I am a fan of the Travelling Cat Chronicles by the same author. I throughly enjoyed this nice but fairly short read. The intermingling of individual story lines as they interact on their journeys is warm and the story opens up to reveal each personality as experienced by each other and how their stories relate.. It’s written in such a way that I felt calm and guided gently through the storyline. It was finished before I knew it.. and I would like to continue reading and follow their lives on further
I found this book interesting. It goes into the science behind how different parts of baking and how different ingredients work, and gives lots of recipes to demonstrate these things in action. I particularly enjoyed learning how the different types of meringue are made and where one would be used over another. There is a small amount that relates to gluten free, alternative milks and vegan options, but it is predominantly standard ingredients. I am pleased with my purchase.
Sam Smith is a bestselling writer and funny guy who has been behind some of the funniest shows on local TV, writing for 7 Days, Taskmaster NZ and Wellington Paranormal. In this graphic novel series, a team of best friends get up to incredibly funny and dangerous adventures, Indiana Jones style! This is the third in the series, but I would just pick all three books up if you have a young child (ideal for 5 years plus with help, or 8 years plus independently) who loves fast-paced and hilarious stories, and enjoys excellent illustrations (thanks to Cesar Lador!).
This book is not for the faint of heart - it's quite long, very in depth, and does jump around a bit, however for those who stick with it the reward is that you will leave feeling pretty despairing about the state of AI and capitalism. This opens up an insight into Sam Altman and Open AI and uses them to also explain a lot of things I knew nothing about like why water is such a key resource for AI and how it's impacting on communities who rely on it. It's an insight into the mind of someone who is at the helm of terrifyingly important decisions (a bit similar to Careless People in that way), and a reminder about why we need to be informed about the tools we are given and expected to not question.
Okay, this book was chaotic, dramatic, and completely addictive — and I ate up every second of it. 😂💔
Sloane was messy, impulsive, and made more than a few questionable decisions, but honestly, that’s what made her feel so real. She wasn’t perfect, and I found myself rooting for her while also wanting to scream, “Girl, what are you doing?!” 😂
This book was the definition of messy in the best possible way. I was hooked, surprised, and thoroughly entertained from start to finish. If you love drama, mystery, and characters who make questionable choices, definitely add this one to your TBR. 📚💕🖤
Paige Toon has done it again. This book absolutely had me hooked from the beginning. I went into it expecting a beautiful romance, but I got so much more. The French setting was stunning, the emotions were intense, and the story had me smiling one minute and tearing up the next.
Paige Toon really knows how to break your heart, put it back together, and leave you with the biggest book hangover. I loved every minute of it and this is definitely one of my favourite reads of the year. 💕📚
Runebreaker by Mila Finch is a fast paced action packed read , in the romantasy genre. A debut novel that left me speechless at the end. I couldn’t stop reading this. Just one more chapter turned into me closing the book and finishing it in less than a day!
I loved the rune magic system, I found it quite unique and I was intrigued. The fmc Aelie, can break runes in a fae based world, which no one else is able to do. I feel like there could have been a little bit more world building but I think this may come in book 2 ! This is a book you want to go into without knowing too much about it.
The book has many tropes, consisting of enemies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn, touch her and die to name a few, but I am a sucker for these and just honestly devoured this book. I haven’t felt this way about a book in a long time, it definitely reminds me of ACOTAR. This is the romantasy of the year!
Jade @nzbooktokgirl
Great puzzle Nice bright clear colour.Looks Really good when done
WOW is all I can say. This is an absolutely incredible read and I admire Hannah so much for being so open about her experiences. After years of working as a successful actress, Hannah was finding herself falling into depression more often and was searching for something to make her feel better. When she is introduced to a reiki healer, she learns about a worldwide organisation that promises to help, and she finds that magic is real. But a week-long course ends in her losing her sanity instead and being hospitalised. Hannah’s descriptions of how she felt and what she believed to be true were so visceral, but not overdramatised or exaggerated. I truly felt like I was in her head alongside her and I was completely absorbed in her story. As someone who is also interested in aspects of spirituality and wellness, it was easy to see how Hannah was sucked in and ended up where she did. It is terrifying to think there are people who will manipulate those who are vulnerable just to bolster their own agendas. This was an unputdownable read and I cannot recommend it highly enough!!!
I have to confess to having 5 of artist Victoria Ball's puzzles. I always enjoy doing them as they are not too difficult but still challenging. Also her dog looks exactly like mine.
This was a very interesting book to read with a view of the various personalities and background stories of a number of our Prime Ministers over their timespans in Parliament. Barry Soper gave an honest background from a parliamentary reporter's perspective of each of them, which was not always a credit to the of the PM in question or himself but fair and honest. If you have ever wondered about life and work within various NZ governments, this is an interesting read.
This book is as good as the chestnut man. It's hard to put down, cos you want to know how it ends. Easy reading.
I enjoyed that the story keeps you captivated till the end. It's well written and easy to read.
Very descriptive and lovely narration by all the different characters. So neat the relationship between Tova and Marcellus and Tovas grief for her late husband, son and her estranged brother was understood by the GPO. Beautifully written and gorgeous ending.
I borrowed this book out of my local library and a quarter of the way through it I knew it was a book I would be coming back to many times in my life and there it was at Book Hero waiting for me to buy it.
Not all the poems and prayers were for me, but the majority spoke to my soul as a believer in God and I am very, very pleased with my purchase.
It’s been a long time since I’ve picked up a series and just ripped through it. Maybe since I originally read the first three red rising books. I have to say this has been a welcome comedic relief that others promise to deliver but Stop short on a regular laugh out loud moments. This is an absolute banger of a book. I’m currently up to number three in the series. I’ve barely stopped for a breath.
This edition is wonderfully put together, the art work and and additional touches make this a piece that has wowed the fellow book lovers in my life. If you're a fan of Greek Mythology I whole-heartedly recommend picking up a copy
I bought this for my grandson, who developed a fascination with the solar system after being introduced to it at pre- school. He wants to read it every night and has accumulated a lot of facts. Great read!
Grace O'Malley, 16th-century Irish chieftain, sea captain, and pirate, looms large in folklore but is largely absent from official records. Ariel Lawhon exploits this gap beautifully, crafting a tragic and vivid work of historical fiction that brings the rebellious, tenacious Grace to life.
The novel moves non-linearly across three eras: maiden, mother, and matriarch. What could easily disorient is instead expertly handled: distinct plotlines that interweave naturally, with details revealed in one timeline before the full context unfolds in another.
Throughout, 16th-century Ireland is rendered vividly, on land and at sea, with liberal use of the Irish language. There's surprisingly little piracy; the real focus is Grace's struggle as a woman navigating patriarchal clan politics and the fight for Irish sovereignty. A powerful story of a remarkable life that is well worth picking up.
