Real Book Reviews

Another Mrs B Book Review – Dietvale

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Title: Dietvale

Author: Andrene low

Publisher: Squabbling Sparrow Press

Release Date. 30th September 2020

Book Blurb: Marilyn is ready to drop the weight and stop looking like a ‘before’ photo. So when her good-for-nothing husband kicks the bucket during divorce proceedings, she thinks the perfect place to blow his dough is at a secluded health retreat.

But more frightening than low-carb and bikinis is the sinister force on the other side of the high fences. One that has dark cravings of its own…

Trigger warnings: Novel contains torture and rape, with retaliation both swift and brutal.

What do I reckon?  Horror of this level isn’t usually a genre I like to read.   I was offered an ARC of this book and boy it came into my life at just the right time.  Personally I was in a bit of a low space and honestly there’s nothing like some blood and guts and good old fashioned revenge to escape into.

Buy this book if you’re into, gore, fantastic scenery, unusual urges & spirituality.

Andrene weaves a great story and all of the horror is completely in keeping with the story.

Disclosure: I was given an advanced reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

You can buy the book through this link or approach your local bookstore and see if they have it or can order it in for you.

Another Mrs B book Review. – Tree of Strangers

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Title: Tree of Strangers

Author: Barbara Sumner

Publisher: Massey University Press

Release Date: September 10th 2020

A bit about the book from Amazon: Barbara Sumner grew up in a family filled with secrets and lies. At twenty-three she decided she had to find her mother. Remarkable, moving, beautifully written, Tree of Strangers is a ripping account of a search for identity in a country governed by adoption laws that deny the rights of the adopted person.

My thoughts:  I loved this book.  I can hear you asking now, “Hey Mrs B, what’s to love about forced adoption?”   We all know the answer is there’s nothing to love about that.  What I loved is the way Barbara spoke her truth and explained her life in terms I could understand.

In my own parenting journey of raising 2 children with special needs I am realizing very quickly there are some parts of my parenting where I have no agency.  At the end of the day though, I get to go home and hug my babies.

In this modern world how is it acceptable to take children away from the arms that should be holding them?

If you’re reading this and thinking “Hang on Mrs B, what about the mothers who….”   My answer is buy this book and read it.

Where to buy

Approach your local book store and see if they stock it or ask them to.

You can also get it from amazon, link below.

Radio Ireland – Another Mrs B book review

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Lets start with the ending.  Is that allowed in the world of book reviews? I guess it doesn’t matter.  I can be a literary rebel. 

The ending of this book is a big one.  It’s been a while since I’ve been stunned at the actions of the main character. After a few days to think about it the ending was right.  There are other ways the author could have gone with it. It wouldn’t have been the same.

Our main character Brendan is at a bit of a crossroads.  He finds himself in an ok(ish) job, no relationship and his father has recently died.  Without any close family nearby, he moves from his hometown in America to his ancestral home of Ireland. 

Brendan has never been to Ireland but from the stories told to him as a child by his father, it almost feels like home. 

The other big draw card is his best friend Rory.  Rory has offered him the job of a lifetime.  Co DJ (with Rory) on a morning radio show.   In short things for Brendan are looking up.

Then he arrives in Ireland………

There’s no Rory.  In fact no one knows where he is.

Suddenly, he’s hosting the radio show with a man called Eamonn.  I’ll keep the origins of Eamonn a secret in this review. 

Between the show with Eamonn, looking for Rory,  and exploring all the places his father grew up has Brendan got time to find love? Does he find Rory? What does he find out about his father?

Honestly, you’ll have to read the book to find out.

I was given the book by the author Kevin MaHon in exchange for an honest review.  As a rating I give this book a solid 4/5 stars.

If you would like to read the book, you can find it here:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/therealmrsbrady?listId=1FVZ80VAWHTKZ&ref=cm_sw_em_r_inf_list_own_therealmrsbrady_dp_uGz11XHvDnsWc

Fly Like A Bird. Another Mrs B book review.

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The main character Ivy Taylor has been raised all her life by her grandmother, Violet. As Ivy grows up we learn about her extended family (2 Uncles and 2 cousins) her friends and the relationship she has with her grandmother.

They live in a small town in Iowa called Coffey. The timeline of the book covers 1959 – 1986.

As Ivy grows she learns her grandmother might be keeping some secrets about what happened to her parents.

The author does not dwell on the every day ins and outs of life in a small town. The author also ties up all story lines of the many characters, which I liked.

I would say this book is a coming of age tale as well as a mystery. There are some scenes of domestic violence and discussion of murder. It was all within context of the story so it wasn’t much of an issue.

I also think this book could have had a little more romance in it.

All in all a good read and I give it 4/5 stars.

I received this book from netgalley and I am giving this review voluntarily.

Entanglement – review.

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I will admit to being a bit sceptical at first, comparing this author to Douglas Adams is a big statement!  I must say it was a wonderful comparison!

This book is suited to anyone who is interested in sci-fi or something quirky.   The characters are all likable and the author captures their personalities very well.

This book is not in the “leave your brain at home” category.   The story line and points of view switch between the main characters quite regularly so you need to be engaged to remember what’s going on.  This wasn’t too difficult for my tired brain as I was enjoying it so much and wanted to see what happened next.

The continuing themes of cake, bricks, and moles added an extra something too.

I understand the Author is working on a follow up to this book and I cannot wait to read it.

In the mean time, if you would like to purchase this book you can through my affiliate link here: https://amzn.to/2JJj03o

I received this book from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I gave this book a 5 star rating on Netgalley and Amazon.

The light in the hallway. – Another Mrs B book review.

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Author: Amanda Prowse

Release date: 11th November 2019

This is a book about love, grief, friendship, growing up and even parenting, And you know what? The main character is a man!

This book focuses on Nick, Eric and Alex. They’ve been best friends for years. Throughout the book there are flashbacks to their childhood where they enjoy an incredible summer.

The “present day” finds one of the characters going through the loss of his wife.

I loved this book and the way the author was able to write from the point of view of Nick. I definitely recommend buying this book when it’s released on the 11th of November.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Felicity Carrol and the Murderous Menace – Review

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Title: Felicity Carrol and the Murderous Menace

Author: Patricia Marcantonio

I really enjoyed this book. Murder, mystery and a bit of romance. What’s not to like? The author wove a wonderful story that takes us from the middle of London to the American west. All with the purpose of catching a killer.
Some of the dialogue does not really work for a book set in the 1800’s but in the long run it doesn’t really matter.
Felicity Carrol our leading lady is an interesting character. Her mother died when Felicity was small, and her unaffectionate father left Felicity in the care of the household servants. As an adult she has a medical degree and a thirst for knowledge. Instead of joining “society” she spends her time helping an inspector friend to solve crimes at Scotland Yard.
After a series of brutal unsolved murders in London, Felicity and her friend believe the killer may have re-surfaced in America. Felicity volunteers to go to America and investigate the case.
The book will be released in Feb 2020. I received this book from Netgalley and I am giving this review voluntarily.

The Second Chance Supper Club. – Review

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The Second Chance Supper Club

The Second Chance Supper Club by Nicole Meier

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Julia and Ginny are sisters that have grown apart. Through a series of events Julia finds herself taking a break from her life in New York to fly across the country and pay Ginny a surprise visit in Arizona.
During the visit we find more about the sisters and why they grew apart. Julia also spends time with her now adult niece Olive.
The supper club is a charming setting and helps to weave the sisters stories together. Ginny runs the supper club from her home assisted by Olive. Ginny and Olive have a strained mother/daughter relationship. The addition of Julia adds a great perspective.
I found all 3 main characters and the peripheral characters reasonably likeable.
The book overall is a good read, its more “meaty” than a cozy romance. I did know fairly early on how the story would turn out.
A solid 3 star read.

I received and advance copy of this book and am giving this review voluntarily.



View all my reviews

The Sunday Potluck Club. A teeny tiny book preview review

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Recently I was given the chance to read a preview of The Sunday Potluck Club.

It’ll be available in March next year and I think it will be a great read.

The Sunday Potluck club follows Amy, Hazel, Bridget and Nichole. They met when they were each supporting one of their parents through cancer treatment.

The four women bonded, and the potluck club was born. Every Sunday they meet and have a potluck meal.
The story opens, focusing on Amy and her return to work. We also find out more about the other members of the club.

I can’t wait to read the rest of the book and find out what happens to Amy and the rest of the club.