Monday 11 February 2019

Mailbox Monday - Feb 11th



Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog. Head over and check out other books received during the last week.


I received three review titles this week:

Death on the Derwent by Robin Bowles
Publication date: 19th February 2019

When Bob Chappell disappeared from his yacht, moored in the Derwent Estuary near the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania's marina, on the night of 26 January 2009, he left behind his pipe and tobacco — something that his partner of 18 years, Sue Neill-Fraser, knew he would never willingly do. What she didn't know was that despite no body, no weapon, no cause of death, and no witnesses, she would soon become the only suspect in Chappell’s disappearance.

In their haste to wrap up the case, the police charged Neill-Fraser with murder. In her eagerness to assist police, she virtually talked her way into their hands. And after a lengthy trial that resulted in a guilty verdict, the judge delivered Neill-Fraser a crushing 26-year sentence.

But was the verdict unsafe? Many of Australia's leading legal minds have said her conviction is ‘the greatest miscarriage of justice since Lindy Chamberlain’. Other reasonable hypotheses have been mooted about what might have happened in the dark on the Derwent that night. The Tasmanian government has changed its laws to give Neill-Fraser one last crack at proving her innocence, because that is what it's come to now — proving her innocence.



Baby by Annaleese Jochems
Publication date: 5th march 2019 
 
Cynthia is twenty-one, bored and desperately waiting for something big to happen. Her striking fitness instructor, Anahera, is ready to throw in the towel on her job and marriage. With stolen money and a dog in tow they run away and buy ‘Baby’, an old boat docked in the Bay of Islands, where Cynthia dreams they will live in a state of love. But strange events on an empty island turn their life together in a different direction.

Baby is a sunburnt psychological thriller of obsession and escape by one of the most exciting new voices in New Zealand fiction.


The Glovemaker by Ann Weisgarber
Publication Date: 7th February 2019

In the inhospitable lands of the Utah Territory, during the winter of 1888, thirty-seven-year-old Deborah Tyler waits for her husband, Samuel, to return home from his travels as a wheelwright. It is now the depths of winter, Samuel is weeks overdue, and Deborah is getting worried.

Deborah lives in Junction, a tiny town of seven Mormon families scattered along the floor of a canyon, and she earns her living by tending orchards and making work gloves. Isolated by the red-rock cliffs that surround the town, she and her neighbors live apart from the outside world, even regarded with suspicion by the Mormon faithful who question the depth of their belief.

When a desperate stranger who is pursued by a Federal Marshal shows up on her doorstep seeking refuge, it sets in motion a chain of events that will turn her life upside down. The man, a devout Mormon, is on the run from the US government, which has ruled the practice of polygamy to be a felony. Although Deborah is not devout and doesn’t subscribe to polygamy, she is distrustful of non-Mormons with their long tradition of persecuting believers of her wider faith.

But all is not what it seems, and when the Marshal is critically injured, Deborah and her husband’s best friend, Nels Anderson, are faced with life and death decisions that question their faith, humanity, and both of their futures.
 
 


  Whats arrived in my inbox this week.  

I  received this eBook through Lisa's newsletter. She often offers free and discounted books to her newsletter subscribers. You can subscribe on her website https://lisabthomas.com/
Lisa writes clean, traditional whodunits with a dose of humour.

 Sharpe Mind by Lisa B Thomas

Former teacher turned reporter Deena Sharpe craves more adventure than covering dull city council meetings in the small town of Maycroft, Texas. But when she follows a hunch to investigate a story lead, she finds a dead body and becomes suspect number one.

To make matters worse, a new psychic in town has residents on edge. Strange happenings multiply as quickly as the list of murder suspects, and Deena finds herself with more adventure than she had bargained for. No pedicure is too painful and no dumpster is too deep as Deena seeks to unveil the killer before anyone else gets hurt.
Sharpe Mind, Book 3 in the Cozy Suburbs Mystery series, offers readers a healthy dose of intrigue along with a generous sprinkle of humor. 


What I'm looking forward to reading. 
Here I choose one book from this week’s arrivals that I’m really looking forward to reading.

This week I have picked Death on the Derwent.  I don't read a lot of Non Fiction but this story has intrigued me as to how Sue Neill-Fraser was convicted with so little evidence. Watch out for my review.

What books did your postman deliver this week? Post a link to your Mailbox Monday or simply list your books in the comments below.



 


 

Saturday 9 February 2019

Book Review: Less You Know (Pyschological Suspense)

Less You Know
by 
Rowena Holloway

Publisher: Fractured Press
Publication date: 20th November 2018
Series: Ashes to Ashes #2
Pages: 319
Format Read: eBook
Source: Courtesy of author

 

 If everyone lies, who can you believe?

Journalist Charlotte Ashe unmasks the big lies. But uncovering this lie could endanger the one person she’s trying to save…

Charlotte is determined to expose Tyrone Garner—a former football star turned property developer and everyone’s darling. Everyone is wrong. But to prove he’s a fraud, she needs help.

Tired of her quiet life, Allie is thrilled to engage in a bit of espionage for her best friend Charlotte. Allie’s great with secrets. She’s guarded her own well.
Then the nightmare begins.

And the cracks start to show…

Allie vanishes.

Charlotte is desperate for clues. Is Allie alive or dead? What had she discovered that put her in danger? And how will Charlotte cope with her guilt? The more Charlotte learns about Allie’s secrets, the more she wonders how well she knew her best friend. And then she uncovers a lie so big she questions everything she believes…about Garner, Allie and herself.

Best friends share all their secrets… don’t they?

I will start by saying that I didn’t read book one in the Ashes to Ashes series and I was left totally confused at the beginning of book two as to what was going on as there are a few mentions of characters and events from the previous book that are paramount to the plot.

Charlotte’s friend Allie disappears right after she tells Charlotte she has important information on a story journalist Charlotte is chasing.
The story follows Charlotte as she tries to find out what happened to Allie. As more and more information is uncovered Charlotte wonders if she really knew Allie at all.
The story is told in both Charlotte’s POV in present time and Allie’s POV leading up to her disappearance.

Less you Know was full of mystery and each event added a new mystery to the growing number. Who is Allie’s boyfriend? What happened to Joey? (This was obviously from book 1). What was Garner up to? What did Allie know? Where is Allie now? Why did Charlotte flee Australia? Who is Allie’s stalker? Who is the motorbike rider? The mysteries weaved their way through the story and I was getting a little frustrated with all the questions and no answers. There was a big reveal at the end where I think all the loose ends were nicely tied up.

The story ended with some really good twists that I didn’t see coming. I will go back and read book 1 and my star rating of 3/5 may change with a better understanding of what’s going on with the characters.

My rating  3/5  ⭐⭐⭐


*This review is: 
part of the Book Lover Book Review Aussie author challenge
and Book #3  of the Australian Women Writers challenge
 

 


Photo credit: Goodreads
Rowena Holloway is an Australian writer of novels and short stories. Before settling on writing as a career, Rowena apprenticed as a hairdresser, played at receptionist in an engineering firm, indulged her love of learning by obtaining a handful of degrees, including a PhD in business, and was a tenured university lecturer.

All of which convinced her fiction writing was preferable to the real world. Rowena also tracks down leading authors and interviews them, and reviews fiction across a range of genres. All of which can be found on her website 






 






 

Friday 8 February 2019

Book Review: The Secret Son's Homecoming (Romance)

The Secret Son's Homecoming
by
Helen Lacey



Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: 19th June 2018
Series: Cedar River Cowboys #7
Pages: 240
Format Read: paperback
Source: Won in giveaway

 


 
TO LEARN TO LOVE…HE WILL HAVE TO LET GO…

The illegitimate son of the wealthiest man in Cedar River, Jonah Rickard spent his life avoiding his father. Forced back home for a wedding, he’s brought face-to-face with the only woman to ever threaten his hardened heart. Connie Bedford knows what it is to be haunted by the past, betrayed by trust…scared by desire. Years ago, Jonah’s father saved her. Now only Connie and her love can save Jonah—and, maybe, his family…





The Secret Son’s Homecoming is book 7 in the Cedar River cowboys series set in South Dakota.

Each book in the series is a good stand alone focusing on the romance between two characters but it’s a good idea to start this series from the beginning so you have backstory on the residents of Cedar River and how they fit into each other’s lives.

The Secret Son’s Homecoming is Jonah Rickard and Connie Bedford’s story. I must admit I didn’t like this as much as A Kiss, a Dance & a Diamond (you can read my review here).
Connie’s relentless nagging to Jonah about opening up and forgiving J.D. and giving the O’Sullivans a chance, really grated on me. She just didn’t let up!!!
It took Connie a long time to open up about her own insecurities, and this was a truly devastating story, but Jonah was patient and kind. He never pushed or nagged. A true gentleman!

The Secret Son’s Homecoming is an enjoyable angst ridden romance with a strong message of consent. Themes of family, forgiveness and new beginnings run deep through the novel.

Although not my favourite Cedar River Cowboys novel I would recommend the series.

My rating 3.5/5  ⭐⭐⭐½


*This review is: 
Book 'S' in the AtoZ challenge
part of the Book Lover Book Review Aussie author challenge
and Book #2  of the Australian Women Writers challenge

 #AWW2019


 
Photo credit: Goodreads
Helen Lacey grew up reading Black Beauty, Anne of Green Gables and Little House on The Prairie. These childhood classics inspired her to write her first book when she was seven years old, a story about a girl and her horse. Although, it wasn’t until the age of eleven when she read her first Mills & Boon, that she knew wanted to write romances. Her parents’ love of travel meant she saw much of the world in those early years and she feels fortunate to have had a diverse and interesting education over several continents.

She continued to write into her teens and twenties with the dream of one day being a published author. A few years and careers later, including motel operator, florist, strapper, dog washer, and retail manager, she got the call from Harlequin Special Edition. She loves writing about tortured heroes, both cowboys and CEO’s, and heroines who finally get the love of the man of their dreams.

From Welsh parents and a large family, she lives on the east coast of Australia in a small seaside town at the southern most point of The Great Barrier Reef, with her wonderfully supportive husband, many horses, two cats and three spoiled dogs.


   

Monday 4 February 2019

Mailbox Monday - Feb 4th



Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog. Head over and check out other books received during the last week.

 

I received one book this week  Home Fires by Fiona Lowe. This is a review copy from the publisher. Fiona Lowe's Birthright was my 2018 read of the year  so I am excited to receive Lowe's latest novel.


✿.。.:* ☆:**:about the book:**:.☆*.:。.✿

When a lethal bushfire tore through Myrtle, nestled in Victoria's breathtaking Otway Ranges, the town's buildings - and the lives of its residents - were left as smouldering ash. For three women in particular, the fire fractured their lives and their relationships.

Eighteen months later, with the flurry of national attention long past, Myrtle stands restored, shiny and new. But is the outside polish just a veneer? Community stalwart Julie thinks tourism could bring back some financial stability to their little corner of the world and soon prods Claire, Bec and Sophie into joining her group. But the scar tissue of trauma runs deep, and as each woman exposes her secrets and faces the damage that day wrought, a shocking truth will emerge that will shake the town to its newly rebuilt foundations...

 ✿.。.:* ☆:**:.:**:.☆*.:。.✿
 
I've read two books over the last week and reviews will be posted soon

The Secret Son's Homecoming -  a Harlequin Romance read. I enjoy these as they always have a happy ending, guaranteed.

Less You Know -  A mystery thriller with a few really good twists.


 ✿.。.:* ☆:**:.:**:.☆*.:。.✿
 
What has arrived in your mailbox this week? Feel free to leave a link to your Mailbox Monday post in the comments below. 
 

 

Sunday 3 February 2019

Storybook Corner Book Review: Dinosaur Roar! & Ten Terrible Dinosaurs (Children's Picture Book)




This week I have two adorably ferocious storybooks that have stood the test of time and have recently been reissued to continue to delight children everywhere.

Dinosaur Roar!
by
Paul Strickland & Henrietta Strickland

Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Publication date: 8th January 2019
Pages: 30
RRP: $14.99
Format Read: Paperback
Source: Courtesy of the publisher

About the Book :

A celebratory edition of this classic book, now twenty-five years old and never out of print. Produced from re-scanned original artwork, and endorsed by the National History Museum, this rollicking rhyming text is a joy to read aloud, and the charming images will appeal to the very youngest dinosaur fans.

Originally published in 1994, Dinosaur Roar! by Henrietta and Paul Strickland is now seen as a modern classic, a book that every preschool child will love.

 My thoughts:

Dinosaur Roar! immediately catches the eye with its striking silver foil cover. It features a fiercely roaring T-Rex with a small dinosaur looking suitably unimpressed. Inside is a double spread with all sorts of dinosaurs to feast your eyes on; every shape, colour and size imaginable.

The wording is simple and kept to a minimum with large text that jumps off the page. The illustrations are vibrant and whimsical, with emphasis on each dinosaurs features and expressions bringing them to life on the page.

Both Dot and Ditto are enthusiastic dinosaur fans and are eager to have the book read over and over, each reading being an educational experience with the use of opposites in the text and a natural cadence in the rhyming of words. Dot quickly learnt what was to come next and enjoyed joining in.

I had to include Ditto’s favourite page. He is enthralled by this slimy dinosaur and keeps turning back to look at and touch this page over and over.



The Dinosaurs may be different in many ways but they all come together at the end.

At the back of the book is a gorgeous pull-out poster, featuring all the dinosaurs in their colourful glory, which can be framed and would delight any toddler.
This book is now ready to be discovered by a whole new generation.

Rated by Dot & Jay 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐




                                Ten Terrible Dinosaurs
                                                by
                                       Paul Strickland


 



Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Publication date: 8th January 2019 
Pages: 48
RRP: $14.99
Format Read: Paperback
Source: Courtesy of the publisher

About the book:

Ten Terrible Dinosaurs, a lively counting book first published in 1997 and now reissued, is based on the characters from Dinosaur Roar!, a picture book that is now recognised as a modern classic. The rhyming text encourages children to join in, helping them to learn their numbers as they count down from ten to one.


My thoughts:


Once again Paul Strickland’s dinosaurs have come out to delight young dinosaur fans with a rip roaring counting book. The front cover features our ten terrible dinosaurs, who are in fact happy, smiling dinosaurs and look like they are ready to have some fun.

Strickland uses the tried and true method of rhyming verse in this educational and fun counting book. Starting at ten with a large number 10 in digits at the start of the text, the ten terrible dinosaurs are standing in a line.
The watercolour illustrations are bright and whimsical, but as we know dinosaurs can be cheeky and they soon begin to mess around. It gets a bit rough and one poor dinosaur is scared so leaves. When the page is turned the number 9 is shown in digits first and then the text.

This book was another hit here. I really don’t think the children will ever tire of playing with, looking at and reading about dinosaurs.

I liked that the numbers were in digits and text side by side which gives a visual connection of the two.
Strickland’s use of alliteration and rhyming adds an extra element of fun to the reading and listening.
We had seven silly dinosaurs, five feisty dinosaurs and two tetchy dinosaurs. The book ends with a sneaky loud ROAR! Those dinosaurs really are tricky.

Ten Terrible Dinosaurs is a book that has been loved for the past two decades and is sure to be loved for decades to come.

Reissued in association with the Natural History Museum making these books true children’s classics.

Rated by Dot & Jay 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


 About the authors:

Paul Strickland is an illustrator, author and pop-up book engineer. Since leaving school he has had a long illustrious career with his drawings and illustrations, working on many different projects but he is best known for his work in children's books, most notably as the illustrator of the modern classic Dinosaur Roar! He lives in Dorset with his wife and young daughter.

Henrietta Strickland has been creating children's books for thirty years, both as an author and also as a publisher specializing in new writers and illustrators. She lives on the Somerset/Dorset border with her four sons and a menagerie of animals.