Amelia Fang & The Memory Thief - Laura Ellen Anderson

Amelia and her friends are taking part in a competition to visit Pumpkin Paradise Park – the most bloodcurding theme park ever! All they have to do is sell as many cookies as possible.

But the creatures of Nocturnia have begun to act stranger than usual . . .

Amelia and friends are back at it again and on a wild adventure! 

When a new teacher arrives at Catacomb Academy, the gang can't wait to get started on their new cooking classes, apart from Grimaldi and Florence - they think something isn't right, though they can't place their fingers on what it could be! 

Though Amelia's friends and family can't remember her name, or theirs for that matter! What's even odder is that not a single one of them remembered Amelia's birthday party - they never forget! 

Soon the gang are on a mission to find out, just what is happening with everyone losing their marbles, before it's too late and they can't even remember their own names too! 

Amelia Fang & The Memory Thief, is the third book within the Amelia Fang series (that I have also read this year) and I loved it. I know it sounds cliche but I don't think there will be an AF book that I don't enjoy. I just love the stories and worlds, the funny and punny names that Laura creates and I certainly love Amelia with all my heart. She just reminds me of me when I was younger and I'm so here for it.  It's cute and gothic in its own way and - ugh *swoons* 

If you're looking for a fun and quirky book, with fabulous and fun illustration, I can highly recommend these books. They're perfect for all ages, not just the kids! 

I will be giving this book 4 out of 5 

(Cawpile rating of 8.93)

Playing Nice - J.P. Delaney

Pete Riley answers the door one morning to a parent's worst nightmare. On his doorstep is Miles Lambert, who breaks the devastating news that Pete's two-year-old, Theo, isn't Pete's real son - their babies got mixed up at birth. 

The two families - Pete, his partner Maddie, and Miles and his wife Lucy - agree that, rather than swap the boys back, they'll try to find a more flexible way to share their children's lives. But a plan to sue the hospital triggers an investigation that unearths disturbing questions about just what happened the day the babies were switched.

What could be your worst nightmare as a parent? Your child getting hurt? Them not having any friends? Or perhaps, someone telling you that your own child, who you have given birth to and loved, isn't actually yours?

Theo had a traumatic entrance into the world, one that Pete and Maddie will never forget, but nothing trumps Miles Lambert showing up at their home with a private investigator and saying that Theo is actually his son, and they have theirs. 

When both couples start to get friendly, Maddie senses that something isn't right. Apparently Theo and David were swapped at birth, but who would do such a thing and why are they only finding out about it now? 

Miles and Lucy are lovely. They're charming, playful and Theo adores them, so why can't Pete shake the feeling that something is off with the pair? 

Soon through court hearings, NHS meetings, News bust ups and a strange occurrences  things start to take a drastic turn in Pete and Maddie's lives. They've gone from having all around loveable Theo, to nothing at all. The Lambert's suddenly don't feel like lovely people after all and Miles will stop at nothing to get what he wants.  

At the end of the day, all you have to do is play nicely don't you? 

Playing Nice by J.P. Delaney is the fourth book by the author and what an absolute gem it is. The day I received the ARC I nearly screamed! As you all know he, he has become one of my favourite authors. So a big thanks is in order for NetGalley and Quercus. 

The book was very gripping from start to end. The chapters are quick so you fly straight through them and the story is narrated between Pete and Maddie. I feel this one is better than its predecessor, The Perfect Wife. There was certainly more of an edge to this and the plot was a lot darker than the last, I would say on the same parr as The Girl Before. 

The plot is rich and equally creepy, I literally couldn't put it down and was reading into the early hours of the morning. The amount of twists in the story and how it all unfolds is genius,  all the way to the end it had you suspecting but then it twists again and leaves you shocked!

The only downside is that I now have to wait until he releases another book. If you're looking for a new gripping thriller, with a riveting plot and superb twists, this is the one for you. 

Playing Nice will be available in all formats on the 6th August 2020, be sure not to miss this amazing read!

I will be giving this book 5 out of 5

(Cawpile rating of 9.75)

Ruin and Rising - Leigh Bardugo

The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

A weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina knows no fury, she has become Sankta Alina - but at what cost? 

To free Ravka and all other borders, she must fight to survive, even if it's against a former lover, to save the current one from ruin.  

The Darkling will stop at nothing to find the remaining firebird and leave no one standing in his path.  

She will get the last remaining amplifier, fight the strongest man in Ravka, even if it means losing the ones she holds so dear. Before it's too late. Though what if the amplifier has been under her nose the entire time? 

As Alina travels further into battle, she must decide between who to save and who to love.

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo, is the last and final book within the Shadow and Bone series and...I don't even know how to start to finish this review. It was everything I wanted and more, it's easily become one of the best series I've read for a while.

I can honestly say that I preferred this book a lot more than it's predecessor Seige and Storm, it was still slow in places but damn did it start with a bang and I was not prepared for it. It was so much more fast paced as it got towards the end, everything was happening. My heart for broke in the firing line and I cried quite a few times - I can't think about certain scenes, cause oh my lord my heart! 

I'm truly sad that the series is over, I think it could have done with at least one more book or at least one in The Darkling's POV. I am however, looking forward to reading the rest of the Grishaverse novels. 

I will be giving this book 5 out of 5 

(Cawpile rating of 9.43)

Forbidden Desire - Robin Lovett

Being a sex goddess should be my dream come true—as much sex as I want, with magic powers to heal people, too. Until I realize the enormously strong human I desire most is completely off-limits. My people will put me in prison if I’m caught with a human.

But one encounter together leaves me panting for more. So I kidnap him and take him to an alien sex retreat. I soon discover not only is my big strong human a virgin, his bio-engineering might have made him the largest person I’ve ever seen, but also it made him unable to feel any sensation on his skin.

Niva has a magic gift, she is the holder of the Exstare. A rare and and strong power that gives the her ability to heal her people in time of need, through Sex. 

Graven shouldn't even be on the planet. He escaped the clutches of the dreaded and evil Ten Systems, a system strong enough to wipe out Niva's people. He should know, he was tested and made just for the purpose, but he fled. 

Graven can't keep away from Niva, she's the most beautiful woman he has ever clasped eyes on. Her curvy body, luscious lips and sexy aurora...if only he could experience all of these magical things for himself, but humans are forbidden to go anywhere near her.  

When Niva kidnaps Graven to her family retreat in the hops to heal him, it becomes clear that there is something else beneath the surface that he's not telling her. Though that's okay, they have three days to get over their fears for each other...alone. 

Forbidden Desire by Robin Lovett, is the fourth book in the 'Planet of Desire' erotic series and it wasn't actually that bad. There were some quite steamy scenes in this book and damn, I really enjoyed them. The characters were okay, they weren't anything special but I did love the relationship between Niva and Graven and the whole secrecy to them. With that being said, I did struggle to put it down, as I wanted to find out what would happen further in the plot and what would happen to both characters. 

There were some scenes where I thought they were a bit far fetched, mostly with Graven, but all in all I did enjoy the book and wouldn't turn down anything else by this author in the future.  

Many thanks for NetGalley for the early ARC in exchange for an honest review.  Forbidden Desire will be out this coming Monday 13th July and will be available on Kindle and other e-book formats.  

I will be giving this book a 4 out of 5 

Cawpile rating of 7.14

So, Anyway - John Cleese

This is the story of how a tall, shy youth from Weston-super-Mare went on to become a self-confessed legend. En route, John Cleese describes his nerve-racking first public appearance, at St Peter’s Preparatory School at the age of eight and five-sixths; his endlessly peripatetic home life with parents who seemed incapable of staying in any house for longer than six months; his first experiences in the world of work as a teacher who knew nothing about the subjects he was expected to teach; his hamster-owning days at Cambridge; and his first encounter with the man who would be his writing partner for over two decades, Graham Chapman. 

Punctuated from time to time with John Cleese’s thoughts on topics as diverse as the nature of comedy, the relative merits of cricket and waterskiing, and the importance of knowing the dates of all the kings and queens of England, this is a masterly performance by a former schoolmaster. 

"This is an ex-parrot!"

National Treasure and comedian John Cleese goes into the depths of his past and tells you how it really is or how it was. We all know him, wether it be from The Life of Brian, The Holy Grail, Fawlty Towers or plain old Python sketches. He has become a staple in the comedy circuit and known for being one of the most influential comedic's of our time.  

From the shy young boy growing up in Weston-super-Mare and a public school, the 'At Last the 1948 Show to Python, even now the same old John Cleese is still shy and quick wittingly hilarious to this day. 

Written and narrated by the Python himself (which makes it all the more better) 

So, Anyway by John Cleese, was such a wonderful, hilarious and beautiful read. After listening to Idle's audiobook at the beginning of the year, I rushed to find other books by the Python's and was happy to come across this book. It's filled with live performance snippets, old conversations, scripts and sketches with made it all the more a lovely happy read. It made me smile so much. 

It has been an absolute joy to listen to whilst I've been working through this Pandemic, highly hilarious and full of laughs. There were quite a few sad moments though which made it all the more real and authentic. This simply couldn't have been narrated by anyone else other than the man himself. 

It was lovely to hear about his upbringing and his personal life outside of Python, how he has grown up and how he came to be one of the most respected comedic's of our time. Python have been a huge thing in my childhood and it was such a refreshing read. 

I would highly recommend for any Python enthusiasts.  

I will be giving this book 5 out of 5

Cawpile rating of 9.14

Seige and Storm - Leigh Bardugo

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

Meanwhile, The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world.

Alina is free from The Darkling, and new life with Mal in an unfamiliar town seems to be working. Though news has spread of her new gift, she just needs to find a way to keep it under wraps. 

Soon Alina and Mal find themselves back aboard a ship on their way to Os Alta, much to their disapproval. The rumours say he has returned, though he is not the man Alina once knew, he has changed and not for the better.  

With the fate of the Kingdom in the balance, Alina must find a way to keep everyone safe, have Mal by her side but most of all, not to loose her sanity.

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo, is the second novel in the Shadow and Bone series, the start of the Grishaverse novellas. 

I thought with the first book, that this also was a slow burner at the start. Yes, there was a moment where the story slaps you straight in the face at the beginning but after that there was quite a bit of waiting. However, the wait is certainly worth it towards the end of the book and the tension! Do not get me started on the tension within this book.  Oh my! 

I can certainly say that The Darkling has been swiftly pushed out of my books and I am in love with Mal and Nikolai. The plot is a good one, it gets denser throughout the book and there were some moments where I was shocked and didn't see things coming. I feel that this series will progress more within the last book, however I do also feel there should be more than three. 

With that said, I am really enjoying the series and can't wait to get started on the next.  

I will be giving this book 4 out of 5

Cawpile rating of 7.86 

Secrets (Web of Sin) - Aleatha Romig

I’m Sterling Sparrow, kingpin of Chicago.
I rule the world you see and the one good people pretend they don’t.

Nearly two decades ago, my father showed me a photograph—a girl with golden hair and light brown eyes—and told me that one day, if I proved myself, the girl would be mine.

Seasons turn to years and years pass.
Chicago is now mine.
It is time to claim my queen.

Araneae has been living in secret all of her adult life, from the clutches of a man and one man only, Stirling Sparrow. With no idea's on why she was forced out of the country by her own mother with the name of a strange man, Araneae must now try to piece together the clues she's been given even if the clues lead to memories she'd rather forget. 

Stirling has had his eyes on Araneae for a very long time, he knows what he wants and he certainly knows how to get it. Though trying to convince Araneae this is a little tricky. She's smart, independent and incredibly sexy - Is there more than meets the eye to her that Stirling doesn't know? Hardly, he knows all there is to know about her life and more. 

As the two become entwined in passion and hate, Araneae must learn how to trust the one man she's been told to stay far away from, though is it easier said than done? Once she trusts him, how much will she learn of her past that she would rather forget...including him? 

Secrets by Aleatha Romig, is the first in the Web of Sins trilogy series and oh my I loved it so much! I know I say this all the time but I actually may have found my match for Kitty French. The wording, world building and the characters just oozed class and sexiness. 

I adore Araneae so much, she's such a fierce and relentless woman who won't stand for anyones nonsense, which is bloody refreshing in books like this. She's certainly no hopeless damsel in distress. Stirling on the other hand, well...I don't know what to say, I mean he was extremely sexy (not as sexy as Lucian) but he's pretty close and the scenes! 

I did have a few down points, the way he sometimes spoke to Araneae didn't put me off as such but I don't think anyone would be talking to me like that anytime soon! Though she did put up a good fight, if not better!

I thoroughly enjoyed this series, it was full of action and suspense, many erotic scenes and the plot got thicker as I read on. I can't wait to start the next in the series and more of Romig's work. 

I will be giving this book 4 out of 5. 

Cawpile rating of 8.14

Girl, Stop Apologising - Rachel Hollis

Rachel Hollis has seen it too often: women not living into their full potential. They feel a tugging on their hearts for something more, but they’re afraid of embarrassment, of falling short of perfection, of not being enough.

She knows that many women have been taught to define themselves in light of other people—whether as wife, mother, daughter, or employee—instead of learning how to own who they are and what they want. With a challenge to women everywhere to stop talking themselves out of their dreams.

I'll be honest, 'Girl, Stop Apologising' is a book that I didn't know I needed in this Lockdown garbage at the moment. But I did need it and I'm so glad I read it.  

Hollis goes into all the nitty gritty on how you may be feeling, want to start a new business prospect or even just a hobby but don't know where to start? How about de-cluttering your mind or those pesky 'To Do' Lists? Or maybe even wanting to just have a bit more control on your life at the moment? 

I'm really happy I picked up this book, I read it on Audio through a Sribed trial and it was just what I needed. I know that many people have slated this book recently, which is fine and everyone has their own opinions. 

Yes she may have a big business, yes she may use nannies and other luxuries that many of us may not have...but why shouldn't she? She has worked her socks off and if she has the money and wishes to do so, then why not? I for one would probably do the same if I had the means - no I'm not bashing on her because she has worked! *Insert hand clamps here* 

Things that I have taken away from this book and plan to use for the future: 

• Change up my 'To Do' lists, make it into a task that has a reachable goal, that has more to it than just one words - I tried this as soon as I heard it with work and my god did it help me. 
• The 10/10/1 goal - I have written down my 10 things I would like in life, my 10 tasks on what I can do to achieve them and my 1 goal on how to get there. I see this everyday when I open my Bullet Journal. 
• Go FOR IT - If I want to start something new, or have a new idea, I now have it into my head to just bloody go for it and if it doesn't work, then at least I can say I tried. I'm no longer thinking "Someone else has done it, so there is no point" People may have already done it, but I have my own unique way of going about it and my own personal talents. Don't give up on something because it's already been done.  

If you're in need of a pick me up, you have ideas and just need a bit of a push or maybe, you just need a bit of a self-confidence boost, then I would suggest giving this book a read/listen to. 

I will be giving this book 4 out of 5

Cawpile rating of 7.00

Shadow and Bone * Leigh Bardugo

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. 

Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Alina Starkov isn't your average girl, she's a mapmaker for the Second Army. With her best and only friend Mal by her side, nothing can go wrong. 

Until they venture into the Unsea, a place where few have returned, but when their ship is doomed and they somehow find their way home. The only person they have to thank is Alina, and her hidden gift.  

Soon her old life is quickly taken away from her when she is thrust into the unknown world of the Grisha. But with the watchful eye on her from the beautiful Darkling, can Alina really be the hope for all mankind? Or is she just a pawn in a deathly and lethal game? 

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, is the first book in the Grishaverse series. I am currently doing a buddy read with the lovely Katherine and it's been a great book to start with. We have decided to read the entire series, one book a month until we finish and I can't wait to get started on the next one.  

I really enjoyed this one, it took me a while to get into it and I felt that it was quite a slow burner to begin with. Though it soon picked up the pace and I was turning pages as fast as I could to keep up with the story. I loved the writing style, and I certainly loved Alina's character - She comes across as a total badass and I'm down for that. 

To be honest, the names in the book sometimes totally threw me out, and I didn't understand why some words were constantly in italics, such as Kefta cause damn that started to annoy me after a while. I'm sure there must be a reason to it, who knows? 

Can we talk about that shock towards the end of the book though? Because I was not expecting that to happen. Damn, that changed the story dramatically. 

Without giving too much away, I really enjoyed the book and I can't wait to get back into the series and onto the next book.  

I will be giving this book 4 out 5 

(Cawpile rating of 7.64) 

Amelia Fang and the Unicorn Lords - Laura Ellen Anderson

Amelia Fang is the biggest hearted vampiress you'll ever meet. In this adventure, she and her friends Florence the yeti (DON'T CALL HER BEAST), Grimaldi the Death and Prince Tangine (reformed spoiled sprout), along with her pet pumpkin Squashy, must brave the journey to the terrifying Kingdom of the Light to try to find Tangine's missing mother, Queen Fairyweather.

Amelia and her friends are back in a glitter filled adventure. When Amelia, Florence and Grimaldi find out about Tangine's missing mother, the gang head out on a quest to find Fairweather. Though there's just one catch, they need to venture to the scary world of The Kingdom of Light.  

But when they arrive, something doesn't seem right and it certainly doesn't sit well with the little vampire. Once more, the friends aren't used to the sun being up, let alone the glitter, unicorns, bunnies and sugar. 

With time running out to save Fairyweather, the gang must find out the source of the strange pink mist...and fast!

Amelia Fang and the Unicorn Lords by Lauren Ellen Anderson, is the second book in the wonderful Amelia Fang series, and I loved it. This was another read that was part of the Believeathon 2 in May and I just can't get enough of this series. 

I love the illustrations, the word play, it's highly hilarious for adults as well as children which I think is a fabulous thing to be able to write. I especially love Grimaldi, I think he's got to be my favourite character in all the books so far. Even as a 25 year old, I can resonate with Florence, I just love her language it makes me laugh. 

If you're looking for a new children's series for your little ones, I would highly recommend this one. Andersons writing style is beautiful and a pleasure to read. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. 

I will be giving this book 4 out of 5

The Starlight Watchmaker * Lauren James

Wealthy students from across the galaxy come to learn at the prestigious academy where Hugo toils as a watchmaker. But he is one of the lucky ones. 

Many androids like him are jobless and homeless. Someone like Dorian could never understand their struggle - or so Hugo thinks when the pompous duke comes banging at his door. 

When Dorian bursts through Hugo's attire space, demanding that he fix time travel watch. Hugo thinks it will be just another normal day in his mundane, android life. 

However, when he starts takes a look at the watch, Hugo soon realises that something isn't right, and it's certainly not good. 

With the surprising help from Dorian, both android and human must overcome their differences and embark on a journey to uncover who is breaking the watches and why, but it doesn't come without a cost. 

Oh, they also need to save the planet in the process. 

The Starlight Watchmaker by Lauren James, is the first in a series by this lovely author.  I picked up this book  whilst I was away last year, when I visited a lovely little local bookshop and I'm happy I did.  

The story centres around an Android named Hugo, a human named Dorian and their differences from where they're from. Both characters already have presumptions about the other and through their journey are made to question their brought up beliefs and what their first impressions of each other are.  

The story is lovely, quirky and uplifting. Filled with friendship and overcoming various problems. I think this would be a great read for children to understand not to judge people on how they look. 

I will be giving this book 3 out of 5

The Switching Hour * Damaris Young

Never stay out after the Switching Hour...

never let the outside in...

Amaya lives with her grandmother, her small brother Kaleb and her pet goat in a land suffering a terrible drought.

Every night, the doors must be locked after twilight, the Switching Hour, because the drought has awoken Badeko, a creature that snatches people away to eat their dreams.

The rules is simple; never go out after The Switching Hour, never let the Badeko in and never under any circumstances, leave the door unlocked. Amaya just did all three.

When Amaya forgets to lock the door one night, her younger brother Kaleb soon goes missing and the only 'thing' that has taken him is the Badeko - The creature who feeds off children's dreams.

Amaya must go on a quest to find Kaleb, but it doesn't come without a price. Leaving her home and her only remaining family behind, she must face the dark and mysterious world alone, apart from her pet goat Tau.

With the heat of the sun, a stranger from another distant town and the monster hot on her tail. Amaya must find her brother fast, before the Sorrow Sickness takes her and the Badako catches her dreams.

The Switching Hour by Damaris Young, is this new authors debut novel. And what a novel it is!
This book became my favourite book on the whole of Believeathon and I adored and devoured it as quickly as I could.

The story is rich and inviting, the characters are wonderfully written and the whole plot and world building is wonderfully spooky. The only was I can describe this book is that it's kind of like a children's horror. Think 'Stranger Things' and 'Everything Under' combined into one and you get this spectacular read. This book is not just for children, it's a splendid read filled with love, hope, grief and loss. Also mingled with friendship and goosebump-chilling spookiness.

I highly enjoyed this book and I seriously can't wait for more by this talented author!

I will be giving this book 5 out of 5
(Cawpile rating of 9.71)

The Lost Magician * Piers Torday

1945. They have survived the Blitz, but when Simon, Patricia, Evelyn and Larry step through a mysterious library door, it is the beginning of their most dangerous adventure yet. They discover the magical world of Folio, where an enchanted kingdom of fairy knights, bears and tree gods is under threat from a sinister robot army.

The many stories of the Library are locked in eternal war, and the children's only hope is to find their creator - a magician who has been lost for centuries.

What they discover will change not just their own lives, but the fate of the world, for ever...

When four siblings venture to a library through the attic door of an old country home, they can't believe what they're seeing. 

Simon, Patricia, Evie and Larry have come to Hatfield Hall to live over the school holidays after the most recent war. Though none of the children envisioned getting caught up in a war of their own, especially a war between robots, bears and other mythical creatures. 

As the children embark on an adventure of a lifetime, they must decide how brave they are, how much are the willing to sacrifice and most importantly, who can they trust? 

The Lost Magician by Piers Today, is the first in a new Children's series and I'll be honest, I wasn't that keen on the story. 

Whilst I do love the reason behind it and some elements of the book, such as the world building and the retellings of children's classics from various character's point of views. I also feel the story lacked imagination, and here's why. 

As I was reading there we're very similar notes to various different stories, the main one being 'The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe' by C.S. Lewis, which don't get me wrong is an absolute classic, but I think one of the reasons why I wasn't too keen on this books because, I was never into TLWAW to begin with. 

I know that this book is different and I persevered and read till the end, but I just felt it lacked imagination and was a little lacklustre. I just feel that the book could have had a lot more potential. Simon and Patricia's characters also annoyed me. 

With that said, I would give the second book in the series a chance and will read it, I believe the next is based on the children's own children in the future.  

I sadly gave this book 2 out of 5. 
(Cawpile rating of 2.86)

Amelia Fang and The Barbaric Ball * Laura Ellen Anderson

Meet Amelia Fang. She loves playing Goblin Tag and cuddling her pet pumpkin, Squashy. She hates going to her mum and dad's boring Barbaric Ball.

Oh, and one more thing - Amelia is a Vampire. 

When the spoilt prince of Nocturnia captures Squashy, Amelia must plan a daring rescue. But things in the Kingdom of the Dark may not be all they seem...

It's time for the annual Barbaric Ball again and for the young vampire, Amelia Fang. It's the worst time of year! Though when there's talk of a new boy starting school and not just any boy, but Price Tangine, Amelia and her friends can't wait to meet him. Though not all is what it seems.

He's rude, unpleasant and a downright spoilt sprout. But when Amelia's pet pumpkin, Squashy is stolen away from her, the little vampire has an idea on who may be behind it.

Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball by Laura Ellen Anderson, is the first book in the Amelia Fang children's series and I loved it so much. I feel if these books were out when I was younger, my Mum would have definitely get them me.

It's cute and cooky and quite funny in some places, the imagination and play on words used to describe some of the things in the books, such as the food and places of interest were wonderful. I loved Amelia and her friends Florence and Grimaldi, the characters are well written and I feel this would be a brilliant asset to any children's bookshelf.

Also, the drawings and the map themselves we're great! All done by the author herself too.

If you're looking for a new book for your child or even fancy some middle grade reads yourself and don't know where to look, I would recommend these! Small and quick reads but mighty on adventure!

I will be giving this book 4 out of 5 
(8.07 on Cawpile rating system)

Miranda's Big Mistake * Jill Mansell

Miranda is thrilled when she meets Greg at a cocktail party. He's gorgeous, he's funny - and he's very keen. Just what a girl needs to put some sparkle in her life. Heavens, he's practically perfect! Greg likes Miranda a lot. She's young, she's pretty, and she never talks about babies. 

Of course he hasn't told her everything about himself - even the sweetest girls can be a bit funny about a man who's just left his newly pregnant wife. But there's no way she's going to find out - or is there?

Miranda can't believe her luck when she gets stopped by a homeless man. She's already late for work, has forgotten her lunch and in desperate need of a sit down. But here she is promising a sandwich to the local man whilst standing in the pouring rain, could her day get any worse? 

Chloe is on cloud nine. She's madly in love with her husband Greg and she's about to tell him that they're expecting their first child. Greg isn't happy at all, in fact he's furious and is soon telling Chloe to leave...not only their home but their marriage.  Chloe's could is quickly turning grey. 

Though things aren't all bad, Miranda has found a new man at a local charity event, he's charming, handsome and incredibly funny - Greg seems like the perfect man to settle down with. With Chloe pregnant, homeless and nearly jobless, moving in with a new landlady seems like the best solution, she's just yet to meet the other tenant. 

Miranda's Big Mistake by Jill Mansell, is one of her oldest books and is the seventh book I have read by the author. I can honestly tell that this is an old book and can see how her writing style has changed over the years. Both are not a bad thing, it's just clear to see how it's changed. 

I struggled to get into this one at first if I'm honest, but once I finally got sucked in I loved it. I really loved Miranda and Chloe, they were fab. Though I think I loved Florence the best. 

There was plenty of romance and drama, I found ti quite funny too! As always I shall be reading more of her books as I really do love them and find them the perfect, easy summer escape! However, I did read this when the sun wasn't shining and when we were in March! 

I will be giving this book 4 out of 5

Fen * Daisy Johnson

The Fen is a liminal land. Real people live their lives here. They wrestle with sex and desire, with everyday routine. But the wild is always close at hand, ready to erupt.

This is a place where animals and people commingle and fuse, where curious metamorphoses take place, where myth and dark magic still linger. So here a teenager may starve herself into the shape of an eel. A house might fall in love with a girl. A woman might give birth to a, well, what?

In a town, where a girl wastes away into something peculiar. A woman gives birth to something inhumane yet feral.

Where one woman wrestles with the conspiracy theories and prophecies of her fisherman husband, and where a young girl becomes infatuated with a wall - is anything reality for much longer?

Where hope, fear, love and sexual desire all become mingled into one. Where life ceases to live and hardly exist at the same time. Where chaos and beautiful, wonderful things come together as one, and then nothing all at the same time. 

There is only one place, one strip of land where it belongs. The Fenland.

Fen by Daisy Johnson, is the second novel from this wonderful and brilliantly talented young, man booker prize novelist.

You all know how much I loved and raved about Everything Under last year, and has since then become one of my favourite books of all time. 

Fen is a mixture of short, wonderful stories all of which seem to focus around main key points. I feel that these are strong female sexuality, head strong women, with a touch of anxiety and depression. The stories are all unique, though in someway attached to each other, but by only a small fraction. The imagination in the book is exceptional, the words alone manage to creep up and under your skin, pulling you in more and more.

At times I must admit I did feel a bit confused, going from one story to the next. Though I loved it non the less. I think my favourite story would be the one with the girl and the wall, or the very first one in the book. There's just something about the story telling that captured me and drew me in.

Johnson's books never fail to amaze me, there is something so strange and peculiar about them and her writing style is gorgeous. They're ever so quirky, magical and downright strange and that is precisely why I love them. Whilst I did love this book, I don't know if I loved it as much as Everything Under, but she has quickly become a favourite author of mine. 

I will be giving this book 9 out of 10 

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life: A Sortabiography - Eric Idle

We know him best for his unforgettable roles on Monty Python - from the Flying Circus to The Meaning of Life. 

Now, Eric Idle reflects on the meaning of his own life in this entertaining memoir that takes us on an unforgettable journey from his childhood in an austere boarding school through his successful career in comedy, television, theater, and film.

"Life's a piece of shit, when you look at it. Life's a laugh and death's a joke it's true"

We all know him, wether it be from The Life of Brian, The Holy Grail or plain old Python sketches. He has become somewhat of a national treasure, Eric Idle, in his own words.  

From a young boy growing up in boarding school, to a cheeky teen doing as he pleases and finally, to one of the most well known comedic's in British history and member of the well loved Monty Python. 

Written and narrated by the Python himself (which makes it ten times better) 

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Eric Idle, was such a wonderful read. I managed to finish this within a week with the help of having this as an audiobook. I found it highly hilarious and it helped listening whilst I'm currently working from home. 

It's a lovely cheerful read to have at a time like this and will leave you with a smile on your face. Granted, there were times when I laughed, cried and was even down right shocked (annoyed) at some of the stories that Idle mentioned. Sadly some of thee stories put a slight dent in my appreciation for the comedian, but I can't say it will stop me from watching Monty Python and I still have a high appreciation for what he has achieved, and I can't not say that he hasn't worked hard to get where he has today. 

All in all it was a very joyous, sad and interesting read and I would recommend to any Python enthusiast. 

I will be giving this book a 7 out of 10