Dear book-loving blog readers Finally an actual update! My operation happened a couple of weeks ago and I am recovering very well (thank you to all for the well-wishes and massive thanks to the NHS for their work!) Therefore, the blog will be reopening gradually over the next few weeks, with the first few days dedicated to catching up on emails first.

Welcome to the eighth of my ‘Year of the Book’ posts, in which I take the books I received in my 2025 book advent – each cover representing an animal from the Chinese Zodiac – and review them for you! August is the GOAT (or sheep!) and the book is The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon. Read on to find out more…

Dear book-loving blog readers I have been delaying this post in the hopes of giving you an update with some actual news, but sadly that is not to be (for now, anyway!). The planned operation was unavoidably postponed at the last minute but I remain 'top of the waiting list' and am just waiting for the call with my new date, which will hopefully be before the end of this month.

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In an attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I have been scrunching some of my (overdue) reviews together into one or two posts each week: shorter reviews, but still covering all of the points I intended to.

Welcome to the seventh of my ‘Year of the Book’ posts, in which I take the books I received in my 2025 book advent – each cover representing an animal from the Chinese Zodiac – and review them for you! July is the HORSE and the book is White Horse Black Nights by Evie Marceau. Read on to find out more…

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In an attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I have been scrunching some of my (overdue) NetGalley reviews together into one or two posts each week: shorter reviews, but still covering all of the points I intended to.

Dear fellow book-lovers Bookshine will be on a summer hiatus as of this Friday, as I will be on holiday for a week and then (hopefully!) heading immediately for a planned and long-awaited operation. Depending on the recovery time, I am hoping to be back sharing the #booklove by September, if not sooner, but I have scheduled one or two posts in the meantime just to keep things going.

*I received a free DRC of this book with thanks to the author and Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies. A collective of mystery writers, known as the Society of Fibbers, has captivated thousands with their addictive podcast-catapulting each member into the limelight.

Welcome to the sixth of my ‘Year of the Book’ posts, in which I take the books I received in my 2025 book advent – each cover representing an animal from the Chinese Zodiac – and review them for you! June (late again!) is the SNAKE and the book is A Game of Snakes and Ladders by Doris Langley Moore.

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In an attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I have been scrunching some of my (overdue) NetGalley reviews together into one or two posts each week: shorter reviews, but still covering all of the points I intended to.

*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: One part CHARMED, one part THE GOLDEN GIRLS, and a dash of DEXTER. You're going to love THE WITCHES OF BLACKWOOD GROVE! Spending her days on the family’s enchanted apple farm, tending her plants from seed to spell.

*I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley with thanks to the author, Zaffre and Tracy Fenton at Compulsive Readers blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: Little-known and even lesser-read author, Jane Hepburn, is still recovering from solving the vicious murder at the Killer Lines crime-writing festival when she is dragged into another very bookish murder.

ISBN: 9781837263462Publication date: 04/06/2026Price: £9.99 Description When you are a prisoner of your secrets, the death of shame is the only path to liberty. Annabel Banks was promised work as a…

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the authors, Canongate Books and Anne Cater of Random Things Blog Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: Wh…

Welcome to the fifth of my ‘Year of the Book’ posts, in which I take the books I received in my 2025 book advent – each cover representing an animal from the Chinese Zodiac – and review them for you! May is the DRAGON and the book is A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan. Read on to find out more…

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In an attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I have been scrunching some of my (overdue) reviews together into one or two posts each week: shorter reviews, but still covering all of the points I intended to.

*I personally know this author but purchased my own copy of the book for the purposes of this review (and for my own personal use, but I will explain that more in my review!)* Blurb: Over the years I’ve learnt how to make purposeful blends that make a real difference, packing nutrition, calories and comfort into powerful meals designed for small tummies with big needs.

*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, Storm Publishing and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: Beyond the village of Raven’s Edge stands the Gateway to the Dead – a crumbling stone arch marking the site where a long-ago battle raged and the dead were buried where they fell.

Welcome to the fourth of my ‘Year of the Book’ posts (and apologies for the lateness - laptop issues!), in which I take the books I received in my 2025 book advent – each cover representing an animal from the Chinese Zodiac – and review them for you! April is the RABBIT and the book is The Rabbit Factor by Antti Tuomainen.

*I received a free DRC of this book with thanks to the author, Joffe Books and Zoé of Zooloo’s Book Tours.  The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: Meet Peter Maxwell: film buff, golden-hearted cynic, bow-tied eccentric teacher . . . and reluctant amateur sleuth. When Peter Maxwell’s history club meeting sparks a deadly explosion, leaving a charred body behind, the police suspect Maxwell was the intended target.

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In an attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I have been scrunching some of my (overdue) NetGalley reviews together into one or two posts each week: shorter reviews, but still covering all of the points I intended to.

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author and Kelly Lacey of Love Books Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: The village of Silver Edge has a secret. But so does Autumn. For years, 18-year-old Autumn has hidden the curse marking her body—strange, creeping magic no one in her very non-magical village could possibly explain.

Welcome to the third of my ‘Year of the Book’ posts, in which I take the books I received in my 2025 book advent – each cover representing an animal from the Chinese Zodiac – and review them for you! March is the TIGER and the book is Lie of the Tiger by John Martin. Read on to find out more…

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author and Angry Robot. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: A brutal assault nine months ago left eccentric portrait artist Micah with facial scars and PTSD. He’s struggled to leave his apartment ever since, and he can’t let anyone in. Then his only sanctuary is disrupted by signs of a haunting.

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In an attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I have been scrunching some of my (overdue) NetGalley reviews together into one or two posts each week: shorter reviews, but still covering all of the points I intended to.

*I received a free DRC of this book with thanks to the author, Joffe Books and Zoé of Zooloo’s Book Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: From two-million-selling author Steena Holmes, nine dark and gripping stories featuring Detective Meri Amber. Nine missing girls.Nine investigations that refuse to stay buried. Detective Meri Amber hunts the cases other people walk away from — the girls who vanish without a trace and the secrets no one wants uncovered.

About the book A brutal assault nine months ago left eccentric portrait artist Micah with facial scars and PTSD. He’s struggled to leave his apartment ever since, and he can’t let anyone in. Then h…

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author and Angry Robot. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: An alien invasion hits the town of Muddy Gap, but a disgruntled pie aficionado is the only one who seems to remember it… Denver Bryant’s passion for pie has sent him across Wyoming in search of the best slices.

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In an attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I have been scrunching some of my (overdue) NetGalley reviews together into one or two posts each week: shorter reviews, but still covering all of the points I intended to.

*I am participating in this blog tour with thanks to the author and Angry Robot. I purchased the book myself and the decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: A transgender salvager on the outskirts of a dystopian Utah gets the chance to earn the ultimate score and maybe even a dash of romance. But there's no such thing as a free lunch…

Welcome to the second of my ‘Year of the Book’ posts, in which I take the books I received in my 2025 book advent – each cover representing an animal from the Chinese Zodiac – and review them for you! Up next in February is OX and the books are the Ox Tales series of short story collections, Ox Tales: Earth; Ox Tales: Air; Ox Tales: Fire and Ox Tales: Water…

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Kelly Lacey of Love Books Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: She must marry for her family’s future. He must never marry at all. Spring, 1805. Nineteen-year-old Allegra Constantine is under pressure to choose a husband, but none of her suitors inspire her.

*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: Mesopotamia, 1930: When Agatha Christie invites fellow members of the Detection Club to witness the famous excavations at the ruins of Ur, Dorothy L. Sayers, her quick-witted assistant Eliza Baker, and Theo Sharp expect ancient wonders – not fresh corpses.

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In an attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I have been scrunching some of my (overdue) NetGalley reviews together into one or two posts each week: shorter reviews, but still covering all of the points I intended to.

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In an attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I have been scrunching some of my (overdue) NetGalley reviews together into one or two posts each week: shorter reviews, but still covering all of the points I intended to.

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In an attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I have been scrunching some of my (overdue) reviews together into one or two posts each week: shorter reviews, but still covering all of the points I intended to.

*I received a free DRC of this book with thanks to the authors, Coconut Milk and Ashley Kurland - Entertainment PR.  The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: A love letter to immigrant families everywhere! Jerk Chicken Magic is a heartwarming story of a multi-generational immigrant family (The Higgins), through the eyes of a charming 6-year-old girl named, Lizzy — as she explores the culinary magic of Jamaica's most famous cultural export, jerk chicken.

Welcome to the first of my ‘Year of the Book’ posts, in which I take the books I received in my 2025 book advent – each cover representing an animal from the Chinese Zodiac – and review them for you! Up first in January is RAT and the book is King Rat by China Miéville. Read on to find out more…

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In an attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I have been scrunching some of my (overdue) NetGalley reviews together into one or two posts each week: shorter reviews, but still covering all of the points I intended to.

Release date: 28 January 2026Kindle eBookPaperbackHardback later in 2026Page count: 40Self-Published Blurb A short, mixed style poetry collection about not dying just yet – exploringchronic i…

*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: Join Harriet White in 1930's London for another glorious Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery, for fans of Nita Prose and Janice Hallett. After a very close call on the Norfolk Fens, Harriet White is about ready to hang up her deerstalker and settle back into her normal life, working in a bank on Baker Street.

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author and Anne Cater of Random Things Blog Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: A short, mixed style poetry collection about not dying just yet - exploring chronic illness, depression, trauma and finding moments of joy and love in a painful world.

First a quick explanation! Due to some severe health issues over the last few years, and a lingering chronic condition, my planned review schedule went right out of the window and I have been scrabbling ever since to get it back on track. In an attempt to try to regain some lost ground, I have been scrunching some of my (overdue) NetGalley reviews together into one or two posts each week: shorter reviews, but still covering all of the points I intended to.

*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: Assassin. Gardener. Reluctant cat adoptee. All Dante wants is to be left alone in the small New Zealand town no one’s heard of. No drama. No bodies. No questions.

Welcome! We have made it to the end of 2025 and to the twenty-fourth and final of my ‘Calendar Chaos’ posts, in which I take the books I received in my 2024 book advent – each cover representing a different period of time – and review them for you! Closing the year and my calendar theme is Christmas and the book is 

Welcome to the twenty-third of my ‘Calendar Chaos’ posts, in which I take the books I received in my 2024 book advent – each cover representing a different period of time – and review them for you! Up first in December is DECEMBER and the book is One Day in December by Josie Silver. Read on to find out more…