Book Review - The School Run by Helen Whitaker

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Amazon UK

Title: The School Run

Author: Helen Whitaker

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Trapeze

Publication Date: 8th August 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Two mothers. Two daughters. One school place.

Imogen and Lily are old friends - they've shared hangovers, unsuitable boyfriends and wild nights out together. But now they're mums, and their partying days are behind them.

When a place comes up at one of the best primary schools in the area, both women want it for their daughters. From faking religious beliefs to bogus break-ups, Imogen and Lily will go to any lengths to secure the perfect school for their children - and so will all the other mothers.

Will their friendship survive the strain? Will their marriages take the pressure? And when a sexy new vicar arrives on the scene, will the mothers' keep focus for long enough to keep their eyes on the prize?

A story that I think will feel familiar to many parents, of just what other mums get up to to try to secure a place at the school of their choice. 

From shenanigans with regards moving closer and closer to the school, or inching inside the catchment area, to possibly playing lip service to a religion you don't believe in, to doing everything in your power to be known to be a joiner inner within the school community.  Just a hint at what may be in store as Imogen and Lily try to get their daughters one of the few available spaces  at this Oftsted Outstanding school 

This take place over the course of the year, from Enid and Winnie's first day at pre-school, and most of the focus is on the two women who at one point used to be friends,  and their antics, as well as the other mothers to see just what life is like on the school run itself. 

The playground politics are in force even amongst parents of  3 year olds at pre-school and it amuses me just what they will try.  It was a shame I felt that I didn't really get to know the children's personalities that much, but that all changes with the parents. 

We really get to know Imogen and Lily in alternating chapters and I loved seeing everything they were up to, and their relationship dynamics too. 

There are all sorts of great sub plots present and I really enjoyed the writing.  I think if I was a parent myself, I may have connected with some of the story a bit more, but i could definitely empathises and I wanted to know how things would turn out. 

A really good debut novel, and I'll be interested to see what the author writes next. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Orion for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Somewhere Close to Happy by Lia Louis - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Amazon UK

Title: Somewhere Close to Happy

Author: Lia Louis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Trapeze

Publication Date: 23rd January 2020 

Rating: 4 Stars

Lizzie James is happy.
She has a steady office job (with a steady stream of snacks), has had the same best friend since school, and she sees her family every Thursday night for take-away and trashy TV. Lizzie likes her uncomplicated life.

Then a letter arrives one day from her first love, Roman. A letter dated the day he disappeared, 12 years before. As Lizzie uncovers the secrets of the letter, she discovers what really happened the year her life fell apart - and all avenues lead back to Roman.

Lizzie James thought she was happy, or somewhere close to happy, at least. Now she's not so sure.

A very impressive debut novel, that delves into mental health and some other issues, while also being a journey of trying to rediscover yourself. 

It's the story of Lizzie and Roman who were incredibly close when they were teens, until Roman just disappeared out of her life 13 years ago. 

She has had no clue where he is, but out of the blue she recieves a letter that leads her to search for him.

Within this search as readers we are treated to chapters dealing with events 13 years ago, which were very interesting, especially the time they both spent in The Grove. 

I found it surprisingly fast to read, and it was very hard to tear myself away from the story at times. 

I have a feeling that elements of this book will be staying with me for a while, which is always a sign of a good book in my eyes. 

Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Nine Lives of Christmas by Florence McNicoll

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Amazon UK

Title: The Nine Lives of Christmas

Author: Florence McNicoll

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Trapeze

Publication Date: 14th November 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BATTERSEA DOGS AND CATS HOME

Can Battersea's loneliest cat find a home in time for Christmas?

It's Christmas at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Laura is desperate to find a home for Felicia, a spiky, bad-tempered moggy with a heart of gold. Her boyfriend, Rob, can't understand why she's spending so much time at work, but for Laura, the animals aren't just a job - they're her life. She needs a partner who understands that - doesn't she?

As the December snow falls, Laura encounters nine people, all of whom need a little love in their lives and find it in new pets. Everyone needs somebody to curl up with at Christmas, and when the handsome Aaron walks in, he takes not just Felicia, but Laura's heart too...

A heart-warming tale about loneliness, love, and the importance of furry friends - perfect to snuggle up with this Christmas.

In real life I am far more of a dog person than a cat person, but when it comes to fictional ones that don't bite or scratch, I'm all for a loveable cat too. 

And wow in this book we get to see the stories of 9 rather special cats looking for new homes at Battersea, their rehomer Laura and of the humans that adopt these cats. 

Each story is different and goes to show just what benefits having a cat in your life can really have.  And this is certainly a book designed to tug at your heartstrings. I would have loved to reach into the pages and given Felicia and all the other cats a big cuddle. 

And as for Laura this is as much a story of self discovery for her, as she starts to connect to new people, and at the same time she can see what the reader can see about her relationship, and starts to do things about it. 

There was one visitor to Battersea who didn't leave with a cat, and given her opinions when discussing things with Laura, I couldn't believe the lengths she would go to to get a new Instagram accessory. 

I've previously read Christmas at Battersea, a few years ago and based on what I recall from that, I can easily tell just how accurate and well researched this novel was. The way they make Christmas special there for the animals really rang true to me, and I loved seeing everything from the point of view of the rehoming team. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this rather special novel, it was quick and easy to read, and packs a punch, and reminds everyone that a cat is more than just for Christmas, it really is for life.  And that cats really do hold a special place in the hearts of many. 

Thank you to Trapeze on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Strings Attached by Erin Reinelt

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Amazon UK

Title: Strings Attached

Author: Erin Reinelt

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Trapeze

Publication Date: 11th July 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Funny, feminist and empowering, Strings Attached is a liberating novel all about the highs and lows of modern dating.

Straight-laced Jean has always done what's expected of her - by her traditional parents, by her demonic boss, and by her overgrown baby of an ex-boyfriend - until now.

Taking her life into her own hands, she's pushing herself right out of her comfort zone, starting with her sex life. She will:
- Have a polyamorous love affair
- Date a pansexual couple
- Visit an orgasmic retreat
- Crash an exclusive sex party
She's going to be a woman heels-over-head, not head-over-heals, in love. A woman who screams YES!! to life.

But can relationships last without entangled hearts being broken? Jean is about to find out.

Now this is a tricky book to review, don't get me wrong for the most part I really enjoyed it, and there were elements of the story that I absolutely loved. 

Equally though there were some sections that I just didn't really understand at all, and some of the concepts were beyond my comprehension.  I didn't really let them get to me, just skimmed and moved onto the parts I was following.   Some of the feminist concepts, and theory behind some of the practices just wasn't for me. 

What was for me, was thoroughly loving Jean's story, having broken up with her drunk of a boyfriend, she goes on a journey of sexual liberation.  

One of the first things that really made me smile, was just a small mention of a nearby to Jean's club which to the unitiated could be seen as seedy - but it is one that I am familiar with, so was nice to see a real place name mention, that I never imagined I'd see in a book. 

In fact at times there were all manner of things that Jean was getting up to that I am rather intimately acquainted with, but I'm not going into any specifics! 

It was wonderful though for a book with a romantic relationship to deal with what could be seen as more progressive things - such as polyamory, pansexuals, multiple partner,s open relationships, an orgasmic retreat (I really do need to look up to see if these exist), and even a sex party. 

All the while that Jean is getting to know herself free from the confines of social norms, she is also working as a political PR, covering up for assorted sex scandals from MPs  - some of which I was eye rolling at, and others I really would have loved more details on! 

This is certainly a book with a difference, it does have friendships, it does have some sex, there is Jean's sister who is a breath of fresh air to any book that I've ever read,  and then there are her parents, who although we don't see much of, are an utter nightmare, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for Jean. 

I'd suggest go into this book with an open mind and you will almost certainly enjoy this rather refreshing story,  as much as I did! 

Thank you to Netgalley and Trapeze for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Bad Mother's Book Club by Keris Stainton - #HolidayReading Thailand

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Amazon UK

Title: The Bad Mother's Book Club

Author: Keris Stainton

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Trapeze

Publication Date: 18th April 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Since moving to the Liverpudlian seaside after her husband's career change, Emma Chance's life consists of the following: long walks on the beach (with the dog), early nights (with the kids) and Netflix (no chill).

Bored and lonely, when Emma is cordially invited to the exclusive cool school-mums' book club, hosted by Head of PTA and footballer's wife, Jools Jackson, she thinks her luck may finally be about to change. She soon realises she may have made a grave mistake when she realises it's all about books, and less about wine and gossip - but it's always better to stick things out, isn't it?

Or not.

After a few months and a few awkward moments involving a red wine on white carpet accident and a swear-word incident involving Jools's daughter, Emma is ungraciously kicked out of the book club. Exhausted and exiled, she decides it's about time she fights back against the shame and humiliation. Enlisting the help of some similar-thinking mums, Emma sets up her own book club - no cleaners, polite conversation or reading required: this is the Bad Mother's Book Club.

I really enjoyed this book about a group of mothers at the same school, all which do like reading. 

Yet although there are some book club meetings featured, this story is about so much more than that. 

It shows just how different people are coping with being parents, the challenges they face in parenting, professional and personal lives. 

There are many moments that will make you laugh, and then there is Jules' much more serious story line. 

I adored Sam and Rosie, Emma's two children, who are worlds apart, with individual personalities, and who both get rather a starring role in this book. 

The Bad Mother's Book Club is a fun story, that was reasonably quick to read. It was the first book I have read by the author, and now i am wondering why on earth that is!

Thank you to Netgalley and Trapeze for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Reader, I Married Me by Sophie Tanner - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Amazon UK

Title: Reader, I Married Me

Author: Sophie Tanner

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Trapeze

Publication Date: 1st January 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Chloe Usher has just broken up with the love of her life. All her friends urge her to find another man before she disappears down the slippery slope to spinsterhood. After a particularly messy date and several gins, she decides that she doesn't need an 'other half' to complete her and announces that she is going to marry herself. The news goes viral and, in the sober light of day, Chloe finds herself thrust firmly into the public eye to the embarrassment of her friends and family. Planning her wedding solo takes Chloe on a bumpy journey of self-discovery, as she realises why wish away your life waiting for 'the one' when YOU are, in fact, the one?

What an uplifting and empowering book especially for single women.

Like 'Chloe, I found myself nodding along to so many of her observations about how people perceive single women, and given I am of a similar age to the main character, I find myself thinking whether I should marry myself. 

Although perhaps without all the drama, and social media trending that Chloe created. 

There is nothing like taking a stand and going against normal conventions, to find out who your real friends and supporters are, as Chloe discovers. 

This is a wonderfully funny book, her exes are a nightmare, her one attempt at online dating amusing, and just what some of the other characters wee doing for attention, utterly eye rolling!

This is one accomplished debut author and I am already looking forward to seeing what her next book will be. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Trapeze for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Whitstable High Tide Swimming Club by Katie May - Rachel Reads Randomly Book #90

Amazon UK

Title: The Whitstable High Tide Swimming Club

Author: Katie May

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Trapeze

Publication Date: 8th February 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

Dive into The Whitstable High Tide Swimming Club - the uplifting novel about friendship, community spirit and how ordinary people protect what they love.

When Deb (ageing bikini, sunglasses) and Maisie (black wetsuit, swimming shoes, goggles) keep meeting on Reeves Beach, they strike up an unlikely friendship based on their love of swimming and their recent divorces. Soon, they are joined by other high tide swimmers, each with a crisis of their own to weather. Ann, a bossy organiser, is caring for her elderly mother at home; Julie has somehow (although she's not quite sure how) managed to produce three children under school age; and Chloe, a bright, brittle girl of fifteen, finds calmness in the water, and Quiet, anxious Bill is soon welcomed into the heart of the club. When the swimmers discover plans for their beach to be paved over for a leisure complex, together they are determined to make a stand, and to prove that the beach is more than just a place to swim - it is the heart of the community.

Brace yourself for a group of people who are happy to swim in the English sea once or twice a day when it is high tide, sometimes in the early hours of the morning.  As someone that recalls paddling in English seaside resorts as a child all I can say is these characters must be just slightly bonkers as the water is always freezing, that and its been snowing while I have been reading this. 

As it so happens the characters you meet in this book are all just ordinary people, especially Deb and Maisie the main protagonists, who are the first two women we meet that happen to be there every day swimming when its high tide.  

Whether they like it or not when they meet Anne, suddenly a club is being formed and soon there are a whole host of them that meet on a regular basis to swim and become friends.  Maisie and Deb are in the prime of their lives,  and you have a complete mix of people who enjoy swimming from the teenage, you busy mothers, to the elderly. 

The book was originally published in three parts, and you can see that in the three parts the book is split into with each of part 1 and two ending on a mini cliffhanger to keep your reading.   The first part focuses on the formation of the the club and largely works as a great introduction to all the characters,  part two is about the beginnings of the fight to save the beach, and then part 3... well part 3 culminates all of this and much much more. 

Even at Deb's age of a grandma in her sixties, i would almost describe this as a coming of age story for her, as she learns to stand on her own two feet after leaving her husband, and starting to figure out just who she is as an adult.  There are some hilarious scenes early on with regards the temporary job she has taken on, and although at times I wasn't sure how much I liked Deb, but I could sympathise with her, and loved the development of her character. 

I loved the ups and downs of this community and by the end I felt as though I was part of their club. Its a great story of the underdog, touches on assorted serious topics, but also some great comedy too.  Just an all around enjoyable book. 

Thanks to Trapeze and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Thank you to everyone that voted for this this week,  I was very surprised at the start of the week that this would be the one I would be reading, but incredibly glad that in my mind the underdog won, given the book features an underdog too   So what will you all be voting for this week? Go check it out if you haven't already.