First born by Will Dean

First Born by Will Dean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 368

Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton

Source - Netgalley

Blurb from Goodreads

From the acclaimed author of The Last Thing to Burn, a psychological thriller about the dark secrets that emerge when a woman’s twin sister is murdered, with his signature “intense, gripping, taut, terrifying, moving, and brilliant” (Lisa Jewell, #1 New York Times bestselling author) prose.

Sisters. Soulmates. Strangers.

Molly Raven lives a quiet, structured life in London, finding comfort in security and routine. Her identical twin Katie, living in New York, is the exact opposite: outgoing, spontaneous, and adventurous.

But when Molly hears that Katie has died, possibly murdered, she is thrown into unfamiliar territory. As terrifying as it is, she knows she must travel across the ocean and find out what happened. But as she tracks her twin’s final movements, cracks begin to emerge, and she slowly realizes her sister was not who she thought she was and there’s a dangerous web of deceit surrounding the two of them.



My Review

Katie (KT) and Molly are twins, close as close can be - they even had their own language and spoke only to each other at one point. The girls couldn't be more different as people, Molly takes no risks and is constantly evaluating risk and being very low key. KT left home, is away to college in New York and doing things Molly couldn't even contemplate. They speak every day/email and always in touch so when KT turns up dead in her own home Molly has no choice but to leave the comfort of her home and go meet her parents at New York, speak to the police and find out what happened. Who killed her sister, why and of course the balance needs to be redressed. Both their parents are shell shocked and Molly doesn't know where to start but she won't be going home until she finds out what happened to her twin!

The story slowly teases out what happened to KT as we follow the story through Molly and her interactions, getting to know her and the family. We know they are suspicious about KT's death but it takes a little time to get to it. We learn that Molly is a bit more quirky than we first thought and as we spend more time with her. She does her own digging to try and find out what happened and look into the people in her sisters lives. To be honest the boo focuses more on her investigation than the polices.

It is a bit out there at times and suspend reality for a few parts but still it makes for an interesting, different and twisty read. Some very shady characters, questionable actions/choices but iit certainly isn't boring - just a bit wild and out there, 4/5.

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The Younger Woman by Mandy Byatt

The Younger Woman by Mandy Byatt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 400

Publisher - Avon

Source - Netgalley (& bought treebook version)

Blurb from Goodreads

She knows him better than anyone.
She doesn’t know him at all…

Lottie and Nick once had a dream marriage, but a series of failed IVF attempts has left Lottie feeling insecure, and her paranoia is further stoked by the arrival of a new starter at Nick’s firm. Nuala is the spitting image of a younger, more attractive Lottie, and Nick is paying her a lot of attention…

But then Lottie discovers she’s pregnant. A surprise getaway to their country cottage to celebrate Nick’s birthday will provide the perfect backdrop to give him the news and start to heal the rifts in their relationship.

Then, on the eve of Nick’s birthday, Lottie goes into the cellar, and what she finds makes her question everything.
Because there, in the corner of the cellar, is the body of a young woman.
A young woman who looks just like Lottie…



My Review

Lottie and Nick are celebrating, it has been rough going, failed attempts at getting pregnant, infidelity, stress. Now they are heading to Nick's family cottage, secluded, it is almost Nick's birthday and Lottie has a surprise for him. When Nick nips out to get supplies Lottie finds the key to the cellar and discovers a body, a female who not only looks like Lottie but she recognises. Can you ever really know your other half and is Lottie safe, alone with Nick and a dead body!

The book jumps in time, from present day to Lottie/Nick and the shocking discovery to going back in the past (then) and between characters. Mainly we follow Lottie, Nick, the beautiful PA who wants Nick and will stop at nothing to get him and Ruth, family and worker of Nick. Oh what a twisted web we weave. Nick's PA is shocking, like her chapters she is very honest with us and herself about her intent, she sees Nick, she is love struck, she knows he is married and she will move heaven and earth to get him because she knows he wants he. So for people who hate infidelity, cheating, marital stuff this book is weaved with it, brace yourself. However karma they say is always around the corner so dun dun duuuuuuuh.

I did feel a wee bit out of sorts as there are so many view points and it took me a bit into each chapter to figure out who was who and what was going on. I would say when you have characters like that putting names headers on the top can be helpful however with so much twisty paced stuff I get why that would' exactly work with this one.

I was so annoyed with how shady one character was and how they played with peoples feelings, I was rooting for her comeuppance. I wasn't sure where it was going to go and play out on and I think books that keep you on your toes. Chapters are relatively short which always gets a thumbs up from us. A delvy dive into relationships, infidelity, ivf, marriages, the stress and strains of trying to get pregnant and struggling, work environment, family, blatant plays for married men, secrets, lies and more, it has a dark theme and shows some unsavoury aspects of humanity. It also has the reader questioning almost everyone and who they can trust, 4/5.

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Steel Girls at War by Michelle Rawlins

Steel Girls at War by Michelle Rawlins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 382

Publisher - H Q Stories

Source - Netgalley

Blurb from Goodreads

In their darkest days, they’ll find the courage to carry on… Summer 1940
The war is raging on but the Steel Girls are fighting their own battles closer to home. After patching things up with Archie, Patty is miffed when he appears to have forgotten all about her 18th birthday. New girl Hattie has a lot to deal with as she trades the counter at Woolworths for the Vickers factory floor. But is she keeping a secret and are things tougher at home than she’s been letting on? Meanwhile, Nancy is besides herself when she receives word that Bert is missing in action and is struggling to keep it together. As the Steel Girls come together to be there in Nancy’s hour of need, will life ever be the same again?



My Review

This is book four in the Steel Girls saga, I have read book two and now this one, I know I know, I will get the others and correct the order lol. So it is 1940, war is on and we centre around the lives of Hattie, Patty, Nancy and of course Betty. Hattie is joining the rest of the girls and coming to work in Vickers - jobs normally filled by men but war is on, female are filling many initially male roles and most people want to do their bit for the war. We see Pattie getting caught up in expectations for her 18th birthday, Hattie we learn more about her home life, Betty has some of her own past being known (as the book progresses) and Nancy - coping with the kids and her loved one away to war. Things go from bad to worse when word arrives that Bert (Nancy's husband) is MIA, Nancy tries to cope day to day and her friends rally because that is what communities do especially in these terrifying times of war.

The book of course centres around family, community, the horrors of living with the constant threat of bombs. Friendship is always at the heart of these books and covers everything from the mundane worries, ie Patty and her concerns re her special birthday being forgotten to rationings, after effects on survivor from world ward one & the ripples from that. Which brings me to the next part, and I suppose trigger warnings would go to this part, domestic violence/abuse within the marital home is mentioned. We also see the effects of one who is sent home from the war and the trauma/ptsd of what they seen/survived. It is quite dark and I think really well done because all of these things are important/authentic to that time period. Young girls would be caught up and fixating on something positive and happy to them (Patty) whilst we see the raw and physical affects of grief/worry for ones loved one MIA.

I think we get a wee bit more background on a few characters in this one whilst keeping the momentum going as sometimes in series things can get a bit stale, not so here. Betty, you know I love a Betty and I don't remember her being a huge character in the other books but certainly noticed her more in this one and wanted to hug her. A sense of community, love, loss, fear, friendship all within the context of ongoing war, enough horrors to keep it real but not overshadowing the actual story and characters, 4/5.

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Apologies from me

Sorry for the radio silence, delays in responses and you will have noticed (if you come here often) we haven't posted a review which isn't us. I am sick :/ but I usually have reviews prepped and ready to go. I thought I just had a chest infection and a bit run down as everything is so busy just now. Dudes, you know I never do anything by halves.

Still spiking temps but yesterday was the highest however we managed to get the docs and now have meds so hopefully with some rest (we slept less than 10 hours broke sleep since Sunday) and you know we can cope with most stuff but fling in lack of sleep :/

Luna has been adorable and my shadow, I am "sleeping" downstairs to try and save o/h getting sick. He has been awesome going to docs, pharmacy, shops for supplies.

Guys he even made homemade soup for me, potatoes, garlic and leek, when your throat is molten lava and even swallowing is agony, soup is just the bestest.

Apologies for not having sent out parcels that are awaited, we had everything planned for Monday but struck really unwell Sunday night. I think o/h may be enjoying the silence lol.

I think my biggest complaint, excluding brain fog, rigours, constant lurgyness, throat/ears feeling like a hot poker has been placed in them - for me is normally when you are unwell you still have the joy of books. You can read/escape into a book and take your mind off it. I think I have read about 50 pages total since Sunday, concentration is just terrible. A few folk had asked about the book (as you know I normally read a book within a day or can be 4-6 hours if I love it) - it is absolutely a me issue not the book. We LOVE Tilly and Poe and our current read is "The Mercy Chair" by M W Craven, short chapters which we love and is great when your brain is a bit mush but with everything - I am just feeling so ugh, struggling to concentrate. The book is fab (so far) so no the book is grand.

We have had a fair amount of post coming in too and behind on posts/unboxing,, I have put a wee post on today Insta and our TT to at least let the small businesses know they have arrived safely. Once we are feeling a bit more human and have our voice back we will catch up properly. Any outstanding prizes/parcels will be posted out once we are back fighting fit but just wanted to apologise/update, we are just toast and not the good kind.

We also got a new booklight for review, green, cute - I had it out briefly last night, we like it. To be fair I don't think we have met one yet we didn't like but these wee small light (in weight/size) ones. We will give it a proper checkout/review when we feel more human but it was out last night. Hope everyone is well and this finds you better than it leaves us.

The Institution by Helen Fields

The Institution by Helen Sarah Fields
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 422

Publisher - Avon

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

To beat them, she’ll have to join them…

On a locked ward in the world’s highest-security prison hospital for the criminally insane, a nurse has been murdered and her newborn baby kidnapped. A ransom must be paid, and the clock is ticking.

Forensic profiler Dr Connie Woolwine is renowned for her ability to get inside the mind of a murderer. Now she must go deep undercover among the most deranged and dangerous men on earth, and use her unique skills to find the baby – before it’s too late.

She has five days to catch the killer.

But with the walls of The Institution closing in on her, will her sanity last that long?


My Review

A few things, I didn't realise this was book two, I have book one up the stairs so you can read it as a standalone but may understand Connie a wee bit better if you have read book one first. Heading into the Institution under false pretences (to most of the staff and patients) to try and save a missing kid. Say what? What would a kid be doing in a secluded unit with some of the most dangerous killers/damaged mental health? Well her mum has been killed as she was literally ripped from her, now Connie the profiler is going in as the main carer for Patient B. By trying to profile the staff and patients she will try and locate the baby before it is too late.

Some of the most shocking/evil/deadly murderers and to be fair some of the staff aren't the nicest folk either and Connie doesn't know who she can trust. To the inmates and even some of the staff, the nurse has gone off on mat leave and Connie has to try and get through the barriers/games/delusions and complexities of each patient and analyze the staff too, tick tock.

So when I read the blurb I hadn't realised what they meant with missing child, the abduction of the kid is brutal (pregnant/forced removal) so heads up it is graphic. The bad guys have quite a bit of shady history hence them being in the Institution. A very dark book with some dark characters and Connie herself has been through it and has a history with mental health. We hear a bit of it and not sure if more is disclosed in book one which may account for some of her actions and behaviours. I was quite frustrated at times with some of her choices and even "NOOOO WHAT ARE YOU DOING" out loud. The book has a tense, doomy feeling throughout and you don't know what is around the corner or what is coming next, who you can trust. Really well written despite me being a wee bit frustrated at times with some choices but again maybe knowing Connie a bit more would likely explain it. Plus being trapped in a place cut off from everyone else (bad weather and remote) and add into that you are surrounded by some of the most scary and violent individuals plus a killer/kidnapper is or has been around. Ooft it is a mixed bag, 4/5.

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Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh

Pre order available now, on Amazon UK, out to buy August 1st.

Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1.5 days

Pages - 421

Publisher - Headline

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

Ruby Johnson is a nanny and maid to wealthy families in Manhattan's West 74th Street.
She knows their routines. Their secrets.
One night, on her way home, Ruby witnesses a neighbour's murder.

She knows the victim. She knows the killer.
She makes an anonymous call to the police and names the murderer.
But Ruby didn't tell the truth...
Because there's something wrong with Ruby Johnson.

Eddie Flynn, conman turned trial lawyer, must defend an innocent man accused of this terrible crime.
As Ruby's deadly game begins, one thing is certain.
It won't be the last murder this witness is involved in...


My Review

It is no secret I LOVE Eddie Flynn, if you are new to him do yourself a favour and go and read the previous books then this one. You absolutely can read this as a standalone but it is book 8 of an absolutely fantastic series so read the others if you haven't yet! Right, Eddie is a lawyer, previous conman (but not a bad guy like he never done anything to good people) now a lawyer who only represents innocent people. Having previously had a foot in the "underworld" he has an advantage over other lawyers and whilst they are often slimy/shady and some more crooked than the folks they represent - Eddie is a good guy with unconventional contacts at his disposal.

So Eddie is representing a guy accused of murdering someone in his neighbourhood, his posh affulent neighbourhood. Crème de la crème, he is a skilled rich surgeon and the victim is a rich wife who is known to have had many a dalliance with other married men. Someone witnessed the murder, they called it in anonymously and they have their own agenda, enter Ruby. Ruby is a nanny/maid to the rich and who knows all of their business and often secrets, how they operate because Ruby used to be one of them. Now instead of being a wealthy neighbour she works in the house she used to live in and the neighbouring houses. Ruby has fingered the wrong guy intentionally , Ruby has motives and reasons that only she knows. Ruby will have what she wants, she is master of a deadly game that noone but her knows they are playing.

Oooft talk about shady characters! The chapters jump between Ruby (the nanny) and Eddie and co as they try to work out a defense but when the prosecution have their killer and a seemingly bullet proof case Eddie and co sure have their work cut out. And in true Eddie fashion (trouble seems to follow him) they unknowingly shake up a hornets nest and soon they don't just have to look out for their clients!

Action packed but if you know the series this isn't a surprise, investigation and weeding through the facts and evidence of the case. Trying to prove the seemingly unprovable, odds stacked against them but Eddie's team are some of the best, sometimes not the most stable folks, some from the underworld and they work well together, often uphill battles.

Jaw dropping, frustrating characters, shocking behaviours, emotive, skulduggery characters, murder, bad guys and some very unstable people. Jumping between Eddie and Co and Ruby, the chapters flow seamlessly, when we were on Eddie I didn't want to leave, when we were on Ruby I didn't want to leave. Had work/life not gotten in the way I would have read this in one sitting. Gripping, keeping you on the edge of your seat, desperate to fly through it and see where it is going but not wanting it to end because it is just too fricken good!

I eagerly await the next Flynn book(s) with baited breath, I would LOVE to see him on screen (although someone asked me who I pictured when reading him and I am one of those who don't visual my characters as I go), I would need to think. I think what makes them such gripping reads/beloved is they aren't white as snow characters, they have flaws but they work together for the greater good. Eddie has often stood for the underdog and many a times we meet a pompous or read nasty character, often in the courtroom and Eddie brings them down a peg or two, I LOVE THAT. He is just a good dude, I could talk about him/this series all day, no surprises 5/5 for me this time. When you think you know where it is going - you just don't, for being on book 8 I do worry sometimes picking them up, will it have lost its magic? Absolutely not, fresh, page turning, fabulous and some scenes make you feel a bit Annie Wilkes lmao, if you know you know. I cannot recommend this book (and series) enough. Out to buy 1st of August but you can pre order now, moan Eddie, get them!

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JFK - The Conspiracy and Truth behind the assassinations by John Hughes - Wilson

JFK - The Conspiracy and Truth Behind the Assassination by John Hughes Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 5 days

Pages - 368

Publisher - JB

Source - The Works

Blurb from Goodreads

The killing of US President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas, in November 1963, sent a shockwave around the world. The charismatic young Democrat was seen as a beacon of hope in the West, but his liberal reforming policies had made him many powerful enemies at home.

For sixty years, numerous theories have swirled around this key event in American - and world - history. Yet whatever the conclusions of the official Warren Report - that the President had been assassinated by a lone gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald - many people doubt that to be true. Indeed, President Nixon later admitted on tape that the report was 'a hoax committed on the American people.' John Hughes-Wilson, a former colonel in British Intelligence, has sifted through the millions of words and thousands of pieces of evidence, to put together an intelligence assessment of what really happened that dreadful high noon in Dallas in 1963.

Reading this astounding book, no one can be in any doubt that JFK's death was not at the hands of a lone deranged gunman, but a deadly plot to remove a President who threatened vested interests at home and abroad.


My Review

I think most of us have or had an interest in the JFK case, I certainly have since we learned about him/it in history. In this book the author has a look at everything that was reported, facts, speculation and some of his own opinions. He was a soldier so comments on the ability of the alleged weapon Lee Harvey Oswald apparently used as a lone gun man.

I think for me the biggest surprise was that JFK had so many enemies and was disliked/hated by men/organisations/people in power. The book goes over his fathers dodgy dealings and the family history (not in huge depth).

I didn't know the extent of corruption, he talks about the wounds/body being manipulated *gasp* I have seen s a few documentaries and the Kevin Costner movie (I am so going to rewatch it) and don't think I ever heard that. To be fair there was a few things in the book I hadn't heard about, the two coffins, the issues with witnesses. Threats galore and the author points out, even now (the bok was released only last year) that still a lot of information is not available to the public and lots that is has been heavily redacted.

It is wild just how much skulduggery was involved, how many potential people were involved in taking out a president and even after the fact how much manipulation/threats and deaths followed potential witnesses. I don't think we will ever fully know the truth about the assassination but there is no doubt it is fascinating, morbid, conspiracy theories galore, 4/5.

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Felicity's War by Jean Fullerton

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Felicity's War by Jean Fullerton, for my stop I have my review. This is a Rachels Random Resources blog tour. The book is available to buy now, Amazon link here.

About the author:

Author Bio – Born and bred in East London Jean was a District Nurse by trade working throughout East London. She had published twenty-three sagas, including the popular WW2 RATION BOOK, which like all her books is set in East London. Jean has also written her autobiography A Child of the East End, about growing up in post-war Stepney and Wapping. She is currently working on first book of her new four book WW2 series.


Felicity's War by Jean Fullerton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 383

Publisher - Corvus

Source - arc

Blurb from Goodreads

1941. Whilst London is battered by air raids, Felicity "Fliss" Carmichael has troubles of her own. Still reeling from catching her fiancé cheating, she flees to her childhood home at St. Winifred's Rectory, reuniting with her sister Prue and Hester Katz, a Jewish doctor sheltering there.

Though heartbroken, Fliss finds purpose again as a journalist. On assignment, she crosses paths with Detective Inspector Timothy Wallace, who shares her passion for truth and justice - though not her political beliefs. Despite their differences, an instant spark ignites between them.

But their love faces twists and turns ahead. While Fliss stumbles upon a crime and bravely intervenes, Tim's investigation into black market racketeering puts him in mortal danger...
In a city under siege, Fliss and Tim forge an unlikely bond. But can their blossoming romance endure the perils ahead?


My Review

So I have read book one of this, forgot about book two (it has a festive theme name so will buy and read closer to Christmas) but really liked the sound of this. Once I started reading I realised I recognised the characters but you can absolutely read as a standalone. Fliss is the daughter of a well to do priest, her mother has very high expectations and a touch of the Hyacinth Bouquet about her. Fliss is more interested in her career as a journalist and doing her bit for what is right, in this case, protesting against some shady practises of shop owners overcharging during war time and shortages. Throw into the mix a shady boyfriend, bombs are dropping and you will ALWAYS have some shady characters ready to take advantage at every corner!

I think the thing about these books are it takes you from your own time period to another, in this case, world war. It is mostly about the characters in a small town getting through the issues they face both in the things war throws at them, damage to buildings, loss, death, food shortages, plus everything of the times with the war being on the outer edges of the main story. Like it is relevant but doesn't deeply delve into the war itself but more the people living through it, reporting, surviving but also the domestic stuff and life that continues out with the war!

Be prepared to be annoyed, her mum ripped my knitting in book one and she is still a bit of a what will the neighbours say type person and yet she has a lovely husband and two good /caring about others daughter. Many emotions to be had and I like a book that gives you characters to love and hate! The book has a wee bit of everything - love, infidelity, theft, skulduggery of all kinds, loyalty, family, violence and dangers lurking, 4/5 from us. I will be going to get the book I missed and the others I haven't read of her other series as we do enjoy Fullerton's books, yet to read one we haven't!

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Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis by Anne Rice

Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis by Anne Rice
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - In and out over 6 days

Pages - 451

Publisher - Knopf

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

At the novel's center: the vampire Lestat de Lioncourt, hero, leader, inspirer, irresistible force, irrepressible spirit, battling (and ultimately reconciling with) a strange otherworldly form that has somehow taken possession of Lestat's undead body and soul. This ancient and mysterious power and unearthly spirit of vampire lore has all the force, history, and insidious reach of the unknowable Universe.

It is through this spirit, previously considered benign for thousands of vampire years and throughout the Vampire Chronicles, that we come to be told the hypnotic tale of a great sea power of ancient times; a mysterious heaven on earth situated on a boundless continent--and of how and why, and in what manner and with what far-reaching purpose, this force came to build and rule the great legendary empire of centuries ago that thrived in the Atlantic Ocean.

And as we learn of the mighty, far-reaching powers and perfections of this lost kingdom of Atalantaya, the lost realms of Atlantis, we come to understand its secrets, and how and why the vampire Lestat, indeed all the vampires, must reckon so many millennia later with the terrifying force of this ageless, all-powerful Atalantaya spirit.


My Review

I have read the previous books in the series over X amount of years, some I remember more clearly than others and Lestat has certainly been on a journey. This time we see him being the Prince of their people, leader/ruler and he has as an inner spirit hitchhiking in him Amel. When the counsel hear of a vampire being murdered and his brain eaten it brings to attention a new person(s) of interest and a threat to the vampires but they have no idea of just how unique these people are or their purpose!

I really struggled in parts with this one. Some of it was really interesting especially those who can harm vampires, I am purposely being vague here to avoid spoilers. Torture, spirits, higher beings there is a lot in this and a bit of past and present with stories of old being told and beings trying to work out their place amongst each other, both them and the vamps.

Lestat is very different from how I remember him, he is much more chill and wise but he has been through a hundred life times. Louis pops up again not really playing a huge part but then nor are really any of them excluding Amel, Lestat and the others. I almost felt this was a foundation laying book for what is to come, the next book but it was so very long, disjointed a bit and I kept getting pulled out of it. I just don't think it flowed as well as the previous books nor where the characters overly engaging. David popping up did make me think of The Mayfair Witches trilogy and I think I will re read them at some point as I loved them and the Talamasca group - I actually would have loved a book purely on them to be honest. Whilst it is nice to get a few tidbits/updates on previous book characters nothing was overly in depth if you exclude the others and folks from their story. 3/5 from me, of course I will read the next one which I believe is the last in the series but this wasn't my fave by any stretch.

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Hera by Jennifer Saint

Hera by Jennifer Saint
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 400

Publisher - Wildfire

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Hera, immortal goddess and daughter of the ancient Titan Cronos, helped her brother Zeus to overthrow their tyrannical father so that they could rule the world. But, as they establish their reign on Mount Olympus, Hera suspects that Zeus might be just as ruthless and cruel as their father was, and she begins to question her role at his side. She was born to rule, but does that mean perpetuating a cycle of violence and cruelty that has existed since the dawn of time? Will assuming her power mean that Hera loses herself, or can she find a way to forge a better world?

Traditionally portrayed as a jealous wife, a wicked stepmother, and a victim-blaming instrument of the patriarchy, Hera is ripe for a retelling that shows her as a powerful queen―ruthless when she needs to be, but also compassionate, strategic, and ambitious. With Hera, beloved and bestselling author Jennifer Saint delivers another epic and enthralling reimagining of a Greek heroine we only thought we knew.


My Review

I don't know a whole lot of the Greek Mythology, like you know some or snippets of or the legends so when I see Saint has a new book coming out I tend to grab it. They are really interesting retellings and as I have little knowledge on the originals I am not sure how much is different but I do enjoy them (although enjoy seems the wrong word at times for some of the shocking stuff they get up to!).

So this book is about Hera and how she is left with no choice but to accept Zeus and his marriage proposal. Many of the Gods feature in this and their own actions/legends but it is Hera who is the main character and this is from her view point/interactions with the others.

The Gods are not very nice people, Zeus, Zeus comes off terribly in this, he doesn't know the word no, consent, he forces himself on females more than once and often they then suffer again after his initial assault. Hera I really felt for but at times, her choices with her revenge/vengeance against innocents, I struggled at times with her and her choices.

Constant drama/retribution(s)/skulduggery and overall shady behaviours by most if not all of them but it does make for interesting reading, 4/5 for me this time.

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The Fighter of Auschwitz by Erik Brouwer

The Fighter of Auschwitz: The incredible true story of Leen Sanders who boxed to help others survive by Erik Brouwer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 336

Publisher - Cassell

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

The story of Dutch boxer Leen Sanders who was spared to entertain the Nazi guards and helped others survive Auschwitz.

'He had the dream again last night... He taps the gloves of his unbeaten Polish opponent. There are rumours that the loser will be sent to the gas chamber.'

In 1943 Leen Sanders, Dutch champion boxer, was sent to Auschwitz. His wife and children were put to death while he was sent 'to the left' with the others fit enough for labor. Recognised by an SS officer, he was earmarked for a 'privileged' post in the kitchens in exchange for weekly boxing matches for the entertainment of the Nazi guards. From there, he enacted his resistance to their limitless cruelty.

With great risk and danger to his own life, Leen Sanders stole, concealed and smuggled food and clothing from SS nursing units for years to alleviate the unbearable suffering of the prisoners in need. He also regularly supplied extra food to the Dutch women in Dr. Mengele's experiment Block 10. To his fellow Jews in the camp, he acted as a rescuer, leader and role model, defending them even on their bitter death march to Dachau towards the end of the war.

A story of astonishing resilience and compassion, The Fighter of Auschwitz is a testament to the endurance of humanity in the face of extraordinary evil.


My Review

I had never heard of Leen Saunders, a famous Jewish boxer who ended up in Auschwitz, this is his story. The first 100 pages of the book is all about Leen, his family, upbringing, career and then how things slowly change as the ward takes hold. As with many of these books prepare for emotive responses, anger, heartache, absolutely jaw dropping that these things happened, were allowed to happen and how so many innocent people were tortured/abused/murdered by Nazi's.

Leen's boxing career is interesting and for the first quarter plus you could actually forget what is coming as you absorb in his achievements/career. Then we meet Leen the survivor, how he gets through his time in Auschwitz but the absolute acts of bravery/heroism using the small "privileges" he had to ease the suffering of his fellow men and women. There is brief mention of "Doctor" Mengele in this one and some of what he did, I have read a fair few of these types of books but none had mentioned him, absolutely horrified. I think it is the absolute barbaric hate/abuse that people inflicted upon others, some because they were ordered, some because the believed the hate rhetoric spewed by Hitler and some purely because they enjoyed it.

We hear a little about Leen after the war, the impact and cost it was to him and even when he should have been cared for yet more failures from people who should have known better. This man deserved praise, comfort - someone even said about a statue, something, anything - it is horrible that when humanity has the chance for good, often they fail. A lot of emotions from this one and I think another that stays with you long after you put the book down 4.5/5 from us.

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Happy July

Happy July, I know we are a week in already. We have had a lot going on here and with work etc I only just got a chance to draw June's competition winners tonight, winners announced on our Instagram & the winners have been emailed, tagged and DM'd.

For this month I am going to do x1 £10 Amazon voucher. As Amazon only allows us to gift from/for our own country this one is UK ONLY. To enter, use the Rafflecopter below, please only select the entries you have completed, all draws are checked/verified. Non UK folk, don't worry as I will do another giveaway, bookish related on one of our other socials, likely Insta and that one will be open worldwide.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Whole Life Sentence by Lynda La Plante

Whole Life Sentence by Lynda La Plante
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 454

Publisher - Zaffre

Source - Arc

Blurb from Goodreads

IT ENDS WHERE IT ALL BEGAN . . .

THE FINAL DETECTIVE JANE TENNISON THRILLER - AND THE PREQUEL TO TV HIT PRIME SUSPECT - FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING CRIME FICTION ICON, LYNDA LA PLANTE. Now available to pre-order in hardback, eBook and audiobook.
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Newly promoted Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison has elbowed her way into the Area Major Incident Pool, or AMIP, an elite team investigating non-domestic murders.

With her new position, she hopes things will the rampant sexism, the snide remarks, the undermining. Then she gets her first a five-year-old cold case of a missing teenager no one else has any interest in investigating, and an assumed suicide Tennison suspects is, in fact, murder.

But as Tennison gathers the crucial evidence to secure arrests, her new colleagues watch like vultures circling prey. And one by one the cases that she has built from the ground up are taken from her - and the glory along with them.



My Review

Aw man I am so gutted this is the final book, I want Tennison to go on and on and absolutely could so going to live in hope the author may change her mind some day and give us more. Anyway I digress, lets get to the book. So Jane has always had aspirations when it comes to her career despite always being told she couldn't do X,Y,Z because she is a woman. She has never let it stop her and this time it is no different, now a DCI Jane has made plenty of menamies in the job but also got respect even if grudgingly so from some of her male colleagues. This time she has her eyes on "Area Major Incident Pool" team (AMIP) and even her guy colleagues who respect her tell her she has no chance and yet Jane continues to prove them wrong. This time though it seems to be the ultimate boys club and despite her getting an in she is treated with contempt, rudeness, misogyny and all the badness we have seen in the previous books, I hate some of these so called cops!

Given a cold case they hope to keep her out of their hair but Jane does what she always does, gives it her all and soon is fighting an uphill battle to investigate properly and get the access she needs.
Add to that she feels that a current case - a suicide isn't as straight forward as it looks and yet instead of gratitude she is ridiculed Honestly they think she is rubbish and so toxic towards her yet have no issue pinching any credit if they can get to it first. They are absolute cretins and I was desperate for comeuppance towards them. She was constantly meeting attitudes, walls, dodgy witnesses, toxic work environments and road blocks at almost every corner. I think we get as frustrated as Jane at times yet she is like a dug with a bone and is such an advocate for victims/families, she is an absolute force to be reckoned with. I did like her colleague Wendy, despite being a bit wet around the ears she is keen, respects Jane and also held herself in an environment I cannot imagine walking into every day to try and work with people like that!

Jane really shows her mettle in this with the new position/colleagues but the book isn't just the two cases although the focus/investigations are central. We do get a bit of Jane's personal life which adds dimension to the character and you see the vulnerable side to her too as I don't know how she manages against so much negativity. 4/5 for me this time, I have a fair few La Plante books on my tbrm and I will be bumping them up, this series reminded me how much I enjoy her writing!

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The Paris Affair by Fiona Schneider

Happy publication day to Fiona Schneider.

Out to buy today from Amazon - paperback, audio an kindle format.

The Paris Affair: A breath-taking historical romance perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley by Fiona Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 400

Publisher - Michael Joseph Books

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

In Paris 1942 a woman disappears in the middle of the night, leaving behind the man she loves. French chef Sylvie was sent to Paris as part of the resistance, while German soldier Christoph is doing his duty to save his sister. As the two begin to discover the people beneath their uniforms, the rest of the world, and the war raging on, fades away. But Christoph can never know Sylvie’s identity, which might end up destroying him. Sixty years later, Christoph’s health is declining, and his memories are fading. Having returned to Germany to help her mentor, Julia discovers a book filled with ‘the recipes of us’ and sets out to cook each dish in the hope of reviving Christoph. As his memories resurface, Julia begins her own quest to find the woman he lost to the war. Can Julia discover the truth behind Sylvie and Christoph, or will it be too late?


My Review

Buckle up toots, this one is taking us on a bit of a journey, emotive at times! Duo timeline, we go from past, world war 2 times and all the horrors/heartache associated as we follow a undercover agent, Sylvie, working with the resistance. Switching between then and present day where we follow amazing pianist Julia and her old mentor Christoph. Christoph is unwell, his memories are gone and Sylvie is having struggles with her playing abilities at such a crucial time in her career. When she takes up looking after Christoph she finds an old personalised recipe book that opens up flashes back to Christoph's life, back in the war and sending them down memory lane and investigating/putting together the gaps to unravel Christoph's past. His son Daniel and Julia have their own troubled past and Daniel is not happy with the two digging up a past he would sooner his dad forget!

So for the world war part we have Sylvie, desperate to do her part in thwarting the Germans and she lands a job as a chef in the middle of those higher up. Christoph is a German and stationed in the same vicinity as Sylvie, I could read their timespan over and over. There are uncomfortable parts because as you know during world war 2 was when some of the worst atrocities where committed, there are not huge details but enough to give the reader apprehension/fear especially for Sylvie whilst she tries to do her part.

Current day, I loved how much Julia cared for Christoph and tried so much to get him his precious memories back. The difference with this book and a lot of others focused on relationships around that time period, this one features cooking/recipes, genuine recipes, some from the authors family book and some from research. It gives a very authentic feel for the characters/place and timescale but also the author has given the how to, ingredients and how well or not Julia does. Like me, Julia doesn't cook and I feel this added realism to the character, you know she didn't just find this book, cook a recipe to perfection and bam = memories unlocked. It is quite well done and even though I am a weirdo when it comes to food (so many issues lol) there was at least one I would like to try out and I think people will appreciate, especially foodies, that these come from actual family/researched recipes!

I could write about this one for ages to be honest, relationships, family, health, past/present. war, survival, ripples/aftermath, cause and effect, murder, sadness, love, hope, bravery, it is a full bag and a wee bit of the emotionals! The book will be out to buy, July 4th so absolutely one for the pre order or take a note so you don't forget.

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