The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside by Jessica Ryn

 Now it isn't very often (well never actually) that I get to say that I in fact know the author of the book I'm reviewing. But I'm so pleased to be a part of this blog tour because this lady is someone I know because our daughter's are at school together and funnily enough I didn't actually know she'd written the book before I read it.

The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside is the stunning debut by author Jessica Ryn. For her first novel I have to give the biggest praise, I was highly impressed. If I'd not known it was  Jessica's first book, I would have said that she'd really perfected her craft.

Dawn Elisabeth Brightside has been running from her past for twenty-two years and two months, precisely.

So when she is offered a bed in St Jude’s Hostel for the Homeless, it means so much more than just a roof over her head.

But with St Jude’s threatened with closure, Dawn worries that everything is about to crumble around her all over again.

Perhaps, with a little help from her new friends, she can find a way to save this light in the darkness?

And maybe, just maybe, Dawn will finally have a place to call home…. 

The cover of this novel is immediately inviting, bright yellow it exudes warmth and happiness.

Centred around the subject of homelessness, this is a story that despite having its sadder moments, really uplifts you as the reader.

Set in my home town of Dover, I instantly felt a connection to the story....

Read With Me 2020 #48

 Hey there lovely people.

Welcome to this weeks Read With Me.

We're now into the last full week of November and I'm feeling rather festive so my question to you guys this week is do you have any Christmas themed books that you can recommend? 

My Sunday Photo 2020 #47

 

Quite by Claudia Winkleman Book Review

 For all the books that I read, it isn't very often that I delve into books written by celebrities but sometimes one comes along that just moves me and one such book is Quite by Claudia Winkleman.

In her first book, this talented presenter simply talks about life.

In this, her first ever book, Claudia invites us all into her world. She shares her observations on topics such as the importance of melted cheese, why black coats are vital, how it’s never okay to have sex with someone who has an opinion on your date outfit, how nurses are our most precious national treasure, and why colourful clothing is only for the under 10s (if you’re reading this sporting a bright red jumper and you’re 9, great! If you’re older, sorry).

This is a love letter to life – the real, sometimes messy kind. Quite celebrates friendship, the power of art, the highs and lows of parenting, and of course, how a good eyeliner can really save your life.

Split into six sections, each one beginning with the word 'Quite' ... 

* Important (to me)

* Big

* True

* Inconvenient

* Bossy

* Opinionated (I know).

Not an autobiography!

Every section holds a wealth of thoughts on different topics that Claudia herself counts as important to her. This doesn't mean that you will necessarily agree with her on everything she has to say but it may make you re-think the way you do/see certain things.

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo Book Review

 I have always believed that books are there to inspire, to empower and to give greater knowledge to those who read them.

Some books are absolutely necessary and I feel that Girl, Woman, Other is one of those books.

I'll admit it, it took me quite some time to read this book, both in how long it took me to initially pick up the book and by the length of time it took me to devour it.

I'm not sure why it took me so long to grab it off of my to be read pile, it was one of those that I kept saying I must read but then deciding on another novel instead.

This is Britain as you've never seen it.

This is Britain as it has never been told.