Jump 2: You Are Enough by J.G. Nolan - #bookreview #blogtour

 

Dear Diary

Am I actually still alive? Would you tell me if I wasn't?

I guess I am writing this, so I must be. Sort of. But you wouldn't say anything anyway, would you?

It's all one-way traffic with you. I tell you everything, but what do I get in return?

***

The Blurb

In the world of football, a blend of physical prowess and mental strength shapes champions.

Jamie Campbell is a talented young footballer whose sporting journey takes an unexpected twist when a family tragedy shatters her dreams and plunges her into a dark, lonely world from which she feels she will never escape.

In the depths of despair, Jamie finds solace and strength in her loyal friend, Robbie Blair.

Sent to the Lake District for a change of scene, Jamie embarks on an epic journey of self-discovery, where she must confront her fears, unlock the past and unearth her true potential.

But will she find all the answers and ultimately … is she enough?

 

My Thoughts

This was such a nice book to read and will appeal to both girls and boys alike. I think readers of upper middle grade/lower teens would enjoy this.

 Much of the story revolves around sport, and football in particular. I am not a sport fan but I enjoyed reading this. It is the second book in the Jump series and not having read the first book did not hinder my appreciation of this.

The main character is Jaime, who following the death of her mother suffers some mental health issues. This had a profound impact on her ability to play football, which had previously been of huge importance to her. In fact, I learnt a lot about OCD from reading this. It also highlights the importance of speaking out and getting help when it is needed. I enjoyed following Jaime's story of self-discovery and ultimately this is a book about hope and self-acceptance.

The book was well-written and I was very engaged by Jaime's story. I admired her enormously and found her to be likable, corouageous and realistic. I enjoyed seeing the impact that her friend, Robbie had on her and the way in which he encouraged her self-acceptance.

It has also been nicely illustrated by Carina Roberts and this really elevates the book.

Also, there are a set of questions at the back of the book which makes this perfect for the classroom. This is well worth reading. There is something for everyone included in this book and I strongly recommend it.

***

Book Details

ISBN:  978 1739208424

Publisher:  Sergar Creative

Formats:  e-book and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

No. of Pages:  196 (paperback)

About the Author:

JG NOLAN was born and raised in a sleepy village in Shropshire and loved writing stories and playing football as a child.

He has been a teacher for many years, working mainly with children who have had difficult beginnings in life. He strongly believes in positive thinking and feels most things are achievable if you put your mind to it.

When his football-mad son Robbie was much younger, he kept breaking bones and was told by the doctors that he would never play football again. It was during one of JG Nolan’s many lengthy stays visiting his son in the local children’s hospital that the idea for his first book, Jump!, drifted into his mind.

Following on from the success of Jump! JG Nolan was keen to explore the story of Robbie Blair’s footballing friend Jamie, and this led him to delve into another journey of adversity, determination and recovery.

The first two books in the Jump! series reflect JG Nolan’s deep-rooted interest in sporting prowess, mental strength and history.

When he’s not busy battering away at his old computer, conjuring up new tales, JG Nolan can either be found playing squash or strumming his guitar. For many years he tried to “make it” in his indie rock band, The Poet Dogs.

He still writes songs now. When he has the time.

Connect with JG Nolan on TikTok and Instagram @JGNolan3

Why Not Check Out Some of the Other Bloggers on the Tour:

Claire's Book Obsession

Pause the Frame

Books Happy Thoughts

(book and media courtesy of Random Things Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

(buy links unaffiliated)

All Hallows Book Tag - #AHBT @QuirnusReads

 

Today I am taking part in the All Hallows Book Tag which was created by @QuirnusReads on X/Twitter. Do you like my old school response to the This or That questionaire?

There are also six questions to answer for this tag and you can find my answers below.

I am also tagging in some of the other lovely bloggers who are taking part.

My Answers to This or That

You will probably notice that I have sat squarly on the fence regarding my preference to whether I am a daylight or nightime reader. I'm both and I could not possibly choose. I read at almost every available moment. I always have a book on me. Are you the same?

All Hallows Book Tag Questions

What are your favourite spooky season genres?

I like books which have a witch involved in the story. The Ravenswood Witch by Jenni Keer is a perfect example.

It was a spooky eerie read that is perfect for this tag. It is set in 1885 and is wonderfully atmospheric. My review of this book can be found by clicking here.

Amazon UK (unaffiliated)

Which titles do you recommend for Halloween reading?

This one is for the little ones and my grandson loved it. Spooky Little Halloween: A Finger Wiggle Book by Sally Symes and Nick Sharratt. 

A lovely interactive picture book. You can find my review by clicking here.

Amazon UK (unaffiliated)

 What are your most anticipated reads this month? 

I am really looking forward to reading The Twelve by Liz Hyder.

This looks like being a spooky read and I'm saving it for nearer Halloween.

Amazon UK (unaffiliated)

Have you had a paranormal experience or spooky coincidence?

I sometimes find I have a funny feeling about something and it comes to pass. Or I will be thinking of someone who I haven't heard from in ages and suddenly they get in touch. A little strange but I haven't experienced any ghostly apparitions. My best friend used to see a woman standing at the top of the stairs in her home and she used to scare me half to death about it when we were young.

What are your spooky season film and TV favourites?

I'm currently working my way through watching Charmed. There are loads of episodes and I'm still only about half way there so lots still to watch. 

They are based on a series of books written by Constance M. Burge. There are literally dozens of books in the series.

How do you celebrate Halloween?

We tend to keep it fairly low key but I do dot some witchy type items around the house. This year I have bought a singing black cat. Apparently, it comes with batteries but I like to think there is something a little magical about him.

I'm Tagging Some Other Bloggers Into This

For Books Sake

Sabrina Accalai

(all opinions on this post are my own)

(Amazon links unaffiliated)

10 Ten Exciting New Releases in November 2024

 

November is fast approaching and I am looking ahead at a few lovely new publications. There are so many, but as always, I am confining myself to just ten.

Anything here excite your reading tastebuds?

City of Silk by Glennis Virgo

Bologna, 1575.

A talented seamstress

A powerful merchant

A fierce battle of wills

Elena Morandi has gained a fragile foothold in the workshop of a master tailor, despite the profession being officially barred to her as a woman. But then a powerful man from her past crosses her path and threatens everything she has worked for. Antonio della Fontana has every corner of the city in his pocket and, as Elena knows all too well, he abused his position of power at the Baraccano orphanage. Driven to fight for justice against a man seemingly above the law, Elena hatches a plan to get retribution for herself, a lost friend and those still prey to Fontana's abuses.

With sumptuous detail that brings the sights, sounds and textures of Renaissance Italy to vivid life, City of Silk is a breathtaking historical fiction debut.

Winner of the inaugural Debut Writers Over 50 Award.

The Mysterious Case of the Victorian Female Detective by Sara Lodge

A revelatory history of the women who brought Victorian criminals to account—and how they became a cultural sensation From Wilkie Collins to the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, the traditional image of the Victorian detective is male. Few people realise that women detectives successfully investigated Victorian Britain, working both with the police and for private agencies, which they sometimes managed themselves. Sara Lodge recovers these forgotten women’s lives. She also reveals the sensational role played by the fantasy female detective in Victorian melodrama and popular fiction, enthralling a public who relished the spectacle of a cross-dressing, fist-swinging heroine who got the better of love rats, burglars, and murderers alike. How did the morally ambiguous work of real women detectives, sometimes paid to betray their fellow women, compare with the exploits of their fictional counterparts, who always save the day? Lodge’s book takes us into the murky underworld of Victorian society on both sides of the Atlantic, revealing the female detective as both an unacknowledged labourer and a feminist icon.

The Reunion by M.A. Hunter

Never underestimate how much people can change...

It's been years since Zoe last saw them – since they graduated, drifted apart, and lost touch.

Years since Zoe ended things with Dan because the memories were too painful to bear.

Years since that night – the night an unexpected death shattered their close-knit group of friends.

Now, Zoe is invited to Scotland for a wedding – a grand affair at a manor house on a remote island. Apprehensive about the reunion, she hopes the long drive with Lily will help ease her nerves.

But things are far from simple. Lily has also agreed to give Dan a lift, and Rod, not wanting to be left out, is joining them as well, along with his fiancée.

And when they come into trouble on a cold, dark, desolated Highland road, it sets off a chain of events which will leave them all shaken to their very core, and questioning everything they thought they knew…

Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

December 1952

As a young Queen Elizabeth II prepares to deliver her first Christmas speech, staff work behind the scenes to get ready for the festivities at Sandringham Estate. Among them are Jack and Olive – old friends who are surprised to be reunited after seven years apart.

While Olive works for the BBC reporting on the royal family, and Jack is employed in the queen’s kitchens, their bond deepens – until a secret threatens to tear them apart. When the truth comes to light, it could change Olive and Jack's lives forever.

But maybe Christmas has one last gift to deliver…

Second Chances at Hollyhock Farm by Georgina Troy

Festival season has come to Hollyhock Farm…

Since his sister Lettie took over their parents' farm on the beautiful island of Jersey at the start of the year, Zac Torel's life has changed completely. Zac loves Hollyhock Farm, and he's determined to help Lettie succeed, but when their insurance company refuses to pay for the restoration of one of their barns in time for winter, the clock is ticking for the Torels to raise the money themselves.

The siblings decide to host a wellness festival, but with the summer already well underway, they've got their work cut out to get everything ready before the season ends. Lettie recruits the help of Melody, a yoga teacher from Edinburgh. New to the island, Melody is determined to shake things up and make a success of Lettie’s festival.

But Melody has come to Jersey with more baggage than her small backpack implies. And as her friendship with Zac grows, will her past catch up with her?

Gone with the Penguins by Hazel Prior

"Emperor penguins defy the odds, and I shall too.”

Still fiery and feisty at eighty-seven, Veronica McCreedy, the very first Penguin Ambassador, is determined to prove that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it.

Eileen, Veronica’s ever-patient assistant, is content taking care of other people. But when a new adventure calls, it makes her question everything...

Ten-year-old, penguin-obsessed Daisy can’t wait to be reunited with Mrs McCreedy in her huge house by the sea for the school holidays.

When they discover that the local Sea Life Centre is under threat, the unlikely trio are determined to save it and the penguins that live there.

Inspired by the penguins and fuelled by Darjeeling tea and finger sandwiches, they embark on an epic fundraising walk. But soon, their mission becomes so much more and it might just lead each of them to a new beginning...

Don't You Want Me Baby? by Rachel Dove

Amber Fitzpatrick is about to hit thirty and has achieved none of the things she hoped to have done by now. Her dreams of owning her own business seem out of reach. Her boyfriend has just dumped her and now her biological clock is clanging in her head.

But maybe Amber doesn’t need a man for the next stage of her life? Maybe as an independent woman she can have a baby all by herself?

There’s only one problem. Handsome but excruciatingly annoying best friend Tyler Williams. Tyler thinks Amber’s motherhood plans are plain crazy! She just needs to wait for Mr. Right to come along…and maybe he’s closer than she thinks?

But with Amber hellbent on doing it alone, Tyler sets out to prove to her that being her best friend could also come with excellent benefits…if only she's brave enough to take the chance.

The Sea House by Louise Douglas

A mysterious bequest and the legacy of a tragic love – only one person can unravel the hidden secrets of the past before it’s too late…

When Elisabeth Quemener dies she leaves a small parcel with the instructions that it must only be opened by Astrid Oake. The trouble is, no one knows who Astrid Oake is…

Elisabeth’s family turn to Touissants detective agency for help but, when Mila Shepherd and Carter Jackson try to track Astrid down, their frustration soon mounts. Their only clue is a photo of two young women holding the hands of a tiny child. The women are smiling but Mila is haunted by the sadness in their eyes. Is this Astrid and Elisabeth and if so, who is the child? And why are there signs everywhere in Elisabeth’s home that the old woman was frightened despite her living a quiet life with no known enemies?

As Elisabeth and Astrid’s story slowly unfolds, Mila feels the walls of her home The Sea House closing in. And as the secrets finally begin to reveal themselves, she is ever more determined to carry out Elisabeth’s final wishes. Because what is inside that unprepossessing parcel might just save a life…

The Foyle's Bookshop Girls' Promise by Elaine Roberts

London, 1918: war rages on, but the girls of London’s Foyles bookshop always have a place to feel safe.

Rosie Burrows loves being part of the Foyles team, and outwardly, she’s a happy young woman, engaged to the love of her life. But inside, Rosie faces a horrible dilemma. When Alfie enlisted, she promised to wait for him to return from France. And she has waited, quietly preparing for him to come home so they can marry. But for years her letters to him have gone unanswered, and now she doesn’t know where she stands.

To keep occupied, Rosie starts volunteering at the local school. She loves reading to the children, and takes solace in her growing friendship with the kind and gentle class teacher. But Rosie knows she can’t allow herself to develop feelings for Sam – she gave her word.

But why hasn’t Alfie answered her letters? Has he changed his mind about her? And how long should she wait for a man who may never come back?

A Skye Full of Stars by Sue Moorcroft

Under the winter stars, anything is possible…

Ezzie Wynter can’t wait for Christmas on the beautiful Isle of Skye. Her island home sparkles at this time of year thanks to the snow-capped mountains and frosty winter walks, topped off with family gatherings with those she loves the most.

But her peaceful Christmas idyll is upended when she hears that the Larson family – the owners of Rothach Hall – are flying in from Sweden for the festivities. As Manager of their grand Scottish manor house, Ezzie suddenly has decorations to hang, food to source and itineraries to organise.

Life only becomes more difficult when Mats Larson turns up. The owners’ handsome, self-assured son is used to doing things his own way – and he is only another headache to add to her overflowing list.

Yet when unexpected visitors arrive looking for Ezzie, nothing else matters as she is left questioning everything she ever knew about herself. But amidst the Christmas chaos, she might also discover that, when all is lost, it’s sometimes those we least expect who come to our aid…

A Modern Midlife Christmas Carol by Alana Oxford - #excerpt #extract #publicationday

This looks like such a fun Christmassy read that I could not resist taking part in todays publication day push, and I'm thrilled that I have an excerpt for you today.

Without any further ado, let me tell you a little about the book.

The Blurb

Christmas cheer was dead, to begin with.

The world rests on Eliza’s shoulders. The kids, her husband, work, her elderly mother and don’t forget her newest friend, perimenopause. It’s too much to carry, but she’s been doing it for years. It’s just what a good wife and mother does, isn’t it? 

When another Christmas rolls around, Eliza is drained by all the expectations and logistics of the holiday season. She’s fast approaching her breaking point, only no one around her notices she’s on the edge.

After an incident at her in-law’s on Christmas Eve brings things to a boiling point, she finds herself with three unexpected visitors. The spirits of the past, present, and future take her on a journey through her life to shake her out of the rut she’s gotten into. Their messages leave her with new possibilities: reconnect with her past, reclaim her present, or forge a new future, and you, the reader, decide which option is best! 

The Excerpt

Eliza, her husband, Jacob, and their teenage children, Bella and Bobby, have just pulled into the driveway at Jacob’s brother Edward’s house for Christmas. They don’t have the greatest relationship with Edward and his wife, Dymond. 

Heavy. The word hit Eliza as she struggled to motivate herself to get out and put on the holiday act she was expected to perform. That’s how she felt…heavy. In mind, body, and spirit. Like she was carrying around the dead weight of the person she used to be, the reality of who she really was, and the ever increasing boulder of who everyone wanted her to be. The roles she had to play were layering on top of her as she struggled to unbuckle her seatbelt. Adoring wife - gleefully putting aside her misgivings to give her husband the Christmas he inexplicably wanted. Gentle and endlessly patient mother - even though the kids wanted her to back off and shut up, they also wanted her to know exactly what they wanted to eat and when and have it ready for them…and clean up their messes, physical and emotional…and be the butt of their jokes, and their punching bag, and their champion but always on their own terms. Cheerful sister-in-law - to two people who knew and cared nothing about who she was and what she was interested in. But she did have to soak up everything Edward and Dymond cared about and were interested in and nod and “ooh” at all the right parts. Attentive and dutiful daughter - even though her mother was not at Edward and Dymond’s house, she’d still expect Eliza to answer her every text within seconds. Doting aunt - it wasn’t Derby’s fault he was overstimulated and spoiled, but Eliza must bite her tongue at his unruly behavior and pretend he was just the sweetest angel she’d ever laid eyes on, her own children included. Authentic self - no. That role hadn’t been cast in this performance. Strangely enough, it never was. Eliza doubted she’d even know how to play it anymore, if she ever had. 

Eliza realized that even the kids had dragged themselves out of the vehicle and were stretching outside their doors. She couldn’t hide from it any longer.

About the Author:

Alana Oxford is a Michigan author of romcoms, sweet romance, and humorous women's fiction. She wants her stories to bring sunshine and smiles to her readers. She enjoys improv comedy, moody music, everything book related, and has an ongoing love affair with the United Kingdom.

Why not check out some of the other bloggers on the tour:

Linda's Book Bag

Book Escapes with Babs W67

Tizi's Book Review

 

(content and media courtesy of Rachel's Random Resources)

(all opinions are my own)

Pax and the Forgotten Pincher by David Barker - #spotlight #blogtour

 I am so pleased to be shining the spotlight on this book today as next week, I will be back with a book review. This is the second in the London Falling series. I read the first book, Pax and the Missing Head, last year and you can find my review by clicking here. In the meantime, let me tell you a little about this book...

The Blurb

Pax has made it through the trials of his first year at Scholastic Parliament, but any hopes of a quieter second year are quickly dashed when he makes a shocking discovery in the school’s basement. A new student joins the school, acting suspiciously and muscling in on Pax’s friendship with Samuel. At least being reigning champions in the Parliamentary Polls allows Pax and his friends to explore the city at weekends. But drone raids and cyber-attacks disrupt life in New London while a paranoid mayor cracks down hard on terrorism.

Unwittingly, Pax helps an innocent man get captured. Driven by guilt, he seeks out the Underground resistance movement and is given a mission to steal some codes from the mayor. In the process, Pax uncovers the shocking truth about a new factory that threatens the lives of millions of people. He is torn between stopping this latest sinister plot and focusing on schoolwork to keep alive his dream of becoming an engineer. To achieve both, he’ll need help. But who can he trust in a city full of falsehoods? What sacrifices will he need to make? Find out in the latest instalment in the London Falling series.

ISBN: 978 1837914968

Publisher:  Tiny Tree Books

Formats:  Paperback

No. of Pages:  208

About the Author:

David attended the Faber Academy in 2014 and from that had three climate-fiction thrillers published (The Gold Trilogy, Bloodhound Books). He joined SCBWI in 2018 as he shifted his focus to a younger audience. His Middle Grade debut, Pax & The Missing Head publishes with Tiny Tree in late 2023. He lives in Berkshire with his wife and daughter and has a passion for stories, sport and boardgames.

(book and media courtesy of the publisher)

(all opinions are my own)

A Short Autumnal Break

 

I just wanted to let you all know that there won't be any new reviews coming next week, as I am going to be busy looking after this gorgeous young man.

He is actually my son's dog, Floki. We are staying at their house for the week while they have a well earned break in the Spanish sunshine.

He has had a lovely walk in the woods this morning, being chased my my little rascally pup Roxie. He does look rather sleepy in the photo. This is how I look at the end of the day with Roxie to run around after all day. She's a little pickle but we love her to bits and would never want to be without her.

I have, of course, brought a pile of books with me, loaded up my kindle and am already being tempted by several of the books on my son's bookshelves. We share similar reading taste so there are a lot of books attempting to seduce me into spending time with them.

Have a lovely week my friends and I will be back on the 14th October with a spotlight post of Pax and the Forgotten Pincher by David Barker.

Annie x

In the Shadows of Love by Awais Khan - #bookreview #blogtour

 It's not mine...

That was all he could think of on the way to the hospital. There was an important meeting taking place when the call arrived, but he'd abandoned everything and rushed to his car.

***

A life hiding her heartbreak. A message that will change her world.

To strangers that pass her on the streets of Lahore, Mona Ahmed lives a life to be envied. Married to wealthy businessman Bilal, with happily married children and living in a vast home with staff to attend to her every desire, she seems to want for nothing.

But behind the gilded exterior lies a past of secrets and heartbreak. While they may have weathered the storm of Mona’s infidelity, with Bilal embracing the child born out of that secret love affair, their marriage remains shaky.

While Mona’s heart is broken with memories of her lost soulmate, she hides her pain behind becoming the perfect wife, hosting glamorous, high-profile gatherings for the rest of Lahore’s high society, keeping up appearances for fear of inviting gossip.

Each day has the same slow, regular rhythm… until the first message arrives, and everything in Mona’s life changes in an instant. Will the secrets of Mona’s past threaten her future, her marriage and even her life?

An utterly captivating, thought-provoking and heartbreaking read that fans of Christy Lefteri and Nadia Hashimi won’t be able to put down.

***

This book only released yesterday so I was enormously excited to receive an early readers copy.

It is a fantastic book, and I have read the whole book over a couple of days. In fact, I went straight from reading another of Mr. Khan's books, No Honour, (review coming soon) straight to reading this. I think it would be fair to say that I am now a huge fan, and I cannot wait to read more of his work.

The main character, Mona appears to have everything she could desire. A grand lifestyle in Lahore, Pakistan, a fruitful career, a husband and successful grown up children, as well as a younger son, who both she and her husband dote on. However, Mona has a closely guarded secret, and its revelation would destroy everything that she has. I wouldn't say that I found her a particularly likeable character, however I did find myself rooting for her every step of the way.

I was completely gripped by the plot. It is dramatic and fast paced and definitely had me reading beyond my bedtime. It was difficult to put down as alongside the potential revelation of Mona's secret, there are gangs, kidnappings and high class prostitution. Not to mention a very vindictive school mum who I could not but help hope got her comeuppance.

I have not read many books set in Pakistan, but this brilliant book has made me want to read more. I highly recommend this one and am confident that you will enjoy it every bit as much as I did.

ISBN: 978 1804368107

Publisher: Canelo Hera

Formats:  e-book, audio and paperback

No. of Pages:  304 (paperback)

About the Author:

Awais Khan was born in Lahore, Pakistan. He is a graduate of The University of Western Ontario and Durham University and studied Creative Writing at Faber Academy. In his free time, he likes to read all types of fiction, especially historical fiction and psychological thrillers.

(author photo courtesy of A for Authors Agency)

(ARC and media courtesy of Love Book Tours)

(all opinions are my own)