly venerates the old gods. She does not support the changing position of women through the teachings of the church.

 A cool, damp summer and an early winter threaten the harvest. A harsh winter means starvation, so the elders of Brigit's village panic. They petition Aengus, the god of summer, to protect them. He agrees on the condition that they provide him with a bride. He chooses Brigit and the deal is made without her knowledge or consent.

 When Brigit learns of this arrangement, she flees into the Highlands to seek out the Cailleach, the goddess of winter. The Cailleach is uninterested in Brigit's plight; humans have hated and feared her for generations, and she is tired of their complaining. Brigit is not discouraged. She sets up camp outside the Cailleach's cave and makes offerings to the Winter Queen every day. Aengus comes looking for his bride but cannot approach the cave because he and the Cailleach are opposites. Caught between two gods and finding an unlikely ally in the Fae witch, Nicnevin, Brigit will be tested to her limits and beyond.

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My Review:-Based on Scottish mythology, as well as the beginning of Christianity. Brigit lives with her parents in Scotland a place that is still ruled by tribes and largely Pagan. When Brigit asks her best friend Mary who is crying at the well what is wrong, she is told that she must marry Hamish, even though he is nearly forty.  The year will be exceptionally hard and there won't be enough food for the village, the village elders decide a sacrifice has to be made to Aengus Lord of Summer, but Aengus won't take an elders life as sacrifice, he wants to marry Brigit, a young woman that he has noticed. The elders agree but once Brigit hears of it, she is against it. There is only one way she can stop Aengus and that is to find Cailleach, the goddess of winter, but it's not going to be as easy as Brigit thinks, and once she finds Cailleach will she agree to help, after all she has been hated and feared by humans for generations. Brigit is not one to take no for an answer and sets up a camp outside the Cailleach's cave. Brigit finds an unlikely ally in a fae witch called Nicnevin, but will this be enough.. A book of fantasy and also of knowing what you want and will try anything to get it

The Human Kind

The Human Kind

By Alexander Baron

Genre:-Wartime Fiction/Historical Fiction

Pages:-192

Publisher:-The Imperial War Museum and is part of the IWM Wartime Classics series

Blurb:-MARKING THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUMS WARTIME CLASSICS SERIES

 Alexander Baron's remarkable Trilogy of the Second World War to be published together for the first time.

Spanning the Sicilian countryside to the brothels of Ostend, and the final book in Alexander Baron's War Trilogy, The Human Kind is a series of pithy vignettes reflective of the author's own wartime experiences.

 From the interminable days of training in Britain to brutal combat across Northwest Europe, the book depicts many of the men, women-and, in some cases, children-affected by the widespread reach of the Second World War.

 In his trademark spare prose, Baron's work provides an emotive and incisive snapshot into the lives of myriad characters during this tumultuous period in history,

 Based on Alexander Baron's own wartime experiences, this new edition of a 1953 classic includes an introduction from IWM which puts the work in historical context, and concludes the author's War Trilogy

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My Review:-This is the final book in Alexander Baron's War Trilogy. I haven't read the other two books in the trilogy, but now that I have read this powerful book I will be reading the other two books in the trilogy. The book is set out as 25 short stories, which can be read as one or a pick up and put down. Each story has an narrator, but not till the end that we are introduce as 'Alex' (Alexander Baron). Having military links in the family I found this book both interesting and emotional. I have to say there wasn't anything I didn't like about this book. At times I felt that Baron's was sitting with me telling me the stories, as he remembered them happening. I highly recommend that you read this book. 

Little Red Driving Hood

Little Red Driving Hood

By Stacey Rayz

Genre:-Children's Fiction

Ages:-5-10

Publisher:-Two Season Press

Blurb:-Think you know the story of Little Red? Think again! This time Little Red is under the hood. What challenges will she encounter on her way to grandma's this time?

 Would you dare take a risk if your life depended on it? Especially on a day when everything seems to go wrong? Little Red dares to be different and takes bold risks as she ventures into a field that is out of the norm for girls.

 Perfect for girls and boys ages 5 to 10 who love cars, fixing things, and fairy tales, this empowering story is a modern mashup between Little Red Hood and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Little Red Driving Hood and the Three Repairs is a treat for little mechanics-in-the-making and girls who will grow up into empowered women with the choice to challenge gender roles for a better society.

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My Review:-This a twist on what we all know as Little Red Riding Hood. Little Red Driving Hood was read by my granddaughter Emily and myself. Little Red loves helping out at the car garage where her mam works on cars. Her mam asked if she would help her grandma fix her car and hands her a tool box, Red wants to show off her skills she has learnt. On the way to Grandma's house she meet three members of the Wolf family, baby wolf, Mama wolf and big bad Papa wolf. Even though she didn't manage to fix the first two cars she still keeps trying to help fix Papa wolf's car. Red shows children even if you don't manage something first time, you should still keep trying, and not to be afraid if you can't do it. The book shows that even if you are a woman you can still do whatever you want to do. Each page has a bright and colourful illustration. Emily found Little Red Driving Hood easy to read, as well as plenty to talk about.

Lost and Found

Lost 7 Found: 9 life-changing lessons about stuff from someone who has lost everything

By Helen Chandler-Wilde

Genre:-Non Fiction/Memoir/Social Psychology

Pages:-320

Publisher:-Aster/Octopus Books

Blurb:-An exploration into why we keep holding on to material things and what they mean to us.

 On New Year's Eve of 2018, journalist Helen Chandler-Wilde lost everything she owned in a storage unit fire in Croydon, where she's stowed all her possessions after a big break-up. She was left devastated, and forced to re-evaluate her relationship with owning material things.

 A mix of memoir, self-help and journalism, Lost & Found explores the psychological reasons for why we buy and keep the things we do, and explains how we can liberate ourselves from the tyranny of 'too much'. Helen interviews people from all walks of life, including behavioural psychologists on the science of nostalgia, a nun on what it's like to own almost nothing and consumer psychologists on why we spend impulsively, to help us better understand why we're surrounded by clutter and what we can do to change it.

 This smart-thinking book explains the sociological quirks of human nature and the fascinating science behind why we buy and hold onto things. By the end of it, your relationship with your belongings will be changed forever.

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My Review:-Helen Chandler-Wilde shares with us this heartbreaking and honest story. I think we will all be able to understand and relate with parts and even most of this book, I know I do. This is a book that I recommend to everyone, whether you are in need of help with hoarding, wondering why we/people do this or the psychology side, you will find it interesting. Some people feel a need to shop/buy something everyday, even when they don't need it, but it's that feeling inside that we need to look into. Helen has done a lot of research before writing this book, she has spoken to psychologists and neuroscientists to find out how our brains work and why we need to keep things. I think we all need to hold onto somethings, but it's how much it to much. I have found this book helpful, since my husband died suddenly 11 years ago, I have never parted or even moved anything from where they were when he was alive. 

Death In Nonna's Kitchen

Death In Nonna's Kitchen

By Alex Coombs

Genre:-Mystery/Cosy Mystery

Pages:-320

Publisher:-Exit Press

Blurb:-When famous TV chef Matteo McLeish turns up at the Old Forge Cafe and offers chef Charlie Hunter a place in his kitchen for the duration of Hampden Green's local opera festival, she thinks it's because he rates her cooking skills. In fact it's because he's heard she's good in a crisis. the wholesome star of Nonna's Kitchen is being blackmailed by one of his team.

 Tempted by an improbably large pay cheque and the boost to her CV, Charlie accepts his offer. Does the threat lie close to home, or back in Italy with Matteo's culinary roots? And can Charlie find the blackmailer before she's swept up in an avalanche of death and scandal?

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My Review:-This is Book Two in the 'Old Forge Cafe Mystery' series. Matteo McLeish is a famous TV chef and has came to the Old Forge Cafe to offer chef Charlie Hunter a chance to work in his kitchen while the Hampden Green's local opera festival is on. But Charlie thinks it's because her skills in the kitchen, but Matteo has other ideas why he wants her. Matteo is being blackmailed but there is one problem he's not to sure by who. Matteo is hoping having Charlie around she can take the pressure off himself so he can work out who is the blackmailer.. could it be someone that works in his kitchen and after his job, or maybe it goes far back than that and it's someone that knows him back in Italy and know about his past live? If you have read book one 'Murder On The Menu' you will see some new character that join characters we got to know in the first book. I loved everything about this book and can't wait to see what Alex has for next.

All You Need Is Love

 All You Need Is Love:- the End of the Beatles

By Steven Gaines and Peter Brown

Genre:-Non Fiction/Popular Culture/Individual composers &musicians, specific bands & group

Pages:-352

Publisher:-Monoray/Octopus

Blurb:-A stunning, revelatory new book about the final years of the Beatles based on extraordinarily frank, never-before-published or heard interviews with all the people involved, including George, Ringo, Paul and Yoko.

 All You Need Is Love is a ground-breaking oral history of the Beatles and how it all came to an end. Based on never-before-published or heard interviews with Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and their families, friends and business associates, this is a landmark book, containing stunning new revelations, about the biggest band the world has ever seen.

 In 1980-1981 former COO of Apple Corp, Peter Brown and author Steven Gaines interviewed everyone in the Beatles' inner circle and included a small portion of the transcripts in their international bestselling book The Love You Make, which spent four months on the New York Times bestseller list. But left in their archives was a treasure trove of unique and candid interviews that they chose not to publish, until now. A powerful work assembled through honest, intimate, sometimes contradictory and always fascinating testimony, All You Need is Love is a one-of-a-kind insight into the final days, weeks, months and years of the Beatles phenomenon.

COMPLETELY UNIQUE, GOLDEN MATERIAL FOR BEATLES FANS: The interviews included in this book have never been heard, seen or published before. They are totally unique and provide thrilling insight into the band for die-hard fans.

INCLUDES CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THREE BEATLES PLUS YOKO

INTIMATE AND HONEST INTERVIEWS GIVEN TO A TRUSTED INSIDER

WILL SPARK A CONVERSATION

THE LOVE YOU MAKE

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My review:-I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I have to say I did find parts more interesting than others. As well as interviews from Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and their families, friends and business associates, there was also some from Ex wives, Cynthia Lennon, Patti Harrison Clapton and Maureen Starkey. I would recommend given this book a read as everyone's views are different and there is something for everyone, there are even a few fun parts that you will enjoy.

Falling For A Bossy Cowboy

Falling For A Bossy Cowboy:-Vargas Ranch Series Book 3

By Karen Baney

Genre:-Contemporary Christian Western Romance/Adult Fiction 18+

Publisher:-Desert Life Media

Blurb:-She's famous and nearing the end of her career. He's blunt, bossy, and downright annoying. Will these two find the perfect balance between truth and love?

 Sports fanatic Derin Vargas steps down from his position as foreman of Vargas Ranch to run the family's new sports complex. Uncomfortable in his new role, he compensates by being bossy. when a famous pro-tennis player stays at the resort to rehab after surgery, Derin points out her shortcomings no one else will.

 Pro-tennis player Madison Moore heads to a remote sports complex on Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort to finish rehabbing after shoulder surgery. As she fears the death of her pro career, the bossy cowboy manager gets under her skin.

 Will Derin soften his rough edges to win over the beautiful tennis player? Will Madison listen to the hard truth about her future while opening her heart to love?

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My review:-This is book Three in the 'Vargas Ranch' series. I've had the pleasure of reading and reviewing books one and two. I've been waiting to hear what was going to be going on at the Vargas Ranch and it hasn't disappointed me.  Derin is now CEO of the Sports Complex on Vargas Ranch, but isn't finding it as easy. But when Madison Moore a pro-tennis player arrives for rehab on a shoulder injury there in a clash between cowboy and tennis player. They both have a past that they need to get over but will they be able to do this and maybe find love... Even though you can read/listen to each book as a standalone, as Karen does introduce the characters from previous book, but personally recommend reading them in order. I have loved listening to all three books and found it easy to listen to as the narrator voice moves from one character to another as if they were telling the story themselves. I will be looking at other books by Karen.

Falling For A Shy Cowboy

Falling For A Shy Cowboy: Vargas Ranch Book 2

By Karen Baney

Genre:-Contemporary Christian Western Romance/Adult Fiction 18+

Pages:-192

Publisher:-DesertLife Media

Blurb:-She's a single mom with a disabled son. He's been in love with her since high school. Will this shy cowboy finally win her heart?

 Dylan Vargas is too shy for his own good. While he and his best friend Adan work with the horses on his family's ranch near Wickenburg, Arizona, Adan signs him up for online dating service. Dylan begrudgingly looks through the profiles. One face stands out above the others-that of his childhood crush. There's only one impossible problem-she is Adan's little sister.

 Brisa Franco moves home to Wickenburg after a tragic car accident left her four-year-old son disabled. As she starts a new job in her hometown, she never expects to help her brother's best friend in his quest to overcome a speech impediment.

 Will Dylan steal her heart as she helps him learn how to release his anxiety? Will Brisa learn to trust him and let go of her deeply engrained fears from her past relationship?

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My Review:-This is book two in the 'Vargas Ranch' series. I was looking forward to hear what was going to be happening at Vargas Ranch after reading book one 'Falling For A Real Cowboy.' We get to meet another Vargas brother, Dylan is the shy brother of the family. Dylan, along with his best friend Adan work on the family ranch. Dylan has always liked Adan's sister Brisa, she was his childhood crush, so after Adan signed him up on a dating app he was surprise to see Brisa on it. Brisa had just moved back home with her four-year-old son who is disabled. She has started working on the ranch as a therapist. which means Dylan gets to see her more. What will Dylan do when he's sent to Brisa for help with his stuttering? I have enjoyed listening to this series up to now. The narrator is clear and easy to understand.

Win signed paperback copy of all 3 books in the Vargas Ranch series, plus the gift card

・Falling for a Real Cowboy 

・Falling for a Shy Cowboy

・Falling for a Bossy Cowboy

・$25 Amazon Gift Card

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Falling For A Real Cowboy

Falling For A Real Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 1)

By Karen Baney

Genre:-Contemporary Christian Western Romance/Adult Fiction

Ages:-18+

Listening Length:-5 hours 32 minutes

Pages:-208

Publisher:-Desert Life Media

Content Rating:-PG Some situations might not be suitable for under 16 yrs.

Blurb:-She’s trying to resurrect her career. He’s sworn off women. Will this city-meets-country duo find love where they least expect it?

Dalton J. Vargas the fourth has sworn off love. Women are just a distraction that keep him from running his family’s multi-million-dollar guest ranch near Wickenburg, Arizona. After his father announces an early retirement, the full burden of the ranch rests on his shoulders. When a city-slicker romance author stays at the ranch, Dalton’s perfect world turns to chaos.

River Sloane’s last workplace romance novel flopped—big time. Now her publisher wants her to write a modern-day cowboy romance, which she has resisted for years. When her publisher sends her to a dude ranch in the middle of nowhere Arizona, she must learn about cowboys and ranching to get her career back on track. One hunky cowboy stirs her heart and unexpectedly becomes her muse.
Will she let herself fall in love with the real cowboy or will she return to the life she left behind? Will Dalton open his heart to a new, lasting love?

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My Review:-Dalton J. Vargas the fourth was running his family ranch, Vargas, after his father decided to retire early.  Because a woman once nearly destroyed the family ranch, Dalton has no interest in women, but that soon changes with River. River was sent to Vargas Ranch by her publisher, in the hope that she would write a cowboy romance novel, after her books started to struggle to sell. I enjoyed listening to this feel good and easy to listen to novel. It is a novel that can be read by young adults and upwards. I'm looking forward to see what else the Vargas Ranch and brothers have instore for us next.

Win signed paperback copy of all 3 books in the Vargas Ranch series, plus the gift card

・Falling for a Real Cowboy 

・Falling for a Shy Cowboy

・Falling for a Bossy Cowboy

・$25 Amazon Gift Card

(eligible for US & Canada) (ends April 29)

The Garnett Girl

The Garnett Girl

By Georgina Moore

Genre:-Literary Fiction/Contemporary/Historical Blend

Pages:-336

Publisher:-HQ

Blurb:-Forbidden, Passionate and all-encompassing, Margo and Richard's love affair was the stuff of legend-but, ultimately, doomed. When Richard walked out, Margo locked herself away, leaving her three daughters, Rachel, Imogen and Sasha, to run wild. Years later, charismatic Margo entertains lovers and friends in her cottage on the Isle of Wight, refusing to ever speak of Richard and her painful past. But her silence is keeping each of the Garnett girls from finding true happiness. Rachel is desperate to return to London, but is held hostage by responsibility for Sandcove, their beloved but crumbing family home. Dreamy Imogen feels the pressure to marry her kind, considerate fiance, even when life is taking an unexpected turn. And wild, passionate Sasha, trapped between her fractured family and controlling husband, is weighed down by a secret that could shake the family to its core...

 The Garnett Girls, the captivating debut from Georgina Moore, asks whether children can ever be free of the mistakes of their parents.

One of the biggest debuts for 2023 Number One Bestseller in Audio Picked by Stylist as a Big Fiction Debut for 2023 included in the Ten Best New Novelists for 2023 (Observer)

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My Review:-When Margo Garnett was only a teenager, she met and married Richard O'Leary, neither of their parents were happy. It wasn't long before the couple had three beautiful daughters, Sasha, Imogen and Rachel. Things so changed and Richard walked out om Margo and his girls. But as if that wasn't bad enough for the girls, their mother locked herself away in her room and refused to come out. The girls were left to look after themselves with the help of their Aunt Alice. Years later Margo recovered and started entertaining men at her cottage on the Isle of Wight. she had one rule...Never to speak about Richard. Because of their past the three girls struggled with their relationship with their partners, but also with the family secrets that has been hidden. A great debut novel by Georgina Moore.

The Brothers

The brothers

By Robert Derry

Genre:-Horror Fiction/Historical Thriller

Pages:-431

Blurb:-"When I entered the city, I entered it with an undaunted spirit, determined that no labour should make me shrink, no danger nor even persecution deter me from my pursuit."

 Thomas Clarkson was the 'moral steam engine' behind the abolitionist movement of the late eighteenth century, without whom The Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade would have been bereft of its champion.

 The Brothers tells the story of the early years of their struggle and the tale of a slave ship, The Brothers, as it departs from the port of Bristol en route to the Guinea Coast, under the vicious Captain Howlett.

 It traces the arduous journey of Clarkson, as he gathers evidence against The Trade from the slaving ports of England and the political efforts of Granville Sharp who, with the help of the Society, brings their first bill before a reluctant parliament. A disillusioned Doctor Gardiner, the ship's surgeon aboard The Brothers, agrees to keep a journal as evidence for the investigation, to record first-hand in all its horrors the maltreatment of slaves and crew at the hands of the sadistic officers, for whom the venture is all about one thing and one thing alone-profit. A young boy escapes from the clutches of the Bristol mob to find himself in service in Sharp's plush London residence, as four thousand miles away in the Caribbean, The Brithers sails away from its crime against humanity. But another force is rising from the very timbers of the ship's blood-infused frame-a nightmare that will push the troubled doctor to the very edge of insanity and threaten to bring a timely judgement upon them all.

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My Review:-An empowering story about the struggles to  abolish the slave trade in England. Thomas Clarkson was the person behind the abolitionist movement of the late eighteenth century. The author has put so much time and research into the slave trade and has put it down on these pages giving it depth and acknowledgement that is needed on something like this. Even though some of this book is fiction it is still heart breaking reading some parts. I know life has changed over the years, but to think that some of the slave trade is still going on.

Scorpion

Scorpion

By Phil Gilvin

Genre:-Sci-fi/YA/Dystopian

Blurb:-WAR IS COMING, A WAR THAT COULD MEAN THE END OF THE REPUBLIC. BUT HOW CAN YOU DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT WHEN YOU’RE A CAPTIVE, SLAVING IN THE GUTS OF A BRUTAL PATROL SHIP?

Clara Perdue isn’t sure why she took Jack Pike’s place at the slave market. She isn’t sure why she saved another girl and volunteered for the Scorpion, a Coastforce ship that plies the Channel, murdering refugees and raiding the villages along the coast. But when she meets Xavi, another slave, she feels emotions she’s never felt before.

Meanwhile, Jack Pike has taken Clara’s parents to safety, and as he tries to track her down he finds an unexpected ally. But how can they find Clara?

Can Clara escape somehow? And, even if she can, how can she stop the war?

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My Review:-This is Book Three in the 'Three Sister' Series. We begin with Clara Perdue being taken to the slave market, after taken Jack Pike's place. Clara volunteers to go on the Scorpion, a Coastforce ship that guards the waters, but also kills refugees and raids villages along the coast. Knowing her parents are safe, Clara now needs to stay alive, but also find away to escape and stop this war. Is Jack going to be able to find Clara or will it be to late... I love Clara, she knows what she wants and will find a way to do it, she's a strong female characters. A great plot, that flows well, making it easy to read.

Good Practice

Good Practice: Confessions of a Physician Associate

By Chloe Brathwaite

Genre:- Medical Memoir/Non Fiction

Pages:-260

Blurb:-What is normal? There is so much beauty and identity to be found in being unique.

 Projectile bodily fluids... A strangely shaped baby coming into the world... A stubborn patient and her cancerous 'beauty spot'...

 With a delightful blend of gentle humour, empathy, and refreshing honesty, Chloe delves into the highs and lows of the human experience-from the magical moments of birth to the heart-breaking farewells of death, from the courage displayed in the face of chronic illness to the unsettling selfishness witnessed in times of suffering.

 In this memoir, Chloe invites you to join her on a path less travelled, offering a unique perspective on the wonders and fragilities of the human body, whilst navigating the complexities of her own life, as the truth behind her challenges are unveiled. Whether you're a fan of medical dramas or simply captivated by life's complexities, this charming and quirky exploration of Chloe's life as a physician associate student is sure to evoke laughter, tears, and unwavering entertainment.

 On a family holiday in 2015, I read Confessions of a GP by Dr Benjamin Daniels. I loved the book and felt inspired to write my own medical memoir but worried that the idea was outside of my capability and impossible to turn into a reality, but for next couple of years, the desire never left my mind.

 Eventually after asking myself of what was the worst that could happen, I decided to start to plan and plot my memoir, start writing and see where the words would take me.

 After many doubts, drafts, rewrites, and a few years, I finished my medical memoir and wanted to share it with the world. I hope that you enjoy it.

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My Review:-This is an inspiring and honest book from Chloe Brathwaite, physician associate. We go on a journey with Chloe, following the struggles and challenges she went though to be part of the healthcare associate. I found myself laughing and crying, as Chloe opened her heart up to share everything with us. Chloe has used her own journey to help others that struggle with being dyslexic and other disabilities. I found myself relating to Chloe story with being dyslexic and also disabled. Being dyslexic isn't as easy as some might think it is, many children and adults miss out because it is either misdiagnosed or it not noticed until later on in life. If you are struggling with dyslexic, disabilities or looking to going into the healthcare, I would recommend this book to you.

Girl Unmasked

Girl Unmasked: How Uncovering My Autism Saved My Life

By Emily Katy

Genre:-Non Fiction/Memoir/Coping with illness & specific conditions/Autism & Asperger's Syndrome

Pages:-288

Publisher:-Octopus Books

Blurb:- A powerful new memoir by a brilliant new voice-on what it's like living as a troubled teenager with undiagnosed autism.

 To the outside world, Emily looks like a typical girl, with a normal family, living an ordinary life. But inside, Emily does not feel typical, and the older she gets, the more she realises that she is different. As she finally discovers when she is 16, Emily is autistic. Girl Unmasked is the extraordinary story of how she got there-and how she very nearly didn't. Still only 21, Emily writes with starting candour about the years leading up to her diagnosis. How books and imagination became her refuge as she sought to escape the increasing anxiety and unbearable stresses of school life: how her OCD almost destroyed her, how a system which did not understand autism let her down; and how she came so close to the edge that she and her family thought she would never survive. In this simple but powerful memoir, we see how family and friends became her lifeline and how, post-diagnosis, Emily came to understand her authentic self and begin to turn her life around, eventually becoming a mental health nurse with a desire to help others where she herself had once been failed. Ultimately uplifting, Girl Unmasked is a remarkable insight into what it can be like to be autistic-and shows us that through understanding and embracing difference we can all find ways to thrive.

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My Reviews:-This book is so incredible. Not many people understand what being autistic is like, for both the parent/carer/partner of the person themself. This book helps you understand the world an autistic person lives in. We are taken on a journey with Emily and the experiences she has had to go through. Emily has wrote this book as it is for her and also others like her. I've worked with autistic children and young adults and no two of them are the same. Thank you Emily for sharing your world with us

Jesse's Triumph

 

Jesse's Triumph

By Amra Pajalic

Genre:-YA Fiction

Pages:-235

Publisher:-Pishukin Press

Blurb:-From award-winning young adult author Amra Pajalic comes a best friends love triangle, zero to hero makeover, found family, coming of age YA novel for fans of Melina Marchetta and John Green/

 Jesse's childhood took a backseat as he became his ailing mother's primary caregiver, patiently counting down the days until high school finished and his real life began. When a new student, Sabiha, arrives at his school he meets his dream girl. but she's met his best friend first.

 After Jesse's debut novel is published while he's a high school student, he's thrust into the spotlight. Can Jesse steer his way through his new-found triumph, be with his dream girl, and ride the high school popularity wave without losing sight of who he truly is?

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My Review:-This is a standalone read in 'Sassy Saints' series and The only one I have read up to now, but will be looking to read others. The characters are well developed and likeable. Jesse is his mother's carer due to cancer treatment and thyroid issues. Jesse doesn't like to be notice, he's happy to be invisible, until all that changes and he becomes popular. I do think that teenager would enjoy and relate to this story. I was an easy and short read, that does have some trigger warnings, which you can find by scanning the QR Code at the beginning of the book.  

Jesse's Triumph - Read Along Q10

Jesse's Triumph: Read Along

By Amra Pajalic

Q10-Ch 19:-Would you do what Sabiha does for Alma?

A10:- No, I was quite at school

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Jesse's Triumph -Read Along Q9

 

Jesse's Triumph: Read Along

By Amra Pajalic

Q9-Ch 17:-Were you ever suspended from school?

A9:- That's an easy one, No. I loved school and would be happy to do it all again. 

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Jesse's Triumph Read Along Q8

 

Jesse's Triumph: Read Along 

By Amra Pajalic 

Q8-Ch 16:-How do you feel about having your photo taken?

A8:-This is an easy one, I only get my photo taken if I need to apart from that I'm the one that takes all the photos

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The Prisoner of Bhopal

The Prisoner of Bhopal

By Tim Walker

Genre:-Children/YA/Asian History

Ages:-10-12 years

Pages:-272

Publisher:-Andersen Press

Blurb:-Amil has always dreamed of working at the modern, space-age pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, where he lives. Instead, on his tenth birthday, he is torn from his family and taken to work for Mr Kumar and his cruel son, Jalesh, in their dilapidated printing factory. There, hidden in a trunk, he finds a secret First World War journal. As its pages come to life, they reveal not only why Amil is there, but that he and the journal's author-his great grandfather, Sanijv-share a magical gift: they can read the wind. Its purpose remains a mystery until, one terrible night, the pesticide plant leaks poison gas into the air above Bhopal...

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My Review:-Amil lives with his parents, two younger brothers, and his grandparents in a tiny two-room house. The day of Amil's tenth birthday wasn't going to be like any other, but not in a good way. Amil is torn away from his family and is forced to work as a slave for Mr Kumar and his son, Jalesh, to pay for a dept of his family. Amil comes across a old journal from the First World War, and the story of his great grandfather. The journal isn't like any other journal, it's magical and comes to life. I enjoyed reading this book from the very beginning. The author is given some of the profits of this book to a medical fund in Bhopal. When you read this book you will understand a bit more.

Can I Speak to Josephine Please?

Can I Speak To Josephine Please?

By Sheila Brill

Genre:-Non Fiction/Memoir

Pages:-351

Publisher:-Resilient Books

Blurb:-Theirs was an unlikely life together.

 Sheila gave birth to Josephine on 11th May 1993 and for twenty-three years, they c0-existed in a loving, mother-daughter relationship but one with a difference. Josephine suffered catastrophic brain injury at birth, never spoke to Sheila, rarely smiled and was barely able to see the faces of the people who loved her. Josephine's acute disability was the outcome of medical negligence during labour in a London hospital.

Sheila, a former managing editor, and her husband Peter, learned to accept a life revolving around medical emergencies, surgical interventions and the endless daily demands of a profoundly disabled child. It was a steep learning curve. They learned to love their 'wee girl' deeply and Josephine, in her own way, wholly returned their parental love. The book tells about the life of the Brill family as it unfolds and flows alongside that of Josephine's. We learn how Sheila suffered from post-natal PTSD but overcame it, and the birth of Josephine's little brother with all the adjustments the family had to make, both beautiful and challenging. When Josephine was 15, a careers guidance worker called the family. 'Can I speak to Josephine please?' The book's title encapsulates the many levels of disconnect between the outside world and the lives of Josephine and her family. Can I speak to Josephine please? isn't a misery memoir; it's the story of a person who touched the lives of so many people-a bright and beautiful young lady who could 'work the room' despite her enormous limitations. Sheila and Peter are amongst thousands of families who have sued health trusts over negligence during births. In their case, it took six and a half years to reach a settlement which provided financial support to give their daughter the best possible quality of life over her remaining 17 years. According to NHS Resolution figures, the total paid out for clinical negligence relating to maternity care over the past 12 months was £2.6bn. The overall maternity budget for NHS England is £3bn. Sheila commented: "Without systemic review and reform, stories like Josephine's will, sadly, continue to be told.

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My Review:-This is a story of how parents will stop at nothing to make sure that their daughter gets what she entitled to to make life as normal as it could possibly be from birth and into adulthood, due to medical negligence during labour. Josephine's mother Sheila takes us on a journey telling us in her own words what the family has be through and the challenges for a family with a disabled child. Sheila tells us how much love Josephine has and the person she is. This is a book that you need to read yourself and see what life is like with someone with a disability. It is a deeply moving and passionate story.

The New Son

The New Son

By Iain Maitland

Genre:-Psychological Thriller

Pages:-265

Blurb:-Nina always wanted a child of her own. Now she has one.

 Nina feels trapped. Her partner Gary is controlling, his daughter hates her, and she's recently suffered a miscarriage. Just as her life seems hopeless, Alex, the son she gave up for adoption nearly 20 years ago, shows up at her door. Somehow, he has tracked her down. Their reunion is everything Nina has hoped for. Now she has a child of her own, someone in the family who really cares about her. But honeymoons are brief and this one is no exception.

 Far from welcoming him, Gary is hostile to Alex and as their arguments become increasingly vicious, it soon becomes clear that Nina must choose between them. But how  will the abusive Gary react if she rejects if she rejects him? And can she trust Alex? Is he really the loving son he seems to be-or does he have a sinister agenda of his own?

The New Son-the gripping psychological thriller perfect for fans of Fred McFadden, Daniel Hurst, K.L. Slater.

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My Review:-What a book this was. Nina hasn't had a easy life, she got pregnant at sixteen, to Ryan the love of her life and also had to give her baby up.  Nina is in a marriage, that isn't what she once dreamt of, a husband that is controlling and a step daughter that hates her and doesn't want her there and now a miscarriage. Then a knock on the door that could possible change her life. This book had me hooked from the beginning, there are plenty of twists and turns that will have you wondering what's next. I love the writing style and plot. I don't like spoiling a book by telling you to much but I will say what an ending to this story.

The Ha Ha

The Ha Ha

By Tom Shakespeare

Genre:-Crime Fiction/Humour/Romance/Disability Fiction

Pages:-272

Publisher:-Farrago

Blurb:-A delightfully funny and inclusive novel from Tom Shakespeare, author, academic and broadcaster

Meet Fred

 He is about to turn forty and ha invited an eclectic group of friends to celebrate at a rented stately home. He is a wheelchair user after being paralysed in a road traffic accident, has been busy at work at his memoir and is longing to reconnect with long-standing university crush, Heather, a high-flying TV foreign correspondent. What should have been a jolly weekend in the country starts getting decidedly more complicated when Heather realises that the publication of Fred's book could threaten her career ambitions.

 The Ha Ha is a thoroughly  engaging and very entertaining novel about friendship, sex, hallucinogenic drugs, marriage and putting the past behind you.  There is also a very hungry pig who may or may not have eaten Fred's stolen memoir.

 It also proves that you can write about disability without making a big fuss of disability and that you can pay tribute to the  immortal world of Blandings without ever including a PG Wodehouse character

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My Review:-Tom Shakespeare pays homage to the late PG Wodehouse with this new book 'The Ha Ha.'

Fred is the main character in the story, he is in a wheelchair because of a traffic accident that has left him paralysed. Fred has been writing his memoirs and wants to share this with his friends. Fred decides to hire a stately home for his fortieth birthday and invites his friends, especially one in particular, Heather his university crush. He never told her how he felt, but he's decided to at the stately home. Once everyone arrives Fred tells them he has been writing his memoirs and he hasn't held anything back, he's telling all. But things don't go to plan when Fred's memoirs go missing. Who has decided to take the memoirs and why?  Oh don't forget to look out for the pig. This is a great funny book that will have you laughing out loud. It was nice to see a book about someone with a disability being the main character, as I'm in a wheelchair myself and I haven't read any books like this. 5 Stars 

Mei's Mermaid Mission

Mei's Mermaid Mission

By Crystal Z. Lee

Illustrated By:-Allie Su

Genre:-Children's Picture Book

Ages:-3-7 years

Pages:-42

Publisher:-Balestier Press

Content Rating:-G

Blurb:-The mission of the Mermaids International Rescue Alliance (MIRA) is to guard the ocean and protect the sea creatures. There are many mermaid members in MIRA from all over Asia, such as Princess Hwangok (Korea), Roro (Indonesia), Jiao (China), Ningyo (Japan), Songkhla (Thailand), Duyung (Malaysia), Sovann Macha (Cambodia), Sirena (the Philippines), and Mei (Taiwan). Mei's Mermaid Mission is an exquisitely illustrated picture book that follows Mei as she travels all over the Asia Pacific region to gather the team of heroic mermaids in order to stop the pirate from polluting. Can Mei and MIRA mermaids stop the pirate in time? Over twenty sea animals and over twenty locations in Asia are introduced in this story, as well as Asian mermaid mythologies in the book's backmatter. Children and adults will delight in this cultural story emphasizing empathy, friendship, collaboration, and environmental protection.

Meet the Author

Crystal Z. Lee grew up in a bilingual household in Taiwan and in California. She is an avid traveller and has visited over thirteen countries in Asia. her favourite travel memories include hiking the forests of Borneo, boating in Phuket, cruising down the Yangtze River, chasing butterflies in Taiwan, attending literary festivals in Hong Kong, and visiting family in Singapore. Crystal is the author of children's books A Unicorn Named Rin and Kai the Dancing Butterfly. Her poetry was recently included in the UK anthology, Tabula Rassa. She is also the author of a novel, Love and Other Moods

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The Rabbits

The Rabbits

By A.A. Milne

Genre:-Historical Fiction/War Story Fiction/Short Stories

Pages:-320

Blurb:-Pre-war halcyon days captured in a series of comic sketches, the 'Rabbits' offer the purest of escapism-and possibly A.A. Milne's most distinctive work.

 The adventures of a group of friends, pre-war, with far too much time on their hands. The Rabbits, as they call themselves, are Archie Mannering, his sister Myra, Samuel Simpson, Thomas of the Admiralty, Dahlia Blair and the narrator, with occasional guests. Their conversation is almost entirely frivolous, their activity vacillates between immensely energetic and happily lazy, and their social mores are surprisingly progressive.

 Originally published as sketches in Punch, the Rabbits' escapades are a charming portrait of middle-class antics on the brink of being shattered by World War 1, and fail entirely to take themselves seriously.

 'Milne has the touch of the true artist' Telegraph 'Sunny and whimsical' Country Life

  'To admirers of humour on its best behaviour there is no comedian like A.A. Milne' Observer

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My Review:-I wasn't sure what I expected from this book, as I only think of A.A. Milne as Winnie the Pooh. The cover even had that Winnie the Pooh feel about it. We have a group of friends, Archie, his sister Myra, Samuel, Thomas, Dahlia and the narrator that really care about each other, and like spending time together The book is set pre World War 1. This book was first written as a series of sketches in Punch between 1909 and 1914. I read this as if it was short stories and found it an easy read, fun and entertaining throughout the pages, at times I felt I was there with them. I will be looking at reading more of A.A. Milne's books

Love Lottie

Love Lottie

By Mel Higgins

Genre:-Historical/Romance 18+

Pages:-377

Blurb:-

"Cathleen longs for a child to complete her family, so when her parents send her sixteen-year-old sister Lottie to London after secretly giving birth to a daughter, could this new bundle be the answer to her prayers? Betty lives a good life in the city of Paris with a close knitted family around her, but when her uncle turns up the night before her wedding, family secrets are exposed, leaving her to decide where she belongs. Grace promised her unborn child that she would be a better mother than her own, but while her husband Henry shows her little affection and hides away in his shed, she struggles to keep her promise. Sarah is used to her parents being different. Her mum is always ill, and her dad works around the clock. However, when she starts reading books by the author Lottie Ridley, her life changes forever."

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My Review:-This is the sequel to a book I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing last year, 'Dear Lottie'. In this book we hear Cathleen, Lottie's sister, side of the story of baby Betty. There is always two side to a story and this shows you that.  We get to look at Lottie's actions and the decisions she made, but in a different perspective. We get to meet some new characters in this book. When Sarah reads Lottie's books she finds her life changing forever. In this book I found we went deeper into the whys and what for. The book is set out as a diary, which I do love as we follow a timeline and makes it easy to understand. I did like the cover, I felt the colours worked well for the story.