Month August 2021

The Red Planet: A Natural History of Mars by Simon Morden @alisonmenziespr @eandtbooks #nonfic #bookreview

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I am delighted to share my review today for The Red Planet: A Natural History of Mars by Simon Morden. This is a non-fiction and is quite accessible and readable for the non-science minded among us 😉

My huge thanks to Alison at Eliot & Thompson Books for my advanced copy.

Before I get into my review I thought it would be a good idea to share a few facts.

Mars is the 4th planet from the sun, with Earth being the 3rd.

The diameter of Mars is approx. 4,222, Earths is approx. 7,926

Olympus Mons is one of the tallest volcanos found. It is 13.6miles high, Mount Everest is 5.5miles.

Earths largest volcano is Mauna Kea in Hawaii, it is 6.33miles high, although most of it is below sea level.

I did find this image of Mountains in the Solar System.

https://www.bing.com/images/

What makes Olympus Mons even more impressive is when you see a comparison between the size of Mars next to Earth…

See the source image
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mars,_Earth_size_comparison.jpg

And something that hadn’t even occurred to me until I was reading the book was that we have earthquakes, Mars, well it has marsquakes!

Now to the book…

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The history of Mars is drawn not just on its surface, but also down into its broken bedrock and up into its frigid air. Most of all, it stretches back into deep time, where the trackways of the past have been obliterated by later events, and there is no discernible trace of where they started from or how they travelled, only where they ended up.

As NASA lays it plans for a return to the moon and, from there, a manned mission to Mars, there has never been a better time to acquaint ourselves with the dramatic history and astonishing present of the red planet. Planetary geologist, geophysicist and acclaimed SF author Dr Simon Morden takes us on a vivid guided tour of Mars.

From its formation four and half billion years ago, through an era of cataclysmic meteor strikes and the millions of years during which a vast ocean spanned its entire upper hemisphere, to the long, frozen ages that saw its atmosphere steadily thinning and leaking away into space, Morden presents a tantalising vision of the next planet we will visit.

With a storyteller’s flair, piecing together the latest research and data from the Mars probes, the most up-to-date theories of planetary geology, and informed speculation as to whether there has been life on Mars, The Red Planet is as close as we can get to an eye-witness account of this incredible place. 

Purchase from Amazon UK or other independent Bookshops from Sept 2nd 2021

MY REVIEW…

What I know about the planet Mars, isn’t much and so I was quite interested when I got the chance to read an advanced copy of The Red Planet.

I do have an interest in life, the universe and planets. Natural history is something that belongs far beyond our planet. I have no science background so what I understand has to be, well, basic. When I saw this book I did a bit of a double-take when I read about the author. He is a sci-fi author who also happens to have degrees in geography and planetary geophysics, so it’s safe to say he knows what he’s on about.

I liked the way this book is laid out, a brief intro from the author and then a trip to the planet Mars. From then the author goes into how Mars was formed, what changes it went through and is still going through. The climate, geography, geology, atmosphere.

For a planet smaller than Earth, this red blob in the night sky seems to have been through it all. A planet that has had impacts leaving massive craters, with a dry dusty atmosphere, frozen areas and one of the largest volcanoes known, it makes earth’s largest volcano in Hawaii more like a peak in comparison.

Throughout this book I was aware that this was on the whole quite understandable, at least while I was reading it, it was. I understood enough to grasp what the author was explaining and for me that is a good thing. There were the odd bits that I just couldn’t grasp but part of me was expecting that as I went into this book. Unless you have more of a science background I think this is quite an approachable book. But even the scientists who have studied this planet for decades still cannot agree on some things. There are various theories surrounding how Mars came to be, what forces sculpted the planet we see, and where, how and when there was water.

If you have an interest in planets, and nature beyond our planet then this is a book that will really appeal to you. I found it fascinating and I really enjoyed reading it. I also found myself internet hopping as I read this book, looking up various items, viewing images and also looking at the most recent news. It is a book that I would happily recommend.

About the Author…

Dr. Simon Morden, B.Sc. (Hons., Sheffield) Ph.D (Newcastle) is a bona fide rocket scientist, having degrees in geology and planetary geophysics. Unfortunately, that sort of thing doesn’t exactly prepare a person for the big wide world of work: he’s been a school caretaker, admin assistant, and PA to a financial advisor. He’s now employed as a part-time teaching assistant at a Gateshead primary school, which he combines with his duties as a house-husband, attempting to keep a crumbling pile of Edwardian masonry upright, wrangling his two children and providing warm places to sleep for the family cats.

His not-so-secret identity as journeyman writer started when he sold the short story Bell, Book and Candle to an anthology, and a chaotic mix of science fiction, fantasy and horror followed. Heart came out to critical acclaim, and Another War was shortlisted for a World Fantasy Award, but with The Lost Art, things suddenly got serious. Contracts. Agents. Deadlines. Responsibility. Scary stuff. The Lost Art was subsequently a finalist for the Catalyst Award for best teen fiction.

As well as a writer, he’s been the editor of the British Science Fiction Association’s writers’ magazine Focus, a judge for the Arthur C Clarke awards, and is a regular speaker at the Greenbelt Arts Festival on matters of faith and fiction. In 2009, he was in the winning team for the Rolls Royce Science Prize.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

My Week In Books (w/e 29th Aug 2021) #bookupdates #booklove #mygarden #MeAndMyBooks

yvonnembee 3 Comments

And another month bites the dust… apologies but I was listening to Queen and this seemed appropriate when I typed it. But, August is all but over, where did you go?

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Had a chance to finally get back out in the garden again as we have some nice weather. The potatoes are now all dug up and stored in the shed. I am gathering some seeds from flowers that are coming to an end, picking runner beans and sweet peas on a daily basis and the tomatoes are finally starting to change colour. I do grow tomatoes outside so they do take a bit longer.

Here’s a few garden pics for you…

  • Sunflowers always look happy
  • This Dahlia always looks scruffy, its flowers look like this every year.
  • Orange Helichrysum, I have alwasy liked these paper textured flowers.
  • The echinacea is definitely open!
  • More helichrysum
  • View up the garden
  • The bees love the runner beasn and sweet peas and…
  • they also like the godetia.

Now onto the books I have read this week…

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I was only planning on reading a couple of chapters of Starlight Cottage by K.T. Dady before going to bed, 1am saw me putting the books down! This is a gorgeous read that led me to the wonderful sounding Pepper Bay. I adored everything about this book and I cant wait to see where the author goes with this series. Full review soon as part of the blog tour.

#20booksofsummer – 18/20

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Lonely Planet publish many books and this one caught my eye. Best Day Walks Great Britain – Easy Escapes Into Nature. This is a reference book that gives plenty of ideas for walks around Great Britain, they are long or shorter, easier or harder. This book will give you some ideas for a day out, but I will mention that you will probably need a more comprehensive map such as an OS.

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Having recently helped out with the launch of the new digital publisher Embla, I decided to pick up one of their two new publications. Rachel Ryan’s Resolutions by Laura Starkey is the story of, Rachel and how she is trying to make changes and uses constantly tweaked new years resolutions list. This is contemporary fiction story that I enjoyed, light-hearted and I will post a full review closer to publication date.

#20booksofsummer – 19/20

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I own several books by Caroline Mitchell and The Midnight Man is the first one I have read… I know, I know! This is the second book that is due to be published by Embla and I adored the spooky, creepy eeriness of the story. This is a story that starts 25 years ago and then jumps to the present day when one of five teens go missing. A mix of urban legend, rumour and something more sinister are at play in this crime, thriller, mystery. I really enjoyed it, not too frightening but the suspense was definitely there.

As I finished The Midnight Man I also finished my #20booksofsummer reading challenge 😁

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All done for another week and another month.

Have a wonderful week ahead,

Take Care,

All the very best

Yvonne xx

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be great 🙂 xx

The Map Maker’s Daughter by Caroline Dunford @verdandiweaves @SpellBoundBks @zooloo2008 #yafiction #fantasy #bookreview

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I am delighted to share my review today for The Map Maker’s Daughter by Caroline Dunford. This is a Young Adult fantasy read that I really enjoyed.

My huge thanks to Zoe at Zooloo’s Book tours for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-cop of the book.

Sharra’s world is a terrifying place.

Violent seismic ‘Shifts’ and outbreaks of an all-consuming black fire radically alter landscapes on an increasingly frequent basis. Only the Map Makers can predict where the Shift will fall, and Sharra, daughter to one of the most famous Map Makers, yearns to join their ranks and break a cultural taboo which forbids female cartographers. Sharra’s father, Lord Milton, is one of the few to challenge the current order, but his shadowy past limits his political reach and his second wife, Lady Ivory, is determined to manipulate him to ensure a privileged future for herself and her daughter, Jayne.

The main obstacle standing in Ivory’s way is Sharra.

MY REVIEW…

This is a wonderful Young Adult Fantasy book that follows the adventures of Sharra, she is the daughter of a mapmaker. Their role is to warn the world when the earth shift. When shifts happen danger and death follow.

Sharra is not like most girls her age, she’s a bit of a tom-boy, gets into trouble and is interested in the skill of map-making. This skill isn’t just your average map-making, it is a skill that literally can move mountains. Girls and women do not possess this skill, but then Sharra’s mother had the skill so it can happen.

This is a really enjoyable fantasy story, it has some magical intrigue to it and it is easy to follow. I would say that this is more a lighter fantasy book and it would work very well for younger readers. There is enough description to keep the plotline flowing and plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep the attention. I soon found myself caught up in this book and quite unable to leave it until I had finished it.

The character of Shanna is an interesting one, she has a stepmother who is always on at her, a father who is trying his best and also the stereotype of what society expects of a young woman of her position. This gives several elements that make for interesting reading. Add into this the danger that Shanna is in from those who want to have more of a hold over the map-making skills and it makes for a good action-adventure story.

I really enjoyed this, it is a good Young Adult Fantasy that I read in one sitting, I did find it wrapped up a little quick for me, and I could have quite easily read another 50 pages or so. I also think there is the potential here for another follow on book and if that is the case I would definitely be picking that one up. This is a fantasy, coming of age type story and one I would happily recommend. 

About the Author…

Caroline lives for stories. Reading them. Telling them, Watching them. She can’t get enough of them. She can hypnotise people and she sings well in the shower. She enjoys cooking, but hates housework, and has managed to convince everyone who knows her that she doesn’t understand washing up. So much so that when friends visit some of them do it for her. Fortunately she also has a dishwasher. She always feels she didn’t make enough of her teenage years, and hopes that at least the teenagers in her books do!

Visit Caroline at – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – Website

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

A Winter Baby For Gin Barrel Lane by Lindsey Hutchinson @LHutchAuthor @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #boldwoodbloggers #histfic #bookreview

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I am delighted to share my review today for A Winter Baby For Gin Barrel Lane by Lindsey Hutchinson. This was a wonderful historical fiction and saga story that I really enjoyed.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of the book via NetGalley.

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Dolly Perkins and Jack Larkin have grown up in the notorious gin palaces of Birmingham.


It’s a world of happiness and friendship, but also violence and poverty. Now that Dolly runs the Daydream Gin Palace on Gin Barrel Lane she can finally control her own destiny, but sometimes fate still plays its hand.


Keen to expand her empire, Dolly and Jack take on a new pub, but they are in for a shock when a foul smell in one of the bedrooms turns out to come from a body hidden in the wall. As the police hunt for their suspect, rumours abound, spread by the local urchins – happy to be used as runners for a little bit of food and a coin or two.


But rumours can be dangerous, and as one of the worst winters on record covers everything in snow, Dolly and Jack have to fight for the lives they have made for themselves, and for the urchins that they have come to think of as family. Will the arrival of a new baby on Gin Barrel Lane bring the promise of new hope, or will the long-awaited thaw uncover new secrets and new tragedies…


The Queen of Black Country sagas is back on Gin Barrel Lane with a rip-roaring, heart-warming, page-turning story of family, friendship and beating the odds. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW…

I have not read the book that precedes this one, so I can definitely say that A Winter Baby for Gin Barrel Lane works very well as a stand-alone. I do wish I had read the first book, The Children from Gin Barrel Lane because there are things mentioned that I do think I would like to have known more about.

A Winter Baby for Gin Barrel Lane is a gorgeously written historical fiction book set in Birmingham around the 1860s. Dolly runs a gin palace and is looking to expand. Dolly is unmarried and while this does make it an issue for some, on the whole people are more than happy to deal with a woman in business. One man, however, is not. I do think this is where I would have benefited from the first book!

The one this about this story is the sense of community, support and people with long memories. The author has woven a story around a wonderful group of characters who all bring their own special something. Jack with his easy manner, Aggie with her gossip, Nellie, Nancy and Fred for advice and of course many more characters as well. All very easy to remember.

As Dolly decides to open another business, the nose of a certain businessman is definitely put out of joint. This does set a tense tone for the later part of the story, but on the whole, this is about the main characters and their coming and goings. The authors bring in street runners who deliver messages and this does highlight the conditions of these orphans and the lack of support for a whole part of society. The community, though, does tend to look out for its own.

This was a super story to read, it had me frowning one moment, grinning and chuckling the next and I will say there was the odd lump in the throat moments as well. If you are a fan of the saga type novel then I do think this is one for you, and an ideal story to sit down with over a couple of afternoons. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and I would defiantly recommend it.

About the Author…

Lindsey Hutchinson is a bestselling saga author whose novels include The Workhouse Children. She was born and raised in Wednesbury, and was always destined to follow in the footsteps of her mother, the multi-million selling Meg Hutchinson. Lindsey’s first title for Boldwood was published in February 2020.

Social Media Links – Facebook – Twitter – Newsletter – Bookbub

Check out the other stops on the Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

My Wife Jodie by V.A. Rudys #domesticthriller #20booksofsummer #bookreview

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Today I am delighted to share my review for My Wife Jodie by V.A. Rudys. I requested this book to review via Amazon Vine after seeing the rather creepy cover!

This is 14/20 in my #20booksofsummer reading challenge.

Ethan Page had it all: a respectable job, loving friends, and a beautiful apartment – the envy of all his friends. He was madly in love with his wife, Jodie – until he discovered the power she possessed beyond all comprehension, and the price she demanded for engineering his perfect life.

Paperback, 1st Edition, 384 pages Published July 16th 2021 by Blinkenlight – Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW…

There is a very short synopsis for this book, but combined with the cover image, it provides a very intriguing glimpse into the story. It caught my attention and took me on a route that I really never expected to be on.

Ethan and Jodie Page, a great couple, good life, a nice house, plenty of money and get along wonderfully. That is until the smallest and least significant thing happens.

This is going to be such a hard one to review as I am not able to give the main crux or twist of this story away. It is however a brilliant one. I did initially have my misgivings about it when it came up in the story, but I went with it and my goodness did the author do a great job with this.

The synopsis does suggest that there is some sort of control over the life the Page’s lives. It isn’t until further on in the story that you begin to fully realise the full extent and also how it impacts their marriage. The author explores how a marriage can be controlled and in this one, it is not the usual way. Bringing in a sense of mistrust and cajoling you can see why things start to deteriorate.

In some ways, this is an exploration into marriages, relationships, manipulation, trying to do the right thing, believing in people but eventually, it does come down to the level of trust. It definitely has a psychological edge to it giving it a thriller and suspense feel.

This is a domestic thriller that has a huge twist, not the usual one and it took me by surprise. Vague review I know, but if you get the chance grab a copy of this if you are a fan of this type of genre. I adored this book and I would definitely recommend it. 

About the Author…

V. A. Rudys is a writer, and author of the new novel My Wife Jodie. Rudys was brought up in a creative environment with art being a very important part of life. For most of his career Rudys worked as a video editor engaging viewers visually, and now he’s exploring the world of visual thrillers. Originally from Lithuania, Rudys lives in London. He also struggles with dyslexia, but believes that no one should be discouraged from being able to write. 

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

My Week In Books (w/e 22nd August 2021) #booklove #bookupdates #MeAndMyBooks

yvonnembee 5 Comments

Here we are yet again, another week and another weekly update of books I have read. I know I mention quite often that the weeks are flying by… but seriously… it won’t be long before we are changing the clocks once again! The evenings are getting darker earlier and it is getting cooler.

When I had a look back over the weeks books I had quite a shock as to how many I had read.

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My Wife Jodie by V. A. Rudys is a very twisted psychological thriller. The full review is on my blog tomorrow so I am not going into this one too much now, but i will say it was very good!

#20booksofsummer 14/20

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As the cover for A Winter Baby for Gin Barrell Lane by Lindsey Hutchinson isn’t up on Goodreads yet, I have stuck with this generic image. This is a historical fiction and family saga story and it was an absolute pleasure to read. Set in Birmingham in the 1860’s, Dolly is running her own gin palace and possibly looking to expand. This is a story that I adored and is full of local and community support for a female business owner. Keep an eye out for my full review later this week as part of the blog tour.

#20booksofsummer 15/20

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I adored this YA story, The Mapmakers Daughter by Caroline Dunford is a fantasy read and one that I got on really well with. It is more light fantasy and I did enjoy the world the author built up. I did feel it finished a bit quick, or maybe I just didn’t want it to end! Full review later this week as part of the Blog Tour.

#20booksofsummer 16/20

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The Ticklemore Tavern by Liz Davies is brilliant story. It involves gin, it is a rom-com and it does have a wonderful storyline to it. This doesn’t have its full cover on Goodreads yet, so again I am going with a generic one. This story has the the mother from hell, a hunky landlord and is a cracking read. Off the top of my head this book is due for a one blitz so keep you eye out next week for many reviews from Bloggers.

#20booksofsummer 17/20

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I have been listening to A History of Britain Vol II by Simon Schama. I do have the hardback set of these books and I have read them and when I saw the audio on my local library site I decided to give it a go. I did think this was very good, but I have to say I prefer the actual books rather than the audio.

I am nearly getting towards the end of the #20booksofsummer reading challenge. I have 2 and a bit books to go so I should complete it. I have changed my list considerably as I have taken on books rather than sticking to my list, but you now what it’s like lol!

All wrapped up for another week,

Wishing you all a great week ahead

Yvonne xx

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Watch For Me by Lartin Bodenham @martinbodenham @RandomthingsTours #thriller #bookreview

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I am delighted to share my review today for a wonderfully twisted psychological thriller. Watch For Me by Martin Bodenham is the first book I have read by this author.

My huge thanks to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for my copy of the book and for a spot on the Blog Tour.

Tom Harper, a Vancouver Island realtor, has the client from hell, Ali Page, a beautiful and intelligent young lawyer returning from the mainland to take up a job with an island law firm. Trouble is there’s always something wrong with the properties Tom shows her, always a reason not to commit. Finally, after they find a condo she likes, he receives a text thanking him for his help. Ali signs off: I’m sad we won’t get to spend more time together. Often cold and withdrawn throughout their weeks of searching, Ali’s words seem strangely out of character.

The texts keep coming, increasingly incoherent and disturbing. What does Ali mean by: we have a special connection, and why on earth would she say: I’ll be here for you when you leave your wife? Happily married, Tom cannot understand why a woman not much older than his teenage daughter is suddenly obsessed with him. When he rejects Ali’s unsolicited advances, Tom soon discovers the sinister depths to which a delusional mind will sink to obtain what it wants. Isolated and seemingly abandoned by the police and legal system, this is the story of one man’s struggle to rescue his marriage, his family, and his sanity in the face of overwhelming psychological and physical torment.

My Review…

Wow-what a journey this book was. This is the first time I have read a book by this author and what an introduction it was. this is such a dark and twisted psychological thriller that it had me spitting feathers at times!

I do tend to get emotionally invested in books and I have been known to cry, but my goodness this one had me so angry. Oh! I should clarify these emotions are not for the story but for one of the characters. I’m still not explaining this well, am I? The author has created a character that is so evilly twisted and vindictive it makes one’s blood boil, well it did mine at any rate.

I understand that I am waffling at this point, it is because I am still trying to get my head around how I can write a review for this book that does it justice, but without giving too much away. The synopsis does a great job of introducing the reader to the main plot of this story. How the author deals with this plot and then twists it, and twists it some more and then twists it again makes for fabulously addictive reading.

I suppose some part of this story is a twist in itself, often stalkers are male, female stalkers tend to be those who have been “scorned”. This is partly down to how society perceives stalkers and the victims. It is where the author lays down such a good base for the story that follows. It also highlights the injustice for male victims and how they’re often not believed. the author has created such a believable plot and added so much to it, I found it hard to put down. If I didn’t have to go to work I would have easily read this in one sitting.

This is a very tense read and I do admit, that even though I had no reason to doubt Tom, there was a flicker. After all, even those closest to him had doubts! This is why I think this story worked so well. It was easy to follow and the pacing was just right.

This is a brilliantly woven story, it is strong on the psychological thriller side and also has a good crime and mystery edge to it. I adored this book right the way from start to finish, and that finish!!! It is a book I would definitely recommend.

About the Author…

Martin Bodenham is the author of the crime thrillers: Crime And Justice, The Geneva Connection, Once a Killer and Shakedown. Watch For Me is his latest novel, published 16 August 2021 by Down & Out Books, a US-based publisher of crime fiction, founded in 2011.


After a thirty-year career in private equity and corporate finance in London, Martin moved to the west coast of Canada, where he writes full-time. He held corporate finance partner positions at both KPMG and Ernst & Young as well as senior roles at several private equity firms before founding his own private equity company in 2001. Much of the tension in his thrillers is based on the greed and fear he witnessed first-hand while working in international finance.

Visit Martin at his – Website – Twitter – LinkedIn – Publisher Page

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Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Gathering Storm – (The Sturmtaucher Trilogy #1) by Alan Jones @alanjonesbooks #TheGatheringStorm #histfic #mustread #bookreview

yvonnembee 5 Comments

I am absolutely delighted to share my review today for an amazing book. The Gathering Storm – (The Sturmtaucher Trilogy #1) by Alan Jones is a book that has completely blown me away. If you have an interest in history and historical fiction in the lead up to WWII in Germany, then you really do want to look this book up. It is a book I cannot recommend highly enough.

Book 1 in the Sturmtaucher Trilogy: a powerful and compelling story of two families torn apart by evil.

‘Kiel, Northern Germany, 1933. A naval city, the base for the German Baltic fleet, and the centre for German sailing, the venue for the upcoming Olympic regatta in 1936.

The Kästners, a prominent Military family, are part of the fabric of the city, and its social, naval and yachting circles. The Nussbaums are the second generation of their family to be in service with the Kästners as domestic staff, but the two households have a closer bond than most.

As Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist Party claw their way to power in 1933, life has never looked better for families like the Kästners. There is only one problem.

The Nussbaums are Jews.

The Sturmtaucher Trilogy documents the devastating effect on both families of the Nazis’ hateful ideology and the insidious erosion of the rights of Germany’s Jews.

When Germany descends ever deeper into dictatorship, General Erich Kästner tries desperately to protect his employees, and to spirit them to safety.

As the country tears itself apart, the darkness which envelops a nation threatens not only to destroy two families, but to plunge an entire continent into war.’

You can buy a copy of this brilliant book HERE – at the time of writing up this post, the book is at a ridiculously low price!!

My Review…

Since finishing this book two days ago, I am only now ready to pick up another book. The Gathering Storm is an amazing read, it has left me desperate to continue the other two books in this trilogy.

I have read books from different perspectives of World War II, but I think this is the first time I have come across a book that explores various different perspectives and that has so much excellent research.

The story begins in the years prior to the start of the war. Hitler is only just coming back into the public eye. He is making some speeches that are catching peoples attention. At this point, he is focusing on Germany’s lost power and how the Treaty of Versailles has made life for those living in Germany harder than it should be. Obviously being based on history, we know where the story is heading.

The Kastner’s are a German family, they have a good social standing. Erich is a respected General and his wife moves in favourable social circles. Their three children have good educations and have promising futures. They employ a German family to help with the house, children and domestics. The Nussbaum’s have been with the Kastner’s for two generations, they are German Jews.

As Hitler’s National Social Party garner more support the story and the perspectives really come into their own. Not all German’s are with Hitler and his subtle indoctrinated messages, others eye the changes with a critical and sceptical eye. No one at this point really understands what will happen in the coming years.

This is such an amazing book to read, I have read it over several days as I wanted to be able to absorb it properly rather than just race through it. This has meant the books has nagged at me and got under my skin. There are obvious emotions that I felt with the book, the obvious disbelief that people will blindly follow and completely change because someone has the ability to talk them into it. The obvious horror as living conditions and lives change. The profiteering from the pain and suffering of others and also the dictatorial direction the country was going in.

I realise that I have not spoken too much about the story, but I sincerely believe that this is a book that the synopsis that does a great job of doing what it is supposed to do. It worked so well for me, the synopsis lured me in and the author took up the reins and led me into the lives of the two main families. A story that shows different perspectives, treatments, living conditions, and how one man could bring so much destruction, distrust and abhorrent behaviours out.

This is a stunning book that I cannot recommend highly enough. If you have an interest in history, WWII, The Holocaust, and persecution then you really need to pick this one up. It is a fabulous and important story that at 800 pages long was simply an amazing read. It absolutely blew me away!

About the Author…

Alan Jones is a Scottish author with three gritty crime stories to his name, the first two set in Glasgow, the third one based in London. He has now switched genres, and his WW2 trilogy will be published from August to December 2021. It is a Holocaust story set in Northern Germany.


He is married with four grown up children and four wonderful grandchildren.


He has recently retired as a mixed-practice vet in a small Scottish coastal town in Ayrshire and is one of the coxswains on the local RNLI lifeboat. He makes furniture in his spare time, and maintains and sails a 45-year-old yacht, cruising in the Irish Sea and on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. He loves reading, watching films and cooking. He still plays football despite being just the wrong side of sixty.


His crime novels are not for the faint-hearted, with some strong language, violence, and various degrees of sexual content. The first two books also contain a fair smattering of Glasgow slang.


He is one of the few self-published authors to be given a panel at the Bloody Scotland crime fiction festival in Stirling and has done two pop-up book launches at previous festivals.


He has spent the last five years researching and writing the Sturmtaucher Trilogy.


To find out more, please visit his WEBSITE – TWITTER

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Great Silence by Doug Johnstone #TheSkelfs @doug_johnstone @OrendaBooks @RandomTTours #crime #bookreview

yvonnembee 1 Comment

I am delighted to share my review today for The Great Silence by Doug Johnstone. This is the 3rd book in the series and features the Skelf Family.

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy from the publisher Orenda Books.

The discovery of a human foot in an Edinburgh park, the inexplicable circumstances of a dying woman, and the missing daughter of Jenny’s violent ex-husband present the Skelf women with their most challenging – and deadly – cases yet…

Keeping on top of the family funeral directors’ and private-investigation businesses is no easy task for the Skelf women, and when matriarch Dorothy discovers a human foot while walking the dog, a perplexing case presents itself … with potentially deadly results.

Daughter Jenny and grand-daughter Hannah have their hands full too: The mysterious circumstances of a dying woman lead them into an unexpected family drama, Hannah’s new astrophysicist colleague claims he’s receiving messages from outer space, and the Skelf’s teenaged lodger has yet another devastating experience.

Nothing is clear as the women are immersed ever deeper in their most challenging cases yet. But when the daughter of Jenny’s violent and fugitive ex-husband goes missing without trace and a wild animal is spotted roaming Edinburgh’s parks, real danger presents itself, and all three Skelfs are in peril.

My Review…

From reading the two previous books in this series I knew I was going to be in for a roller coaster ride. I did not, however, expect it to be such an amazing ride!

This is the third book in The Sklef’s series, set in Edinburgh. The Skelf’s are a family of different generations of women and boys are an amazing group. Headed by Dorothy, the family-run not only funeral directors but also have a Private Investigation business.

Dorothy is an amazing matriarch and her daughter, Jenny and granddaughter Hannah are doing a great job. With the family dog finding a foot, an abusive ex on the run and a very strange message the women have their work cut out. As if having all these dynamic women under one roof is not enough, Dorothy also takes in waifs, those who have troubles that just need a safe place and a roof over their heads. Oh, did I mention the big cat that is on the loose around the city?

This is a breakneck speed of a read, one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I do like the way the author alternates his chapters between the three Sklef women, it kept this reader up to speed with all that was going on, and boy was there a lot. Credit to the author for keeping all these sub-plots in check and not allowing me to get confused. As the women are very unique it is very easy to keep up with who is who and their individual roles don’t their own cases as well as when they all come together.

This story does have a tense atmosphere to it, there is the threat of the big cat lurking, the abusive ex who is making life more than hell for some and then of course there is the body part. The author has so skillfully woven all the dramatic and dynamic plots together brilliantly and it makes for a very intense and thrilling read.

This is a fabulous series and I do think it is just getting better and better. There is more tension and it does have a gloriously dark edge to it. This is a series that I would say you do need to read from the beginning as there are mentions of previous storylines.

This is definitely a tense, fast-paced, dark and gritty glimpse into the world of the Sklef women, they are a fabulous family and this latest book is an amazing read. It is one I would definitely recommend.

About the Author…

Doug Johnstone is a writer, musician and journalist based in Edinburgh. His fourth novel, Hit & Run, is published by Faber and Faber on March 15th 2012. His previous novel, Smokeheads, was published in March 2011, also by Faber. before that he published two novels with Penguin, Tombstoning (2006) and The Ossians (2008), which received praise from the likes of Irvine Welsh, Ian Rankin and Christopher Brookmyre. Doug is currently writer in residence at the University of Strathclyde. He’s had short stories appear in various publications, and since 1999 he has worked as a freelance arts journalist, primarily covering music and literature. He grew up in Arbroath and lives in Portobello, Edinburgh with his wife and two children. He loves drinking malt whisky and playing football, not necessarily at the same time.

Check out the other stops on the Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

My Week In Books (15 Aug 2021) #booklove #bookupdate #MeAndMyBooks

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I have had a great week with the book reading, there have been some fabulous ones. The weather here has been a bit hit and miss, a mix of wind, rain, sunshine and mizzle. This has meant the garden has been kept on top off in short bursts, I did manage to get the grass mowed before we had a down pour which was rather good.

The veggies are coming on nicely and it is great that we can pick fresh and eat within a couple of hours of them being picked. Cucumbers are doing well as are the courgettes, just a few a week which is all we need. Runner beans and peas are really doing well, although the first sowing of peas are coming to the end, and the second sowing are now coming in. Raspberries are growing well and not quite getting to the peak but not far off. Rhubarb, well that just keeps going and going and going, almost fed up with the sight of it. It is a good job there are plenty of others that like it and we are giving it away.

Enough for tea 🙂

I work night shifts, and at this time of year it means I get to see some amazing views across Falmouth Bay. Some of the sunrises are amazing, this one from Tuesday morning was quite eerie, but incredibly stunning to witness. Some wonderful sea mist laying across the bay and in the valleys.

Right, lets get on with the books…

Last week I did mention that I was reading a wonderful book, it was this one. The Gathering Storm by Alan Jones. This is an amazing book and one that would definitely appeal to you if you are a fan of history and especially of WWII. This is told from the perspective of a German family and a German Jewish family who are employed as housekeepers. This is an amazing book, I was hooked and gutted that I got to the end of the 800 pages. Thank goodness it is the first in a trilogy. It is definitely a book that is going to stay with me, in fact it took me two days to process this read and for me to feel ready to pick up my next read. I don’t often suffer with book hangovers but this one is just amazing. The research, the writing, the story is just awesome. Full review to follow, publication day for this is 19th August.

Have you met The Skelf Family yet? If not then you really do want to give this series a go. The Great Silence by Doug Johnstone is the third book in this series and follows three generations of the Skelf family. They are a family of women who run the family’s funeral directors and also side line in private investigations. This is a brilliant book that had so much going on. A dismembered foot, a missing person, astrophysics, a wild animal on the loose! Yes you read that right!!! An amazing read and I am going to say you really should read this series in order to get a full grip of the dynamics in this dynamic family. Keep an eye out for the Blog Tour, it has already started. My review will be later this week.

I was delighted to be able to share my review for Bella’s Big Caribbean Adventure by Annabelle and Anne John-Ligali this week. This is such a wonderful story aimed at 7-11 year olds and it was a delight to read. You can read my full review HERE. This is the story of Bella, who impatience gets the better of her and also leads her and her friends into danger. A really wonderful read and it was a pleasure to help take part in the spotlight tour.

Do you like twisted psychological thrillers? Watch For Me by Martin Bodenham is one you want to look out for. This is about a family man who is stalked. Not only is it incredibly twisted, it also becomes dark. The author has done such a brilliant job with this addictive book and I adored it. That finish… Keep an eye out for the Blog Tour, my review is later this week.

Well that is me done for aniother week.

Wishing you al the very best in the coming week,

Yvonne xx

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx