Review #23: Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

From the likes of The Rabbit Girls by Anna Ellory to the book in this review, I have only recently discovered the Historical Fiction genre and I am pretty much in awe. These two books I have read have inspired and horrified me in equal measure and has driven me to undertake some research into historical events, such as the Holocaust & the Vel D'hiv Roundup. 

Writing Style: 9.5/10
Storyline: 10/10

Ease of Reading: 9.5/10

 Tyger! Tyger! burning bright 

In the forests of the night, 

What immortal hand or eye Could frame thy fearful symmetry? 

—WILLIAM BLAKE, Songs of Experience

I remembered learning about this poem at school, but I'm pretty sure I was too young to know just how poignant it was. I don't have anything to say really, but this is at the beginning of the Sarah's key, and whilst it's not mentioned in the book's story, there are moments that you're drawn back to it.

The writing style of this book is familiar and easy to follow. It flits from historical chapters to the present day, which I'm finding is common within Historical Fiction books.

In Sarah's Key, I particularly enjoyed the anonymity of the characters written about in 1942. You don't actually find out the girls name for certain until quite far through the story, and it really reflects the anonymity of the thousands of men, women and children sent to concentration and death camps throughout the war.

I have marked the Ease of Reading as 9.5. I'm not saying it was an easy read because of the topic. It was an emotive "real-life" subject which was difficult and one which needs not been forgotten, however the reason I have scored this highly is that the message in the book is clear throughout. Never Forget

All in all, an incredible book, horrific but beautifully truthful book and a genre I will absolutely continue to read. 

This book really puts life into perspective. Please remember to be kind to one another and to be safe.

Steph 💚

Review #22: A Riviera Retreat by Jennifer Bohnet

After my DNF book the other day, I really needed an easy book to read and unwind. I get very worked up if I can't finish a book, however, this book is absolutely what I needed. Here's what I thought.

Writing Style: 9/10
Storyline: 8.5/10
Ease of Reading: 10/10

Don't be fooled by my lower marks for the Storyline, this is purely because I would never have picked this book up, it's so far away from my usual reads. I'm so glad I've started to move away from the thriller/horror genre though, it has opened my eyes to some real hidden gems. 

There wasn't really any OMG moments, it was all beautifully predictable, and I mean that. It was beautiful. 

The setting was incredible, and I would love to visit somewhere like the villa the book describes. In lockdown, it really made me sad that I won't have a holiday abroad, but it suited the weather we've had in the North East of England at the moment. 

The characters were such that you rooted for them. I feel as though I could be friends with most of them, however I felt a sort of disconnect to Vicky. It was as though she didn't quite fit in, and was more guarded than the others. I'm not sure if this was meant to be the case, if it was, it worked perfectly. 

All in all a great book to read when I'd suffered an unfinished book, and if you need a book to whisk you away on holiday through the lockdown without having to travel, this is absolutely it. I will be making personal recommendations for this book to cheer some people up. 

Take care everyone,

Steph 💚

DID NOT FINISH - The Eyes of Darkness by Dean Koontz

Here it is guys, the first book that I genuinely can't finish (sorry Dad!!). I tried 3 times to start this book, and got up to Chapter 10 on my last attempt, but I just can't get into it!

I'm not sure if it's because of the narration, though I did try and read it as well, but other than messages and weird dreams, nothing is happening! I know from my dad that some more interesting stuff happens, but I just can't get to that point!

Maybe it's because I've had a good run of great books, I'm not sure!

Anyway, thought I'd best be honest and let people know!

Stay safe everyone!

Steph 💚

Review #21: Where The Forest Meets The Stars by Glendy Vanderah

Writing Style: 9.5/10
Storyline: 10/10
Ease of Reading: 9.5/10

I have no idea how I even started reading this book and why, and my first impressions were that I was a little reserved. It started talking about aliens in the first chapter and I was just forever thinking "where is this book going". But I carried on. 

AND I"M SO PLEASED!!! 

This beautiful, thoughtful, emotional book, had me crying (I seem to be doing that a lot these days) and hoping for the best all the way through, and I was so invested in Jo and Ursa.

I can't really go into it without spoiling it, but all I will say is THE THEMES!! This book had everything. Love, lust, death, fear, aliens, beauty. Everything anyone could ever want in a book, Where the Forest Meets the Stars has it!!! Anyone aged probably 12 (there's a couple of mild cursing) up to 100 would love this book, and to be honest, I think because of all the themes, whatever genre you normally read, this would probably suit.  

Please go and read this book. It's just so good (and is free on kindle unlimited)!!!

Stay safe all, 

Steph 💚

Review #20: The Little Princess by Casey Watson

Recently, I've started to read more stories told by foster carers. This review is of one of those, and so if you are triggered by these sorts of books or their themes, please do not read any further.

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I am in awe of foster carers and all they do for children, especially when the children are often abused physically and/or mentally. The most known stories are written by Cathy Glass, and I have read all of her books, however this short story by Casey Watson caught my eye.

It is a short story, one which was quick and easy to read, which reflected the time that the child was with the foster carer. Saying that, it took nothing away about the importance of this story being told. In the book, Casey often refers to not being able to un-know the horror, and as a reader, I absolutely wish I could un-know the vague details from this book.

All in all, a very poignant book, one which took around 4 hours to read and one that was eloquently written. I really recommend this book, but if you are an emotional reader, please be careful.

Take care everyone,

Steph 💚

Overview of Books Read This Week

I've read a few books this week and I thought I'd do a collective post. The first book was Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, then Loveish by Sakshi Narula and then The Saddest Girl in The World by Cathy Glass.

Where The Crawdads Sing

Where The Crawdads Sing is May's book for a Book Club I've been part of for a few months, and one which I promised I wouldn't do a full review. However, it is a book that absolutely deserves a mention. It is in my top 5 books i've ever read, and I genuinely cried the whole way through. The whole storyline had me gripped. I won't say any more, but please read it!

Loveish by Sakshi Narula

I'm not really into poetry, but this wasn't bad. There were a few poems I really didn't "get", but there were also some that really resonated with me. I think I would prefer the "old school" poetry, but it was interesting to read something completely different. I would pop a warning on that some of the language and content are for adults only. 

The Saddest Girl in the World

Cathy Glass is one of my all time favourite authors. I love reading about her foster children, and how they improve, but I also like visiting her website, where she gives updates about the children in her books about where they are now. I'm pretty sure I had read this book previously, as I'm sure I've read them all, but as usual I loved this book. Her dedication and patience gives me a lovely feeling, and I don't think I could do it. All in all a definite must read.

Please let me know what you think of these books if you've read them, and also. if you like the format of this post!

Stay safe everyone, 

Steph 💚

Review #19: No Right to Kill by M.A. Comley

This book was recommended to me after my review of Silent Scream by Angela Marsons. I can absolutely see the similarity, here's what I thought:


Writing Style: 9.5/10
Storyline: 9/10
Ease of Reading: 9.5/10

I found this book (No Right to Kill) really easy to read. It was a "No waffle, no nonsense" type of book, which I loved, it just simply told a story without throwing a massive amount of detail to get entangled in, whilst at the same time setting the series up really well for future books. 

I like the character of Sara Ramsey, but I preferred Misty the Cat!! I hope she sticks around for much longer!

All in all a sound book without much thought required. If this is your favourite genre, I'd definitely recommend this as a quick, easy read.

As always, any recommendations please let me know. 

Stay safe

Steph 💚