Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

I have read this story many times but I don’t know why I never have reviewed before. I first read when it came out and was about the same age as Harry at the time but even years later I still enjoy it. A book for any age group was definitely created with this series.

It centres around a young boy who lost his parents and was sent to live with his aunt and uncle as well as their son who was similar to his age but that was about all that Harry had in common with cousin Dudley. He wasn’t treated well by the Dursleys at all and you instantly feel sorry for the boy forced to live under the stairs. Its then so good when you find out he is getting to leave and go to school his parents had arranged it all at his birth but on top of that the school is to learn magic.

Even now at 30 years old I would love to know magic and although you know it's unrealistic for someone to turn up and take you away to the magical school of Hogwarts you cannot help but dream.

For me Harry was not my favourite character throughout the series but in book one I certainly did like him and the strength that he showed in both choosing his friend Ron on the train even though it wasn’t likely to do him any favours and he didn’t have any money. Definitely an admirable quality especially when you know how badly he has been raised.

I love J.K Rowling's imagination in writing this book and creating this whole other world. Throughout the book I instantly become engrossed in both the story and its reality. Both surprising and impressive given the amount of times that I have reread this book that it can do this therefor I must recommend to anyone who hasn’t read before. Plus those that have I actively encourage a reread ;-)

By Claire 

Hurry Home by Roz Nay

Wow. This is a fabulous read that kept me engrossed throughout the whole story. Told from two sisters perspectives my opinions just kept changing by each chapter! This is a clever and very well written book and I loved the sisters take on events and how their personalities really shine through by the end. This story really took me by surprise and kept me gripped to the very last page. Brilliantly written and a must read.

By Laurel 

The Recovery of Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel

This is an incredible book. It's smart, different and hooks you in from the very onset. It deals with two very damaged individuals involving a mother and daughter. I loved reading the two different view points and how the characters really show their colours as the story develops on. This is a completely fresh story and I was sucked in from the very start. Beautifully written with lots of dark undertones woven underneath it all. Brilliant.

By Laurel

The Perfect Couple by Jackie Kabler

Gemma and Danny have moved to their new home until one day Danny simply vanishes. Gemma reports his disappearance to the police and this is where the story takes off! There's so many questions that bounce about when reading this book. Is Danny the victim of the serial killer that's stalking the streets? Has Gemma got something to do with it all or is he simply a figment of her imagination? I love a book that really makes you question and this really hits you hard! I did find that it sagged a bit in the middle and the pace slowed down but it doesn't half ramp up a gear at the end! A most enjoyable read.

By Laurel

Ruthless Control by L.V Lane

Ruthless control by L.V lane 

My first of the Omegaverse books, and my general impression was that it lacked some details, as I wanted to know more than what was provided. I do, however, think this is likely due to the fact that I like to have the full story when I read, but I hadn't read the authors earlier books.

This one focuses on Lucian, alpha, and his "Pet" Omega Madelyn after he tries a new drug on her and she becomes instantly reliant on him. But she is different from others of her kind, and she's trying to keep a secret. There seems like there is more to the characters and the verse for me to learn. 

Therefore, I believe I will be reading more. It does leave the book only at a "like" rather than a "love" or "really love", but it is well written and has intrigued me. I  think this may change once I read sone of the author's previous works and the background story for this one. 

If that happens, I will make sure to update my review. All in all, I would still recommend the author and this book to those who enjoy a dark dystopian romance.

By Claire 

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