Lavender For All Seasons by Paola Legarre

This was such an interesting read as someone who visited the Hunstanton Lavender farm and has some lavender plants in my garden too, I was really happy to read this book and hear about how someone's family has history of growing and nurturing the plant through generations. Learning the history and uses of the plants over the years was really interesting with surprising depth and detail about the plants, with beautiful photo's showing the plants in all their colour glory and detail it was a beautiful book in layout and design the passion the author has for the plants clear to see.

Nineteen by Makenzie Campbell

This is a moving collection of poetry all about love, life and moving on from past relationships. It's super relatable and heartfelt with some fantastic imagery depicted from the fewest of emotions if you read one new poetry collection this year, choose this one!

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

Wigglesbottom Primary The Toilet Ghost by Pamela Butchart

 In this funny book about a primary school class, they discover a toilet ghost making the boys unable to use their toilet at school resulting in a funny if not obvious outcome.

The second part of the story focusses on a show and tell of tricks
which wasn't funny for the teachers but was obvious to us readers what was happening!

Finally the third story focusses on a mysteriously itchy carpet with a not obvious at first cause that'll make you itch upon reading too!

This was a funny little quick read I flew through in ten minutes Pamela is a fabulous author to have discovered for writing funny books and I highly recommend you check out her books!

I Only Have Pies For You by Suzanne Nelson

In this sweet treat read we meet Dacey a girl from a small town in the south of America where businesses are closing down fast.

Her family's famous pie shop is kept going by it's regular locals and the legend of her great grandma's pie being magical in it's healing properties helped  especially as since the recipe was hidden no more successful copies of that Heartstring pie have been made.

Dacey however isn't naturally talented at pie making and has a quick fiery temper that gets the better of her, unlike her family and gets along better naturally with animals like her vet dad and she dotes on her horse Ginger.

Upon hearing from her best friend Zari that her nemesis Chayton is back in town she is super unhappy however her mum is overjoyed as his mum Julip has a TV show which could boost the town and provide some much needed tourism.

As the town revitalises itself, dealing with a sick horse, addressing her true feelings over Chayton, especially with Caroleen after him and trying to find and save her grandma's Heartstring pie recipie, there's an endless supply of drama I such a small town!

Suzanne writes such sweet stories love and food wise not only was the title another great pun but the mystery of where the recipe is keeps us intrigued and guessing along too. I loved the southern aspect especially as I love country music so animal lovers will especially enjoy the book.

Izzy's Magical Football Adventure by Emma Larkin

In this book, Izzy realises her dream thanks to playing Gaelic football with her brothers in their backyard and being inspired by her grandma's medal bracelet too and all that she achieved and what she had to show for it as well as a legacy.

This may be a short story, but the magic that takes place showing Izzy the future makes the book and upbeat, positive and inspiring read that will show girls they can do and play to achieve in any sport they choose!

Many thanks to the author for allowing me to go review this book for her!

The Forgotten Sister by Caroline Bond

Erin is the youngest sister, Cassie is seventeen dating Ryan a guy her dad can't stand until things go wrong and he can't help his daughter as she shuts herself off withdrawing from the family.

For Grace and Tom, Cassie completed their lives their adopted daughter until a shock pregnancy also gave them Erin their true genetic daughter.

So when Cassie starts to question her adoption, life starts to change dramatically with her mood worsening and her parents being pushed away as she posts online an appeal for information about her adoption and gets a reply from Leah, her sister, supposedly.

Then Tom and Grace get a phone call that day their daughter has been in an accident months and then they realise their family could be in danger, they know Leah and a lot of truths about her come to light, she is 'damaged' from her childhood and they couldn't help her...

Full of intrigue this is a book that will leave you questioning and guessing parts of the plot until the very end. I have to say I didn't love the end I would've liked to see a different outcome maybe darker even but that's just me you'll have to read it to judge for yourself! However I liked the character variation for the family being a mix race family and the use of adoption too as in adult fiction books it's rarely written about, the sisters had a good realistic relationship in the family and Leah was an understandable character when you learn of her past. I really loved the book and am going to eagerly await more from Caroline.

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

Isadora Moon Has A Birthday by Harriet Muncaster

In this book Isadora wants a normal human birthday party but as her vampire dad and fairy mum plan it we can expect a lot of non traditional party antics especially a cloud bouncy castle that goes awry!

This story was so fun! The adventure they have at the party is crazy cool I only wish such a party could exist!

Isadora Moon Goes To School by Harriet Muncaster

Isadora has to try out both fairy and vampire school in this fun little book as her parents are a vampire and a fairy mix and needs to find where she fits!

Isadora is a fab character the illustrations made her come alive as this story was a great beginning to her story truly unique and wonderful debut!

Oh My Gods by Alexandra Sheppard

Helen is a semi God and living with her dad Zeus and half sister Aphrodite after moving back to London and leaving her grandma's.

Her friends Noor, Daphne and Yasmin all planned to throw a New Year's Party which at last minute gets relocated to Helen's behind her dad's back and there she meets Marco, her dreamy guy who gave her her first kiss!

However with family around, Eros and Apollo her dad is always out with his new girlfriend Lisa and despite being head of the Gods seems to be distracted beyond normal.

However when her family break the rules about revealing powers to humans and gaining massive fame, on TV and YouTube, the family are landed in all sorts of serious trouble as they're called up to court to come on trial for their actions thanks to Marco revealing evidence he had despite promising Helen he wouldn't...

I saw what was coming in this book and figured Marco was a shifty character from the moment we meet him in odd circumstances however the twist at the end was and wasn't a shocker and the outcome was what I hoped and overall while it became predictable for me, the humour and tone of teen voice from Helen is so spot on it was super enjoyable and as someone who struggles to read fantasy I can't recommend this enough!

Opposite Of Always by Justin A Reynolds

In this book Jack at a party meets Kate, a girl he falls for hard only she is sick, with sickle cell and is facing death all through the book.

As Jack tries to save Kate from her death, he travels through time to try and redo the past to spare her life as he loves her only he also must correct everything he did wrong to his best friends Franny and Jillian as they face issues with their parents being absent and struggling to get by money wise too.

However I didn't see a shock twist after Jack's third attempt to save Kate coming which changes the whole outcome you expect to see happen.

Yet as we got through all scenarios of time travel to save Kate, we make the realisation that saving someone can actually save yourself as your feelings and decisions change your life too and how time travel may not ever always make things perfect if it did exist in real life throughout the novel to me the book proves the fact that everything happens for a reason and how we learn from our mistakes the unlikely couple are cute at times but to me also Jack does border too much on coming across too strong as a boy interested in the girl and Kate plays it more cool where usually it's the other way around!

Accurately represents how teen relationships can be totally worth a read and may be relatable to you that way too!

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

Happiness For Beginners by Carole Matthews

Molly who's thirty eight and runs her aunt's old farm with an angry sheep and once abused dog among others too from Shetland ponies to chickens and alpacas!

Helpers Bev and Alan whom loves a band t-shirt and sounds like me that way, help her to run a school for troubled teens where after expulsion or being too disruptive can go to for some respite and cool down time.

As they struggle to make money reach all areas of the farm, when handsome TV actor, Shelby shows up with his arsonist wannabe son, Lucas they're very much welcome as Bev fancies Shelby while Molly needs the cash as she sinks her money into the farm and lives in a caravan onsite as money is so tight.

However, as the HS2 train route is set to force them to close or relocate, stress mounts up and tensions get tightened after meeting Shelby's partner who's many years younger, Scarlett, a brief trial of the alpacas being on TV, a fundraiser party by Shelby and a fight with Lucas all up the tension on the farm and then a fire happens too and everything starts adding pressure on Molly as she desperately tries to save her livelihood and keep a level head over everything.

Even when Shelby and Scarlett split especially...

As usual Carole has written a beautiful story about a unique, intriguing setting and finding love unexpectedly. The characters were so complimentary to each other as they were opposites and so the bond between them was unique and beautiful and Lucas was like most teens, misunderstood but hiding a passion and talent which was explored in a marvellous way and encouraged like we would in real life.

I was overjoyed to learn that the story is based on a real teaching farm called Animal Antiks and that they work as incredibly hard as described in the book to help change lives.

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

Me Mam Me Dad Me by Malcolm Duffy

In this book, Danny and his mum move from a small flat into the huge house of Callum, his mum's boyfriend.

Things started out well but soon enough Danny spots the signs that his mum is being domestically abused by Callum even if she can't see it or face up to it herself.

So, on a mission to save his mum, convinced she'll die at Callum's hands, he sets off to find his dad to get him to kill Callum, if he can.

Danny knows his dad's been in jail and so feels he'll help despite him never wanting to know him before. Danny is a motivated and dedicated kid you can see from the way he wants to protect home mum and that makes this book more raw and moving as the dangers of domestic abuse and effects it has on a family come to light. This is read you won't forget for good reason.

Silence Is Goldfish by Annabel Pitcher

This book made me want to give Tess, the novel's protagonist a huge hug so, so bad.

Tess has just discovered a huge, life altering secret courtesy of her dad's secret blog. The six hundred and seventeen words she reads turn her life upside down and make her question everything. Thus, she becomes silent, to everyone.

She speaks in her mind only to Mr Goldfish, her small torch from the petrol garage that she carries around with her.

Its a great novel to encourage young girls to undoubtedly be themselves and like their body at what size they are and never listen to the voices of the pupils around them.

It was a great read and cleverly and clearly written.

Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy

Alice's leukemia changed her life, even after splitting up with her boyfriend Luke, seeing her mum cheating on her dad and dealing with how childhood friend Harvey feels for her love wise.

Harvey was always jealous of Luke being her boyfriend until they split up and Alice enlisted him to help her get revenge on him by using photo evidence of a certain shock kiss.

A Year later from her diagnosis, she is still friends or possibly more than with Harvey at times, given their past shared kisses. Alice still has cancer until shockingly against the odds her body enters remission, allowing her hair to grow back and those closest to her trying to get her back on track into ballet and school which Alice doesn't care about. Instead, she begins to pull away from Harvey and grow closer to new guy at school, Eric.

Until Eric is leaving and Harvey found them together at hers. However, he goes on to date his best mate, Dennis's twin sister, Deborah.

But there's still hope for Alice and Harvey yet on holiday...

Throughout the story the bullying between Celeste, Mindi, Luke and Alice over what she caused them at school in terms of public humiliation. The group's revenge against Alice however takes a sick turn which is disgusting and horrifying, unimaginable to me how they could do such a thing to Alice after what she's been through already.

It was a shocking book to read but one I had wanted to get into for a while. The storyline was a serious one all round and certainly brought up issues that a wide range of people can relate to. The characters of Alice and Harvey to me seemed reversed and thus a good thing, showing girls can be tough and boys can be the weaker for lack of better phrasing there that is.
You will really enjoy this book I'm sure.

Royce Rolls by Margaret Stohl

The Royce's are a famous family, name and wealth = status and fame.

Currently:
Bentley Royce is presumed dead alongside her future brother in law after reports of their car going off the edge of a high cliff edge.

Flashback:
The Royce family are alike to our real life Kardashians.
Outrageous and all named after cars, Mercedes, Porsche, Bentley etc they juat scream watch me as they attend glitzy events and selfie to their hearts content.

Bentley is now used to the limelight, growing up alongside her family under its constant glow despite being shy and quiet when she was younger.

Now, the show is under threat of cancellation and Bentley can't help but think so what? She hides at Hollywood parties still and whilst doing so meets Asa, with whom she has a lot of common interests as they get talking and he doesn't know who she actually is. This fuels her dream of going to college still.

Her crazy mum Mercedes then on camera adopts a duck of all things! Porche's lippie's line isn't selling well and so the family need to rethink how they can rescue themselves put of debt and their show from being cut.

So, Bentley takes matters into her own hands, appearing at every club, store opening etc. Meanwhile, her brother, Bach, is gambling too much and her sister has got engaged to a wannabe rap star, Whitey. As the drama unfolds, Porches dangerous driving alerts all the family and she and Mercedes argue and clash a lot over the impending wedding, an engagement with a laugh out loud moment and Bentley finding out a huge secret about Whitey which see's her team up with her brother to try and stop the wedding!

Also from the beginning flashback, are they alive or are the reports true and not just over eager press lying about the truth?!

Drama filled and sure to leave you wanting more, Margaret Stohl has written a book I think I love more than her her Beautiful Creatures series! Thanks to the publishers allowing me to review it for them!

The Witch's Kiss & The Witch's Tears by Katharine and Elizabeth Corr

I never usually enjoy fantasy books, yet, these two have won me over!

Merry is a young witch, living with her brother, Leo and her mum. She and her gran have practised magic but her mum and brother don't her mum believes it is dangerous, which it is and can be as we find out.

An ancient love gone wrong between Gwydion who was unrequitedly in love with his childhood friend, Edith. Gwydion made the kingdom same and the reward was to be marriage to Edith, however, the king didn't want to allow the lower class Gwydion into royalty and so Edith marries Aiden and has a baby boy, Jack whom Gwydion places a curse on to be the King Of Hearts.

Merry and the neighbours around them who are magic including Merry's young friends, whom support Merry on what she is facing in that she needs to stop Gwydion and keep them all safe and unharmed.

An ancient parchment reveals to Merry and Leo, they need to go to the lake and retrieve the two puppet hearts which can stop Gwydion and the King Of Hearts from what they are doing which is stabbing people whom believe themselves to be in love.

It is at the Black Lake where Merry and Leo first encounter Jack, though they soon learn he has two sides, the evil killing side which he feels trying to take him over all the time yet he can be normal for bouts of time between it having control of him again. They learn how Gwydion controls Jack to make him obey him and Merry dreams of Jack as well as fancying him!

I'm not spoiling this book further but it was an enticing and gripping read I read in one afternoon and then read the next sequel in the evening!

The Witch's Tears is the sequel and this book focuses on Merry learning and failing still how to manage her magic and finally get it to work right for her.

We also see the arrival of some new male characters, Leo's new love interest, Ronan, whom steps in to stop Simon beating up Leo after he's come out as gay. Then we meet Finn whom ends up trapped in a protective spell cast on Merry and Leo's Grans home after she has disappeared mysteriously and so the main aim of the book is to find their Gran and stop the evil at work quite literally.

We soon learn of enchantment extractors whom steal wizard and witch magic have also killed Flo, Merry's friend so just whom has Merry and Leo's Gran and what are their plans?

The Witch's Tears being set only three months apart, shows how love and loss can be healed and then another form of the same issue can arise. Grief is big in the book and I expect more to come in the next book but I'm not going to spoil anymore of the plot in The Witch's Tears.

Many thanks to the publisher's for sending me The Witch's Tears!

 

The Little Teashop of Lost and Found by Tricia Ashley

Wow, okay so I'm a huge Tricia Ashley fan, as I think most people who've ever picked a book of hers up are! They're always a great chick lit read and never let's you down. This one for me was even better that normal though, because Haworth in Yorkshire is one of our family's favourite places to visit.

In this book, Alice has grown up knowing she's adopted, we see a flashback and know Liz her real mum, had had to give up her baby. Her adoptive dad passed away when she was eighteen and her adoptive mum changed toward her but she still had her best friend Lottie there for her.

Over the years, a move to Cornwall and later Scotland, losing a fiancée and being left a small but comfortable sum of money, she returns back to her Yorkshire roots and continues her love for cooking and baking in the form of her Teashop she transforms from a mess of dust balls and disarray, into a flourishing business. She also fits into the Giddings family, taken in and made sure she's treated like family by them as she's new back to the area and their family goes back a long way living there.
They may not be her true parents, family etc but they do care for her and help her unravel the mystery around her birth mother.

I really loved this book and I liked the fact Alice wrote and that the genre she writes is fantasy horror retellings!
As always, a delightful read by Tricia, thanks to her publishers for allowing me a copy to review!

A State Of Grace by Rachael Lucas

Grace is fifteen and has autism, she struggles to deal with things like noise, in the way other people can. This causes her to have to up and leave classes at school when she feels overwhelmed.
Grace however, adores her horses and loves animals, she has best friend Anna looking out for her and a younger sister called Leah who loves TV and learning what its like to become a teenager as she's thirteen.

When we get deeper into the story, we find Grace is looking forward to a party coming up. She and Anna choose between outfits together and end up having so much fun hyped up together they break Anna's bed from bouncing on it!

Anna wakes early most mornings if not all, to go to the stables and help out. Whilst she's there, Gabe comes hurtling by and falls of his bike before briefly chatting to Anna and carrying on his ride. At the party a game of spin the bottle takes place at which, school bully Holly, sits by Gabe hoping she'll be picked to kiss Gabe only Grace ends up being kissed by Gabe.
Life n many ways, Grace doesn't like change though.
Her mum's new friend Eve is around too much, drinking more with her mum too, her dad and mum seem on the rocks and her sister Leah is acting over thirteen and more like Holly would.
Then there's the fact Gabe is now her boyfriend and understands her Autism as he has ADHD.

The book is all about changes, growing up, alcohol and the effects of it on different ages in different ways, finding first love and overcoming bullies or negative people/friendships in your life. It was a really engaging read as well and reveals a closer look into the life of an autistic person too. I thoroughly enjoyed it and thank the publishers for allowing me to review it for them!

If Birds Fly Back by Carlie Sorosiak

In this book, Linny's sister Grace is missing. All Linny knows is she leapt from her bedroom window and hasn't been seen since.
Linny is a budding film student and we get to read scripted flashbacks between Linny and Grace to understand past events or potential fantasized scenarios. Linny has a passion for looking through old missing persons cases to try and work pout why Grace left.
Sebastian, whom has a passion for science, doesn't fit into his mum's new family, he feels a detachment as he doesn't know who his father is until his mum has a call which changes that. He heads out to a Miami care home where Alvaro has been spotted.

Alvaro Herrera, an old film writer but still very well known, has turned up after three years missing and is now living in a care home. Linny works there and Sebastian heads there to discover his father only to discover both of them.

Linny and Sebastian grow closer after realising they both know people who have been or still are missing. The two of them go on many little adventures in the book in order to piece together the history of what happened during Alvaro's missing years and embark on possibly piecing together clues to finding Grace too.

The friendships in this book show how everyone pulls together and how they grow closer and tighter together throughout trying to discover what happened to Grace. The book also deals with the feelings between family and when you come from a mixed family home setting with Sebastian's background in California.

This book was kindly sent to me to review by the publishers!

I Have No Secrets by Penny Joelson

Jemma's fourteen and has cerebral palsy, all the children are adopted in their house and they all deal with separate issues such as autism and behavioral based problems too.

Ryan from their road was murdered, a teenager stabbed one night by an unidentified hooded figure.

Sarah her carer is seeing both horrible Dan and kind and caring Richard. Yet Dan is always turning up, wants Sarah to quit her job and whispered in Jemma's ear, he killed Ryan.

So for poor Jenna, who has also been hit by the fact she has a long lost twin Jodi to meet, dealing with going away to college, she now has a suspected murderer in her house and dating her carer!

Yet, the harsh reality is she can't tell anyone, Dan presumes as parts of her don't work or work right, nothing does in her like her mind. We witness that Jenna is a highly intelligent character and is very caring about those around her she loves.

This book is a read you can't put down, it's gripping and thrilling whilst also eye opening in a life with cerebral palsy.

Thank you to the publishers for allowing me to review this book!