tippytupps

mummy * wife * wannabe runner * aspiring slimmer * crafty queen * social media junkie * in love with life

Isolation Junction – Book Extract

For anyone who has been following the blog for a while, you know that during 2017 I have taken on a reading challenge and one of the items on the list was to read a book published this year; and you really can’t get any newer than a book hot off the press in January!


Isolation Junction is written by Jennifer Gilmour and follows Rose who finds herself stuck in an abusive marraige with (seemingly) no way out. I thought the blurb sounded interesting so I volunteered to join the book tour in return for a pre-release copy of the book.

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Late Whitsun – book review

I was recently asked to take part in a marketing book tour for a brand new detective series hitting our shelves this month. Although the blurb was not the usual ‘style’ of novel that I would choose, this in itself convinced me to take part in the campaign as – especially with reading – I like to try and push myself out of my comfort zone.

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A Mama Treat 

Last week my mother in law did a very sweet thing, which was to sign me up to such a thoughtful treat – a 6 month subscription to a tea and book club! 

The basic principal is that each month you’ll receive in the post a vintage book, a new tea to try and a little bit of stationary. What?!! A book, tea AND stationary?  This treat was talking my language and seemed to be tailor made for me. 

My first little package arrived last week and I’m pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed. It arrived with a lovely invitation to activate the subscription and a cute little paper bag containing my goodies. The next layer was wrapped beautifully and screamed attention to detail. Did it need the extra layer? Nope. Did I like it? Absolutely, I loved it ! 


In this month’s installment I received :

The tea – a gorgeous summer strawberry green tea by Jenier that just smelled devine. I’m not usually a fan of green tea finding it bitter regardless of what it is brewed with, but this was delicious. Really refreshing. 

The book – Nightrunners of Bengal by John Masters. This is one I’ve never read but from what I can gather it’s a historical fiction novel set against the Indian rebellion in 1857. I’m looking forward to giving it a go when I’m less reliant on the kindle app on my phone for one handed reading ease in the middle of the night! 

The stationary – the cutest little bookmark and matching notebook which has already taken up residence in the changing bag for those little reminders when I’m out and about. 

So, if you’re looking for something different as a gift for that bookworm or tea addict you know, I can’t recommend this enough. I have no opinion on the ordering process as it was a gift but I am delighted to be on the receiving end and can’t wait to see what the coming months bring through the letterbox!! 

between you and me – a review

 

between you and me 

Between You and Me – Lisa Hall

‘A gripping psychological thriller with a level of tension that will leave you breathless.’ – Tracy Book Lover

They say every marriage has its secrets.
But no one sees what happens behind closed doors.
And sometimes those doors should never be opened…

Sal and Charlie are married. They love each other. But they aren’t happy. Sal cannot leave, no matter what Charlie does – no matter how much it hurts.

 

VERDICT – 3/5 stars – OK but not great….

This was May’s choice as part of an online book club and one I approached with interest. The premise you can guess from the description is domestic abuse from an controlling partner which makes for uncomfortable reading at times and confronts some important but often shied away topics. But why only 3 stars I hear you cry!! *in my head that’s what you’re doing* Well, personally I thought there was a strange narrative which loses some of the depth of the characters and there is an over use of christian names which got irritating.

The good side is that it does challenge the readers preconceived assumptions when it comes to domestic abuse but overall it seemed to be a book that is more concerned with protecting the twist (which I thought was predictable by the end as there are clear hints throughout) which comes at the consequence of the narrative to the story.

Well written though in a simple straight forward style which gives it a lovely pace, this is a good solid read which once you get into it, keeps you turning the page – I easily read it in a few sittings – but somehow the narrative stopped me actively caring what happened to each of the central characters by the end.

Dreaming the Bear – review

dreaming the bear

Dreaming the Bear by Mimi Thebo

Darcy’s life was never exactly simple, but it was about to become a lot more complicated.
Recovering from a distressing illness in her parents’ cabin surrounded by looming pine trees, Darcy spends most of her days alone, warming herself by the log fire. That is, until she ventures into the woods hours before a heavy snowstorm, and finds herself face-to-face with a grizzly bear. Their encounter takes a surprising turn when it flourishes into a warm and caring companionship.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of the snowy Yellowstone National Park in Montana, Mimi Thebo’s poetic tale inspires compassion and friendship, sensitively focusing on how the seemingly impossible can become the achievable.

VERDICT – 5/5 stars – I loved it !

This was a library impulse borrow mainly because I liked the cover….I know I know but what can I say, the blue and the bear caught my eye.  Technically a 9+ book, I actually think the themes are pretty complicated for children so I’d say this is an 11+ book in my opinion.  However, as an adult I took a lot from it.

Utterly compelling it is beautifully written and you get a real sense of the complex emotions experienced by a teenage girl; sometimes overly simple, sometimes extremely complex the book addresses teenage petulance, the family dichotomy and relationships in an open and honest way you cannot help but relate to. Darcy’s connection to the bear is beautiful as it is a relationship that they both need at that time and it is written with a style that leaves the reader hungry for more.  However, this connection in itself brings with it issues and I love that the book does not shy away from the impact forming this kind of relationship with a bear can have.

A complete page turner I read this in a single sitting as I just could not put it down and before I knew it ‘one more chapter’ turned into the entire book. Would definitely recommend.