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Q1: How many books are too many in a series?

A: I’ll be honest, I’m not much a series reader and I don’t think I’ve ever read past the third book in a series, unless I decide to read them out of order and/or dip in and out I know, it’s terrible!How do you feel about cliffhangers?

Q2: How do you feel about cliffhangers?

A: Cliffhangers at the end of chapters are one of my favourite features of a book and one of the main things that keep me physically unable to put a book down. However, at the end of a book – definitely not really a fan, but cope with it if it is part of a series!

Q3: Hardback, paperback or ebook?

A: For gifts, I really love to give and receive physical books and I always have a physical book and ebook on the go at the same time. However, I definitely read more ebooks as I will read ebooks while feeding the baby, in bed etc and these are the times when I get the most opportunity to read.

Q4: Favourite book?

A: My favourite book is The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid. It has fantastic drama, cliffhangers, time lapses and unreliable or questionable narration, as well as dealing with really controversial issues like terrorism, religion and discrimination. I highly recommend it but it is definitely NOT a light read!

Q5: Least favourite book?

A: A book I finished and really didn’t enjoy is Normal People by Sally Rooney. I thought it would be one I would have enjoyed so I was really disappointed as I found it very boring.

Q6: Love triangle, yes or no?

A: It really depends how well written it is. I have read some terrible ones and some really good ones.

Q7: What’s the most recent book you just couldn’t finish?

A: This is going back a while now but I read The Gin O’clock Club as a Netgalley eARC and the blurb made it sound such a fun read. I gave up about 65% which I would never normally do as I couldn’t bear to finish it! I don’t like not finishing books so if I’m not enjoying them I tend to just skim some pages.

Q8: Which book are you currently reading?

A: The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss for a Tandem Collective readalong! It’s so lovely ♥️

Q9: A book that you cannot stop recommending?

A: For this year, it has to be The Child Who Never Was by Jane Renshaw. Possibly my book of the year, if I had to pick just one?!

Q10: Oldest book you’ve read?

A: I suppose I’d have to say Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, which I read at university.

Q11: Newest book you’ve read?

A: Books that haven’t even come out yet, like my blog tour books for December. Reviews and such to follow! ♥️

Q12: Buying books or borrowing books?

A: I have generally always supported my local library, and kept my book buying to a minimum, except for if I’ve been given a voucher or fancied a book binge for my birthday, plus the irresistible charity shop steals, but since the Covid pandemic, I have been unable to access libraries and charity shops in the same way, so have found myself buying lots of books! Most of which I’m still yet to read 🙈

Q13: Favourite author?

A: This is totally cheating but it depends on the genre! For domestic fiction, I’d have to say Jodi Picoult/Amanda Prowse/Fiona Higgins. For psycho thriller, it would be Jane Renshaw/Mark Edwards/ C L Taylor/ Miranda Rijks. For chick lit, I’d choose Holly Martin, Lucy Diamond, Milly Johnson or Mary Jayne Baker. ♥️ I may well have missed some 🙈

Q14: A book that you dislike that everyone else seems to love?

A: I am always surprised when I see something go ‘huge’ or ‘mainstream’ when I don’t fancy it at all. An example of this is A Court of Thorns and Roses series. To say I dislike is it not accurate, but it’s definitely not one I fancy reading, yet everyone I speak to seems to have read it and loved it!

Q15: Bookmarks or dogears?

A: Definitely bookmarks. My favourite ones at the moment are fabric ones that conceal the edge of the page. I bought some from Sewbeeitstore on Etsy, and I love them!

Q16: Book you can re-read?

A: I don’t really re-read, but when I do these are comfort reads. Things like uplifting literature like Nick Spalding and Gill Sims, or romantic comedies like Mary Jayne Baker writes, are the only types of books I would really contemplate re-reading. Oh, apart from poetry collections! I love them ♥️

Q17: Can you read while hearing music?

A: I prefer not to, but with two small children, if I couldn’t read with background noise I would hardly read at all! But nothing beats the pure silence of them both being in bed and me picking up a book 😂

Q18: One POV or multiple POVs?

A: I definitely prefer multiple POVs but they have to be well written. Preferably with some level of unreliable narration in there too is 👌

Q19: Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?

A: There are very few times when J have managed to read a book in one sitting – I am usually disturbed, distracted of called away. That level of relaxation is what dreams are made of!!

Q20: One book you read because of the cover?

A: There is no way I could pick just one. I am a sucker for a pretty cover. Examples are: Sophie Ranald’s books, Finding Love at the Christmas Market by Jo Thomas and The House at Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr!

Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings and find out a bit more about me 😊🥰

Love, Ceri x

I was drawn to this book as it’s main character is an army wife, who has to deal with the prospect of moving to Germany in order to support her partner’s job. As my partner joined the army last year, this is a dilemma I’ve often thought that I may have to face one day…

This book deals with many modern and important issues, including child loss and a descent into gambling addiction.

The author creates most scenes with rich and descriptive scenes, which create a sense of place and feeling for the reader, but this is not as fast paced as my usual read.

Overall an enjoyable read that deals with some important issues that all adults risk facing within our family or friendship group.

I was drawn to this one by the cover, which is so bright and eye catching. Also the use of the idiom, “heading over the hill” got me thinking and intrigued as to how the characters in the book might present themselves!

My expectations were quite high, as I know Judy Leigh is a well known, well loved author and I was definitely not disappointed with this one.

She creates an ensemble of interesting, vibrant characters and she develops them thoughtfully, providing back stories as well to give the reader an even clearer picture where needed. Though many older readers may connect to the characters more, I still enjoyed reading about a characters from a different perspective and seeing how vibrant and full of life these characters are.

Overall, this is an uplifting and heart warming piece of women’s fiction!

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I’ve got something a bit different for you today! A review of a murder mystery card game. I’ve never reviewed a game before, or in fact anything other than a book, so please bear with me!

Ì wasn’t sure what to expect but I can say that it completely exceeded my expectations. Due to the current Covid situation, we played it just as a 2 player game and we still had great fun.

It is complex enough to be interesting and entertaining, but simple enough for the whole family to follow (please be advised due to the subject matter the game is for ages 14+).

I also have a short attention span and can get really fed up with games that take ages to play/win (I have a love to hate relationship with Monopoly!) Therefore it was great that this game only took between 30 and 45 minutes to play. Obviously it was made even better by the fact that I won!

There are a couple of different modes of play, plus a huge variety of outcomes and a wealth of support, guidance and tips on their very well designed website to enrich your experience!

This would make a great stocking filler for any murder mystery fan, and something a little bit different to a book! I know from my point of view, I always want to buy book loving friends and family a book to spread the book love, but struggle to know which one to pick, what they’ve read etc. Well, in this instance, it truly is problem solved!

Please go to http://www.foulplaygame.co.uk to check it out! I hope you enjoy and have a carefree evening of family fun as a result!

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This was my first read by this author and I was really impressed. Attracted to it by the blurb, where Cain aims to uncover the truth about a 20 year old mystery related to his daughter’s death.

The opening of the book is fast paced and gripping. There is a shocking revelation, followed by an unexpected, unprovoked attack leaving one of the main characters in a coma.

It is left to Cain to investigate what’s happened. The random appearances from the character he describes as the girl in the red dress, which seems to be the ghost of his dead daughter, adds another intriguing and original layer to the narrative.

I have enjoyed this exciting and fast paced crime thriller from an author who I am keen to read again.

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I am really falling in love with the cozy mystery genre, I am desperately trying to get into the Christmas spirit this year and I love anything sweet – so I was completely sold on this book straight away!

I love the mixture of fiction with the stories and non fiction with the recipes, which I’m dying to try!

The stories themselves were well written and organised in order to keep you hooked. Though some were a little predictable, I still found myself wanting to read on quickly to see if I had guessed right.

This is a great anthology by some clearly talented writers, and I also think it makes a fantastic, unique Christmas gift for cozy mystery fiction fans!

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I was drawn to this book by the blurb, which sets the book firmly in the early 20th century and much of the action takes places during the first World War. I am not a huge historical fiction fan, but I do find stories around war and soldiers fascinating, so I was excited to delve into this one.

This book did not disappoint. Alfie is a brilliant character, brought to life and sustained through lively descriptions and the use of East End dialect, which is well maintained. I know dialect can be a bit like Marmite in a book – some people find it hard to read; others feel it brings an authenticity and extra layer to the narrative. I am certainly a lover of dialect in a story so it was great to see it so well done!

The action in the story is fantastic. There are shocking scenes of war, heartbreaking scenes of loss and glorious, heart felt scenes of family connection.

This has been a great read which has been a pleasant surprise to read! Highly recommended for historical fiction fans who enjoy timeless, charismatic characters and jam-packed drama!

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I think the cover for this one sums it up perfectly. I always enjoy reading travel guides, and I thought this sounded unique and different so I wanted to give it a try. It certainly is a down to earth, realistic travel guide that I have enjoyed reading and devoured quickly.

Aaron provides lots of helpful hints and tips for wannabe, and newbie, solo travellers. He takes into consideration budget and other circumstances in order to weigh up and describe a range of options that are open to solo travellers.

Though I dream of escaping reality and not hearing someone scream “Mummy” every 5 seconds, solo travel is not on the cards for me at the moment due to two little people who need me. However, this guide definitely promotes, and provides important advice for prospective solo travellers.

This has been a quick, informative read that I would recommend to anyone considering backpacking, especially if they think they would like to do it solo!

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I am slowly by surely falling in love with the cozy mystery genre. It is perfect escapism from the real world, providing lots of entertainment and laughs at a time when it is truly needed.

I was also drawn to this one by the bright, eye catching cover and the idea of a possible kidnapping being investigated as this is not something I’ve read about in this genre before (though my experience is slightly limited).

Pip is out of work and desperate for funds to finance her lifestyle. When her mum refuses to help her out, she takes drastic action and finds herself posing as a private investigator. What could possibly go wrong?!

I have absolutely adored the character of Pip and the way she has been brought to life. She is fun, mischievous, determined and a great character to follow throughout her journey in this book.

This has been an entertaining, quick read that I have thoroughly enjoyed.

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I was drawn to this book by the author’s name, first of all. This is an author that has been recommended to me again and again, and one that has sat on my TBR for far too long. Also, how beautiful is that cover?! It made me dream of the smells and sights of a chocolate and confectionary shop, and I was intrigued to find out what would lie between the covers of this book!

I was not disappointed by this one. Isabella May brings the characters to life, especially the mischievous Ellie and the mysterious and powerful Brooke. I really enjoyed the fact that the author alternates cleverly between the two perspectives to give us a clearer perspective of events.

The sweetness of the chocolate described in the opening scenes completely contrasts with some of the rivalry and drama we see as the story develops.

This has been an unexpected read, but one I have devoured quickly and enjoyed. I would recommend this to chick lit fans who are looking for stories with a bit more of an edge to them.

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