amothersmusings1's reviews
1989 reviews

From Bucket List to Best Self by Shane O'Brien

5.0

We all think of a ‘bucket list’ as a list of things to do before we ‘kick the bucket’ but Shane O’Brien describes it as so much more. In this book Shane gives advice on how to devise the list, reasons for wanting it, how to write it, actioning it plus many more hints and advice, guaranteeing that you are the master of your own life.  

 

There’s a saying, it’s not about the winning it’s the taking part and this very much applies to this book, as the author says ‘it’s not about focusing on the end goal but enjoying the personal journey’.  

 

What made this book so much more than a self help book, is that the author has used his own exploration of life experiences, using research, adventures through travel and his own academic background in psychology to create a informal, informative and engaging book. I personally enjoyed  the C.I.A. advice - what you can Control; what you can Influence; what you must Accept. What I took from this book was to notice my expectations and if unrealistic, change them and accept it.  I also liked the advice that a bucket list can never end if you choose - just make it, add to it, do it and enjoy it! 

 

With bitesize chapters, diagrams, questionnaires and very easy to understand written content, anyone can follow this book, you’re never too old (or too young) to enjoy an organised life, so if you’re seeking to embark on a journey of self discovery and/or personal growth, I’d doubt you’d find a better book to help you on your way to achieving these wishes.  

 

#FromBucketListToBestSelf - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

 

Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes

5.0

Oh my! Who knew so much action could occur between the sheets - sheets of a book that is 😉 - and with an early 19th century Duke too! I was soooo hooked on this romance from the very first page, that I found it exceedingly difficult to put it down once I had invested myself into Isabella’s and Benjamin’s story and ended up flying through this book, intrigued as to how it would conclude. 

 

Exhilarating, tender, remarkable and beautiful are only a few words to describe this story along with thought provoking - creating a brilliant topic for discussion amongst book club readers. I myself struggled throughout to come to a satisfactory conclusion for both parties, so I thought the denouement was very appropriate because if I’d been the author myself, I’d have still been struggling today to decide the best outcome. There was never going to be an ending that didn’t involve a tear shed - whether happy or sad - and I’m pleased to say that I kept to expectations and shed a tear (or two). 

 

Being mesmerised by the storyline meant I instantly fell head over heels in love with both the delightful Isabella, the ‘hot’ Duke of Waldorf and of course the other Duke, a corgi dog - who played as much a part in the romance as the adults.  My emotions (and senses) were certainly stirred and I truly felt the story in my heart which just proves how talented this author is. 

 

“Falling on a Duke” is a uniquely themed adult romance with a time travelling aspect but still staying predominantly modern, with a challenging decision for the protagonists to make. 

 

#FallingOnADuke - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

How to make something from nothing by John Moon

5.0

I’ve been dipping into this book daily for snippets of advice on how to live a successful life, even if you start with absolutely nothing.  Written like a memoir, John Moon has meticulously documented his personal experiences and the lessons learned (some the hard way) which have contributed to the successes he’s achieved, in order to help and advise readers to do the same.  I was drawn into the book instantly with the engaging narrative which has you connecting with the author immediately. 

Being just an ordinary man, not famous and not from family money, it’s this background basis that gave him the passion, determination and dedication to ensure his success. And what a story he has to tell. 

 

Chapters including……. 

“success isn’t always welcomed” 

“hobbies which pay” 

“the world of self-improvement” 

“choose positive influences”……… 

are just a few of the informative, interesting and thought provoking knowledge imparted by the author.  “How to Make Something from Nothing” is an excellent self help book for young and old alike, I intend passing this book onto my adult sons to read and I’d happily recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their life, whatever their goals or ambitions…..you really can start from nothing! 

 

#HowToMakeSomethingFromNothing - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Eva is Waiting by Romola Farr

3.5

“Eva is Waiting” is Romola Farr’s fourth novel set in the fictional village of Hawksmead and is a remarkable tale of love, deceit and betrayal that creates an exciting, tense but touching novel. So many differing characters with attitudes that were befitting of the era sets the tone immediately, with excellent narrative and background story. 

 

The author pinned down the ambience of the swinging 60’s perfectly, with the pop music, news stories, social etiquette and the economic climate during the Cold War etc, all with total accuracy. In particular, the anti-German sentiment which still existed caused much distrust, since war criminals were often hiding in plain sight. At the heart of this is a heartbreaking thread about medical experiments carried out on women and children, whilst they were prisoners in Ravensbrück Camp and this truly made me pause for thought. 

 

There were some exciting last few chapters that were both powerful and emotional, with very satisfying denouements to the various threads. I enjoyed reading this book, it’s certainly poignant and tear jerking at times but kept me intrigued until the end and readers of historical fiction, who also like mystery and drama will be guaranteed to enjoy reading this book too. 

 

Code Word Romance by Carlie Walker

3.0

“Code Word Romance”  is a fun, romantic read with a spy premise that elevates the story with an exciting adventure in Rome, as the main character and her bodyguard fight their long buried feelings in order to stay alive. 

 

When Max, an average hard working girl, is asked to step in and body double for the Prime Minister of Summerland, she’s torn between repaying the financial debts she owes to family and friends and keeping her doppelgänger from being assassinated. The smouldering tension between Max and Flynn (Max’s very hot FBI bodyguard and past love), kept the romantic trope exciting and the ‘will they, won’t they’ kept me turning the pages with gusto. The plot is very easy to follow and is fast paced, written with tension but has a rom-com feel that lightens the seriousness of the danger Max and Sofia are involved in. 

 

If you like books set in Italy with excitement and romance, this will be the perfect Spring/Summer read and I’d be happy to read more by Carlie Walker  - she has absolutely nailed this entertaining read and I’m sure it will be a hit with other readers too. 

 

What You See by Hilly Barmby

5.0

I’ve been addicted to Hilly Barmby’s writing since her earlier novel ‘Best Served Cold’ and it’s been a pleasure watching her career (and fan base) continue to rise. 

 

Hilly is such an excellent author she actually scares me! The fact she can come up with such vengeful and remarkable scheming makes her the ‘queen of vengeance’ for me. Together with twists and turns, characters you’ll either love or hate and storylines that are quite unique, makes her books so addictive you’re guaranteed to be reading well into the early hours. 

 

When Tilly starts to impersonate her twin sister Haitch, she realises that she’s bitten off more than she can chew, in both taking on the unusual competitive event she has to attend and in becoming the easy living, man magnet that her sister is. This story was so well thought out and executed, even when I thought I may have guessed where it was going, I was wrong. 

 

I liked Orpheus (not to be confused with Morpheus of The Matrix 😉), he had an interesting back story and made an excellent ally for Tilly. The meal organised by Mr Ishimoto was always destined to become argumentative but Tilly starts to wonder just exactly who her sister is when accusations start flying around.  Can she survive the whole experience and still win the contest? 

 

Superb writing, excellent planning and execution, makes “What You See” another fabulous story, that had me hooked from start to finish. 

 

#WhatYouSee - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Her Sister's Killer: A brand-new Northumbria CID Stone and Oliver thriller by Mari Hannah

4.0

“Her Sister’s Killer” is book five in Mari Hannah’s popular ‘Stone and Oliver’ series, featuring newly promoted DI Frankie Oliver and DCI David Stone. Based predominantly in North East England, this series is set in my local area, with places mentioned that are easily within touching distance. This always guarantees maximum enjoyment for me, ensuring my total engagement. 

 

Having read all of this author’s other series which features DCI Kate Daniels, I know that her police procedurals are top notch thrillers, that keep you on your toes until the exciting conclusion, and this book was no different. Although book five, it can be read easily as a standalone, though as ever when part of a series, following the character development is always best when starting from the beginning. 

 

I particularly enjoyed the impressively written surveillance scene, which actually felt like it was being played out in real time. It was tense, exciting and Frankie’s determination to get justice for an innocent victim was commendable. As a second plot line, the investigation into a cold case headed by Stone had to be kept secret from Frankie, causing issues within their personal and working relationship.  The dramatic reveal at the end was both astonishing and heartbreaking and well played by the characters involved. 

 

Overall I very much enjoyed this book, Mari Hannah switches between storylines seamlessly and at breakneck speed, ensuring a fast paced, tense read, that truly keeps you engrossed. 

 

#HerSistersKiller - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Miss Burnham and the Loose Thread by Lynn Knights

4.0

Fans of historical fiction will adore Lynn Knight’s “Miss Burnham and the Loose Thread”.  Set in SE London 1925, when the world of fashion was on the turn, this interesting (and informative) mystery novel explores the attitudes of women in the early 20th century, when they had to decide between marriage or a career.  In the aftermath of WW1, women were often  widowed and with limited available men, I was intrigued by the suggestion of a ‘matrimonial agency’ - a modern day dating agency - which the main premise of this story is based on.  When a female client to the dress shop reluctantly admits to being the victim of a scam, Rose is so infuriated by how her client has been treated (and as a consequence, unable to pay her dressmaking bills), that she embarks on trying to find the ‘gentleman’ fraudster by enrolling on the agency too.  Determined to recover her client’s money and stop other unsuspecting women being conned, she enters an unknown world of blind-dating and dangerous liaisons. 

 

The ambience throughout the story was authentic, depicting the bygone era of a post-war society. The author’s knowledge of fashion knows no bounds and it was the detailed elegance of the design/dressmaking that shone brightly throughout this cosy mystery novel. 

 

This book was a delightful journey to the 1920’s, with an intriguing mystery that concludes in an exciting denouement and with endearing characters, I’d happily recommend this book to readers of women’s historical fiction and would certainly read more by this talented and knowledgeable author. 

 

#MissBurnhamAndTheLooseThread - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti

4.0

If you’re a fan of the likes of ‘Bridgerton’, then this feminist regency rom-com will delight you too.  Set aside a few hours to be entertained with this rollicking romp through early 19th century, with unique characters and intelligent plotting. Based on some real life events/facts, “Earl Crush” incorporates a spicy romance with possible espionage and some very funny scenes to create a romance first and foremost, but it is much more than that with its intriguing side story. 

 

This adult romance (not recommended for younger readers) is aflame with hot chemistry. Easy to read, the characters grew on me more and more as the story developed. Sir Francis Bacon (a dog) was an excellent addition and I could picture him clearly when mentioned. Even the zebras (and a degu) played their part well! Lydia is a headstrong young woman with many brothers of all temperaments, though all devoted and protective of their sister, as Arthur soon discovers! 

 

This is my first book by the author Alexandra Vasti, her previous novels ‘Ne’er Duke Well’ and the ‘Halifax Hellions’ series have been very popular and I’d be happy to read these books too,  after thoroughly enjoying this steamy regency romance. 

 

#EarlCrush - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Even Lions Get Scared by Marcelle Moore

5.0

You can’t find courage if you’ve never experienced fear and in this book, “Even Lions Get Scared…..” Scout discovers what it physically feels like in his tummy, as his thoughts turn to fear and anxiety. Through a chance encounter with a Firefly, he learns to navigate his wobbles and face the tricky moments he encounters. By practicing to calm his breathing and mentally filling his head about positive and happy thoughts, Scout shakes his wobbly thoughts away and remembers how to stay brave! Such a delightful story that will make children of all ages smile. 

 

This colourful storybook learns children that they have it within themselves to face all fears, from ‘ordinary wobbles’ to childhood anxiety and is an essential resource for fostering emotional well-being in young readers. 

 

Together with beautiful illustrations, the superb imagery and professional fictional input from a clinical psychologist, this heart warming hard-backed book will appeal to all parents to teach their children to overcome fear on their own, with just practice and happy thoughts. 

 

#EvenLionsGetScared - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️