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vicki_cosy_books's reviews
428 reviews
Sweet Treats & Secret Crushes by Lisa Greenwald
4.0
This book was just so cute! It’s probably aimed at a market a little younger than I usually read, I’d buy this as a gift for girl aged 10-13 years and know they’d love it! However I still thoroughly enjoyed my journey back in time, which this book provided and the memories it evoked.
Told from the perspectives of three 13 year old friends, Olivia, Georgia and Kate, Lisa Greenwald captures perfectly the confusion and uncertainty of being on the cusp of Young adulthood, when your not quite there but no longer a child. The girls have grown up on the same floor of a Brooklyn apartment block and been best friends most of their life. However subtle changes are creeping into the dynamics of their relationship and in their own way, each of the girls are struggling to understand why. Kate seems keen on making new and exciting friends, Olivia is boring them all with her constant obsessing about a certain boy and Georgia is finding it increasingly difficult to confide in her friends, especially when the role of peacemaker most often falls on her. I really liked how in alternating chapters we heard from all three of the girls and I could remember vividly feeling a lot of the same feelings myself when my childhood gang started to drift apart. It’s a scary age when everything is changing at once and Greenwald completely pins that feeling down.
I also loved the underlying theme at the heart of this book. Through the day the girls meet many of the people who’ve lived alongside them in the building and yet until now never known. There are a lot of individual stories from their neighbours and it’s pretty sad but also very true how people live so close without knowing or looking out for each other. Giving out the cookies and seeing snapshots of their neighbours lives, not always pretty, shows the girls about listening and understanding others, and each other. The biggest lesson they learn though is about themselves, feeling confident as they grow individually and their friendship evolves.
Sweet Treats and Secret Crushes is a heart-warming tale that will leave you with a smile on your face. Switching narrative between the three girls keeps it fresh and interesting and made it a super quick read which I didn’t put down. It’s sweet and touching and just the right amount of romantic with it’s Valentine’s day setting for it’s age group. I’d thoroughly recommend it for young girls 10+ or anyone who fancies a nostalgic reminder of their own.
Told from the perspectives of three 13 year old friends, Olivia, Georgia and Kate, Lisa Greenwald captures perfectly the confusion and uncertainty of being on the cusp of Young adulthood, when your not quite there but no longer a child. The girls have grown up on the same floor of a Brooklyn apartment block and been best friends most of their life. However subtle changes are creeping into the dynamics of their relationship and in their own way, each of the girls are struggling to understand why. Kate seems keen on making new and exciting friends, Olivia is boring them all with her constant obsessing about a certain boy and Georgia is finding it increasingly difficult to confide in her friends, especially when the role of peacemaker most often falls on her. I really liked how in alternating chapters we heard from all three of the girls and I could remember vividly feeling a lot of the same feelings myself when my childhood gang started to drift apart. It’s a scary age when everything is changing at once and Greenwald completely pins that feeling down.
I also loved the underlying theme at the heart of this book. Through the day the girls meet many of the people who’ve lived alongside them in the building and yet until now never known. There are a lot of individual stories from their neighbours and it’s pretty sad but also very true how people live so close without knowing or looking out for each other. Giving out the cookies and seeing snapshots of their neighbours lives, not always pretty, shows the girls about listening and understanding others, and each other. The biggest lesson they learn though is about themselves, feeling confident as they grow individually and their friendship evolves.
Sweet Treats and Secret Crushes is a heart-warming tale that will leave you with a smile on your face. Switching narrative between the three girls keeps it fresh and interesting and made it a super quick read which I didn’t put down. It’s sweet and touching and just the right amount of romantic with it’s Valentine’s day setting for it’s age group. I’d thoroughly recommend it for young girls 10+ or anyone who fancies a nostalgic reminder of their own.
Tyme's End by B.R. Collins
3.0
Tyme’s End offered something I adore…a gothic setting, an old mansion and a spine chilling mystery. I love settling down to a book such as this. If it’s cold and dark outside and the fire’s blazing indoors then all the better. And so I was expecting a bit of a treat with this one.
In actual fact though, the book proved to be a little on the disappointing side. I wasn’t gripped with the beginning at all, yet throughout the book there were definite high points. When I turned the last page it was with a feeling of having enjoyed the book enough, but not being completely overwhelmed and slightly dissatisfied.
Tyme’s End tells a story spanning over eighty years and in three parts. Beginning in the present from Bibi’s point of view then switching to 1996 where Oliver Jnr takes over and finally ending with 1936 and Oliver Snr’s story. Bibi certainly isn’t the most favourite character I’ve come across, and for most of her section I found myself irritated by her. Adopted and feeling like she doesn’t fit in with her small village life, she’s prickly, childish and rude. She escapes to the abandoned mansion, Tyme’s End where she eventually runs into its reluctant owner, Oliver Jnr. Over the period of 24 hours an intense and sinister relationship developes between the pair which at times I found a little uncomfortable, forced and not completely believable. I was pretty sure after fifty pages I wasn’t going to enjoy this book at all, then all of a sudden things changed and I found myself intrigued by the mysteries of Tyme’s End, if not particularly enamoured by the characters themselves.
Moving onto the second part of the book, I finally got what I was hoping for. Oliver and his Grandfather’s relationship had me hooked with its dark secrets. In this section BR Collins really shines as a storyteller, dripping in just the right amount of tension and atmosphere to have the hairs on the back of your neck prickling. I was completely involved in this section, reading with held breath and speeding through the pages desperate to know what was happening. I really liked young Oliver too in this section, feeling desperately sorry for this lonely and sad young man and thought that Tyme’s End itself became as much a character here as any of the humans.
The intriguing and atmospheric feeling continues into the final section, set in 1936 and Collins evokes the period wonderfully. At one point I looked up from the book and was almost surprised to find myself in a modern coffee shop and not in the grounds of an eerie mansion in the English countryside back in the thirties. With Oliver’s grandfather, we slowly discover the truth about the house and it’s evil owner, and just how it ended up belonging to the naïve and orphaned student. I was all set for a fantastic finale having enjoyed this part of the book the best. Sadly things became a little confused for me. Collins introduced some spooky and disturbing ideas, but in my opinion didn’t expand enough on them, leaving them very vague, and a lot of the terror was lost for me. I was also disappointed that the house, Tyme’s End didn’t seem as alive and evil as it had previously and that many questions seemed left unanswered.
Overall I did enjoy reading this book, and after a slow start I did find myself gripped and speeding through this book very quickly. At times the atmosphere and tension are absolutely electric and deliciously creepy. The descriptions transported me back in time with such vividness I felt I’d become part of the story. I liked how by the end of the book the connection between Bibi, Oliver Jnr and Oliver Snr became clear and I could understand why all three had been drawn to the house and how similar they were despite being very different people from different times. However I felt that I’d like to have seen more of a connection between the three while reading the novel, perhaps by alternating past and present rather than moving backwards which resulted in the three stories being individual rather than entwined. I was also left feeling disappointed at the drop in tension at the end and frustrated with the questions which were left unanswered. There was a fantastic story there, somewhere in this book…I just couldn’t help feel it could have been much more. I’d recommend as a quick read if this type of story is your thing, but be prepared for not being completely blown away by it.
In actual fact though, the book proved to be a little on the disappointing side. I wasn’t gripped with the beginning at all, yet throughout the book there were definite high points. When I turned the last page it was with a feeling of having enjoyed the book enough, but not being completely overwhelmed and slightly dissatisfied.
Tyme’s End tells a story spanning over eighty years and in three parts. Beginning in the present from Bibi’s point of view then switching to 1996 where Oliver Jnr takes over and finally ending with 1936 and Oliver Snr’s story. Bibi certainly isn’t the most favourite character I’ve come across, and for most of her section I found myself irritated by her. Adopted and feeling like she doesn’t fit in with her small village life, she’s prickly, childish and rude. She escapes to the abandoned mansion, Tyme’s End where she eventually runs into its reluctant owner, Oliver Jnr. Over the period of 24 hours an intense and sinister relationship developes between the pair which at times I found a little uncomfortable, forced and not completely believable. I was pretty sure after fifty pages I wasn’t going to enjoy this book at all, then all of a sudden things changed and I found myself intrigued by the mysteries of Tyme’s End, if not particularly enamoured by the characters themselves.
Moving onto the second part of the book, I finally got what I was hoping for. Oliver and his Grandfather’s relationship had me hooked with its dark secrets. In this section BR Collins really shines as a storyteller, dripping in just the right amount of tension and atmosphere to have the hairs on the back of your neck prickling. I was completely involved in this section, reading with held breath and speeding through the pages desperate to know what was happening. I really liked young Oliver too in this section, feeling desperately sorry for this lonely and sad young man and thought that Tyme’s End itself became as much a character here as any of the humans.
The intriguing and atmospheric feeling continues into the final section, set in 1936 and Collins evokes the period wonderfully. At one point I looked up from the book and was almost surprised to find myself in a modern coffee shop and not in the grounds of an eerie mansion in the English countryside back in the thirties. With Oliver’s grandfather, we slowly discover the truth about the house and it’s evil owner, and just how it ended up belonging to the naïve and orphaned student. I was all set for a fantastic finale having enjoyed this part of the book the best. Sadly things became a little confused for me. Collins introduced some spooky and disturbing ideas, but in my opinion didn’t expand enough on them, leaving them very vague, and a lot of the terror was lost for me. I was also disappointed that the house, Tyme’s End didn’t seem as alive and evil as it had previously and that many questions seemed left unanswered.
Overall I did enjoy reading this book, and after a slow start I did find myself gripped and speeding through this book very quickly. At times the atmosphere and tension are absolutely electric and deliciously creepy. The descriptions transported me back in time with such vividness I felt I’d become part of the story. I liked how by the end of the book the connection between Bibi, Oliver Jnr and Oliver Snr became clear and I could understand why all three had been drawn to the house and how similar they were despite being very different people from different times. However I felt that I’d like to have seen more of a connection between the three while reading the novel, perhaps by alternating past and present rather than moving backwards which resulted in the three stories being individual rather than entwined. I was also left feeling disappointed at the drop in tension at the end and frustrated with the questions which were left unanswered. There was a fantastic story there, somewhere in this book…I just couldn’t help feel it could have been much more. I’d recommend as a quick read if this type of story is your thing, but be prepared for not being completely blown away by it.
Being Billy by Phil Earle
5.0
Wow. This book was intense indeed. Right from the very start Phil Earle creates in Billy a character so full of depth and complexities and so perfectly crafted it’s impossible to not think of him as a real person and become completely involved with his story.
Everything about this story rings true. Phil Earle worked in the care sector before he moved into book related jobs and this more than shows. He gets how a child in care really does feel; something I don’t believe just comes from the job itself but from a person who sees beyond it. Having experience of local authority care myself many years ago I recognised Billy: the anger, fear, distrust, vulnerability and feelings of hatred at others and himself.
What was especially fascinating with this book was seeing Billy’s relationships, which in turn allow the reader to see him from very different angles. With his mother he is resentful, distant and angry, with the twins he is caring, gentle and protective while the other kids at the home provoke a nasty and violent reaction. Then there’s the relationship with Daisy, new girl at school and fellow child of the care system. Here we see him unsure but hopeful and for the first time opening up to another person.
My favourite relationship however was with Ron, Billy’s long-term care worker at the home and pretty much the only consistent adult in his life. Seeing this relationship develop was just stunning. Billy detests Ron as he represents everything about the system he so hates being a part of. As we read from Billy’s perspective throughout the book I felt pretty much the same way about him to begin with, until little things are dropped in which slowly gives the reader a bigger picture and had me urging Billy to see what was right there in front of him. This relationship had me brimming with tears more than once.
Being Billy isn’t an easy read, far from it. However it is a book that should be read. This is an emotional book, one that will really make you stop and think and get right under your skin. It’s gripping from the first page and by the end you will be sure these characters actually do exist and care deeply for them. I felt every injustice Billy endures and was thinking about him long after the last page. Possibly one of the most realistic books I’ve read for a long time, I highly recommend it.
Everything about this story rings true. Phil Earle worked in the care sector before he moved into book related jobs and this more than shows. He gets how a child in care really does feel; something I don’t believe just comes from the job itself but from a person who sees beyond it. Having experience of local authority care myself many years ago I recognised Billy: the anger, fear, distrust, vulnerability and feelings of hatred at others and himself.
What was especially fascinating with this book was seeing Billy’s relationships, which in turn allow the reader to see him from very different angles. With his mother he is resentful, distant and angry, with the twins he is caring, gentle and protective while the other kids at the home provoke a nasty and violent reaction. Then there’s the relationship with Daisy, new girl at school and fellow child of the care system. Here we see him unsure but hopeful and for the first time opening up to another person.
My favourite relationship however was with Ron, Billy’s long-term care worker at the home and pretty much the only consistent adult in his life. Seeing this relationship develop was just stunning. Billy detests Ron as he represents everything about the system he so hates being a part of. As we read from Billy’s perspective throughout the book I felt pretty much the same way about him to begin with, until little things are dropped in which slowly gives the reader a bigger picture and had me urging Billy to see what was right there in front of him. This relationship had me brimming with tears more than once.
Being Billy isn’t an easy read, far from it. However it is a book that should be read. This is an emotional book, one that will really make you stop and think and get right under your skin. It’s gripping from the first page and by the end you will be sure these characters actually do exist and care deeply for them. I felt every injustice Billy endures and was thinking about him long after the last page. Possibly one of the most realistic books I’ve read for a long time, I highly recommend it.
The Opposite of Amber by Gillian Philip
4.0
The Opposite Of Amber is a surprising book. Firstly, I presumed from the publishers blurb on the back it was going to be a murder mystery, tense and full of suspense. It isn't like that at all really, although there is an element of mystery about it. It's really about the relationship between two sisters, Ruby and Jinn and their lives in a run down Scottish seaside town and the traumas which haunt both them and their fellow residents. The second surprising thing was how hooked I actually became to this book. It started off quite slow and I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, yet before I knew it the story of Ruby and Jinn had crept right under my skin and didn't let go.
Told in the first person from Ruby, Gillian Philips places the reader directly in this character's head. Ruby's had a lot to deal with over the years and as a result doesn't talk much, so her thoughts are particularly important to the story. They are written so well it's impossible not to become fully involved and care for her and I found her love for Jinn, the sister who brought her up, very touching.
The setting also came across beautifully through both the characters and descriptions. I know towns and people like the ones in The Opposite Of Amber and Philip's portrays them with shocking truth.
The Opposite Of Amber is brutally honest both in language and themes and isn't the easiest book to read but it is a worthwhile one. It's beautifully written using enough dialect and slang to make the characters and setting believable without alienating those who may be unfamiliar with it. This is a book which will open your eyes, make you think and whose main characters Ruby and Jinn will haunt you long after the last page.
Told in the first person from Ruby, Gillian Philips places the reader directly in this character's head. Ruby's had a lot to deal with over the years and as a result doesn't talk much, so her thoughts are particularly important to the story. They are written so well it's impossible not to become fully involved and care for her and I found her love for Jinn, the sister who brought her up, very touching.
The setting also came across beautifully through both the characters and descriptions. I know towns and people like the ones in The Opposite Of Amber and Philip's portrays them with shocking truth.
The Opposite Of Amber is brutally honest both in language and themes and isn't the easiest book to read but it is a worthwhile one. It's beautifully written using enough dialect and slang to make the characters and setting believable without alienating those who may be unfamiliar with it. This is a book which will open your eyes, make you think and whose main characters Ruby and Jinn will haunt you long after the last page.