The Bravest Word by Kate Foster - #bookreview #blogtour

 

I can't do this. I can't do this.

But it's happening. I am doing this.

I'm following my teammates onto the pitch. I'm watching my orange boots, brand new for the brand new season, take step after step across the short grass. I wish I could stop, spin around and run home...

***

A rescue story of love and trust between a boy and a dog from the talented author of Paws.

Matt is a football superstar. He can handle anything. Except lately his chest feels empty and his head is screaming. He can’t concentrate in school or enjoy football anymore, and he is so, so tired. When Matt stumbles across an abandoned dog, there’s no doubt in his mind that he has to save him. But maybe the dog isn’t the only one who needs help.

***

Who does not like a story about a boy, a dog and how they save and support one another through love? I had known I was going to enjoy this book before I even turned the first page, and I was not disappointed.

There is something rather extraordinary about this book. It has a lovely story but it also highlights mental health issues and how it is okay to talk about how we feel. I liked the way that Matt was able to recognize that he has depression through learning to care about his dog.

The author has created great characters in Matt and Cliff, the dog. She also brings the secondary characters to life extremely well. I would even go as far as to say I am a little in love with Matt's dad, who demonstrates such kindness and understanding to Matt when he really needs it.

The book is aimed at middle grade/lower secondary aged readers and every school library should have a copy of this wonderful book. It has been one of the best children's books I have read this year.

I could have cried when I read how Matt finally learned to open up and admit that he is struggling with his mental health (not a spoiler as it's obvious that the book is heading that way.) It was a very emotive part of the book, and I genuinely think it will facilitate young readers into understanding their own feelings and that it is okay to talk about them.

It is a heartwarming book which I will be thinking about for quite some time. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Undoubtedly a five star read.

***

ISBN: 978 1529514216

Publisher:  Walker Books

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  224 (paperback)

About the Author: 

Kate Foster is an award-winning children's author of middle grade fiction originally from a small town in the southeast of England and now living on the stunning Gold Coast in Australia with her family and second-hand dogs. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via a positive approach and representation in both her books as well as her presentations and talks.

(book and media courtesy of Love Book Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

The Maids of Biddenden by G.D. Harper - #BookReview #Blogtour

 

Avicia knelt and prayed. Prayed for wisdom, to know what action would be righteous and true. For strength, to cope with the horror of what she would shortly be forced to witness. Above all, for compassion towards the unfortunates now in her care; compassion sufficient to displace any revulsion her face might betray when she saw them for the first time.

She stood up and looked around the abbey chapter house. Mid-morning prayers were over and the room had been decorated with wildflowers to celebrate her arrival. Celebrations could wait, however. She had felt elation at her appointment - for the first time, Malling Abbey would have its own prioress - but later, Bishop Gundulf had told her of the abbey's dark secret...

***

‘There is no me; there is no you. There is only us.’

The Maids of Biddenden is inspired by the real-life story of conjoined twins Mary and Eliza Chulkhurst, born in 1100 into a wealthy family from a small Kent village.

Joined at the hip, the sisters overcome fear and hostility to grow into gifted and much-loved women – one a talented musician and song-writer, the other a caring healer and grower of medicinal plants. Entangled in the struggles for power and influence of the great Kent nobles of the time, they achieve much in their lifetimes and leave behind a legacy in Biddenden that survives to this day.

This is the heart-warming and inspirational story of two remarkable women leading one joint life, challenging adversity to become the best they can be.

***

It is rare that historical fiction with a unique perspective comes along. I certainly have no recollection of the genre featuring conjoined-twins so this made for a fascinating and insightful read.

Based on factual accounts of Eliza and Mary Chulkhurst who lived in Biddenden, Kent during the 12th century, the author has researched her subject and has given a voice to these two women.

It was interesting viewing the first half of 12th century society through their eyes. Although conjoined the author did an excellent job at portraying them as individuals. Both voices were distinct and at no point was I confused by which twin's thoughts or words I was reading. She allowed the reader to absorb their personalities through the words on the page and she did this extremely well.

Although considered freakish during their early lives, as they grew their condition afforded them opportunities that would not have been available to other women of their status. They attracted attention from the upper echelons of society and were able to advance the prospect of their family.

I think anyone who enjoys historical fiction or women's history will enjoy this book.

ISBN: 978 0993547874

Publisher: Ginger Cat

Formats: e-book and paperback

No. of pages: 432

About the Author:

GD Harper became a full-time self-published author in 2016, publishing three novels under the pen name GD Harper. He has been both a Wishing Shelf Book Award finalist and Red Ribbon winner, been shortlisted for the Lightship Prize, longlisted for the UK Novel Writing Award and longlisted for the Page Turner Writer Award. The Maids of Biddenden was a finalist in this year’s Page Turner Book Award for unpublished manuscripts, longlisted for the Exeter Book Prize and the Flash 500 Novel Award, and shortlisted for the Impress Prize. 

(Book provided courtesy of Love Book Tours)