Review: ‘Dear Jane’, by Allie Cresswell

Blurb

The final instalment of the Highbury trilogy, Dear Jane recounts events hinted at but never actually described in Jane Austen’s Emma; the formative childhood years of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill, their meeting in Weymouth and the agony of their secret engagement.

Orphaned Jane seems likely to be brought up in parochial Highbury until adoption by her papa’s old friend Colonel Campbell opens to her all the excitement and opportunities of London. Frank Weston is also transplanted from Highbury, adopted as heir to the wealthy Churchills and taken to their drear and inhospitable Yorkshire estate.

Readers of Emma will be familiar with the conclusion of Jane and Frank’s story, but Dear Jane pulls back the veil which Jane Austen drew over its remainder.

Purchase Links:

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dear-Jane-Highbury-Trilogy-inspired-ebook/dp/B07PXGL93S

US – https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Jane-Highbury-Trilogy-inspired-ebook/dp/B07PXGL93S

Continue reading “Review: ‘Dear Jane’, by Allie Cresswell”

Review: ‘The Greenmen’, by Linden Forster

Blurb

Aereon has found the Creators.

He’s crossed seas and mountain ranges to reach them, tangled with dwarves and ogres along the way, escaped the clutches of an icicle wielding irate yeti to rescue them and now they tell him that they weren’t in any great need of help.

A revolution has sparked in the realm of Hudikvar, because of something things Aereon might have said to a troop of homeless youths. Now, King Victarian is after Aereon and anyone associated with him.

Local woodsman, Lars, has agreed to help them flee and be their guide through Oak’s Wood, but even he cannot guess what lies in wait for them within. Not now the Lord of the Primes is about to wake.

‘He’s got a touch of destiny about him, that one,’ said the Dealer.

‘Aye. He’s got a date with her, I’d say,’ said the Trickster.

‘And she’s ordered the lobster,’ said the Teller.

Purchaase Link:

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greenmen-Heros-Arc-Linden-Forster/dp/099579491X/

Continue reading “Review: ‘The Greenmen’, by Linden Forster”

May 2019 Bonus Review #1: ‘Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History’, by Tori Telfer


Publisher: John Blake
Publication Date: 8th February 2018
ISBN-13: 978-1786061218

Blurb

When you think of serial killers throughout history, the names that come to mind are ones like Jack the Ripper and Ted Bundy. But what about Tillie Klimek, Moulay Hassan, Kate Bender? The narrative we’re comfortable with is the one where women are the victims of violent crime, not the perpetrators. In fact, serial killers are thought to be so universally, overwhelmingly male that in 1998, FBI profiler Roy Hazelwood infamously declared in a homicide conference, ‘There are no female serial killers’.

Lady Killers, based on the popular online series that appeared on Jezebel and The Hairpin, disputes that claim and offers fourteen gruesome examples as evidence. Though largely forgotten by history, female serial killers such as Erzsebet Bathory, Nannie Doss, Mary Ann Cotton, and Darya Nikolayevna Saltykova rival their male counterparts in cunning, cruelty, and appetite for destruction.

Each chapter explores the crimes and history of a different subject, and then proceeds to unpack her legacy and her portrayal in the media, as well as the stereotypes and sexist cliches that inevitably surround her. The first book to examine female serial killers through a feminist lens with a witty and dryly humorous tone, Lady Killers dismisses easy explanations (she was hormonal, she did it for love, a man made her do it) and tired tropes (she was a femme fatale, a black widow, a witch), delving into the complex reality of female aggression and predation. Featuring 14 illustrations from Dame Darcy, Lady Killers is a bloodcurdling, insightful, and irresistible journey into the heart of darkness.

Continue reading “May 2019 Bonus Review #1: ‘Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History’, by Tori Telfer”

Children’s Book Review: ‘Ting-A-Ling The Old Ambulance’, by Harry Goldstar

Information about the Book
Title: Ting-A-Ling: The Old Ambulance
Author: Harry Goldstar
Release Date: 30th April 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Page Count: 50
Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45162409-ting-a-ling
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ting-Ling-Ambulance-Harry-Goldstar/dp/1912562863
 

Summary:

Blurb

Welcome to the world of Ting-a-Ling. The friendliest old ambulance there ever was. With line drawn illustrations for YOU to colour in helping you to familiarise yourself personally, with Ting-a-Ling, his owner and restorer Alf, his mum, and Mr .Grimsby the boss of the big ambulance station. Open the cover and jump into a whole NEW world of ambulance stories and adventures.

Designed in a quirky style encompassing story telling, entertainment, colouring and education, suitable for both younger readers and adults alike. Truly an all in one compendium. Just like the filling in a sandwich, the best bit’s inside.

Simple and easy to read. The stories are written with a smattering of comical northern dialect in bite size chapters so as not to be taxing on the brain.

Have difficulty in reading? Written by a dyslexic who knows what a struggle it can be. This book really is here to help YOU!

If Ting-a-Ling had wings I would say welcome to the flying start. This book is the first in a series in the making where you will meet Ting-a-Ling and his friends.

TRY ME. If not for yourself. Think of someone else. Possibly a little person who the stories are written for.

You will love Ting-a-Ling. EVERYONE does!

Continue reading “Children’s Book Review: ‘Ting-A-Ling The Old Ambulance’, by Harry Goldstar”

Review: ‘The Suspects’, by Katherine Johnson

Blurb

Shallow Grave meets The Secret History in this quirky psychological thriller

Bristol, 1988. Five young graduates on the threshold of their careers buy a house together in order to get a foot on the property ladder before prices spiral out of their reach. But it soon becomes the house share from hell.

After their New Year’s Eve party, they discover a body – and it’s clear they’ll be the first suspects. As each of them has a good reason from their past not to trust the police, they come up with a solution – one which forces them into a life of secrets and lies. But can they trust each other? 

“The hugely talented Katharine Johnson has, again delivered a tense thriller! This is a compelling novel – up there with Erin Kelly and Sophie Hannah.”

Val Penny, author of The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries.

“Gripping and frighteningly realistic. The twists and turns kept me guessing to the very end.”

Jo Fenton, author of The Brotherhood.

Continue reading “Review: ‘The Suspects’, by Katherine Johnson”

Unexpected Review #2: ‘We Are Legion (We Are Bob)’, by Dennis E Taylor


Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency; 2nd edition
14th April 2017
£9.31
9781680680584

Blurb

Bob Johansson has just sold his software company and is looking forward to a life of leisure. There are places to go, books to read, and movies to watch. So it’s a little unfair when he gets himself killed crossing the street.

Bob wakes up a century later to find that corpsicles have been declared to be without rights, and he is now the property of the state. He has been uploaded into computer hardware and is slated to be the controlling AI in an interstellar probe looking for habitable planets. The stakes are high: no less than the first claim to entire worlds. If he declines the honor, he’ll be switched off, and they’ll try again with someone else. If he accepts, he becomes a prime target. There are at least three other countries trying to get their own probes launched first, and they play dirty.

The safest place for Bob is in space, heading away from Earth at top speed. Or so he thinks. Because the universe is full of nasties, and trespassers make them mad — very mad.

Continue reading “Unexpected Review #2: ‘We Are Legion (We Are Bob)’, by Dennis E Taylor”

Unexpected Review: ‘Gender Identity, Sexuality and Autism’, by Eva A Mendes and Meredith R Maroney


Jessica Kingsley Publishers
21st January 2019
£13.99
978-1785927546

Blurb

Bringing together a collection of narratives from those who are on the autism spectrum whilst also identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and/or asexual (LGBTQIA), this book explores the intersection of the two spectrums as well as the diverse experiences that come with it. By providing knowledge and advice based on in-depth research and personal accounts, the narratives will be immensely valuable to teenagers, adults, partners and families. The authors round these stories with a discussion of themes across narratives, and implications for the issues discussed.

In the final chapter, the authors reflect on commonly asked questions from a clinical perspective, bringing in relevant research, as well as sharing best-practice tips and considerations that may be helpful for LGBTQIA and ASD teenagers and adults. These may also be used by family members and clinicians when counselling teenagers and adults on the dual spectrum. With each chapter structured around LGBTQIA and autism spectrum identities, Gender Identity, Sexuality and Autism highlights the fluidity of gender identity, sexual orientation and neurodiversity and provides a space for people to share their individual experiences.

Continue reading “Unexpected Review: ‘Gender Identity, Sexuality and Autism’, by Eva A Mendes and Meredith R Maroney”

May Review Schedule

My review slots for may are full so I’m going to share the schedule for May today.

  • The Greenmen, by Linden Forster
    • Rachel’s Random Resources
    • Fantasy
    • 3rd May
  • Dear Jane, by Allie Cresswell
    • Rachel’s Random Resources
    • Historical
    • 8th May
  • The Dream of the Tortoise, by Nyako Nakar
    • Authoright
    • Children’s book
    • 10th May
  • Retriever of Souls, by Lorraine Mace
    • Rachel’s Random Resources
    • Extract Post
    • 12th May
  • White Gold, by David Barker
    • Love Books Group Tours
    • Crime Thriller
    • 15th May
  • Blood List, by Ali Carter
    • Random Things Tours
    • Crime
    • 19th May
  • The Comedy Club Mystery, by Peter Bartram
    • Random Tings Tours
    • Crime
    • 24th May
  • Children in Chains, by Lorraine Mace
    • Rachel’s Random Resources
    • Extract Post
    • 29th May

Review: ‘The F#ck It Diet’, by Caroline Dooner

Blurb


The anti-diet bible that calls time’s up to poisonous beliefs about food, weight and worth.
DIETING DOESN’T WORK
Not long term. In fact, our bodies are hardwired against it. But each time our diets fail, instead of considering that maybe our ridiculously low-carb diet is the problem, we wonder what’s wrong with us.
But it’s time we called a spade a spade: Constantly trying to eat the smallest amount possible is a miserable way to live, and it isn’t even working. So f*ck it.
Caroline Dooner tackles the inherent flaws of dieting and diet culture, and offers readers a simple path to healing their physical, emotional, and mental relationship with food. What’s the secret anti-diet? Eat. Whatever you want. Trust that your body knows what it is doing. Oh, and don’t forget to rest, breathe, and be kind to yourself.
Irreverent and empowering, The F*ck It Diet is call to arms for anyone who feels guilt or pain over food, weight, or their body. It’s time to give up the shame and start thriving. Welcome to the F*ck It Diet. Let’s Eat.

My Review

Thanks to the publisher, HQ, for sending me a copy of this book. It’s much appreciated.

We’ve been told by the media and diet industry that we need to bee skinny and not eat, and if we just follow this diet or take this supplement we’ll be thin and happy and finally worthy of love and success. *Head-desk*

You may have noticed I’m fat. and yet I’m not diabetic, don’t have high blood pressure or cholesterol, and until my accident in 2012 I could shoot a bow all day, walk or swim for miles without rest, then get up and do it again the next day. Strange that. I should be a couch potato who never leaves the house and should be dead if not severely ill from ‘weight-related conditions’. And yet, I’m not. How odd.

Well, not really. Genetics and epigenetics has a lot more to do with our weight and health than a lot of things we do. Social beliefs can affect our bodies, and their reaction to food. Restrictive eating makes us obsessed with food because the body is in famine mode – we need to eat to survive and starving ourselves makes our brains go ‘must find food, now!’ until you eat – binge – and then you feel like crap. Been there, done that.

I have a history of dieting and binging, and have tried to stop it often but I still get into restrictive, punishing habits. These aren’t good for me. Mentally, I get obsessive, and physically, as I discovered reading this book, my body goes into famine mode, and I get obsessed with food. And I was always hungry! Seriously, Weight Watchers was seriously bad for my mental health

This book is the result of a moment’s existential misery and years of self-care, writing and reading. The author strongly supports the HAES movement and science-based health, and fat activists.

Caroline Dooner has written an easy to read, entertaining and thoughtful (if sweary) book about not dieting, anti-dieting. It’s probably good for your mental health to give it a read. I found parts of the book brought up some of my own struggles and I cried now and then.

Review: ‘The Beautiful Side Of The Moon’, by Leye Adenle

Published By: Hoatzin Books
Publication Date: 21st February 2019
I.S.B.N.: 978-1-912563-01-2
Format: Paperback

Blurb

Marking an exciting new departure by award-winning Nigerian author Leye Adenle (Easy Motion Tourist, When Trouble Sleeps), The Beautiful Side of the Moon raises an entirely unexpected and intriguing question – what would happen if God went on holiday?

In order to get a better understanding of what it’s like to be human, and to taste humanity’s joys and sorrows, God decides to have a holiday as a human being. During the course of his time off, though, he completely forgets that he’s God, which leads to some utterly unpredictable outcomes…

A delightful, playful, thoughtful adventure in speculative fiction by one of Nigeria’s most exciting new writers.

Continue reading “Review: ‘The Beautiful Side Of The Moon’, by Leye Adenle”