Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris

Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris 

Reading Heather Morris's Tattooist of Auschwitz, I was always interested in what became of the character Cilka. Even just the brief descriptions showed she was such a strong woman just trying her best to survive.

Therefore, when I saw that Cilka's Journey was being released I knew that I had to make sure to get it. For a change I decided to get this one on Audiobook.  At first, I was wary that I might struggle to listen to this kind of book as hadn't tried it before, but this one didn’t disappoint me at all, I didn’t want to stop listening. The narrator really brought the story to life, and the book itself is an upsetting but inspirational tale of what life was like for Cilka.

The story splits between Cilka's life in Auschwitz and the Russian Gulag she was sent to for conspiring with and sleeping with the Germans whilst she was imprisoned. A shocking end to her imprisonment at the German Death Camps that she was lucky to survive and where she suffered greatly.

Cilka, however, was still determined to survive in the Labour Camp, where this time she at least had a date that should give her release as long as she could learn to live in this new harsh environment.

As with a lot of Auschwitz novels, this can be hard to read or listen to, but it is amazingly written and it’s, beyond a doubt, an inspiration to us all that someone could go through so much and still want to live.  It also makes me feel extremely lucky that this is not something I have had to endure in my life.

We should all remember what has happened in the past, even if it is just to try and make sure that it does not happen again. If you are a historical fiction fan or have previously enjoyed stories surrounding WWII then this is a must read.  It’s one of my top books of the year.

By Claire 

17 Church Row by James Carol

Frighteningly  Possible.

I do love a good thriller and this one I thought was great. It is brilliantly written to keep you thinking throughout the whole book.

It’s a gripping story regarding house with revolutionary new system which includes higher security which is what attracts this couple. Ethan and Nikki had lost one of their twin daughters Grace and the other, Bella has not spoken since. They therefor want a new start and to keep Bella safe and even though she isn't certain Nikki goes along with this new property after her husband and daughter love it at first sight.

However, even with this new high end technology and integrated security system are they going to be any safer?

Well it becomes very clear not long after the move things are definitely not as they seem and it was great to watch the story unfold especially as there is more than one POV and a mystery Narrator. I think that was the one thing that kept me reading as I was desperate to know who this mystery narrator was and who they were discussing.

I wasn’t overly fond of the actual characters but still found I couldn’t put down.

It’s even more thrilling and slightly terrifying to know that with technology taking over that a house like 17 Church Row may soon be in our very near future.

I definitely would recommend to any readers who enjoy a very plausible thriller.

By Claire

The Bluff City Butcher by Steve Bradshaw

Overall a very interesting book I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Bell Trilogy.

I loved the Characters of the book and look forward to finding out more about them as this is just the opening I am hoping there is much more about who they are.

The plot itself is an interesting it follows ex-pathologist, Elliot, on a hunt for a wanted serial killer. He sees more than your average investigator and has a link to the monster terrorising Memphis who he has been trying to capture for many years.

There are some twists on the story which keep you wanting to find out how it all ends however this took me a lot longer to get through than I would have expected. I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator though can’t quite place why. There was also a lot of bits where the story started to drag and possibly too much information.  I am hoping this will not be the case in the rest of series as the background will already be set.

With the twists already in the first book I am interested to see where the rest of the book go as I am not entirely sure what will happen. Soon as I have read or listened to the others though I will make sure to review them as well.

By Claire

Terror Bites by Emma Puller, Mark Walker, Rachael Howard and Steve Pool

Great stories for a Great Charity.

I don’t read short stories very often but this seemed great idea for me. I do like horror and had a busy time ahead so little bite size stories were ideal. All except one thing I kept thinking just one more.

There is 20 stories by 4 different authors and with a wide range of topics such as zombies, ghosts and spiders just to name a select few for everyone to enjoy.

Spiders are a fear of mine and think that’s the one that will stay with me for a while. 

Although the stories gripped me to varying degrees I enjoyed them all. They are very descriptive and gruesome so not for the faint hearted that’s to be sure but that’s what I loved most about them.

If I had to pick a favourite I think it would be Black Friday as it also brings the memories of when I see crazy shoppers, especially through the holidays. It meant I was able to picture it very easily happening in a very disturbing but enjoyable way.

I would recommend to anyone who likes horror stories especially those short on time and can’t read much.

By Claire

Stop At Nothing by Tammy Cohen

I had heard so many different reviews on this that I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I started. 

Stop at Nothing is a mother's tale of her feelings of helplessness and trying to keep her family safe after one of her daughters, Emma, is attacked. 

She was brought home by a helpful witness who keeps herself involved with the family afterwards as well, Tess (the mum) cannot help but wonder how to keep her daughter safe and help her get on with her life and ends up causing a bit of trouble when she finds who she thinks is her daughter’s attacker. 

What would you do in the same situation? I don't know myself, but I do know that as a character I couldn't find myself liking Tess even though I did feel sorry for her. The same for any of the other characters. 

It therefore it seems strange to say then that I still really enjoyed reading the book. There were a few twist plots that kept the story moving and, and for the most part I still really wanted to keep reading. 

I enjoyed it even more when I read details at the back that the start of this was based on a real event the author experienced and gave more power to the feelings Tess was having of helplessness. 

It was my first Tammy Cohen book, and I definitely would read her books again, as it was well written.

By Claire 

A Shaper's Birthright by Karen MacRae

Much anticipated second in the series. 

I read and reviewed A Shaper's Promise just last month and really wanted to make the time to read this, I’m so glad I did. 

Anna continues to grow into her powers and learn more about where she came from, but you can tell there is still more to come, and that is why I am so glad to know there is another book after this for me to look forward to. 

This book felt a little slower as I went through it, as it’s about the learning of her gifts and her past.  There is some fighting going on, but not much. I still felt engaged with the characters throughout the book, and hooked on wanting to find out how it will end. 

There were surprises in the storyline which I loved and felt that they would keep me on my toes rather than guessing everything that is coming. 

I definitely would recommend the story so far and will keep you posted when I finally get to read the third instalment, which I am hoping to be soon. I know I won’t wait too long to see how Anna and the gang get on.

By Claire

Faerie Misborn by Samaire Provost

The story revolves around a homeless teenager who has lost everything finding out of her faerie parentage. Holly is offered acceptance into a boarding school where she can be fed and have roof over her head when she meets Chance who has come to fetch her. 

However, the dream of school and safe life has its troubles as Holly is "misborn" which in faerie causes problems. This is where her parents were not married. Bullying follows her and people know more about her than she does. 

I love the idea of this book and did enjoy it. I feel it is more aimed at a younger reader but certainly a nice easy read for me. I would love to see how the rest of the series goes and see Holly find more.

It did however lack in some details that might have helped get me more involved. There was nothing really on her education other than classes were hard. I also felt that as a streetwise teenager who didn't trust much didn't seem to question going with Chance very much. Plus at the beginning she didn't know basic things to look after herself like bathing or brushing her hair but once at school seemed to have no problems or ask many questions 

The story revolves around a homeless teenager who has lost everything, and then finds out about her faerie parentage. Holly is accepted into a boarding school where she can be fed and have roof over her head when she meets Chance, who has come to fetch her. 

However, the dream of school and safe life has its troubles as Holly is "misborn", meaning her parents were not married, which in the faerie realm cause problems. Bullying follows her and people know more about her than she does. 

I love the idea of this book and did enjoy it. I feel it is more aimed at a younger audience, but it was a nice, easy read for me. I would love to see how the rest of the series goes and see Holly find out more things about herself. 

It did, however, lack in some details that might have helped get me more involved. There was nothing really on her education other than classes were hard. I also felt that, as a streetwise teenager who didn't trust much, she didn't seem to question going with Chance very much. Plus, at the beginning she didn't know basic things to look after herself like bathing or brushing her hair; but once at school, she seemed to have no problems or ask many questions about what had happened. I'm hoping some of this will grow in the subsequent books. 

I definitely recommend it for YA supernatural readers, and I’ll be looking out for the new books in the series to find out what happens next.

By Claire 

Who Did You Tell by Lesley Kara

Brilliantly Written.

This can be a difficult read emotionally as it focuses on main character Astrid. She is an alcoholic who is trying to rebuild her life and stay sober. It is very well written and has some very good descriptions of the struggles of someone with Alcoholism getting through the day. It also has the twists and turns of what has happened in Astrid's past that is still haunting her.

As she tries to rebuild her life she also meets Josh and they soon become a couple but she hasn’t shared her past with him. I found this was a side note to fill the story up a bit but there wasn’t as much substance or realism for me. I just didn’t see the relationship develop the way I would have expected from the rest of the storyline.

I did enjoy the plot and history coming back to haunt us fits so well in with the character. Some of the twists where expected but it doesn’t change it from being a great read. I didn’t want to put it down.

Due out 5th December! 

By Claire 

Rosie's Travelling Tea Shop by Rebecca Raisin

Definitely a Feel Good, Laugh and Smile Novel.

Oh my God am I so grateful this book was suggested to me. I needed a light hearted book that would make me smile and this book certainly done that. The writing was great and I just wanted to be on the road with Rosie and Aria and relax with tea and a book

The book is centred around Rosie, who at the beginning is an OCD Chef who needs to plan everything but who's life changes when her husband leaves her for another woman. She gets very drunk and buys a camper van and though unsure about it decides to leave her old life in London behind and travel around selling different blends of tea. This is really difficult for Rosie as she can't plan everything like she is use to but after meeting her complete opposite Aria she does start to see the positives as well and her life starts to become more freeing for it. Plus she finally gains a true friend.

Being heartbroken and out of her comfort zone of course we see 2 romantic interests for Rosie in the book. Which one will she pick? The safe guy she has only spoken to online or the guy who makes her tingle but she can't bring herself to trust. Are they both who they seem to be? Well to be honest whilst reading the Plot itself isn't really a mystery or big twists, at least not for me, but this book really isn't supposed to have.

The writing however did keep my laughing and smiling away as well as dreaming of getting away from it all. Plus I might be a tad bit biased on the basis that the author actually included Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the story which is very close to me.

Would recommend to anyone who wants a light hearted read with a little romance for an uncomplicated read. 

By Claire

Lake Child By Isabel Ashdown

Rocky Start but Worth It.

The confusion of the first couple of chapters caused me to think this book was going to be slog but by end of chapter 5 or 6 I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I finished this book in one sitting as I needed to know how it turned out and what had really happened with Eva.

Lake Child is about a girl, Eva, who has been in an accident and has woken with memory issues in her parents attic. With no clue what has happened, what's going on or why she is being shut up there with no one else allowed to visit except occasional enquiries from the police. 

There was lots of twists and turns in the story so even though I had guessed a few bits an pieces there was always something to hold my attention and make me need to continue reading. There was a few bits that where slow but mainly once I got through the first section I knew that the rest was going to be great and I was not disappointed. It was well worth it. 

I would definitely recommend to other readers but would warn there is some traumatic events in here as well as the ideas that may come while Eva is still gets some of her memory back. If disturbed and put off books with details of Sexual Violence then this may not be for you but events and any descriptions are to minimum with more of a focus on the mystery that the author creates surrounding what happened.

By Claire

Goes Without Saying by Luisa A Jones

Completely Relatable.

Luisa A Jones has done an amazing job writing in this book and made it completely realistic and relatable to me as a reader. There was funny sections as well as the hard emotional thoughts that can go through your head at the situations taking place that I loved as it got me hooked from the beginning.

Goes Without Saying is about a couple, Megan and Tom, who have been having problems in their marriage when Tom leaves a note and decides to go away for the break without speaking to his heavily pregnant wife. Nor does he tell her or their 2 daughters where he is away to. This is devastating thing to happen and not knowing if he is gone for good or wither she wants him to return Megan goes after him.

The book flips into the couples past which some do not like but for me it gave depth to the book on how things had changed with the couple. It also gave the story from both the couples perspectives so you could understand both Megan's anger and hurt but also Tom's struggles that caused him to need to get away.

The Characters both have flaws and this makes it all the more realistic and becomes thought provoking to my own life where after so many years a relationship that was once open and fun can change. Especially if we are not communicating. The issues are raised well by the author and there is still the good times in the book that make it a lovely and sometimes funny read rather than a dark depressing story that it could have been with the subject matter. First read by myself on this author and hopefully not my last.

By Claire

Jaffle Inc by Heide Goody and Iain Grant

Interesting concept.

With computer's, phones and technology in general taking over so much of our life I thought this to be very interesting story on what could all go wrong in the world. In that I was right.  

The book is about a world where our brains are all hooked up to an information centre and our extra processing is used to rule the world decisions and computers, such as traffic lights. Unless you can buy your way to another platform. As always the rich rule the world. 

Alice however accidentally gets the upgrade and learns what life is like where she can experience colours, tastes and love. 

I love seeing this. Alice is so pleased with the smallest things and really brings to light how we take small things for granted.

However, I have to admit the book really wasn't for me. I found it very hard to get into at the beginning. The writing was very robotic at that point which I'm assuming is to show Alice's thought process she was allowed at that time. I also felt was really slow therefore found was struggling with it.

It did improve as I read but it still didn't wow me or grab me the way I was expecting. This was just me personally I have read others by the authors and certainly wont be putting me off more.

By Claire 

Misery by Stephen King

Glad persevered.

I have put off putting up the review for a few days while I tried to get my thoughts straight. I am so sure read this years ago and that I loved the film too but I couldn't be certain. Therefore when buddy read were starting this I was so looking forward to it.

The beginning was so hard going, very repetitive especially with some of the metaphors that if I hear them again I may may choke someone. I really thought I was going to give up.

However as I got into the book it did get better and started to flow a bit better in my mind. There was quite few differences from the movie so if you have seen then it that certainly doesn't mean there won't be surprises.

I loved some of the gorier scenes and without spoiling it for those who haven't read the "lawnmower" section being a favourite of mine. 

There was definitely a creepy feeling to being locked up and at someone's mercy that made me want to get up and out even though that is something I struggle with.

Overall I did enjoy but I am taking a short break before reading a few others that are on the Stephen King buddy read list.

By Claire

The Memory Wood by Sam Lloyd

A standout. 

A chilling tale but has to be one of my favourite reads. It certainly seems like it will be a book I will remember. 

It centres around 13 year old Elissa who is kidnapped from a hotel parking lot and even though the police are alerted quite quickly by a witness there isn't much to go on.

Sam Lloyd has wrote it so the book is done from different perspectives. Those being Elissa, Elijah who finds her but wont tell the police shes there but seemingly wants to be her friend and from the main police investigator who is looking for Elissa. 

This can sometimes be confusing in books but feel was done very well and let's us to get to know the characters. It also helps keep the twists and turns going through out so we can keep trying to guess what's happening. 

I definitely will be recommending to any my book buddies who like mysterious thrillers.

By Claire 

The Clutter Free Home by Kathi Lipp

Exactly what I want - a clutter free home.

Like a lot of people I suffer from a house full of clutter and I want me and my house to be free of it. I have tried few self help books and websites but this is my first time looking at Kathi Lipp's clutter free information. 

Kathi Lipp has set up this book breaking it all down and seems to understand the importance of taking it slow, something I need reminding of very often. 

I like the sections that she has included for us to break down our own home after she talks us through that part of her own home and the checklists on items or areas we need to declutter. 

What I love though is the true life bits of her own that makes it feel real and not impossible to get ourselves clutter free.

However, alot of it is things I have read before and there wasn't much new for me that I hadn't heard in my struggle to get rid of my clutter. 

It has though got me motivated again to start my journey and I have my nice little breakdowns wrote down to get started. Therefore was still very useful for me.

By claire 

Ghosted by Jason Arnopp

Absolutely loved The Last Days of Jack Sparks so when I discovered that Jason Arnopp had written another book I was very excited to get my mitts on it.

This is another brilliant read. Jason is becoming a favourite of mine in the horror genre- which is my favourite sort! He is going to be the new horror household name in the world of books.

This book is mainly about our addiction to mobile phones and being online. The fear of missing out and the gratification that comes with being popular online. I loved the mystery of the book and Scott's disappearance. There's plenty of chilling moments and intriguing tibits that just kept me reading all night. Loved the ending! It's fresh and different. It's got a really important theme and makes you think.

I can't wait to read this author's next book.

By Laurel 

Crow's Cottage by John Bowen

I Need More More More!

I had heard such great things on the first Where the Dead Walk book but I hadn't read it so was even more curious when I saw the Crow's Cottage cover and blurb. I just couldn't help myself I had to give it a try. 

I am so glad I listened to it on Audible as narration was also amazing and just added to the story.

I often grew up watching shows similar to Where the Dead Walks with my mum. I wasn't huge believer but she was and I love the history behind so many of the locations and the ghost stories.

I think that's why I took to the book straight away. It follows the production team of the Ghost hunting TV show Where the Dead Walk including there new hostess Chloe who is excited to start new job. 

It's there investigation into paranormal activity at Crow's Cottage that leads the team back to 1988 to the story of a man who took his own life and a woman disappeared after a party there. 

That is also what gripped me to the story as it wasn't a typical ghost hunt that I was expecting. The show helps to solve a 30 year old mystery and it's developed between  the present and the flashes into the history. I didn't want to put it down. 

As I mentioned this is book 2 in the series but I hadnt read the first one and it works well on it's own. I have however just purchased the first one about 10 minutes after finishing it as author  Steve Bowan intrigued me so much and I wanted more. Here's hoping for another one soon. 

By Claire 

Son of a Jacobite by T.J. Lovat

History comes to life.

Growing up in Scotland I have heard, read or saw a lot on Culloden and our Jacobite history so was very curious to see what this book could add to that. T.J Lovat had aptly named it Son of a Jacobite as this book is pretty much the life of that one character. A boy, Thomas, born the day of Culloden while his father fought and died for the Jacobite cause. This gives it the underlying current only of Thomas losing his father, moving away and ultimately being lost on what to do with his life.

The book though is more about the relationships and thoughts Thomas has especially in his teenage years and twenties. I love that even though he grows up mainly in England he has a love still of his country and heritage. With that being said as he grows he is confused about this and his anger around losing his father. He travels around the world and you can see him struggle to find his own identity along with working out how the world works. He even joins the British Army later in the book as well which could be surprising giving his history the decision seems to work well as you read the book and get to know Thomas. Through it all you see him grow in his own beliefs. Not necessarily This religious beliefs  but in what is right and wrong.

 T.J Lovat does a great job at showing different sides to Islam, religion as a whole and the differences in how people react when with people of different faiths than their own.  The descriptions of all the places and people are also well done but the main focus is always on Thomas and his interactions with them.

I do feel that there are few bits in the book where I thought the story was starting to drag. However l also think a lot of the background information was useful in what was happening in those times and gave more meaning to what Thomas was both going through then but also with his thoughts and beliefs as the story went along.

It was great to read something different and there seems to be a hint near the end that there might be more to come from T.J Lovat, even If this is a standalone book, I can't wait to see what else he comes up with.

By Claire

Snowflakes at the Little Christmas Tree Farm by Jaimie Admans

Made my Day!

Ok so I wasn't feeling my best and thought a nice light hearted book was the way to go. I couldn't have made a better choice with Snowflakes at the Little Christmas Tree Farm. 

Who hasn't woke after a night of drinking and discovered they bought something online? Well I have, though I have never managed to buy a Christmas Tree Farm. Which is exactly what the main Character Leah does in the book.

Upset and needing a change she decides to go and make the most of it. The main problem seems to be that she doesnt know anything about Christmas Trees or farming them. It also turns out the place isnt in the best of condition.

Luckily Leah meets neighbour, Noel, who helps her find her feet and tells her what needs done on the farm to try and get it functional. Both have been hurt in the past but the friendship soon obiously blossoms. There is there are no real mystery in the book, with it being a rocky romance, however this is kind of the point isn't it?

Author, Jaimie Adman, however still makes it an interesting and heartfelt read. So much so that i read it in one sitting. I love the characters and that she has Leah fight to learn everything she can so she can have her dream. Where alot of people may have given in. 

I have already recommended to my Fellow Wine Lady last night and will continue to do so. Already admitted might be a little bias though as the farm is in Scotland, like myself. 

By Claire

Imposter by LJ Ross

You need this book in your life.

It is an audiobook I loved from start to finish. I was gripped the entire story so much so finished in 2 sittings.

Hugh Dancy does an amazing job narrating the story. His voice sounds like heaven and after seeing his picture I think I am in love. 

However, it wasn't just the voice that made it my top audiobook so far. LJ Ross wrote this book in a way few could do it credit.

Profiling to catch criminals has been seen on tv and in other books so wasn't sure what to expect with Dr Alexander Gregory. 

In this book it shows him taking a break from his day job to help the police of a small town catch a killer. He understands people in a way others either can't or don't want to, giving great insight into why the perpetrator is committing muder. 

LJ Ross' talent in writing her characters and story are clearly demonstrated in this book. The characters are all amazingly described and so many of them seem to fit Dr Gregory's profile of the killer.

As you read/listen to the story they all seem plausible suspects. Just as you settle on one of them you change your mind. 

I often find I know the ending before it is revealed but with Imposter I was kept guessing to the very end. 

I can't think of any reason why I wouldn't recommend this book. It's a must read.  

Out today! Link below

 https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Impostor-Audiobook/1528882490?qid=1571835712&sr=1-3&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=4C1MAM9MT4KSJZ7VGKRK&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_3

 

 

Wrapped Up For Christmas by Katlyn Duncan

A nice easy feel good read.

I needed something nice and cheery to read. Romantic christmas novel seemed in order. This fit the bill exactly.

Angie returns home after a breakup and needing to start over and so of course sparks fly when she meets Nick.

The dynamics to the characters are there to show a gradual buildup of the relationship rather than rushing head first in to it. 

However, it is still a very typical romance story with not much mystery involved but still a good read. Especially nice to get into the holiday spirit and take a break from some of the heavier reads.

By Claire 

A Shaper's Promise by Karen MacRae

It's a different world.

Karen MacRae does an amazing job describing a world completely different from ours as well as bringing all the characters to life. The idea of people having gifts or superpowers has been something a lot of authors have written about however few have engrossed me so quickly. 

Anna is an amazingly strong and morale female protagonist that we need to see more of. She may be young and seemingly fragile but deep down she has a lot of power and stands up for what she believes in. 

The book is set in a world where all abilities are accepted and embraced, all except one. Annas. She is an Aura Shaper and using her gifts is punishable by death. She has kept her secret for a long time so understandably is very wary when 2 strangers, on the course of finding a friend in trouble, discover what she is. 

However even though they are frightened of her abilities they help her. I like that Sy and Spider accept her despite being afraid instead of them instantly disregarding everything they had been told or knew of others with her ability. 

Fate seems to send her with them on their travels and appears to have much larger plans for her. With her abilities she looks to be the only one who can save the entire Kingdom. However first she must learn what she can do and how to control her powers. 

This is merely the beginning of her journey. I didn't realise this was a series when I started to read it but I now cant wait to read and see how Anna and the other characters develop. 

By Claire

Candy Canes And Buckets Of Blood by Heide Goody and Iain Grant

I needed a change and that's what I got!

It turned out to be a nice and easy read that also perfectly fit in with my strange sense of humour. The title was the first thing that drew me to this book, it wasn't to be your typical happy holiday novel at all. But I also loved the fact that it also wasn't a normal horror book either, it was different and I found it was really an enjoyable read.

I did feel that it dragged a bit at the beginning. I was waiting on the buckets of blood which took a few chapters to get to. It does however give you more background on the characters so you can understand better how they behave once things start getting strange.

The characters themselves are to be a blended family and are spending time together for their first Christmas and getting to know each other. What's a better way to get to know one another than being stranded with mythical killer elves? 

Even with the bloody title and some disturbing things described it is also very comical as well and found myself still laughing throughout. It also certainly brings to prospective how some disastrous holidays certainly could be a lot worse.  

Glad to have read it definitely just what I needed.

In The Absence Of Miracles by Michael J Malone

Wow. Where can I even begin to describe this book. 

First of all, I love this author's books. House of Spines is one of my favourite books and I find Mr Malone a phenomenally talented author and now one of my firm favourites.

Being Scottish, I love seeing Scottish vocab and characters in a book. No one quite delivers the word sh*te as well as a Scot! This book is incredibly powerful, raw and moving. 

It deals with such a sensitive issue but one that needs to be spoken about much more. I am so incredibly in awe that he had taken such an awful but all too real issue and not shyed away with it within his story. 

The words in this book are just beautifully descriptive that at times it felt like poetry. 

This book willl stay with me long after finishing it. It's just incredible writing.

By Laurel

Lost Daughter by Ali Mercer

Loved this book. 

It took 3 woman who were all separated from there children for different reasons and from different backgrounds and gave their stories. 

They are amazing friends even with their differences and although sad topics are raised it's done very well and very inspiring and uplifting as well. 

First book of Ali Mercer's I have read although I wasnt entirely sure it would be for me when I started it I am glad to say I ended up really enjoying it. 

I will be looking to see if can get more of Ali Mercer's books because if they are half as good as this one I know I will enjoy it. 

By Claire 

Making Friends With Anxiety by Sarah Rayner

Right Book at Right Time.

I don't normally go much for Self Help books there are so many that cover the same thing and not always helpful. However it was Mental Health week and I have been suffering more than usual so I decided to give this a go. I am so glad that I did.

Sarah is a sufferer herself but she has looked into the medical side and the fact that anxiety effects everyone differently. I listened to her Audio version and found her voice (she narrates herself) calming and understanding. 

I loved that it was not only short but still broke down into manageable chunks because it can be hard to stay focused when I am struggling which she also brings up in the book. I large portion of it was very applicable to me and advice although similar to what I have heard before did bring it into a more practical applications and reinforce something that I often need reminded of. 

I think this one could help a lot of anxiety sufferers and I know that I will be returning to listen to parts of this book whenever I need a reminder. I am considering some of her other works as well but will look more into this once I have had another listen,

By Claire

Relatively Strange by Marilyn Messik

Wow! Just Wow!

With so many people raving about this book I just wasn't sure what to expect but I think I was expecting to be let down. This was not the case! This went beyond my expectations. 

The first line of the book "I was five when I discovered I could fly, sixteen when I killed a man. Both events were unsettling in their own way." had me intrigued straight away. I couldn't put it down and had it finished in two days. 

Marilyn Messik done such a wonderful job writing this that it came to life for me and made it so believable I just wanted to know what happens to the main character Stella. It is written from her point of view and she is particularly interesting as she has some amazing abilities in the form of mind reading, telekinesis, fire starting and levitation (which she called flying) but is also a great personality. I just love her sense of humour. 

It follows her life from earliest memories until she starts working and I was gripped every second. Some of her story was very dark and had some very disturbing moments where at other times I just had to laugh out loud at Stella's actions and thoughts and the way they were described. 

I am not sure I could put this book into a category of who should read this as personally after finishing early hours of this morning I want to recommend to all to give this a read. I will be on the look out for more by this author as this was first one I had tried but if the rest are even close to as well written I can't wait for more.

By Claire

The Children's Block by Otto B Kraus

A book that will stay with me for a long time. 

Otto B Kraus is an Auschwitz survivor who wrote a novel to tell the story of those from the Czech Family Camp. It has taken his own memories and others to put together into a smaller group of characters but is all based on true life events. 

All the characters bring a tale of different goings on around the camp and there different ways of thinking. It shows that they think and cope differently even though there situations are the same. It makes me as a reader really think of the horrifying situations they are facing and ask questions of morality and survival, which aren't always the same thing.

The author created Alex as the main character of the book. He is a teacher of the children even though this was illegal in the camp. Therefor lessons had to be hidden or disguised as something else such as a game. A dangerous situation for someone to do. Alex is also a survivor his thoughts always seem to be on the future and how they can fight against the guards. I love that Otto makes it so that the women he falls for, Lisa, is in nearly every way his opposite. She thinks they should live for the moment and not think of plans for the future they don't know they will have. 

I would recommend to any readers who read historical and true event stories but as with all Auschwitz novels it may also be disturbing and cause upset. I know it was hard read for me but worth it and a well written book that I wont forget in a hurry.

By Claire