My 2018 In Books Part Two

  August To December

In this blog post Im going to be sharing my reads from August through to December 2018. In this list I have some very great reads and during the second half of last year I found my new favorite author and may have read my favorite book ever I still think back to it now.

So with out further ado lets dive in.

August

Book 12: An Unwanted Guest By Shari Lapena

Synopsis: As the guests arrive at beautiful, remote Mitchell’s Inn, they’re all looking forward to a relaxing weekend deep in the forest, miles from anywhere. They watch their fellow guests with interest, from a polite distance. With a violent storm raging, the group finds itself completely cut off from the outside world. Nobody can get in – or out. And then the first body is found . . . and the horrifying truth comes to light. There’s a killer among them – and nowhere to run. 

My Thoughts: This was the third Shari Lapena novel I’ve read and again I enjoyed it. Although this one is my least favourite. It was a great setting in the guest house with a wonderful mix of characters all with their mix of personalities and own secrets. It was a awesome mixing pot of emotions. Sadly I felt a little deflated about the ending although I didn’t see the twist coming I felt Shari had slightly got a little out of control and the story line lost its way. This is something sadly I have experienced with her other novels especially noticeable in her first book ‘The Couple Next Door’. Overall it was a easy, gripping read not too serious and a good escape.

My Goodreads Score: 3/5

Book 13: Five Years From Now By Paige Toon

Synopsis: What if you met the right person at the wrong time?
Nell and Van meet as children when their parents fall in love, but soon they are forced worlds apart. Five years later, they find each other.  Their bond is rekindled and new feelings take hold, but once again they must separate.
For the next two decades, fate brings Nell and Van together every five years, as life and circumstance continue to divide them. Will they ever find true happiness? And will it be together?

My Thoughts: Oh my I really don’t know where to start about this read. I absolutely adored every word never wanting my journey with Nell and Van to end. I laughed with them along with crying with and for them both. By the time I turned the last page both felt like real friends and I had been on the journey with them. The way we caught up with each character at different points always five years after the last meeting was utterly amazing. Paige Toon really does have a fantastic way at character building, tackling hard/ emotional issues and just generally been the most fantastic author. I recommend this book to everyone I know. Even now sat writing about it for this post I can feel myself getting emotional and all the feels I felt during my time with this book. It was the first ever Paige Toon I had ever picked up and it certainly as you will be able to tell further on it was by no means my last. A bold statement to make but this has to be my favorite book I have read in 2018 and even in my whole life so far.

My Goodreads Score: 5/5

September

Book 14: Eve Of Man By Giovanna and Tom Fletcher

Synopsis: Against all odds she survived. The first girl born in fifty years. They called her Eve.

My Thoughts: I absolutely love both Giovanna and Tom followed both of them for years on there Youtube channels. I really enjoyed G’s book happy mum, happy baby and reading The Christmasaurus by Tom with my eldest. So for a book by them both was a absolute dream. Especially as its a trilogy and sounded super intriguing. However Im super disappointed to say I found this book such a drag to read and it took me so long to complete. One of the main issues I had with Eve Of Man it felt like two totally different books mismatched together into one. As Giovanna writes all Eve’s chapters and Tom writes chapters for a character called Bram. It felt completely disjointed and just didn’t flow quite right for me. I feel both of them are good writers in their own works but together they have such varying styles that sadly it just didn’t work. Like mentioned this is due to be a trilogy and im still undecided weather I will pick up book two although this ends in a cliff hanger and I sort of want to know what is going to happen. Its weather I can put myself through the torture again when I have so many books waiting to be read and discovered.

My Goodreads Score: 2/5 ( mainly as it is Gi and Tom plus the cover is absolutely stunning for a handback book with the dust cover off. Also I did enjoy Eve and her character)

October

Book 15: One Of Us Is Lying By Karen M.McManus

Synopsis: Five Students walk into detention. Only four come out alive. Yale hopeful Bromwyn has never publicly broken a rule. Sports star Cooper only knows what hes doing in the baseball diamond. Bad boy Nate is one misstep away from a life of crime. Prom queen Addy is holding together the cracks in her perfect life. And outsider Simon, creator of the notorious gossip app at Bayview High wont even talk about them again. He dies 24 hrs before he could post their deepest secrets online. Investigators conclude its no accident. All of them are suspects. Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you’ll go to protect them.

My Thoughts: I loved the concept of the story five people attending detention and only four leaving alive. It gave me vibes of breakfast club meets scream! The layout of the story was easy to dip in and out easily grabbing a few pages at a time with the diary format. Each a different perspective of the happenings in the investigation. I thought I knew where the story was heading about halfway through and even though I didn’t get it completely correct. It wasn’t too far off the mark, this was a little bit of a shame as it would have been a awesome twist. As its aimed at young adults been a YA with a recommenced age of 12+ it was a little beneath the depth of the thrillers I normally read with its complexity. However with this it was a good read and im intrigued to read Karen’s second novel that has just been released.

My Goodreads: Score: 3/5

 Book 16: Part of Your World (Twisted Tales) By Liz Braswell

Synopsis: Its been five years since the infamous sea witch defeated the little mermaid…taking King Triton’s life in the process. Ariel is now the voiceless queen of Atlantica, while Ursula runs Prince Eric’s kingdom on land. But when Ariel discovers that her father might still be alive, she finds herself returning to a world, and a prince, she never imagined she would see again. Will Ariel be able to overthrow the murderous villain set on destroying her home and the world she once longed to be part of? Follow this tale of power, love and a mermaids quest to reclaim her voice

My Thoughts: I fully expected to completely fall in love with this book as like I mentioned in part one of this blog post The Little Mermaid was my complete favorite thing in the whole world growing up. So to have these characters again and a twist on the tale that could see Ursula get her comeuppance over again would satisfy me. However it really didn’t I felt the characters were written all wrong. Prince Eric was just dopey, Ariel needy and I felt sorry for Ursula/ Vanessa.The story got too far fetched even for a Disney film where there is a giant octopus lady along with talking crabs and seagulls. This is the second I have read in the twisted tales series If I didn’t have two already waiting on my shelf after this attempted I don’t know if I would waste my money.

My Goodreads score: 2/5

November

Book 17: The Last Piece Of My Heart By Paige Toon

Synopsis: A successful travel journalist, Bridget has ambitions to turn her quirky relationship blog about the missing pieces of her heart into a book. But after a spate of rejections from publishers, she accepts an alternative proposition. Nicole Dupré died leaving behind a bestselling novel and an incomplete sequel. Tasked with finishing the book, Bridget is thankful to have her foot in the publishing door, even if it means relocating to Cornwall for the summer and answering to Nicole’s grieving husband, Charlie…

My Thoughts: I was super excited when this arrived in the library for me I couldn’t wait to get started and it truly didn’t disappoint. For me Paige Toon had done it again created another fantastic read. I immediately loved all the characters Bridget felt like a old friend by the end and Charlie too. The subject matter was well tackled and handed with sensitivity of a grieving widow caring for a young baby. The two settings of England and Thailand were brought to live so exquisitely. I absolutely adored it.

My Goodreads Score: 4.5/5

Book 18: Surprise Me By Sophie Kinsella

Synopsis: After being together for ten years, Sylvie and Dan have a comfortable home, fulfilling jobs, beautiful twin girls, and communicate so seamlessly, they finish each other’s sentences. They have a happy marriage and believe they know everything there is to know about each other. Until it’s casually mentioned to them that they could be together for another sixty-eight years… and panic sets in. They quickly decide to create little surprises for each other, to keep their relationship fresh and fun. But in their pursuit of Project Surprise Me – anything from unexpected gifts to restaurant dates to photo shoots – mishaps arise with disastrous and comical results. Gradually, the surprises turn to shocking discoveries. And when a scandal from the past is uncovered, they begin to wonder if they ever really knew each other after all.

My Thoughts: I came across this title while browsing in the library so I took it home to give it a try. I have read a number of Sophie Kinsella books in the past and have felt mixed about them. I went in with low exceptions for this novel as I hadn’t really heard much about it and prefer the Madaline Wickham novels from Sophie. However I was very pleasantly surprised, I flew through this novel and really enjoyed it. It was a great light book to escape too at the end of busy days. Some of the situations that Sylvie and Dan find themselves in are hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud a number of times. As well as Sylvie and Dan the supporting characters are really great too and add so much to the story. Its defiantly encouraged me to pick up more Sophie Kinsella books in the future.

Book 19: The One We Fell In Love With By Paige Toon

Synopsis: Phoebe is caught between a rock and a hard place. Settle down and get married, or return to the French Alps to pursue her passion?
Eliza is in love with someone who is no longer hers. In fact, he probably never was… And her dream of becoming a successful musician seems to be vanishing before her eyes. Rose is out of a job and out of a boyfriend. To make matters worse, she’s been forced to move back in with her mother…
But these very different girls have one thing in common. Angus. The one they fell in love with.

My Thoughts:  This was the third Paige Toon I picked up in as many months. Again I was absolutely captivated and I found myself picking it up at every spare opportunity. Most nights wishing it wasn’t already bedtime struggling to put the book down. I again loved the characters and the story line. This one gave me so many similar feelings that I had felt earlier in the summer with Five Years From Now. How each of the girls stories all took their shape intertwining with each others and Angus’s. It was just truly wonderful. I laughed, cried, smiled every emotion possible. Not wanting the story to end as I didn’t want to leave the world of Pheobe, Eliza and Rose.

My Goodreads score: 5/5

December

Book 20: Dear Mrs Bird By AJ Pearce (DNF)

Synopsis:  London, 1941. Amid the falling bombs Emmeline Lake dreams of becoming a fearless Lady War Correspondent. Unfortunately, Emmy instead finds herself employed as a typist for the formidable Henrietta Bird, the renowned agony aunt at Woman’s Friend magazine. Mrs Bird refuses to read, let alone answer, letters containing any form of Unpleasantness, and definitely not those from the lovelorn, grief-stricken or morally conflicted.But the thought of these desperate women waiting for an answer at this most desperate of times becomes impossible for Emmy to ignore. She decides she simply must help and secretly starts to write back – after all, what harm could that possibly do?

My Thoughts: Sadly this book wasn’t one for me. I trudged my way to just over 100 pages and had to give it up. I really didn’t feel the characters they were a little flat and fluffy. I loved the concept of the story it just sadly didnt work for me.

My goodreads score 1/5 ( as I couldn’t leave it without scoring on my app)

Book 21: Dead Ex By Jane Corry

Synopsis: Vicki’s husband David once promised to love her in sickness and in health. But after a brutal attack left her suffering with epilepsy, he ran away with his mistress. So when Vicki gets a call one day to say that he’s missing, her first thought is ‘good riddance’. But then the police find evidence suggesting that David is dead. And they think Vicki had something to do with it.

My Thoughts: This was another library pick and im so glad I did. I really enjoyed this one. It was full of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming which was just great and it kept me wanting more. It took a little while to get used to the narrative but once I had got my head around the layout of the story it really works. Such a complex story. I highly recommend and I will read more from Jane Corry in the future.

Book 22: The Mother Of All Christmases By Milly Johnson

Synopsis: Eve Glace – co-owner of the theme park Winterworld – is having a baby and her due date is a perfectly timed 25th December. And she’s decided that she and her husband Jacques should renew their wedding vows with all the pomp that was missing the first time. But growing problems at Winterworld keep distracting them . Annie Pandoro and her husband Joe own a small Christmas cracker factory, and are well set up and happy together despite life never blessing them with a much-wanted child. But when Annie finds that the changes happening to her body aren’t typical of the menopause but pregnancy, her joy is uncontainable.  Palma Collins has agreed to act as a surrogate, hoping the money will get her out of the gutter in which she finds herself. But when the couple she is helping split up, is she going to be left carrying a baby she never intended to keep?Annie, Palma and Eve all meet at the ‘Christmas Pudding Club’, a new directive started by a forward-thinking young doctor to help mums-to-be mingle and share their pregnancy journeys. Will this group help each other to find love, contentment and peace as Christmas approaches?

My Thoughts: I was really excited when this book was released I read Milly’s book The Yorkshire Pudding Club many years ago and throughly enjoyed it. This is a sequel to that with some returning characters. It was another great read and very great at getting me in a festive mood. I love how Milly’s books are laid out with sort chapters to the point. Her writing style really suits my reading style. I have since taken out The Winter Flame from the libiary that first introduced the character Eve and Winterworld to find out more about her beginnings.

My Goodreads Score: 4/5

Book 23: Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage Animal Ark Revisited By Lucy Daniels

Synopsis: Christmas has arrived in the little village of Welford. The scent of hot roasted chestnuts is in the air, and a layer of frost sparkles on the ground. This year, vet Mandy Hope is looking forward to the holidays. Her animal rescue centre, Hope Meadows, is up and running – and she’s finally going on a date with Jimmy Marsh, owner of the local outward bound centre. The advent of winter sees all sorts of animals cross Mandy’s path, from goats named Rudolph to baby donkeys – and even a pair of reindeer! But when a mysterious local starts causing trouble, Mandy’s plans for the centre come under threat. She must call on Jimmy and her fellow villagers to put a stop to the stranger’s antics and ensure that Hope Meadows’ first Christmas is one to remember.

My Thoughts: This was the second book in the series and it was another great read. Hanging back out with old friends Mandy Hope, James Hunter and Jimmy Marsh. Loved the way it tackles issues serious and humorous. This festive addition to the series was great alongside book one set in the summer season. Im really looking forward to book three set in the spring to see what the gang get upto.

There you go my full 2018 in books I hope you have enjoyed finding out what I read last year. What I enjoyed as well as what I didn’t.

If you have read anything that isn’t on my list I would love to know.

Until Next Time

Jess

XXX

My 2018 in Books January to July

At the beginning of last year one of my goals was to read 12 books. I set it as a easy manageable 1 book per month. As a busy mum of three with little time for herself and I knew I would feel deflated if I had set it higher then not managed to achieve.

To record all my reads I set up a Goodreads account and got down to working on my goal. I absolutely blew 12 books out of the water and by December 31st 2018 23 books in total had been consumed. Over 9,073 pages devoured!! Some were amazing where as others didn’t quite hit the spot.

I thought I would share my year of books with you and hopefully give you some great book recommendations along the way.

JANUARY

BOOK ONE: The Keeper Of Lost Things By Ruth Hogan

Synopsis: Anthony Peardew has spent half his life collecting lost objects, trying to atone for a promise broken many years before.He leaves his house and its lost treasures to his assistant Laura, the one person he can trust to fulfill his legacy and reunite the thousands of objects with their rightful owners. The final wishes of the ‘Keeper of Lost Things’ have unforeseen repercussion.

My Thoughts: This was great book to kick things off. This was Ruth Hogan’s debut novel, I absolutely love debut novels as its a blank canvas from a author that you have no preconceived ideas about before starting that first page. The characters were great to get to know, very well developed and the storyline was very intresting keeping you invested throughout. I have Ruths second novel The Wisdom Of Sally Red Shoes waiting in my TBR pile and I cant wait to dive into it.

My Goodreads Score: 4/5

FEBRUARY

BOOK TWO: The Woman In Cabin 10 By Ruth Ware

Synopsis: Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. At first, Lo’s stay is nothing but pleasant as the exclusive cruise ship, the Aurora, begins her voyage in the picturesque North Sea. But as the week wears on, frigid winds ship the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a dark and terrifying nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for–and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo’s desperate attempts to convey that something has gone terribly wrong.

My Thoughts: This was one of the lowest rated books which I was upset with as I was really excited for this one as I love a good mystery/thriller. The problem I had was just not connecting with Lo the main character. She was far too needy, drab and annoying. The storyline got way too far fetched as well as dragged out. I’ve seen really mixed reviews for this title. My mum had passed it over to me after reading it herself she wasn’t too taken with it either for similar reasons. It has put me off heading into more of Ruth Wares work although I may take one of her other novels out of the libary and see how I get on.

My Goodreads Score: 2/5

MARCH

BOOK THREE: Wonder By R.J.Palachio

Synopsis: My name is August. I wont describe what I look like. Whatever you are thinking, its probably worse.

My Thoughts: Wonder is such a captivating read and I think everyone can learn so much from August’s story. After I read it I passed it on to my eldest who loved it as much as me. Its a story of acceptance, belonging and growing up. Growing up is hard enough without additional hardships. I loved how the story was split into parts. Each section told from a different characters point of view. I’ve since watched the motion picture adaptation and it was done beautifully so true to the original material. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

My Goodreads Score: 5/5

BOOK FOUR: Poor Unfortunate Soul (Villians 3) By Serena Valentino

Synopsis: How did the sea witch, Ursula, become so twisted and filled with anger and hatred? Determined to be with her new love, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with Ursula. Will the cost of losing her enchanting voice and nearly her soul prove too high for Ariel, or will the power of good prevail? Losing then finding ones voice is at the heart of the classic story of The Little Mermaid.

My Thoughts: I saw this series of books while we were away for a few nights. Not packing a book for the trip our eldest wanted to head to the bookstore for something to read for the evening when getting back to our accommodation. Been a huge Disney fan especially The Little Mermaid I just had to read this book. Wow is all I can say I just didn’t want to put it down. It gives so much insight to Ursula the sea witch and why she hates King Triton and all the Merfolk. I realize now that she isn’t so bad and her intentions for destroying Atlantica in the 1990 classic. There is also a story line with new characters running through the book this didn’t make sense to me at the time. However since reading more in the Villains series its come to my attention that you are supposed to read them in order.

My Goodreads Score: 3/5

APRIL

BOOK FIVE: As Old As Time (Twisted Tale) By Liz Braswell

Synopsis: Can the enchanted rose reveal hidden truths? Could it be that Belle’s mother was the one who cursed the Beast all those years? When Belle touches the enchanted rose hidden away in the Beast’s castle, memories flood through her mind – memories of a mother she thought she would never see again.

My Thoughts: This was the first in the Disney twisted tales that I’ve read and what a amazing one to start with. I grew up loving Beauty and the Beast watching it over and over. So getting stuck into this twisted tales was a real joy. I blitzed it over three days and it was so exciting especially the second half after the twist had taken place. I loved the direction the story took and finding out more about Belle’s mother something not shown in the animated Disney film.

My Goodreads Score: 4/5

Book Six: It’s Always The Husband By Michele Campbell

Synopsis: Kate, Aubrey and Jenny are inseparable at college – friends who promised they’d always be there for each other. But twenty years later, their friendship is about to take a deadly turn. Kate married the gorgeous party boy, Aubrey married up, and Jenny married the boy next door, but when one of the friends dies in shocking circumstances, will everyone assume that it’s always the husband? Or could it be the best friend?

My Thoughts:  Again this was a debut novel and a absolute delight. It was the cover that originally pulled me when browsing books in Tesco one day. I loved the mystery of it all so it had to come home with me. The chapters were each a different characters perspective and story. I also loved that the chapters were quick and short. I hate leaving my book in the middle of chapters. Is it just me? I felt like the story, characters and twists all developed well. The ending was good and it kept me guessing all the way through. Michele’s second novel is waiting patiently I recently received it for my birthday.

My Goodreads score: 3.5/5

Book Seven: Fairest Of Them All ( Villain’s One) By Serena Valentino

Synopsis: How did the wicked queen become so evil? When the king asks for her hand in marriage, the beautiful daughter of a cruel mirror maker accepts, hoping her fortunes will change for the better…. but will they? This is the untold tale of love, loss and dark magic behind the classic story of Snow White.

My Thoughts: This was the second in the villain series that I picked up. The in depth look and the wicked queen was wonderful. Reading this book the story line that runs through these novels alongside the villains origins stories started to make more sense and I understood more of the layout of the story. It was less confusing then when I read book 3 in the series back in March. The wicked queen isn’t one of my favorite villains it surprised me how much I enjoyed this origin tale.

My Goodreads score: 4/5

May

Book Eight: The Potion Diaries Going Viral (Book 3) By Amy Alward

Synopsis:  

After finding her great-grandmother’s potion diary, escaping the clutches of Emilia Thoth, saving her grandfather’s memories AND become a Master Alchemist, surely it’s time for Sam Kemi to have a good, long rest? And maybe, just maybe, a proper date with her boyfriend Zain? Now that Princess Evelyn is married to the sinister Prince Stefan and showing symptoms of the Gergon illness, it looks as though Sam’s adventures are just beginning. The GOOD news: there might be a cure for the virus spreading like wildfire through the city. The BAD news? It’s buried in a remote village in a far-flung country next to an active volcano – and Sam’s not the only one after it. With a TV crew trailing Sam’s every move and time fast running out, it looks like things are about to…
GO VIRAL

My Thoughts: This is a YA series with it been advertised on Amazon for ages 12 and up. When I started the series it was because Zoella had it as one of her picks in her WHSMITH Book Club back in 2017. This is book 3 and there was plenty of action as the characters had already been well established. I really will the main character Sam Kemi all the best. During this read I got a little bored and could tell it was set for a preteen and teenage audience. This wasn’t as much of a issue with the first two in the series. Im not as excited to quickly step back into this world as I was between the others in the series.

My Goodreads Score: 3/5

Book Nine: The Beast Within ( Villians 2) By Serena Valentino

Synopsis: The Tale is as old as time, but what transformed the prince into a beast? The story of Beauty and the Beast has been told many different times in many different ways. This is one version pulled from many passed down through the ages. Its a story of vanity and arrogance, of love and hatred, and, of course, beastliness and beauty.

My Thoughts: This is book 2 in the villains series and again like one based on Ursula I was so excited to pick this one up with my love for everything Beauty and the Beast. It again was a great addition to the series and I enjoyed diving in to the Beasts world. When I was reading this one it was when I realized that there is infact a reading order to this series and it made so much more sense reading it after book 1. I started to get to know the characters of the ongoing storyline and see the character traits developing.

My Goodreads Score: 3/5

July

Book 10: Nevermoor The Trials Of Morrigan Crow By Jessica Townsend

Synopsis: Morrigan Crow is cursed, destined to die on her eleventh birthday. But, as the clock strikes midnight, she’s whisked away by a remarkable man called Jupiter and taken to the secret city of Nevermoor. There she’s invited to join the Wundrous society. Mystery, magic and protection are hers- if she can only pass four impossible trials, using a exceptional talent. Which she doesn’t have….

My Thoughts:  I had seen this book all over bookstagram and book tube. I watch all Jess McGlynn’s videos here is a link to her channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUSBbaqzXq9wViiAgwlZlRA and she had included Nevermoor in her haul for middle grade March. A lot of other places it was been compared to Harry Potter for a new generation if you have watched my Youtube you will know how much of a fan I am so I was intrigued that along with the synopsis. So I gave it a go and although I wouldn’t ever personally compare this to Harry Potters adventures at Hogewarts as it will never be anywhere near that. Nevermoor is a very whimsical read and Morrigan along with Jupiter are very lovely characters to spend time with. I didn’t quite enjoy this as much as I had thought maybe I had put too much pressure on it to make me feel how I do when with Harry and the gang. Book two Wundersmith is now here and I will give it a read and hope for more magic and see where Morrigan goes next.

My goodreads score: 3/5

Book 11: Summer at Hope Meadows(Animal Ark Revisited) By Lucy Daniels

Synopsis: Newly qualified vet Mandy Hope is leaving Leeds – and her boyfriend Simon – to return to the Yorkshire village she grew up in, where she’ll help out with animals of all shapes and sizes in her parents’ surgery. But it’s not all plain sailing: Mandy clashes with gruff local Jimmy Marsh, and some of the villagers won’t accept a new vet. Meanwhile, Simon is determined that Mandy will rejoin him back in the city. When tragedy strikes for her best friend James Hunter, and some neglected animals are discovered on a nearby farm, Mandy must prove herself. When it comes to being there for her friends – and protecting animals in need – she’s prepared to do whatever it takes…

My Thoughts: Growing up in the 90’s and it the 00’s I like many others used to adore the Animal Ark series. It made my day when I realized that they had started to make a revisited series. I loved catching up with Mandy Hope and James Hunter it was like bumping into old friends. The series is fab and it gives me lots of the feels I felt a few years ago when I started Cathy Woodman’s books surrounding the vets in the Talyton St George Series. I felt it was a great read to start the summer and didn’t hesitate one bit buying more in the series. Highly recommend to any fan of the original series as well as anyone looking for a easy read thats really enjoyable.

My Goodreads Score: 3.5/5

I hope you have enjoyed hearing my first 12 books of 2018. I would love to know what you enjoyed reading last year and if you have read any of the books above.

Part two August to December will be coming very soon

Happy Reading

Jess

xxx

Book Review: Disney Villains: Poor Unfortunate Soul

How have I only just found out about the Disney Villain series I really don’t know. However I’m so glad I did. There is a few in this series with new books due to be released.

Poor Unfortunate Soul By Serena Valentino

Synopsis

How did the sea witch Ursula become so twisted and filled with anger and hatred?

Determined to be with her new love Ariel makes a dangerous deal with Ursula. Will the cost of losing her enchanting voice and nearly her soul prove too high for Ariel, or will the power of good prevail?

Losing them finding ones voice is at the heart of the classic story the little mermaid.

My review

Since I was a little girl the Little Mermaid was one of my all time favourite Disney films. I used to watch it on a loop with a few others. I came across this book when my older children were looking for books on our recent trip away. There was a 3 for 2 offer on all children’s books so I took the plunge and treated myself. I’m so glad that I did. I finished this book in under three days and learned more about the villain behind the story that I love. The story mixes the tale we all know with new characters and bigger insight into why Ursula was determined to bring down king Triton and his kingdom by robbing Ariel of her voice. I have since been out and bought more in the series. They are fantastic reads for any Disney fan, young or old. I fell in love with the new characters as well as the old. There is also a mixture and reference to others in the Disney universe such as Malificent all entwining in this story and collection.

I rate this book a 4/5 which may be on the high side due to my love of the little mermaid and blinded by small minor details that had me hooked from the start.

It’s another book ticked off for my reading goal of 2018 now off I go to start on the next one.

If you read the Disney villains series do let me know. Who’s your favourite?

Until next time

Jess

XXX