amothersmusings1's reviews
1990 reviews

Rodasauri the Dinosaur's Trip to London by Lainey Dee

5.0

“Rodasauri the Dinosaur’s Trip to London” written by Lainley Dee is just perfect for boys and girls who love dinosaurs and let’s face it which kid doesn’t! As Rodasauri packs his bag and travels to London, he meets and helps Santa, has a ride on his sleigh, has dinner with new friends, hears different languages and sees some wonderful London landmarks, highlighting our beloved capital city. With memories of a fabulous Christmas, back home Rodasauri and his family love their Christmases now, it’s no longer cold and miserable but filled with Christmas cheer. 

 

I can’t wait to share this story with my ‘grandchild to be’, this story is so lovely it could be read again and again. With gorgeous illustrations by Chrissie Yeoman that parents and children will both adore, I’d happily recommend this beautifully presented story book. With an intriguing drawing of a dinosaur skiing in the snow on the front cover attracting any potential reader, this book will look good on any bookshelf and will be a pleasure to read anytime of the year. 

 

#RodasauriTheDinosaursTripToLondon - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beautiful Liars by Isabel Ashdown

5.0

What is just so brilliant about author Isabel Ashdown, is her ability to write novels that are so very different from each other, with original style premises and unique characters in all of them. 

 

“Beautiful Liars” is a story predominantly focusing on female friendships, with additional themes of false identity, survivor guilt, loneliness and hidden secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, finding it difficult to put it down and the alternative chapters from different view points, kept the ongoing events intriguing and addictive. 

 

It took me a while to understand Martha’s character, her solitary nature and suspicious back-story made her a bit of an enigma but she grew on me and by the end of the book, the empathy I had for her (and for another of the characters) was extensive enough to actually feel sorry for her. The events in her teenage life affected her adult behaviour quite dramatically and between Martha and another character, it becomes understandable why they are damaged souls. 

 

As a character driven, psychological thriller, “Beautiful Liars” is a first class read and having a feel, very much like a first in a series, I’d like to think we’ll see Martha Benn with a new cold case for her (and Toby!) to investigate in the very near future. 

 

#BeautifulLiars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

October by Gregory Bastianelli

4.5

Think Stephen King meets ‘Stranger Things’ meets ‘Goosebumps’ meets ‘Gremlins’ and you might be halfway to knowing what you’ll encounter when you start reading this book! If this sounds appealing, then you are guaranteed to love “October” by Gregory Bastianelli.  

 

There’s not many books in the horror genre that actually give me the chills, due to either being too unrealistic or not creative enough in its atmospheric descriptions but with this book I felt like I was actually in the town of Maplewood, living with the residents themselves. 

 

I loved the time setting, portrayed through the whole of October, 1970 and the location of the New Hampshire town, with the freight trains rumbling through and the quirky residents living in the boarding house, each with their own backstory. The way the kids stuck together to try and discover why the town had gone bad was enjoyable to read and Ryan’s memories of his twin brother was heartbreaking. Things take a very eerie and sinister turn in Maplewood once a magician returns to the town after forty years and as this is the main premise to the story, it just gets more and more chilling as the story progresses. 

 

I did find the ending a little abrupt but there was a very tense and action filled denouement to make up for it. One thing is for certain though, I won’t be looking at Halloween pumpkins the same way and defy you to either, once you’ve read this book! 

 

An excellent novel with high quality writing, an atmospheric setting, scares a plenty and spine chilling characters.  Not to be missed! 

 

#October - 4.5 stars

Beyond the Smiles by Minnie Lewis

5.0

I’m not sure what it was about “Beyond the Smiles” but I really couldn’t stop reading it, there was just something that reeled me in and didn’t let go until my curiosity and intrigue had been sated. 

 

The main protagonist is Laura and we predominantly hear her thoughts but we also hear the same events and interactions from other characters too, which at times causes a change in the perspective quite dramatically. This allows the reader to form a more realistic opinion of that character and the situation, making the story a lot more intriguing and engaging. 

 

Family, friendships, greed, deceit, secrets and lies all feature heavily in the storyline and it was an interesting scenario Laura was placed in, when her birth father died and a condition was made regarding her inheritance.  A one that would make for interesting debates/conversations among other readers and a dilemma for sure, whoever was put in that position. 

 

The author, Minnie Lewis has written a story that is rich in detail, incorporating every feeling and emotion each character feels, thus ensuring the scene is set with complete clarity and ambience. I adored this book and highly recommend it to fellow readers of this genre. 

 

#BeyondTheSmiles - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Whatever It Takes by Joy Wood

5.0

 Oh my goodness!  “Whatever it Takes” is so amazing, I’m not sure where to start with talking about it. With so many red herrings, twists and turns, I’m seriously frightened of saying anything, that might give any game away and spoil the entertainment.  Joy Wood recently published ‘Dead Pretty’ which I’ve also read and thoroughly enjoyed and knowing how she can pull shocks out of the bag, I wasn’t surprised by the similar tactics in this book. And that’s all I’m going to say about the plot, you’ll need to read it for yourself to see what I mean! 

 

I genuinely admire this author’s ability to create a story that is so cleverly plotted and executed. I disliked a couple of characters but also loved others and this mix of various personalities allows for an interesting read, as the characters interact and play out their part accordingly. 

 

Although a different type of story to Joy’s previous books (she admits herself to liking variety) this psychological crime thriller more than hits the spot. I will definitely be watching for further books by this author and if you find this book on a shop shelf, buy it!! 

 

#WhateverItTakes - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

The Twin Rings by Simon Wright

5.0

If you love a good treasure hunting/Indiana Jones style story, then Simon Wright’s the Red Scarf series is a must! ‘The Twin Rings’ is book two in the series and follows on from ‘The Colossus’, which although isn’t essential to be read first, I would personally recommend you do, as much for the fantastical entertainment as for the necessary back story. 

Set in three time periods, 1430 BCE, 1630 AD and 2014, we see the history of the twin rings from when they were created in Egypt, to the location of them in present time. I have always loved Egyptian history/archaeology and King Tutankhamun is the most famous name from this time period. Using this intriguing subject as the start of the story, we see the plot develop through the theme of connection, what it takes to make it and what happens when you break it. 

This series is very addictive, combining edge of your seat suspenseful action, a meticulously crafted, entertaining plot and deeply layered characters, whom whether good or evil, are a joy to read. 

I’ve adored this series so far and I can’t wait for the third and final one. I’m not too sure how the author is going to top the first two but I’m sure he’ll pull it off in his usual talented and imaginative way and I seriously recommend fellow adventure thriller fans to read these books too, they really can’t be missed!

#TheTwinRings - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Storybook Ending by Poppy Alexander

4.0

My thoughts - 

 

“Storybook Ending” is the perfect autumnal romantic read, full of warmth, cosy characters, heartwarming themes and a very satisfying ending to justify the book’s title. It’s the perfect book to keep picking up when you’ve time, the story flows perfectly and I enjoyed following Imogen as she navigated her relocation to the country, with new beginnings in all areas of her life. 

 

With some tension surrounding the deeds for Imogen’s new home and a potential romance with the handsome, local blacksmith, whom Imogen can’t get out of her thoughts, can she survive the many obstacles in her way to start her second chance at life that she deserves? 

 

I loved this book, it has all the qualities of a feel good read and the hallmarks of a ‘happy ever after’. The country village ambience, the cosy (and often nosy) residents and a cat that literally steals the show, means there’s nothing not to like about “Storybook Ending” and as a first read for me by this author, I’ll certainly be looking to read more by her soon. I’m more than happy to recommend this adorable book and the author Poppy Alexander. 

 

#StorybookEnding - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Syndicate by Felix Francis

3.0

I must have read all of Dick Francis and John Francome books years ago and having always enjoyed stories about the horse racing world, reading Felix Francis’ latest novel was a certainty for me.  

 

‘Syndicate’ is told in the first person by the main protagonist Chester Newton, owner of Victrix Racing syndicates.  When his daughter is feared to have been abducted and he starts getting mysterious messages, ordering the outcome of future races, he realises his once morally stoic attitude to professional integrity and honesty may well be about to crumble, as he has to decide whether he can bet against his daughter’s life. 

 

The author is well placed to be able to discuss the horse racing world, being the son of the late jockey and author Dick Francis and what Felix doesn’t know about racing, really doesn’t need to be known. This book reads as much like an encyclopaedia of racing as it does a novel. From horse buying, racing, betting, handicaps, entries into races, trainers and costs - to so much more, you learn everything there is to know about owning a horse in a syndicate and all this together with an intriguing mystery of blackmail, makes this a very readable book! 

 

I would suggest an interest in the horse racing world since it is predominantly set in and around this theme and should this be the case for you, I can’t see why you wouldn’t enjoy this well written and executed thriller.

Ghost Story by Elisa Lodato

4.0

An isolated, remote Scottish island with its history of a brutal massacre, long abandoned with tales of recent hauntings. And a grief stricken, heartbroken mother, tasked with clearing her writer’s block to write a ghost story. Put them together and what could possibly happen? 

 

This book is the perfect example of spine tingling fear, written with all the hallmarks of a ghostly thriller, that will have you peering over your shoulder at the turn of every page. 

 

I felt a lot of empathy for Seren, the death of her daughter and subsequent breakdown of her marriage left her a lonely and flawed woman, who feels that the isolation of island life, far from civilisation, will enable her to kick start the novel she has agreed to write. However, when someone she thinks of as a friend intrudes her peace, is she more at risk from the ‘presences’ on the island, something a lot closer to home……or even both? 

 

Eliza Lodato has created a first class ambience with an abandoned island in the Outer Hebrides, complete with its own ghostly history and together with the knowledge myself of how remote these islands are, I instantly got the atmosphere the author was aiming for. Keeping it realistically tense and conveying the complexities of human minds when engulfed with grief, self importance and vulnerability this was the perfect autumn read that I’d have no hesitation in recommending. 

 

#GhostStory - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Private Investigations by Robb Gittins

4.5

I’ve read books by this author before - who I’m still calling the ‘sleep stealer’ due to keeping me reading well past my bedtime - and knowing how addictive and engrossing his books are, I knew I wouldn’t be  disappointed with “Private Investigations”. Book two in the ‘DI Lara Arden’ series set on the Isle of Wight, sees her continue to fight her demons from events which happened previously, with tendrils still leading back to a former children’s home called Kenwood. 

 

There’s always plenty of content in Rob Gittins’ books and once again there’s a lot of interesting characters, tension and twists and turns to have you turning the pages, losing all track of time. It does eventually all tie together nicely and there’s plenty of recapping to help the continuity. Nice short chapters too, allow for easy and continued reading. 

 

It was interesting that a couple of medical conditions were covered, one I can’t discuss for spoiler reasons but the others, the brain dead pregnant patient made for a heart wrenching but debatable subject and telepathic twins made for an interesting and fascinating theme. There was an exiting denouement that totally caught me out and oh my, what an ending - if I can even call it that! How on earth is book 3 gonna top that!? 

 

You don’t ‘need’ to read the previous book “I’m Not There” though I do feel it maybe helpful to have some knowledge before you read this book, since the majority of the story refers to previous events and back history. Having said that, the author re-covers everything needed by the reader to know, so it’s quite acceptable to read this as a stand-alone.  

 

Roll on book 3 Rob, I’m on tenterhooks to see what happens next…… 

 

#PrivateInvestigations - 4.5 stars