Poppy’s Christmas Cracker By Leigh Russell

Poppy’s Christmas Cracker By Leigh Russell

A French patisserie opens in the village of Ashton Mead in time for Christmas. Local residents are pleased but Hannah, owner of the Sunshine Tea Shoppe, feels threatened by the competition.

When the owner of the patisserie is killed, Hannah is suspected of murdering her business rival. Her friend, Emily, is determined to clear Hannah’s name. She seems to be facing an impossible task… until her little dog Poppy makes a surprising discovery.

My Thoughts:

This is book four in the A Poppy Mystery Tale series and every bit as good as the previous books. This time we catch up with Poppy the dog and Emily who finds that Emily’s friend is in a spot of bother and needs help to find out who the real killer is. It was a great short story that has a great bunch of characters. Poppy is just the cutest of dogs and I love the way she helps her owner Emily. But can they solve this mystery this time? I loved reading this story.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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In the Blink of an Eye By Jo Callaghan

In the Blink of an Eye By Jo Callaghan

In the UK, someone is reported missing every 90 seconds.
Just gone. Vanished. In the blink of an eye. 


DCS Kat Frank knows all about loss. A widowed single mother, Kat is a cop who trusts her instincts. Picked to lead a pilot programme that has her paired with AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity) Lock, Kat’s instincts come up against Lock’s logic. But when the two missing person’s cold cases they are reviewing suddenly become active, Lock is the only one who can help Kat when the case gets personal. 

AI versus human experience. 
Logic versus instinct.
With lives on the line can the pair work together before someone else becomes another statistic? 

My Thoughts:

I love a police procedural read, I always find that world very fascinating and eye opening. I found this read so much more than that though and really enjoyed reading about DCS Kat Frank and her world. DCS Kat is reviewing a case but whilst leading a new pilot programme things are not as easy as they seem. The case becomes a lot more than Kat could of realised. I was not sure what the AI part would be like but it captivated me seeing how AI is against a human being. It was a fascinating and insightful story that I could not put down. I cannot wait to read more of Jo’s books.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Vegan Snacks By Elanor Clarke

Vegan Snacks By Elanor Clarke

Welcome to a delicious world of vegan nibbles

From the healthy to the decadent, from on-the-go breakfast ideas to after-dinner indulgences, this book has sweet bites and savoury treats to satisfy everyone. Try not to swoon as you whip up delights such as:
– tofu poké bowl
– matcha tea and lime pie
– jackfruit tacos
– apple pie milkshake
– pitta pizza
– chocolate chip cookie dough
– buffalo cauli wings

Whether you have only a few minutes to prepare a quick morsel or you want to create something truly impressive to satisfy those cravings, these tasty recipes are all you need to keep your hunger pangs at bay.

My Thoughts:

I do love a recipe book and was intrigued by this one for Vegan snacks. Now I am no way Vegan but I am trying my best to eat more healthily so was willing to take a look and give some recipes a try. First I tried the Salt and pepper roasted chickpeas and was a fan, they are crunchy and moreish, definitely a winner, then I tried the pitta pizza which was really good too. The cinnamon and maple roasted walnuts are to die for, if you are having people over for Christmas, these are going to be a bit hit and so simple to make. That is what I found all the recipes are easy to make and don’t take much time up either. I like how it is broken down into sections and also the pictures just make me hungry by looking at them. A great gift not just for people that are Vegan. I really enjoyed this book. There is something for everyone in here.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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A Little Bit of Taylor Swift By Summersdale Publishers

A Little Bit of Taylor Swift By Summersdale Publishers


Whether it’s the relatable lyrics, the cathartic bridges or the songwriting genius behind it all, there’s just something about Taylor’s music that has captivated a global fandom. No matter what era you’re in, her resilience, determination and unique talent for storytelling will encourage you to stand tall, speak now and define your own reputation.

Exploring her extraordinary journey from a small-town girl to one of the most successful and empowered artists of the twenty-first century, A Little Bit of Taylor Swift features:

– A powerful dose of fearless words from the woman herself
– Insights into her personal life and illustrious career
– Trivia to test even the most avid addict

My Thoughts:

This little book is packed with a whole range of Taylor Swift related quotes, trivia and an insight into Taylor’s life. If you know someone who is a swiftie, they are absolutely going to love this book. I like Taylor’s music but did not know much about her and now after reading this book I feel as though I know her a little better now. I liked the Trivia in there, I got most wrong but it was a fun thing to do. Really liked this compact book and I feel as though it would make a great present.

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House of Earth and Blood By Sarah J. Maas

House of Earth and Blood By Sarah J. Maas

Bryce Quinlan loves her life. Every night is a party, and Bryce is going to savour all the pleasures Lunathion – also known as Crescent City – has to offer. But when a brutal murder shakes the very foundations of the city, Bryce’s world comes crashing down.

Two years later, Bryce still haunts the city’s most notorious nightclubs – but seeking only oblivion now. Then the murderer attacks again. And when an infamous Fallen angel, Hunt Athalar, is assigned to watch her every footstep, Bryce knows she can’t forget any longer.

As Bryce and Hunt fight to unravel the mystery and their own dark pasts, the threads they tug ripple through the underbelly of the city, across warring continents and down to the deepest levels of Hel, where things that have been sleeping for millennia are beginning to stir .

My Thoughts:

After reading the ACOTAR Series, I knew I wanted to get stuck into another of Sarah’s series that she has written so I chose The Crescent City Series, It is more urban fantasy with this series, which I didn’t mind. Bryce is living her best life but when something terrible happens in her city, she is traumatised from it even years later it really shakes her up what had happened back then. But now Bryce wants to find out what really went on then and see if she can find out who did it. I found there were lots of characters involved which took me a little time to try and remember who was who. I like the fact that it was a murder mystery too, but I did feel as though it took a while to get into, the second half I found much better than the first half. I did not enjoy it as much as ACOTAR. But I will be reading the rest of the Series.

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The Perfect Son By Frieda McFadden

The Perfect Son By Frieda McFadden

All families have secrets. But some secrets are deadly.

Erika Cass has a perfect family and a perfect life. Until, one quiet evening, two detectives show up at her front door.

“Mrs. Cass, we were hoping your son could answer a few questions about the girl who disappeared last night…”

A high school girl has vanished from their quiet neighbourhood, and the police suspect the worst. Erika’s teenage son, Liam, was the last person to see the girl alive.

Erika has always sensed something… different in her seemingly perfect oldest child. He’s charming, smart and popular, but mothers have the best instincts. Erika knows there’s more to her son than meets the eye.

She wants to believe he’s innocent, but as the evidence mounts, she can’t deny the truth? Liam may have done the unthinkable.

My Thoughts:

This story is about Erika and her family, a girl has disappeared and when two detectives want to speak to her son, Erika worries that her son may be involved. It is a lot to take in for the family but Erika knows what her son is like and what has happened in the past, but she could never imagine what is about to go down. As soon as I read the first chapter I knew I would be sucked into the story. As the reader I thought I knew what was about to come but little did I know what really was going to happen. The twist and the thrills that come alive through out this book are unbelievable. I had to read this book in one sitting as I just had to know what the outcome would be. And it did not disappoint. Such a good read.

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Remarkably Bright Creatures By Shelby Van Pelt

Remarkably Bright Creatures By Shelby Van Pelt

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night cleaner shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Ever since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat over thirty years ago keeping busy has helped her cope. One night she meets Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium who sees everything, but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors – until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late…

My Thoughts:

When Tova starts working at the Aquarium, she doesn’t realise how much the place is going to be such a comfort to her especially Marcellus the octopus. Tova has been through a lot and after meeting Marcellus she knows everything will change for the better. It is kind of a bittersweet story as I could guess what the ending would be and it wrecked me. It was one of those stories that sounded good but I did not know if I would like the fact that every other chapter is Marcellus outlook. But I loved it so much. I loved Marcellus and I really felt for all that Tova had been through, it is one of those stories that will never leave me.

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The 12 Murders of Christmas By Sarah Dunnakey

The 12 Murders of Christmas By Sarah Dunnakey

12 murderous mysteries to read.

20 perplexing puzzles to solve.

1 mystifying murder to unravel…

Mastermind Puzzlemaster Sarah Dunnakeycordially invites you to crack the code of who killed Edward Luddenham.

It’s the first anniversary of the mysterious death of Edward Luddenham, found dead at his home on the Yorkshire moors one frosty Christmas Eve.

Now nine people gather at his manor house for the reading of the Will. Each has their own motivations for coming: curiosity, duty, unrequited love, desperation, greed.

They have been instructed to bring a “festive mystery story” to share.

But all you need is a pencil.

Safe from the biting cold and the relentless snowfall outside, settle in with your favourite tipple in hand, as the storytelling begins.

Though you’ll need to keep your wits about you – for among those present is Edward’s killer…

Can you solve the puzzles and unmask the murderer before they strike again?

My Thoughts:

I loved the uniqueness of this book, there are 12 stories to read and 12 stories to work out whodunnit. I loved the way each story was told and as the reader trying to work out who the murderer was, was really fascinating. I thought all the characters were good and well rounded. It was great to use my brain and I devoured this in the evening time when I wanted to relax. It was an interesting concept for a book but one that worked really well. A great whodunnit for Christmas time. Perfect for a puzzle fan.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Gone with the Penguins By Hazel Prior

Gone with the Penguins By Hazel Prior


Eileen, Veronica’s ever-patient assistant, is content taking care of other people. But when a new adventure calls, it makes her question everything…

Ten-year-old, penguin-obsessed Daisy can’t wait to be reunited with Mrs McCreedy in her huge house by the sea for the school holidays.

When they discover that the local Sea Life Centre is under threat, the unlikely trio are determined to save it and the penguins that live there.

Inspired by the penguins and fuelled by Darjeeling tea and finger sandwiches, they embark on an epic fundraising walk. But soon, their mission becomes so much more and it might just lead each of them to a new beginning…

My Thoughts:

If you have not read the first two books in this series, go back and read them first as this one will make more sense if you do. You will get to know the characters more and also the wonderful Mrs McCreedy. The local Sea Life Centre is under threat so Mrs McCreedy and other penguin obsessed fans come together to try and save the centre as it is a big part of people’s lives and to help protect the sea life. It was wonderful to catch up with old friends and I knew Mrs McCreedy would pull through, she is a strong woman. I loved this book and really enjoyed reading about penguins again.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Escape for Christmas By Phillipa Ashley

Escape for Christmas By Phillipa Ashley

Sophie used to adore everything about Christmas. Hot chocolate and velvet bows, fairy lights and mince pies.

Until the December her fiancé jilted her.

Since then, Sophie opened Sunnyside Hotel, a quaint guesthouse nestled deep in the Cumbrian countryside.

And, though it might be winter at Sunnyside, it’s never Christmas.

Marketing her hotel to those who wish to avoid the festivities, Sophie is busy preparing for a season full of joy and laughter, but without the tinsel and mistletoe.

Yet, as she finds herself growing closer to her gorgeous neighbour, Brody, her heart begins to melt.

Will this Christmas bring the touch of magic Sophie needs to give love another chance?

My Thoughts:

Sophie has been having a rough time of late and now she is not a fan of Christmas, after a major event happens in her life she knows she needs to get away from it all and start a new life elsewhere. The Lake District it is, she ends up owning a guest house and decides to open up for Christmas but not in the usual sense, this time it will be escape for Christmas and is for people that want to avoid Christmas. The characters are all spectacular in their own way and Sophie’s neighbour is a bit of a hunk, will romance come alive this Christmas I wonder? it was a good read to while away the time with. An easy pick me up read and set in the most magical of places. I could almost imagine the crispiness of The Lake District air on my face.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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