A Map Of The Dark by Karen Ellis

Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC copy of this great novel.

I really enjoyed this book following the life of Detective Elsa Myers as she embarks on a challenging case involving child kidnap.
There's a few twists and unexpected turns that I did not see coming and as the well written, tense storyline unfolds, Elsa gets entangled in the case deeper than she would like.
I thought the insights into Elsa's past really explained her character and the plot moved along nicely at a good pace, keeping me interested.
Fans of thrillers and crime should definitely check this book out.
I will be reading more by this Author.

The Silent Corner by Dean Koontz

What a truly scary and awful idea this book deals with, a whole new take on nano technology and brainwashing in a believable way that really makes you think.
Jane Hawk is a great heroine, tough and likeable with a drive to seek the truth and keep her son safe, though the odds against her are overwhelming to say the least.
The story is fast paced and exciting, violent and thought provoking with a frantic feel throughout, I could not put this book down and hope a sequel follows

Gut Feeling by Victoria Browne

3*

This story was easy to read but predictable, the style of writing was a bit hard to follow at first, slightly over descriptive but the pace was good.
Ashleigh the main character was a bit annoying, too placid, no fire, a little too nice really but she did suit the story.
I much preferred her friends who brightened up the plot.
I really didn't like Lee and although I warmed to Dave, I found him also too good to be true, the ending was satisfactory however.
Worth a read if you want a breezy novel which you don't have to think about too much

The Crockworthy Sisters #3: The Unholy Trinity by Marcus Brown

Another gruesome and tense outing from the Crockworthy sisters, short and sweet with an edge-of-your-seat storyline and a few unexpected twists thrown it to keep it interesting.
A plot that kept me intrigued and an ending that left me wanting more.
Fast paced, flowing and exciting, the third instalment in the Crockworthy novella's leads easily into the next book.
Hope it hurries up.

Justice League the Movie

I took my daughter to see Justice League last night and we weren't disappointed.
Plenty of action scenes, a bit of humour courtesy of The Flash and some eye candy thanks to the delectable Aquaman 😍....
Honestly I could've stared at Jason Momoa's hot bod allllll night.
Was good to see the return of Superman though and Captain Boomerangs little cameo at the beginning was good, reminding me that Suicid Squad 2 is in the making, ooooh yeah!
Looking forward to seeing some more movies with this lot though, possible a fleshing out of the characters or even a whole film based on each character ie Aquaman!
Go see it, you won't regret it.
#JusticeLeague #DC

Seven-X by Mike Wech

 I quite enjoyed this book about a reporter who goes undercover in an asylum to find out the truth about disappearing death row inmates.
The story was fast paced and quite tense and atmospheric,  well written with easy to understand language and a solid plot, the only reason I gave four stars instead of five is that I found the ending unsatisfactory and wanted to know more about what happened.
All in all, definitely worth a read if you like horror, demons and possession.

The Whispering Room by Dean Koontz

An action filled book that is packed with suspense and conspiracy, I could not put this down.
Janet Hawk is great as the strong female lead, intent on finding out the truth no matter the cost, the plot is thrilling and fast paced, flowing smoothly and holding the intrigue for as long as possible.
The idea is horrifying and I felt immersed in the storyline, which at some points felt claustrophobic.
If you like a gruesome thriller with a strong plot, this book is for you.

Environmentally Friendly by Elias Zanbaka

3*

A surprisingly original storyline with a sense of irony throughout and a new and tactful take on mental illness.
The title was misleading but clever and although I prefer longer novels, this one was quick and easy to read.
My main annoyance however was the overly descriptive sentences which I think the author will need to address in future books.
Worth a read though.

The Last Hours by Minette Walters

An absolutely brilliant, gritty story set in medieval times during the plague days, the plot was truly addictive and very well written, so easy to read.
I warmed to some of the characters pretty quickly and eagerly awaited the next segment of their journey, which was serious and thrilling and descriptive all at the same time.
Highly recommended, from someone who doesn't normally read this genre!
5*

Olay

#OlayAgeless
Thanks to SuperSavvyMe and Olay, a few days ago I unboxed this lovely Olay kit, free, full of samples, coupons and a full sized bottle of this miracle cream.
My mother is a convert and after using for only a few days, I can honestly say my skin feels hydrated which in this cold weather is a fabulous thing.

Kill Creek by Scott Thomas

This book was about an old house with a tragic past that ends up being the setting for an impromptu meeting/interview for a bunch of horror writers.

Chills and thrills follow with a brutal pathway to the history of the house and what it seemingly wants.

I found this book a bit slow to start with but I'm glad I persevered even if the ending wasn't as satisfactory as I would've liked.

Blood and gore abound, supernatural terror and a decent storyline made for an entertaining plot and fairly interesting characters.

Worth a read.

What We Kill by Howard Odentz

I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down, it was a neat psychological thriller that kept me guessing and guessing until about two thirds of the way through when the plot explained itself to tie up all loose ends.
Weston Kahn, the main storyteller was a likeable character and the others were a mishmash of personality that grew on me.
I found nothing confusing here, just a well written, suspenseful novel that would make a good movie.
I will look out for other books from this Author!

Shopping

Who has done all their Christmas shopping?
I'm happy to say that the bulk of mine is well done, just needs wrapping and a few stocking fillers need to be picked up but boy am I glad that's out of the way.
Another fortune spent, I try to stick to a budget but sometimes feel a little guilty for being a single mother that I go a bit overboard, I start buying in the January sales though and space the gift buying throughout the year, best way for me to manage.
Anyway, not long now....

The Change 4: London: Dirt by Guy Adams

I enjoyed this novella better than the third instalment of this series, it revisited the journey of Howard and Hubcap who were my favourite characters and the story is quite edgy and freaky, with a new threat borne from The Change!
It leads onto the next part smoothly and I am eager to check it out.

First Person by Richard Flanagan

Hard work!
Maybe it is me but I just didn't 'get' the point of this story.
It was hard work to read and I never really got into it or warmed to the characters, in some places it was quite atmospheric but culminated with an unsatisfactory ending and never explained in a satisfactory way, who or what Heidl was.
I don't know if it hinted at conspiracy, supernatural or I don't know, to be honest I couldn't be bothered to care.

Covent Garden In The Snow by Jules Wake

Quaint and quirky.
Not my usual genre I must admit but every now and again I fancy a good old bit of chic lit.
I'm glad I chose this book, which is easy to read and hard to put down, Tilly is a great character, really lovely and I really warmed to her throughout the story.
A few lighthearted twists and turns and an expected/unexpected office romance thrown into the mix made this a warm hearted Christmas tale full of good cheer and I will definitely pick up another of Jules Wake's books when I want a pick me up, great author.

Time to Bake!

#BettyBakeDate #TheInsidersUK #spon
Soooo, thanks to Betty Crocker and The Insiders UK I get to test some wonderful baking products that certainly won't help me lose weight.... All fun and games for the kids in the half term though.
Let the baking commence.

Lay Me To Rest by E.A Clarke

I enjoyed this easy to read story about a woman who is widowed and pregnant and struggling to come to terms with everything, so takes a vacation at a quaint old place in the Welsh hills.
The main characters are solid and likeable and the scenery is both comforting and foreboding, very atmospheric.
With a supernatural twist and a few turns along the way, the plot ends satisfactorily, leaving it open to carry on a similar type of novel of which I will be looking forward to reading.

The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne

Set in England and amazingly atmospheric.
What a lovely, charming and original book.
I couldn't put it down, Melissa was fab and truly a role model for all women but the other characters were very likeable too.
The writing and the plot flowed smoothly and was very easy to read, quite humerous too and ending perfectly.
I will definitely read more by Hester Browne.

The Last Mrs Parrish by Liv Constantine

This book was so very easy to read and though I saw the twist a mile off, it did not make it any less satisfying.
Some of the characters were abhorrent but others, really likeable and the writing flowed smoothly, making for an enjoyable storyline and plot.
I will read more from this author.

The Nightwalker Mysteries #4 Lara by Marcus Brown

I read a lot of Marcus Brown books as he is a really good author, fairly new to the genre but writes like a fish in water.
The latest novella was enjoyable and I've reviewed it on all the regular platforms.

Following on from the previous books, the plot concentrates on the plight of Chloe and Kyle and their friends and family.
I read it in a couple of hours and wasn't disappointed, the story gets better with each instalment and after this catastrophic end, I can't wait to see the consequences in the next novella.
Well written, easy to read and gripping until the end.
An easy five stars from me.

The Scandal by Fredrik Backman

This was a really well written story about a small town that lives for hockey and is rocked by a scandal right before the biggest game ever.
It was a bit predictable but the writer completely nailed the predjudice and roiling emotions of every character in the book, I could not put it down and needed to see how the end panned out, I wasn't disappointed either.
I felt deeply for some of the characters and thought how true to life this sort of situation is, definitely worth a read even if at first it doesn't sound like your kind of book.

Savage Woods by Mary SanGiovanni

I quite enjoyed this horror story regarding an evil chasm in the woods that seems to lead to the very depths of hell.
It was well written and eerie, with plenty of blood and gore, slightly far fetched but it is fiction after all.
The characters were OK, I never overly warmed to them but it's a fair story that worth a read.

The Crockworthy Sisters : The Secrets of Moonlight Manor by Marcus Brown

I absolutely love the Crockworthy series, the sisters are great and have a brilliant rappor and I just can't wait to see what adventures they get up to next.
This book has everything I like to read about, a bit of blood and gore, a bit of romance, magic and the supernatural, plus once again it ends on a cliffhanger leaving me waiting impatiently for the next instalment.
A solid five stars from me.

The Secrets You Keep by Kate White

I enjoyed this tense thriller with its fast pace and unpredictable twists and turns.
The characters were likeable, if not a bit paranoid but it all added to the story.
I found this novel easy to read with understandable language and a way with words that kept me wondering where it would all end.
Overall a good psychological thriller.

The Break by Marian Keyes

Wow I couldn't put this fabulous book down, Marian Keyes is a fantastic author whose writing is very compelling.
The story flowed along and it was very easy to read, I loved Amy though found her to be a bit pathetic at times, especially at the beginning, and I really disliked Hugh for being so selfish but it was great to see how Amy developed as a character and how her great children were also mounded by the events.
Definitely recommended.

This is only the second or third book of Marian Keyes I have read and I have to admit I'm a fan.

The Art of Hiding by Amanda Prowse

A good solid plot that is sad at times but very optimistic, it triggered a range of different emotions in me throughout the story and I found the characters likeable and interesting, especially seeing the things they endure and come out the other side stronger for it.
This is the second book of Amanda Prowse I have read and think she is a great emotive author, easy to read with a fast pace, I will definitely be reading more

The Crockworthy Sisters : The Dark Magic Murders by Marcus Brown

Loved this atmospheric novella following the lives of three witches in modern day times, it was creepy with a hint of sexy and full of suspense and gore.
The characters are addictive, I am really looking forward to learning more about each sister and the book was very well written with some good descriptive content, sometimes sickenly so!
I can't wait to read the next part and wish that the series was a full novel, because I hate waiting.

Marcus Browns work is very easy to read, will definitely be reading more.

The Nightwalker Mysteries Part 3 - Resurrection by Marcus Brown

Ending on another cliffhanger, I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. 
In my opinion, the further into the story I get, the better the tale and it's satisfying to see how the characters of Chloe, Kyle and Bethany are evolving and how nothing around the is ever straightforward, truly keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
The story flows and I finished it within a day, the language is easy and rolls off the page smoothly.
Marcus Brown is a very gifted author, I'm looking very forward to Part 4.

Friend Request by Laura Marshall

Another ARC Netgalley request which I really enjoyed, I will read more by this Author, no doubt.

My review, published in the usual places of course :- Absolutely brilliant book, was completely pulled in from the start to the unexpected finish.

The writing flowed along easily and the characters were likeable, Louise was great as the paranoid mother hooked on her past.

I mean who doesn't think back to their awkward school days with just a hint of trepidation?

The story stayed fairly true to life and was realistic in the characters actions, I really couldn't put Friend Request down!

The Devils Colony by Bill Schweigart

This was a brilliant book, which I later found out had two instalments previously, which I am definitely going to read.
It worked well as a standalone however and read like an episode of Supernatural or something, with the story flowing at a fast pace.
The characters were great and I really cared what happened to them, the supernatural element kept my interest and was original and descriptive throughout.
Highly recommend this author and will read more.
4* from me.

The Darkness Within by Lisa Stone

Hard to read in some places, this was a novel based on fact and fiction and was truly plausible.
The author has obviously researched the organ donation subject and appears knowledgeable in the area, it makes for a harrowing story.
The characters are strong, although not always likeable and the story is told at a good pace, easily keeping my interest.
I wouldn't mind checking out some more of this authors books, as the style of writing is smooth and easy to read and understand.

The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter

I am a big fan of Karin Slaughters work, this book was a great standalone -

As a fan of Karin Slaughter's other novels I was keen to read this one, it didn't disappoint.
Fast paced, gritty and descriptive in a way that only this author can, this story is a harrowing tale of abuse, revenge and maybe even a little forgiveness.
Switching back and forth between the past and the present this book is cleverly put together with solid characters and an interesting, tense storyline.
I could not put this book down, hard to read in some places regarding the abuse but highly recommended!

Just.... WOW

Yesterday was my 11 year old daughters Primary School Leavers Ball, she calls it a Prom.
I don't remember having this at my school when was younger, and in a way I am glad.
It's all about keeping up with Joneses you see, they are 11 but each competed to be the best, there were four horse and carriages carrying some of the girls, my daughter shared a limo with 15 other boys and girls, she wanted a white ball gown and new shoes, she wanted professionally done nails and hair, in the end I had to compromise, I did my best by doing her hair and nails myself and buying her a new dress and accessories.
She looked gorgeous, they all did, but at 11, when is it all too much?

Revenant:Blood Justice by Leslie Joan Linder

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more about Enid, her family and her quest.
It took me a chapter or two to get into the book but then was easy and interesting to read, skipping back and forth between past events and the present and throwing legendary figures into the fiction and introducing them and their characters with flare and originality.
Enid is a good, solid heroine and her love interest offsets her personality perfectly.
The novel is filled with a whole rainbow of characters, with great descriptions and aims, I will be reading the next instalment without hesitation.

The Truth (Nightwalker Mysteries P2) by Marcus Brown

I recently met my girlfriends for a play date with all our kiddies, I swear it's the only time I speak to another adult these days unless it's a fleeting "hello" to another school mother and it always picks my mood up.

Lately I've been feeling a little trapped, I love my children unconditionally and never regret anything but bringing three children up alone is quite a task.

I never thought I would have more than one child and she has just turned 11 so when my little boy (now 5) popped out closely followed by my 3 year old daughter I was out of my depth, put that together with a very needy man and it ultimately felt like I now had 4 kids, the relationship crumbled and now there's just me and my babies, not much interaction from anywhere else actually!

So friends, no matter how rare you meet up, are a tonic, it's always nice to know you're not the only one out there struggling or a bit lonely.

Plus I always have my books.

The latest being Marcus Brown's second novella The Truth, here is my honest review - 

Beginning from where Second Self ended, the action starts right in and doesn't disappoint.
I found this second instalment very easy to read and thoroughly enjoyed the more in depth description of the main characters.
The whole story has a bit of everything from Gypsy Folklore to Vampires to the Supernatural and because of another abrupt ending, I'm eagerly awaiting the third book.

Grenfell 😢 and Two Nights by Kathy Reichs

Well another tragedy strikes with a terrible number of deaths in the fire of Grenfell Tower, London.
My heart is with all of them and their families, what a tragedy, when it comes to people's lives, corners should never be cut, I hope nothing like this ever happens again.

As always, in the light of such sadness I like to retreat into a book, this time it was Kathy Reichs' new series which I thoroughly enjoyed, she is a great writer and I'm looking forward to more, here is my review -

I'm a big fan of Kathy Reichs' writing and loved the Temperance Brennan series so I was eager to read her new series following the life of new character, Sunday Night.
I wasn't disappointed, the writing flowed along at an interesting pace and the story kept me on the edge of my seat, rooting for Sunday and her easygoing brother Gus., I couldn't put the book down and read it in two days.
The characters were great, the storyline tense and involved, I have nothing bad to say about this novel and I await excitedly for more in the Sunday Night series.

Be safe everyone ❤️

I Know My Name by Cj Cooke

Its been a while since my last post, I know, time has just gotten away from me and I've been concentrating on writing my own book which has a kind of Supernatural Anti-Hero thing going on, I'm 30000 words into it but there is still a lot of work to be done.

So I took some time out to read this cracker, I highly recommend it, here is my review :-

This book was brilliant, a great psychological thriller, the story was gripping and hard to read at times, knowing what certain characters had gone through.
Eloise was such a strong but pitiful character, her own story sad but hopeful and so realistic, in the fact that this sort of thing happens to people.
The writing was eloquent and descriptive and kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering where the journey would take me.
Highly recommended.

The River Wild by Denis O Neill

After thoroughly enjoying the movie of the same title starring Meryl Streep and the great Kevin Bacon, I just had to give the book a go.
It was a good effort, worth a read if you liked the film but it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
I gave it three stars.
Here is my review, reviewed on Amazon.co.uk/com, GoodReads and Netgalley.

After enjoying the film starring Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon,  I was looking forward to this book.
It wasn't quite as good as I had hoped but it was well written and stuck close to the screenplay storyline, giving insight into the characters that you just didn't get on screen.
The characters were strong, descriptions not bad but it didn't quite keep me enthralled which was a shame as it had all the potential of being an exciting adventure.
In parts it was tense, in others a bit tedious but overall a good, solid novel that is worth a read if you like the film or the storyline interests you.

The Honeymoon by Tina Seskis

Firstly I would just like send my love to all the victims injured and killed in the latest terror attack in London, if there is a Hell, I hope these terrorists are burning down there.
The One Love Concert for Manchester and London was amazing, I saw it on the television and it almost brought me to tears many a time.
I've never been a fan of Ariana but she is truly a beautiful person inside and out, I take my hat off to her, she is amazing.
Be safe!

Now back to the book review.
I haven't read anything by this author before but the cover looked good and so did the write up.
It took a while to get into but I'm glad I did, I've reviewed by the usual channels :-

It actually took me a few chapters to get into this story, I found Jemma annoying and snobbish to the point where I almost put the book down, but I persevered and I'm so glad I did.

I never saw the ending coming, even though I was sure I knew what had happened, I was way off and although I didn't warm much to Jemma, I did sympathise with her plight.
How awful she must've felt on that fateful night is something that would haunt you forever.
The writing was good, the author told the various points of view well and the twists and turns were really something!

I give it 4/5 stars.

Second Self (The Nightwalker Mysteries) by Marcus Brown

I've been quite busy lately, what with it being the half term holidays but I managed to squeeze in Marcus Brown's new Novella, a YA Supernatural outing that I really enjoyed.
Definitely worth a read if you like the genre.
Reviewed on Amazon and Goodreads, here is what I thought :-

Already a fan of Marcus Brown's work, I knew that I had to read Second Self, especially as I'm a fan of this genre, I have only one bone to pick... I have to wait for the next instalment!
His down to earth writing style had me hooked from the beginning, diving straight into the story, it slowed down for the next couple of chapters but then peaked my interest again all the way to the cliffhanging ending.
Will definitely be reading the next part of this series.

So check it out.....

A helping hand.

As I like reviewing books, I read many from new authors and up and coming authors and if ever I can help promote a new book, I am always happy to help.
So a while ago, I read and reviewed no thoroughly enjoyed Promised land Lane by Marcus Brown, he has a sequel to that coming soon which I am really looking forward to but in the meantime he has published a new YA novella that looks great, it's all downloaded on my Kindle ready to read shortly.
If you fancy it, here are the links.

 ‿¸.•*´´*•.¸(*•.¸¸.•*)¸.•*´´*•.¸‿★
✨✨✨NEW RELEASE ✨✨✨
    ★***•.¸.•*(¸.•*´`*•.¸)`*•.¸.•***★
✨✨✨OUT NOW!

'THE NIGHTWALKER MYSTERIES - PART ONE - SECOND SELF'

This brand new YA novella is now available from ALL Amazon stores.

✨✨✨BUY LINKS
Amazon 🇬🇧 amzn.to/2qyogKJ - £0.99
Amazon 🇺🇸 amzn.to/2s5Uz62 - $1.27

FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

Available in eBook and Paperback.

Grab your copy now!

To Chloé Beck, the strange, yet familiar boy is her Guardian Angel.

To Kyle Benitez, she is the missing piece of the puzzle, the girl who'd haunted his dreams since childhood.

Two worlds destined to collide, setting a chain of events into motion which threatens to tear their lives, and the world as they know it, apart

✨✨✨STALKER LINKS

https://www.facebook.com/MarcusBrownWriter/

Goodreads - bit.ly/2rjOZPj

Instagram - bit.ly/2rfSLYc

https://books.pronoun.com/marcusbrownauthor/

Twitter
@marcus_brownpll

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Firstly, I haven't seen the television adaptation but I had heard about it, which is what urged me to read this novel.
I enjoyed it, though it was quite tragic at times and I've reviewed it on Goodreads and Amazon, these are my thoughts on the book -

It took me a few chapters to get into this book, but I liked the way it was written, from two different viewpoints and persevered and I'm glad I did.
Sad at times, it tells of the tragic suicide of a young girl who, despite showing signs of mental struggles, just doesn't seem to get the help she needs.
Her tapes are a way to tell those that even an action that can seem inconsequential at the time, can literally be the straw that breaks the camels back.
That said I never really warmed to Hannah, even though I felt so sorry for her, but Clay was a lovely boy and made the book hopeful rather than just bleak.
Well worth a read.

The Soul Catcher by Rowanne S Carberry

After yesterdays tragic events, I hit the books, this one was next on my list and I highly recommend it, especially if you're a fan of supernatural society books, I've reviewed it on Amazon and Goodreads, this is what I thought :-

Wow, what can I say, I absolutely loved this book and read it in a day.
The lead character is a kick ass female who has visions and can see ghosts, she gets reluctantly roped into helping find a sick murderer by another bunch of supernaturals with different and interesting abilities, I can't wait to read more about the various characters and what their background stories are, hopefully more than just one sequel is on the horizon.
Well written, easy to read and leaves you wanting more, brilliant!
If you love Keri Arthur then this is definitely a novel for you.

Stay safe everybody x

❤️Manchester❤️

I am sick and distraught after hearing about the bomb attack at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, those poor people, those poor children, my heart truly goes out to all those who were injured and those who lost loved ones.
I used to live in this beautiful city and I am still trying to find out if all my friends from those days are ok.

Terrorists, we will not break.
I hope you rot in Hell!

Beware The Cuckoo by Julie Newman

Well here is my latest book review, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and my reviews are on Amazon and Netgalley.

What a sad but brilliant and uplifting book.
The story tracks the life of a young girl who has been cleverly abused by an older man, making her believe that she is not a victim and so ashamed for what she has done, it's so heartbreaking and also realistic, I was so glad when she finally broke free of his clutches.
The ending was satisfying too, tying up all loose ends and filling me with a sense of justice.
This was a well written, captivating novel, with good characters and excellent descriptions, highly recommended.

It's well worth a read, brilliantly written... Have a nice day!

Winning and writing a novel

I do a lot of comping and recently I won a SlimFast 7 day starter kit and a pouch of the new SlimFast Vitality, can't wait to try it.
Like most women, I struggle with my weight, reaching an all time high after a troublesome pregnancy with my youngest daughter, who weighed 9lb 3oz 😱, she is 3 years old now though and I still have my 'Baby Weight'.....

Something has to be done!

On a lighter note, I've been told I should maybe put pen to paper and try to write a novel, I read so much and watch so much that my ideas for fiction are aplenty.
As a teen I was really not writing and the stories were pretty good apparently, now that my vocabulary is better maybe I have a real chance of creating a masterpiece.

Who knows!

Nescafé Gold

As a member of the Bzz Panel, I recently got to test out three boxes of the Nescafé Gold coffee sachets - Double Choc Mocha, Cappuccino and Caramel Latte.

I was quite happy at this as I love my coffee but was a tad worried at the calorific content of these drinks as I'm trying to lose weight, I have to say though that my all time favourite was the Double Choc Mocha, it was pleasantly sweet with a delicious froth on top and oh so easy to make.
Definitely buying this one again... Oh and for the record it's 4 smart points if you're at WeightWatchers!
Cappuccino wasn't bad either, a little bitter, but with good foam and once I added a few chocolate sprinkles it was lovely.
Not keen on the Caramel Latte though, it tasted a bit like the old Sterilised Milk my Grandma used to get back in the day.

All in all though, a good campaign, thanks Nescafé and Bzz!

Skitter by Ezekiel Boone

Well me and mine have had a busy Easter, culminating in taking my two youngest to Piglets Adventure Farm near York with a friend and her little boy, what a fab day out, highly recommended, but back to reality now and back on the Kindle too.

My latest review being the second novel in The Hatching series, damn it makes my flesh creep...

See review below:-

Horrific, cringeworthy and totally brilliant!

Ezekiel Boone does it again in a worthy sequel to The Hatching, Melanie Guyer and other familiar characters are back and still trying to work out what's going on with these disgusting parasitic spiders and protect their loved ones/the world.

This book is easy to read but conjures up nightmarish images through description that makes you almost wish you could peek through your hands at it, the writing flows and keeps you tense throughout.

I'm really hoping there's another follow up book because there are many questions I still want answering!

Easter Break

I really need a new SatNav.

I took a break from reading and stuff to visit my bestie in Wales with my children, the drive is around three hours but with a stop off for toilet breaks and snacks it can stretch on another thirty mins or so.
How I got there at all is beyond me, you would think that after 25 years I would know my way but I'm rubbish at directions and my memory is bad so 'step up' SatNav.
It's an old one, but it's never done me wrong in the past, now though, it's definitely outstayed it's welcome.
I begrudge paying £50 for a map update, crafty Garmin, so I winged it, ended up taking various wrong turns and luckily did manage to get there and back in one frazzled piece with not too much added time to the journey, I can do without the stress in future, so the old Garmin Nuvi has got to go.

On a better note, the kids experienced ZooLabs at the Nova in Prestatyn and got to stroke cockroaches and rats amongst other things, though I think the guy presenting it almost looked as stressed as I surely did on my journey!
They then spent an hour or more in the soft play area, which was good but the layout left a lot to be desired as there were only a handful of tables in the vicinity of the actually play centre bit and I really need to keep and eye on my youngest daughter who is three and fondly referred to as the little Cannonball, so I stood for most of that time until I could finally snatch a table.

The very best bit however was spending time with my lovely friend who always thoroughly goes above and beyond to spoil my children and I!

Feral by James DiMonaco

I read this book back in March, though it's only just been released from the author of the Purge series, I was expecting a bloodthirsty outing and I wasn't disappointed.
Five stars from me, love this type of book and genre.

A fabulous take on the old zombie genre, Feral deals with an out of control virus that only affects the male of the species.

Allie is great as the tough but soft centred heroine, running on autopilot to keep herself and her sister safe.
Bloodthirsty but also hopeful, this apocalyptic tale tells of a world occupied by escaped women and infected men/animals, who will survive?

I really hope there is going to be a sequel to Feral as there are so many loose ends that I want tying up, it sure would make a great movie.

Great story, great author.

Treasure in Paradise by Kathi Daley

Recieved from Netgalley to have a look at, and it was a summery book that put me in the mood for said season, I gave it four stars out of five, very easy to read and uncomplicated.

I enjoyed this book, it didn't blow me away but it was lighthearted and easy to read.
I liked the characters although T.J sounded very innocent and I would've liked to have seen her get up to a bit of mischief, but other than that it was well written, humorous in parts and had a bit of a whodunnit feel to notch up the suspense.
I wouldn't mind reading some more from this author

Now what?

OMG I've had some bad luck recently, culminating in me waking yesterday with eyes that literally look like p**sholes in the snow.
It's got to be some sort of allergic reaction to something but boy are they yucky, weepy, swollen and even a little bruise on one of my eyelids, an impromptu visit to the Docs today I think!

Oh and remember the little 'Darlings' messing with the trolley, well the trolley got taken but a couple of days ago, one of them dropped his bike against my car.... Grrrr you can't have nothing these days, hope T-Cut sorts the scratch out, my poor car, doesn't it just make you want to sell your soul to see them get their comeuppance?
No? Just me then....

Salems Curse by Sydney Bristow

Well after a nice, sunny day out in the 2017 Capital of Culture City aka Hull seeing the lovely Weeping Window of poppies and temporary field of Lego Daffodils complete with Lego watering can, I finally finished Salems Curse.

Not a bad book in my opinion if you like Urban Fantasy.
Here is my review :

A good, solid supernatural fantasy with a good storyline, strong characters and easy pace.
Celestina is an interesting young woman, if not slightly naive who finds herself in a predicament that she has to do something about, ending in a shocking revelation that really intrigued me and pushed me to look out for the next instalment just to see how this storyline progresses.
I think Justin's character could have been fleshed out a bit more though as I never really warmed to him and felt as if I should.
Well worth a read!

Promised Land Lane by Marcus Brown

Now for anyone into horror stories, this is definitely worth a read, the front cover itself is creepy enough!
I actually befriended Marcus on Facebook and what a guy! He is pleasant and funny and it's great keeping up to date on when his next novel will be out, which I will definitely be reading!
There's also some great memorabilia on his website, with Maisie's creepy doll face all over it...

Here is my review -

Cannot believe this is Marcus Brown's first book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it.
Promised Land Lane is unsettling, creepy, compelling and even humorous in parts, the story flows easily and is smooth and well written with good, likeable characters and a few twists.

Sandra and Hils are a hoot!

If you like a bit of horror, or creepy dolls, then this is the book for you.

Also reviewed on Goodreads and Kobo.

The Idea Of You by Amanda Prowse

This book was heartbreaking and yet so positive at the same time.
The story flowed and it was so well written I felt like I knew Lucy personally and felt real sympathy at the roller coaster of emotions she was dealing with.

Amanda Prowse dealt with the sensitive issue of miscarriage very delicately, almost beautifully and though I've never experienced this tragic event, I lived through it with Lucy.
There was only one tiny detail that annoyed me, possibly a factual error, when someone said in the book that they were having a boy when they were only thirteen weeks pregnant, I've had three children and was never told their gender until around week 20.

A small issue though and it didn't stop me reading the novel in just over a day.
Highly recommend.

I've left reviews on Netgalley, Amazon and Goodreads!

Trolley Trouble

Grrr some little "darlings" have gotten hold of a supermarket trolley from somewhere and have been ramming/pushing/dragging each other around in it.
In the last five minutes, one of them bumped his head so hard by diving headfirst into it that he is walking funny!
Also... It's going dangerously near my car.
Why oh why do people think it's a good idea to steal a trolley, are they too lazy to carry their shopping home?
That can't be it, anyone who has pushed a supermarket trolley up and down a curb or the like will know this isn't easy, so surely one who can push a trolley over the pavement isn't incapable of carrying shopping home.
Are they too cheap to buy carrier bags maybe?
Or quite possibly, the above 'darlings' may have just stolen the bloody thing for entertainment value.
Whatever the reason, I reckon a call to the Supermarket is on the cards.... And if the damned thing comes anyway near my car again, the Police!

The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone

Now this one really made my skin crawl.
I really don't like Spiders, I have a few whoppers in my house and all my children dislike them too.
I try not to show my distaste of arachnids to them but obviously something has altered their view as every time a spider shows itself, I'm called upon for extraction.
I try not to kill them but sometimes it just can't be helped.
Most of the time I trap in a glass and throw away the bloody thing, hoping that it doesn't decide to come back.
This book though......

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1954890786

Mystery at Maplemead Castle by Kitty French

Ooops rant over.
So before I forget, here's the latest book I devoured (not literally of course).

Kitty French's sequel to the first Chapelwick Mysteries book was brilliant, as I knew it would be.
She has created some excellent characters and a fab storyline to boot.
I highly recommend it if you like your heroines, quirky and sassy with tons of attitude and a gooey centre.

Check out Goodreads for my review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1952818477

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day to all those wonderful Mothers out there, mine has been a typical Sunday in all fairness.
I was given some beautiful handmade cards from my three darlings/Devils and some very nice gifts including a bottle of Prosecco.

I haven't had Prosecco before, I'm a Vodka girl in truth but it's alcohol and of course I'm willing to try it...

So we visited the Cinema to watch Moana, great little film by the way, eldest daughter loved it too.
Unfortunately, my four year old son started crying at the part where it looks like like Grandma is going to die, he is a sensitive soul and wanted to leave but I persuaded him to stay until the end and he was glad he did.
My three year old daughter seemed to like the film too, though for the last half hour, she had ants in her pants and wouldn't sit still.

The joys of motherhood.

One other thing, does everyone have to tell their child to tidy up like a million times?
I'm soooo sick of hearing my own voice, and their bickering amongst themselves oh and their crying...

Happy Mothers Day....

Don't stop me now by Colleen Coleman

Whilst sat here waiting for the electric man to turn up I thought I would write a review on new book that had me laughing out loud in one or two places.

Firstly, I've already been waiting over an hour, the postman has nothing good for me as I've just seen him saunter by my house, in the rain and I'm bored.
I wanted to do my Pilates class today, followed by a spring clean and then a bath as it's the only full day all the children are at school.
Instead, here I am, having expected said electric dude to roll on up at lunchtime.
Missed my Pilates class so I could Hoover, didn't have time for a bath grrrr and still no guy!

Very annoying, but I digress -
Check out my review for this easy to read book on Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1949118755

Zodiac by Sam Wilson

I volunteered to review a copy of Zodiac by Sam Wilson via Netgalley and I was pleasantly surprised.
It's not a book I would go out and buy but it has huge appeal to those who are fans of Dystopian worlds etc.

I had it in my mind that this book would be about a serial killer, in the vein of Seven but it was nothing of the sort, more like society segregation based solely on star signs, quite thought provoking!

Check out my review on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R36JGH685PNVZQ/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Crohn's Disease.... Damn!

One fateful night in September, back in 2010, I came home from work and began to get ready for a night out celebrating a friend/colleague's Birthday.
I had an annoying bloaty, aching sensation in my stomach that had been bothering me all day, I thought it might be trapped wind, so took some Windeze and prepared for a good drink on the town.
Despite my best efforts at getting drunk, around midnight, I decided to give in and return home as my stomach was still uncomfortable and felt no better despite some paracetamol I had also taken.
On climbing into bed, I realised that laying on my left side was absolutely agonising so I slept (sort of) in a weird propped up position until the morning when I was in so much pain I could hardly walk upright.

I called my Mother, who had my four year old little girl and asked if she would take me to out of hours doctors as I couldn't even drive myself due to the pain.
Doctor immediately booked me a bed in the hospital, citing suspected appendicitis.

The day after, I was sent down to surgery to have my appendix removed, as I drifted off into oblivion from the anaesthetic I was happy and completely unsuspecting of what was to come.

Waking from the operation, I was groggy and uncomfortable, when the surgeon dropped by and told me that my appendix had been completely blameless I was curious to know what had gone on.....
Turns out my bowel had perforated, filling my insides with rubbish, and poisoning me internally, they removed a section of my bowel and my ileum, I could have died and all I had been interested in was getting drunk!

So I have Crohn's Disease, who knows how long I've had it as up until that night, I had never had any trouble or symptoms, even now, after been told I have an aggressive type of Crohns that is spreading, not just along the resection but further up, I still have no symptoms, is that a Godsend or a curse, I've yet to make up my mind, but here I am, 36 and on permanent (?) medication.
Nobody knows why I have Crohn's, there are no answers out there, it isn't curable and for me, it was undetectable until it was almost too late.

As medical science improves, maybe one day, there will be permanent help for IBD without the need for medication, here's hoping....

Promised Land Lane by Marcus Brown

This is Marcus Brown's first novel but you can't tell at all.

It's a creepy, flowing and at times, humorous book that I couldn't put down and read in about two days.

Poor Maisie Whitmore had a short, hard life when she was alive and in death, she became twisted beyond recognition.

Sandra, the main character is great though, full of life, opinions and humour and attempts to tackle the spate of murders down Promised Land Lane with vigour.

The ending is satisfying and hopefully there will be a sequel.

If you like (or dislike) unsettling dolls and great stories, then keep an eye out for this.

Here is my review on Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1878747826

All Compers take note!

After a hard morning doing the fantastic Les Mills BodyPump class (Damn the bicep track is killer!) and dragging my poor, long suffering Dad round on his bicycle to babysit my two youngest, I would like to add that I Spent last night watching Fortitude, which is brilliant by the way, and comping.
I am a Comping addict....

If you like entering competitions as much as me, follow me on Twitter - @EmzzzEmma as I do loads on there as well as tweet about my favourite books.
I've been quite lucky of late, winning many things from toys to cash to Jess Glynne tickets.

Happy Comping everyone!

Grey Magic by JT Lawrence

The synopsis of this book appealed to me so I thought I would give it a whirl, took me three or four days to get through as it wasn't as unputdownable as some novels I've read of late.

The main character is a burnt out Witch called Raven Kane, she is a funny witch with attitude and her journey into her history is quite good, however, I never really got right into it for some reason, Raven thinks to herself a lot and it got annoying after a while.
Some of the supporting characters were interesting and I would've liked to have seen them 'fleshed out' more.

Happy Reading folks!

Check out my review on Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R2ODGHM04WOQ1T/ref=pe_1572281_66412651_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

The Skeletons of Scarborough House by Kitty French

So I have just finished reading a fab book (in between the school run for my darlings sloths) called The Skeletons of Scarborough House by Kitty French, absolutely loved it.
If you like your Heroine's plucky, weird and wonderful then you will love Melody Bittersweet, honestly, sometimes I thought I was reading about myself, minus the "I see dead people" thing like....

Check out my review on Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1932903346

Masterpiece in the making?

Hi there, I'm pretty new to this whole blogging thing, in fact it was a friend who suggested I start my own blog as I'm constantly reviewing and offering my (sometimes unwelcome) opinion on EVERYTHING!
I'm a reader, so books are naturally on my hit list, I'm also a movie buff, horror and action are my favourite but I watch a whole range of films in all honesty.
I'm also a mother of three, so toys are definitely one of my opinion forte's.

This is a learning process for me, so hopefully I'll get better as I go along.
Prepare to be reviewed.....