Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

Aza deals everyday with intrusive anxiety thoughts often relating to medical conditions and especially c diff in particular, due to OCD and anxiety. Her best friend Daisy is obsessed with Star Wars and fan fiction writing of which she's very popular online from partaking in.

The main premise of the story is that her old camp friend and billionaire's son, Davis's father goes missing. While he may be rich money wise their father's will leaves everything to his pet Tuatura and nothing for his son's if and when he's found or turns up, dead or alive.

Throughout the novel after Daisy and her come into some of Davis's money, they still pursue Davis's friendship as they all know if their own way how it feels to be struggling and lonely in one way or another with their own issues.

Their other friend Mychel and Daisy soon start dating which doesn't make thing awkward but seems completely natural as Davis and Aza soon start sort of dating too.

I wasn't pulled in by the plot but enjoyed the story, there were lots more I wanted answering in the end which I won't discuss as it may ruin aspects of the final chapters, but I felt the main mystery never got proper answers. I would also have liked more time with Aza and her history with Davis as we are only told they went to Camp but not many flashback memories for two people who were friends or at least friendly with each other while there. Over all, I did like the book and would recommend it but it was a bit random and unfulfilling to me.

Sweetfreak by Sophie McKenzie

When Carey's best friend Amelia starts getting bullied online my someone under the online pseudonym, Sweetfreak, Carey is accused after the messages are traced to her IP address by the police. Facing serious charges she freaks out and despite pleading her innocence isn't believed by anyone, even as she tries to prove it.

Rose, a popular girl at school and her clones soon offer each girl separate shoulders to cry on but can they trust them?

Taylor, Amelia's ex also starts to turn his wavering girl based attention on Carey and she gets swayed into a brief kiss with him but it turns out he's hiding secrets that she needs to figure out right now!

Nattersnap is how messages got sent starting the bullying, its also since added fuel to the fire of all these friendships and relationships.

Amelia then goes missing and while Carey knows she and her friend upset her sister recently maybe the answer has been staring her in the face all along as to whom Sweetfreak is...

After Carey starts her mission to prove her innocence, she gets caught up in becoming a runaway, befriending homeless strangers and a police wanted girl. She deals with tough situations which in real life can have catastrophic outcomes on anyone. We see both sides of the story from victim and bully, allowing us to get a full view of how both feels and how they are effected by their actions. Not only a great book on the issue of bullying and ever growing social media issues but its a great mystery by a well established queen of that category. I've loved Sophie McKenzie's writing since I was twelve and now ten years on, am still never disappointed by her books.

Between The Lies by Cathy MacPhail

Abbie is the outsider at school, relatively new to the school.

When Judith or Jude disappears suddenly and doesn't return home, her parents worry and the school is buzzing with talk of what could've happened to her. Andrea, Tracey and Belinda, her so called best friends keeps posting on social media messages they hope Judith will see.

Then comes a huge shock development, Abbie gets a text, from Jude herself saying she wants to come home.

Nobody understands why she contacted Abbie the outcast student she hasn't ever talked to let alone swap numbers with.

But that's not it, when a shocking twist revelation comes out everyone turns their respect for Abbie and her campaigning to find Jude to hatred at what she's accused of, keeping Jude away deliberately.

Then texts from an Unknown number start sending Abbie wild with worry and paranoia, no one will help her and no one will believe she's in danger.

Don't trust your so called friends, they just might hold the answers in this case...

Cathy can't half write amazing mysteries and thrillers they are always super and never fail to deliver. I was hooked on this book and finished it in two hours it was that gripping. There's plenty of twists to keep you guessing and packed full of action its unput down able!

Love From Lexie: The Lost & Found No 1 by Cathy Cassidy

Lexi's mum abandoned her when she was nine after going out and not coming back, now aged thirteen, Lexi is with a foster family, Mandy and Jon with a foster sister who's slightly older, Bex. She's surrounded herself with lost items she's found in charity shops.

At school, she's keen along with her best friend, Happi and roped in foster sister Bex, to arrange a group for lost and found misfit students to feel free to meet up at to make friends and it may also help to keep their library where they hold the meetings open.

When Marley, a misunderstood student and Lexi's paths cross, he mistakes the group for auditions of a musical kind and takes along other musicians with him to what he believes are for a band. Despite the mix up, all their talent would be going to waste so they decide to create a band and so The Lost and Found are born! However trouble ensues as the council plans to close ALL the local libraries leaving them nowhere to meet up or any of the other groups to meet who use the library. As they begin to campaign to keep the library open, local celebrity Louisa Winters helps them out and from Lexie she has a huge shock I never saw coming at all as does Marley as he gets close to Lexie.

All the group have their secrets which I'm sure will be revealed little by little over time as the series develops on but for now the hints show many serious topics will be brought up from refugees, mental health, parenting and more.

The book is very serious as Lexie feels lost and that by writing letters to her mum she'll come back to her again. It's a sad premise but we see how settled and happy day to day she is now and hope is a good thing to keep for so long as she realizes deeper on into the story as you'll always get hurt but not everything is as bad as it may seem or feel.

A great new series beginning from Cathy once again!

The Cat Who Ate Christmas by Lil Chase & Thomas Docherty

Jingles the cat causes mayhem for his family in this delightful short children's book. Lily, Rose and Alex all look forward to Christmas but their crafty kitty knocks over the tree, scoffs the Christmas dinner and opens the presents! Naturally in turn, all the family are angry at his actions but still love him and so head off to buy him his favourite treats and track him down to bring him home again!

A short sweet book, with charming illustrations, everyone will fall in love with Jingles!

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Every Day by David Levithan

A can't help not being a typical normal human, he wakes up every day in a new body which hasn't created any serious problems until now it was just a way of living for him.

A wakes up one morning in Justin's body and finds himself through the novel falling for Justin's girlfriend, Rhiannon. In a controlling and mainly unhappy relationship with Justin, A can't help but want to stay with Rhiannon and sets out on a mission.

With every person he becomes he takes steps to reach back out to Rhiannon and look out for her despite dealing with many harrowing problems which accompany each person he takes host in.

A and Rhiannon make a sweet couple in my opinion throughout the novel despite the strangeness of the situation they're thrust into as the pair can't help their feelings towards each other. A goes to great lengths to prove to Rhiannon whom he is and how he feels where as Rhiannon just thinks Justin is mellowing partially allowing them a few good snatched moments but she soon learns the truth between A's nature through every way he makes an effort with her.

If you like this be sure to check out the sequel too, Another Day.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Some Kind Of Wonderful by Giovanna Fletcher

Lizzie and Ian have been a couple for ten years, but not yet or ever will they now be fiancé's and later married after a disastrous string of getaway's which always got Lizzie's hopes of a proposal up, Ian backs out and instead breaks up with Lizzie.

Set to rediscover herself after spending ten years with weak Ian she heads to her best friend Connie's and her mum's to heal her broken heart.

From a minor flat party in her undies to finding out her best mate has landed her dream job while her sister is getting married whilst also expecting her first child, Lizzie digs through her past and memories to find her true authentic self untainted by Ian from the years before. From making new friends like Natalie at her sister's wedding to trying out new activities whilst ending up in hilarious situations that'll make you ache with laughter, Lizzie is a modern day down the earth girl who'll steal your heart through her journey to herself.

Lizzie started as a weak character in my eyes as she was always wanting to go the norm with Ian whom seemed flaky and not bothered a lot about her in my opinion so when she left him behind I was super happy. This book proves to all girls that girl power is everything and never to forget who you are. Sure co promises may be made but not complete change as it works both ways in a respectful relationship that's happy and healthy. Here's to needing no man and appreciating yourself for all you are!

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

The Witch's Blood by Katharine and Elizabeth Corr

The finale in the trilogy, we catch up with Merry once again only this time she's setting about saving Leo her brother after Ronan takes him away with him. Merry is left with Finn and Jack to travel and await news of him and his whereabouts.

As Ronan plans to tie his life to Leo's, time is of the essence for Merry to find them and defeat The King Of Heart's and get them back to their normal modern day witch lives.

Merry and Meredith join forces through a surprising revelation over the two forms of Jack while Merry and Finn carry on with their beginning possible romance as travelling to save Leo bonds them more. Unfortunately there's also betrayal of trust, friendship's torn, shock deaths, mysterious black holly growing and just what has been killing people by the lake?

From visions and spell casting to surprising character returns, the finale ties up everything with shocking actions packed throughout.

The finale was good but a bit slow starting for me, I preferred the second half of the book but of course all the actions leading up to the stories conclusion were necessary. I was happy that they travelled back to their present day but not over certain characters finale's despite the initial uncertainty over characters whereabouts. Overall, I enjoyed the final book a lot and am glad to have read it.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Sunshine and Secrets by Daisy James

Heading off on holiday with her mum, Millie is looking forward to her break until her sister Jen ropes her in to help author and creator of The Paradise Cookery School, Claudia after she falls I'll. So, pastry chef Millie diverts her travel to St Lucia and her time to oversee kitchen unit fittings, chocolate making classes with the assistance of fellow chef Ella and grounds master Zach, whom teases her like crazy since her accidental first encounter with him.

All the time whilst creating her delicious bakes, with all locally sources fruit and cocoa beans, it's a therapy of sorts to her mind and thinking as she hashes over her past with Luke and their more simple life before the shocking revelation came and turned her life into what it is now, living in London back home while taking chances abroad.

With secrets to discover and uncover, new friends and a fresh chance at love, we follow Millie through her heartache to possibly discover her future and further adventure awaiting her.

A perfect summer read and full of dreamy sweet treats it's enough to keep you hooked as I devoured this book in one sitting!
The story flowed and the plot kept you guessing about the couples who would work out as well as if the actual cookery school would get up and running in time, a gripping treat.

Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan and Cathy Bramley.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Dancing Over The Hill by Cathy Hopkins

Cait and Matt are a middle aged couple whom for them, life has settled into the mundane same old of work, particular clubs they're involved separately in, children who've flown the nest and moved away and meeting up with friends and family when they can and if they're still actually around to meet up with.

For Cait, she remembers their younger days and wishes for those to be how they are with each other now, if only. So when Lorna and Deb's her two closest friends pick up on Matt's behaviour alike Cait they're all equally surprised to learn of him being made redundant suddenly.

For Cait though, an old flame, first love Tom Lewis shows up on Facebook wanting to friend her and suddenly Cait is torn between her life now or Tom's way of 'adventure calling' life to choose from.

This is a rather push and pull story of how need and want but lack of communication makes a relationship suffer and especially in the case of Cait and Matt and the pair both start getting on top of each other alone in their house together a lot as the story plays out. I was happy however with how the plotline did work out and that their bond did strengthen after what happened and really found myself enjoying this book and felt sad when it ended!

Another great work by Cathy, after reading her all my teen life and now in adulthood too, it's great to see her work in adult fiction is as strong as her teen and children's fiction is too.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Nobody Real by Steve Camden

Marcie and Thor are a team or so it seems to Marcie. The trouble is, she's real and Thor isn't. Abandoned by her mum and pulling away from her dad who grows distant, Marcie finds herself seeking friendship and comfort and that comes from her old imaginary though up friend Thor, a boy with bear arms, arms of comfort and warmth it seems.

I am unsure whether Marcie is suffering with her own mental health alike her dad whom seems depressed throughout the novel. Marcie does talk with others around her but seems to never allow herself to get close to anyone which seems likely to the factor of her mother not being in her life now.

This is a book anyone can relate to as I'm sure we all yearn at some point to be a carefree child again needing to be taken care of and not have to face all life's responsibilities thrust our way.

Many thanks to the publishers for her allowing me to review this book for them!

One Summer In Rome by Samantha Tonge

When Mary invests in a one way ticket to Rome, much encouraged by her elder motherly best friend and colleague Jill,  she could never dream of what's to come. After heartbreak her whole life, playing the foster care system all her young life, finding Jake and falling in love until he chose moving for his work over her, Rome is a spur of the moment dream trip.

Working in Pizzeria Dolce Vita as a waitress, Mary encounters Dante the brother of Natale whom she befriends the best of the family whom run the business she's now working for. Though they get off to a tentative acquaintance at first, soon Dante and Mary grow closer despite any awkwardness at the beginning and discovering the mystery behind Dante's sight loss after enough trust has been created between the pair.

During the novel, the team all pull together including Maria's ideas for the restaurant in how they can stay within the top ten of pizzerias on the Lombardi list as they face their competition in ratings and with Maria's help hopefully they'll swim and not sink beneath the weight of their competitor's. Yet Rocco becomes threatening towards Maria and unsure why he is acting so, Maria finds herself feeling out of place once again.

From trusting in crystals over people and having fun dancing plus of course being up for a change and facing up to the challenges thrown her way, Mary is a weak seeming character but with hidden strength which is admirable and makes her even more likable for how well she stands on her own two feet never giving up whatever she faces. The plot is a slow developer over the course of the novel and is unrushed flowing just nicely and naturally. Each character has deep secrets which you won't expect and make the characters all the more real. This is a book you won't regret picking up if you love Jenny Colgan or Cathy Bramley's books!

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Doing It by Hannah Witton

Hannah is a huge YouTube star whom openly discusses important essential life topics such as love, relationships, sex, health and her latest, stoma care too. As a young role model for teens and other generations Hannah's debut book Doing It shares the nitty gritty of all aspects of healthy and unhealthy issues surrounding sex from abusive relationships to health and happiness as no one will have the same experience as someone else.

The book features guests throughout with their tips and stories about sex and health which are hilarious while being informative too as well as being new facts I'd never known about till picking up this book proving this guide is very thoroughly thought out.

The book is suitable for anyone facing any issues surrounding love and relationships of a mature age or way of thinking.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

(US cover)

The Summer Of Secrets by Tilly Tennant

Harper runs a tearoom along with best friend Pip and fiancée Shay who also has his own business. When they come across a buried box of treasure on their tearoom site, everything changes. Press alongside museum worker Cesca show up all hoping to see the findings.

Allie and Greg's marriage is on the rocks after Allie's attempt's at seducing her husband fail as he knows of her previous one night stand affair. However their son Josh is also caught in his parents arguing all the time.

Cesca later on arrives at Silver Hill House to meet Lord William whom believes the treasure to be his family's from years previous after a historical family tale to do with a servant was made aware to him.

As all their lives intertwine, many secrets and relationships are established or made obvious to us as the story develops. A heartwarming yet dramatic novel perfect for spring and summer time reading outdoors as you immerse yourself in the dramatic goings on.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

The Cafe At Seashell Cove by Karen Clarke

Returning home to her parents and their business of the cafe they run, Cassie finds herself looking for a new event planning job and possibly being self employed doing so, after losing hers in London meanwhile her brother is also back at their parents after taking a break from touring in his band and dealing with his girlfriend issues.

As Cassie settles back into life back home, she discovers it's actually possibly just what she needed despite the initial shock of all her old school school friends, Tilly and Meg along with Danby Fleetwood all being back home and playing a part in the renovation of her parents cafe. Of which Cassie had planned to renovate for them to set their business on the global map.

As she starts to rediscover life and a new path for herself including a romantic one, her old life is offered back to her but will she choose the new path over the done before one and stay with her family, friends and possible happy future?

A really funny, sweet romantic book by Karen which you won't regret picking up. The characters are great and likable, with hilarious language use throughout the novel, you'll be sure to enjoy this read, especially on the beach in the summer!

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Secrets Of A Teenage Heiress by Katy Birchall

Living in Hotel Royale, a hotel for the rich and privileged, alongside her mum the owner and Fritz, her dachshund, fourteen year old heiress, Flick Royale.

We meet her first when she learns she can't vlog due to her mum giving her selfie stick to Prince Gustav to borrow for a while which promptly ensues her getting into all manner of trouble trying to retrieve it back to use. Her friends Grace and Ella are super excited to soon learn that Skylar Chase a favourite singer of theirs will be staying at the hotel. Then Skylar starts hanging out with Flick even introducing her to Ethan Duke, a high profile vlogger who asks her to the Hotel Royale Christmas Ball, expect chaos and laughs aplenty ahead!

Alike to The Million Dollar Mates series by Cathy Hopkins, Katy brings more humorous tales our way.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Big Bones by Laura Dockrill

BB or Bluebelle, loves food but the trouble is her weight is what she's judged on by the doctors who examine her after a severe asthma attack and not her happiness. Unlike her sister Dove, a slim girl and opposite of Bluebelle who doesn't have to watch her weight at all.

Bluebelle makes a deal with her mum to keep the food diary her doctors request for six weeks over the holidays, so long as she can leave school and get a job. Striking a deal with her mum she starts her diary but will it work or make things worse?

Along the way her dad tries to win back their mum, Alicia at Planet Coffee becomes more bearable to be around surprisingly and Camille, Bluebelle's best friend endures her own summer holiday job before school resumes after they get their dreaded exam results!

The book tackles the issues of how we look at food, body image and self in a critical or loving way as society seems to swing from one extreme to another in view's mostly and this book shows how Bluebelle has a great sense of self not letting herself be brought down by any comments about her look or weight proving what a great main character she is as a happy, bold, bigger girl which is great!

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!