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I was drawn to this book by the bright and modern cover, and the fact it is a memoir style book but with a different focus/feel than those I normally read.

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Blurb:

At forty-one I was overweight and unfit. As I turned 50 I was thirty pounds lighter, having spent my fifth decade training for, and racing multiple Ironmans, marathons, and other crazy adventures. This account of that fitness journey through my forties includes broken bones, severe chafing, regular cursing, rubber and lycra, an element of masochism … and cake.

From New York Times-bestselling writer Tim Lebbon comes his first non-fiction book, charting his fitness journey through his forties––funny, hopefully inspiring, brutally honest, this is a book for anyone trying to get and stay fit, at whatever age!

“The perfect mix of hilarity and inspiration! Tim’s incredible story is an absolute must read for anyone who is questioning whether or not to take on some crazy challenge (spoiler, you’ll never regret it!) as well as for those who are more long-in-the-tooth masochists. You’ll struggle to find a story of personal transformation that is as belly laugh inducing and uplifting as this one!” –– CHRISSIE WELLINGTON, 4 x Ironman World Champion

“This is the perfect mix of inspiration, humour, instruction, pain and enjoyment, and cake.” –– ANDY HOLGATE, author of Can’t Swim, Can’t Ride, Can’t Run

“Funny, engaging, and totally inspirational, I loved Run Walk Crawl. Even if you’re a couch potato like me, it will have you contemplating heading out for a walk before tucking into a piece of cake. Because, as Tim Lebbon says, ‘what’s the point of it all without a pint and a piece of cake to celebrate with?’ Filled with entertaining anecdotes, memories and race reports, Run Walk Crawl has something for exercise novices and experts alike. I raced through this book. Perfect pandemic reading.” –– SARAH PINBOROUGH, Sunday Times & New York Times bestselling author of Behind Her Eyes

“Brutally honest and wonderfully witty. Tim’s story is inspiring and packed full of advice on how to turn your life around.” –– CLAIRE SMITH, author of Becoming Brutal

My thoughts:

The books I’ve read recently have all been quite heavy, serious or factual so this book’s sarcastic and humorous narration definitely gave it a a welcome, refreshing feel.

I appreciated the author’s honesty, and I enjoyed going on this journey with him. It was great to learn more about what motivated Tim and what kept him going through all the ups and downs.

I could definitely relate to this book, in that I too have had many ups and downs along my fitness journey, and I could definitely identify with the idea that you need to reward yourself with food/drink after a run or challenge.

Overall, this has been a relatable, fun and inspiring memoir about health and fitness which I have thoroughly enjoyed from cover to cover.

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I was immediately enticed by this book by the gorgeously bright and unusual cover. Also, the intriguing title which really didn’t give much away apart from being able to hazard a guess that a puma might feature quite strongly in the story of Laura’s life!

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Blurb:

In this rapturous memoir, writer and activist Laura Coleman shares the story of her liberating journey in the Amazon jungle, where she fell in love with a magnificent cat who changed her life.

Laura was in her early twenties and directionless when she quit her job to backpack in Bolivia. Fate landed her at a wildlife sanctuary on the edge of the Amazon jungle where she was assigned to a beautiful and complex puma named Wayra. Wide-eyed, inexperienced, and comically terrified, Laura made the scrappy, make-do camp her home. And in Wayra, she made a friend for life.

They weren’t alone, not with over a hundred quirky animals to care for, each lost and hurt in their own way: a pair of suicidal, bra-stealing monkeys, a frustrated parrot desperate to fly, and a pig with a wicked sense of humor. The humans, too, were cause for laughter and tears. There were animal whisperers, committed staff, wildly devoted volunteers, handsome heartbreakers, and a machete-wielding prom queen who carried Laura through. Most of all, there was the jungle―lyrical and alive―and there was Wayra, who would ultimately teach Laura so much about love, healing, and the person she was capable of becoming.

Set against a turbulent and poignant backdrop of deforestation, the illegal pet trade, and forest fires, The Puma Years explores what happens when two desperate creatures in need of rescue find one another.

My thoughts:

When they are well written, a memoir features as one of my favourite genres or types of writing. I have read quite a few good ones, but also some bad ones. The issue is that there is quite a disparity between having an interesting life and being able to fascinate, transport and earn the respect of the reader without coming across as egotistical or self-righteous.

Thankfully, Laura’s talent and ability as a writer shines through this book. The stories of mistreatment of animals by selfish humans are all too accurate and realistic, and she definitely does highlight some important issues around conservation, the environment, deforestation and wildlife.

What spoke to me more than any of that though, was definitely the way that Laura describes her disconnection with nature and the environment as part of her Western culture and the change that occurred as a result of her time in Bolivia. You can clearly see how she re-established a connection with nature that is all often to sadly lost past the inquisitivity of childhood.

The writing is beautifully atmospheric and I feel that I have been transported to Bolivia and experienced this country through Laura’s eyes, but also in some ways my own. My partner has always spoken about a desire to visit Bolivia, and I always thought of that as very random, but I have definitely been exposed to the natural beauty of the country through reading this book. However, I definitely feel that if I were to ever visit Bolivia or a similar country with lots of wildlife and jungle, I would definitely be a more conscious and thoughtful traveller as a result of reading this book.

Laura is an inspirational person and this is an inspirational book that really brings home the harsh and heart-breaking reality of what it means to be a wild animal in the modern world.

I loved the way she writes so candidly about being faced with Wayra and the way their relationship and trust is built but also tested as we reach some dramatic and threatening scenarios in the book.

I believe this to be a must read for animal lovers, memoir fans and anyone who is looking for an evocative, atmospheric, emotional and thought-provoking read. It is both a book to get thoroughly lost in while reading, but also a book that will stay with you for a long time after you’ve finished it.

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I was drawn to this book by the intriguing and dramatic blurb, and the unusual and thought-provoking cover. I have been interested in African history ever since I decided to look at colonialism and independence in Nigeria as part of my undergraduate dissertation, but I am aware that despite my specific knowledge of Nigeria being quite detailed, my overall understanding is still quite poor. Therefore, I had high hopes that this book would be both compelling and educational.

Blurb:

Then a Wind Blew is set in the final months of the war in Rhodesia, before it became Zimbabwe, and the story unfolds through the voices of three women.

Susan Haig, a white settler, has lost one son in the war and seen her other son declared ‘unfit for duty’.

Nyanye Maseka has fled with her sister to a guerrilla camp in Mozambique, her home village destroyed, her mother missing.

Beth Lytton is a nun in a church mission in an African Reserve, watching her adopted country tear itself apart.

The three women have nothing in common. Yet the events of war conspire to draw them into each other’s lives in a way that none of them could have imagined. This absorbing and sensitive novel develops and intertwines their stories, showing us the ugliness of war for women caught up in it and reminding us that, in the end, we all depend on each other.

My thoughts:

I think it is definitely accurate to describe this book as both compelling and educational.

The author has done an excellent job of giving this book an authentic and atmospheric feel in the way it describes the tensions and war in Rhodesia.

However, the unique structure and the character driven focus also ensure that this book is compelling. It is impossible not to feel sympathy for these people, who are shown to have the same priorities and desires as we would have today, but have had their country and life torn apart.

The writing is well-judged and powerful. There is some wonderful imagery, especially related to ‘wind’ and weather more generally, but there are also times when the stark simplicity of the words used remind us of the stark and haunting realities of war.

Overall, this has been a thought-provoking and memorable book which has both shocked and educated me in relation to the history of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe.

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Hello everyone 👋

Just a quick, casual one from me today. I thought I’d share my current read as I am loving it!

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I’m currently reading ☝️ The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper. So far I am finding it to be dark, atmospheric and rather compulsive. I am reading it with a group of blogger friends from the #Squadpod Collective. It is our Book Club pick.

What are you currently reading? I’d love to hear about your current read or reads at the moment? Maybe you’re like me, and when I’m not too busy, I can have an audio, Kindle and physical book all on the go at the same time!

I’ve shared a little bit more about my current read below:

Blurb:

Sold by her mother. Enslaved in Pompeii’s brothel. Determined to survive. Her name is Amara. Welcome to the Wolf Den…

Amara was once a beloved daughter, until her father’s death plunged her family into penury. Now she is a slave in Pompeii’s infamous brothel, owned by a man she despises. Sharp, clever and resourceful, Amara is forced to hide her talents. For now her only value lies in the desire she can stir in others.

But Amara’s spirit is far from broken. By day, she walks the streets with the Wolf Den’s other women, finding comfort in the laughter and dreams they share. For the streets of Pompeii are alive with opportunity. Out here, even the lowest slave can secure a reversal in fortune. Amara has learnt that everything in this city has its price. But how much is her freedom going to cost her?

Set in Pompeii’s lupanar, The Wolf Den is the first in a trilogy of novels reimagining the lives of women who have long been overlooked. Perfect for fans of Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls and Madeline Miller’s Circe.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, it is currently free on Kindle Unlimited or a steal at 99p for Kindle. Though I absolutely adore the hardback version too ♥️

Coming up…

We are looking to choose a 2021 debut author for our next Book Club choice. Do you have any suggestions?

It’d be lush to hear from you.

Happy Hump Day!

Ceri x

I was attracted to this book as I read the previous book in the series, The Lie She Told, last year and really enjoyed it.

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Blurb:

The gripping sequel to The Lie She ToldNot all killers are who they first seem..The mutilated body of a young female is found in a popular recreation ground in Leeds city centre. DI Ziggy Thornes and his team are at once assigned to close the case. With little to no forensic evidence left at the scene, at first Ziggy struggles to put the pieces together.

When a second body turns up in the same place, pressure from higher up and the media mounts as fear spreads through the city. Realising that the victims have been held captive prior to their gruesome deaths, Ziggy delves deeper and relentlessly chases down every lead, taking him to breaking point. When the investigation leads him dangerously close to home, will time run out before the tangled web of evil he’s uncovered destroys everything that Ziggy holds dear?

My thoughts:

Wow, I have come to the conclusion that I love Catherine Yaffe’s books. Despite revolving around a gruesome and nasty topic that no-one wants to think about outside fiction stories, I have found myself thinking about this book and the ongoing investigation whilst I have been reluctantly forced to put this compelling book down.

I loved the character of Ziggy. He is a hard-working, determined and intelligent investigator and I was rooting for him to solve this case.

I loved the twists and turns in this book. It is full of suspense and drama, and for me personally it tops the first book in the series, though of course I would highly recommend both.

Despite wanting to love books like these, I often find them a little convoluted and they lose me a little, but this stream-lined, sophisticated and suspenseful book had me hooked from the first few pages.

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I was drawn to this book by the striking cover, particularly those ‘killer heels’. They seem to belong to an upper-class, confident, determined woman who isn’t about to put up with any nonsense!

I was intrigued to find out more about this so called, suspected ‘Murderess’…

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Blurb:

30% of murders in the US go unsolved.
Becca Garner hopes her lover’s is one of them.
Because she found him.
He bequeathed her a million dollars.
She’s married.
And so is he.

My thoughts:

Well, the blurb did not give very much away and I have to say this definitely peaked my interest. I’m not a fan of overly detailed blurbs and I was looking forward to following Becca’s story.

Becca is definitely a well-developed and complex character. She is definitely the main focus of the book but she is so brilliantly drawn that the writer somehow manages to avoid making it seem one-dimensional. She appears bold, brutal, forthright and ruthless. I wouldn’t say she was a likeable character, but I definitely somehow admired her confidence and her “no shits given” vibes!

I’m also personally not usually a fan of multiple sex scenes in a book, but I think it definitely has its place in this book. The sex scenes are not romantic or fluffy: they are dark, rushed, selfish and spiteful encounters that fit with the mood and tone of the book.

Another aspect of the book I really liked was the way it is streamlined in order to ensure there are only two main focuses: the mysterious murder with which we are presented with at the beginning of the book, and the development of Becca’s character. However, the writer does make some pertinent points about over-reliance on technology and how this has a negative impact on our family life and relationships.

Overall, this has definitely been a slick and suspenseful read which I have enjoyed. There is a beautiful simplicity yet unpredictability to the overall shape of the plot.

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I was drawn to this book as I am becoming a big fan of Shari Low. Last year, I read three of her books and enjoyed every single one. There is something distinctive, striking and beautiful about this cover, too.

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Blurb:

Today, Maisie McTeer decides to track down the ex who jilted her at the altar. Today, she’ll find out that revisiting the past can also rewrite her future.

After losing her husband, Harriet Bassett can no longer bear her lonely life. Today, a familiar face in a crowd will spark a quest to discover if there’s something and someone worth living for.

Scott and Kelly Bassett’s daughter is leaving home. Today, Scott plans to tell Kelly that he’s ending their marriage to pursue his rock and roll dreams.

However, Kelly, has a bombshell of her own. How will Scott react to the news that a new arrival is on the way to fill their empty nest?

Between sunrise and sunset, there’s love, heartbreak, laughter and tears, but who will find happiness at the end of the day?

My thoughts:

Wow! Shari does not mess about in this book and gets straight into the drama. This may be because this is part of a trilogy, but I read it as a standalone and I feel it worked perfectly well in this way.

I loved hearing from the different perspectives straight away and the structure is carefully plotted to have maximum impact on the reader. At first, I felt sorry for Tilly, and then Kelly, then you realise Kelly has been keeping secrets of her own…

I loved how so much action and drama was packed into one day. This is definitely an original feature and Shari navigates this with ease and effectiveness.

The characters are well drawn, relatable and believable and it is a real skill of Shari’s to build such a connection between reader and characters.

There is an excellent balance between humour and intense emotion in the book. Any serious topics such as fertility, loneliness and relationship breakdown are dealt with sensitively and are balanced with a light hearted humour and an overall uplifting feel to the book.

I absolutely love Shari’s books but I think this is my favourite yet. The pace and the careful plotting make for an addictive and great read.

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I was drawn to this by book because I really enjoyed Donna’s festive book, If Every Day Was Christmas, last year. I also adore the beautifully illustrated cover and the brightness and positivity of the colour scheme. It had me hopeful that this would be a light-hearted and escapist read… ♥️

Blurb:

Thirty-year-old Paige Dougall’s life is a mess. Only a year ago she was smashing all of her life goals: handsome husband, high-flying job, cute kid. But in just under twelve months everything has gone wrong. Nursing a broken heart, single mother Paige returns to her childhood home in a picture-perfect Scottish village to try and get her life together.

Paige is too wrapped up in her worries to embrace the beautiful rolling hills and lavender-scented air of the highlands. That is until Johnny Becker, the infuriatingly cheerful chef, with his twinkling eyes and dimpled smile, steps onto the scene and provides Paige with some much-needed distraction…

Johnny challenges Paige to step outside her comfort zone and focus on the things that really matter. From food tasting, to puppy training, to mountain climbing, in every moment she spends with Johnny, Paige finds herself remembering how to live again… will she be able to love again too?

Across long sunshine-filled days, Paige and Johnny grow closer and she’s tempted to open her heart to him. But is happy-go-lucky Johnny hiding secrets of his own?

And can Paige learn to let go of her past and find happiness in the highlands?

My thoughts:

I immediately built a connection with Paige as I became a single mother and divorcee at the age of 27, and I know the bravery and determination it takes to rebuild your life.

I loved escaping with Paige to this new location and there is definitely some wonderful descriptions of the Scottish Highlands that give this book a great escapist and atmospheric feel.

Donna has done a sterling job of developing both Paige’s and Johnny’s characters through the use of third person narration, and in creating these complex characters, she has provided a level of drama and complication that hooks you in and keeps you wondering if everything will work out at the end.

She explores some important themes and issues that come to the fore when your life takes you to unexpected places, including regrets, risks and life changing choices.

Overall, I have loved escaping to this small town community and seeing this story unfold. This is a perfect read for fans of Heidi Swain, Julie Shackman and Samantha Tonge.

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I jumped at the chance to be involved in this blog tour as I absolutely loved Sue’s previous book, First Date, which was one of my favourite books of 2020. It meant that I had high hopes for this book…

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Blurb:

Carly had thought they’d always live there. The beautiful Cornish cliffside house they’d taken on as a wreck, that Mark had obsessively re-designed and renovated – a project that had made him famous. It was where they’d raised their children, where they’d sat cosily on the sofa watching storms raging over the sea below. It was where they’d promised to keep each other’s secrets…

Until now. Because Mark has fallen in love. With someone he definitely shouldn’t have. Someone who isn’t Carly. And suddenly their family home doesn’t feel like so much of a safe haven.

Carly thinks forever should mean forever though: it’s her home and she’ll stay there. Even the dark family secrets it contains feel like they belong to her. But someone disagrees. And, as threats start to arrive at her front door, it becomes clear, someone will stop at nothing. Because someone wants to demolish every last thing that makes Carly feel safe. Forever.

My thoughts:

The opening of the book showcases all the elements of the good life: money, a beautiful home, domestic bliss, a long-standing marriage and a happy family.

However, we are not left waiting long before things start to unravel and disintegrate in front of our very eyes. The revelation of the unlikely and inappropriate affair was unexpected so early on, and I was hooked from this point onwards…

Then the creepy notes start, and I found myself unable to put the book down. I love it when a writer fully embraces the ‘psychological’ aspect of a thriller of this type, and she definitely does this here by giving us insight into Carly’s reactions and emotions.

I loved the extended metaphor used in relation to the ‘forever home’ and the way its imperfections come to the fore as the story progresses.

The story gets more complex and darker very quickly, and from this point on I found it completely unpredictable and I found myself unable to put it down. There are a number of twists and turns, which I have loved. This has been a rollercoaster I haven’t wanted to get off.

I sometimes struggle to connect with/form opinions on characters in these types of books but this has not been the case here. There are clearly some likeable and unlikeable characters.

Another fantastic book by a queen of psychological fiction, the wonderful Sue Watson.

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This book was a “must read” for me as I absolutely loved the first in the series, Blood Brothers. Look at me reading book series in order! Woo! I love the cover image, the characters faces’ bore into your soul and scream “You really wanna take me on?” I was really looking forward to getting back into the drama and action at the Gallowburn Estate.

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Blurb:

If you can’t trust your family, who can you trust…?

Glasgow gangster Jamie Gray and his fellow Blood Brothers rule the Gallowburn Estate with an iron fist. No one messes around on their turf without consequences.

But when Jamie’s erstwhile dad, Jason Gray, reappears after many years away – some of them spent behind bars – the Blood Brothers are drawn into the murky and dangerous world of the toughest gangster of them all – The Queen of Glasgow, Toni McVay.

Toni is the head of the most powerful organised crime family in Scotland and, as the psychotic leader enjoys scooping out the eyeballs of those who displease her, Jamie has no option but to do her bidding.

With the love of his life Allegra still missing, his enemies closing in, and his family’s safety at risk, Jamie Gray faces the battle of his life. But with his father’s bad blood running through his veins, and the bravery and brains he has inherited from his mother Jackie, Jamie has all the tools he needs to survive.

My thoughts:

I definitely found this book easier to get into than the first, and I guess that is the benefit of following a series. There are quite a lot of characters, but they all have an important role to play on Gallowburn, or in Jamie’s life.

I loved that Jamie’s mum, Jackie, still had such a huge role in the story as she was definitely my favourite character from the first book, though my sympathy for Jamie was built more in this book. Once again, Jackie appears loyal and sensible, but also showcases her ability to be fierce and ruthless.

In this book, Jamie’s dad returns and the way his dad treated him, and the way he falls into his trap at times, really made me feel sympathy. I’m not saying my dad ever put me in some of the horrible situations Jamie’s dad does, but I do know how hard it is to have a selfish parent who puts their needs about their children’s, so this storyline definitely struck a chord with me.

That’s the thing about these books. There is so much in there that is so detached from most people’s every day lives, such as murder investigations, carrying bike chains around for protection, and other gang activities, that this book really should feel like an escapist, dramatic read that though exciting and eventful, has little to no effect on me. Yet the way Heather writes the characters and the scenes, in such a developed, realistic and raw way, it makes the characters unforgettable and you become completely invested in the storyline.

I’m quite interested in the way writers use language to interest the reader, and it sometimes really annoys me that authors don’t think carefully about their word choices. However, I completely believe Heather’s poured over this book in order to choose the words, especially dialogue that will have the greatest impact – whether that impact be humour, drama or sympathy for the characters. This is such a well-crafted and finely written book down to the last detail.

This is a must read series for fans of gangland crime fiction. However, I also think this is a great place to start if, like me, you’re relatively new to the genre. However, you’d definitely benefit from reading Blood Brothers first. It has great characters, lots of well timed humour, romance threads and family drama. Basically, this book packs a huge punch and I thought it was absolutely brilliant. I cannot wait to read more by this author.

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