The Daisy Chain by Al Campbell

Today is my turn on the blog tour, for my stop I have my review - enjoy.

The Daisy Chain by Al Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 252

Publisher - RedDoorPress

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

Set in an incredibly exciting period of history, a pacy debut, brimming with adventure and romance England, 1771: Recently orphaned Daisy Salter moves from quiet Suffolk society to the hustle and bustle of London. A talented botanical illustrator and amateur scientist, frustrated Daisy finds herself governess to the daughter of her sister and brutish noble brother-in-law. However, a chance encounter with pre-eminent scientist Joseph Banks changes everything and, when the extent of her talent is revealed, Daisy not only becomes Artist in Residence at the magnificent Kew Gardens, but confidante of Queen Charlotte, King George III's wife. But whilst science and plant hunting expeditions are flourishing, at sea the 'triangular trade' is in full swing and Daisy is unwittingly inveigled into espionage, tea smuggling and the slave trade. Who is friend and who is foe? Can Daisy work out whom to trust before disaster strikes?


My Review

So this is my first time reading this author and I feel I am now at a point where I can't say I don't really read historical fiction because that is now quite a few and I have liked them all. Set in 1717, England we meet Daisy. For the time period the females are settling, married, babies, Daisy is somewhat different, she is into science, painting specifically flowers and never really been fussed with male attention. She is bright, gifted and devoted to her father, after his death she has to go and live with her sister and brother in law where everything changes and even Daisy can't ignore the gentlemen callers. Although not all are what they seem!

So set in the time period there is racism, slavery, classism, sexism, skulduggery, shady and underhanded behaviour but there is more to this story. I really do like Daisy, she isn't fainting at the least thing nor gushing over any suitable males. She is interesting, knowledgeable, feisty (for that time period) all things women of that time period would be shunned for.

You have family issues, the shady brother in law with money and his fingers in some really dodgy stuff. As we see Daisy start to take interest in the opposite sex but continue to expand her learning, love of flowers/painting. I loved reading up on some of the characters, flowers, places - it was just nice to sink into. I felt at the beginning it was a bit of a genteel paced book and that was how it was going to be however there are some really dark elements but done without harrowing details or being sensationalist with it.

This was my first time reading this author, I really liked so much about Daisy that I really hope this is a start of a series for her and not a one off. She is very interesting and the book gives some history whist wrapped up in a tale of adventures, mystery and romance, 4/5 for me this time!

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Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 6 days

Pages - 400

Publisher - Michael Joseph Books

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

We can't choose what we inherit. But can we choose who we become?

In present-day California, Eleanor Bennett's death leaves behind a puzzling inheritance for her two children, Byron and Benny: a traditional Caribbean black cake, made from a family recipe with a long history, and a voice recording. In her message, Eleanor shares a tumultuous story about a headstrong young swimmer who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder. The heartbreaking tale Eleanor unfolds, the secrets she still holds back, and the mystery of a long-lost child, challenge everything the siblings thought they knew about their lineage, and themselves.

Can Byron and Benny reclaim their once-close relationship, piece together Eleanor's true history, and fulfill her final request to "share the black cake when the time is right"? Will their mother's revelations bring them back together or leave them feeling more lost than ever?

Charmaine Wilkerson's debut novel is a story of how the inheritance of betrayals, secrets, memories, and even names, can shape relationships and history. Deeply evocative and beautifully written, Black Cake is an extraordinary journey through the life of a family changed forever by the choices of its matriarch.


My Review

When Eleanor dies she leaves her children, Byron and Benny, a recording that plays about eight hours long. Her son and daughter haven't spoken in years but come together, as she knew they would, after she passes. Eleanor was a unique lady and her children are about to find out just how strong, resilient and secretive she was!

The book bounces around a fair bit, then and now, between different characters, not just Eleanor but many people who played or influenced largely in her life. It is a strong debut novel that examines how unfair life can be but how survival, strength, friendship and love can get you through.

The characters have their own woes and things that have happened or happening in their lives that shape who they are or their journeys. We learn about the Black Cake, culture, heritage and how important identity is and the cost some people face to survive and what they lose in the process.

There is a lot of hurt, love, loss, lies, secrets and large centering around decisions and the reach/impact they have not only on the person making them but those left behind. The book chews off a lot and I think the author does well dealing with many of them, I enjoyed a lot about this book but I got a bit lost in the shifts between people, places and time. I could follow it but it was a lot so it took a bit to get through as I had to keep checking xyz, 3.5/5 for me. I liked it though so will keep an eye out for the authors next offering!

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Black Joy by various authors

Black Joy by Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over a month

Pages - 416

Publisher - Penguin

Source - Vine

Blurb from Goodreads

Love, literature, friendship, music, carnival, travel, dance, work, nature, food - Black Joy can be found in so many places.


Edited by award-winning journalist Charlie Brinkhust-Cuff and up-and-coming talent Timi Sotire, join twenty-eight inspirational voices in this uplifting and empowering anthology as they come together to celebrate being Black British, sharing their experiences of joy and what it means to them.


With incredible pieces from:

Diane Abbott - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé - Fopé Ajanaku - Athian Akec - Travis Alabanza - Haaniyah Angus - Rukiat Ashawe - Bukky Bakray - Richie Brave - Munya Chawawa - Ruby Fatimilehin - Theophina Gabriel - Lauryn Green - Ife Grillo - Isaac James - Chanté Joseph - Vanessa Kisuule - Henrie Kwushue - Tobi Kyeremateng - Mikai McDermott - Jason Okundaye - Tope Olufemi - Melz Owusu - Leigh-Anne Pinnock - Mayowa Quadri - Lavinya Stennett - Timi Sotire - Sophia Tassew

An exciting, much-needed collection of writing perfect for readers of Feminists Don't Wear Pink, Slay in Your Lane and Love in Colour.


My Review

Normally when I take so long to read a book it is because I am not enjoying it, it was the opposite with this one. I really liked it however because it is real stories from people you want to take time to digest it. Each story also ends with a box telling you to do, think, try, call so you just take a bit of time going over what you read.

Lots of experiences, some uplifting, some emotive but all with joy, happiness and or personal growth. You will recognise some of the names in this book, famous people whose experiences may well shock you, the girl from a well known successful pop group being treated very different to her colleagues because of the colour of her skin. How she became stronger and learned to love herself, we learn about her heritage, growing up in love and encouragement.

Some of the stories have some challenging issues to say the least the authors have experienced in their lives and things of joy, power, happiness they share with the reader. It really makes you stop and think, so much tradition, family values and food it was so nice reading so many different life stories infused with ideas for the reader to find their own joy.

It is a different book, it touches on harder aspects of life/inequality/feelings/emotions and despite the things some of the authors have endured they still find happiness, pride and joy and share that with the reader, 4/5 for me!

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How to be a Boss at Ageing: Real advice on how to navigate and embrace midlife by Anniki Sommerville

How to be a Boss at Ageing: Real advice on how to navigate and embrace midlife by Anniki Sommerville
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 3 months

Pages - 289

Publisher - Thread Books

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

Do you find yourself fighting the urge to go to bed at 8pm? Do you look at your laughter lines and wonder what was ever so funny? Do you listen to the charts and not have a clue who’s singing? Do images of celebrities over forty in swimsuits just make you want to drink more wine?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then this is the book for you.

Funny, honest, and packed with advice, this is a must-read for any woman experiencing – and not particularly relishing – the effects of ageing. Anniki Sommerville shares her own experiences with those of other women as well as advice from experts – Sali Hughes, Cariad Lloyd, Meg Mathews, Emma Gannon and Dr Karen Gurney among others – to help you navigate this journey (condensed)



My Review

This is my first book by this author, I think we all hit a stage in life where we start reading more books like this. Sommerville takes us through a very personal and honest journey of the stages of her life, experiences we all can relate to or know is headed our way.

I think the thing about this book is as women we got through similar experiences, journeys, pathways albeit we each have different responses, emotions but we can identify with each of them. When Sommerville talks about hers she gives very honest insight into hers, discussions of sex, drugs, alcohol, doubts, fears. Things she experienced at work, what she saw as personal failures or challenges in her personal life and professional.

The book isn't just a woo is me or a personal offload although she does talk very frankly open and honest about so much of her life/stages. She gives advise including some from professionals and touches on some emotive topics. Menopause and how to cope, fertility issues, relationship issues, work, friendships, death, grief, loss, love.

It is a lot to cover and depending on your life a lot to digest, personal/past experiences may *trigger* some responses from your life. I found myself putting it down to digest and think about what I had read, in between other books, then go back and do the same with the next chapter, 3.5/5 for me this time. It was an interesting read, I am finding myself drawn to more non fiction books these days.

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Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 310

Publisher - HQ Stories

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

Think you know the person you married? Think again…

Things have been wrong with Mr and Mrs Wright for a long time. When Adam and Amelia win a weekend away to Scotland, it might be just what their marriage needs. Self-confessed workaholic and screenwriter Adam Wright has lived with face blindness his whole life. He can’t recognize friends or family, or even his own wife.

Every anniversary the couple exchange traditional gifts – paper, cotton, pottery, tin – and each year Adam’s wife writes him a letter that she never lets him read. Until now. They both know this weekend will make or break their marriage, but they didn’t randomly win this trip. One of them is lying, and someone doesn’t want them to live happily ever after.

Ten years of marriage. Ten years of secrets. And an anniversary they will never forget.



My Review

Every marriage has its troubles, secrets, issues but some more than others. Hello bookworms ooft well prepare for a rollercoaster. Winning a getaway and it is their wedding anniversary - make or break time. A deserted old chapel, creepy - we have the opening chapter, Amelia & a belter of an opening line. I found this phenomenon, Prosopagnosia, really interesting & wanted to read more on it, also a nice hook for literally the first sentence.

The chapters flip between characters and we get to know the married couple more and more as we delve in. Something creepy is vibing at the chapel, you get that right away but is the author just setting a great scene (I find abandoned old building often creepy) or is there skulduggery afoot.

Inbetween the character chapters we also have a letter every year from the wife, disclosing intimate thoughts/truths and or secrets. They are marked by what you give on that particular year - I am hoping to retain some of that because it always pops up on quizzes and I love learning something new when reading a book.

You want to know what is happening at the chapel, what is hiding in the shadows, why are the couple so gripey with each other but then you want the next letter and confession of the wife and seeing what is coming next!

A book that keeps you on your toes, creepy, eerie, some questionable characters and when you think you know where the book is going Feeney throws something else into the mix. I really liked this one 4.5/5 for me!

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Every note Played by Lisa Genova

Every Note Played by Lisa Genova
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < 1 day

Pages - 316

Publisher - Allen & Unwin

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

An accomplished concert pianist, Richard received standing ovations from audiences all over the world in awe of his rare combination of emotional resonance and flawless technique. Every finger of his hands was a finely calibrated instrument, dancing across the keys and striking each note with exacting precision. That was eight months ago.

Richard now has ALS, and his entire right arm is paralyzed. His fingers are impotent, still, devoid of possibility. The loss of his hand feels like a death, a loss of true love, a divorce—his divorce.

He knows his left arm will go next.

Three years ago, Karina removed their framed wedding picture from the living room wall and hung a mirror there instead. But she still hasn’t moved on. Karina is paralyzed by excuses and fear, stuck in an unfulfilling life as a piano teacher, afraid to pursue the path she abandoned as a young woman, blaming Richard and their failed marriage for all of it.

When Richard becomes increasingly paralyzed and is no longer able to live on his own, Karina becomes his reluctant caretaker. As Richard’s muscles, voice, and breath fade, both he and Karina try to reconcile their past before it’s too late.


My Review

Richard is a gifted piano player, travelling and playing worldwide. He left his wife and daughter three years ago, lives in a beautiful apartment & eats and drinks the best of foods. Karina his ex wife gave up her own musical career so he could flourish and she would raise their kid. Grace is now in college - loves mum, hates dad, Karina (wife/mum) is a bit lost and Richard is intolerable with his self absorbed attitude. Everyone knows their place in the world and everything is fine until Richard starts to experience some issues with his fingers/hand. Richard is diagnosed with ALS, he remains stubborn and refuses to accept the inevitable, regardless of his acceptance or telling anyone ALS is here and life as they know it is about to change.

Oh you guys, I love Genova's books (not always how they end) but she brings these horrific diagnosis's to life, gives them faces, names and the reader experiences and lives it with the characters. The one with the condition, the families and loved ones viewing it, processing it, enduring it, the person trying to come to terms and a very real picture of how it tears their lives apart.

I had a hard time relating to Richard, he is not a likable character but you soon feel for him as everything he knows is stripped away. I had a lump in my throat a few times because it is just such a horrific condition that strips the person of everything, literally everything they have. By using an unlikeable character I think it punches in a bigger impact because you can't help but be pulled through it, from all their experiences. The wronged ex wife, the neglected child (playing second best to his precious career) and him, the person as he is and his battle as he is stripped, bit by bit, of the very things we all take for granted every day.

Hard hitting, graphic descriptions and scenes of exactly what this condition steals from you and in such a short period of time. Character development, sadness, grief, relationships, family, love, loss, health and at the end of the book a website you can read more on this and donate. 5/5 for me, I think I went through a whole host of emotions and I have never known anyone personally who has had this, I can only imagine the impact of someone who has reading it. Grab the tissues and comfort food, you will need it. I love these kinds of books because despite it being fiction, because of her career she pulls from actual experience and creates characters to give it heart, a face, ooft it is brutal and lets you learn as you go, absolutely recommend!

I read this last year, no idea why I forgot to post it here, this book has stayed with me!

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The Woman in the Middle by Milly Johnson

The Woman in the Middle by Milly Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 400

Source - Bought

Publisher - Simon and Schuster

Blurb from Goodreads

Shay Bastable is the woman in the middle. She is part of the sandwich generation – caring for her parents and her children, supporting her husband Bruce, holding them all together and caring for them as best she can.

Then the arrival of a large orange skip on her mother’s estate sets in motion a cataclysmic series of events which leads to the collapse of Shay’s world. She is forced to put herself first for a change.

But in order to move forward with her present, Shay needs to make sense of her past. And so she returns to the little village she grew up in, to uncover the truth about what happened to her when she was younger. And in doing so, she discovers that sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to find the only way is up.


My Review

Shay is just one of those good wholesome people. Married for double figures, grown kids, her mum has dementia so she is in and out caring for her whilst visiting her dad who has never recovered after an acute medical emergency. Her sister could be doing more but she is one of those people who do the bare minimum and has a superior attitude about it and toward pretty much everyone. A big anniversary is coming up for Shay and she intends to make the most of it with her husband. Fate always likes to fling a curve ball and Shay is about to get a few.

Oooft I found myself getting a wee bit emotional and raging at some points in this. Some people are just horror bags and Shay is so so nice, I honestly wanted to reach in and punch one of the characters. So very true to life and I know and had to endure having a bamstick like this character (not Shay) in my life. Some people are just so selfish and self absorbed, nasty and have no concern for anyone else other than what they can get out of them, can you tell it struck a nerve?! I love when a character evokes an emotive response & it made me feel even more for Shay.

Johnson always weaves multi issues or themes in her books, people you like, love, hate or in this case want to punch! I have read most of her books and always eagerly await the next. I need to check my Goodreads and see what ones I have still to read. If you want to ditch your own reality and lose yourselves in someone else's lives/dramas you will love this, 4.5/ for me!

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