Early Bird Review: Underwater by Marisa Reichardt

Underwater by Marisa Reichardt
Publisher: Macmillan
Release: 7th April 2016
Genre: Contemporary, Mental Health
Source: Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis:

"In order to move on after a traumatic experience, Morgan must learn to forgive - first someone who did something that might be unforgivable, and then herself.

But Morgan can't move on. She can't even move beyond the front door of the apartment she shares with her mother and little brother. Morgan feels like she's underwater, unable to surface. Unable to see her friends. Unable to go to school.

When it seems Morgan can't hold her breath any longer, a new boy moves in next door. Evan reminds her of the salty ocean air and the rush she used to get from swimming. He might be just what she needs to help her reconnect with the world outside.

Underwater is a powerful, hopeful debut novel about redemption, recovery and finding the strength it takes to face your past and move on."

Review 
There are so many books out there about the horrors of high school shootings, but what made Underwater stand out for me is that this book takes place months after the shooting showing the long term effect trauma has on people’s lives. One moment can change you forever.

Underwater follows Morgan who, in the months after the shooting at her high school, has become a recluse. For months Morgan hasn’t stepped foot outside of her home, her world has shrunk to a routine of online schooling, grilled cheese lunches, daytime TV and afternoon visits with her therapist. When it takes all of your energy to control your panic attacks and triggers daily life can be overwhelming. Underwater is Morgan’s journey in learning to live again after the very worst has happened.

Underwater was a very personal read for me. Although my situation isn’t the same as Morgan’s, I too have panic attacks and PTSD that make it difficult for me to leave my house. I found that so many passages of this book were relatable to me – a sure sign that Marisa Reichardt has done her research and that the story rings true to the struggle of mental health recovery.

When I first discovered that there’s a romance in this book I was worried that it’d be a case of ‘girl meets boy and magically recovers from her mental health problems’ but I’m happy to report that that wasn’t the case at all. This is very much Morgan’s journey in working through her fears, finding inner strength and learning how to live again. The romance is a very minor aspect of the story as Evan joins Morgan’s mom, brother and therapist cheering her on from the side-lines.

As well as Morgan’s relationship with Evan she has so many other wonderful connections in this book. It’s something that Marisa Reichardt really excels at in her writing. Morgan’s mom and brother were so supportive and I loved reading about Morgan’s sessions with her therapist. I think that the most interesting relationship to read about was the relationship Morgan had with her dad and how after his time in Afghanistan their stories parallel.

Underwater was such an emotional read about learning to swim and push through the rough waters that try to hold you down. This book is about courage, second chances and forgiveness. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a realistic and sensitive portrayal on mental health recovery.

Blog Tour: Review for The Sleeping Prince by Melinda Salisbury

The Sleeping Prince 
by Melinda Salisbury 
Publisher: Scholastic
Release: 4th February 2016
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Source: Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis:

"Return to the darkly beautiful world of The Sin Eater's Daughter with a sequel that will leave you awed, terrified . . . and desperate for more.

Ever since her brother Lief disappeared, Errin's life has gone from bad to worse. Not only must she care for her sick mother, she has to scrape together rent money by selling illegal herbal cures. But none of that compares to the threat of the vengeful Sleeping Prince whom the Queen just awoke from his enchanted sleep.

When her village is evacuated as part of the war against the Sleeping Prince, Errin is left desperate and homeless. The only person she can turn to is the mysterious Silas, a young man who buys deadly poisons from Errin, but won't reveal why he needs them. Silas promises to help her, but when he vanishes, Errin must journey across a kingdom on the brink of war to seek another way to save her mother and herself. But what she finds shatters everything she believed about her world, and with the Sleeping Prince drawing nearer, Errin must make a heartbreaking choice that could affect the whole kingdom."

Review 
The Sleeping Prince is a companion novel to The Sin Eater’s Daughter offering a different vantage point to the world that Melinda Salisbury has created. In this book we follow Errin – a clever, resourceful, Tregellan girl. Although new to us, Errin isn’t an entirely new character, she’s sister to Lief who we met in The Sin Eater’s Daughter.

As a Tregellan, Errin has lived a life of logic and science as an apprentice apothecary in her village. But the legends that she thought were fairy stories are starting to come true.

After a trip into the woods Errin’s mother becomes sickly with blood red eyes and a vicious temper. Errin is convinced that her mother has turned into a beast from one of her books.

When the sleeping prince awakens and begins a war with his army of golems, Errin leaves behind everything she thought she knew as she gets sucked into a new world of myth and legend and becomes a vital piece in a war fought with poison, potions and blood.

All too often I give up on reading a series, not because I’m not enjoying it, but because I forget what’s happened in previous books so I was thrilled to find that The Sleeping Prince follows a new set of characters and a new storyline. At first The Sleeping Prince and The Sin Eater’s Daughter feel quite separate, but the stories begin to connect later on as you see how Errin fits into the bigger picture.

I loved that this book delved deeper into the religions and myths that make up this world that I was so curious about when reading the first book. I also found the alchemy aspect fascinating. All of the potions, poisons and cures are so interesting to read about and bring an element of science to a fantastical world.

Melinda Salisbury has really showcased her skills as a writer with The Sleeping Prince. Her writing has gone from strength to strength and was absolutely stunning to read. The plot was expertly crafted with clever twists and heart-stopping surprises that I didn’t see coming.

The Sleeping Prince is part fairytale, part fantasy and isn’t quite like anything I’ve read before. Be warned that the ending is a cruel one: Mel is an awful tease and leaves you desperate for the third instalment.

If you love rich worlds, dark fairytales and magical alchemy don’t miss out on the imagination of Melinda Salisbury.

About the Author

When not working on her next novel, Melinda Salisbury is busy reading and travelling, both of which are now more addictions than hobbies.

Website: http://melindasalisbury.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ahintofmystery 
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/

The Sleeping Prince is out today and is available to buy here.

Loved to Listen to (1) Cake, Sisters and Marbles

As you know over the last few months I’ve really been getting into audiobooks. I’ve found that I’m quite the fussy listener and that a terrible narration can ruin a book altogether for me. I figured that if I were to review them it wouldn’t be very fair on the books themselves. It’s not their fault if they’re partnered with a narrator that doesn’t work for me. So instead I decided that I’d start this new feature “Loved to Listen to” sharing with you some of the gems that I’ve discovered on Audible that are worth spending those precious credits on. A narrator can make or break a book and these picks are so good that I’d recommend listening to them on audio rather than buying the actual book. Today I’m starting by sharing three audiobooks about cake, sisters and marbles…

Spectacles by Sue Perkins 
Narrated by Sue Perkins 
Genre: Memoir 
Source: Credit received from Audible in exchange for an honest review 
Buy on Audible 

Review 
Sue Perkins is one of my favourite celebrities. She comes across as intelligent, funny, kind and like someone who has endless fascinating stories to share. I’m not usually interested in celebrity memoirs or autobiographies but was sold on the audiobook version of this with it being narrated by Sue Perkins herself.

Sue’s narration brings this audiobook to life. Listening to her stories is like going to the pub with an old friend for a catch up. I listened to this audiobook whilst doing chores and getting ready in the mornings and it made those mundane tasks so much more bearable. Not many people can make me laugh out loud at 7am on a Monday morning but Sue Perkins did. Not many people can make me cry whilst putting my mascara on but Sue Perkins did.

This book covers cake, travel, dogs, lesbianism, comedy, friendship, family and feminism all delivered in Sue's trademark humorous, warm and intelligent narrative. What's not to love?

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter 
Narrated by Jennifer Woodward and Robert G Slade 
Genre: Thriller, Crime 
Source: Bought 
Buy on Audible

Review 
Karin Slaughter is an author that I’d heard a lot of good things about, so when her latest standalone crime thriller was recommended to me by somebody who has very similar taste to me in this genre I decided on a whim to try the audiobook with my monthly credit.

The book is told by two narrators Jennifer Woodward and Robert G Slade and they were both fantastic and complemented one another well. I was particularly impressed by Jennifer Woodward who narrates the majority of the book and brought so many characters to life in my mind.

The plot for this book is complex and fascinating with so many twists and turns throughout. I don’t want to spoil any of the twists that begin quite early on the book, so I’ll just say that the plot follows two sisters who begin to uncover the truth about the disappearance of their older sister who went missing twenty years ago. It’s in many ways an old trope but the sinister twists and turns are what make this book really stand out.

If I had to describe this book in three words it would be gripping, gruesome and disturbing. At one point I was listening to this at 1am because I had to know what was happening and I couldn’t sleep for an hour after that because I was so freaked out!

This is simply one of the best Thrillers that I’ve ever read and I really want to check out more from Karin Slaughter.

The Marble Collector by Cecelia Ahern 
Narrated by Aoife McMahon and Aidan Kelly 
Genre: Fiction, Family 
Source: Credit received from Audible in exchange for an honest review 
Buy on Audible 

Review
I’ve been a reader of Cecelia Ahern’s books since her debut P.S. I Love You first released back when I was a teenager. Her books tend to be a bit hit or miss for me but The Marble Collector was one that I really enjoyed.

The book is told in alternate chapters between a daughter and her father and for the audiobook these chapters are narrated by Aoife McMahon and Aidan Kelly. Their Irish accents really helped set the scene for this book and I enjoyed both of their voices.

The book follows a daughter whose father has lost his marbles - quite literally! Throughout his life he has collected marbles and each one has a deep connection to his identity. Now that her father is struggling with his memory she goes on a journey to find his lost marble collection and reunite them and the memories they represent to her dad.

This book really touched my heart, it’s not often you see books about father/daughter relationships and I loved exploring this one. Fergus was a particularly fascinating character and I loved recovering his memories and learning more about his life.

The Marble Collector is such a brilliant book about identity and memory and how they go hand in hand. One of my favourites by Cecelia Ahern.

Those are the three audiobooks that I've loved to listen to recently. 

I'd love to know what books you've loved to listen to on Audible - I'm always looking for new recommendations!

Review for Snowflakes on Silver Cove by Holly Martin

Snowflakes on Silver Cove by Holly Martin 
Publisher: Bookouture
Release: 29th October 2015
Genre: Christmas, Romance
Source: Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis:

"Libby Joseph is famous for her romantic Christmas stories. Every December, readers devour her books of falling in love against the magical backdrop of the Christmas season. If only Libby believed in the magic herself…

Struggling to finish her current novel, Libby turns to her best friend and neighbour George Donaldson to cheer her up. But George also needs a bit of support himself. Nervous about getting back into the dating saddle after splitting from his wife, he and Libby strike a deal. She will teach George how to win over the ladies, and Libby will in turn be inspired to inject her novel with a good dose of romance.

As Libby and George explore the beautiful White Cliff Bay on a series of romantic Christmas-themed dates, Libby finds herself having more fun than she’s had in ages and…discovers feelings that she never knew she had for George.

But is it too late? Will George win someone else’s heart or can Libby act like the heroine in one of her stories and reach for her own love under the mistletoe this Christmas?"

Review 
After really enjoying the first book in this series set in White Cliff Bay ‘Christmas at Lilac Cottage’ I was really excited to pick up this next book. What I like about this series is that the two books can be read in any order as they’re told at the same time and other than a few cameos the stories aren’t really connected.

Snowflakes on Silver Cove follows Libby who’s been living in White Cliff Bay whilst she researches and writes her next novel. There’s only one problem: she’s struggling with writing the romance that she’s famous for.

Meanwhile Libby’s best friend George is struggling to pluck up the courage to ask his dream girl out on a date after a knock to his confidence after his last relationship.

Determined to help each other out, the two friends decide to go on a series of romantic practice dates over Christmas. But with George harbouring secret feelings for Libby can these fake dates turn into a romance straight out of Libby’s books in time for Christmas?

Libby and George have the kind of relationship that I love to read. Libby writes about your typical romantic heroes but George is the boy next door type that never gets to play the love interest in these sorts of romances. He’s not your stereotypical dream boat but he has a big heart and his love for Libby shines off the pages. I loved George and was rooting for him with the hope that Libby would see what a lovely guy she has in front of her.

I was surprised to find that as well as Libby and George the book also follows another couple in White Cliff Bay, Amy and Seb. Although I enjoyed their story I felt like Libby and George really outshined them. Their story didn’t connect with Libby and George’s at all and so I don’t really know why it was included in this book. I think it would have been far better if Amy and Seb’s story was released as their own separate book.

Despite being set at the same time as ‘Christmas at Lilac Cottage’ this book didn’t leave me feeling quite as cosy and Christmassy as the first book but there’s just enough festivity here to satisfy people going into this for a Christmas read. Overall I have loved spending Christmas in White Cliff Bay and would love to read more books from Holly Martin set in this gorgeous seaside town.

Review for Christmas at Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin

Christmas at Lilac Cottage 
by Holly Martin 
Publisher: Bookouture
Release: 23rd September 2015
Genre: Christmas, Romance
Source: Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis:

"Penny Meadows loves her home – a cosy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breathtaking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen.

When Henry and daughter Daisy arrive at the cottage to rent the annex, Penny is determined to make them feel welcome. But while Daisy is friendly, Henry seems guarded.

As Penny gets to know Henry, she realises there is more to him than meets the eye. And the connection between them is too strong to ignore…

While the spirit of the season sprinkles its magic over the seaside town and preparations for the ice sculpting competition and Christmas eve ball are in full swing, can Penny melt the ice and allow love in her heart? And will this finally be the perfect Christmas she’s been dreaming of?"

Review 
Christmas at Lilac Cottage was my first Christmas read of 2015 and was a great way to kick off my festive reading giving me everything I could want in a cute, cosy, Christmas story. This book made me laugh out loud and gave me the warm fuzzies when I was only a few chapters in which is always a good sign!

The book follows Penny, a lovely woman with a tragic past who is facing another Christmas alone in her lilac cottage in the seaside town of White Cliff Bay. Penny is lonely and looking for a bit of companionship and so she rents out her annex to Henry and his teenage daughter Daisy for Christmas in the hope of making friends. But Christmas is a magical time of year, and if Penny and Henry can let go of the ghosts of their past, love might be in the air.

I absolutely loved Penny, Henry and Daisy - they were each such warm, lovable characters that you wanted the best for especially after the heartache of their pasts. They really delivered a wonderful message about family which is especially important at Christmas time.

I also loved how this book was festive from beginning to end. The book radiated Christmas from the small things like Penny’s cosy little cottage to bigger things such as the ice carving contest. You truly get in the festive mood whilst reading this book.

The romance between Penny and Henry was the perfect balance of sweet and sexy. My only complaint is that I felt things moved very quickly between them. Using the L word after only knowing each other for a week was a bit too much for me and I’d have preferred a slower burning romance over time.

Christmas at Lilac Cottage was my first book by Holly Martin and it certainly won’t be my last. I’m happy that I have a second White Cliff Bay novel ‘Snowflakes on Silver Cover’ ready waiting for me. If it’s anything like this one it’ll be the perfect feel good Christmas read!

Review for Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics

Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release: 8th October 2015
Genre: YA, Horror, Historical Fiction
Source: Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis:

"Sometimes I believe the baby will never stop crying.

Sixteen-year-old Amanda Verner fears she is losing her mind. When her family move from their small mountain cabin to the vast prairie, Amanda hopes she can leave her haunting memories behind: of her sickly Ma giving birth to a terribly afflicted baby; of the cabin fever that claimed Amanda's sanity; of the boy who she has been meeting in secret...

But the Verners arrive on the prairie to find their new home soaked in blood. So much blood. And Amanda has heard stories - about men becoming unhinged and killing their families, about the land being tainted by wickedness. With guilty secrets weighing down on her, Amanda can't be sure if the true evil lies in the land, or within her soul..."

Review 
YA Horror is growing ever more popular and Daughters Unto Devils is a delightfully creepy new addition to the genre. Although a short book at just over 200 pages it packs in a lot of chills and thrills making it a very quick, satisfying read that’s perfect for curling up in bed with on Halloween night for a good scare!

The book follows sixteen year old Amanda Verner. After barely surviving the harsh winter that stole her sanity Amanda has been sleeping with the post boy to escape the memories of what happened that winter and the dark thoughts she has about her new baby sister.

With the family now too large for their cramped cabin in the mountains they seek a new life in the prairie only to find the walls of their new home soaked in blood. Something sinister lurks in the prairie and with local stories about slaughtered children Amanda must protect her siblings, and her secret unborn baby, whatever the cost.

What I love about Daughters Unto Devils is that it doesn’t read like a YA novel. The creepy, gory parts don’t feel watered down to not scare a younger audience. The horror here is just that - horror making it genuinely scary on a level that would affect most readers despite age. There was one particular scene that really creeped me out – let’s just say that if you weren’t scared of scarecrows before you will be after reading this!

Daughters Unto Devils is a standout debut that I couldn’t put down because I had to know what would happen to Amanda and her family next and I hope for more of the same from Amy Lukavics. Pick this one up, if you dare!

Review for Monster by C.J. Skuse

Monster by C.J. Skuse 
Publisher: MIRA Ink
Release: 24th September 2015
Genre: UKYA, Thriller
Source: Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis:

"At sixteen Nash thought that the fight to become Head Girl of prestigious boarding school Bathory would be the biggest battle she’d face. Until her brother’s disappearance leads to Nash being trapped at the school over Christmas with Bathory’s assorted misfits.

As a blizzard rages outside, strange things are afoot in the school’s hallways, and legends of the mysterious Beast of Bathory – a big cat rumoured to room the moors outside the school – run wild.

Yet when the girls’ Matron goes missing it’s clear that something altogether darker is to blame – and that they’ll have to stick together if they hope to survive."

Review 
Monster is a gripping mystery driven YA thriller that builds in ferocity with the turn of each page. The book starts off with a slower pace as C.J. Skuse sets the scene with a contemporary Hogwarts- esque type boarding school, an isolated snowy landscape and legend of a killer beast prowling in the school’s grounds.

There is so much intrigue and mystery surrounding the Beast of Bathory that as a reader I was never sure what to believe. I mainly read this at night before bed which was a poor life choice on my part! This book properly freaked me out and played on my mind at times. It’s perfect for fans of James Dawson or anyone looking for a good Halloween read.

The book follows Nash and a group of other girls, some who she’s friendly with and others who she’s not, as they stay behind at boarding school over the Christmas break and things start to go very, very wrong. Once again C.J has created a group of characters who read like real teenagers which is one of the many things that I love about her as a writer. In true C.J fashion there is buckets of hilarious banter between the group – even when things are looking ominous. My personal favourite of the girls was Maggie, an absolute cracker of a character who delivers the best one-liners at the most inappropriate times.

Monster is on point with its plotting - all too often with thrillers I find myself left with loose ends and questions but everything has a place here that is revealed throughout the book rather than with a rushed explanation at the end which I really liked.

Overall Monster was a wickedly scary read with a dash of C.J’s trademark humour that takes a look at the different types of monsters in the world and shows that sometimes a monster isn’t born, sometimes a monster is made.

Review for Darkmere by Helen Maslin

Darkmere by Helen Maslin 
Publisher: Chicken House
Release: 6th August 2015
Genre: Horror, Thriller, UKYA
Source: Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis: 

"A castle. A curse. A dangerous summer.

Leo has invited Kate and a few friends to spend the summer at his inheritance, Darkmere Castle: as wild and remote as it is beautiful. Kate thinks it will be the perfect place for her and Leo to get together - but instead, she's drawn into the dark story of a young nineteenth-century bride who haunts the tunnels and towers of the house. And whose curse now hangs over them all."

Review 
I’m loving the horror trend in UKYA at the moment and Darkmere was a summer release that I couldn’t wait to get my hand on! That cover and tagline was enough to sell me on it and Darkmere delivered that blend of summer contemporary and gothic horror story that I wanted from it.

The book is told in alternate chapters set in both the past and the present. It follows Kate in the modern day and Elinor in 1825 as they both come to spend time at Darkmere castle. Kate is spending her summer there with her crush Leo and his friends and Elinor becomes lady of the castle after marrying Darkmere’s master Mr St Cloud.

The girls’ stories are eerily similar and as you get to know Leo and his ancestor St Cloud you hope that Kate’s story isn’t destined to follow in the same footsteps as poor Elinor. Despite our two characters destiny’s being scarily intertwined the voices were very distinct and so it never got confusing to read.

I think that my favourite thing about this book was exploring Darkmere castle itself. At the start of the story Darkmere seems like an idyllic place to spend the summer with its private beach and remote location but you gradually learn that it’s not a place you’d want to stay in by yourself after dark! Darkmere castle felt very much like a character in its own right and like Kate I loved exploring the secrets and mysteries it held within its walls.

Darkmere is the perfect blend of gritty summer contemporary and intriguing historical ghost story and is perfect for fans of C.J. Skuse and James Dawson. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a different kind of holiday read – just don’t read it near water!

Review for The Accident Season by Moira Fowley-Doyle

The Accident Season by Moira Fowley-Doyle 
Publisher: Corgi Childrens
Release: 2nd July 2015
Genre: Magical Realism
Source: Proof copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis:

"It's the accident season, the same time every year. Bones break, skin tears, bruises bloom. 

The accident season has been part of seventeen-year-old Cara's life for as long as she can remember. Towards the end of October, foreshadowed by the deaths of many relatives before them, Cara's family becomes inexplicably accident-prone. They banish knives to locked drawers, cover sharp table edges with padding, switch off electrical items - but injuries follow wherever they go, and the accident season becomes an ever-growing obsession and fear.

But why are they so cursed? And how can they break free?"

Review 
The Accident Season is a gorgeously written, haunting tale that puts a fresh magical spin on human tragedy. Magical Realism isn’t a genre you see a lot of in YA and the dash of horror that Moira Fowley-Doyle adds is just enough to make you slightly uncomfortable. I loved how different this was to anything I’ve read in YA before.

Every October Cara’s family are prone to accidents and their lives become carefully controlled as they avoid anything from bruises and grazes to broken legs and broken hearts. And then there are the tragedies…but nobody speaks of those. The family do not know why they are cursed to tumble, fall and break but the greatest mystery of all is Elsie a girl who though ever present in Cara’s life doesn’t appear to be present at all…

It’s impossible to talk about The Accident Season without giving away its secrets so instead I’m going to tell you how it made me feel: on edge, spellbound and distorted. It’s the kind of book that even after finishing it I’m not entirely sure what took place and what didn’t between the pages and I love that this book messed with my mind so thoroughly.

Eerie, lyrical and atmospheric The Accident Season is an instant classic for YA fiction.

Review for One Small Act of Kindness by Lucy Dillon

One Small Act of Kindness 
by Lucy Dillon 
Publisher: Hodder
Release: 23rd April 2015
Genre: Fiction
Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis:

"What can you do to make the world a better place?

Libby helps a stranger, and transforms her life in the process.

Libby and her husband Jason have moved back to his hometown to turn the family B&B into a boutique hotel. They have left London behind and all the memories - good and bad - that went with it.

The injured woman Libby finds lying in the remote country road has lost her memory. She doesn't know why she came to be there, and no one seems to be looking for her.

When Libby offers to take her in, this one small act of kindness sets in motion a chain of events that will change many people's lives..."

Review 
A Hundred Pieces of Me was my first book by Lucy Dillon and ended up being one of my favourite reads of last year. Whereas A Hundred Pieces of Me was emotionally driven One Small Act of Kindness has more of a mystery to it although they both share a lovely life affirming message. One Small Act of Kindness is ultimately about the importance of identity and those small every day acts of kindness that make the world a brighter place.

This book features two main characters that we follow throughout the story. Libby is the recent new owner of the Swan Hotel when Pippa quite literally comes crashing into her life. When Pippa is in a car accident outside of her hotel Libby goes out of her way to help her. She mysteriously has no phone, purse or ID on her so when she loses her memory in the accident it’s impossible to identify her. Unable to remember her real name she decides to go by Pippa and with no other options Libby welcomes her into her hotel while she recovers. Both women have lost their sense of identity in different ways but Libby’s one small act of kindness sets off a chain reaction of new beginnings and self-discovery for both them and those around them.

Usually when a book has more than one heroine I tend to have a favourite whose story I enjoy that little bit more but that wasn’t the case with One Small Act of Kindness. I equally loved both Libby and Pippa and enjoyed reading their journey. Libby is such a kind soul it’s impossible not to warm to her and Pippa’s situation is so curious that you can’t help but be sucked in by the mystery of it all. There are lots of brilliant secondary characters (I especially loved Lord Bob!) and even some familiar faces from A Hundred Pieces of Me who I was so excited to catch up with!

Overall One Small Act of Kindness was a wonderfully uplifting read about being true to you and how even the smallest act of kindness has the potential to change somebody’s life for the better. I already can’t wait for Lucy Dillon’s next book!

Review for The Sin Eater’s Daughter by Melinda Salisbury

The Sin Eater’s Daughter 
by Melinda Salisbury 
Publisher: Scholastic
Release: 5th February 2015
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis:
"Seventeen-year-old Twylla lives in the castle. But although she's engaged to the prince, Twylla isn't exactly a member of the court. She's the executioner.

As the Goddess embodied, Twylla instantly kills anyone she touches. Each month she's taken to the prison and forced to lay her hands on those accused of treason. No one will ever love a girl with murder in her veins. Even the prince, whose royal blood supposedly makes him immune to Twylla's fatal touch, avoids her company.

But then a new guard arrives, a boy whose easy smile belies his deadly swordsmanship. And unlike the others, he's able to look past Twylla's executioner robes and see the girl, not the Goddess. Yet Twylla's been promised to the prince, and knows what happens to people who cross the queen.

However, a treasonous secret is the least of Twylla's problems. The queen has a plan to destroy her enemies, a plan that requires a stomach-churning, unthinkable sacrifice. Will Twylla do what it takes to protect her kingdom? Or will she abandon her duty in favor of a doomed love?"

Review
The Sin Eater’s Daughter was a book that I was really looking forward to reading in 2015. As soon as I read the synopsis I was sold and wanted to know more. I started reading this when I was after some much needed escapism and it did exactly that. I was swept away to a world of betrayal, sin and poison.

Twylla is daughter to the two Gods of Lormere. She’s immune to all poison and regularly ingests morningsbane so that her skin becomes venomous to touch. Twylla serves her kingdom by using her gift to execute traitors. She’s invaluable to the Queen and is betrothed to her only son, Prince Merek. But Twylla is all too familiar with the cost of sinning and being the palace executioner weighs heavy on her shoulders. Twylla accepts her life as the Gods will until she’s given a new guard, Lief, who challenges everything she thought she knew about fate and love.

My favourite thing about The Sin Eater’s Daughter was the rich Fantasy world that Melinda Salisbury has created. There are so many unique layers to this story from Twylla’s gift, to the beliefs and politics of the kingdom, to sin eating – a final banquet where the kingdoms sin eater feasts upon the sins of the deceased in order for them to move on to the afterlife. I was so intrigued by this world and the more I learned about it the more captivated I became.

My favourite character to read about was actually the villain of this story the Queen. She was so well developed and is the best antagonist that I’ve come across in a while. She surprised me with her ruthlessness and cruelty but at the same time I did believe that she was doing what she thought best for Lormere. She could certainly give Cersei Lannister a run for her money!

There were so many twists in this book that I didn’t see coming that really changed the direction of this story. The pacing of the book was well timed and I thought the ending was really strong whilst also sparking my curiosity for book two.

The Sin Eater’s Daughter was a rich mystery driven Fantasy that’s sure to keep readers enthralled with its surprising twists and unique world. Recommended.

Review for Can’t Look Away by Donna Cooner

Can’t Look Away by Donna Cooner 
Publisher: Electric Monkey
Release: 8th January 2015
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Grief, YouTube
Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis:

"Torrey Grey is famous – at least, she is on the internet. Thousands of people watch her beauty vlog for tips on how to be popular and pretty. But when Torrey’s sister is killed in an accident her world implodes, especially as she feels partly to blame. And that’s when the trolling starts . . .

How can Torrey mourn her sister in private, when her bubbly public persona is all over the web? Then she meets Luis, whose family owns the local funeral home, and he challenges all that Torrey thought she knew about love, life, and loss."

Review 
Torrey Grey’s beauty channel 'Beautystarz15' is a YouTube sensation. Her online reputation is built on having the perfect life; every viewer either wants to be her or feels like she’s their best friend, so when Torrey’s younger sister Miranda dies it’s impossible for her to keep up that perfect carefree image anymore. Her thousands of followers once made Torrey happy but now the internet is watching her grieve and the haters are harder than ever to ignore. Can’t Look Away is Torrey’s journey as she figures out who she is now that she’s no longer that perfect girl and discovers that beauty can be found in the ugliest of times.

At the beginning of the book Torrey is not the most likeable character to read about. She’s very vain and cares way too much about what other people think of her which is understandable as her whole YouTube channel is based on people liking her. Personally I’m okay with unlikeable characters especially if there is character development throughout the story. Torrey definitely goes on a journey to find out who she is so my advice is to stick with her.

The turning point in Torrey’s grief is when she meets Luis whose family run the local funeral home. Luis is a guy who has lived with death his whole life and so he shows Torrey how to live with it too. Luis was my favourite character and I loved his and Torrey’s relationship. There were some deep moments where he’d show her a different side to death but they were also balanced out with some really cute scenes.

What impressed me most with Can’t Look Away was how perfectly Donna Cooner captures Torrey’s grief in her writing. Not only did I physically feel Torrey’s loss as I was reading but I also felt her feelings change as she grew. All of the relationships were done so well here but seeing how Torrey’s relationship with Miranda in both life and death affects her as a person was the real highlight for me.

Overall I thought that Can’t Look Away was a brilliant read that covers a lot of important current themes.

Review for The Year of Taking Chances by Lucy Diamond

The Year of Taking Chances by Lucy Diamond 
Publisher: Macmillan
Release: 1st January 2015
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Chick-lit
Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis 

"It's New Year's Eve, and Gemma and Spencer Bailey are throwing a house party. There's music, dancing, champagne and all their best friends under one roof. It's going to be a night to remember.

Also at the party is Caitlin, who has returned to the village to pack up her much-missed mum's house and to figure out what to do with her life; and Saffron, a PR executive who's keeping a secret which no amount of spin can change. The three women bond over Gemma's dodgy cocktails and fortune cookies, and vow to make this year their best one yet.

But as the following months unfold, Gemma, Saffron and Caitlin find themselves tested to their limits by shocking new developments. Family, love, work, home - all the things they've taken for granted - are thrown into disarray. Under pressure, they are each forced to rethink their lives and start over. But dare they take a chance on something new?"

Review 
I started reading The Year of Taking Chances on New Year’s Eve and it was the perfect book to start 2015 with! The book follows three characters who meet at a New Year’s Eve party and whose lives intertwine as we follow them throughout the year.

My favourite character, and the main character of the story, is Gemma who has a picture perfect life until her husband is in a terrible accident that leaves him both depressed and unable to work. Now Gemma’s struggling to make ends meet and to be the glue that holds her family together during such a hard time. Next up is Caitlin who lost the two most important people in her life in one day when her mum passed away and she returned home looking for comfort only to find her boyfriend cheating on her with a friend. Then there’s Saffron who has just discovered that she’s pregnant. The baby’s father doesn’t want to know and she’s dreading telling her sister who is undergoing IVF trying to get pregnant. All three women are going through an awful time but are hopeful that a change will soon come.

What I really enjoyed about The Year of Taking Chances is how the book is about ordinary acts of bravery. All too often New Year is seen as a time for a dramatic lifestyle change and a strict list of resolutions but this book shows that a far better approach is to take small baby steps and make gradual changes towards the life you want. It made the book that much more relatable and inspiring to read and it was great to see each character slowly grow in confidence throughout the year.

Despite being busy with New Year celebrations I flew through this book because I was so caught up in the characters’ lives. The Year of Taking Chances is a brilliant new year, new me book and is one that I’d recommend to anyone who is going through a tough time and hoping for a better year ahead.

Review for A Proper Family Christmas by Chrissie Manby

A Proper Family Christmas by Chrissie Manby
Publisher: Hodder
Release: 6th November 2014
Genre: Christmas, Chick-lit
Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review





Synopsis 

"Annabel Buchanan has it all. A privileged life. Pots of cash. Looks and manners born of generations of fabulous breeding. At least, that's what she likes people to think. But Annabel's carefully created image is about to come crashing down.

With her beloved daughter Izzy in need of a kidney transplant, Annabel is desperate to find a suitable donor. That's how she comes to admit that before Annabel Buchanan there was Daisy Benson, given up for adoption by her teenage mum and dad.

Hoping her biological family will be able to help, Annabel traces the Bensons and is horrified by the embarrassing, chavvy bunch she discovers. They're definitely not her kind of people. And she is equally baffling to them.

But as Christmas approaches and Izzy's situation brings the Benson and the Buchanan families closer, will Annabel discover at last that blood is thicker than water?"

Review 
Having read and loved the first book in this series A Proper Family Holiday whilst I was on holiday earlier this year I was so excited to discover that there would be more to the Bensons story in A Proper Family Christmas. I love Christmas books and Christmas with the hilarious Benson family sounded perfect!

I was surprised when I started this book to find that it begins in May. The title and cover are pretty misleading to those looking for a Christmassy read as the book takes place from May to Valentine’s Day with only a small part of the book happening over Christmas. I have to admit that I was disappointed by this but soon got over it as I got into the story and found that despite the lack of festivity the book focuses on what’s at the heart of Christmas: family, love and generosity with the important message that no amount of money can buy health and happiness.

A Proper Family Christmas takes place before, during and after A Proper Family Holiday so you don’t necessarily have to read that first to enjoy this book. The two stories also have a completely different tone. A Proper Family Holiday was hilarious and perfect for relaxing on the beach with whereas A Proper Family Christmas was sadder and had me quite teary in places.

Another difference was that my favourite character from A Proper Family Holiday Chelsea had a much smaller role in this book and Ronnie who I loved in book one really annoyed me at times here, not because of her decisions which I could understand but because of her behavior.

A Proper Family Christmas was very different to what I was expecting but I still thoroughly enjoyed it although admittedly not quite as much as the first book. The Bensons have come to feel like old family friends and I’d love more books featuring this mad but loveable family in the future.

Review for The Great Christmas Knit Off by Alexandra Brown

The Great Christmas Knit Off by Alexandra Brown
Publisher: Harper
Release: 6th November 2014
Genre: Christmas, Chick-lit
Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis 

"Heartbroken after being jilted at the altar, Sybil has been saved from despair by her knitting obsession and now her home is filled to bursting with tea cosies, bobble hats, and jumpers. But, after discovering that she may have perpetrated the cock-up of the century at work, Sybil decides to make a hasty exit and, just weeks before Christmas, runs away to the picturesque village of Tindledale.

There, Sybil discovers Hettie’s House of Haberdashery, an emporium dedicated to the world of knitting and needle craft. But Hettie, the outspoken octogenarian owner, is struggling and now the shop is due for closure. And when Hettie decides that Sybil’s wonderfully wacky Christmas jumpers are just the thing to add a bit of excitement to her window display, something miraculous starts to happen…"

Review 
The Great Christmas Knit Off is my first book from chick-lit favourite Alexandra Brown and I thoroughly enjoyed it! This is the first book in her new Tindledale series and after completely falling in love with this little village and the cast of characters who live there I’m already eagerly anticipating book two!

This book is all about Sybil’s fresh start. After being jilted at the alter and a disastrous mistake at work Sybil’s stress levels are sky high and so on a whim she decides to get away from it all for a weekend and stay with her friend Cher in the picturesque village of Tindledale.

Alexandra Brown does an excellent job of setting the scene and completely transports you to this beautiful little village in her writing. As soon as Sybil clapped eyes on the snowy olde-worlde village I fell in love and only grew to love Tindledale more as I got to explore the area along with Sybil and meet the warm and friendly locals who call Tindledale home. It sounded like the perfect place to spend Christmas and if it was a real village I’d move there in a heartbeat! With the snowy landscape, no phone service and Kitty’s Christmas cakes the whole book was festive from start to finish and sounded like the perfect place to escape from the world and re-charge.

Another aspect I loved about this book was the knitting. I’m not a knitter myself but the idea of taking the time and effort to knit something special and unique for friends and family is lovely and Hettie and Sybil’s knit and natter sessions sounded like so much fun that it’s made me want to have a go at knitting myself!

The Great Christmas Knit Off was a book that I loved snuggling down with each evening in front of the fire with a large mug of hot chocolate and is perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamt of leaving it all behind to find a new place to call home.

Review for Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Landline by Rainbow Rowell 
Publisher: Orion
Release: 3rd July 2014
Genre: Fiction, Chick-Lit, Crossover, Romance
Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review




Synopsis:

"Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it's been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and he still loves her - but that almost seems besides the point now. 

Two days before they're supposed to visit Neal's family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells him that she can't go. She's a TV writer, and something's come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her - he is always a little upset with her - but she doesn't expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she's finally done it. If she's ruined everything. That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It's not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she's been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts... Is that what she's supposed to do? Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?"

Review
Rainbow Rowell is one of my favourite authors and so naturally Landline was one of my most anticipated releases of 2014. I think it’s fair to say that Landline is a bit different compared to Rainbow’s other books. Although the thoughtful and beautiful writing is still there I thought that this one was lacking in Rainbow’s trademark wit and humour.

Landline is quite a sad read as we join Georgie and Neal at breaking point in their marriage. I love that Rainbow Rowell writes about real love not the fairytale kind that can usually be found in books and movies. Landline takes a look at a couple who love one another very much but have let life’s daily problems and neglect slowly but surely worm its way into their marriage.

It took me a little longer than usual to warm to Georgie and Neal both individually and as a couple. At the start of the book I really questioned why these two people were together. It’s not until the couple started to have their telephone chats that I began to fall in love with Neal and Georgie and wanted them to fight for their relationship.

The magical time traveling telephone worked really well and didn’t come across as unbelievable or cheesy. In real time there is a lack of communication between the couple and so when Georgie gets the chance to talk to a past version of Neal at another point in their relationship where it was close to being over she has a chance to not only fix her relationship back then but in the present as well. These conversations and learning about Georgie and Neal’s history made me fall in love with them as a couple and see that their relationship was worth saving.

Overall Landline is a sad, sweet and honest look at marriage. It’s about second chances, communication and not taking the people you love for granted. Although I didn’t find this one as personally relatable as her other books I have no doubt that many others will enjoy and relate to the moral of this story. Rainbow Rowell is the queen of writing honestly about love in all of its different stages and nobody gives me the warm fuzzies in quite the same way that she does.