What Makes A family

What Makes A Family

By Molly Potter

Illustrations By:-Sarah Jennings

Genre:-Children's Picture Book

Pages:-32

Reading Age:-3-7

Publisher:-Bloomsbury Education

Blurb:-From Bestselling author of 'How Are You Feeling Today? this picture book helps children understand and celebrate different types of families.

 What Makes A family? explores different types of families, from what makes them unique to what they all have in common. Using everyday examples, clear explanations and colourful illustrations by Sarah Jennings, this book encourages children to celebrate families of all shapes and sizes.

 This diverse picture book covers lots of different family structures, including nuclear families, blended families, LGBTQ+ families, single-parent families, fostering and adoption. It's the perfect resource for starting import conversations with children about what different families can look like, and the love that holds them all together.

 Let's Talk books help you start meaningful conversations with your child. Written by an expert and covering topics like feelings, relationships, diversity and mental health, these comforting picture books support healthy discussion right from the start.

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @kaleidoscopictours

Instagram:-@mollypotter3545 @sarahscribbles @kaleidoscopictours @paulalearmouth

X(Twitter):-@Sarahjscribbles @KaleidoscopicBT @mamof9

My Review:-This is a book I thought would be good to read and also talk about with my grandchildren. We get to meet Tiki, who is a bird and Murphy the dog, Murphy is the one that likes to ask the questions and Tiki has the answers as she flies all over the place to get the information that she needs to answer all Murphy's questions. The book explains how families are all different from each other, some have two parents/carers, some have one, some families have children, and some have none. We learn how some families have grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. It also explains what happens when parents/carers split up. We loved everything about this book, from the illustrated that are colourful and fun, to the way that Molly has set the book out. We decided to read all the book first them talk about it, and I have to say we've been talking about the book for over a week now.  The grandchildren like to bring it out and pick something they want to talk about in it, especially asking about some of the friends they have at school and how they have different families to them. This is a great book for young and older children, there is so much to talk about throughout the whole book.

The Croaking Raven: Read Along Q7

The Croaking Raven: Read Along

By Guy Hale

Q7: Chapter 41:-Toby worries about his first impression on the DI. How important is a first impression to you?

A7:-I do take first impressions but also on how the person acts while talking to me as well, some people are really nervous when they first meet them and it takes a bit of time to relax

Instagram:-@HaleWrites @lovebookstours @paulalearmouth #LBTCrew #Bookstagram

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

The Croaking Raven: Read Along Q6

The Croaking Raven: Read Along

By Guy Hale

Q6: Chapter 38:-Would you dunk a Jammie Dodger biscuit in a heat drink?

A6:-Yes, I always do if I have a hot drink 

Instagram:-@HaleWrites @lovebookstours @paulalearmouth #LBTCrew #Bookstagram

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

The Croaking Raven: Read Along Q5

The Croaking Raven: Read Along

By Guy Hale

Q5: Chapter 30:-Have you heard of Sir Francis Bacon?

A5:-Yes, I learnt about him at school

Instagram:-@HaleWrites @lovebookstours @paulalearmouth #LBTCrew #Bookstagram

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

The Croaking Raven: Read Along Q4

The Croaking Raven; Read Along

Q4: Chapter 26:-Do you like to stick to a plan or are you a fly by the seat of your pants kind of person?

A4: I'm a bit of both, I do like having a plan for a lot of things but there are times that you just have just do it no matter what

Instagram:-@HaleWrites @lovebookstours @paulalearmouth #LBTCrew #Bookstagram

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

Tempered Glass

Tempered Glass

By Beth Overmyer

Genre:-Fantasy/Romance

Pages:-272

Publisher:-Flame Tree Press

Blurb:-Verve survived a dangerous transformation into the Fire Queen, but can she survive the power that was given to her?

 In the second installment of the Blade and Bone series, Verve seeks to tame and conceal her magic. But when tragedy strikes, she's forced to return to a land she never wanted to see again and confront-or evade-a darkness she hoped had died. The Gate of the Dead has been opened and there are few places to hide.

 With her secret husband at odds with her way of breaking the curse, Verve finds that love can make an unreliable ally, and that anger is a potent weapon.

 Readers of Carissa Broadbent will love this thrilling series weaving an intriguing world of fantasy and folklore.

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @randomthingstours

Instagram:-@bethovermyer @randomthingstours @paulalearmouth

X(Twitter):-@RandomTTours @mamof9

My Review:-This is Book Two in 'Blade and Bone' series. This book can be read as a standalone.

 Now that Verve is the Fire Queen, we get to follow her as she try's to tame her powers and magic. We get to learn more about her powers, magic and also the prophecies. As well as some old characters, we get to met a few new ones. Verve thought she had left Letorheas for good, but has she? Will  Verve manage to protect her husband or will this be to much for them both?

 Overmyer has added a few twists that I didn't see coming, which I have to say I loved. Overmyer has done a lot of work on the characters and storyline, which made the story easy to follow and also to read.

Looking forward to the next book to see what happens to Verve and also what has happened to Dacre.

Mortal Vintage

Mortal Vintage:- The Seacastle Mysteries Book 5

By P.J. Skinner

Genre:-Cosy Crime Fiction

Pages:-248

Blurb:-Does an ancient coven hold the key to solving a murder?

 Few tears are shed when the unpopular manager of the annual Seacastle Vintage Fair meets a sinister end. But local sleuth Tanya Bowe is thrust into the heart of the investigation when her friend, Grace Wong, finds herself under scrutiny for the murder.

 When Tanya's investigation uncovers a suspicious death in the same family, all bets are off. She navigates dark undercurrents of greed and betrayal as she uncovers a labyrinth of potential suspects associated with an ancient coven. Nothing is as it seems, and every clue adds extra complications. To solve the case, Tanya must answer one main question.

 Did someone hate the victim enough to kill her, or was greed the stronger motive?

In this captivating British small-town cozy mystery, a maze of potential suspects, each with their own motives and secrets, will keep you guessing until the very end.

 If you relish seaside settings, intricate mysteries, and a touch of wit, secure your copy now and join Tanya on her quest to unravel the truth.

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @lovebookstours

Instagram:-@PJSkinnerAuthor @lovebookstours @paulalearmouth #LBTCrew

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

My Review:-I've had the pleasure of reading and review all four books in the 'Seacastle Mysteries' and now I have the chance to read Book Five 'Mortal Vintage,' which can be read as a standalone.

Tanya and her team are back again to solve a murder but with a twist.  When a manager of Seacastle Vintage Fair is found murdered, and Grace Wong a friend of Tanya is the one the finger is pointed at, it's up to Tanya and the team to find out what has happened and is it true. During the investigations the team come across some information that might help Grace, the team need to look deeper into the background of the family involved. The plot of the story includes finger pointing, an ancient witches coven, fake antiques and more.  PJ makes you think you know who is the suspect but because of the twist and turns PJ puts through the story, you are guesting until the end.  I can't wait to see what PJ has instore for us next, I know I'll be reading it. This is a great series for anyone that is looking for great characters that provide and exciting plot, that will have you guessing till the end

When The Night Falls

When The Night Falls

By Glenn Rolf

Genre:-Contemporary Horror/Psychological Thriller

Pages:-240

Publisher:-Flame Tree Press

Blurb:-It's been ten years since the events of Until Summer Comes Around. Lucky to be alive, Rocky roams his beachside hometown, waiting for the life to start again.

 November Riley has never been far from the boy that stole her heart. She watches from the shadows, knowing she can never make things right between them, but just hoping they could try one more time...

 A new documentary is bringing Gabriel Riley, the Beach Night Killer, back to national consciousness. The dead serial killer has a trio of new fans that are ready to make Old Orchard Beach their home for the end of the summer season.

 When the new strangers in town discover Rocky's relationship to the past of one of their own, he becomes their number one target. Can November protect him, or will these other vampires prove too strong?

 When the night falls, blood will spill, and death will reign.

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @randomthingstours

Instagram:-@grolfehorror @flametreepress @randomthingstours @mamof9

X(Twitter):-@RandomTTours @mamof9

My Review:-Ten years on from 'Until Summer Comes Around' Rocky is still in his hometown trying to live a life as normal as he can, even though he knows monsters and vampires are real.  November Riley can only watch on, hoping that one day they can start again and have trust. The TV have decided they want to do a documentary on the Beach Night Killer, and everything that has happened and how things are now in the town. They want to interview Rocky when they find out that he was part of what went on, but will Rocky want to rake everything back up? Will this make him safe and will November be able to protect him? I found this book easy to read, even though it was a bit dark in places. If you love vampires and horrors this is a book for you.

Love In Provence

Love In Provence

By Jo Thomas

Genre:-Romantic Comedy

Pages:-352

Publisher:-Penguin

Blurb:- Escape to the beautiful lavender fields of Provence this summer.

 Del moved to the south of France three years ago and hasn't looked back. She's found new friends, new purpose, and new love with gorgeous Fabien.

 But just as harvest on her little lavender farm is due to begin, Del gets some shocking news. With no time to dwell as she welcomes a new crew of lavender pickers, she unexpectedly waves goodbye to Fabien for the summer.

 Usually cooking-the thing she loves best-would help soothe her troubles, but Del doesn't remember how... And then chef Zacharie comes to town, dropping another bombshell.

 Over one summer in Provence that's full of surprises, friends old and new rally round. Can they complete the harvest and pull the community back together? And if Fabien returns, will Del finally get her happy-ever-after?

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @randomthingstours

Instagram:-@jothomasauthor @randomthingstour @paulalearmouth

X(Twitter):-@jo_thomas01 @PenguinUKBooks @RandomTTours @mamof9

My Review:-I've had the pleasure of reading Book One 'Escape to The Farmhouse' by Jo Thomas, so when I seen 'Love in Provence' I knew I had to catch up on Del and see what she was up to now. But don't worry if you haven't read book one as this book can be read as a standalone.

 When Del moved to France three years ago she didn't expect everything to go straight forward which it didn't. Becoming single, and finding a job was all she was thinking about, she wasn't expecting to find someone special. Just as the lavender was ready to be harvest, Fabien was waving goodbye for the summer and heading off with the other band members. But with the lavender pickers, the community and her friends behind her she knew she could do this. The book shares the meaning of friendship and companionship.  

I found this book an enjoyable read, one that you can pop into your holiday bag and take with you 

Nacroball: Love, Death and Football in Escobar's Columbia

Nacroball: Love, Death and Football in Escobar's Columbia

By David Arrowsmith

Genre:-Memoirs/History/History of sport/Sport & outdoor recreation/Ball games/True crime/Classic crime/Street crime/Gun Crime

Pages:-304

Publisher:-Cassell/Octopus

Blurb:-A detailed eyewitness account into the chaotic period of Colombian football where cartels dictated results and players and referees died for drug lords' sporting obsessions.

 Pablo Escobar had one obsession. Not drugs, not money, not power...football.

Narcoball uncovers the incredible story of Colombian football during the early 1990s- shaped by drug lords, rivalries, and ambition. With untold insights from the players and politicians, it uncovers a football empire backed by cartels- where victory was a currency of its own, and defeat, a matter of life and death.

 This is a different story of Pablo Escobar and his rival. A tale of clandestine deals that reshaped Medellin's football clubs, where fortunes were won and lost. It unveils the extraordinary bonds that Escobar forged with football's luminaries and why his influence reached unprecedented heights, leading to the astonishing 5-0 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires, the murder of referees, and the ruthless coercion of offcials culminating in the killing of Andres Escobar- the Colombian defender who paid the ultimate price for an own goal in the 1994 World Cup. It is also an examination of a people's relationship with both the sport and the nefarious leaders that brought both pride and terror to their communities.

 Set against the U>S War on Drugs, international threats, and government clampdowns, this is a gripping exploration of Colombian club football under Escobar's rise and fall

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @randomthingstours

Instagram:-@davidarrowsmithauthor @octopus_books @randomthingstours @paulalearmouth

X(Twitter):-@mrwriterman79 @Octopus_Books @RandomTTours @mamof9

My Review:-Narcoball uncovers the incredible story of Colombian football during the ealy 1990s. Pablo Escobar wasn't just Colombian drug lord, he also had a obsession for football. There has always been deals and money involved in football, but Pablo Escobar also brought another thing a long 'Death'. The book goes into the length that Pablo Escobar would go to to get the results he wanted and nobody or anything would stand in his way. The book tells us about murder of referees. as well as the murder of Colombian defender Andres Escobar who scored an own goal in 1994 World Cup. I found this a very interesting read, even though I'm not a football fan.

Hungry Hearts

Hungry Heart

By Clare Finney

Genre:-Food Memoir

Pages:-256

Publisher:-Aurum Press

Blurb:-THE TIME FOOD BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023

A soul-searching memoir for foodies everywhere.

 Let award-winning food writer Clare Finney take you on a passionate exploration of food and love. From family feasts to comfort food, first date to office cake; how does what we eat define us, and the relationships we have with others?

 In Hungry Heart award-winning food writer Clare Finney investigates the role that food plays in modern society, exploring how eating unites us in varied ways throughout our lives. Starting with her own childhood spent in her grandmother's hotel kitchen, she reflects on the food that has shaped the person she is today, through the lens of fourteen memorable recipes.

 Think of the dance of culinary courtship entailed in dating. Or the funeral foods that remind us of the connections between life and death, Finney examines the power of food and drink to attract, bind and define us- and of course, its power to divide and repel.

 Packed with transformative stories from the heart, this book may just change your relationship with food, dining and mealtimes. At a time when our relationship towards what, when and where we eat has become increasingly complicated, Hungry Heart is a feast. It's an honest, heart-warming account of humans breaking bread together and what that really means

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @randomthingstours

Instagram:-@finneyclare @randomthingstours @paulalearmouth

X(Twitter):- @finney_clare @aurumpress @RandomTTours @mamof9

My Review:-Clare shares her story from being young, her parents divorced, friends at school, her first break 'proper' breakup, he grandad dying, through recipes and food. From scrambled eggs that her dad made in the microwave, that was shaped like the jug it was cooked in, 90s packed lunch, sharing a mint Viscount with friends Jenny and Amy, Grandad's scallops made from bits leftover from cutting the chips and not forgetting Nicholas, Clare's brother making their mam's Cheesy paste. Clare has included recipes at the end of each chapter. I think we can all relate to Clare's story, how food reminds us of places, a time and a person. I just loved this book.

Bounce Back Stronger

Bounce Back Stronger

By Donna Y. Ferris

Genre:-Self-help

Pages:-256

Publisher:-Bowker

Blurb:-What if every setback was a stepping stone to the life you really want?

In this refreshingly honest and engaging guide, resilience expert and Bounce Back Stronger podcast host Donna Y. Ferris shares valuable lessons learned from decades of successfully navigating life's unexpected twists while balancing a thriving career and home life. Each bite-sized chapter is filled with humour, wisdom, and science, empowering you to:

• Rewire your brain so you can overcome life's challenges
• Act in the way you want rather than react to what comes your way
• Expand your bubble to find a community of lasting support and connection
• Convert the energy of loss into healthy activities that bring you joy
• Create a purposeful life you love

Full of achievable baby steps and vulnerable personal stories, Bounce Back Stronger is not just a book; it's a roadmap for anyone ready to move forward and build the life they truly want. Are you ready to take the first step?

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @lovebookstours

Instagram:-@downdogdiva @lovebookstours @paulalearmouth

X(Twitter):-@minidva @lovebookstours @KellyALacey @mamof9

My review:-In this book you will learn how to rewire your brain, help you understand why we act the way we do, even though we might not want to. We all face challenges in everyday life but some of those challenges we react differently and this book will help you understand more. The book is set out in 15 chapters, each chapter has a colouring page and a space to journal, which I found relaxing. Also Donna has added a Journaling Exercise, Meditation, Chakra, Colour and Crystal, and an Affirmations at the end of each chapter. At the back of the book Donna has included a Resource List, a great Spotify Playlist, Movies, and Books. This is a book that I will go back to many times, even if it is just to dip into certain chapters that I think may help me at that time. I do think this book would relate to a lot of people, that just needs that bit of help to understand how they are facing challenges in their life.

The Croaking Raven: Read Along Q3

The Croaking Raven; Read Along

By Guy Hale

Q3: Chapter 21:-Toby is worried about taking on a big responsibility. When did someone last allow you to show your skills?

A3:-Because I do a lot of different crafts, I'm always being asked if I can made something special for someone. Only last week I was asked to make a special blanket for a friends baby.

Instagram:-@HaleWrites @lovebookstours @paulalearmouth #LBTCrew #Bookstagram

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

The Croaking Raven: Read Along Q2

The Croaking Raven; Read Along Q & A

Q2: Chapter 14:-Fred has unusual methods to get the job done. Have you ever had to go unorthodox to get a task completed?

A1:-I think at times I do, especially when it comes to the grandkids, so that's a yes

Instagram:-@HaleWrites @lovebookstours @paulalearmouth #LBTCrew #Bookstagram

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

The Croaking Raven- Read Along Q1

The Croaking Raven-Read Along

By Guy Hale

Q1-Chapter 6: Have you ever been bribed?

 A: It depends on how we look at a bribe, it if something little and doesn't mean anything. One that my granddaughter always says is if I give you loads of hugs can I play a bit longer. But if it's for something more I have to say no.

Instagram:-@HaleWrites @lovebookstours @paulalearmouth #LBTCrew #Bookstagram

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

The Croaking Raven- Read Along

The Croaking Raven

By Guy Hale

Genre:-Crime Fiction

Pages:-336

Publisher:-Bullington Press

Blurb:-DC Toby Marlowe has just landed his dream posting but the quiet streets of Shakespeare's Stratford are about to suffer a reign of terror. A name from the past has returned, intent on revenge. A series of murders go unsolved but Toby realises that the killer seems to be following the plot of Hamlet.

Can Toby and his boss, DS Fred Williams, find the killer before all the actors at the RSC are dead?

 The Croaking Raven doth bellow for revenge.

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @lovebookstours

Instagram:-@HaleWrites @lovebookstours @paulalearmouth #LBTCrew #Bookstagram

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

The Little Book Of Extraordinary Cats

The Little Book Of Extraordinary Cats

By Anita Kelsey

Genre:-Non Fiction

Pages:-153

Blurb:-Discover the captivating world of fabulous felines in The Little Book Of Extraordinary Cats.

 Join Anita Kelsey on a journey through fifteen remarkable tales celebrating the courage, resilience, and affection of our beloved feline companions, from pioneering space traveller Felicette to therapy cat London Meow.

 Whether you're a cat lover or seeking heart-warming stories of human-animal connections, this book is a must-read

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @rachelsrandomresources

Instagram:-@cat_behaviourist @rachelsrandomresources @paulalearmouth

X(Twitter):-@catbehaviourist @mamof9 #rachelrandomresources

My Review:-The Little Book of Extraordinary Cats is a must have for anyone that love cats. It is a selections of true stories of our feline friends. The book is spilt into 15 short stories, which makes it easy to pick up and put down whenever you have a few minute to yourself. There are some really funny tales to tell but there is a few that aren't as funny. My granddaughter and I did like Charlie, he loved to steal toy dinosaurs, my granddaughter thought that was funny. After reading the different stories, we did manage to find some of the cats on YouTube, which made the cats even more loveable because we could see them doing other things. We also loved the photos of kittens and cats that were in the book.

The British Bloke, Decoded

The British Bloke, Decoded: From Banter to Man-Flu. Everything finally explained

By Geoff Norcott

Genre:-Humour/Popular culture/United Kingdom, Great Britain/Jokes & Riddles/Literary essays

Pages:-288

Publisher:-Monoray/Octopus Books

Blurb:- If you see a man drinking a pint in an airport pub alone, that's a bloke.

  If you see a man driving to the tip on a Saturday morning with a smile on his face, that's a bloke.

 The British Bloke appears simple and straightforward. He loves football, cricket, beer and sheds. But beneath that simple exterior lies a mysterious and complex being...

 In The British Bloke Decoded, writer, comedian and regular bloke, Geoff Norcott, peels back the layers of blokedom, revealing the truth behind the behaviour of Britain's husbands, dads, brothers and friends. He dives into the value of banter, the roots of mansplaining, the near impossibility of getting blokes to send birthday cards, and whether there could be a medal system for vacuuming.

 Based on 46 years of intensive fled research and semi-scientific insights, this book is a celebration of the simple British bloke in all his splendour

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @randomthingstours

Instagram:-@geoff_norcott @octopus_books_ @randomthingstours @paulalearmouth

X(Twitter):-@GeoffNorcott @Octopus_Books @RandomTTours @mamof9

My Review:-What do you think of when you think of men? When I think of men, I think of Sport, Beer, Food, Cars and Women, I think most of us do. Geoff tells us about his own personal life experiences. Any man reading this will be able to relate to what Geoff is talking about in this book. Having five grown up lads, and I found this really funny as I could see certain things in my lads, what they say and do.

 This would be a great gift for a birthday present, Christmas present or even Father's Day  (which is coming up). The book was a easy read that you can pick up and put down, as well as having you laughing out loud.

D Day: The Oral History

D Day: The Oral History

By Garrett M Graff

Genre:-Non Fiction/Military History/Oral Cultural History

Pages:-448

Publisher:-Monoray/Octopus

Blurb:- Eighty years on, D-Day The Oral History is a fresh and significant new history of arguably the most important day of the 20th Century.

 On 6th June 1944, the Allied invasion began. For hours, wave after wave of soliders, sailors, and airmen crossed the channel and stormed the Normandy coast, fighting to gain a foothold in Nazi-occupied Northwest Europe.

 It was the largest combined air and seaborne invasion ever, involving over 150,000 Allied troops on the ground, and its eventual success became a critical turning point in the war, spelling the beginning of the end for the Third Reich.

 As the events of the day fade from living memory, it's more important than ever to understand what it felt like to be there and to live through it, on both sides.

 In this definitive work, Garrett M. Graff, the bestselling author of The Only Plane in the Sky: The Oral History of 9/11, compiles hundreds of US, Canadian, UK, French and German voices to tell the full story of exactly how that historic day unfolded, in visceral detail.

 From paratroopers to fighter pilots to nurses, generals, French villagers, German Defenders to Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt, this is the most intimate re-telling of D-Day published to date.

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @randomthingstours

Instagram:-@vermontgmg @Octopus_Books @randomthingstours @paulalearmouth

X(Twitter):-@vermontgmg @Octopus_Books @RandomTTours @mamof9

My Review:-A book filled with diaries, journals, letters, interviews from those that were there and speeches. The book is set out in three parts, A World at War, The Landing and The End of D-Day, each has chapters relating to the parts it is in. Along with all the writing Garrett has added photos and pictures, Garrett has also included Source Listings, Source Notes, Index and Image Credits. The book begins with the planning for D-Day, which wasn't just a few days before hand, the planning had started well before. I found the book very interesting and at times it does make you think just how those on the front line, especially those in Company A 'Suicide Wave' must of felt. The stories come from Privates to Generals, civilians, as well Germans on the defensive. 

 Coming from a military family on both sides, made me feel so proud of those who were prepared to give their life for others. This is a must read, especially since schools don't include these important events.

The Burning

The Burning

By Robert Derry

Genre:-Thriller/Horror Thriller/Ghost

Pages:-420

Blurb:-To the Mountford family, it was their very own chocolate-box cottage, set deep in the folds of the English countryside.

 Their sumptuous second home, a nest egg for retirement, a secluded bolthole for times of trouble.

 In March 2020, as London fell silent under the threat of Covid19, Tony Mountford made the snap decision to see out lockdown in the close confines of their charming country retreat, unconcerned that one mischievous ghost would be waiting for them.

 But something had changed as fear gripped the nation, and the very bones of their much-loved timber-framed holiday home now creaked to the footfall of more sinister steps.

 A new tenant has taken up residence within its thick stone walls, drawn from a time when the innocent had paid the price for ignorance as a Royal edict fanned the flames of fear across the shires of England.

 Take care as you travel with them, for a chill wind is turning northward, and the embers are still burning

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @randomthingstours

Instagram: @derryrob @ramdonthingstours @paulalearmouth

X(Twitter):-@RGD48649604 @RandomTTours @mamof9

My Review:-London, March 2020 and it's Lockdown. The Mountford family are watching the news like so most of the UK. The death toll for Covid was rising fast, Tony Mountford decided if they had to stay in, the family were doing it in their holiday cottage. The cottage wasn't like any other, they had a ghost, which wasn't happy with them. Eight-year-old Alfie had seen the ghost man in his bedroom, as well as Charlie having someone or something grabbing him by his throat. That was enough to make them put the cottage up for sale. Gavin and Simon bought the cottage and decided to take the cottage back to the bare stone and wood. When they unearthed many things that had been hidden for years, Gavin decided to look deeper into the history and that is when he made some shocking things. I'm not saying anything else about the book, you will need to read it. 

A Bonsai Tree Called Geoff

A Bonsai Tree Called Geoff: Police Stories I Probably Shouldn't Share

By John Donoghue

Genre:-True Crime/Humour

Pages:-299

Blurb:-The Ultimate Writer of Wrongs Continues to Enthral with More Hilarious Tales from the Thin Blue Line.

 Having served for twenty years in the front line of policing, it's fair to say John Donoghue has seen it all.

 In his latest book chronicling his time in the force, A Bonsai Tree Called Geoff-Police Stories I Probably Shouldn't Share, this engaging and talented author continues to do what he does best-regale readers with spectacularly entertaining, wildly funny, and out and out bizarre anecdotes from his days in blue.

 Is he the best cop on the streets?...No. But does he go to work with a positive attitude and put 100% into every incident he attends?...Also No. What he does is write about the funny, unusual, bizarre jobs he goes to. 

 From arresting a bride at her own wedding, an Aztec style sacrifice, subversion in the ranks, a naked dog thief, an accidental kidnapping, disappointing a nun...these are true tales from the front line of policing, where fact is often stranger than fiction!

 These are the tales he probably shouldn't share.

Thank you #AD #Gifed #FreeHonestReview @randomthingstours

Instagram:-@johndonoghue64 @randomthingstours @paulalearmouth

X(Twitter):-@johndonoghue64 @RandomTTours @mamof9

My Review:- This is Book Four based on John's experiences of being a police officer. Each chapter of the book is another story. Because the title of the book, this was the first story which I knew I had to read and I thought the same as the police officers did about Geoff. I also loved the story of the bride, the mother and the mother-in-law being arrested. Because of the stories being short, it's easy for you to pick up and put down when you have a few minutes or like myself, I read the book in one sitting. Because I enjoyed John's book so much, I'm now on the look out for the other three books by him.

The Space Travelers Lover

The Space Travelers Lover

By Omara Williams

Genre:-Young Adult Science Fiction

Pages:-284

Publisher:-AuthorHouse

Blurb:-His Mission Was To Wipe Out Humans...Until He Became Obsessed with One.

Rothwen never shows mercy. An elite and vanguard solider for a powerful alien race, he swore undying loyalty to the vengeance-fuelled invasion that's set on wiping out Earth. But when he stumbles upon Erin, a bright and enigmatic human, he does the unthinkable-he brings her into his world...

 Rothwen quickly finds himself locked in a profound struggle against everything he's ever known. Erin is suddenly caught up in a brutal conflict that will decide the fate of humanity while she wrestles with her deep attraction to Rothwen and her loyalty to her own spaces. Their two worlds are destined to collide, but one wrong step could mean the end of everything Erin holds dear.

 can she outwit the alien's destructive plans and save Earth from annihilation? Will she find true love with the all-powerful alien solider who stole her heart?

 The Space Traveller's Lover is an exhilarating sci-fi alien romance that expertly blends highoctane action with pulse-pounding romantic suspense.

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview 

Instagram:-@omywilliams @palamedespr @paulalearmouth

X(Twitter):-@willians_omara @mamof9

My Review:-Erin Lobart lives with her adoptive parents on the tropical island of Tinian, helping on the family Tuna farm. The only time Erin mixes is with her best friend Sam. When Erin is kidnapped by a man, she knows him from a recurring dream she's been having, but who is he and why kidnap her?  It's not long before Erin is falling for Rothwen, is she willing to become someone she's not so Rothwen can take her to his home world, but doing this it means losing her human qualities, compassion, empathy and most important love. You will need to read it for yourself to see if Erin gives into Rothwen or will she fight to keep her human nature? 

  This book isn't just science fiction, it looks at climate change, the value of love and humanity. The book pulled me in and it felt like I was watching a movie on the television, it was captivating , along with well developed characters.

Leeza McAuliffe Has Loads More To Say

Leeza McAuliffe Has Loads More To Say

By Nicky Bond

Genre:-YA Romance/Romance/Humour

Pages:-350

Publisher:-Take-Away-Tea Books

Blurb:-Leeza McAuliffe is used to change. The previous years saw a house move, a family wedding, and the surprise arrival of baby Harvest. The next twelve months should be calmer. Expect...

 A new girl at school is causing Leeza headaches. What is her problem, anyway? Best mate Jake can cheer her up but their friendship has begun to spark gossip. And the arrival of a letter brings change that none of the McAuliffe saw coming.

 Join Leeza as she charts another rollercoaster year. Whether it's misunderstandings about her love life, getting to grips with the brand new world of periods, or having her very first kiss, she's determined to record the highs and lows, no matter what.

Thank you #AD #Gifted #FreeHonestReview @lovebookstours

Instagram:-@BondieLa @lovebookstours @paulalearmouth #LBTCrew #Bookstagram

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

My Review:-This is Book Two in 'The Leeaza McAuliffe Stories' by Nicky Bond. Leeza has been through so much over the past year and she's looking forward to a better year, but things don't always go to plan as she soon finds out. This is a great easy read, set out as Leeza's diary so that you can pick up and put down, without having to read long chapters. The book will have you laughing as well as crying. Nicky has made this book so true to life, including issues that young people have to face as they move through childhood to adult life, first relationship, first kiss, periods, also showing just how gossip can spread and hurt people, how important friendships are and how trust is an important part of our life.

 It did bring back memories from my school days, which was many years ago. My 14-year-old granddaughter has now taken this book to read after I told her about.