Lindsey's Literary Leanings

  Eye opening, Challenging, Though Provoking Genre: Semi-Autobiographical/Young Adult Fiction Hijacked by C.M Stokes It is both an honour and a privilege to be asked to read an Author's work prior to publication. However, it becomes even more special when you learn that is a semi-autobiographical account of living with a mental health condition that consumes that individual's world. I was aware of the symptoms and challenges facing a person who is living with this disorder prior to reading 'Hijacked, but I'm not sure that I ever fully appreciated the extent of it's complexities. My first experience of knowing someone with the same traits, was an ex-neighbour. She had lots of other issues & found it difficult to articulate her feelings, which I desperately wanted to understand, as it was me she came to when she couldn't cope alone, although she always professed to not want help. M. C. Stokes Author wants to create awareness and further people's understan...

  Though Provoking, Relatable, Intriguing Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Family Drama/Grief The Best Days Of Our Lives By Lucy Diamond Leni and Alice weren't just sisters, they were best friends growing up. They were only a couple of years apart in age, sharing everything including a penchant for attempting to fly with the aid of their Grandma's fanned Peacock feathers. Then, some years later, along came Will and their parent's focus was somewhat distracted from the girls by all the time spent in hospital with their brother. As the sisters grew they inevitably parted ways to follow different paths but always knew that they had each other's backs. Indeed, neither of them had once given a thought to what they would do without the other, and particularly if that special sibling bond were snatched away in the midst of a time of simmering vex and underlying jealousy. She wasn't the only one of the McKenzie's to feel that words had been left unsaid... as the saying go...

  Engaging, Heart Warming, Entertaining Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Family/Chicklit 'Ciao Cariad' by Johanna Cogbill - Author Alex had taken the decision to remain in Italy when, Jared, her ex-boyfriend of five years now, had flown back to the UK to continue his education. She intended to make a life for herself in Sorrento, and five years on, she had done just that; with a beautiful apartment, a job she loved at Riviolli's and daily banter with Luca, owner of 'Luca's, the cafe across the street from her work place; Luca showing his apparent concern & maybe disapproval of Alex's dedication to her work e-mails, accompanied by caffeine, out of office hours. indicating that Alex was perhaps, in need of more fun in her life, which, whilst this may have been a somewhat accurate description, Alex was content with her lot. She had also landed the biggest account of her career, and her client, was flying over to seal the deal. However, fate was to send her on ...

  Page Turner, Engaging, Entertaining Genre: Family Drama/Contemporary Fiction/Mystery The Woman Who Wrote Ink Green Ink By Sheena Billett I was excited & honoured to be asked to read this novel prior to it's publication. I do enjoy a good family drama, and having so many different narratives occurring in one story made it a really entertaining, comprehensive read. Having four different areas of the main character's life, giving different threads to follow within the novel, kept it fresh and enjoyable, introducing the reader to a wide variety of characters. Amber's boys are typical of any couple of teenagers within any family that I know of; One who is on the wild side (generally as in this case, the elder of the two) and the other who behaves himself & tows the line as he hasn't yet reached the age of testing the parental boundaries to see how far they'll stretch. Her husband, a workaholic, only interested in what he can get out of people, he handles eve...