Best books of 2025 – my five star reads I haven’t had time to write reviews this year, so I apologise for the brief, factual write-ups. If nothing more, it will hopefully give you somewhere to start if you are looking for a new read… The Unwilding, Marina Kemp Brilliantly written, this is the bestContinue reading “My five star reads in 2025”
Category Archives: Book reviews
My Best Reads – 2023
Earlier in the year I decided to take a break from book blogging. The imminent deadlines were causing stress where there didn’t need to be any. I love reading and writing, but writing about why I love a book is sometimes quite difficult. It requires time and thought which I had in short supply. SoContinue reading “My Best Reads – 2023”
A balanced look at the town vs. country divide
Divide by Anna Jones is a memoir (but so much more!) exploring the many differences between town and country. Each chapter covers a theme – including politics, diversity, food and environment. Anna’s pedigree as a journalist and interviewer shines through. Whilst Anna has lived in both town and country, this book is told much moreContinue reading “A balanced look at the town vs. country divide”
Moving and eye-opening
Sophie is a midwife. And she is also infertile. This moving memoir follows Sophie’s quest to become a mother. She experiences some terrible lows. It’s hard to imagine how anyone can experience traumatic pregnancies whilst also helping mothers bring their new-borns into the world. I’ve read a couple of memoirs which explore similar themes. OneContinue reading “Moving and eye-opening”
An entertaining and educational read for children
I always accept offers to review books about my two favourite topics – nature and health. This time, I’ve been gifted Norah’s Ark by Victoria Williamson. It’s a book for children (around 8-12) and in it we meet Norah and Adam. Their lives couldn’t be more different. Norah is in temporary accommodation on the edgeContinue reading “An entertaining and educational read for children”
Cuddle up to a cosy gardening murder mystery
Every month I am sent details of books I can review, and when Seeds of Murder dropped into my in-box I said yes straight away. I generally go for books which are nature or health-based and this is described as a gardening murder mystery. I also enjoy this type of cosy crime mystery – novelsContinue reading “Cuddle up to a cosy gardening murder mystery”
Deeply moving, and wonderfully researched
It’s my stop on the blog tour for The Low Road by Katherine Quarmby. this read will sit with me for a while – surely the sign of great writing? The book starts off in Norfolk in 1813. After her mother Mary Tyrell is staked through the heart after her death by suicide, Hannah isContinue reading “Deeply moving, and wonderfully researched”
Come take a seat by the fire…
This a gentle and uplifting memoir. Sam intersperses the story of his life with his tales of traversing the West Highland Way. Each passage is fairly short and cleverly leaves you wanting more. Sam is an actor, and the star of Outlander. Before reading I hadn’t seen any of his work (sorry, Sam!) but thisContinue reading “Come take a seat by the fire…”
Read and rejoice!
It’s my stop today on the blog tour for The Invisible Women’s Club by Helen Paris. This five star read celebrates the power of connection and demonstrates the strength women can muster to achieve the impossible. The book’s main character, Janet Pimm, is used to being invisible. 70 something, with her beloved allotment for company,Continue reading “Read and rejoice!”
Frontline Midwife
It’s my stop today on the blog tour for Frontline Midwife by Anna Kent. I was blown away by this book. It is so raw and honest, and I couldn’t put it down. Should they choose to have children, childbirth should be one of the most liberating and empowering moments of a woman’s life. YetContinue reading “Frontline Midwife”