The Women Are Not Fine: The Dark History of a Poisonous Sisterhood - Hope Reese

Abusive husbands. Desperate women. Poisonous solutions.

At the turn of the 20th century, the women of Nagyrév, Hungary, were in trouble. Their stories were hauntingly similar: husbands who drank, who beat them, who made their lives unbearable.

The village midwife - their confidante - offered an answer: arsenic. Soon, women began slipping poison into their husbands' brandy, porridge, and stews. Over the next twenty years, the quiet village became the epicentre of one of the deadliest series of poisonings in modern history.

In The Women Are Not Fine, journalist Hope Reese pieces together archival newspapers, court documents, police records and more to uncover the truth behind this extraordinary case. Her findings serve as a stark warning: when women are pushed to the brink, the consequences can reverberate through history.

What did I think?

The Women Are Not Fine is the true story of a number of women from a small village in Hungary who fought back in the deadliest way.   I had never heard of this famous case, a case I'm sure the patriarchy don't want us to know about in case we get ideas, so it was a complete eye-opener for me.

Hope Reese gathers all of the evidence in one concise and informative account of what really happened.  It is very well written and easy to follow, despite a lot of the names being very similar, as each woman's story is the same: in fear for their lives, they must either kill or be killed. 

Whilst the abusive husbands are naturally painted in a bad light, there are heartbreaking reasons for their actions and unfortunately history never seems to learn from this.  It's interesting that the village midwife is at the heart of the scandal and if it was an earlier period of history she would have been branded as a witch.  Whether she was a witch or a saviour, the relief for the abused women was short-lived as the consequences of their actions catch up with them.

I loved poring over the documents and photographs that are included in the book; it really brings the true story to life and reminds us that these were real women and these poisonings actually happened.  I'm so pleased that Hope Reese has written the book as it's a story that shouldn't be forgotten and I only wish that we could learn from our mistakes when it comes to mental health and domestic abuse.

Fascinating, informative and poignant, The Women Are Not Fine is a moving and thought-provoking account of the Angel Makers of Nagyrév.  Are they criminals or victims?  Read the book and decide for yourself.

I received a gifted paperback from the author and publisher and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BLOG TOUR: Greta Garbo and the Rise of the Modern Woman - Scott Reisfield

Hollywood Made Her a Star.

What she did for women made her a Legend.

Greta Garbo dominated European cinema and Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s. With discipline and fearless self-belief, she transformed screen acting into something intimate, modern, and psychologically real. She fought studio control... and won. She challenged censors, defied social expectations, and refused to compromise her independence.

More than a movie star, Garbo reshaped what it meant to be a woman on screen-self-possessed, mysterious, and unapologetically autonomous. She redefined the power a woman could hold in Hollywood.

In this intimate biography, her grandnephew Scott Reisfield reveals this disciplined artist, strategic thinker, and the fiercely private woman who helped usher a closed culture into the Modern Age.

 

What did I think?

I didn't know a lot about Greta Garbo before I picked up this book, apart from the phrase "I want to be alone" that is attributed to her, but I feel like I know her intimately now.

Greta Garbo is Scott Reisfield's great-aunt so he is well placed to research her life as it's part of his own family history.  There is a lot of information in the book and it has clearly been meticulously researched.  The text is enhanced by myriad illustrations such as tables, photos and adverts that I found added interest to what otherwise might have been a dry subject.

It does take a while to read the book as it's quite chunky with 618 pages but it's worth taking your time to fully appreciate the depth of research that has gone into writing it.  As Greta Garbo is his own ancestor, I completely trusted the accuracy of all of the details that Scott Reisfield shares in the book.

Interesting and informative, Greta Garbo and the Rise of the Modern Woman is the definitive guide to one of the most iconic actresses of the The Golden Age of Hollywood. 

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: Practical Regeneration - Professor Paul Lee

Practical Regeneration is a clear and accessible guide to living longer, moving better and taking control of your health. Professor Lee introduces his Four Pillars of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Time, showing how small, intelligent choices can transform the way the body heals and adapts. He explains how tiny misalignments build into bigger issues, how movement patterns shape long-term strength and how simple changes can shift the future of your joints, muscles and nervous system. 

The book also presents tools developed directly from his clinical work, including:

• MAI-Motion, a breakthrough movement analysis system that helps readers see what the eye cannot.

• The Regen PhD Pod, an integrated regenerative model used in clinical practice to support recovery and resilience. 

This is not a book about hacks. It is a book about systems, science and results.

“No hacks. Just science, systems and results.”

 

What did I think?

Professor Paul Lee's new book Practical Regeneration makes a lot of sense.  It is very easy to read and understand but most importantly it is filled with invaluable hints and tips to improve your health and wellbeing.

The book is set out in four parts representing four pillars: Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Time.  Starting with Physics, the book resonated with me from the start as I have lived with back pain for most of my life.  There are SO many useful tips and ideas to improve your body and mind so it is worth having a notepad beside you as you read, although there are summaries and invaluable practical sections at the end of each chapter.

It is very refreshing to read about a surgeon who doesn't automatically reach for their scalpel but instead uses their scientific knowledge to find a non-invasive solution.  Professor Lee has designed some helpful digital tools (MAI-Motion and Regen PhD Pod) for further improvement but the reader isn't pushed into parting with their hard-earned cash; it's just good to know there is further help if you need it.

I have poor posture and alignment from spinal surgery in 2003.  I also had a wide excision on my right leg a few years later, which left me further listing to the left to take the weight off my right leg.  Using some tips in the book, I can now balance on my right leg whilst brushing my teeth, something that would have previously made me fall over the moment I lifted my left leg off the floor.  I was amazed that I saw a noticeable improvement in just a few days and within a week I wasn't wobbling at all.

Written clearly and informatively, you will be surprised how quickly you get results from this life-changing book.  You do need to invest some time and effort as it's called Practical Regeneration for a reason but it's well worth it.  I can't recommend this book highly enough and I want to thank Professor Lee for sharing his knowledge to give me the tools to improve my posture, balance and alignment (among other things).

I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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About the author:

Professor Paul Lee, "The Regeneration Man," is a double professor and double Board-certified surgeon with a PhD in medical engineering. With a long history in sports medicine, bioscience ad regeneration, he seamlessly blends his expertise as a Surgeon, Scientist, and Engineer. His revolutionary approach to regenerative medicine empowers you to stay young, be strong, and live forever. Discover how cutting-edge science and innovative engineering can transform your health and vitality, helping you achieve superhuman strength and longevity. Embrace a vibrant, pain-free future with his groundbreaking strategies.

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BLOG TOUR: The Overthinking Cure - Dr Jessamy Hibberd

Do you get caught up in anxious thoughts?

Do you replay over your mistakes and failures in your mind?

Do you lie awake at night because you can't stop thinking about what happened earlier that day?

If so, you're suffering from overthinking.

But you are not alone.

Thinking about your life is a normal part of being human; it's often helpful to analyze a situation or revisit a problem in your mind, but if you find yourself constantly dwelling on your thoughts - with no sign of resolution - then it becomes a problem.

Overthinking is the problem that disguises itself as the solution.

In this life-changing book, trusted psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibberd shows how to break free from overthinking. Through expert advice, and real-life examples from her clinic, you will become more aware of your overthinking habits - and learn why we get stuck in unhelpful thinking patterns. Dr Jessamy offers personalized prompts and practical tips to identify your doom spirals and help you find healthier coping strategies that redirect your thoughts.

The cure is simple: break the cycle of overthinking.

In this book, you will learn how to:

- Notice your thoughts

- Choose your response

- Challenge your thinking

- Accept the reality of how life is

- Face your fears

The Overthinking Cure is the essential guide to break free from overthinking - so you can live a better life and focus on what really matters.

 

What did I think?

I am a massive overthinker and once I get on the hamster wheel I can't get off it.  I didn't even know it was a solvable problem, I just thought it was the way that I am but now I know better thanks to Dr Jessamy Hibberd's amazing life-changing book, The Overthinking Cure.

By the time I had finished reading chapter one, I had started to recognise when I was overthinking and by the end of chapter two I realised I wasn't alone and it's not my fault.  Our brains are wired to solve problems and part of that is going through every possible outcome, but sometimes this overthinking can affect our life and become a negative habit.

The book is set out in three parts: Understanding the problem, Why we overthink and The cure.  It is written in a very accessible way that is easy to understand and there are diagrams, tables and exercises to aid further understanding.  The chapters are concise and informative as well as being interesting and thought-provoking.  There are some memorable analogies too and I particularly liked one about our emotions being like where to seat children in a car: you don't want them driving it but neither do you want them hidden away in the boot!

Whilst I think it's a long road to cure my overthinking, I feel like I'm heading in the right direction with my emotions firmly strapped in to the back seat.  I think it's fair to say that The Overthinking Cure could change your life as it has already made a difference to mine.  Don't overthink it - just order a copy now!

I received a gifted paperback copy for the Novel Tours Bookstagram Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: Castles, Crime & Cake: A Policeman's Accidental Guide to History - John Donoghue

From Police Officer to Medieval Castle Guide… via Britain’s Most Curious Crimes

It started with cake—as most good stories do. Then came the discovery that it’s illegal to chat to the postman for too long, and a spark was ignited.

What followed was a mad quest to break Britain’s strangest laws, spiralling out of control until I hit rock bottom: telling the woman from British Gas I got my energy from bananas.

Dejected, I wandered into a castle, was offered a job, and soon found myself learning that the ideal position in the Middle Ages involved doing a jump, a fart, and a whistle every Christmas. Then, amongst other things, came a monkey ghost, two-fingered gestures, and a knight to remember.

Eventually, I was leading unsuspecting visitors on my own irreverent guided tour of a magnificent medieval castle… and now you can come too!

The past was never this much fun—or this illegal.

 

What did I think?

Castles, Crime & Cake is one of the funniest books I have ever read and I say 'one of' on purpose as the last time I read a book this funny it was written by none other than John Donoghue.  

In this book, John has left the police force and moved down south but he's at a bit of a loose end.  After giving a talk to the local WI about what he learned in the police, John decides to see how many archaic laws he can break.  I know we have some bonkers laws still in place and it was fascinating to read a fantastic selection of them.  To be fair, John could have probably written a whole book about them but the best is yet to come in this hilarious book as the reader is taken on a whistlestop British history tour.

Why history? I hear you ask.  Well John has been successful in his application to become a caste guide - it was the unique CV that did it, I'm sure!  I do love history (not so much at school as there's only so many hours you can study the Industrial Revolution and the Spinning Jenny) so I positively gobbled up these chapters, only stopping to wipe my eyes from the tears of laughter running down my face. 

I defy anyone not to chuckle, laugh or guffaw whilst reading Castles, Crime & Cake; I made the mistake of reading in bed and I had the bed shaking as I tried (unsuccessfully, I might add) to contain my laughter so I didn't wake up my other half.  I'm so glad I didn't drink a cuppa whilst reading as I would've been showered in tea.

Hilarious, entertaining and informative, Castles, Crime & Cake is a fantastic memoir that I will be recommending for a very long time (along with John's other books).  The book should come with a warning that it is likely to cause uncontrollable laughter so be careful where and when you read it.  An easy and well-deserved five stars.

I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours Bookstagram Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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About the author:

John Donoghue has served Queen, King, and Country over forty years in the Royal Navy, British Army, and Police. These days, he’s swapped handcuffs for heraldry as a guide at a medieval castle. He also has a dog, Monty, who’s yet to break any known laws, but has taken on the role of farting jester perfectly.

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BLOG TOUR: Sassy Godmother’s Pearls of Wisdom: 50 inspiring ways to navigate your life - Susie Hall

Who needs an agony aunt when you can have a Sassy Godmother?

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed?

Feel like your life could use a little more balance?

Sassy Godmother’s Pearls of Wisdom is a simple and powerful set of guidelines designed to help you step back from your busy life so you can restore some well needed balance and perspective. Whether at home, at work, in love and in life, Sassy’s stories, examples and timeless wisdom will give you an indispensable guide for building your confidence, increasing your happiness and creating equilibrium.

Sassy shares the ups and downs of her 30-year journey of personal, professional and spiritual growth. She has wisdom to reveal and is determined to pass on what she’s learned. By following these simple mantras and engaging in the exercises and tools you’ll begin a journey of self-discovery, reflection and personal growth from which you’ll never look back.

 

What did I think?

As someone who often feels overwhelmed, it feels like Sassy Godmother’s Pearls of Wisdom was written with me in mind and I have certainly got more than I expected out of it.

The chapters, or pearls, are concise and written in a lighthearted way that engages and entertains the reader as well as offering tips to help you improve your own life.  I found it very easy to read and I loved the way that Susie Hall adds a good dose of humour to her writing.  I felt more like I was interacting with the author rather than simply reading a self-help book.

I am a little disappointed that there is no contents page or index.  It's a book I would like to refer to again (and indeed it suggests doing so) but without a guide to which page the pearl is on, it's not that easy to find what you're looking for.

Inspiring, powerful and life-affirming, Sassy Godmother’s Pearls of Wisdom is a superb book to have on your bookshelf as you navigate your way through life.

 

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the Literally PR Online Book Review Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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COVER REVEAL: The Entrepreneur's Almanack - Robin Bennett

I'm delighted to be taking part in the Rachel's Random Resources cover reveal for The Entrepreneur's Almanack by Robin Bennett.  Scroll down to have a look at the cover and to find out more about the book.

Here's a little bit about the book:

A new kind of yearbook has arrived for founders, dreamers, and doers. The Entrepreneur’s Almanack is a funny and deeply personal chronicle of what it feels like to start a business from scratch. This third in a series of short yearbooks celebrates the underrated art of entrepreneurship and a key aspect of the same: namely, success in business has more to do with intangibles than we care to admit. 

The guesswork and the gut, divine providence, even dumb luck are all players and should be welcomed round the table, not ignored at the fringes.

The Entrepreneur’s Almanack is the cosmic crutch you never knew you needed in business, but shouldn’t be without.

Purchase links:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the author:

When Robin Bennett grew up he thought he wanted to be a cavalry officer until everyone else realised that putting him in charge of a tank was a very bad idea. He then became an assistant gravedigger in London. After that he had a career frantically starting businesses (everything from dog-sitting to cigars, tuition to translation)... until finally settling down to write improbable stories to keep his children from killing each other on long car journeys.

Social Media Links – 

https://www.facebook.com/robin.bennett.526

https://www.instagram.com/robinbennettauthor/

https://x.com/writer_robin

tiktok.com/@robinbennettauthor

BLOG TOUR: Whatever will be, will be: A Matter of Life and Football - Felix White

 

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of It's Always Summer Somewhere comes a moving and often hilarious journey through the 2024/25 FA Cup - from the first muddy preliminary round in Penrith to a glorious sunny day at Wembley.

On the brink of turning 40, Felix White sets out to watch a match from every round of the Cup, meeting fans, players and dreamers at every level of the English game. As he travels the country, football becomes a way to explore memory, identity, grief and joy. While he reflects on his own lifelong obsessions, his story becomes a unique expression of how the game communicates something vital, both literal and internal, between a child and an adult.

Told with lyrical wit and heartfelt honesty, Whatever Will Be, Will Be is more than just a story about football - it's about growing up, holding on and the strange ways sport connects us all.

What did I think?

It's the song that every football fan has sung and we're going to Wem-ber-ley with Felix White as he takes us on a journey through every round of the 2024/25 FA Cup.  You're singing it now, aren't you?

It's an ambitious quest but one that every football fan would love to do and I loved seeing where each chapter would take us next.  Felix's matches take him from Frenchfield Park in Penrith where he was one of the 210 in attendance to Wembley packed with 84,163 supporters.  

It's not simply a written record of each match, but it's about Felix's journey and the people he meets along the way.  The book isn't just about football either; Felix is a musician and it was interesting reading more about his life, both professional and personal.  I think writing this book will have proven very cathartic for him and I hope he has found what he is searching for.

Every football fan will recognise themselves in this book and I am more like Felix's friend Sharky than I care to admit.  Whoops I just have!  Sharky is an Everton fan who won't buy or wear anything remotely linked to Liverpool FC.  I laughed out loud when he wouldn't even glance in the direction of Anfield; football doesn't half make us bitter!

The writing is very descriptive and my heart was pounding as the penalty shoot out in the Fulham v Manchester United game played out.  I had to remind myself it's a game in the past and it's not even my team, but that's what penalties do to you!

Incredibly entertaining, interesting and witty, Whatever will be, will be is sure to delight any football fan.  It's well-written and engaging; I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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About the author:

Felix White is a British musician, best known as the guitarist of the British indie rock band The Maccabees. He is a founding member, guitarist and vocalist of 86TVs, and the broadcaster and co-founder of independent record label, Yala! He has also, for as long as he can remember, been passionate about sport, and is the co-presenter of the BBC podcast Tailenders with Greg James and Jimmy Anderson. His recent book It's Always Summer Somewhere: A Matter of Life and Cricket was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week and a Sunday Times Bestseller.

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BLOG TOUR: The Whisky World Tour - Joel Harrison

With a foreword by Charles MacLean MBE, the celebrated 'world authority' on whisky

The Whisky World Tour takes you beyond the glass to discover 52 of the very best whisky distilleries open to the public, around the globe. Discover their unique stories and histories from the comfort of home, along with bottle recommendations, too.

Award-winning whisky writer Joel Harrison kicks off The Whisky World Tour in North America, taking in key bourbon producers, before moving on to the traditional whisky powerhouses of Ireland and Scotland. Along the way 'new world' whisky-makers from South Africa to Scandinavia are explored, before finishing in Japan, home to some of the world's most lauded whiskies.

Each stop along the way is a window into the world of whisky, so settle in, pour a dram and allow yourself to be taken on this grand and spirited journey.

Featuring distilleries across the globe including:

USA

Canada

Scotland

Ireland

Japan

Denmark

Australia

New Zealand

India

China

 

What did I think?

As a lover of whisky I was very excited to read The Whisky World Tour and I was not disappointed.  I thought it would be a book I would dip in and out of but once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down.  It's written in such a concise and engaging way that I learned so much about one of my favourite spirits and, with breathtaking photographs accompanying the narrative, I felt as if I was on a virtual whisky world tour from the comfort of my armchair.

This is a compendium of 52 whisky distilleries from around the world so it's not designed to be a comprehensive guide to every whisky and your favourite might not be included.  I was a little disappointed that there was no Welsh whisky included as one of my favourite whiskies is Penderyn, but there are a few others I have tried and a lot more I now want to try.

I love the way the book is set out, not just by country but with a lot of history about each distillery and then one or two of their products.  It's like a whisky distillery visitor's guidebook with address details, when to visit and what you can expect to see (and taste) when you get there.  It almost makes me want to apply for a passport!

Having read it cover to cover, this is a book I will continue to refer to as I continue my whisky tasting journey.  I read the book over two days and would have read it a lot faster if I hadn't kept stopping to add various whiskies to my wishlist.  I could have quite happily continued reading Joel Harrison's thoughts on each distillery beyond the 52 that are included in the book, so if he fancies writing Volume 2 I would definitely be interested in reading it.

Informative, interesting and immersive, The Whisky World Tour is an amazing virtual tour of  some of the world's best-known distilleries, and some new ones to look out for.  If you're a whisky drinker, or if you know a whisky drinker, this is the perfect book for you/them.  Very highly recommended.

I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: The Age of the Artificial Person - Alastair Waterman

Could this be the last book written solely by a human? The Age of the Artificial Person by Alastair Waterman redefines the boundary between the natural and artificial, offering a fresh perspective on human evolution and AI. Far from suggesting AI will replace us or that humans are outdated, this book celebrates humanity as a technology that has shaped itself through culture for millennia. AI is our next step— not a replacement, but a partner in crafting our destiny beyond biological limits.

Explore five eras of cultural evolution, ponder if machines can feel, and discover 'Dark Science'—AI’s potential to transcend human bias. From digital immortality to rethinking consciousness, this thought-provoking read invites tech enthusiasts, philosophers, and futurists to embrace our role as architects of the future. Grab your copy to join the conversation!

 

What did I think?

I really enjoyed learning more about AI in Alistair Waterman's The Age of the Artificial Person.  I was quite suspicious of it beforehand but I feel more comfortable now, after considering how much it can improve our lives.

There is a lot of information in the book and I have to say that the large font size made it much easier to read; not just because it's easier on the eyes but because it slows the pace and allows the information to seep into your brain.

I have only really heard of AI being misused, such as writing a 'review' of a book that really just regurgitates the synopsis as the AI hasn't read it, so it was good to see the wider picture.  I was actually quite surprised how much AI had crept into my life without really standing back to consider it: predictive text for example.

To move forward as a species, we do need to embrace AI as it could make our lives easier.  I don't think it will ever fully replace a person but rather than being negative towards AI it is worth thinking about what you could be doing while AI is doing any mundane tasks.

The Age of the Artificial Person is an informative and thought-provoking book to debate and discuss.  I'm glad that I have read The Age of the Artificial Person as it has made me so much more receptive to AI.  It's coming whether we like it or not anyway!  

I received a gifted ARC from Literally PR to read and review for the blog tour and this is my (not AI) honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Fawning - Dr Ingrid Clayton

Often mistakenly labeled as codependency, fawning can present as being more of who someone is: smart, generous, successful, funny, or beautiful, while for others it's about being less: vocal, ethnic, creative, self-assured, or boundaried. Fawning can be visible or invisible, it can take the shape of sex, money, or the perpetual emotional regulation of others but one thing remains constant: it is about finding safety in an unsafe world, often at our own expense.

Written by fawning expert and clinical psychologist Dr. Ingrid Clayton, Fawning will be the first of its kind, shining a light on this under-represented, but extremely important piece of the trauma puzzle. Clayton draws upon both personal and clinical experiences of the trauma response and provides resources and tools for anyone who has lost intrinsic parts of themselves by constantly orienting to safety through self-abandonment. This book is for those who want to finally lessen their shame about patterns that haven't served for a long time. It is for doctors, therapists, and all those in the helping professions who need to understand this form and function of how the body seeks to survive trauma. This book is for the cycle breakers who don't want to carry unprocessed trauma down to future generations or foster another generation of fawners who aren't entitled to the full spectrum of human emotion, shrinking in the face of what caregivers can tolerate. It is for those who have been told to read all the literature on codependency and still don't see themselves reflected. Fawning is for anyone who has felt stuck in relationships, longing for meaningful, reciprocal connections and most importantly, a true relationship to Self.

 

What did I think?

I knew I had to read Fawning when I answered yes to the below questions on the proof cover and it really felt like the book had been written with me in mind.

• Are you a people-pleaser?
• Do you avoid conflict?
• Do you tend to take the blame?
• Do you take care of others at the expense of yourself?
• Do you live in a state of hypervigilance?

Dr Ingrid Clayton is an expert on fawning as she is a fawner herself and she uses her own example and those of some of her clients to illustrate how you can break the fawning cycle yourself.

It's a long road to break a habit of a lifetime but the first step for me is recognising that I am a fawner and, more importantly perhaps, recognising when I am fawning.  The first time I actually stopped myself from fawning was a massive step and I felt really proud of myself as I would have definitely taken the blame for the thing that wasn't my fault before reading Fawning.

Interesting, accessible and understandable, Fawning is a well-written and engaging self-help book that could change your life.  Don't get me wrong, I'm still a massive fawner but I have definitely seen an improvement since reading this book.  If you recognise yourself as a fawner then you really do need to read this book. 

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: The Hottest Girl at Burn Camp - Krystal Evans

When Krystal Evans was 14, the house that she shared with her mother and little sister burned down. Narrowly escaping by breaking a window and jumping out head-first Krystal suffered burns, smoke inhalation, and the unimaginable tragedy of losing her sister. That Evans has written such a warm and disarmingly funny memoir about what led the family to that fatal night, and how they coped with its aftermath, is nothing less than astonishing.

This is a spellbinding story of growing up poor in America, living with a mentally ill mother, and having a wolf for a pet (really). From the indignities of being rejected from a summer camp for burn victims, to putting up with a succession of her mom's increasingly shady friends and partners, Krystal and Katie's childhoods were marked by adult chaos, inappropriate behaviour, and never knowing what the next day would bring.

But, writing with joy, skill and candour, we witness Krystal growing as a person from the ashes of disaster into the confident, funny, and (reasonably) well-hinged adult, mother and comedian that she is today.

At the same time, funny, tragic and inspiring, it is the story of a family dangerously close to the edge, and of a girl struggling to make her way into adulthood, once the smoke clears.

 

What did I think?

Krystal Evans is a stand-up comedian so it's comforting to know that it all turns out ok in the end for her as her memoir is completely heart wrenching.  I wanted to reach into the book and give young Krystal a big hug as her family suffered such a devastating tragedy.

When I was reading this true story, I really wished it had been fiction as it broke my heart when Krystal lost her little sister Katie in the fire that destroyed their home.  It must have been very cathartic for Krystal to write this book and I was in tears at the end as her story really got to me.  It will be heartening for Krystal to know that Katie's memory will live on in the hearts of every reader who picks up this book.

It's often difficult to read Krystal's story but she makes it as lighthearted as she possibly can with a sprinkling of humour here and there.  It's not a funny story by any means but it is written in such an entertaining way that it is very easy to read.

Heartbreaking and inspirational, The Hottest Girl at Burn Camp is an emotional and powerful true story that will stay with me long after I turned the final page. 

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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