Handle With Care

Handle With Care

By Louisa Reid

Genre:-YA

Publisher:-Guppy Books

Blurbs:-A stunningly powerful YA novel from a master storyteller told in both prose and verse.

 No one knows Ruby is pregnant-not even Ruby herself. So when she gives birth at school on a miserable February morning, her world is thrown into chaos. Keeping the baby isn't an option, but keeping quiet about who the father of the child definitely is; because if Ruby's best friend Ashley finds out the truth, then she'll lose her too.

 When Ruby finally realises what she and her baby need, somehow that doesn't seem to matter any more. So Ruby must take matters into her own hands, with tragic consequences...

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My Review:-Ruby is a sixteen-year-old school girl. During a History lesson with her best friend Ashley, her whole life changed in the matter of minutes. Unexpectedly Ruby gives birth to a baby, she didn't even know she was pregnant. With help from Ashley and Ashley's mam, Ruby has a lot to think about, both mentally and physically. All this while keeping the identity of the baby's dad a secret from everyone.

 The story is told through Ruby and her best friend Ashley. This is a beautifully wrote story, filled with emotions and very raw at times. Teenage pregnancy is something that isn't talked about much as it should be. Many have a negative view before even knowing everything about it. I have seen and been through this with my family and seen how people judge so quickly. This would be a great book for schools, to read both as a class as well as at home.

Bull Moon Rising

Bull Moon Rising

By:-Ruby Dixon

Genre:-Romantasy/Paranormal & Fantasy Romance/Fantasy

Pages:-432

Publisher:-Ace Books

Blurb:-The special first edition hardcover will include a gorgeous, shimmering jacket with effects, brilliantly illustrated four-color endpapers, striking and detailed-stained edges, and a beautiful foil-stamped case.

In a world of magical artifacts and fantastical beings, a woman determined to save her family joins forces with an unlikely partner—a minotaur—in this steamy romantasy by USA Today bestselling author Ruby Dixon.
As a Holder’s daughter, Aspeth Honori knows the importance of magical artifacts . . . which is why it’s a disaster that her father has gambled all theirs away. Now that her family is in danger of losing their hold—and their heads—if anyone finds out the truth, Aspeth decides to do something about it. She’ll join the Royal Artifactual Guild and the adventurers who explore ancient underground ruins to retrieve the coveted arcane items.
It’s a great plan—with one big problem. The guild won’t let her train because she’s a woman. Aspeth needs a chaperone of some kind. The best way to get around this problem? Marry someone who will let her become an apprentice. Who better than a surly guild member who requires a favor of his own? He’s a minotaur (it’s fine) who is her teacher (also fine) . . . and he’s about to go into rut (which is where it gets tricky). He also has no idea she’s a noble (oops), and he’ll want nothing to do with her if he discovers her real identity.
Now Aspeth just has to pass the guild tests, thwart a fortune hunter, and save her hold—oh, and survive a rut with her monstrous, horned husband, whom she might be falling in love with.
It’s time to dig deep. Literally.

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My Review:-Aspeth Honori is a Holder's daughter. Aspeth knows it's up to her to help the family since her father has gambled all their magical artifacts away, which has put their life in danger. Aspeth must join the Royal Artifactual Guild, but there is one problem, she's a woman. She know she needs a chaperone, and the best way to do this is marry a Minotaur and become an apprentice.  Will Aspeth be able to find a minotaur before everyone knows what her father has done?

 This book has fantasy, adventure, romance and a bit of steam. I enjoyed the storyline, especially seeing Hawk and Aspeth and how things work out. This is my first book by Ruby Dixon, but it won't be my last.

 

Five Steps To Bed

Five Steps To Bed

By Claire Potter

Illustrator:-Ailie Busby

Genre:-Picture Book

Blurb:-Mummy's fed up of chasing her children into the bath. She's fed up of pestering them to take their pyjama bottoms off their heads. She's fed up of scraping toothpaste off the ceiling. Then she has an idea! They're going to bust their bedtime and make it an easy and enjoyable time of the day for everyone. Find out how they do it and follow them to bed - having lot of fun choosing things along the way!

Would you choose to have a bath in melted chocolate - or with a mermaid?

Would you choose pyjamas that glow in the dark - or ones that make you invisible?

Would you choose a bed made of jelly - or one that tips you out in the morning?

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My Review:-I read this book with my granddaughter Emily. We had great fun reading and talking about how she would like to do her bedtime routine. We've always had a bedtime routine for both my children and my grandchildren. I'll add Emily's bedtime routine she has made at the end.

 I love how the mam in the story asks for some help from her children with making bedtime run easier. The children decide what steps they needed and then sat about drawing some pictures to show what  is next in a bedtime routine. Mam puts the pictures up on the way and once it was time for bed she asked what is first. working through the steps the children had made mam asked what sort of bath would they pick, followed by toothpaste, pyjamas, bed and lastly what dream they would like to have. We loved the illustration, they were colourful and fun, with plenty to talk about on each page. This would make a great bedtime story book, as well as a way to encourage children to have a lovely bedtime routine they have picked.

 Here are Emily's answers for going to bed...Bath:- a hot bubble bath in front of a fire, talking about her day. Toothpaste:-a toothpaste that told jokes. Pyjamas:-matching pyjamas for her and Igils (her bedtime comforter). Bed:-on a cloud with a note under the pillow from Nana and last of all her Dream:-in a spaceship flying to the moon eating watermelon. Emily scores this book 5+ stars.

Zac and Jac

Zac and Jac

By Cathy Jenkins

Genre:-Children

Ages:-7-12 years

Pages:-112

Publisher:-Graffeg Books

Blurb:-Nine-year-old Jac sees his father as a hero, but when Jac joins a local football team with his best friend Zac, things start to get a bit weird at home. It's not until a group of professional footballers come into school to talk about racism that Jac realises what his father's problem could be, After a traumatic turn of events, Jac learns of the difficulties faced by Zac's grandparents and the Windrush Generation and becomes determined to help make a change in society, starting with his on family.

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My Review:-Jac looks at his father and only sees his hero. When the teacher asks the class to write about 'Who Is Your Hero' Jac knew what he was writing about. Football has always been something Jac loves and so did his dad. When Jac is ask to play football with ethe team that his best friend Zac plays in he thought it was the best thing of all. But it wasn't long before he noticed things were different after he had been to Zac's and then after football. Why did his mam not think it was a good idea telling his dad about Zac and the football team, after all his dad loved football and knew how much Jac did as well. It wasn't until some footballers came into school and spoke to the kids about racism. That's when Jac started to notice things and start to understand why his dad would say things at football but nowhere else. It takes an accident to happen for things to come out in the open. I've worked around kids of all ages, and up to the age of 5 or 6 children look at life different compared to older children. The author has shown just how children don't see anything wrong with colour or who you are, to them we are all the same. Its only when we get older we start to understand more. 

Jump 2: You Are Enough

Jump 2: You Are Enough

By JG Nolan

Illustrated By:-Carina Roberts

Genre:-Children's Fiction (age 8-12 years)

Pages:-200

Publisher:-Sergar Creative

Blurb:-In the world of football, a blend of physical prowess and mental strength shapes champions.

 Jamie Campbell is a talented young footballer whose sporting journey takes an unexpected twist when a family tragedy shatters her dreams and plunges her into a dark, lonely world from which she feels she will never escape.

 In the depths of despair, Jamie finds solace and strength in her loyal friend, Robbie Blair. Sent to the Lake District for a change of scene, Jamie embarks on an epic journey of self-discovery, where she must confront her fears, unlock the past and unearth her true potential.

 But will she find all the answers and ultimately...is she enough?

'We can all learn from Robbie Blair,' Joe Hart-Former England, Celtic and Manchester City Goalkeeper.

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My Review:-This is Book Two, but can be read as a standalone. After the sudden death of young footballer, Jamie Campbell mother she is sent to the Lake District with her best friend Robbie Blair. Jamie isn't in a good place but she knows that her friend will always be there to help her get through this. Jamie is struggling and going through a lot of mixed emotions, including wondering if she is good enough. Will it ever get back to where it was before all this are is she just keep going along this path of darkness.  I know how much children/young adults go through when suddenly someone they love is taken away and J.G has gave us a storyline that shows that. This is a beautiful moving and emotional story of lost and self-discovery. I did like the idea of questions at the back of the book. It would work great in a group read.

City of Oom

City of Oom-Book 3 (War Bunny Chronicles)

By Christopher St. John

Genre:-Fantasy/YA Fantasy(13+-adult)

Pages:-393

Publisher:-Harvest Oak Press

Blurb:-CAN FREE NATION SURVIVE THREATS FROM WITHIN AND WITHOUT?

If the bears in City of Oom don't destroy the small but mighty fighters of Free Nation, a more insidious enemy will. Journey with our heroes as they set out on desperate quests to learn the secrets of the bears-and themselves.

 Part naturalistic adventure, part modern-day fable, the War Bunny Chronicles a fast-paced story about friendship, honor, standing up for yourself, and coming of age.

 A great adventure read for teens and adults! (Fantasy, 13+)

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My Review:-This is Book Three in the @War Bunny Chronicles.' I've read book two, so when I seen City of Oom was out I had to read it and find what the Bunnies were up to. The book can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading all three of the books, you won't be disappointed. The story continues with the bunnies and other animals fighting with the bears and more. Will they be able to survive? They head to the City of Oom, but will they finally find what they are looking for...  

This is a fantastic series that will appeal to young and old adults, especially anyone that loves animals and fantasy. I have to say the covers of all the books in the series really stand out from others, making you want to pick them up to see just wants inside. 

Coincidentally in Venice

Coincidentally in Venice

By Kate Zarrelli

Genre:-Contemporary Rom Com

Pages:-211

Blurb:-Best friends Ashley and Juliet, who've been made redundant from their marketing jobs during Covid, at last get to go to Venice. The long days of lockdown were made a little easier by looking at webcams of the deserted city. One day, Ash spied a man walking his dog in Campo Santa Maria Formosa. What would happen if she were to meet him for real?

 Though Jules hits it off with a handsome waiter, and both girls take the opportunity to think through big career changes, things otherwise don't go quite according to plan. And why is it that boring Joe from Accounts keeps turning up where he's not supposed to be? Only, whoever falls in love with Venice won't stay boring for long, and Joe unwittingly find himself at the centre of a trade in faked artworks.

 Coincidentally in Venice is a joyous celebration of love, friendship, vintage clothes to die for, Prosecco and spaghetti alle vongole. Oh, and not to mention a stolen gondola, a dog called Killer, ten thousand fictitious virgins and an old Grateful Dead t-shirt.

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My Review:-Ashley and Juliet are best friends. They finally get to go to Venice after being made redundant during Covid from a marketing job they had. After watching webcam of Venice, they dream was about to start. Will they find Venice just as beautiful as it is on webcam? Its not long before Venice starts to surprise them in more ways than they thought. Also why is Joe from accounts always turning up in places he shouldn't? I love the friendship that Ashley and Juliet share. When we think of Venice you automatically think gondolas, love, romance, food and friendship. We have all of that with an added bit of mystery. Oh keep a watch out for a stolen gondola and a dog called Killer.

Deadish

Deadish

By Alex Lancer

Narrator:-Gill Mills

Genre:-Humour

Listening Length:-7hours 57minutes

Pages:-385

Blurb:-Humorously told with hilarious personal anecdotes and real-life stories that shed light on the eccentric things that go on behind closed hospital doors, Deadish is a delightful blend of dark humour and absurdism that celebrates the medical world while poking fun at hospital bureaucracy.

 Rife with interneccine warfare of office politics, medical misadventures, and stories told after one too many drinks, you'll follow the lives of Ashley and Chris, two junior surgeons at Serenity Hospital, as they struggle with domineering management, awkward patient encounters, and unintentionally amusing events that make you want to laugh out loud.

 As the pair fight to save their patients-and sometimes their own lives-they reveal the real human connections behind every story that give profound meaning to their hard work and sacrifice!

 As a must-read potential patients, nurse, doctors, and anybody who wants to have a laugh as they gain a deeper insight into what goes on inside hospitals, Deadish is an absurd and hilarious read that uses black comedy to uncover the authentic stories of the medical world.

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My Review:-I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Deadish in book form, so having it red to me was something I was looking forward to. I always find reading and listening to the same book is always different. The book has a mixture of laugh-out-loud moments as well some heartbreaking ones. It was easy to listen to as well as clear to understand the narrator. This would make a great read for anyone in the medical field or is interested in it.

The Dream Cure

The Dream Cure

By Theresa Cheung

Genre:-Psychology and Dreams/Non Fiction

Pages:-288

Publisher:-Thorsons

Blurb:-Decode your dreams and heal your life.

 In Dream Cure Theresa Cheung brings her expertise to unravel the mysteries behind common dreams, exploring their deeper meanings and implications for personal growth. She empowers readers to navigate the intricate landscape of their dreams, fostering a deeper understanding of their own psyche. Cheung guides readers on a path of self-discovery, helping them harness the power of dreams to resolve anxieties, overcome obstacles and ignite positive transformation.

 This book is the ultimate guide for anyone seeking to unlock the potential of their dreams as a tool for healing and self-improvement. Whether you're plagued by recurring nightmares, seeking guidance on major life decisions, simply curious about the hidden depths of your subconscious, The Dream Cure offers a wealth of wisdom and practical advice.

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My Review:-I've always been interested in what your dreams mean, so when I seen The Dream Cure, I knew I had to give it a go. Because I don't sleep much, it is not easy to remember or understand most of my dreams, but there are ones that I would like to know

 Theresa Cheung shares her understanding into dreams, and exploring their meaning. Theresa has put the book into 5 lessons, The stuff of your dreams, How to interpret your dreams, Your life in your dreams, Dreaming in your darkness, Design your own dreams, along with the conclusion. Each lesson has been put into smaller section to help you understand more. I did like the idea of writing your dreams down on single sheets of paper and putting them away to bring out at a later time. Theresa has also included  dream cure journal templates that you can use. It's a book that you can keep picking up and learn more.

Haunt Your Heart Out

Haunt Your Heart Out

By Amber Roberts

Genre:-Romance/Paranormal Romance/Humour

Pages:-304

Publisher:-Penguin

Blurb:-A small-town seasonal romcom about a dashing ghost hunter and the bookseller who made up the ghosts he's chasing. Perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and Ashley Poston.

 Two strangers, one 'spooky' town...Will they catch ghosts or feelings?

Lex has one rule for dating: no tourists, newcomers, or anyone bound to leave her behind in her sleepy Vermont hometown. Until she hitches a ride with a handsome stranger who later shows up at her quiet bookshop job and now all the walls she's built over the years begin to crumble...

 James is a filmmaker looking into the town's 'haunted' landmarks-viral ghost stories Lex made up anonymously a a teenager. Lex can't resist getting involved because if her secret gets out, it could ruin her chances of one day owning the bookshop. After all, James's stay is only temporary and her career dreams come first. But as they spend more time together, Lex realises she's falling for James. Worse, his mission isn't as frivolous as it seems, and her tricks may cost him much more than a spooky documentary.

 Will her ghost-faking secret be the end of them?

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My Review:-Lex McCall lives in her snowglobe town Stowe, Vermont. Life hasn't always been easy, but now Lex has the life she's always dreamt of having. She lives in a house that she inherited from her grandfather, she also works in a place that she loves, a little book shop. So when she found that she could buy the bookstore, she knew it was going to be hers.

 James is a paranormal documentary filmmaker . He arrives in Stowe to find out about the ghost stories of the town. Lex has rules when it comes to men and dating...no newcomers or tourists. Is James different from the rest? The only problem she's worried about is, the more time she spends with James, will her secret come out and if so what will happen?

It was nice to see the main character was a thirty-something female, not many books have this. I have to say I could see this as a Hallmark movie, with a Halloween and Christmas mix