4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a funny and quirky book, with some really great characters and their dogs. I admit I wasn‘t sure about this book until I‘d finished the second chapter and then I was hooked. I also have a favourite pair which is George and his little dog Poppy. George also has some great one lines that had me laughing out loud. There should also be a warning with the book as unfortunately there is a suicide which could be a trigger for some people.

My Rating: 3⭐⭐⭐

Ok so I did enjoy this book, but would it be a book that I‘d pick up and reread? No its not. The story is based in Scotland during the 1990‘s. Where there are no mobile phones and the only way of communication is via letters or a landline/pay phone. Except this school for girls is run as though they are living in the 1800‘s. Where women had no say or choice in how their lives would work out.

My rating 1⭐️ I‘m sad to say that I was really disappointed with the sample chapters for this book. I loved the “Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell” series when they came out. So I had high hopes for this new book. To be honest I didn‘t even finish reading the sample chapters. I found the whole thing quite confusing so I‘m afraid I won‘t be reading the rest of the book.

1 ⭐
I really really struggle to read this book. I started to read it weeks ago but I‘ve ended up putting it on the back burner. The story is so slow and to be totally honest very boring, so much so I really don‘t think I will finish the book. I don‘t like to give up on books but I‘m afraid that is what I am going to do with this book. The synopsis for the book sounds really good. But for me it just didn‘t live up to my expectations.

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don‘t read many books in this genre, and I have to say that I‘m glad that I read this book. There have only been a handful of books in this genre that I have not been able to work out the ending and this s one of them. The story had me gripped. It was so atmospheric, it almost reminded me of the film “The Shining” with Jack Nicholson by Stephen King.

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was so enjoyable that I couldn‘t put it down. The style of writing and everything about it reminds me of one of my favourite classical authors Wilkie Collins. I know that this book is set in the 1780‘s and Wilkie Collins books are set in his life time in the 1800‘s. There were so many twists and turns to this book I couldn‘t workout who the murderer was.

This book was a very moving, touching, heart breaking and at times quite harrowing. The book is based around true events that happened in Belgium during World War II. It gives you a glimpse of how terrible war really is. Families being torn apart as some go off to fight, while other families loose their lives just because of being Jewish.
My Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I love a good Christmas themed book, that has a HEA. I did wonder at one point if there was actually going to be a HEA. I‘m so glad that it did and that all of the dogs also found their fur-ever homes. There were some really funny parts to this book that had me laughing out loud. It was also quite touching at times too. If you want a feel good Christmas read then read this.
My rating: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the second LGBTQ book that I have read. As its always been a genre that I‘ve stayed away from. Which I have to say has deprived me of reading some really good books. This books shows you just how peoples prejudices can have such an impact on peoples lives, how they may change who they really are just to be accepted especially in small communities. But having to living the lie isn‘t good for anyone involved.
My Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I‘ve read a few books by Susan Stoker and so far I‘d say that this book is my favourite. This book keeps you on your toes, it‘s also gritty with strong characters. I couldn‘t put it down. I also can‘t wait for the next book in the series and have been all over Susan Stokers website to find out when the next book is released and when I can pre-order it.
My Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/12/26/trusting-skylar-silverstone-1/

I didn‘t enjoy this book. It took me all my time to read it. I know that this book has received a lot of praise about it being wonderful, magical and compelling. But I can‘t relate at all to these views. To be honest some parts of this book are very dark and disturbing.
My Rating: 1⭐
My Review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/12/12/the-illustrated-child/

I found this book to be very predictable, which takes out the enjoyment out of reading for me. Whether I feel this way because of the amount of books I read, I‘m not sure. However I‘m sure some people will enjoy this book, but sadly it wasn‘t for me.
My Rating: 2⭐⭐
My Review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/12/11/the-last-piece-2/

After reading the first book in the Broken Lyrics Duet and absolutely loving the story and characters, Then to be left on such a cliff hanger I couldn‘t wait to see how everything would work out. Book Two picked up from where book one left us. Unfortunately for me this book didn‘t live up to the first one. I found it to be lacking as well as going at a much slower pace. I really wanted to love this book but I just couldn‘t.

This book really captures what being a single woman in the 21st Century is really like. Especially when your coming up to a certain age and you realise that your body clock is ticking. That all your friends are married or getting married as well as having children. It made me laugh and at times it made me feel sad as it also portrays what real life is like as we get older. With ageing parent and the responsibilities that we have.

I really enjoyed this book, and its a genre that I haven‘t knowingly come across before: Asian American Literature. I found it very thought provoking. I also loved the two main characters and learning about their culture and how they see their world. It has been subtly written.
My rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My full review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/10/20/the-name-of-red/

This book is really enjoyable. It has already put me in the spirit of Christmas, making me wish Christmas was a bit nearer than it is, so I can put up my Christmas tree and decorations. The book also made me very hungry with the talk of mince pies, chocolate brownies etc, so much so I ended up baking three different batches of cup cakes!
My Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Full review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/10/15/the-twelve-dates-of-christmas/

This book is absolutely hilarious, I‘ve never laughed at a book as much as I did with this one. If you need a good laugh then I would really recommend this book. I‘ve not read any books before by this author, but I will definitely be looking in to what else she has written.
My rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My full review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/10/01/the-wish-list/

Such an interesting book to read. Telling us about the hardships and prejudices‘ that the Empire Windrush people had to overcome along with the realisation that life in London wasn‘t what they expected. A lack of housing, the lack of people either wanting to give them jobs or even willing to let them rent a room or house. Also the country was still rationing food along with the cold bleak weather.
My rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really enjoyed this book, it was easy to read and so enjoyable. I couldn‘t put it down! This is the first book in the Broken Lyrics Duet and I can‘t wait to read the next book as I want to know what happens to all of the characters. Can two people that have been so broken hearted and stuck in the past, come back to life and love again?
My Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Full review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/07/23/the-ghost-of-you/

If there is a book that should end up being turned into a movie then this book should be. We‘ve all watched some form of reality TV shows like Big Brother. You may or may not like them, but I think this book beats them hands down! I found this book to be so funny with a few cringe worthy moments. I just couldn‘t put it down.
My Rating: 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Full review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/07/22/the-shelf/

I‘m not sure how I feel about this book, as I did and didn‘t enjoy it. There are a few funny moments tinged with a lot of sadness and anger. I can understand the main character being angry at the death of her grandmother. Who brought her up. Along with the anger of finding out that throughout her 18 years of life, what she was told and lead to believe about her family was a lie.
My rating: 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Full review see link in bio

There are only a handful of Post Apocalyptic books that I have loved and this is one of them. The description of the future a thousand years from now is so different to other post apocalyptic books. The way the author has described everything it felt like I was watching a movie play out in my mind. I really can‘t wait to read more in this series to find out what happens.
My rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/06/29/a-touch-of-death/

I enjoyed this book. It‘s funny and light hearted. It made me snigger a good few times. With these troubled times we find ourselves in this book is a good one to read. I could also associate with all of the characters as well, as they are all getting to the end of their 30‘s. It reminded me of my friends and I at that age. I absolutely love the cover of this book as well.
My Rating: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/06/26/no-regret/

I enjoyed this book. It‘s funny and light hearted. It made me snigger a good few times. With these troubled times we find ourselves in this book is a good one to read. I could also associate with all of the characters as well, as they are all getting to the end of their 30‘s. It reminded me of my friends and I at that age. I absolutely love the cover of this book as well.
My rating: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/06/26/no-regret/

This is a very funny laugh out loud, feel good book with some rekindling of love that had become strained. It made me laugh out loud many times, it also made me cringe the odd time too. A light heart‘ed book to read during the summer. With such funny escapades that are beyond belief, this really is going to be one of your best summer reads.
My Rating: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My full review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/06/13/the-summer-we-ran-away/

Have you taken part in the Lockdown 2020 Tag? If not take a look at my answers and take part in the fun.

As always follow the link: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/06/04/the-lockdown-tag-2020/

#2020, #Books, #JustForFun, #LockdownTag, #Movies, #Quarantine, #Questions

This months reading list can be found on my blog. Just follow the link to see what books I‘ve chosen: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/06/04/june-reading-list/

#ARC, #BookBlogger, #Books, #Bookshelf, #GoodReads, #June2020, #June2020ReadingList, #NetGalley, #NetGalleyuk, #ReadingChallenge, #ReadingList, #XpressoBookTours, #XpressoTours

May 2020‘s round up on my reviews, books read and much more. Follow the link to see more: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/06/03/may-round-up-2/

#ARC, #BookBlogger, #BookBub, #BookCovers, #BookReviews, #Books, #Covers, #Fiction, #GoodReads, #Kindle, #May2020, #MayRoundUp, #NetGalley, #NetGalleyuk, #NewBooksAcquired, #ReadingChallenge

Book I acquired via Bookbub in May.

I‘m still trying to keep the amount of free books that I download to a minimum but it‘s still not happening!! I‘m such a huge book addict. I wonder if there is a help group for book addicts?

So the books I downloaded this May are listed on my blog so please follow the link: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/06/01/book-acquired-via-bookbub-in-may-2020/

This is such a charming, easy to read book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It‘s built up with lots of short stories that actually intertwine with each other. Some of the characters also appear in the other stories. The book also has some of Japan‘s modern day cultures in it, like the cat cafes. To old Japanese myths. If you are finding it hard to read and concentrate, this is a book for you.

My rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I know I say this every single month, but I can‘t get over how quickly the last month has gone. Meaning that for Amazon Prime Members we get to choose which Amazon First Read were going to download for free. Again this month as most months there are eight books to choose from.

To see what book I chose following the link: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/06/02/amazon-first-reads-for-june-2020/

This book is almost like a modern day version of Charles Dickens‘ A Christmas Carol. Don‘t let that put you off this book, because this book is funny, romantic, heart warming and magical. Plus there are no visits from the ghosts of past, present and future.
My Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Full Review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/05/31/all-about-us/

I like historical fiction and I enjoyed this book, but it was hard going. I didn't really get in to it. The historical facts on the building of the aqueducts to supply Glasgow with fresh water, was really interesting. However I didn‘t like the parts about the faeries it seem to fit in to the story for me.

My Rating: 3 ⭐⭐⭐

My Full Review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/05/27/the-ninth-child/

Wow I just loved this book. It‘s just the type of book that I love to read, as it really got my imagination going. It‘s fantasy, post apocalyptic and Sci fi all rolled in to one. I can‘t wait for the rest of the trilogy to see what happens.

My Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Full Review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/05/24/the-book-of-koli/
#Fantasy #PostApocalyptic #ScienceFiction #Scifi #Trilogy

I really don‘t have anything positive to say about this book, it was so hard going to read. I kept on reading hoping that it would get better. It didn‘t and as for the end of the book I was totally baffled. I also felt that this book made me feel depressed while reading it and that it was very anti men.

My Rating: 1⭐

My Full Review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/05/17/the-group/

This is an uplifting, feel good and funny book with some sorrow that you definitely won‘t want to put down. I enjoyed this book so much, and I think any woman of a certain age will be able to identify with this book. When we all start to step into adulthood, feeling the we can conquer the world and that there are endless possibilities.
My Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Full Review: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/05/15/us-three/

Random 📘 of the Month:

This months book out of the of the Jar of Books for May is: 314 by A R Wise

Synopsis: Alma Harper has been trying to forget what happened in Widowsfield 16 years ago. She has a good life as a music teacher now, and might rekindle her relationship with her one true love. However, the number 314 haunts her.

Full Synopsis: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17735190-314?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=RU7Oz...

April's Round Up is Here! To see what books I read, what new ARC's & Pre Ordered books I acquired click the link:

https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/05/03/april-round-up-2/

#ARC #BookBlogger #BookBub #BookCovers #BookReviews #Books #GoodReads #Kindle #NetGalley #NetGalleyuk #NewBooksAcquired #ReadingChallenge

My Reading List For May.

📕The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles, Pages: 368,
Publication Date: 2 June 2020

📕The Group by Lara Feigel, Pages: 336, Publication Date: 11
June 2020

📕The Summer We Ran Away by Jenny Oliver, Pages 384, Publication date:
11 June 2020

📕Daughters of Night by Laura Shepherd-Robinson, Pages: 448,
Publication Date: 25 June 2020

They are all from my ARC List.

Please help me choose which Amazon First Read I should choose.

It's between:

📕If You Must Know by Jamie Beck and
📕Sorry I Missed You by Syzy Krause

The other books I could choose from weren't for me.
📕 Don't Make a Sound by T T Ragan
📕 Gender Rebels by Anneka Harry
📕 Golden Poppies by Laila Ibrahim
📕 Legacy of Lies by Robert Bailey
📕 A Decent Family by Rosa Ventrella
📕 A Man by Keiichiro Hirano

What do you think 😊

I downloaded 9 free books via BookBub in April. To see the full list please follow the link: https://gadgetgirl71.blog/2020/05/01/books-acquired-via-bookbub-in-april-2020/
#bookbub #freebooks

“I know why there are pink feathers down there! There's a f***ing flamingo in the bath!“ 🦩🦩🦩🦩

We all know what WWII was like from the British view point, but have you ever wondered what it was like to be on the losing side? I have many many times. My mother & father have told me many things about what it was like for them and their families during the war.
When did the German soldiers realise that they were going to loose this war? How did it make them feel? Well this book gives us an insight in to one German soldiers experience.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really really enjoyed this book, I didn‘t realise that this book was actually a memoir. The synopsis didn‘t give you the impression that it was a memoir as it‘s classed as Religion, Spirituality and Travel. I don‘t really read many memoirs as some of them can be a bit hit and miss. This memoir however had me well and truly hooked before I finished the first chapter. I think most women will be able to relate to this book.

My Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book was a very enjoyable read, I have read many a non fiction book on Japan's Warlords, Samurai warriors, Geisha‘s and Concubines. So this is the sort of book I enjoy reading. I did notice that this book is classed as historical fiction, which I would expect but it‘s also classed as Scifi and Fantasy. In my opinion there wasn‘t really anything SciFi and Fantasy in the book, but this is only book one in the trilogy.

My Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐Another great book by L P Fergusson. I couldn‘t put it down, I ended up reading late in to the night on a couple of occasions, until I finished the book. This book was like reading a classic such as Emily Bronte‘s Wuthering Heights. Except that you didn‘t have to try and understand the old spoken English. Which can sometimes detract from you wanting to read the classics. I‘m looking forward to seeing what next.

My Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I haven‘t read the first book Olive Kitteridge, from the synopsis it seemed as though it really didn‘t matter as this book would also stand alone. The only problems for me was that I just couldn‘t get in to this book at all. Even though the synopsis for this book really interested me, as a book I would enjoy to read. I really really struggles with it.
I only manage to read 11 percent of this book. My Rating: 1 ⭐

Wow another great and funny read from Mandy Baggot. I just couldn‘t put it down. It‘s so hot off the press that Mandy Baggot has managed to mention recent British TV shows as well as a reference to world news. Which I have to say was a pleasant surprise, as so many book we read aren‘t as up to date. This is a laugh out loud, funny romcom, as well as being a sunny feel good book.

My Rating: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

OK well I really don‘t know where to start with this book. Even though I have finished this book I feel non the wiser as to what I have read. I feel as though this book doesn‘t flow and that it jumps all over the place. When I did think I was starting to understand this book the story change. So I felt as though I was just in a world of confusion.

My Rating: 2⭐⭐