Review: The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has been on my pile to read from past issues that I’d just not gotten around to. I heard all the hype, I read all the hype.

Ok it was made into a film but I still read other books needing my attention, why!?!

I gasped, I got angry, I cried and had a lump in my throat many many times.
Wiping a tear from my eye I Plowright on.

I have no time for racists.
I have no time for bullies.
I have no time for inequality.

We know the past history and yet.......lt still goes on.
Police!
Yes.
Even with the Police.

The colour of your skin doesn’t define who you are. Your heart does.

It’s shocking. But this 16 year old girl stood up. Starr by name Starr by nature.

This was a hard hitting novel.
Straight between the eyes.

We teach the next generation.

Oops this has turned into a lecture not a review.

I loved this book, it’s trueness and it’s honesty.
.

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HER by Britney King

HER: A Psychological Thriller by Britney King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Scintillating, purely scintillating.

This is mostly told from Sadies side who is the main character in this tale.

The last three books I have read from Britney King has been powerfully written and showed me what a powerful talented writer she is.
This one is also powerful and compulsive reading but I didn’t like it as much as her others but that’s because of my personal preference in reading and not in the story itself.
I enjoyed this suspense immensely.

The title of this book is so very apt!
Sadie was a very powerful character. There are people in here that are very unlikeable.

Such compulsive reading.
I stayed up until the early hours to finish this.
Very worth me being tired today.


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The Taking of Annie Thorne

The Taking of Annie Thorne by C.J. Tudor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


C. J. Tudor wrote The Chalk Man which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Because of that I couldn’t wait for her next book.

This one is just as good but in a very different way, more sinister, more creepy and definitely (on audio) it had its spine chilling moments.

I crossed from reading this on my kindle to listening to it on audio so that I could continue reading it yesterday in the car. Yes, I was hooked.

I think a lots been written already in reviews so I’m very reluctant to add more as I’m a great believer of allowing a potential reader of a book going in at least semi blind.

Returning to his home town and taking a job in the local school is it on purpose or to make ends meet?
Is there a reason he’s gone back to where he grew up and if so, why?

I felt the plot inch by inch widen as I slipped more and more down its cracks sucking me in.

A few places I gasped and wondered how this author came up with this story.

The main character had a great way with sarcasm and quirks. It satisfied my warped sense of humour and was very realistically done. I was well on par with his replies. I get a bit like that myself, tongue in cheek, so it was brilliant.


The ending wasn’t what I thought either. It was a satisfying finale to the plot but not to the teacher.....or the one female I thought connected to him.

I felt a bit sad for them not.

I’ll definitley be awaiting this authors next book without a doubt.

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The Anonymous Girl

An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I’m not going to rave about this book.

I’m going to remain perfectly calm and say........
THIS WAS GREAT!

The characters were so engrossing and manipulation was so paramount in the read I was overwhelmed by its degree of cleverness.

BUT I’m not going to rave about this book.

Jess, the ordinary Anonymous girl going about her life, trying to make ends meet whilst helping “secretly” her parents in paying some of the medical bills for her disabled sister.
She’s a make up artist.

One day there is an opportunity that arises. Does she make the right choice?

The manipulation starts........
But, I’m not going to rave about this book.......right? Wrong!
The hype for this book is real.

I listened to this on audio and it was so engrossing folks that me, a person who finds it difficult to switch off from my surroundings really got so invested in this story that I just couldn’t sleep until I knew what happened.

Yep, the unexpected twists were there, but that intenseness that manipulation was superb.

I don’t want to give much away, but yes, I’m going to rave about this book.

I personally had this on my anticipated reads for 2019. I’ve read it, and I loved it.
So cleverly powerfully written.

If you like what I like. You’ll love this.

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The sudden appearance of Hope

The Sudden Appearance of Hope by Claire North
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Very late in reading this book. This ones been taken from my past TBR list.

I’ve given it 3* but don’t be mistaken it’s not a good book, it was. It was well written and exquisitely done.
And yes I would recommend it to certain book readers but not to others.
I’m just not sure what shelf to put this on. It’s a strange one.

Hope is not invisible and she doesn’t have powers to maker herself vanish, yet......as soon as she leaves a room or a persons presence she is immediately forgotten like she doesn’t exist. Obligated from their memory.

She can work this to her advantage and she does.

The story and writing in itself was good. I felt (personally) that it was drawn out in parts which then made it tedious to read in those specific parts of the book.

Well worth a read. Don’t expect too much though.

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Love you to death

Love You To Death by Caroline Mitchell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I whizzed through this. Although it wasn’t as gripping as it promised and although it wasn’t “edge of your seat heart pounding” type read, it still had something there that gripped me.

It was the storyline.

This is what kept my attention.

Once started couldn’t stop.

I gave it 3* so don’t think this is a bad book, far from it. But it’s hyped as “gripping” “thrilling” I just wish they wouldn’t do that. Loads of books are presented like this now.
I personally find it annoying.

Not the authors fault though.
So don’t be put off.

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Forgive me by Daniel Palmer

Forgive Me by Daniel Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fast paced book with lots of suspense and mystery to it.

It involves family secrets and on the other perspect it involves trafficking.

Angie is a private investigator. She seeks to find vulnerable and endangered runaways who need rescuing.


Meet Nadine.
Nadine ran away from her dysfunctional family seeking a new life for herself. She innocently gets tied up with a life she didn’t envision happening.

Angie is seeking to rescue her.

Right in the centre of this Angies mother dies. Through her things she discovers something that will forever change her life.

They are parallel stories that join in the end in a surprisingly good way.

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Furious

Furious by T.R. Ragan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Faith goes off to the store to collect some shopping and supplies she needs, she forgets something and returns home to get it.

She goes back in home to her shock and horror she finds her husband and children tied up. They are being asked over and over “where is it”

It then turns into a frenzy when her husband is killed right in front of her eyes and she’s left for dead. He kids are kidnapped.

It’s all fierce from then on with plenty of action .

I’m very very late in reading this and serves me right in being annoyed I didn’t get to it sooner. I so enjoyed it.

This is book 1.

With a huge cliffhanger!

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The babysitter by sheryl Browne

The Babysitter by Sheryl Browne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I’ve recently discovered audio books and find them so handy. I can do things like chores around the home, drive and still listen/read. The best of both worlds.

This creepy novel was off to a great start, meeting the couple Mark and Melissa. They have two children. Mark works long hours as a Police Officer.
Jades becomes their Babysitter.

All seems fine for a while.

I found Jade manipulative and creepy, obsession at its best.

The way the Melissa speaks portrayed by the narrator really annoyed me. I think I’d have read her differently. Although she has had depression before I thought the narrative voice brought her over as pathetic and a soft touch. I’m not sure if it was meant to come over as such but it did. It annoyed me.

Melissa has had post natal depression before and so when things start to happen which question her sanity and Marks concern for her, no one thinks the worse.

It’s not a unique storyline but it’s a good one.

Not sure if this was meant to spook, it didn’t.
Not sure if the reader was meant to anticipate the ending, I didn’t.

I loved it for its own right. I loved it for the way it flowed and especially Jades part in this.
Boy was she creepy. She used everything and every wile wicked creepy way unnoticed and always hid with chirpiness, helpful obliging ways. She was well warped.

So yes, all in all I loved this book.
Narrator not so much.

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Twisted

Twisted by Steve Cavanagh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a cleverly written book this was. This is definitely written for readers. And most definitely for those that love deeper twists in books that they think they’ve worked out.......but I beg to differ.
This was a puzzled within a puzzle.

Just who is this writer, no face, no identity?

Really made me sit up and take notice!

I do own one of his other books. Not read.....yet. But this sure is an eye opener to talent.

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The Dare by Carol Wyer

The Dare: An absolutely gripping crime thriller by Carol Wyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carol Wyer books are compulsive reading material. From the first time a book of hers came my way until this up to date book right here.

Her style has become more evident, her purpose more powerful. Her characters more rounded and plots more breathtaking.

This twisted tale had me hooked in its net from the first page until the last.

Don’t be mistaken, this isn’t about kids going missing, lordie we’ve had enough of those last year. This has guts to it and don’t forget if you’ve read the other two books in the series it has.... DI Natalie Ward. I’ve seen how this DI has developed and her own personal life and difficulties splayed out for us readers to see.

What a dam good DI she is. Her work does take precedence over her family most times and I’d say things were not as good as they should be.
I don’t know for sure but I’m hoping the next book is a make or break for this family.

The dedication and time she puts into a case is second to none. One of my best female DI’s well, after all, she has my surname right?!

The conclusion of this was indeed a surprise to me.
A great reveal that I didn’t actually see rearing it’s head.

I’m loving each of her books. In my humble opinion as a reader she’s an author in the “upper class” of this genre.

If you enjoy an edge of your seat read where time is of the essence, you’ve found it.

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The perfect girl

The Perfect Girl by Gilly Macmillan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really really wanted to love this book more than I did.

Top marks for the writing, the intense feelings, the plot. For me I just couldn’t get excited enough to want to keep reading it, I did of course, and it was an ok book I just wanted more.

I loved her debut.

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Perfect girls by Alison James

After reading the other two books in the series I had promised to get to this one. Never did, but now that life has calmed down I’m able to read some past books on my TBR list. This is one of them.

Thoroughly enjoyed book 1 and 2. This one was also enjoyable and fast off the mark, kept a steady pace throughout.

Loved the use of Ann App in this that involved the plot being quite interesting and up to date.

Blondes going missing.

I’ll not say much about the plot or story in fear of spoilers so I’ll just say, it was fab to meet up with Rachel again and renew each other’s company, I feel I know her quite well now.

She’s off Los Angeles in this book to investigate a British citizens death. It looks like the boyfriend did it. But did he? Was it too obvious?

Great series.

In too deep by Brad Chambers

In Too Deep by Bradd Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Any story that’s got mental health in it and I’m interested. I’m an advocate for mental health as I’m a Carer for someone who has Bi polar and my over 30 years experience in that field has brought me into contact with all mental health patients. Self harm, grandious ideas, suicide and more.
I too suffer with depression, so relating to this book I could see that a lot of understanding and research has been done.

The affects on the families as in this instance is tremendous so when Ava’s mother committed suicide due to her mental health. Coming to terms with this was horrendous for Ava but on top of this she felt someone was following her.
Her anxiety deepens. She confides in her boyfriend who doesn’t belief her.

Could grief make her imagine this?
Then actual items turn up that has significance for her.
What’s going on?
Whose doing this and why?

It’s a hard hitting book. It’s truly remarkable how realistic this is.

The helpful insight at the appendix of the book does really make you think.

A well rounded story.

I will be anxious to read more from this author in the future without doubt.

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Shtum

Shtum by Jem Lester
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a terrific story. I had heard all the hype around this book when it was first released and decided I’d lay low for a while. But not this long, it slipped down my Kindle and my list.

So this year my challenge was to read some of my back TBR list along with future and up to date books.

This, was one from my past TBR.

I don’t know what else to say more than other reviewers as everything has been said.
I can agree that it’s poignant, compelling, unputdownable, plenty of emotion but laughter too.

The author really knows they’re stuff when it comes to autism.
The havoc and emotional damage that any child with a disability can evoke on any family.

Parents love their children no matter what, but, not everyone can cope as we see here.

I listened to this on audio. I wouldn’t say it’s the best voices as it seemed a bit OTT in voice at times.
The father came across as some petulant child sometimes and although he ended up being a sole Carer he really was sulky around his own father at times I felt.
His father I grew to love. The curt but honest man. He made perfect sense.

The mother was so dam frustrating for me at times. Yes I understood her emotions and pulling away even if I didn’t agree with it but someone needed to speak to her or at least she speak to someone.

The times I laughed in this book or smiled were numerous times.

Fighting for the rights and care of any disabled person in your care is taxing. I know first hand unfortunately.
But a child who is needing the best of the best out there, not mediocre, not “that’ll do” but to get the best out of what life and available options are out there to bring the best potential out of your child. Fight. And that’s what happened.

I laughed over and over with the words the officialdom used! Isn’t that the truth!
Those who have read this will know exactly what I mean.

Brilliant written, brilliantly done. So enjoyable.
Just not keen on that narrator.

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The Secretary by Renee Knight

Yet another book I’ve read by this author (the first being Disclaimer) which I thoroughly enjoyed.

This one is much darker and much tenser. 
It is a slow burner of sorts but I’ve read worse. It’s easy to follow and what keeps you going is that you know something is going somewhere quite nasty or a boom bang coming! 

The Secretary and the role of Secretary has to be loyal and be able to keep things to yourself and much more than that at times. Sometimes you need to hide things, distract from information and say your boss is out or in a meeting when he/she is sat right in your vision, and much more.

So on the basis of a job description I was looking forward to reading this having had a job like this myself in my lifetime. 

This is part psychological thriller and court room drama which I personally found very interesting.

How this played out kept my interest.

When Christine started working as a secretary to Mina it was somewhat creepy to me. Mina seemed creepy with the way she befriends Christine and the start of The secretarial relationship between them.

When Mina becomes more demanding on Christine’s time it starts to disrupt her family and her family time. 

Then unethical procedures come to light earning more profit for Minas business. 

Secrets
Lies
Wronged loyalties 

And a very dangerous line has now been drawn.


I really loved this and enjoy this authors writing. I will certainly be eager for her next book.
The ending though seemed a little bit too convenient to me.

Well worth your time to read it.

This was one of my anticipated books this year.

the wife’s secret by Cath weeks

The Wife’s Secret by Cath Weeks

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! With a couple who seemed to not only have it all but had life worked out.
She was the breadwinner he was the stay at home Dad .
He did work in the Police force but was laid off through injury. She was happy working and then coming home to be wife and mother to her children who she adored.

Her mother died, she was grieving. She also was hiding a secret.
She needed medication to help.

Things started a downward spiral but not in the way I thought it was going to play out.
It took a new route that left a reader with a note of suspense, an eerie “sniff” for something ‘not quite right’ but you couldn’t put your finger on it.

I did kinda guess whom it might be, but not the whys, which kept me totally puzzled.

I’d highly recommend this read for thriller fans, domestic noir fans and those that love to scratch their heads in thought when reading such a book as this saying to yourself “ this is so good, I’m wondering where the author is going with this” and sit sweating until you get that REVEAL. (less)

Love at last by Claudia Connor

Change of genre.
Clean my palate from thrillers for a while.

I did like this romance. I didn’t love it, but I liked it.

It was written well, I loved how it flowed and how this author made the characters realistic and the story flew by well.

But I couldn’t help thinking, if your Groom told you that he was in love with someone else and you had given him your heart, then wanted nothing more to do with men because your so “unlucky in love” .....when will you realise “you can’t half pick ‘em!”

Find yourself first and value yourself.

Yea I know, it’s a fictional story.

It was good though, I’m just cynical (l

Connectedness by Sandra Danby

I read this one with speed.
Her debut was awesome and I thoroughly enjoyed it so was aware of her style of writing.

It took a bit to get into but once I got into it I was following it pretty well.

A well known artist with a secret.
If the secret is revealed will she loose her followers?

Will the daughter she wants to find connect with her now her baby she gave away is an adult?

Nothing is simple, nothing is straight forward in this book, then nor is life right?

A very well written book that draws you into the deeper parts of others emotions. (l

Honesty diet by Lisa Riley

I had a sampler of this book from Net Galley. I wasn’t expecting a miracle cure for loosing weight and I admire and hold anyone in high esteem for loosing so much weight as I’m struggling myself. So who am I to judge!

I loved her mindset in this and how she was true to herself and others.
I think I enjoyed what she had to say more than the recipes themselves. Although, there is nothing new under the sun, in other words, it’s nothing that I haven’t been told before. 

Portion, eat less, move more. If it were that simple I’d say we wouldn’t have a problem. 

So although I liked what she had written of her own experience and may be good for them, it’s a debate if this is fact. 

It worked for her, it may work for many others. 
But blimey! She’s lost one heck of a lot of weight practicing what she’s preached.

I can’t help but think, another celebrity trying to make money from it though.