Every knockEvery blowEven with a smileTaking its toll I curl a little moreDefend ny soul Keep walkingTalkingGetting onBut the dance is gone Turning up but absentSpeaking out but silentMy truth locked up tightDoesn't know how to fight Time passesStill I walk The desolation leaks from my eyesSurges up from my gutRolls deep in my chestWon't… Continue reading Knocks
You may think this is trivial but trust me, if you were me you too would be sobbing as hard as I am right now on the kitchen floor. Oh yes, you too would be letting the snot, the tears, the saliva dribble freely, as the cool stone presses hard into your hands and knees,… Continue reading Spilt Milk
Blurb What if you could communicate with a whale? Rio has been sent to live with a grandmother he barely knows in California, while his mum is in hospital back home. Alone and adrift, the only thing that makes him smile is joining his new friend Marina on her dad's whale watching trips. That is… Continue reading Book Review: The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold & Levi Pinfold (illustrator)
Publisher: Hachette Children's Group Genre: Children’s, Middle Grade Release Date: 9th June 2022 Format reviewed: ARC Ebook (with thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Children's Group) Blurb: New town, new school, but the bully is in Ben’s head … There are 4 things you should know about Ben:1. He’s 12 years old2. He’s the new kid at… Continue reading Book Review: When I See Blue by Lily Bailey
Publisher: Phoenix (Orion Publishing Group) Genre: General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction Release Date: 12th May 2022 (UK) / 12th April 2022 (US) Format Reviewed: Proof copy (thank you Francesca Main and Orion Publishing) Blurb Montgomery, Alabama. 1973. Fresh out of nursing school, Civil Townsend has big plans to make a difference in her community.… Continue reading Book Review: Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Rating: 4.5 / 5 Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Genre: Women’s Fiction, General Fiction Release Date: 5th August 2021 Format reviewed: ARC Ebook (with thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishing) Blurb UNDERBELLY[n.] singularThe soft underside or abdomen of a mammal.An area vulnerable to attack.A dark, hidden part of society.Lo and Dylan are living parallel lives, worlds apart.Lo is the… Continue reading Book Review: Underbelly by Anna Whitehouse
Publisher: Anderson Press Genre: Children’s, Middle Grade Release Date: 3rd June 2021 Format reviewed: Paperwork own copy (a gift) Blurb 1941. War is raging. And one angry boy has been sent to the city, where bombers rule the skies. There, Joseph will live with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no fondness for children. Her only… Continue reading Book Review: When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle
Publisher: W & N, Orion Publishing Group Genre: Women's Fiction, Adult Fiction, Entertainment Release Date: 22nd July 2021 Format reviewed: ARC Ebook (with thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishing) Blurb Jane is trying.She's been trying for a baby, with increasing desperation as her thirties sail by.Now, she's trying to make a new start back home with… Continue reading Jane is Trying by Isy Suttie
Publisher: Harper Collins Genre: Children’s, Middle Grade Release Date: 18th February 2021 (in paperback 6th January 2022) Format reviewed: Hardback own copy Blurb There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that’s what April’s father tells her when his scientific research takes them to this remote Arctic outpost for six months. But… Continue reading Book Review – The Last Bear by Hannah Gold
‘Why aren’t the lights changing Mum?!’ The whine in Maisy’s voice is reaching new levels. I don’t have an answer. ‘I need a wee!’ she shrieks. ‘I know love, you’ve told me that already haven’t you?’ Amazingly, I’m still in full calm-parent mode. My heart’s bouncing around in my chest with the stress of it… Continue reading Writing Wednesday: Seeing Red by Anna Rymer
Mighty Wren 