12 Days of Clink Street blog tour
                   Veronica's Bird by Veronica Bird 

Summary:
Veronica Bird was one of nine children living in a tiny house in Barnsley with a brutal coal miner for a father. Life was a despairing time in the 1950s, as Veronica sought desperately to keep away from his cruelty. Astonishingly, to her and her mother, she won a scholarship to Ackworth Boarding School where she began to shine above her class-mates. A champion in all sports, Veronica at last found some happiness until her brother-in-law came into her life. It was as if she had stepped from the frying pan into the re: he took over control of her life removing her from the school she adored, two terms before she was due to take her GCEs, so he could put her to work as a cheap option on his market stall. 

Abused for many years by these two men, Veronica eventually ran away and applied to the Prison Service, knowing it was the only safe place she could trust. This is the astonishing, and true story of Veronica Bird who rose to become a Governor of Armley prison. Given a ‘basket case’ in another prison, contrary to all expectations, she turned it around within a year, to become an example for others to match. During her life inside, her ‘bird’, she met many Home Secretaries, was honoured by the Queen and was asked to help improve conditions in Russian Prisons. A deeply poignant story of eventual triumph against a staggeringly high series of setbacks, her story is filled with humour and compassion for those inside.

My Review:
Veronica's Bird is a book of three parts. 

I might be better off in a children's home.
The first is an incredibly emotional journey through Veronica's childhood. The hunger, pain and abuse, the hope, hard work and glimpses of happiness, all told with brutal honesty. It will most definitely tug at your heartstrings. A young child needing more than anything an expression of love from her family, but more often than not, experiencing the harsh punishment meted out by her violent father. The unfairness that followed young Veronica throughout her childhood seems beyond belief but was unfortunately not uncommon during that time. 

Climbing
Part two follows Veronica after she has separated herself from her family. She wants more than anything to feel safe and find her place in the world. She  decides to become a Prison Officer, a strange decision some might think, but as time will tell, a very astute one! 

Here we have a wonderful history of the prison service, from her first days at Holloway as a new recruit in 1968 until her retirement, decades later, in 2002.
Veronica's is an insightful and honest look at the lives of both the inmates and staff in prisons all over Britain. As she climbed her way up from prison officer to Governor, Veronica made a huge difference in the lives of those around her. In her first interview to join the prison service she said, "I want to help other people in difficult situations."  and this was a mantra that she never forgot. It was the reason behind each of her decisions. 

All the stories she shares are told with humour and humanity. Each occurrence, whether an attempted escape, a prison riot, or a celebrity visit to a prison, are told in a way which makes you feel like you were there, you can feel the emotion, hear the sounds and ( unfortunately) smell the odours!

Why Do We Lock People Up?
Part three will make you think. It will make you question everything you think you know about prisons and the hows and whys. That is one of the brilliant things about this book, it's not just a story to read, a memoir that induces admiration for it's heroine ( it is that too! ) but it really, REALLY makes you think about whether prisons are really the right place for many of the inmates that are incarcerated today. 

Veronica's Bird is an amazing biography of an equally amazing woman. A fantastic read! 

Information about the Book
Title: Veronica’s Bird
Author: Veronica Bird
Release Date: 23rd January 2018
Genre: Non-Fiction
Page Count: 290
Publisher: Clink Street Publishing

Goodreads

Amazon

                A Gift from Woolworths by Elaine Everest #blogtour

I am delighted to be involved in the blog tour for A Gift from Woolworths. 

Summary
Will the war be over by Christmas?
As the war moves into 1945 the lives of the women of Woolworths continue. When store manager, Betty Billington, announces she is expecting Douglas’s baby her future life is about to change more than she expects.

Freda has fallen in love with the handsome Scottish engineer but will it end happily?

Maisie loves being a mother and also caring for her two nieces although she still has her own dreams. When her brother appears on the scene he brings unexpected danger to the family.

Meanwhile Sarah dreams of her husband’s return and a cottage with roses around the door but Woolworths beckons.

Will our girls sail into times of peace, or will they experience more heartache and sorrow? With a wedding on the horizon, surely only happiness lies ahead – or does it?

My review

This time last year I was reading Christmas at Woolworths and becoming acquainted with Freda, Betty, Maisie and Sarah. Opening up the pages of A Gift from Woolworths felt like catching up with old friends.

Despite the war, life goes on for the four friends and their families. More pain and sorrow has found its way into their lives as the war has claimed more souls, so the girls have learned just how important it is to appreciate every happy moment. 

Every step of their path seems to be fraught with danger, betrayal and devastation. However, once again, their friendship, strength and determination helps them to fight for their chance at happiness. Overcoming obstacles is hard, but with an army of friends and family by your side, it is no longer an unsurmountable feat. 

It is now 1945 and the end of the war is in sight, but will happiness inevitably follow? Join Betty, Freda, Sarah and Maisie as they continue on their adventure...

I love this series! Each book can be read as a stand alone, but once you've read one, you'll definitely want to read them all! All the characters are brilliantly written, even the ones you'll love to hate! Grab yourself a copy and enjoy! 

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Information about the book
Title: A Gift From Woolworths (Woolworths Girls #
Author: Elaine Everest
Release Date: 31st August 2018
Genre: Historical Saga
Publisher: Macmillan

goodreads

amazon

                           Outremer II by D. N. Carter #blogtour

Today I have author D.N.Carter visiting my blog and sharing a guest post with us. 

What are your favourite things about being an author?

There are several things I could say that are my favourite things about being an author that range from being able to lose myself in my work to hopefully inspiring people. I have been told that I am the type of person who naturally brings out the best in others. I hope that is the case. I would certainly hate to bring out the worst in people! But I suppose the most favourite aspect about being an author has to be that I get to spend hours researching and indulging my passion for all things ancient and mysterious. I love to read and most of my research is done that way and being a writer affords me the time to spend hours, days and even weeks if necessary, scrolling my way through books and documents. I spent days in libraries before the advent of the internet and the instant availability of books on line, and even rare manuscripts, thus reducing my research time whilst multiplying my knowledge base incrementally and exponentially upwards.

One favourite aspect about being a full time author is when I get my hands on items I am researching whether it is a very ancient document that must be handled with absolute care, white gloves on and all, when I get a real sense of its age, to wearing a heavy full face medieval helmet. Visiting living history events can prove great fun as well as help with my research such as wearing the full uniform of a Knight Templar, complete with shield and lance. Then wearing the lightweight leather outfits worn by the Ashashin’s/Assassins.
The biggest thrill though is being able to travel to do my research in person, on the ground, or as in several circumstances, underground. I get to use all the outdoor training I have gained over the years to abseil down those inaccessible places I would not have been able to reach, or where the public usually fear to go. From old wells and dungeons in ruined castles, to cliff faces in Saudi Arabia and even the deserts of Arizona simply to see in person ancient petroglyphs rendered by Hopi Indians hundreds of years go.

Recalling the many journeys and expeditions I have undertaken across the world helps me greatly as an author for when I write I have the ability to travel anywhere and be anyone I want to be. But the greatest joy is when my writing touches someone. When it makes them stop and think...when it has a positive impact and in some cases, as I am discovering, given the reader some answers and comfort...and hope. Giving hope to someone is a precious gift and one I am humbled to have been able to give on occasion.

As an author I get to spend far more time with my family and have the flexibility to choose the hours I work. Self discipline is perhaps the only difficult aspect about being an author. When the Sun is shining outside and I am stuck indoors, the temptation to put down my work is huge...but I love writing so much it is not too difficult to lose myself in my work once I start typing away or drawing another image for my books. I love being able to put into words emotions, descriptions of places I have been and information I find fascinating to share it with others. I write as if I am talking to someone sat opposite me. I have never been stuck for words...so far, nor suffered writers block. Perhaps I write too much, but I view that as not a bad thing. I always go back over what I have written to check for missing words, spellings and whether I have conveyed accurately, or believably enough, what I am trying to say. But even then I still manage to miss a word out or spell it wrong.

I have based Outremer very heavily upon real people and genuine historical records of the events during the 12th century, but by writing it as fiction based on fact, I was able to let my imagination run free...whilst hopefully still keeping it real. As fiction I was also able to indulge my own understanding of the period, but also incorporate so-called otherworldly facts that would have otherwise seemed utterly ridiculous, perhaps unbelievable and out of place in such a book. That is the sheer delight of being an author...that I can marry the two together. But also being able to make people cry and laugh through my words; that is a gift I do not take lightly but value greatly and never take for granted.

Information about the book
Title: Outremer II: Revelation Cometh
Author: D. N. Carter
Release Date: 4th September 2018
Genre: Historical
Publisher: Clink Street Publishing

goodreads

amazon

Summary: 
Christian-born Paul Plantavalu and his beloved Alisha al Komaty, a Muslim, share an unbreakable bond and a deep love for one another. Religion, war and politics oppose them at every turn. But most deadly of all is the resolve of an evil enemy determined to destroy their family lines forever.
Paul and Alisha’s journey takes a political turn; they must question everything and learn who to fear and who to trust as they continue their battle to safeguard the future of mankind. In accepting the burden of this grace responsibility, they must make peace with the difficult path they have chosen. Paul will struggle to unlearn everything he has been raised to accept as true; reality is much more mysterious and nuanced. It will fall to him to defend a much greater treasure than his own life - one which the Magi themselves understood - for the benefit of future generations. In doing so, Paul will help others to unshackle themselves from the grip of a self-styled secret elite with the power to manipulate religions, governments and monarchies, harnessing wealth and control for themselves at the expense of the populous. But to succeed in this challenge Paul must face his own desires and his worst fears, and if destiny dictates, he may be called to sacrifice his own family, including Alisha.
The second novel in author and adventurer D. N. Carter’s epic four-part series, Outremer II: Revelation Cometh draws upon forty years of intensive historical research by its Indiana Jones-style creator. As the reader is swept up by the romantic adventure of Paul and Alisha and their dazzling romp through the High Middle Ages in search of Templar truths and treasure, they are also challenged by the author to solve a coded puzzle hidden within the pages of the four Outremer novels, which will lead to a real-life bounty at the conclusion of the series!

Beardies' World by Joyce Ives

Beardies' World is Joyce Ives’ narrative to the twenty-six years she and husband John owned, cared for and loved their four Bearded Collies. The memories shared by Joyce in this book are likely to touch the heart of anyone who has had any experience of growing up and growing old with dogs. In her narrative Joyce has been able to capture beautifully how our special bond with our canine friends often becomes so significant in our life’s journey; our experiences of joy and laughter and at times our sadness and loss.

Here is a Guest post  by the author:


FAVOURITE THINGS

1. When well trained and socialised, we could take our Beardies anywhere if invited. Going to friend’s houses for the first time can be stressful for the friends especially if they do not own dogs themselves. Our friends would anxiously watch our Beardies nosing around taking in all the unfamiliar smells, once they were satisfied, they would come back and just stretch out at our feet, not moving until it was time to leave. If food was offered to us, they had been trained not to expect to receive any titbits from us or our hosts. We never fed them whilst at the table or sitting in comfortable chairs. Absolutely bad manners seeing other dogs drooling and dribbling around the table.

2. Beardies have an extremely friendly nature and when out walking in an area where they are not known, we are always asked ‘what breed, can I stroke them?’ Again they were taught not to jump up people, nothing is worse, especially if they have muddy paws. The dogs glowed with happiness getting all the attention, they are easily approachable by adults and children. This is always an opportunity to have a chat and elaborate on what sort of nature the dogs have. This is when I mentioned showing and also agility which Kizzy loved doing in her younger years. If there was a low wall at the front of a house, usually a whole estate had low walls, Kizzy would proudly hop up and walk along them. The owners if watching out their windows would laugh. It did go wrong one day, a white cat was curled up on the other side of a wall and attacked Kizzy making her fall off, but it never stopped her wall-walking.

3. Our beardies were such good company, when they were young they were allowed on our laps, but knew not to actually touch the furniture whilst lying in our arms. There is nothing more pleasing than having a warm body snuggled on you. Though they were not allowed on the furniture on their own. In later years, when it was a struggle for them, they would lie in their bean bags or on duvets on cots, sleeping with one eye open not to miss anything going on. It made me so proud and content to own a Beardie/Beardies.

4. I was never happier than to have one of my Beardies on the grooming table, usually once a week (unless they had a piece of stick, foliage or burrs caught in their coat which was immediately dealt with). Trained as puppies (they are very wriggly when first attempting to brush them.) They then lie down happily and I worked from their tail/bottom, up to their heads turning them over to brush the other side including their under carriage. This done, they knew they had to sit whilst I cleaned their ears and brushed their teeth with meat tasting toothpaste ending with rewarding them with a titbit. As soon as they were down, they paraded in front of my husband knowing they would be told how beautiful they looked, their tails wagging. I would then find the next Beardie was already on the table waiting her turn. This was routine, one after the other. To groom a Beardie properly takes one hour. If bathing
as well, it takes two hours using an industrial canine hairdryer. They were so patient being bathed and loved the hairdryer. I found grooming so relaxing.

5. During times when we had to leave them, which wasn’t often, returning home was total joy for them and us. They would each rush to their toy box offering us their favourite toy, elated that we were all back together again. Our neighbours when asked, always said that there was total silence when we were out, which was hugely rewarding knowing they didn’t bark.

6. Our Beardies were not official Pat Dogs, but whenever we visited my brother-in-law and also later on, my Mother too in their care homes, it was a pleasure taking them around visiting the residents who wanted to stroke them. One day, a particular lady, said she had a dog once and proceeded to tell us all about it. The staff approached us later saying that it was the first time she had spoken in a year, so we were also welcomed by the staff with smiles whenever we visited. It was good to see everyone so happy.

7. Finally, the most favourite things was taking them on new walks and also on holidays with us. They took it all in their stride once they had explored the property and settled down immediately. When bed time came, they were usually tired after travelling and were no trouble at all. It was lovely to see their friendly faces and wagging tails when we greeted them the next morning.

Information about the book
Title: Beardies’ World
Author: Joyce Ives
Release Date: 25th September 2018
Genre: Non-Fiction - Animals

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing

goodreads

amazon

                          A Little Bird Told Me by Marianne Holmes 

Summary

Besides, if you were one half evil, wouldn’t you want to know about the other half? 

In the scorching summer of 1976, Robyn spends her days swimming at the Lido and tagging after her brother. It’s the perfect holiday – except for the crying women her mum keeps bringing home. 

As the heatwave boils on, tensions in the town begin to simmer. Everyone is gossiping about her mum, a strange man is following her around, and worst of all, no one will tell Robyn the truth. But this town isn’t good at keeping secrets… 

Twelve years later Robyn returns home, to a house that has stood empty for years and a town that hasn’t moved on, forced to confront the mystery that haunted her that summer. 

And atone for the part she played in it. 

My Review 

A Little Bird Told Me is Marianne Holmes' debut novel and it is truly stunning. The story is narrated by Robyn and switches between the summers of 1976 and 1988. Seeing the story unfold through the eyes of a child, one trying to understand the confusing behaviour of the adults around her, makes the mystery all the more haunting.

The relationship between Robyn and her big brother Kit is one of the many strengths of this book. His memories of the events that led to them having to leave their home are much clearer than Robyn's, but he is unaware of the secrets and guilt that have preyed on her mind ever since. 

The writing is beautiful, and I found myself rereading paragraphs for the sheer joy of revisiting the images the words portrayed. The characters step off the page and draw you into their tale; I felt the children's apprehension, their fear as things spin out of control and their world turns upside down. 

An intriguing mystery that had me hooked from the beginning and guessing to the very last page. 

I'd like to thank Agora Books and Netgalley for the advance copy of this book. 

Check out the authors website here and read all about the inspiration behind this book.

Book Information
Title: A Little Bird Told Me
Author: Marianne Holmes
Publisher: Agora Books 
Isbn: 9781912194858
Amazon
goodreads

                     Blood of the Red Rose by P.J.Gray #Blogtour

I was very excited when asked if I'd like to be involved in the Blood of the Red Rose blog tour. I love historical fiction and find the details, fictional or otherwise, of the lives and loves of the British nobility and Royal families throughout history fascinating.

My Review:
The year is 1464, King Henry VI is imprisoned and Edward IV has taken the throne. Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, a staunch supporter of King Henry VI, has escaped to France, after hearing of his elder brother's execution, on command of the new king. There he dedicates himself to Henry's wife, Marguerite of Anjou and helps to raise her son, preparing him for his role as Prince and future King, if only they can somehow reverse their fortunes and take back the throne.
Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, nicknamed the Kingmaker, his wife and daughters are living a fortuitous life, that is until Edward IV decides that he no longer needs the guidance of his cousin Warwick. Feeling shunned and furious at the loss of his position of power in the kingdom, Warwick retaliates, aligning himself with House of Lancaster and so the next chapter in the War of the Roses begins.

Author P.J.Gray's genius in bringing to life these historical characters shines in this book. I adore Elizabeth Woodville (wife of King Edward IV) and find her story utterly captivating; I knew that the Blood of the Red Rose would be setting me firmly on the wrong side of the characters in history that I know and love. Somehow, the author made me care about Warwick and his family. The introduction of a fictional character, an illegitimate daughter borne to the only woman he ever truly loved, shows another side to Lord Neville. He is no doubt a successful soldier and politician, but Katherine makes him more accessible, more human.

Lord Somerset, despite his many faults, jumps off the page and into the heart of the reader. He is brave, handsome and troubled, a devastating combination and I admit that I may have developed another crush on a literary character.

Women throughout history have been used as pawns in the political war game. Here we see their spirit, their resilience and their strength as they are forced to submit to the lives that have been chosen for them. They are no longer mere pretty faces in the pages of history, but intelligent, determined women, who have their own story to tell.

Every time I opened the pages of this book I was transported back in time, and found myself completely immersed in the lives of the characters. If you like Phillipa Gregory's books then you will love Blood of the Red Rose, it is a triumph in historical fiction.

Information about the Book
Title: Blood of the Red Rose
Author: P. J. Gray
Release Date: 14th August 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Format: Paperback

goodreads
amazon

Author Information

Philippa was born in Chichester and developed a passion for history whilst growing up in Cyprus and then North Yorkshire. She began writing when she was at junior school, winning the school prize for English, and wrote and illustrated her own stories which she read to her long-suffering friends. She started her first novel, Blood of the Red Rose, when her elder daughter was a baby and finally completed it twenty-eight years later. Philippa has two daughters, four grandchildren and a grand-cat and now lives in Cyprus with Paul, her husband of twenty-five years, three dogs and four cats.

                                         I Invited Her In by Adele Parks 

My review

I read this book in one sitting, once I'd picked it up, I just couldn't put it back down again. I was utterly gripped with Mel and Abi's story. 

When Mel was at university, she and Abi were best friends. Abi was the only one who supported Mel when she fell pregnant after a one night stand. But when Mel dropped out of university, they drifted apart. Mel's life as a single mum was all about her baby boy, he became the centre of her universe. Abi on the other hand, married her boyfriend and moved to LA, where built a successful career in television. Mel's life was full of dirty nappies and baby food, whereas Abi was attending celebrity parties and living a life of luxury. 

Seventeen years later, Mel and her son Liam are part of a loving family, she has married the gorgeous Ben and they have two beautiful daughters together. Unexpectedly, she receives an email from Abi, who is heartbroken and homeless because her husband has been cheating on her,  she is coming back to the UK and needs a friend. Mel extends an open invitation to her once best friend, and welcomes her into her family home.

Now all this sounds lovely, long lost friends reunite and reminisce about their younger years, but things are about to take a dark turn, Abi may not be all that she seems, and Mel has opened up her family to devastation and pain. I Invited Her In is a story of revenge, of twisted jealousy and unimaginable malice. With each chapter it picks up pace and leaves the reader anxiously wondering what the next page will bring. 

Adele Parks makes you care about her characters, you become invested in their lives and their choices and find yourself emotionally connected to them. You smile with them, cry with them and rage with them. I felt Mel's happiness , I paced the floor with her, I blushed and giggled with her, I felt her excitement and her anguish. 

I loved the emotional rollercoaster this book took me on and am looking forward to reading more books by this brilliant author. 

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.

                                        Only Child by Rhiannon Navin 

Summary

We went to school that Tuesday like normal. Not all of us came home...

Huddled in a cloakroom with his classmates and teacher, six-year-old Zach can hear shots ringing through the corridors of his school. A gunman has entered the building and, in a matter of minutes, will have taken nineteen lives.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the close knit community and it's families are devastated. Everyone deals with the tragedy differently. Zach's father absents himself; his mother pursues a quest for justice – while Zach retreats into his super-secret hideout and loses himself in a world of books and drawing.

Ultimately though, it is Zach who will show the adults in his life the way forward – as, sometimes, only a child can.

Review

From the opening paragraph, until the very last word, Only Child had me gripped. As parents, all we want , no need , is to protect our children from harm. This novel speaks to that worry, that fear...

The book opens with Zach, his teacher and classmates hiding in a closet. A gunman is walking through the school and they can hear the shots...

'POP POP POP

It sounded a lot like the sounds from the Star Wars game I sometimes play on the Xbox.'

But it isn't a game, it isn't even a lockdown drill, this is real.

The first chapter is a chilling recounting of those horrifying minutes when a class of infants is cowering in a closet, wondering if they are going to die. The anxiety, the distress, the terror is palpable and I had tears running down my face within the first couple of pages.

Only Child is told through the eyes of six-year-old Zach, and reading this heartbreaking narrative from such an honest and innocent perspective adds to the agony.

The shooting is just the beginning. Nineteen lives have been taken, and the ripples of this violent crime are felt throughout the entire community. How do you carry on when your child has been taken from you in such a brutal way? How do you survive when your heart has suffered so much damage? Zach's mum and dad both fall apart, each trying desperately to find a way to carry on, but neither of them coping.

Rhiannon Navin writes beautifully and honestly, and in Only Child she has given us a book of hope. Even in the darkest hours we can and must search for light. Tragedies happen, but through the pain, there is always the promise of healing and happiness. Yes, this book WILL make you cry, but it will also make you smile,and it will leave you with a slightly battered by hopeful heart.

Title: Only Child
Author: Rhiannon Navin
isbn: 978159855582
publisher: Pan Macmillan
goodreads
waterstones
bookdepository

At the Dark Hour #blogtour by John Wilson

Summary:
A moving story about the nature of love and redemption set amidst the worst of the London Blitz and the destruction of London’s hallowed seat of law, the Temple

Adam Falling is a failing, sick barrister married to Catherine but conducting an affair with the glamorous Julia, who happens to be the wife of his Head of Chambers, Jeremy Pemberton.

Julia, fearful of losing her children, suddenly ends the affair. But it is too late. Pemberton discovers it and Adam is kicked out of his home and his chambers. Unable to work without a chambers and facing ruin, salvation comes in the unlikely form of the brilliant barrister, Roland (“Roly”) Blytheway. Blythway, held back in his career because of his sexuality, befriends him and invites him to join his chambers at Lamb Building.

It is there he finds himself defending a Czech refugee, Tomas Novak, who has been accused of treason and who is facing the gallows and becomes mired in another contested divorce case for one Arnold Bateman, where he, on the recommendation of Pemberton, represents the co-respondent whilst Pemberton represents the petitioner - a piece of cruel psychological torture on the part of Pemberton.

Whilst the Blitz rages on around, can Adam save Novak from the gallows? Can he get Bateman off? Will he ever discover why Julia suddenly broke off their affair? Can he succeed in resisting Jeremy’s claims against him personally? He has been told that only one man can possibly save him and that man is Roland Blytheway.

At the Dark Hour is the story of ordinary people caught in the horror of war whilst the city is destroyed around them. It features many of the most notable real life events of the Blitz such as the bombing of the Café de Paris.

My review
I was thrilled when Faye asked me if I wanted to be part of this blog tour, having read the blurb, I was very excited to get my hands on a copy of this book. 

This is a love story, a story that also questions love, and whether it's possible to love more than one person. Are there degrees of love, and if you had to choose, would romantic love win the day?

Now imagine yourself in London during the Blitz, imagine the bombs, the destruction, the loss of life. It all sounds so harrowing, so terrifying, and no doubt it was, however, human beings are incredibly resilient, so also imagine the camaraderie, the courage, the fortitude... When faced with the darkest of times, people can shine the brightest and here, some characters do just that. 

At the Dark Hour begins with an account of a clandestine relationship, forbidden love and it's fallout. Adam Falling and Julia Pemberton are having an affair, when Julia's husband Jeremy discovers their infidelity, both Adan and Julia's lives, their credibility, their futures are suddenly at risk. Adam is a barrister, his cases also play a large part in this story. Arnold Bateman has also been accused of infidelity and Tomas Novak is facing a charge of treason, as Adam takes on their cases, their stories cast their shadows on his life and those around him. 

Enter Roland Blytheway, for me the ultimate hero of the story. I absolutely adore this character, his strength, his intelligence, his kindness. When Julian attempts to destroy Adam's life, Roland takes Adam under his wing. When Adam's illness leaves him bedridden, it's Roland who comes to his rescue and nurses him back to health. Each and every character's story somehow intertwines with Blytheways, and he never fails to shine like the brightest star in the sky. 

Think Atonement, think Birdsong, think love in times of war and you'd be on the right path,  At the Dark Hour is utterly brilliant! I couldn't stop thinking about the characters, they pulled me in and made me care. The writing is fantastic, the storyline amazing, the characters wonderful! At the Dark Hour is a must read! 

Title Information
Title: At the Dark Hour
Author: John Wilson
Release Date: 19th July 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
goodreads
amazon

Author Information

Originally from Wigan, John Wilson is a QC at 1, Hare Court, London who was called to the Bar in 1981. He has written or contributed to a number of academic text books, written very many articles and is a published poet.Wilson drew on his many years of experience of family law (and in the early days criminal law) and upon the misogyny and homophobia which were characteristic of the law at the time the novel is set.When not working in London, Wilson spends as much of his time as possible in the South of France, where the novel was written, and travels extensively.  website

From Daughter to Woman

         From Daughter to Woman by Kim McCabe #blogtour

Summary:
This book aims to make the adolescent's journey just that bit safer, kinder, and better supported - so parents and teens can enjoy the teenage years more.

The teen years are tough - for teens and for parents. Many parents dread the moodiness, dishonesty, preference of friends over family, exam stress, and the push for greater independence. Mothers have a pivotal role to play; this is a guidebook for parents and mothers of girls in particular as they navigate the rocky teenage landscape with their daughters aged 8 to 18. It aims to help them embrace the potential of their child's teenage years by marking this time of growing maturity for girls and celebrating it with them. We celebrate birth, marriage and death, but this important life-transition from child to young adult is nowadays rarely acknowledged within an appropriate community.

My Review:

'Thousands of girls are on a similar journey right now and millions and millions of women have trodden the pat before you. There is no right way to grow up, and you will find your own way.'

From Daughter to Woman isn't a how to manual, but a gentle hug of encouragement and support, in a world where we come across so much judgement and negativity. 

As a mother of an eleven year old daughter, I was very keen to read this book. Navigating the ups and downs of a preteen can be challenging, so any guidance as to how to make this journey through adolescence feel a bit safer, kinder and more supportive, could only be a good thing. 

'If our children learn how to learn and acquire a love of learning, then they are well equipped. Enabling this is true education.'

Being able to look objectively at myself, and the example I am setting my daughter is an obvious first. Obvious, but so often overlooked. Do as I do, and not as I say is important when raising children, lead by example, not instruction. Remembering the basics when raising children/teenagers can be hard when we are so incredibly busy.

The extent and scope of the guidance and ideas in this book is astounding. There are chapters on pretty much anything you can think of that links with a teenage girl, from periods and relationships, to moods, body image and self confidence. 

Not everything will be appropriate for you and your daughter, but as you read this book, you will undoubtedly pick up so many gems that will help you bond with your child instead of being at loggerheads. 

'Children need us to respect who they actually are and not try to change them. They need us to champion their individuality.'

From Daughter to Woman is a book that I will be revisiting often over the next few years, as I hopefully help my daughter become the spirited, independent, incredible woman I know she is destined to be. 

Title Information:
Title: From Daughter to Woman
Author: Kim McCabe
Release Date: 18th July
Genre: Non-Fiction
Publisher: Little Brown Books

goodreads

amazon


Author Information:

Kim McCabe is the founder of Rites for Girls. As the originator and facilitator of Girls Journeying Together groups, she offers guidance to preteen and teen girls and simultaneous support for their mothers. In training other women to facilitate these groups, her dream is that every girl grows up expecting to be supported and celebrated in adolescence. Kim was commissioned to write a section in Steve Biddulph's latest best-selling book, 10 Things Girls Need Most: To Grow Up Strong and Free.

Kim is a home-educating mother of two boys, one girl, two cats and a colony of aloe vera plants; she is wife to a Kiwi, daughter to itinerant parents, friend to a cherished few, and lover of time alone, too. She lives in the Ashdown Forest in Sussex. She sometimes shouts at her children, accidentally steps on the cat's tail and forgets to water the plants, but she loves her work, her family and her life. She has always had deep affinity with teenage girls, and by sharing her wisdom and compassion she infects the reader with her enthusiasm for this life stage.

           #blogtour The Haunting of Mount Cod by Nicky Stratton 

Hi everyone, today The Haunting of Mount Cod blog tour stops here, and it is my pleasure to introduce you to Lady Boxford and her pug, Parker. 

Summary:
Lady Laura Boxford lives with her pug, Parker, in the retirement complex of Wellworth Lawns, formerly her family home.

One day she and her friend Venetia see the ancient actor Sir Repton Willowby arriving. He’s Venetia’s cousin by marriage and Venetia says he murdered his wife.

He lives at the Edwardian pile, Mount Cod and he says he’s being haunted by the ghost of an eighteenth century serving wench called Rosalind.

Laura is convinced he’s a charlatan using the ghost as a ruse for finding a new wife.

She determines to get to the bottom of the mystery on account of Venetia’s daughter, who stands to inherit Mount Cod.

But did Sir Repton murder his wife and is the house haunted?

My Review:

I really enjoyed this crime mystery. Lady Boxford is a spirited heroine, who takes absolutely no nonsense whatsoever and doesn't suffer fools gladly, she brought to mind an elderly Jessica Fletcher. ( Murder she Wrote )

I'm not sure I've ever read a crime novel set in a retirement complex before, but it works! The age of the characters didn't slow the action down at all, and if anything, their life experience, along with their joie de vivre made for some thrilling moments. 

Lady Boxford has a lot to contend with, murder, a ghost, theft, illegal marriages, seances... but she doesn't falter, and with the help of some friends follows the clues and attempts to solve the crimes. 

I believe this is the second in the Lady Boxford mysteries and am looking forward to reading more. 

Information about the Book
Title: The Haunting of Mount Cod
Author: Nicky Stratton
Release Date: 28th June 2018
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Format: Paperback 


goodreads

amazon


Author Information


Nicky Stratton came second in a short story competition when she was twenty; the prize was a brown typewriter called The Underdog 2000, but rather than become a novelist, she embarked on a thirty year career as a copywriter. Alongside work, Stratton raised two children plus a veritable menagerie of animals, including a hawk; she also took an Open University degree in Humanities, graduating at the age of fifty with a 2.1. She finally published her first novel, The Weight of Death, in 2016. Nicky Stratton lives in Stratford upon Avon with her partner Myles.