Indie Love is hosting its first ever signing event in 2023! Come and join the fun with over 50 of your favourite Indie Romance authors. Grab your tickets today!
Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/109672577632
Important Information
Date:
Saturday 18 November 2023
Time:
10:00 – 16:00 GMT
Location:
Cardiff City Hall Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3ND
If you love a middle grade fantasy story then check
out Drumendus: Mission the Drum Planet by Andrew Ashwin
Released: September 13th 2022
Blurb: A mysterious planet. A remarkable family secret.
And music . . . EVERYWHERE!
Blast off to the planet Drumendus with twelve-year-old Ella Crinkle and her
best friend Freddie, on a homemade spaceship invented by brilliant and
eccentric Aunt Belinda, the most famous astronaut in history.
Will Ella be able to face her fears and uncover the truth about her family's
past? What other secrets will she uncover on this unexpected, musical adventure
to the extraordinary purple planet?
Check back in the New Year to see what I thought of this book.
If you love childrens mysteries then check out The Travelers Detective Club by Sussi Voak
Released: September 6th 2022
Blurb: The Grand Wizard is dead, his powers transferred to a stuffed eagle who appears on the front porch of a ten-year-old in Philadelphia. Travis and his friends must confront an evil warlock intent on stealing magical powers. Their days are complicated by the school bully who not only terrorizes them at school, but teams up with the evil wizard. Will the members of the newly formed Travelers Detective Club find the courage to stand up to the boy who has intimidated them for so long? And when they discover that the bully needs help, can they find it in themselves to forgive?
Check back in the New Year to see what I thought of this book.
Released: May 31st 2017
Blurb: The Search For Synergy follows the exploits of two middle-school boys, Rome Lockheed and Julian Rider, as they transition from normal kids into epic warriors fighting for the existence of the Earth realm. Rome is secretly a fire dragon from the Den of Volcana placed under a spell which hides his true form. Julian is an oddball, up-and-coming knight with a case of the "try-hards". Together, they perform an ancient pact which bonds their lives and souls forever. Under the tutelage and guidance of an eccentric, local librarian, Mr. Jones, the two learn of an impending invasion from an archaic evil desperate to invade from the other side of The Void.
Check back in the New Year to see what I thought of the first book in the Talisman Series
2. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
3. The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
4. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
5. Violet Made of Thorns by Gina Chen
Roll 1: Alyson Noel – Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel
Roll 2: TBR VET – A Witch in Winter by Ruth Warburton
Roll 3: (Double) Poll Pick – The Stardust Thief by Chelsea
Abdullah
Roll 4: Library Book – Blood and Honey by Shelby Mahurin
Books I also want to read in October:
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
1.
The Chimera Code by Wayne Santos
2.
A Demon in Silver by R S Ford
3.
Seven Minutes Later by Bonnie Kistler
4.
The Girl Upstairs by Georgina Lees
5.
A Family Torn Apart by Cathy Glass
6.
Meet Me in London by Georgia Toffolo
7.
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean
8.
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
So I currently get 3 book box subscriptions, A Box of Stories which comes every other month and FairyLoot and Illumicrate which come every month.
I love my A Box of Stories box as its inexpensive and you never know what your going to get (I currently get the 2 box Fantasy box down from the 4 books Sci-Fi and Fantasy box) the only problem is some of the books really don't sound interesting and out of the 5 boxes that I've recieved so far this year I've read about 4 of the books. I have 15 books unread from A Box of Stories.
I started getting Illumicrate in May and I have had the May, June and July box. With Illumicrate they do a varity of genres so you could get YA or Adult Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Contemporary etc and I'm predomantly a YA Fantasy reader. I didn't want the book in the August box and I couldn't afford the box for September and out of all the boxes there's only been 1 book that I've read and that was May's book The book of Night by Holly Black which I really didn't enjoy, I'm unsure on Junes book We All Fall Down by Rose Szabo and I am dying to read July's book The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones (I just have to get through my library stack first). So I have 2 books unread from Illumicrate.
I started getting FairyLoot in May also and I have had all of the boxes so far as I prefer YA Fantasy and thats why FairyLoot does so when it came to having to only have 1 book box for September I picked FairyLoot (even though I also wanted the book that was in the Illumictare box). I have had 5 books from FairyLoot since May (June was a double book month). May's book was The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah, June's book was This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede and Twin Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber, July's book was The Darkening by Sunya Maya and August's book was Violet Made of Thorns by Gina Chen but I haven't actually read any of the book even though I am looking forward to geting to The Darkening and Violet Made of Thornes. So I have 5 unread books from FairyLoot.
Altogether I have 22 unread books from book boxes, 25 if I include the 2 A Box of Story books and September's FairyLoot book which will be here sometime this month (and countless books that I already own that I haven't read yet) and even though I seem to be going through a lot of books this year (I'm currently reading book 49)
I think I really need to start reading some of the books I already own and as well as the one's I've been getting from the library and maybe cut back on book box subscritions and buying new books just so I can unhaul the books that have been on my shelf for years that I am either not going to read or that I've read and I'm not going to read again as my shelves are almost full.
How many of you are also having this trouble? Being subscribed to various book boxes but are not actually reading the books I'm curious to know.
I'm thinking of maybe cancelling my subscription with Illumicrate and just keeping FairyLoot and A Box of Stories for the rest of the year and if I'm still inthis situation in the new year cancelling the A Box of Stories box to or at least spreading the subscription out so it comes every 4 months instead of every 2.
This month I read 8 books some I enjoyed more than others.
Author:
Kirstin Downey
Narrator: Kimberly
Farr
Release Date: October
28th 2014
Format: Audiobook
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
Synopsis: An
engrossing and revolutionary biography of Isabella of Castile, the
controversial Queen of Spain who sponsored Christopher Columbus's journey to
the New World, established the Spanish Inquisition, and became one of the most
influential female rulers in history
Born at a time when Christianity was dying out and the Ottoman Empire was
aggressively expanding, Isabella was inspired in her youth by tales of Joan of
Arc, a devout young woman who unified her people and led them to victory
against foreign invaders. In 1474, when most women were almost powerless, twenty-three-year-old
Isabella defied a hostile brother and mercurial husband to seize control of
Castile and León. Her subsequent feats were legendary. She ended a
twenty-four-generation struggle between Muslims and Christians, forcing Moorish
invaders back over the Mediterranean Sea. She laid the foundation for a unified
Spain. She sponsored Columbus's trip to the Indies and negotiated Spanish
control over much of the New World with the help of Rodrigo Borgia, the
infamous Pope Alexander VI. She also annihilated all who stood against her by
establishing a bloody religious Inquisition that would darken Spain's
reputation for centuries. Whether saintly or satanic, no female leader has done
more to shape our modern world, where millions of people in two hemispheres
speak Spanish and practice Catholicism. Yet history has all but forgotten
Isabella's influence, due to hundreds of years of misreporting that often
attributed her accomplishments to Ferdinand, the bold and philandering husband
she adored. Using new scholarship, Downey's luminous biography tells the story
of this brilliant, fervent, forgotten woman, the faith that propelled her
through life, and the land of ancient conflicts and intrigue she brought under
her command.
My Review:
This audiobook was recommended by a true crime YouTuber that I like to watch
and I am glad that I was able to listen to it.
This audiobook tells the story of Queen Isabella, Catharine
of Aragon’s mother. It tells of her struggles in life and how she became a
warrior of a queen. Isabella snuck away and married someone she wanted to marry
and not someone she was forced to marry for political reasons even though she
knew there would be backlash which shows just how strong minded she was.
The story tells of how Isabella was able to unite Spain and
England and help Christopher Columbus's expeditions.
I love this period of time so I was quite happy to sit and
listen to the story while I was playing video games and walking to and from various
places and while in the car.
Currently
Reading: The
Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V E Schwab
Read in 2022: 23/40
Author:
Louise Allen
Series: Thrown
Away Children #3
Pages: 276
Release Date: January
14th 2021
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
Synopsis: Ashley
is a young single mum raising her daughter, Eden, and working hard to do the
very best job she can—until, one night, she can't find a babysitter and makes
the decision to leave Eden home alone for a couple of hours, asleep inside a
wardrobe. It is an action that begins a terrible downward spiral for both of
them.
When Eden arrives at experienced foster carer Louise Allen's home, she has
entered the care system, because her mother is in prison. Eden is five years
old and will not speak to any human. She begins exhibiting some other
disturbing behaviours alongside the mutism, too, including torturing the family
pets she loves. This eventually leads Louise to discover the pain and tragic
reality behind Eden's Story.
My Review:
Five year old Eden comes to Louise after her mother Ashley makes a bunch of
wrong decisions and ends up in prison; she leaves Eden at home alone as a baby
while she goes out partying after her friend refuses to keep babysitting for
her.
While out partying Ashley meets a guy who supplies her with
drugs and after a while he meets Eden who is only a baby still and he
eventually moves into Ashley’s home this guy is a creep.
When Eden finally goes to Louise she won’t talk no matter
how much Louise and her family tries to get her to. In true Louise fashion she
does all she can to help this poor child.
Louise tells us about the troubles she has with the social services
while looking after Eden as well as the trouble she has looking after Eden who
has her own issues, I am glad that Eden got to go and live with her dad and
have a happy life.
Currently
Reading: The
Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V E Schwab
Read in 2022: 23/40
Author:
Louise Allen
Series: Thrown
Away Children #4
Pages: 288
Release Date: August
19th 2021
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
Synopsis: Officers
from the RSPCA investigate reports of animal cruelty and neglect on a farm,
only to discover a 5-year-old boy curled up asleep in a dog bed, amidst filth
and squalor.
He has severe physical and cognitive impairments, and no one outside the family
seems to know of the existence of little Jacob.
When he arrives in the Allen household, a terrified Louise wonders how on earth
she will cope looking after a child with his level of physical and emotional
damage. With the support of veteran social worker, Mary, the fight begins to
get Jacob the support he needs – as medical investigations begin to reveal more
shocking details about Jacob’s story.
My Review:
Poor Jacob was found curled up like a dog in a dog bed under the kitchen table by
Anna an RSPCA officer who went to his home because of reports about the farm
animals being mistreated.
5 year old Jacob is not able to walk or talk and is swiftly
taken into care, we get to read about Jacob with his first foster family who
seemed to be more in it for the money and having parties than actually looking
after a child with sever learning difficulties, they just leave him lying on
the floor with baby toys.
Louise is not shy about telling the reader how she really
feels about the social care system which in this case I can understand why she
was annoyed at them too.
Louise is backed up by her social worker Dara and Jacob’s
social worker Mary to get everything they need to help Jacob to give him the
life he deserves despite the obstacles that the social serves put in the way.
Louise manages to do this while looking after her two biological children and
her long term foster child Lily who is also struggling with her own issues from
her childhood.
This was the first book by this author that I read and it’s
safe to say I’ve now read all of her book and become friends with Louise.
Currently
Reading: The
Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V E Schwab
Read in 2022: 23/40
Author:
Lemony Snicket
Series: A
Series of Unfortunate Events #1
Pages: 162
Release Date: May
12th 2003
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
Synopsis: Dear
Reader, I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is
extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky
children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings
lead lives filled with misery and woe.
My Review:
In the first story in the series we meet the Baudelaire children Violet the
eldest, Clause the middle child and Sunny the youngest.
While they are enjoying a nice day at the beach Mr Poe a
banker arrives and informs the children that there has been a fire at their
family home which has killed their parents and they are now going into foster
care.
The Baudelaire’s go to live with Mr Poe and his family for a
few days while he sorts out for them to go and live with their ‘uncle’ Count
Olaf.
Count Olaf turns out to be a horrible man who makes the
children do a very many chores and the only relief that they get is when they
visit his neighbour Justice Straus.
Count Olaf only wants the children for their inheritance and
he conjures up a plan to marry Violet to get at the money but the children
manage to thwart him and he gets arrested and the children are taken back to
the Poe’s but that is not the end of the story.
I’m enjoying this series and cheering the children each time
they are able to put a slight hitch in Count Olaf’s plans.
Currently Reading: To Haunt or Be Lost by B L Allen
Read in 2022: 22/40
Author:
Jennifer Malone Wright
Series: Graveyard
Guardians #2
Pages: 287
Release Date: March
25th 2015
Format: Kindle
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
Synopsis: The
love of her life left her long ago, shattering her heart into a million pieces.
It’s taken Hannah almost twelve years to push away the hurt and move on with
life. That is, until the death of a Reaper brings Detective David Foster back
to town and their paths cross once again.
With more and more of the soul-eating Reapers passing through town in search of
the Chosen One, who happens to be her sister Lucy, the Estmond family has been
busy enough. Now, they rally together in hopes of keeping Hannah out of prison.
With all the trouble lately, being a Keeper, a protector of souls, has never
been more difficult for Hannah. Will she forgive David and rekindle their
relationship? More importantly, will he find out she is the one responsible for
the murder he is investigating?
Sparks fly in more ways than one in the second installment of the Graveyard
Guardians.
My Review:
This instalment of the Graveyard Guardians follows Lucy’s sister Hannah and a
police detective David who happen to be former lovers.
Hannah is working in the morgue on a dead body that is there
because he was a Reaper and Lucy had to kill him and David is there working on
the case to discover who the murderer is.
Hannah doesn’t want him around especially as her sister
would be the one to get arrested for murder and David wants to put the case
behind him and go back home however when David finds out who the Estmonds are the
two of them end up working together to help cover up the murder so Lucy doesn’t
get into trouble and then they end up getting together again.
I was looking forward to reading the second book in this
series but I was very disappointed and I’m not sure if I will finish this
series.
Currently Reading: A Terrible Secret by Cathy Glass
Read in 2022: 22/40
Author:
Cathy Glass
Pages: 326
Release Date: April
1st 2009
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
Synopsis: The
Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of Damaged tells the true
story of Donna, who came into foster care aged ten, having been abused,
victimised and rejected by her family.
Donna had been in foster care with her two young brothers
for three weeks when she is abruptly moved to Cathy’s. When Donna arrives she
is silent, withdrawn and walks with her shoulders hunched forward and her head
down. Donna is clearly a very haunted child and refuses to interact with
Cathy’s children Adrian and Paula.
After patience and encouragement from Cathy, Donna slowly
starts to talk and tells Cathy that she blames herself for her and her brothers
being placed in care. The social services were aware that Donna and her
brothers had been neglected by their alcoholic mother, but no one realised the
extent of the abuse they were forced to suffer. The truth of the physical
torment she was put through slowly emerges, and as Donna grows to trust Cathy
she tells her how her mother used to make her wash herself with wire wool so
that she could get rid of her skin colour as her mother was so ashamed that
Donna was mixed race.
The psychological wounds caused by the bullying she received
also start to resurface when Donna starts reenacting the ways she was treated
at home by hitting and bullying Paula, so much so that Cathy can’t let Donna
out of her sight.
As the pressure begins to mount on Cathy to help this child,
things start to get worse and Donna begins behaving in erratic ways, trashing
her bedroom and being regularly abusive towards Cathy’s children. Cathy begins
to wonder if she can find a way to help this child or if Donna’s scars run too
deep.
My Review:
Donna is Cathy’s latest foster child, she is placed into Cathy’s care after
being removed from another foster family where she went with her brothers when
they were all taken into care.
Donna is quiet and withdrawn when she arrives with Cathy and
does not want to get involved with Cathy’s children, but after a while Donna
confides in Cathy blaming herself for being placed into care even though Donna’s
mum was an alcoholic who neglected her children, however no one knows the full
extent to her abuse.
Donna’s mum hates her because she is mixed race and she and
her son’s abuse Donna, beating her and forcing her to do all the housework and
even makes Donna scrub her skin to try and get rid of her darker skin. At
contact Donna’s mum ignored her and spent the whole time talking and playing
with Donna’s brothers.
This story was horrible and Donna’s mother was evil but I am
glad that Donna was able to be given the chance to work through her issues.
Currently Reading:
A Terrible Secret by Cathy Glass
Read in 2022: 22/40
Author:
Cathy Glass
Pages: 315
Release Date: March
27th 2014
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
Synopsis: The
latest title from the internationally bestselling author and foster carer Cathy
Glass.
Beth is a sweet-natured child who appears to have been well looked after. But
it isn’t long before Cathy begins to have concerns that the relationship
between Beth and her father is not as it should be.
Little Beth, aged 7, has been brought up by her father Derek after her mother
left when she was a toddler. When Derek is suddenly admitted to hospital with
psychiatric problems Beth is taken into care and arrives at Cathy’s.
Beth and her father clearly love each other very much and Derek spoils his
daughter, treating her like a princess, but there is something bothering Cathy,
something she can’t quite put her finger on.
Meanwhile Cathy’s husband is working away a lot and coming home less at
weekends. Then, suddenly, everything changes. Events take a dramatic turn for
both Beth and Cathy and her family; as Cathy strives to pick up the pieces all
their lives are changed forever.
My Review:
Beth goes to stay with Cathy because her dad who is a single parent is admitted
to hospital. You can tell that Beth loves her dad but Cathy fears that her dad
may have been abusing her due to him treating her like a princess.
Beth seems to dress up for her dad when she’s going to visit
him in the hospital, she wears heels, make-up and a provocative dress (well
provocative to an 8 year old), Cathy finds out that Beth has ran her dads
girlfriend away so that she can have her dad to herself.
When Cathy relays her suspicions to the social worker they launch
an investigation into their relationship which eventually turns out to be
nothing other than a father showing his daughter love and not setting boundaries
about what is right and wrong for a father-daughter relationship, he gets the
help he needs and starts seeing his girlfriend again and he has to get Beth to
accept the new rules and way that they are going to live their life from then
on.
I think that Cathy did a great job with Beth and her father
given the things that were going on in her own life, she does seem to make a
difference for those that she looks after.
Currently Reading: Stella's Story by Louise Allen
Read in 2022: 21/40
