BOOK REVIEW GIRL UNKNOWN BY KAREN PERRY

I think you might be my father …

When first year student zoe Barry walks into profressor David Connollys office and tentatively says these words ,he is left reeling . But it is the lives of his family – particularly his wife Caroline -which are turned upside down by the arrival of this stranger .

A daughter ,a sister ,a friend …an enemy?

Though no one knows quite who zoe is ,she is soon entangled in their lives. Yet her stories don’t ring true and Caroline is determined to learn if the girl is the unlucky innocent she claims to be or someone with a far darker agenda .

A deadly cuckoo in the nest…

Because by letting zoe in , David and Caroline aren’t just leaving themselves vulnerable . They’re risking the most precious thing in the world -the lives of their children …

Firstly thank you to Sarah at penguin for sending me copy to review.

The cover and blurb made me very intrigued to step in !

This is a thriller that reads easily and has you hooked fast .

Wasn’t long before I was whizzing through and really enjoying the story.

It was told in the narratives of both David and Caroline which was very interesting especially reading the dynamics of their marriage .

This is a chilling concept especially because this sounds like something that in this society could easily happen.

It’s not long before we saw the trail of destruction that follows zoe’s arrival into the family.

Unpredictable and fast paced !

A dark read that you won’t foresee where it will go…

Really enjoyed this thriller 

Published on December 1st 2016 

BOOK REVIEW A FAIRY TALE FOR CHRISTMAS BY CHRISSIE MANBY

What could’ve more magical at Christmas than a fairy tale come true? 

It’s the festive season and the members of the Newbay Theatre SOciety known as the NEWTS , are putting on a show . Being cast as Cinderella is a dream realised for newcomer Kirsty ,not least because she hopes starring in a panto directed by her boyfriend Jon will bring them closer .

But it’s not all glitter and good cheer: behind the scenes ,long standing rivalries , wardrobe mishaps and suspicious accidents threaten to derail the production. And then there’s Prince Charming himself . Will working with Jon bring Kirsty her happy ever after …or reveal their love to be a showmance  ? 

Firstly a big festive thank you to hodder for sending me a copy to review . Not only was it a unexpected gift it come with some festive goodies .

I have been lucky to have received copies of recent books of chrissies. Therefore I knew I was in for a treat.

This was my first Christmas read of the year andwbat a cracker it was.

I loved the cover and really enjoyed dipping into the adventures of the NEWTS at every given opportunity .

I adore pantomimes..always have and always will especially being s parent now.

So this had all the ingredients for a brilliant story.

Kirsty was a great character and you will find yourself getting cross on her behalf!!

Jon was a unsavoury villain …I mean character . He had a lot to say to Kirsty and it wasn’t always kind .

Ben and his daughter Thea make a welcome sweet addition to the theatre company both adding sparkle and cheer.

But is it just the panto where sparkle is happening??

Kirsty has some self discovery to do and questions to answer !

A beautiful sparkly warm festive book that will have you feeling ready for the Christmas season. .

BOOK REVIEW THE LONELY LIFE OF BIDDY WEIR BY LESLEY ALLEN

Biddy weir is a quirky girl.

Abandoned by her her mother as a baby , and with a father who’s not quite equipped for  the challenges of modern parenting , Biddy lives in her own little world , happy to pass her time painting by the sea and watching the birds go by .

That is until she meets Alison Fleming .

Because there are a few things about Biddy that aren’t normal , you see . And Alison isn’t afraid to point them out to the world .

All of a sudden , Biddys quiet life is thrown into turmoil . If only there was someone to convince her that, actudlky everyone’s  a little bit weird ….

Firstly thank you to Emily at twenty seven books for this beautiful book.

I am writing this review a hour after finishing and I just need to express my absolute love for it.

I started this today and couldn’t stop reading at every available moment.

This is a book that demands to be read and felt .

Biddy weir will be a character that will stay with me very close to my heart .

I congratulate this author on creating nothing less than a masterpiece . 

I felt like she was my daughter my friend and even myself at times.

It is only with age and time that we all learn to accept who we are and even then it’s not always easy . This is a powerful emotional account of a teenager who is labelled different .

Growing up is hard …  I found it hard and I have found it hard watching my daughter grow up.

I’ve had a difficult few years surrounding the whole growing up period with my daughter and experienced painful times.

Through Lesley’s writing I was able to get a glance into my daughters mind surrounding certain issues …thank you !

This book is quirky sensitive sad but often funny .

Simple pleasures can be huge for Biddy and you can’t help but smile as we read her story .

A amazing read that made me cry gasp but smile at everything that made biddy her. Also remember what makes me , me … and that we are all a little weird .

BOOK REVIEW THE MOUNTAIN IN MY SHOE BY LOUISE BEECH

On the night BErnadette finally has the courage to tell her domineering husband she’s leaving ,he doesn’t come home. Neither does Connor ,the little boy she’s befriended for the past five years . Also missing is his lifebook,the only thing that holds the answers . Bernadette must face her own past ,her husbands secrets and a future she never dared imagine in order to find them all .

Exquisitely written and deeply touching , the mountain in my shoe is both a gripping psychological thriller and a powerful and emotive examination of the meaning of family … and just how far we’re willing to go for the people we love .

Firstly thank you to karen for sending me a copy to review .

Also for putting my quote in the front of the book, that was such a surprise to see!

I could not wait to read this after loving her debut book . Seeing lots of bloggers praise for it on twitter too .

There were times I could easily have been reading about my life .

I have been in a difficult marriage and been in care so these were huge aspects of my life and identity to relate to .

Louise sure knows how to write ! She will take you on s rollercoaster of emotions reading this book . 

Reading from connors lifebook was so thought provoking and emotional .

Louise wrote that with great sensitivity and warmth .

This is not a easy read but it’s. Important one . For those who have had no experience or knowledge of the care system this will be a eye opener .

I thank Louise for writing this book and it’s one that will stay with me .

A book about courage we have in difficult times and friendship and love .