A Life Without You by Shari Low (Contemporary, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 April 2017, Aria, 378 pages, Ebook, Review copy  from NetGalley

Content: drunk driving, grief, some romance, I think some strong language (can't quite remember)

Summary from Aria (there was a popup on the screen so link may not take you to straight to the blurb)

30-year-old Dee Harper and her husband, Joe, are blissfully happy. Everyday she makes her loyal parents Val & Don incredibly proud.

Jen has been her best friend and 'adopted sister' since their days of teenage crushes, bad 90's make-up and huge hair.

They are just like any other group of family and friends, living life, getting by with equal measures of love and laughter. 

Until one day everything changes.

Dee is gone, killed by a reckless driver, leaving the people she loved to deal with their grief in different ways. 

A marriage is rocked as a parent becomes consumed with seeking justice. A husband struggles to accept the loss of his wife and their future. And a friend discovers that there were shocking secrets that went unshared. 

But all of them have to learn that the only way forward is to let go of the past.

Nayu's thoughts 

I think this is more of a hard hittig read if you've already had someone you love leave this life for the next, as I have. What Jen goes through is horrific. She loses almost everything when Jen dies, she has to muddle her way through while being  supportive for all those affected. She saw Dee die an honorouable death protecting others, but dead is dead. At least while we are all in this life. 

I felt so sorry for her when she has her partner leave her-as if she didn't have enough on her plate! The thing is life goes on, and unfortunately being left alone couldn't be avoided just because of Dee dying. I knew Jen would be fine in the long run, it was just hard watching her deal with that fall-out so soon after losing Dee. I promise it ends happily!! There's a lot of tense moments especially when not everyone knows key information and Jen has to tiptoe around certain subjects.

I liked the different points of view because it helped examine the various views of Dee's death and just how many lives were turned upside down by the tragedy. Everyone pulls together when needed, which is important as the trial is emotional and you'll need tissues. There is life when someone dies, it's not a nice or easy one at first but eventually Jen and the others find ways to cope without Dee physically beside them as she will always be in their hearts. 

Find out more on Shari's website.

Mainely Needlepoint #5 Tightening the Threads by Lea Wait (Cozy Mystery, 10E/10E)

March 2017, Kensington Publishing, 304 pages, Ebook, Review copy from NetGalley

Content: some romance, murder, humour

Summary from Kensington

In the coastal town of Haven Harbor, blood runs thicker than water—and just as freely . . .

Antique dealer Sarah Byrne has never unspooled the truth about her past to anyone—not even friend and fellow Mainely Needlepointer Angie Curtis. But the enigmatic Aussie finally has the one thing she’s searched for all her life—family. And now she and long-lost half-brother, Ted Lawrence, a wealthy old artist and gallery owner in town, are ready to reveal their secret connection . . .

Ted’s adult children are suspicious of their newfound aunt Sarah—especially after Ted, in declining health, announces plans to leave her his museum-worthy heirloom paintings. So when Ted is poisoned to death during a lobster bake, everyone assumes she’s guilty. If Sarah and Angie can’t track down the real murderer in time, Sarah’s bound to learn how delicate—and deadly—family dynamics can truly be . . .

Nayu's thoughts 

 (I feel bad as this is quite a delayed review-I thought I hadn't read it on my tablet, so went to start it then realised I'd read and enjoyed it greatly! Although I didn't start the series from book 1 and haven't read all the earlier books yet, I felt like I was coming home to familiar faces with this latest book in the series. I love the community spirit which outsiders don't necessarily share, an aspect that is a key point to the murder. I love Angie how she trusts her instincts even when she disregards her own safety to check on others. I was worried for her a fair few times, especially when the police had their eye on her, as she hadn't done anything wrong but how she investigates murders isn't always above board. 

Having personally visited Chesapeake in Maryland I could imagine the feel of the coastal town Angie and Sarah call home, and loved learning snippets of info about the dangers of the sea. I can't stand being on boats so thought her extremely brave when she put herself in a precarious position on the sea. 

I loved the humour that seems inherant to cozy mysteries, which softened the at times tense atmosphere due to imminent dangers. I loved the continued craft aspect of the series which makes my crafty self happy, as well as the cat appearances which I could so relate to! The heart of the mrder is family related, an area where there are lots of secrets, miscommunication, and misunderstandings that both Angie and Sarah have to put up with unil the truth comes out. Sarah is lucky to have Angie as a friend and investigator. I'm very eager for book #6!!! 

Find out more on Lea's website.

A Brightness Out of the Blue by Jill Atkins (Young Adult, 8/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

Gorgeous cover!

November 2016, Raven Books, 200 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Content: teen romance (both going wrong & right)

Book summary

Ella's life is falling apart in front of her until she helps an old lady home. Little does she realise that this small gesture will lead her to discovering her fortune Ella's father is married to an evil stepmother and she is forced out of home and stuck in a dead end job. Ella is convinced life cannot get any worse. But then she meets the mysterious Martha, and finds herself irresistibly drawn to a woman hiding secrets of her own... Can Martha help Ella get the guy and get rid of her poisonous step-mother? Better yet, can Ella turn her life around?

 

Nayu's thoughts

This is a great modern twist on a classic fairytale as the back of the book says, but it didn't quite have the edge that I expected. I'd hoped that Ella would directly be with her step-mother, but as you will see from the tale she isn't. What I love about the Cinderella story in general is just how rough life is for the Cinderella character, and how magic and kindness help change that rough life. That doesn't make Ella's plight any worse/better than the average Cinderella. She has a hard life, and seeing Martha truly does change everything. 

I liked the subtle presence of magic, which doesn't always have a positive or predictable outcome and isn't all sparkles in the modern world which Ella resides in. I liked how she learnt that appearances can be deceptive, and what she thinks she wants isn't what she actually wants. Usually the father figure in Cinderella is kind and doting on his daughter (& usually dead...) but that's not quite true for Ella, creating moments when I wished her father was out the picture because his choices are simply awful for Ella. I liked the realism of Ella's romantic interest, I can't say more than that without spoiling the plot!

You won't be disappointed by the bittersweet ending, although it did have me wanting to know what happens to Ella in the future. I don't think I'll reread it, but I'm not sure yet, as some parts are very sweet. 

Deep Down Dead by Steph Broadribb (Thriller, 9/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

January 2017, Audible, 11 hours 30 minutes, Audiobook, Review copy 

Content: torture, child abuse, some violence, psychological drama, adult scenes
 

Summary from Audible

Lori Anderson is as tough as they come, managing to keep her career as a fearless Florida bounty hunter separate from her role as single mother to nine-year-old Dakota, who has leukaemia. But when the hospital bills start to rack up, she has no choice but to take her daughter along on a job that will make her a fast buck. 

Nayu's thoughts 

Imagine this has got full marks, because it's incredibly well written, with so much tension and plot twists. It doesn't get full marks because of the sheer number of times I almost stopped reading it for good. There's an awful lot of dark issues covered including child trafficking, child abuse, and other equally despicable acts, making this a longer than usual audiobook listen because I had to stop and go read something else to be able to cope with the rest of the story. These areas are relevant to the plot, unfortunately, and I think it's important that readers know what goes on in the darker side of the life. It will make you look at theme parks in a different way, which is sad because although I hate all rides I do adore Disney, and the thought that similar instances could be going on there is sickening beyond belief. 

I wanted to read the book because I like the fact that Lori has a daughter who is sick and who she has to take with her on a fateful job. Dakota is a sweet, sassy child. What she witnesses no child should ever see, and I've no idea how it will impact on her future. I love the faith she has in Lori, and how she tries to be strong when she isn't with her mother. Lori will do anything for Dakota as is clear in the story, even to the detriment of her own welfare, like most mothers would. This book is chock full of emotions, both for Lori and Dakota and the reader. 

Stuff happens that I can't talk about without ruining the plot. It's harder to skim read an audiobook, but I did peek at the end at one point because I knew if a certain situation ended badly I couldn't carry on reading it. Thankfully the end is vaguely happy, only vaguely though. I honestly don't know if I'll be able to read more books in the series as they come out, because of the intensity of the subjects covered. 

The stakes are the highest they can be for any character, with a wide range of locations visited and lives put on the line. I think that audiobooks can be more powerful than physical books/ebooks because it's someone else speaking so I am fully focused on what's being said as I can't see it like I can with other forms of books. Having watched Once Upon A Time fantasy drama series I have a good idea of what a bailsbond job entails, which is why I was interested in Lori's life, and it was interesting learning more about it, and the less legal bounty hounter life. It's a book I probably won't reread because of the intensity of the tale, but it's one I highly recommend. 

Find out more on Steph's website.  

Streets of Glass by Michelle D. Argyle (Young Adult, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

1st May 2017, MDA Books, 416 pages, Ebook, Review copy

Content: mafia life, violence, scenes of torture, guns, drugs, nightclubs,

Summary from Michelle's website

Two sisters. One drug syndicate. An epic battle to the top.

Eighteen year-old Starry is destined to take over her father’s powerful drug syndicate. But when she finds out he has kept her only sister a secret from her, she can’t trust him anymore. Furious, Starry vows to find Emma, even though she knows her defiance could lead to losing the position she’s worked so hard to inherit.

But Emma isn’t quite the sister Starry hoped for. She’s a straight-laced good girl who wants nothing more than to take down the syndicate that destroyed her family. Starry, willing to do anything to secure her place in the syndicate, accepts her father’s ultimatum to kill Emma and everyone helping her. But the more Starry gets to know Emma, and the more secrets she uncovers, the more she questions whether the price of saving the syndicate is too high—even for someone as cold-blooded and vicious as Starry.

Nayu's thoughts

This review is fangirl biased as I love most of Michelle's work, notably the Breakaway series whih is SO AWESOME!!!! Final book in that trilogy is Unbroken and I've reviewed it. 

To my horror Streets of Glass tops Breakaway (which is retitled as The Breakaway, though I always stick with the original whih I saw in draft form!!). I didn't expect that to happen, but it did. Maybe it's because I rooted for both Starry and Emma so much. Starry is hardened to the underworld life, definitely goes against some of the law, but, unlike her tyrannical father,  does have moments of compassion which made me want to cheer loudly for the seemingly impossible choices she is forced to make. I loved her self-defence ability, how handling weapons didn't entirely creep her out like they did poor Emma who had no clue what was going on. 

The reasons why and how the sisters were separated led to a very twisted plot and made me love the girls more and more. If you've read any of Michelle's books you'll see her love for Italian food woven in much of the book, like it was in the Breakaway series. It's little details like that, the great character building and wonderful plot twists that have me adoring Michelle's work. You won't be disappointed by reading it if you like novels dipping into criminal life and blurring morality. There is a bit of brutality, but it's in context and entirely necessary, adding to the danger both Emma and Starry are in. The end is just so perfect, and I understood why a sequel almost certainly won't happen, unlike Breakaway which I kept pestering Michelle for more until she wrote them! Go discover the wonderful imaginings of Michelle's head!

Find out more on Michelle's website.

The Summer Seaside Kitchen by Jenny Colgan (Audiobook, Romance, Contemporary, 9/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

February 2017, Hachette Audible, 10 hours 9 minutes long, Audiobook, Review copy

Content: some romance, humour 

Book summary from Audible who I received this copy from

Flora is forced to move back to the tiny island of Mure from the bright lights of London. It's tough: even the beautiful landscapes and bright blue sea can't lift her spirits - she's too busy looking after her dad and her feckless brothers. Then she chances upon her mum's collection of recipes and begins to cook her way through it. As she reconnects with her family and the place she was born, might she also find herself? 

Nayu's thoughts

I had to listen to this twice because the first time I was under the influence of heavy medication and didn't understand the story. When I restarted it all made much more sense, and meant I'm not writing how unlike a Jenny Colgan book it is. Flora doesn't have a major event happen that starts her off on her cooking journey like the other Colgan books I've read, not exactly. I liked the randomness of how she ends up back in the island  community she was born in. She is there because she has to be-if she had a choice she would never have gone because of a mystery incident which is revealed much later in the story. It's interesting how an event is perceived to be a set way by Flora but in actuality not everyone hates her for what happened. 

That's not the only life lesson she learns, but it's a big one. I loved getting to know how live in a small community can be for both actual and perceived outsiders. It was interesting how one outsider had no clue how they were alienating themselves with the community, that by doing a few easy enough acts they would find it easier to gain local support for their project. Flora points this out, as well as unexpectedly enjoying visiting her childhood home which leads to Great Things Happening. I possibly would have liked a bit more focus on the cooking side of the story, but overall it's another fun Jenny read/listen which I will reread/relisten at some point! The narration was perfect with different characters being distinguished from their voices (including what sounds like accurare accents).

Find out more on Jenny's website. 

Madison Fox #2 A Fistful of Fire by Rebecca Chastain (Urban Fantasy, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 June 2016, Mind Your Muse Books,

Book summary

Madison Fox survived her first week as California's newest illuminant enforcer, but if her grumpy boss, Mr. Pitt, was impressed, he hasn't told Madison. In fact, there's a lot her boss has been closemouthed about, including the dark secret haunting his past.

But Madison's problems are just igniting. Neighboring regions report an uncharacteristic flare-up of evil, fire-breathing salamanders blaze unchecked across the city, and Black Friday looms. Trapped doing cleanup amid mobs of holiday shoppers, Madison watches from the sidelines as dubious allies insinuate themselves in her region.

As suspicions kindle and the mysterious evil gains strength, Madison must determine who she can trust—and whose rules to follow—before her region and career go up in flames. 

Nayu's thoughts 

After an enjoyable first book, A Fistful of Evil,

 ook 2 sees Madison stumble across a once in a lifetime creature who turns her life around alongside all the other magical creatures in this urban fantasy read. That's the sjmplified summary of her crazy yet awesome life. I stils love her power to wield good magic (lux lucis) against a lot of evil creatres who multiply in insane amounts in this installment of the series. I love how Madison pushes hard for knowledge when her superiors are hiding information from her, becauses she accidentally gives both them and her a huge dilemma. It's one that stretches her abiliies and had me not daring to breathe too much when certain scenes happened. 

There is tragedy at one point, and the fighting gets intense which is why it took me a few months to be in the right frame of mind to finish it, but there is both hope and humour whch is why I love following Madison's life so much, as she makes the life and death situations seem beatable. I can feel her trying her hardest to show those who look down on her that she can be a great enforcer, despite not having a load of experience. She is a quick learner when people don't hide things from her or patronise her. She likes wielding the power to do good, even though it comes with great responsibility. Her cat manages a few fun filled appearances that makes her more believable because I have a cat with Atttude too. Looking forward to book 3!  

Find out more on Rebecca's website.

Dork Diaries Frenemies Forever by Rachel Renee Russell, Nikki and Erin Russell (Children's, 9 years +, 9/10E, short 'n' sweet reviw)

 17th November 2016, Simon & Schuster Children's, 368 pages, Hardback, Review copy 

Summary from Simon & Schuster

Nikki Maxwell, Queen of the Dorks, is back in the eleventh instalment of the bestselling series!

Nikki is spending a week at North Hampton Hills as part of the school transfer programme. The good news is that NHH is super-cool and preppy. The bad news is that Nikki’s nemesis MacKenzie started there two weeks ago!
 
But, faced with NHH queen bee Tiffany, who takes meanness to a whole new level, Nikki might need to work WITH Mackenzie if she’s going to survive the week! Can Nikki and MacKenzie overcome their differences and become BFFS … Best Frenemies Forever?!

Nayu's thoughts

I squeed when this came in the post as I adore the series, and looked forward to more Brianna antics. There were barely any, which compared with other books was disappointing because sbe usually causes oodles of mayhem for Nikki. Not that Nikki ever needs more mayhem, there is always plenty thanks to MacKenzie who haunts Nikki on her school placement event. It was interesting finding out where MacKenzie got sent to, as I wondered if it was different from Nikki's school. It is luxurious, but it seems that the mean girls are in a different league to Nikki's school, including MacKenzie.

While Nikki occasionally pushes MacKenzie's buttons MacKenzie knows how to do everything wrong to get fhe best outcome for herself. However Nikki had to help MacKenzie a little which caused both of them some anguish, but was the only way to sort things out. The ups and down of being a teen get a humourous angle in this series which never fails to make me laugh through both the story and the distinct illustrations which tell what's going on in Nikki's head extremely well. I so hope there will be another book, this time with more Brianna! Or, better yet let Brianna have her own series!!!!! 

Find out more on the dedicated Dork Diaries website.

Suggested read

Check out the other books in the series with lots of Brianna action including Dork Diaries #10 Puppy Love by Rachel Renee Russell (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

The Little Pioneer by Adam Hancher (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

Amazing read!

September 2016, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 32 pages, Hardback, Review copy 

Summary from Quarto 

 We left when the grass was green and tall. When we got to the top of the hill I could see the river that we would follow out West. Nobody spoke much, but I guessed that we were all thinking the same thing... That we had a long journey ahead of us.

Nayu's thoughts 

A great introduction to life for those like the author of Little House on the Prairie. It isn't about Laura Ingalls Wilder, because unlike Laura the nameless girl is a bit of a diva, hates chores (so does Laura), but hates the wild too. Through the hardships of travel she comes to like the wild and the native who leads them through it. The hardships were many and tragic, cleverly shown through the illustrations as well as the story itself. The girl learns to be humble, and also to not sleep under a tree without being seen! 

I absolutely loved the outfits of the girl and her mother, I felt I was right there with them. I loved the animal which the girl was almost attacked with because it's one which Laura's mother had to deal with when her husband was away on business (Little House in Big Woods). I think this is a stepping stone to introdce readers to Laura's era through the nameless girl's adventure, using the distinct style of wagons and travelling with others for safety. I highly recommend this, and also Laura's tales for older readers. For some reason I felt like crying at the end and I don't know why, maybe it was because I've read about the era so know just how tough life was. Whatever the reason a book that makes me cry is always good! 

Find out more on Adam's website.

How To Hide A Lion At School by Helen Stephens (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

September 2016, Scholastic, 32 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Scholastic

Going to school? Aren’t you lucky! This handsome lion also wants to come. Snacks, sports, playtimes: who’d want to miss all this fun? Sadly, there’s one BIG problem. Lions aren’t allowed in school. Every day, Iris has to leave her furry friend behind. But now Iris is going on a school trip to the museum. Who says lions can’t go on school trips? No one! Now it’s up to our friendly lion to prove how good he is at hiding. After all, he doesn’t want to scare the museum guests…

Nayu's thoughts

The short answer is you don't! Iris is so cool to have a whole lion to herself. He clearly loves her and doesn't want to be apart, but understandably her teacher says no to it attending class with her. I love how inventive he gets in hiding at the museum-I imagined spy music playing in the scene when he was outside the museum, sneaking closer to the entrance as the children went in. Iris is equally clever in her genius way of making sure her teacher definitely didn't see him, which would have worked if the lion wasn't so kind and helped out someone using his disguise. 

I felt so sorry for him and Iris when he got sent away, but thankfully he saved the day! I like what happened in order for him to save the day, because it gently introduces younger readers occasional dangers on the road which could happen to them but usually has a happy ending, unfortunately not with a lion! It must have been a ginormous lion to do what it did at the end, as Iris has a lot of classmates. I haven't read any of Helen's books before but this is a definite reread! 

 Find out more on Helen's website.

Two by Two by Nicholas Sparks , Narrator Ari Fliakos (Romance, Contemporary fiction, Audiobook, 10/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

  October 2016, Hachette Audio, 14 hours and 57 minutes, Audiobook, Review copy from Audible

Content: family life, some adult romance, tissues needed

Summary from Audible

At 32, Russell Green has it all: a loving family, a successful career and a beautiful house. But underneath his seemingly perfect life, cracks are beginning to appear...and no one is more surprised than Russ when the life he took for granted is turned upside down. 

Finding himself single-handedly caring for his young daughter, London, whilst trying to launch his own business, the only thing Russ knows is that he must shelter London from the consequences of these changes. 

Then a chance encounter with an old flame tempts him to take a chance on love again, and with the support of his family, Russ finally comes to understand the true nature of unconditional love.

Nayu's thoughts    

My first book by Nicholas and it's awesome! I'd heard of him through a friend who loves his books, so when it came up on Audible's monthly review list email that I get I thought I'd have a listen. I wasn't disappointed, but I didn't realise I'd be bawling my eyes out at the end through something tragic! I told another friend who asked why on earth I'd read his books (she knows how upset I can get over sad topics in books) because his books always have a mega twist at the end that leaves you a bit wrung out. 

It was a beautiful tale about Russell first becoming a father, then due to partially circumstancial separation with his wife, becomes a single dad. It's really tough on him, as it is for any single parent. He learns he can't rely on his family in some respects as much as he naievely hoped to constantly babysit his adorable girl while he works. He has a lot of hurdles, some he stumbles over, but thanks to his close relationship with his sister and a reconnected friendship with a woman he knew in the past he has enough support to get through the tough times. 

It got a bit daunting when the separation became an official thing, and it looked like he might lose custody of his daughter, as the two were close (no matter what his wife's lawyer said) and I was heartbroken by the thought of the two being separated. What got insinuated at one point had me fuming and feeling sick for Russell, as the implications were horrendous. As for the title, well it makes sense due to music and a children's book. 

The narration was spot on, and the only thing which bugged me as inappropriate was the random music parts. One part was entirely relevant, but the rest were just annoying and took me out of the atmosphere of the story a little. I hope to read more books by Nicholas in the future, although least now I'll be armed with a box of tissues before I read it!

Find out more on Nicholas's website. 

The Great Big Body Book by Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith (Children's, Non-fiction, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 August 2016, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 40 pages, Hardback, Review copy 

Summary from Quarto 

The fourth book in this internationally best-selling series says that everybody needs some body! Our bodies come in all shapes and sizes and they change throughout our lives, from newborn babies and children through to teenagers, and maybe to mums and dads and grandparents. Find out about growing and learning, big and small, keeping fit, breaks and bruises, the five senses, using our minds, how we are the same and how we are different – and lots more. There are all kinds of bodies in the world. What are YOU like?

Nayu's thoughts 

Everyone should learn how their body works at different ages and in different ways, making this book by an author and an illustrator whose books I find rather awesome. It isn't a super thick book, but crams in heaps of facts into the various sections covered. There are detailed illustrations about our bodies, with information conveyed in a fun manner. It's great that it caters for the modern reader, explaining how some people aren't happy wih their physically allocated gender, including people of all shapes, sizes, those who need wheels to get around and those who wear hijab (totally thrilled by that inclusion!) 

I loved the numerous illustrations which show different parts of the body, or babies at different stages of development. I loved the page where there were lots of baby pictures and it said what they grew up to be, including one with a large birthmark on their face. The book encorages a healthy lifestyle, has a glossary at the book, inckudes a small feature on Mary and Ross and, the best bit had to be the cute cat! This cat appeared frequently, stating the similariies and differences between humans and cats. I liked he part where colour prefernces which some allocate to a specific gender, and here's what the cat has to say. You may need tissues for the death part if you've lost someone dear to you, but it's dealt with sensitively. One for the non-fiction section on your shelf! 

Find out more on Mary's website and Ros's website.

Sir Dancealot by Timothy Knapman and Keith Robinson (Children's, Picture book, 8/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 September 2016, Bloomsbury Children's, 32 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Bloomsbury

From jiving away trolls to boogying aside bogglesnots and bopping off beasties, there's not a fearsome foe Sir Dancealot can't defeat!

But when a fire-breathing dragon arrives at the castle gates demanding a dance-off, everyone is worried. Could this be one step too far for our hero of the dance floor?

Nayu's thoughts

I had to read this fun book twice in a row to be sure of my feelings on it. I didn't like Sir Dancealot. He is too showy, seems a little arrogant rather than humble yet still manages to save the day. It did him a lot of good to discover he isn't amazing at everything, although I doubt his near fail has rattled him much. I simpky didn't like his attitude, as knights in my eyes should be humble and helpful. I really liked how the dragon took Sir Dancealot by surprise in his moves, it shows he isn't as good as he thinks. 

Readers who like dance in any form will enjoy this book, and I think there's a phrase that gets repeated which in in one of the current BBC dance shows, but don't quote me on that as I don't watch them. The bright colours fitted the flamboyant tale (and the amount of arrogance in the knight). It's honestly not a book I'm keeping, but it will be a hit with many readers. 

Find out more on Timothy's website and Keith's website.

Bone by Bone by Sanjida Jay, Narrator Gillian Burke (Thriller, Audiobook, 8/10E unfinished, short 'n' sweet review)

 October 2016, Audible Studios, 9 hours & 7 minutes, Audiobook, Review copy from Audible

Summary from Audible 

Laura loves her daughter more than anything in the world. But nine-year-old Autumn is being bullied. Laura feels helpless. When Autumn fails to return home from school one day, Laura goes looking for her. She finds a crowd of older children taunting her little girl.

In the heat of the moment, Laura makes a terrible choice. A choice that will have devastating consequences for her and her daughter.

Nayu's thoughts

I was really excited about this book because I love stories that focus on a mother taking care of her child. Autumn getting bullied had me certain there would be tough times ahead, and it would be really interesting. Unfortunately I didn't get past the first chapter. The prologue ruined the entire story for me. I can't say what happens because that would be a big spoiler. Let's just say that what happens made me disinterested in reading the rest of the book. 

I know some readers would want to find out how the prologue happened, and part of me was curious but knowing what happens by the end of the story before I've even begun is a real turn off. I honestly tried to get past chapter 1, as the writing is good and I was on the edge of my seat, but I forever had the prologue in my head which dramatically reduced my interest in the story. I guess I'd recommend it to read but maybe skip the prologue until the end, which I realise defeats the point that Sanjida was making for the story, but it's not a formula that works for me. The narration was great though!

Hannah in the Spotlight by Natasha Mac a'Bhaird (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 September 2016, The O'Brien Press, 192 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from The O'Brien Press

The summer holidays are here, and Hannah is wishing she could have gone to drama camp. Then she meets Meg, who has just moved in next door, and together with her friends Ruby and Laura they decide to form Star Club – a drama club of their own.

Nayu's thoughts

This is exactly the fun read I thought it would be, with plenty of family drama, secrets and usual sporadic life events. Despite not having younger siblings, or a big family it was easy to relate to Hannah's frustration at being the responsible one. With her father working abroad she definitely has to take an active role in the family, which isn't that easy when she's distracted and 'things' happen, adding the wrong kind of drama for her. I loved how mental Hannah's family life is, with such younger siblings who are highly active (and opinionated), as they made me laugh and sigh in equal measure for the extra work Hannah has to do. Maisie was a firm favourite, she is hilarious, unpredictable amd occasionally older than her age. 

I  understood Hannah's reservations about getting to know Meg, but they soon become friends. Meg's mysteriousness is intriguing. My theory about her was wilder than one of Hannah's friends was, but the dots don't get fully joined by the end. It was brilliant how Hannah understood Meg needed space regarding that side of her life, and manages to get her friends to understand that too. 

Hannah seems to be the one who helps her friends gel togeher, making sure ballet mad Rosy doesn't get in a huff when ballet gets insulted, and being the one to take Laura out of her writing bubble. It was fun getting to know the girls outside a school environment-I love school stories but summer holidays are fun because they get a bit of time to relax and do different activiies, which helps Hannah and her friends bond more and most importantly have some fun. I'm eager for book 2 and whateer revelations that will bring! 

The Road Home by Katie Cotton and Sarah Jacoby (Children's, Picture book, 9/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

Love the artwork!

September 2016, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 32 pages, Hardback, Review copy 

Summary from Quarto 

'For safety is a precious place,
a place to call our own.
This road is hard, this road is long, this road that leads us home.'

As winter approaches, a bird flees with her chick, a mouse builds a nest for her child and rabbits run from wolves that roam in the darkening woods. The road home is long and hard, but the animals have each other in this poetic meditation on nature, survival and love.

Nayu's thoughts

This book fits in with October's National Poetry Day, for it's a rhyming tale. I liked that a certain part of the story kept being repeated, this makes it easier for younger readers to remember it and look forward to those parts. While not my favourite colour palette, I love how soft the illustrations look, in some ways they remind me of Japanese paintings with simple and intricate parts to each image. 

I absolutely loved the cute mice who feature in the tale-my heart melted when they and the bunnies make it home! Other notable scenes in no particular order include the field with flowers, the thorns, and the snow falling: all of these have different styles of painting that aptly suit the nature of the scene. This has the feel of a bedtime read, as it's gentle and not too bright/noisy in style so should wind younger readers down for sleep. 

See more gorgeous art on Sarah's website.

Family Tree by Susan Wiggs, Narrator Christina Traister (Contemporary Fiction, Romance, 9/10E, Audiobook, short 'n' sweet review)

July 2016, HarperCollins, 12 hours & 14 minutes, Audiobook, Review copy from Audible

Summary from Audible UK

 Annie Rush seems to have it all - a handsome husband and their fabulous life in Manhattan. But all of that is snatched away when she is involved in a life-changing accident. Awakening from a coma a year later, Annie finds that the life she knew has crumbled away. In the throes of grief, Annie grasps her new reality - she has to start over from scratch, which means heading home. Annie couldn't wait to escape the small town where she grew up, but now she finds herself warming to the close-knit community and its homespun values. There's also a face from the distant past - Donovan Lynch - and all the reasons she's never quite forgotten him come flooding back. Annie expects to pull herself together and return to the city, but fate has other plans...

Nayu's thoughts

I felt sorry for Annie prior to the accident causing a year long coma, and very sorry after. It was so tough on her to not remember things, to have to relearn how to move her body, to get used to the initial high fatigue which is hard because she was previously a very active person. Her evil ex becomes even evil-er (no such word but who cares), which made me feel even sorrier for Annie. Annie isn't one to mope (much), she works as hard as she can to find her feet following her coma. Thankfully she does have the support of her family, which in itself is a bit of a surprise because there were some issues with her father prior to the coma, so she's got something extra to deal with on top of everything else. 

I did cry a few times because there are moments when life overwhelms Annie. She rekindles friendship with someone from the past who could play a big part in her future. She learns the truth behind her previous job in the food cooking show business, which is cruel, and reignites her passion for food (once she's allowed in the kitchen), which is an outlet for any frustrations and her family get to try all the yummy food she creates. 

Occasionally I found the plot dragged, but this is only occasional, and I must stress I listened to this while I was tired (which is all the time) so it's probably a case of me being impatient due to being tired. Definitely going to relisten to it in the future! 

Find out more on Susan's website. 

A Jar of Pickles and Other Stories by Chitra Soundar and Uma Krishnaswamy (Children's, 7 years +, 9/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 October 2016, Walker books, 96 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Walker Books 

 Prince Veera and his best friend, Suku, are left in charge of King Beema's court when the king goes off on a hunting trip. Each day the king's subjects come before the boys with their problems and petty disagreements. Can Veera and Suku settle the dispute between the man who sells a well – but not the water in it – to his neighbour? Or solve the mystery of the jewels that have turned into pickles? And what about the old washerwoman who is set the task of washing the king's elephants until they turn white

Nayu's thoughts
There was just the right amount of parable like tales in this volume.  At least they fit my meaning of a parable without looking up its definition. Initially I was unsure whether to read this as it was a male protagonist, but sice it was fairly short I gave it a go. While I'd much prefer a princess to a prince, I was captivated by the fable-like story, how there was a moral to learn from each time Prince Veera and Suku gave advice. I was taken aback in a good way how clever the pair are, managing to complete the requesters' sometimes crazy requests by outsmarting them, no mean feat considering the demands of the request and the sometimes high status of the person making the request.

The tales which the title is named after were fun to read, like the other tales they gave glimpses into Indian culture such as how pickles are made and how clothes are washed by hand. However my favourite had to be the one when the prince's uncle makes an entirely unreasonable request for a man to prove he would take any job to provide for his family. It's a good job he didn't freeze to death, but I was shocked how the uncle twisted the innocent man's words and declared that he had forfeited the task due to a reason I prefer not to reveal so I don'-t spoil the story. the prince was desperate to intervene, but didn't dare anger his uncle, so thankfully found an alternate way to make the uncle see how unreasonable he is being.

This definitely belongs on my shelf next to other fables/parable tales which are fscinating to read. The grade is more to personal taste than anything not quite right with it.

Find out more on Chitra's website and Uma's website.

Patch and Ruby by Anouska Jones and Gwynneth Jones (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 October 2016, Exisle Publishing, 32 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Exisle 

Patch the pony is lonely. He has fun with his young owner, Sam, and the other farm animals are friendly, but sometimes it feels as if he still doesn’t quite fit in. Then one day Sam has an idea and something happens that changes Patch’s life forever. 

Nayu's thoughts

Cute! Cute! CUTE! If you hadn't already guessed this book is cute. I fell in love with Patch on the cover, and like how the first and last inner cover pages reflect what's happening in the story at the start and the end. I love friendly the animals are, how they have tea and do washing like humans, how Patch is part of their life but for a while doesn't have a special someone. I love all the hearts that work their way onto the page when Ruby appears, as well as how each animal family is affected by Ruby's appearance. 

It's a fluffy feeling read, filled with hope, friendship, and love. The story obviously explains what is going on, while the pictures paint the full picture of Patch's loneliness, as well as how much he enjoys being with his friends but still needs that special someone who is Ruby. I know I'll be rereading this (or just looking at the pictures) whenever I need cheering up as its' cuteness makes me feel good. 

Find out more on Anouska's website and Gwynneth's website.

Dance With Me by Penny Harrison and Gwynneth Jones (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 October 2016, Exisle Publishing, 32 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Exisle

A ballerina in a music box loves nothing more than to dance. Her days are filled with joy as she dances for her little girl owner, and also pops out of her box for some extra fun and excitement when the little girl isn’t looking! But when her owner grows up and isn’t a little girl anymore, who will dance with the ballerina then?

Nayu's thoughts

This is an adorable girly read! Everything is cute yet sophisticated, there's lots of pinks and purples and a great deal of imagination especially with the turtle and leopard which the ballerina runs into. I love how adventurous she is, she is determined to find someone who loves dance as much as the girl who used to play with her. I like how happy the ballerina looks as she leaps about, as she comes face to face with danger and eventually fonds happiness. 

The sentiment behind the story seems to explain well how we can love an object for ages, but eventually drift away from it. It doesn't mean it has to be thrown away, it can be given a new home where someone will love it just as much as we once did. I felt sad for the years the ballerina was asleep, she was a little like sleeping beauty only the world kept going while she slept. The magic of the world the ballerina sees feels infectious and I'm sure readers will imagine wonder what their own toys get up to when they aren't playing with them. 

Find out more on Penny's website and Gwynneth's website.