Explorer's Amazing Tales Of The World's Greatest Adventurers

This is a concise book all about various explorers of different gender, face and age from all over the world braving land, sea and air.

On intricately detailed illustrated pages depicting scenes of discovery and adventure, the kids have something to help being the story to life visually as well as learning their facts from this book, it is inspiring to read how many adventures have taken place over the years and some at grand elderly ages too!

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

Worry Angels by Sita Brahmachari

After her parents split up Amy has a hard time adjusting and after being home schooled too starts at Grace's art school where her aim is to adjust to moving to a proper school eventually with a bit more confidence.

While there she meets Rima and her refugee family and learns of the life and journey they've had to survive and make it to where they are now.

This was a brilliant book showing how anxiety can begin/be triggered and learning to adjust to new situations which are totally relatable to many people I liked how the girls friendship developed as the story progressed and the hopefulness the book ends on made me feel like everything would be ok for the girls now they had each other.

Somewhere In The Sunset by Estelle Maskame

When Gracie and Luca break up out of the blue, Gracie is shocked and heartbroken after years together creating their influencer life together in their shared YouTube channel. Meanwhile, trainee police officer, Weston has found himself newly single after his girlfriend breaks up with him. After a chance meeting the two can't keep away from each other, their lives become intertwined in many fun, sweet and sometimes very serious scenes. A sweet but sexy summer read that had sizzling scenes between the couple but my word the end was breath taking, Estelle has written a cracking New Adult debut and I hope she writes many more in the years to come!

Radical Love by Zachary Levi

In my time off reading I discovered Chuck a TV show I grew up aware of but not a viewer of being born in 1996 not 1990 alike my cousin's I was always aware of things they were into and then came to discover again as I grew up and to the age they loved them. Then, I watched Shazam! I was hooked and invested into the fun adult Zachary Levi was and after watching Chuck and many of his Instagram Live video's alongside me discovering and watching Chuck from start to end within the first couple of weeks of the pandemic lockdown starting. I then discovered this book, not only a refreshing, open account of a mental health breakdown and then getting back to life working on yourself and healthier habits, but a male in his forties being so open about it is honestly just great to see and I'm sure will encourage other older males to check in and realise they too can help their lives change for the better. Zachary may be a great actor, but his awareness and openness to help others and encourage mental health and trauma discussion is so refreshing to read about all the ways open and available to us to reflect and change and the fact that it's never, ever to late to help yourself, others and create a better you.

Somehow, Somehow Nyanda Foday

A memoir of sorts in prose about the pandemic. Call it a coincidence but when I read the summary I knew it would be interesting to read an account in verse and as it turns out was very similar and relatable to my own experience. As someone who has dealt with depression and others who struggled maybe even for the first time during the lockdowns that occurred the accounts in the book were not only relatable but raw and honest with the emotions written into each part of the book which told the authors story of their life in and out of lockdown during the occurrence of Covid ehilst they were away at university in their own little world of sorts at times locked in and away from others at some times. I really enjoyed the book, relatable, emotional, honest and a reflective book it's hard to believe how far we've come back to a semblance of normality since them first lockdown days.

One Day In Winter by Shari Low

In this book we meet Caro, who's mum lay dying as she discovers just where her absent father disappeared to and why...

Lila, who is a social media addict with no idea that her boyfriend is going to propose to her, if only he was who she wanted...

Meanwhile Bernadette finally finds the courage to leave her loveless and emotionally abusive husband to enjoy the finer things in life she wants to for a change...

So as Caro discovers who Lila is and Lila discovers Bernadette, their lives link in ways that see the day change their lives forever.

This was a fabulous book, set only over the course of a day all I can say is it was stunning. A captivating, gripping and tumultuous read indeed! I loved courageous Caro, rooted for Bernadette and seethed at Lila and Ken's characters, they deserved each other in my opinion! Cammy Lila's would be fiancée was such a sweet guy, she missed a good one there she didn't deserve him though in my opinion! As you can tell I became attached to the characters reading on I felt like I was invested in their lives as if I were a nosy neighbour or family member! But I truly recommend this book to you, for all the drama the emotional journey and relationships between the characters made it a welcome addition to the chick lit, romance genre, it has been one of my favourite reads for the genre this year.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them and take part in the tour!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1789540577/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tu00_p1_i2

Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses by Carole Matthews

Christie is in her forties with a teen son, Finn and a divorce in her past as well as a career as a PA for a law firm which doesn't excite her like her passion for crafting does as she loves nothing better than her crafty TV channel and getting her hands going making many cards etc.

When she replies or rather her mum does on her behalf to an add for a future collaboration with an American craft company of which she would love to work for she never expects a reply or for what entails next!

However as her son becomes increasingly unwell with a permanent headache and collapsing which seems obviously a serious issue she doesn't get there for a diagnosis quickly as she wished and soon the worst is confirmed and torn between her son, love and work she feels pulled in many directions before the world helps her figure it out...

This book makes you appreciate family and those you love as well as bringing awareness of health issues and the importance of persistence! Follow your dreams and you never know where it may lead this left me feeling full of hope and positivity as well as wanting to get crafting again!

Cinnamon Bun Besties by Stacia Deutsch

In this book we meet Suki and her rival in everything JJ who wants to take her place in helping to sell Cupid Cards at school for their valentine's school council project.

Suki really wants a dog to and when she meets a stray she instantly loves it especially as it loves her favourite Cinnamon drink, so she calls the dog after it!

However as she discovers JJ knows Cinnamon Bun she finds herself feeling heartbroken however another dog at the shelter catches her eye for being the longest resident there and as she tries to sell her Cupid Cards at school, she realises she can do a good deed and possibly save the shelter from having to close down forever...

I love stories about saving animals and this is a great Valentine's book with a sweet hearted story and lovable characters.

The Girl With Space In Her Heart by Lara Williams

In this book Mabel faces even more space being made in her heart as after her dad left, her mum met Gavin or as her sister Terrible Topaz as she calls her calls Gavin, Galactic Gavin as he's a huge fan of astronomy like Mabel is.

As Topaz gets Mabel involved in figuring out a way to tell their mum that Gavin is cheating on her, Mabel feels even more lonely as Gavin was helping her and they got on especially as she discovers a letter from her dad to her, while she discovers Topaz has a while other reason to not be happy about after a run in with some girls after school one day, Mabel starts to realise her family may have more secrets than she thought...

This is a story that many will relate to about missing a parents and being left with a space to be filled. Topaz was a typical teenager and a troublemaker who was a great contrast to Mabel and her good girl persona. I loved the unique hobby of astrology and think it gets greatly overlooked in fiction but it works so well in this book!

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

Frosting And Friendship by Lisa Schroeder

In the final book in the trilogy of sweet treats, this time told from Sophies camp friend, Lily's perspective, we see how she takes on too much and struggles to cope.

From baking and hosting Sophie's birthday party to helping her band win and to play at their spring fling dance as well as become good enough at baking to fit in with their baking book club.

All about joining and trying new things as Lily tries to feel a proper part of the group and for in properly as each girl had a passion for either books or baking, but Lily feels a tag along friend as her baking isn't good at all! Final fun and joy in the final of the trilogy!

Sprinkles And Secrets by Lisa Schroeder

In the second of the trilogy, this time we continue the story from Sophie's perspective as we see how her aim for fame and acting threatens her friendship with Isabel after she wins a commercial call back for a rival to Isabel's mums cupcake shop.

We also see her battle jealousy over Isabel's success with her cupcakes and how she discovers boys can be friends with girls too after making a new buddy during all the chaos in her life! Showing how friendship can survive anything and supporting each other is best this celebrates friendship and passion for our hobbies at it's best!

It's Raining Cupcakes by Lisa Schroeder

In this book, her parents opening up a cupcake shop leads Isabelle to discover she wants to travel and see more than just of their rainy town. When a competition to win a trip to New York and a part in a baking competition arises she sets to working on getting there.

Sophie best friend however is also entering the competition so can their friendship survive the test?

A sweet fun read as a girl follows her mum's footsteps as they set about baking up a cupcake storm. Her best friend is ambitious by nature while laid back Isabelle just goes with the chaos her mum's new shop brings to their lives and sure there's hard times but good too and I loved this book!

Mistletoe and Murder Murder Most Unladylike Book 5 by Robin Stevens

In this next book, set at Christmas time in Cambridge, Daisy and Hazel are staying at a local Great aunt's of Daisy's to visit her brother as well as Alexander and George his friend at their school.

However, the boys dorm experience not only one murder, but two! As the girls team up with the boys, they uncover a longer suspect list than they first though and come to realise anyone isn't ruled out, those unexpected could still play a role as much as those close to home.

We see there is more students from outside England, the girls witnessing and feeling crushes on others, as well as some family surprises too along the way. The gift giving scene was fun and very realistic for them both!

A story with family legacy at the heart of it as well as jealousy and greed. Set to the scene of Christmas, devilishly good spread of seasonal foods and decorations whilst complex with murder but beautifully set in scenic Cambridge with a snowy setting for investigating to this is a Christmas mystery of a gift to us for solving and enjoying!

Boy Meets Hamster by Birdie Milano

Dylan is forced to go on one of the newspaper £9.50 holiday deals to a caravan park in Cornwall along with him is his best friend too and once they get to the caravan park it soon becomes clear they're in for an interesting time from oldie Elviss to dancing hamsters, not forgetting the cute boy, Jayden next door.

However after a lot of incidents Jayden starts to come across as more of a nightmare as the cracks start to show in his perfect image Dylan see's him as leading him to a change of thoughts after an incident at the swimming pool...

Only as he and his mate start to partake in the crazy so called fun of the park, he finds that Nibbles the crazy hamster may not be as bad as he thought right away and that his brother Jude needs protecting from bullying Jayden's brother, Troy a little terror who wreaks more havoc than Dylan does only to people and not the actual holiday park!

I loved this book it has been one of the funniest books I've read whilst also having and LGBT edge as our main characters are gay and having to deal with coming out, finding love and dealing with homophobic language from bullies.

The Secret Cooking Club 2: Confetti And Cake By Laurel Remington

In the second secret cooking club novel we catch back up with Scarlett and the cooking gang as they prepare for Scarlett's mum's wedding to Emory we met in the last book.

As the club deal with Violet and her sudden nightmares about her passed parents, Nick and Scarlett discover more than friendship between them and the fight to be the face of the club takes a toll on friendships, this book isn't short of drama. Especially as the return of a surprise character shocks Scarlett and throws her mum's wedding into jeopardy.

This group is full of fun and drama which I never bore of reading about as the girls delve back into their cupcake making and begin hectic preparations we see the stress, fun and friendship tested to the max true to real life, realistic but fun reading anyone can enjoy!

Hattie's Home For Broken Hearts by Tilly Tennant

Hattie returns home from Paris to her doctor parents in Dorset after realising a fashion career isn't for her and at twenty six she has to discover her path again meanwhile Melinda her best friend has four kids by twenty four and is happily settled with her husband and that's despite their money woes and baby boom.

Jo owns a donkey home and animal sanctuary where she wants help around doing things which Hattie jumps at the chance of doing as she loves Norbert a donkey up there as soon as she meets him. However being off the beaten track it's isolated and no one visits.

As Hattie comes up with the idea of raising awareness of the sanctuary, getting visitors and publicity for donations and trips, her cafe owning friends introduce her to Owen a journalist on a paper who can help her run an article on it meanwhile she also has a crush on local vet Seth but, after a fall out Hattie doesn't know whether to stay or go back to Paris after Jo kicks her out...

However a cry for help from Seth after receiving an odd note from Jo about the animals sets alarm bells ringing can Hattie help heal her and Jo's hearts from their sort of shared heartache of sisterly loss?

A moving story about loneliness and how animals and humans can help heal each others heart's and also how a bond can form between the most unlikely of people.

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

The Woman Who Wanted More by Vicky Zimmerman

In this book we meet Kate whom is in love with Nick an avid tv and puzzle lover. The couple are set to move in when suddenly Kate finds herself hurt, upset and back home with her fun time loving mum. Not great at forty...

So when her friend suggests volunteering, she winds up baking for an elderly ladies home where she meets grumpy writer Cecily who encourages her to chance her desires as she had an exciting life travelling and falling in love obviously with hardships too including the war.

As Kate finally takes her job and love life in hand following her fortieth birthday party then fail after from Nick will she learn that self love is more than enough for her and focus on putting her happiness first?

As she becomes a waitress she finds happiness and her life starts to fall into place with the arrival of a new man, her old man Nick and catfish ex get to see how well she's doing without them whilst Cecily becomes proud of her for her efforts with her old cook book opening new doors for her.

Based on the real life story of Cecily this book is a heartening look at friendship but crushing as it's a lot based on true fact. However the end is lovely but sad. I was really moved by the generation age gap friendship that develops and each character is very similar as they soon find over the course of them book. I thoroughly  recommend this book especially if you love cooking or baking, it may even inspire you to try it!

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

Probably The Best Kiss In The World by Pernille Hughes

Jen loves her home brewery whilst by day she helps to sell incontinence pads which are eco-friendly and the company is ran by her future sister in law's.

When her sister Lydia suggests she will have FOMO Jen waves it off as she and fiancé Robert stick to certain days for dates so they know what to expect. It's their routine and spontaneity doesn't exist.

Lydia her sister has a prosthetic leg after being in the accident which killed their parents and left Jen to be her form of mother in place of the loss of theirs.

Jen however gets engaged to Rupert and before she knows what's happening is whisked away to Copenhagen on her hen party with her sister and best friends by her side and she literally falls for Yakob.

Yakob also appreciates beer as Jen tells him all about her being a local award winner at home with her craft beer and how she loves making it, he encourages her unlike so called love Rupert who doesn't!

As the book goes on we hope Jen finally breaks it off with Rupert as his family smothers her in the future and tries to get her to stop brewing unlike Yakob whom her friends and sister repeatedly try to show her how much better off she is with him around, for one she's not glued to her planning on her phone all the time after they meet!

Throughout the book we see how the girls relationship is pressured by the fact that Jen always tries to keep her away from danger and doesn't always take into account the fact that Lydia has grown up and is independent even sneaking off to partake in adrenaline junkie sports events which get news articles written about her! Which makes more drama in the novel, it was also refreshing and overdue to have a character with a disability like Lyidi has being without her leg as I can't recall ever reading about a character with that before.

Hilarious and serious this is a beer friendly read as we see Jen develop and grow with the help of her friends and family as the story goes on. It was as Jen would say, Beerilliant!

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

Cornish Cream Tea Bus Part 1: Don't Go Baking My Heart by Cressida McLaughlin

After losing her uncle Hal, he leaves Charlie his beloved bus, Gertie.

After breaking up with her boyfriend Stuart and her beloved uncle, her best friend Juliette comes back from Cornwall where she lives and alongside Charlie's dad and boss try to get her to take a break and have a holiday as she throws herself instantly  into making Gertie a success and have her uncle Hal be proud of her for keeping the bus going now he's gone.

After a first disaster, she and her dog Marmite end up in Portgollow where Juliette lives. The area is a bit ran down and in need of revival, however there's the matter of Crystal Waters, a high end spa ran by Daniel.

Not everyone is welcoming to Charlie, Marmite and Gertie but can they change their minds?

I love the idea of keeping and using a vintage bus as a cafe it's absolute genius and I wish it existed. Even early on the chemistry is building between her and Daniel and the Cornish village life looks set to get vibrant, I am hooked and primed for the next instalment!

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

George by Alex Gino

In this book we meet George whom knows he's in fact a girl and so is transgender wanting to be her true self Melissa.

As she struggles with how to tell her closet people, her mum, brother Scott, best friend Kelly etc she also wants to play Charlotte in the play their school is putting on of Charlotte's Web.

However dealing with school bullies and hiding her girl magazines at home mean that soon enough things come to a head with the help of Kelly opening show night could be the turning point of her life she craves...

A perfect short story about being your true self despite whatever you may be faced with you must be true to your heart and that point is made perfectly clear even when challenged by her mum.