Roberta Reads

Marie Curie and Her Daughters by Imogen Greenberg My rating: 4 of 5 stars I have long admired Marie Curie. She was the only female scientist we were taught about in school, and as I then went on to study Physics at university, my interest has only increased. I chose this book, both because Marie herself is of interest, and because I wanted to know about her daughters. I have read about Marie Curie’s life before, and I think that this particular version of her life story does an excellent job. A large amount of information is conveyed concisely, and more importantly, in an interesting way. The vivid illustrations really bring the story to life. I found this book easy to read, informative, and very enjoyable. If you’re looking for an inspiring and interesting tale, then pick this one about three courageous and intelligent women. I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

The Weather Weaver by Tamsin Mori My rating: 4 of 5 stars I’ve always been interested in the weather, and weather science, so the idea of weather weavers really appeals to me. The cover also drew me in. The story itself did not disappoint. Stella is dropped off at her grandad’s, on a remote island, and weather related adventures ensued. I really enjoyed reading all about Nimbus, and how Stella learns about her gift from Tamar. The battle was exciting, but not too stressful (just right). I really hope that there will be a sequel. I’d love to get deeper into the weather magic, and to get to know the characters more. Particularly, I want to know what it is the sea witch wants. I feel like there’s a lot more to that story! This story oozes charm and magic, I definitely recommend it. I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

Christmas for Beginners by Carole Matthews My rating: 4 of 5 stars Having read and enjoyed Happiness for Beginners, I jumped on the chance to read Christmas for Beginners. I enjoyed this book a lot, though I think not quite as much as the first one. It is very well written, I love most of the characters, and the farm, and all the animals, of course. I thought the plot was good, and I really liked the continuing development of the relationship between Molly and Lucas. I felt like the issues between Shelby and Molly went on a little too long, but that definitely fits with Molly’s character. She doesn’t give up on things easily. If you’re looking for a Christmas book, that shows it’s worth keeping on and has a real sense of community, this is a great one. Just be aware, it’s not one of the light and fluffy Christmas books. I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

The Good Bear by Sarah Lean My rating: 3 of 5 stars I have not previously read any books by Sarah Lean, so I didn’t know what to expect. The cover and description were appealing. The story is about how Thea goes to stay with her dad and his new family in Norway one Christmas, and things don’t turn out how she would like (and expects) them to. It was far more emotional than I was expecting - I was anticipating a relatively light hearted Christmas story. However, Thea’s interactions with the bear were enchanting, and the story well told. I thought that Thea’s reaction to her family was realistic, and I enjoyed the way she began to make friends with Lars. The book is well written, it makes you really feel for Thea.  I found the parts at the beginning and end, where Thea is talking to her daughter a little clunky, but I can see that they would be really enjoyable for some readers. Overall, this was a well written, enchanting story. It was just...

The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane by Jaimie Admans My rating: 5 of 5 stars I love Jaimie Admans books, they’re always so lovely. I was so pleased to receive an advance copy of The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane. It certainly didn’t disappoint! I enjoyed this so much. It was heartwarming and delightful. It made me laugh, all the random silly bits, especially all the things that James says that hint at him being a nutcracker come to life.  I love the setting, Nutcracker Lane especially sounds wonderful. The characters are all well realised, and I loved them too. The story is very well written, and I easily got swept up in the romance. I loved the ungrinching of James, and the efforts to save Nutcracker Lane. If you’re looking for a Christmas story to amuse and delight you, and give you that warm, happy feeling, then I highly recommend this one. I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all...

Tinsel by Sibéal Pounder My rating: 3 of 5 stars I picked this book because it looked like it would be Christmassy fun, and it was!  I love the idea that “Santa Claus” is not actually an old man, but in fact an idea dreamed up by two young girls, and brought into reality by them. The tale of how it came to be is funny, exciting and adventurous. Definitely worth a read if you’d like a different take on the Santa story.  I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own. View all my reviews

The Book of Hopes: Words and Pictures to Comfort, Inspire and Entertain Children in Lockdown by Katherine Rundell My rating: 5 of 5 stars I chose this book because Stephanie Burgis had written a small part of it, and it seemed generally appealing. As suggested in the introduction, I dipped in and out of it over the course of the two weeks I had before release day. I find it difficult to write a review for a book that contains so many, very different, tiny stories, illustrations and poems. I enjoyed some more than others, but every single one of them has something to teach us about hope. Some are touching, a few made me cry, many made me smile or laugh. If you are struggling, or having dark moments, I definitely recommend dipping into this book, and feeling many other humans reaching out to say you are not alone, don’t give up, the world may be full of darkness, but there is much light too.  I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions...

Call the Vet by Bruce Fogle My rating: 3 of 5 stars Ever since I read James Herriot’s books as a child, I’ve always enjoyed reading vet’s accounts of their work. I would say that, on balance, this is more towards the autobiography side, than the account of veterinary work. It took me a while to get into this book. To start with, I found the use of tenses confusing. The whole book takes place in the 1970s, but it kept switching from present to past tense, and back. Either this improves as the book went on, or I became used to it, as it stopped bothering me from about half way through.  I enjoyed reading this account of the author’s life in the early 1970s. It contains just enough of the animals to keep it interesting to me. I appreciated the candour and honesty when mentioning the ethical side of a vet’s job, at the time. It’s interesting to compare that to current times, and see the improvements that have happened in animal behavioural sci...

Meet Me at Fir Tree Lodge by Rachel Dove My rating: 4 of 5 stars Rachel Dove is a new author for me, I simply couldn’t resist the lovely cover of Meet Me at Fir Tree Lodge. I really enjoyed this book. It has great character development, a really cute romance, and plenty of humour. I like the characters, Rebecca is lovely, though just starting to put her life back together. Luke is great, there are loads of funny moments with him, and he’s generally kind and caring. The secondary characters are great too, well drawn, and don’t feel like they’re just there as a background. The one thing I really disliked about this book is the scene where Luke traps Rebecca in her bedroom because she’s angry with him. It is NOT okay to use your physical strength to make someone do, or not do, something. That is abusive. Thankfully, it was only very brief, but it totally wiped out all my good feeling towards Luke. A heartwarming winter read, with plenty of funny ...