Roberta Reads

Never and Forever by Cressida Cowell My rating: 4 of 5 stars I’ve been enjoying the Wizards of Once series throughout, so I was very pleased to receive a copy of this final book for review (thank you to NetGalley and the publisher). If you’ve also been enjoying the series so far, you won’t be disappointed by this final instalment. This story has all the usual crazy adventures we’ve come to expect from Wish, Xar and Bodkin. The magic and narrow escapes, the humour and ridiculousness. It also (thankfully) has happy endings pretty much all round. And hints at the future adventures of our unlikely heroes. The advance review copy did not yet have all the illustrations, however, those that were there show that they will be as brilliant and expressive as those in the previous three volumes. Treat yourself to the final chapter of this crazy adventure, and be whisked away to a world of fun creatures and lively magic. You won’t regret it. If you haven’t

A Winter's Dream by Sophie Claire My rating: 3 of 5 stars Sophie Claire is a new author for me. I chose this one because the cover was appealing, and the description sounded interesting. I enjoyed reading about Liberty, and all the daily challenges that she took on. She was brave, and she said what she thought about things, instead of keeping everything inside. I liked Alex as well, though he is rather self centred at the beginning of the book, it feels like lack of awareness, rather than lack of caring. I enjoyed the way that the two of them gradually grew together (although it’s only over a few weeks, which is not that gradual), each making the other think more deeply. If you’re looking for a wintery romance, then look no further. I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

The Winter Garden by Heidi Swain My rating: 4 of 5 stars I have not read any of the previous books in this series, so I am reviewing this book as a standalone story. I really enjoyed this book, it was so relaxing to read. It had a lovely wintery feel, and Christmassy too. I loved reading about the development of the garden, and Freya’s forming friendships with the locals. I really liked Freya, and many of the characters of Nightingale Square, it seems like a lovely community. I have slightly mixed feelings about Finn though. He seems like a lovely, kind and considerate person, but his habit of rushing off and disappearing every time something he didn’t like happened is irritating and unkind. I don’t think I could tolerate being in a relationship with someone who won’t permit explanations or working through things. However, he is otherwise kind, and I feel like it’s something he might grow out of, given time. Overall, this was a relaxing, comfo

Monarchs of the Sea: The Extraordinary 500-Million-Year History of Cephalopods by Danna Staaf My rating: 5 of 5 stars This was a really great book. It took my rather glancing interest in cephalopods (produced mostly by reading Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series, though I do have a general interest in any biology, human or animal), and complete lack of interest in history (particularly such ancient history), and transformed it into a far greater interest in both cephalopods and fossilised history. I don’t think you can give much higher praise than that! I was initially attracted to this book by the cover illustration, and it wasn’t until I read the introduction that I realised it focusses mostly on the ancient history of the cephalopods (yes, I know it’s written right there on the cover). By that time, however, Danna Staaf’s witty and informative writing (along with further beautiful illustrations) had fully captured my interest. Someh

Manga Classics Anne of Green Gables by Crystal Chan My rating: 4 of 5 stars I really enjoyed this manga adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. It is based on several books from the series, rather than just the first one. I thought the story adaptation was done well, focussing on the relationship between Anne and Marilla, as well as several other key relationships (Diana, Matthew, Gilbert). I was disappointed that the layer cake incident didn’t make it, nor did walking the ridgepole, as those were some of my favourite moments from the book. However, you can’t fit everything from a book series into a single manga!  The artwork was lovely, and the format of manga brings an immediacy and clarity of emotion in the moment that is delightful. I laughed several times at Anne’s antics. I think that this adaptation of Anne of Green Gables will appeal to long time fans and new readers alike. I especially like the thought that it will bring new readers who p

Hattie Brown versus the Cloud Snatchers by Claire Harcup My rating: 2 of 5 stars This was an odd one. Hattie Brown gets pulled through her fridge into a mysterious land called Somewhere-Nowhere, with talking animals, a lack of clouds, and various other weirdness. I liked Hattie a lot, she didn’t give up, and she looked after her friends, and had a good sense of right and wrong. The setting was crazy and fun, but it was a bit too odd for me. I was left with far, far too many questions about both the plot, and how Somewhere-Nowhere works. I love fantasy stories, but this one just doesn’t seem to have enough internal logic for me. The story didn’t feel finished - the children got back home okay, but we don’t know what has happened to any of the other characters we’ve come to care about. I’m assuming there is a sequel planned that will explain some of this, but meanwhile I’m left feeling unsatisfied. If you are not the sort to question why, then this is

Southern Bred and Dead by Angie Fox My rating: 4 of 5 stars As always, I was so happy to return to this favourite series. Verity is back, dashing around ghost hunting with Frankie. I love Verity, she has such a good heart, and it’s so much fun to ride along as she’s solving murders both new and old. This book did make me feel a little sad though - to see Verity and Ellis struggling so much with their relationship, and how to get around the fact that she takes so many risks. I really hope they can find a way to permanently work through that. I can’t help feeling that there are some steps she could take (eg take self defence classes) to stay a little safer. I loved the fact that we started really digging into Frankie’s history - I won’t say any more as I don’t want to spoil it! I really enjoyed having that mystery alongside the present day murder. Lucy made some lovely appearances too. I like the sense of community in Sugarland, even if not ever

First Prize for the Worst Witch by Jill Murphy My rating: 4 of 5 stars I have not read any of the previous books in this series, so I am reviewing this book as a stand alone. This story was so much fun, and the illustrations are delightful. It is full of interesting and amusing characters, not to mention magic and mayhem. Mildred and her friends are at the end of their penultimate year at Miss Cackle’s Academy, and are hoping to win prizes. Then it all seems to go wrong, and they have to put it right! This was a great light-hearted tale of magic and friendship, and everything coming right in the end! I definitely recommend it. I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

Strictly Come Dating by Kathryn Freeman My rating: 5 of 5 stars I loved this book so much, it’s funny, and romantic, and lovely, and a little bit steamy. I loved the fact that dancing ran through it. The characters are excellent, all lovely people, with their own motivations etc. I think the character journey that Seb and Maggie go on, together, the way they bring out the best in each other, and care for each other and Maggie’s children, is just beautiful. I love the way that, by the end of the story, they make a great, loving, family together. I didn’t like the fact that an important character died, I prefer books that don’t have such sadness and grief in. However, it was an important plot point, and it didn’t make the book too depressing. If you’re looking for a heartwarming tale of romance and family, with a bit of heat to it, I’d recommend this book. I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

Second-Chance Cats: True Stories of the Cats We Rescue and the Cats Who Rescue Us by Callie Smith Grant My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book was an obvious choice for me, as I love cats. It is a collection of anecdotes about cats being rescued by humans, cats rescuing cats, and cats rescuing humans. I really enjoyed it, the stories varied from touching to amusing, there are some real characters in here! Each anecdote is nice and short, so it’s a great book for dipping in and out of. If you love cats, I’d definitely recommend reading this book. It will relax and entertain you. I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

The Enforcer Enigma by G.L. Carriger My rating: 5 of 5 stars Gail Carriger (aka G. L. Carriger) is my favourite author, and I will read anything she has written. I have high expectations, and she exceeds them every time.  This book was wonderful, just like all the others in this series. It was both hilarious and touching. It had a beautiful, heartwarming plot. As usual, the use of language is wonderful, and often playful, in a way that reminds me of P. G. Wodehouse (though the plot is obviously not alike). I really can’t recommend this series (and Gail Carriger in general) enough. View all my reviews

Shadowspring by Paul Mason My rating: 5 of 5 stars It was wonderful to return to this amazing, fully realised world, that I first enjoyed in The International Yeti Collective. Paul Mason has excelled himself with this story. This book focusses on a different Yeti sett, and another group of humans. It has everything about it that I loved about the first story - the adventure, the Yeti society, acting as guardians of nature, the young human accidentally coming across the young Yeti. The characters are excellently realised - both Yeti and human. The Yeti society is similar and different to our own, and shines through without any descriptive interruptions to the story. There are also has the beautiful illustrations by Katy Riddell, that really bring the story to life. I can’t recommend this series enough, to children and adults. This world just seems so real, and I can’t tell you how much I wish it was! I really hope that there will be many more b

One Winter's Night by Kiley Dunbar My rating: 4 of 5 stars Apologies for the brevity and potential incoherence of this review, it is very hot today. I really enjoyed this story, it was two lovely romances, with some nice Christmassy atmosphere. Some great character development, and just all round a lovely story. And of course happy endings for all. I have read the previous book in the series (One Summer’s Night), but this book would also work well on its own. The characters are great, and the story was a lovely way to relax for a few hours. I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

The Gentleman and the Thief by Sarah M. Eden My rating: 3 of 5 stars I have not read the previous book in this series, so I am reviewing this book as a stand alone. Hollis - a gentleman of slender means - is part of the Dread Penny Society, who are hunting down a thief known as the Phantom Fox. Meanwhile, he is falling for Ana - a music teacher, and also the Phantom Fox. Shenanigans occur! This story was entertaining and amusing, a nice departure from the usual Victorian mysteries. It managed to nicely mix crime and romance, with neither losing out. It wasn’t as funny as I had been hoping for, but there were still a number of humorous moments to lighten the mood. The penny dreadful books within a book were an entertaining diversion. It felt rather unsatisfying to me that most of the villains escaped. I suppose this is so they can continue to wreak havoc for the next book in the series, but it leaves an unfinished feeling. If you’re looking for

Hopeful Hearts at Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters My rating: 4 of 5 stars The Glendale Hall series has been one of the best new finds that I’ve come across in the last year, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of Hopeful Hearts at Glendale Hall from the author. This was another enjoyable instalment in the series. This time, the focus is on Heather and Rory. Heather has had a lot of big things happen, and made big decisions in a rush, and still feels very uncertain as to whether it’s the right thing for her. It was lovely to see her come into her own by the end of the book. I really like both her and Rory, who is so patient with her. We also get to see well loved characters from the previous two books, who form a supportive community that is great to see. I’m not normally a fan of stories skipping about in time, but it works really well in this book, the memories fitting in seamlessly with the main narrative. They definitely add something to