Catch-Up Quickies 9

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In my latest attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I …

Blog Tour: All Pets Allowed / The Becket List – Adele Griffin

*I received a free copy of these books with thanks to the author and Amanda Dissinger at Algonquin Young Readers. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* I am utterly thrilled to be part of the blog tour for Adele Griffin’s Blackberry Farm series, and to share my thoughts with you on Books 1 and 2 …

Catch-Up Quickies 6

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In my latest attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I …

Blog Tour: D.M. Mullan’s Curious Tales: Hector – D.M. Mullan, illustrated by Kirsteen Harris-Jones

*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, Tiny Tree Books and Kelly Lacey of Love Books Tours.  The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: If something is missing, and you’re feeling blue, you could learn from Hector, who feels this way too. This little genius lives in an …

The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks – Katie Kirby

*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author, Puffin – Random House UK and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: The first book in the hilarious new series for children by the bestselling creator of Hurrah For Gin. Lottie Brooks is 11 ¾ and her life is …

The World Between Us – Sarah Ann Juckes

*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author and Penguin Random House. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: With shades of ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES and FIVE FEET APART, THE WORLD BETWEEN US is a powerful and thought-provoking story about falling in love with someone a whole …

The Hatmakers – Tamzin Merchant

*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author, Puffin – Random House UK and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: The first adventure in a spellbinding new magical world. Cordelia comes from a long line of magical milliners, who weave alchemy and enchantment into every hat. In …

Victoria’s War – Catherine A. Hamilton

*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, Plain View Press and Mindbuck Media. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: In Victoria's War, Hamilton gives voice to the courageous Polish women who were kidnapped into the real-life Nazi slave labor operation during WWII. Inspired by true stories, …

Guest Post: 10 Amazing Cult Novels, With Amazing Antiheroes – Billy Moran

In September, I brought you my thoughts on Billy Moran's debut novel, Don't Worry, Everything Is Going To Be Amazing, and I am pleased to welcome Billy back to Bookshine and Readbows today with a special top ten list for your run up to Christmas (after all, 'tis the season for buying lots of books, …

Curse of the Night Witch – Alex Aster

*I received a free ARC of this novel, with thanks to the author, Sourcebooks Kids - Jabberwocky and NetGalley.  The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: On Emblem Island all are born knowing their fate. Their lifelines show the course of their life and an emblem dictates how they will spend it. Twelve-year-old Tor …