Just Like You by Nick Hornby

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Set in London 2016 during the lead up to the Brexit referendum. Lucy is a white, 40 something, single mother of 2 looking to start dating again after splitting from her alcoholic husband. She meets Joseph, a black 20 something with numerous part time jobs, which includes babysitting Lucy’s 2 boys. The couple then start seeing each other. What follows is how these two overcome the age difference while having different political views.

For me this was a ok read, however I could have done with less politics. I liked both the lead characters and was happy when they finally got together, however there could have been more passion. Lucy’s boys seemed intelligent and offers some light relief. The other characters were annoying. Overall I don’t think this one will stick with me.

Thank you to Penguin General UK for this advance copy.

With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo

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Emoni Santiago has to juggle work, school and being a young mother, one place she can let herself go is in the kitchen where her talent shines.

Brilliant book with a beautiful cover. I immediately connected with Emoni and was genuinely interested in her journey. My mouth was watering at the recipes created by Emoni and Acevedo. Loved the relationship between Emoni and her abuela. Great writing by Elizabeth Acevedo. I will definitely be reading her other books.

This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay

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Tales from Adam Kay’s time working as a junior doctor in the NHS.

This book was brilliant. It was an extremely fast and easy read. It had me laughing out loud one minute and trying not to cry the next. Hilarious stories of what the Great British public can do to themselves and each other. But also devastating stories of loss and heartbreak. All from behind the curtain of a former junior doctors time on a maternity ward. I would highly recommend this book.

Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth

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A group of teens defeat the dark one who has killed and destroyed the city. A decade later has the dark one returned?

I didn’t connect with this one. Seemed slow and didn’t really have a strong plot line. It was tagged as an adult read but gave off vibes of a YA. If I wasn’t listening to the audio i think I would have DNF’d this.

Mythopedia by Good Wives and Warriors

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This book is a encyclopedia of tales from around some of the planets myths and legends.

A beautiful book to introduce children to the world of mythical creatures from around the globe. Split into different continents, it takes the reader on a journey. The illustrations are spectacular, bright and colourful. I had heard of some of these myths but there’s a lot that I haven’t. Most myths are just a single page of description and what the creature does but some go into more depth with a story behind the myth which I enjoyed. Not a bad beginners book.

Thank you to Laurence King Publishing Ltd for the Advance copy of this book.

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

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We all know the story. Bella moves in with her dad in Forks. Meets Edward and his family of vampires and they fall in love. Midnight sun is the same story but from Edwards perspective.

I love this side of the Twilight saga. I loved finding out more about the other vampires in the Cullen family. But hearing how much pain Edward was in every time he got close to Bella and how fragile and human Bella was started to drive me a little nuts. In all not a bad addition to the Twilight books but could have been shorter.

Going Under by Skye Jordan

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After being around sailing all her life, KT has her future planned out. Sell her current project that she shares with her 2 best friends, buy her dream boat and sail to places she never been. That’s until an accident leads her to meet Dr Ben and his 3 daughters.

I really liked this book. It was a really quick read for me as I couldn’t put it down. Skye Jordan creates a strong leading lady in a male dominated world. You are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions. I loved the connection of not just the 2 main characters but also of KT and the 3 mischievous little girls. This is the second book in the Wildfire Lake series, I am definitely going back and reading the first.

Thank you to Cygnet books for the advanced copy of this book.

Stephen Hawking: A Memior Of Friendship And Physics by Leonard Mlodinow

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A memoir from Leonard Mlodinow about working with Professor Stephen Hawking for decades. Friends, family, loves and carers help Mlodinow to delve into what it was like to be close to Hawking’s. From meeting the influential physicist, working on 2 books (A Briefer History Of Time and The Grand Design), becoming friends all the way to Hawking’s death.

Although some of the physics went over my head and had me feeling like I couldn’t finish the book, Leonard Mlodinow tries to explain it in a simpler way for people outside their world to understand. I’m glad I did persevere and finish it. Hearing from behind the ALS and struggles that came with it truly showed how strong/stubborn Hawking was. It’s a nice tribute to an extraordinary man.

Thank you to Penguin Press UK for this advance copy.

The Complete Grimoire by Lidia Pradas

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The Complete Grimoire is an introductory look at witchcraft and the meanings behind practices and rituals. Created by the woman behind instagrams popular Wiccan tips – Lidia Pradas.

I really enjoyed this book and found the writing to be informative without being too overwhelming. A great beginners guide to becoming your own witch. I particularly liked discovering about the power behind crystals and tarot. The art work throughout this book by Natalia Zhdanova is absolutely stunning. I really cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Fair Winds and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.

Imperfect Women by Araminta Hall

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Nancy, Eleanor and Mary met in college and have been friends ever since. When Nancy is murdered, Eleanor and Mary try to discover the mystery of who killed her. We learn that although the ladies lives seem perfect on the surface, as the title suggests they are definitely imperfect. Secrets and lies are revealed.

I enjoyed this book. I was gripped by the story and felt the strongest connection to Eleanor. I thought I knew who killed Nancy from the beginning, however the twists were pretty good. And finding out who David really is was interesting.

I listened to the audio book that was beautifully narrated by Helen Keeley while reading this book.

Thank you to Hachette Audio UK, Orion Publishing Group for this advance copy.

This book is out today on audio or hardback is released. 20th August.