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I was drawn to this book as I love finding new books and styles of books to share with my children. My mum and I are avid readers, and we have tried to instill a love of reading in my girls at a young age. This looked a fun and original book that blends the benefits of movement with the educational benefits and stillness of reading.

Blurb:

Nathan loves to play, but he loves his video games more.

Can a trip to Animal Moves land convince him there’s more fun outdoors? Best-selling author and speaker Darryl Edwards has created this fun adventure inspired by his passion for encouraging kids to move in an ever-increasing sedentary environment.

MY FIRST ANIMAL MOVES

Discover the joys of animal moves with your little cubs in this first book of movement. Join Nathan and his cute, but sometimes lazy, dog as they crawl, jump and balance their way through the animal kingdom re-enacting moves designed to emphasise fun. It’s all in this exercise for kids book that focuses on family fun boredom busters.

HELPING KIDS MOVE AND GETTING KIDS OFF SCREENS THROUGH FUN ANIMAL PLAY

✓ Do you want to make physical activity for kids fun?

✓ Are you looking for ways to help your children develop strength, coordination and balance?

✓ Do your children love learning about animals?

✓ Are you worried about too much TV and screen time?

✓ Do you want to teach young children about the importance of physical activity?

✓ Would you like easy and fun fitness games to include in your day?

My First Animal Moves is your answer. Play along together, keeping everyone healthier and happier, promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being. You’ll all release more mood-enhancing hormones as a result, which help you feel good every day.

It’s written by professional movement coach and award-winning author Darryl Edwards who is best known for his groundbreaking TED Talk “Why working out isn’t working out“, viewed over a million times worldwide. My First Animal Moves distils the ideas in his bestselling Animal Moves book and Animal Moves Fitness Decks into a colourful picture book for children.

A Children’s Book to Encourage Kids and Their Guardians to Move More, Sit Less and Decrease Screen Time.

This unique story takes a different stance to many popular titles in this arena, with a fun activity that encourages children’s active play while aiming to get families moving and reading together. It takes the humour and colour in kids’ yoga books such as Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey, Yoga Bug by Sarah Jane Hinder, and You Are a Lion by Taeeun Yoo to a whole new energy level with active play for the entire family.

Get My First Animal Moves to help your family thrive through movement today.

My thoughts:

My children adore this book. It has definitely got the fun factor and allows children to do some of their inherent favourite things – move around, explore curiosities and learn about the world around them.

My daughters have repeatedly asked for this book daily since it popped through the letterbox. After using it for a couple of days, we decided that on account of it making my youngest daughter want to bounce around the bedroom at bed time, it is now our designated “morning book” and we look forward to incorporating it into our morning routine to wake us up, get us moving and get those happy hormones flowing.

My youngest daughter is definitely the more wild of my 2, and her favourite description and move was the frog. My eldest daughter’s curiosity was peaked when learning about the elephant, whilst as a mum I personally loved that it included descriptions of animals they won’t have come across in other stories and books.

Overall, an original, fun and engaging tale that is perfect for getting all the family involved, moving and laughing together! I would highly recommend it to parents and families with small children.

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I was completely intrigued, once again, by the title and cover of another highly anticipated release from Mel Sherratt. I really enjoyed Ten Days and was once again looking forward to exploring the domesticity, secrecy and mystery in this book.

Blurb:

From behind the curtains, Sarah spotted the man coming out of the house, followed by the woman. It would be strange seeing people in the property. She wondered how much it would change their lives. For now, she would bide her time and hopefully get to know them better. She needed to gain their trust.

When I met Richard, I fell for him instantly. He was able to give me everything I had always wanted, the dream house, security and above all, love like I’d never known. We lived a quiet life in the middle of nowhere; we didn’t need anyone else.

So, when the empty house next door is sold, I am wary. Will our neighbours invade the perfect life Richard has built for us? As soon as I meet Juliette and Danny, I am reassured. Overwhelmed by grief after the death of their young daughter, they have moved in search of a quiet life and a chance to start again. Over dinner one evening, we hit it off instantly and I know they are just the neighbours we need.

All is well until Juliette spots a young girl in our garden. Richard convinces her that she is seeing things, that it’s the grief taking over. But Juliette won’t let it go. She is sure she saw a child. She believes that Richard is threatening her. She starts to think that I’m not safe.

I need to convince Juliette that she’s imagining it. I need to keep Richard happy. If I am to protect everything I have built for myself, she must never find out the truth.

That my perfect life is built on the deadliest lie.

A heart-stopping psychological thriller with a truly brilliant twist, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, T.M. Logan and K.L. Slater.

My thoughts:

There is a perfectly layered mixture of domestic drama, suspense and psychological fiction within the pages of this book. I loved how the author juxtaposed, and pitted, the characters of Richard and Sarah, and Danny and Juliette against each other in our minds. They are neighbours, and yet their situations are completely different.

I was completely intrigued from early on how this would play out, and as suspected Richard reveals him as a villain through his controlling, manipulative and cruel behaviour but the twists and turns take the story much deeper and darker than that.

This book once again exploits and explores that notion of ‘appearance vs reality’ and reminds us that you never really know what goes on behind closed doors.

Structurally, this book also packs a punch in the way it is told. The short chapters, multiple perspective and dual timeline ensure that the story is fast paced and the readers are drip-fed information in order to heighten suspense and tension.

Overall, this is an addictive and gripping exploration of the psychological impact of coercive control and domestic abuse. Mel creates believable and interesting characters. I look forward to reading more by this author and would recommend her books to fans of Samantha Hayes, Arianne Richmonde and Shalini Boland.

I absolutely love this series and it is probably my favourite in this genre. Heather has done a great job of creating not just one, not two, but quite a significant cast of characters that I have enjoyed following throughout their dilemmas and adventures. Therefore, this 3rd installment was a must read for me.

Blurb:

When you’re running the streets, loyalty is everything…

Gangs rule the streets of the rough Gallowburn Estate in Glasgow, but the deepest rivalry of all is between Jamie Gray and his friends, known as the Blood Brothers, and their enemies, the Lawsons.

The two gangs clash frequently, but when a phone containing incriminating evidence disappears after a particularly brutal run-in, the stakes are higher than ever.

Jamie’s mother Jackie is as hard as nails and is not going to let anyone hurt her boy – even if she has to roll up her sleeves and get stuck in. What she wants more than anything though, is to see Jamie turn his back on the street life. And when he meets spoilt rich-girl Allegra, who has a penchant for shoplifting, Jackie thinks she could be Jamie’s way out.

But with the Lawsons closing in, and everyone taking sides, there is only one way out for Jamie, and to triumph he must take out his biggest enemy…

My thoughts:

As soon as I started the book, I had a weird feeling like I was back at “home” on the Gallowburn with these vibrant and somehow likeable characters. Jamie is brave, resilient, loyal and clever. His ‘Maw’ is also brave, ruthless and a true matriarch of the family and the “Blood Brothers” group. I have become completely invested in their lives: their romances, rivalries and dilemmas.

This is another pacey, gripping installment and I’d highly recommend anyone reading this review to pick up this book even if you haven’t read the previous books. With Heather’s easy style, you will quickly get into the story and become engrossed in the characters and their lives. No-one writes gritty, complex and yet sympathetic characters quite like Heather Atkinson.

As the story moves on and the situation escalates, main character and hero Jamie is having to dodge bullets from all angles. The story is increasingly tense, exciting and sometimes explosive.

There is darkness in the violence, threat, hidden identities and constant fear of being found. However, there is lightness in the humour, loyalty, tenderness and love shown between the central characters. This provides a perfect balance and makes this series that stands apart, and above, others in this genre.

I have no hesitation in giving this series five stars and would recommend this book and author to fans of Martina Cole, Emma Tallon and Caro Savage.

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I absolutely adore this series and it is in high favour as probably my favourite romantic fiction series, ever! In true Ceri style, I’ve not read all the books but I’ve read 7 of the last 10 books, which is pretty good going for me. I really do hope I can find time in my reading schedule to go back and read them all, to be honest!

Blurb:

The chance to spend a night ghost-hunting alone with Hudson Holmes at Brambleberry Manor seems like a dream come true for Ruby Watkiss. Maybe, she thinks, this is their chance to get closer. But when mysterious goings-on start happening which have nothing to do with the spirit world, the pair are catapulted off on another sleuthing adventure. And as the snow starts to fall and emotions are rising at the Little Duck Pond Cafe, Ruby is faced with a double challenge. Can she be braver than she’s ever been, in order to rescue something very close to her heart? And can she convince a distinctly ‘bah-humbug’ Hudson that Christmas really can be the most wonderful time of the year?

My thoughts:

I loved this book from beginning to end. It is the book that I, and many other fans have been waiting for, focusing on the developing relationship between Ruby and Hudson.

Ruby is a fabulous character. She is a reliable and firm friend, she has a wonderful sense of humour and she is definitely someone I feel like we would all like to have in our lives.

Hudson is also wonderful, if a little guarded at times. He is funny, flirty and gorgeous, and he truly deserves happiness. But can he put his past behind him and find it?

I love how the mystery element has added another layer to the stories over the past few books, but I felt this was back more to focusing on the romance element and I felt like it was needed. It perfectly suited the setting and I love how the themes of friendship, loyalty and deception are all added into the mix to spice things up a bit.

A fun, festive read that I found very difficult to put down. I read it very quickly and I am eagerly anticipating the release of the next book in the series! I would recommend this book and author to fans of Lindsey Kelk, Heidi Swain and Milly Johnson.

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I was drawn to this book by the cover. It looked and sounded like an exciting and emotive read. I also find myself reading a lot of Christmas romance this time of year so I thought this would make for a refreshing change.

Blurb:

A MISSING CHILD

Ten years ago, the disappearance of firearms police officer Jonah Colley’s young son almost destroyed him.

A GRUESOME DISCOVERY

A plea for help from an old friend leads Jonah to Slaughter Quay, and the discovery of four bodies. Brutally attacked and left for dead, he is the only survivor.

A SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH

Under suspicion himself, he uncovers a network of secrets and lies about the people he thought he knew – forcing him to question what really happened all those years ago…

My thoughts:

I was intrigued by this book after seeing it all over social media and was keen to support this author with this release. It seemed a great opportunity to try out his style as this is the first in a new thriller series.

This has definitely been an explosive and addictive first installment of the new series. Jonah is a complex, brave, sympathetic and yet at times infuriating character. I enjoyed following his journey as he deals with mysteries and danger from the past and present.

The background characters are very shady and it is very difficult to know who to trust in this story, and this alone with a storyline that feels original despite the familiar tropes, and some twists and turns, makes for a very dramatic and gripping read.

I was definitely shocked by the explosive ending and felt that it left the story open for further thrills in this series.

This is a story and series perfect for fans of Stuart Macbride and Peter James. Far darker than my usual reads, but I still absolutely loved it.

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I love the unique and fun style of Rosie Dean’s covers and I’m honestly not sure what took me so long when it came to discovering and reading her books. I absolutely loved Gigi’s Island Dream and had high hopes for this book, too!

Blurb:

Second Chance Romance.Toni Spielman and Will Thomas have no plans to date — anyone — but when fate throws them together on a TV dating show, they have to smile, pretend, and rethink their plans.

My thoughts:

This is a gentle, fun and romantic read. The premise will probably divide people as it’s quite a cliche set up and you’ll likely either love it or hate it. I loved it – there’s such something about Rosie’s easy style that is so fabulous and comfortable.

The characters of Toni and Will, though, are actually far from cliche and each have their own demons and situations that they are dealing with. I loved the level of complexity shown in the main characters and I was rooting for each of them to find happiness.

There is some spanners thrown into the works at times, as well as both characters being fully aware that they are both falling and holding back. It is definitely not a smooth ride but I enjoyed the ups and downs. There is definitely layers of tension throughout the book.

Another wonderful tale of acceptance, romance and family from Rosie Dean, with a lovely escapist feel. I would recommend this book and author to fans of Rosie Green, Sandy Barker and Olivia Spring.

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I have read a few books by this author and I absolutely her style. It is honest. heart-breaking and humane fiction at its finest. I was definitely intrigued by the title of this one, as well as the cover imagine which seems to depict a difficult family circumstance, resulting in the need for closeness and mutual reassurance.

Blurb:

I walk slowly to the kitchen counter, staring out the window as Ceci rocks back and forth on the swing. My beautiful darling girl has been through so much already. How can I tell her that her life is about to change forever?

When the woman from the hospital tells me that my husband Drew is in a coma my world comes crashing down.

In an instant, I see our whole married life flashing before my eyes: the way our children ran into his arms when he came home from work, the way his face lit up when he read to them. So how can what they are saying be true? That he might have done this to himself?

As my family rallies around to help, it becomes clear that Drew’s sister Gemma knows a shocking secret that my devoted husband has been keeping from me. If he wakes up, can he still be the man I love? Or will his secret tear our family apart?

A rollercoaster ride of emotions, Her Silent Husband is a story about family, and the light that can be found in even the darkest moments of our lives. Fans of Jodi Picoult, Kelly Rimmer and Diane Chamberlain will be captivated by this unforgettable page-turner.

My thoughts:

I’d firstly like to apologise for my delay in sharing my thoughts on this book. Current personal circumstances made this quite a difficult read and I didn’t want my review to be coloured in any way by that as Sam is an amazingly talented writer.

To tell this sort of story definitely takes some bravery. It looks a topic that, in my opinion, we hear about all too often and think about far too little. However, Sam’s stance on this provides a fresh perspective and looks at it more from the point of a view of a family’s reaction to a tragic incident. It definitely provides thought provoking dialogue around the issues it discussed.

I actually really respected the character of Beth and could identify a lot with her desire to give her children everything she never felt she had. I liked following her journey and seeing what she was able to learn. Gemma was a difficult character but you couldn’t fault her family loyalty.

This is, overall, a heart-warming story about loyalty, family, and most importantly, I think, the importance of communication. Another heart-felt and emotional read from a great author.

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Maddie Please is a relatively new author on my radar but I read Old Ducks Club in the summer and it instantly became a favourite of the year. Therefore, I was so excited to pick up her next release. Another bright and vibrant cover, giving hints that this will be a journey of escapism to the beautiful scenery of France. The title also hints at fun and frolics. I couldn’t wait to find out more!

Blurb:

‘Maddie Please’s latest novel ‘Sisters Behaving Badly’ is a glorious romp that readers will adore. It’s a story of quarrelsome siblings, second chances, a fabulous location and growing old disgracefully. Maddie’s warmth and humour will put a smile on your face and leave you relishing Kitty and Jenny’s hilarious adventures in a French farmhouse’ Bestselling author Judy Leigh.

Sisters Kitty and Jenny haven’t spoken since a very disappointing Carvery lunch. Kitty, sixty-two, thinks Jenny is turning grey. Jenny, sixty-six, thinks Kitty needs to grow up!

So when both sisters inherit a farmhouse in rural France, it gives them the perfect chance to heal the rift between them. Except the farmhouse is a wreck, the garden is terrorized by a flock of chickens, not to mention a donkey with a serious flatulence problem!

Kitty is determined to enjoy herself, especially when she meets gorgeous French builder, Leo. Ooh la – la! And Jenny finds the fully stocked wine cellar helps enormously with missing horrible husband Paul – hic!

And as the two sisters begin to repair their fragile friendship, they discover that being bad is actually very good for the soul.

My thoughts:

I loved the sisterly relationship described in the book from the beginning and instantly felt a connection to the two main characters. Kitty is fun, rebellious and independent. Jenny is more the reliable, time-keeping, dependable sort but you do get the sense that some of her spark may have gone out. I became envious of their closeness despite the clear paths that their very different lives had taken them down, meaning at times the conversation is stilted and they appear more like strangers than sisters. I was hopeful that their trip to France would help them rebuild their connection and find a happier ending for both of them.

The story itself doesn’t provide a massive rebellious or dramatic event that you may expect from the title but does provide opportunities for the women to explore a world outside their comfort zones and rediscover themselves and their relationship as a result.

A fun, light-hearted read with some fabulous laugh out loud moment that are placed well alongside some really touching, reflective scenes, this is another absolute beauty from Maddie Please. I absolutely adore her books and I cannot wait to read more from her.

I would recommend this book and author to fans of Judy Leigh and Milly Johnson, and give no hesitation in giving this wonderful story about romance, reflection and sibling relationships a five star rating.

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I was drawn to this book as I really love sharing new books with my daughters. I love the fact that this one had a seasonal theme and felt an appropriate and fun read for us to explore together as the nights are drawing in and hopefully, some snow is on its way!

Blurb:

Every day in the mysterious land of Cornovia, Wizard Bert has to solve problems for King Mark. The higgledy-piggledy king finds himself in a pickle, time and time again. Bert and his sidekick, Broderick the bookworm, always save the day. When snow falls on Windy Hill everyone is delighted – except for King Mark! He hates snow. Will Bert and Broderick be able to think of a way to cheer up King Mark? Will King Mark walk into trouble? Do the children of Windy Hill Village have the answer…?

Written by Jocelyn Porter and illustrated by Michael S Kane, this picture book will entertain children and parents alike with its hilarious characters and original story. Aimed at children aged 4-8.

My thoughts:

This has definitely been a fun and enjoyable read. The illustrations are crisp and my children enjoyed discussing and describing all the different things going on, but especially in the snowy scenes.

As an English teacher and avid reader, I absolutely loved the premise that the ‘book-worm’ saved the day in some of superhero-esque role. There is a good plot to this story and I enjoyed the fun twists and the way it developed.

The story itself also carries a strong message in a child-friendly, appropriate and accessible way. For example, the fact that you can try and trick someone but it may backfire on you! Also, it is important to embrace childhood, silliness, fun and exploration throughout your life. As an adult, I feel like it also carries a message that we should never dismiss children’s thoughts and ideas as we might be able to learn something from them.

A wonderful and lively read that we have thoroughly enjoyed as a family. I’ll definitely look out for more books by this author in future.

This is a relatively new author on my radar but I was blown away by another book in this standalone series, The Love Island Bookshop, and devoured it in a couple of sittings. Therefore, I had high hopes for this book. The cover is absolutely gorgeous – wintery, crisp and I love the beautiful image of Amsterdam in the background.

Blurb:

A new start, a chance encounter, a Christmas to remember. Will Iris’s new year be happy ever after? 

When Iris Greene’s boyfriend surprises her with a romantic dinner at their favourite restaurant, she’s expecting a proposal, not a move to another country. 

But Amsterdam proves to be the change she never knew she needed, and a surprise encounter with a local actor leads Iris to new friends and the rediscovery of a long lost passion. While Iris thrives in a city filled with festivity, her boyfriend struggles, and her heart is torn in two. 

As snow falls and secrets are revealed, Iris must decide her future. Will she be brave enough to start over and take a chance on love? 

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The Amsterdam Affair is the fourth book in a standalone series of Romantic Escape novels that can be read in any order. They’re uplifting, heartwarming stories of love, romance, hope, new beginnings and second chances featuring different characters in beautiful locations. 

My thoughts:

If this book hadn’t been by one of my new favourite authors, I probably wouldn’t have picked up this book as I am not of Amsterdam and am not particularly interested in reading about it, nor would I particularly place it as a romantic setting for a romance novel. However, even just looking at the cover made me think differently about this book and setting.

This is a book that begins with drama and upheaval, and this immediately had me hooked. I identified with the character of Iris and could understand a lot of the choices she made. She goes on quite a journey in the book (not just the physical move to Amsterdam) and this provides me that extra layer that I find some romance books are missing.

This has definitely provided me with a very different experience of Amsterdam than the one I had when I visited. 2 months pregnant and nauseous during an extremely intense heatwave, I definitely found it a stifling city and an unenjoyable experience. However, this book has completely changed my opinion on visiting again as I think it makes for a magical and beautiful winter setting. I loved the descriptions of the Christmas markets and all the descriptions were so vivid, I really felt like I was visiting from afar.

This has been another heart-warming and feel-good read full of romance, warmth and also some deeper exploration of journeys, identity and life choices. I adore Kate Frost’s books and would recommend them to fans of Sue Moorcroft, Lucy Coleman and T A Williams.