Book Review: First One Missing by Tammy Cohen

AD* | There are three things no-one can prepare you for when your daughter is murdered:

• You are haunted by her memory day and night
• Your friends and family fear you are going mad
• Only in a group with mothers of other victims can you find real comfort.

Welcome to the club no one wants to join.

3 Walks in the Derbyshire Peak District

The Derbyshire Peak District is a wonderful part of the country, filled with rolling countryside, picturesque views, and plenty of exciting places to visit and things to do. The Peak District is also a haven for those who like to stay active and get out and about, boasting a wide variety of trails and country walks suitable for people of all ages.

To pique your interest, here are three of my favourite walks in the Derbyshire Peak District.

Book Review: Fugitive Six by Pittacus Lore

The Human Garde Academy was created in the aftermath of an alien invasion of Earth. It was meant to provide a safe haven for teens across the globe who were suddenly developing incredible powers known as Legacies.

Taylor Cook was one of the newest students and had no idea if she’d ever fit in. But when she was mysteriously abducted, her friends broke every rule in the book to save her. In the process, they uncovered a secret organisation that was not only behind Taylor’s kidnapping but also the disappearance of numerous teens with abilities. An organisation that has dark roots in the Loric’s past, untold resources, and potentially even a mole at their own school.

Now these friends, who have become known to other students as the “Fugitive Six,” must work together to bring this mysterious group to an end before they can hurt anyone else.

I'm Not Ashamed to Go Make-Up Free Every Day - Here's Why

First of all, I think it’s important to start this post by saying that I have no issue either with make-up or with those who choose to wear it. I think it can be a great way to express your personality, glam up for a special occasion or even just cover up the visible effects of a sleepless night! However, as you’ve probably gained from the title, it’s just not for me. 

In this post, I’m going to explain the reasons why!

5 Dream Home Improvements

AD* | We all have a vision of how our dream home would look, from spectacular swimming pools to state-of-the-art kitchens with all the latest gadgets! Although the chances are that your real home may not be the exact replica of your dream home, it can still be fun to daydream about the improvements you’d make to your property if you could. If only you won the lottery, right?

Book Review: A Quiet Genocide by Glenn Bryant

AD* | Germany, 1954. Jozef grows up in a happy household – so it seems. But his father Gerhard still harbours disturbing National Socialism ideals, while mother Catharina is quietly broken. She cannot feign happiness for much longer and rediscovers love elsewhere. Jozef is uncertain and alone. Who is he? Are Gerhard and Catharina his real parents?

A dark mystery gradually unfolds, revealing an inescapable truth the entire nation is afraid to confront. But Jozef is determined to find out about the past and a horror is finally unmasked which continues to question our idea of what, in the last hour, makes each of us human.

A terrifying and heartbreaking story.

Interview: Jay Marksman

I am super excited to be welcoming crime author Jay Marksman to The Writing Greyhound on this cold January morning - what better way to stave off the January Blues than with some bookish chat?

Keep on reading to learn more about Jay and his writing, not to mention an insight into his novel Of Thieves and Dying Leaves.

5 Healthy Habits for 2019

January is always a good time for reflection, with the New Year providing the perfect opportunity to look back on the past year and focus on setting goals and targets for the year ahead. It’s always good to have aims in life and things to strive towards, as this can help you stay focused and motivated as well as generally creating a more successful life to lead.

We are constantly warned about the negative impact of unhealthy habits by both the media and those around us, and in an increasingly sedentary society, keeping fit has never been more important. Now, I’m far from the healthiest person (I’ve never been to the gym in my life) so I’m well aware that I’m far from a leading authority on healthiness, but at the same time, what better time to turn over a new leaf than the start of a new year?

Book Review: The Draughtsman Damsel by Emily Klein

AD* | At the age of ten, following her father's political decision, Annabelle is torn from her childhood home at the Duke's court at Calais and from her best friend, the Duke's youngest son, Thomas. She comes to the English court and tries her best to avoid all courtly, ladylike occupations, and to follow scholarly pursuits, usually reserved for boys. 

Her father, Lord Latimer's connection with the Duke diminishes and he decides to match her for marriage elsewhere. After an unsuccessful courtship event, a letter arrives from the Duke asking Latimer, who is an Architect, to return to Calais and aide the Duke in constructing a grand chivalric monument; Annabelle who is by then found out to be competent at planning and sketching joins her father to be further educated there. 

Latimer's Mason falls under the Duke's influence and cannot assist in building the castle. Latimer then recruits Thomas, the Duke's son, as a consultant and his own daughter as his assistant draughtsman. The Two, after many obstacles and tribulations, reluctantly and unwittingly fall in love. Latimer's relationship and connection with the Duke deteriorate further, and it sets a course of events in motions that results in the banishment of Annabelle and her father. Will Annabelle and Thomas' love conquer all obstacles?

Interview: Sharlene Almond

I love a good thriller - throw some historical influences into the mix and you've got a book I'm bound to enjoy reading! One book that sounds just like that is Initiated to Kill, a fast-paced thriller from author Sharlene Almond. Sharlene has kindly agreed to stop by The Writing Greyhound and answer a few questions, so read on to find out more!

5 Books I Want to Read in 2019

After three consecutive years of failing to read the five books I set out to read in the January of each year, I'm starting to wonder if the reason why I'm not reading these books is because I'm not motivated enough. Sure, I love reading, but with a busy lifestyle, long working hours (especially with the combination of blogging and my day job) and near-constant tiredness, if a book isn't motivating me, the chances are that I'm going to put off picking it up.

So, this year, I'm determined to beat my Goodreads challenge and read a minimum of 50 books in 2019. One of my New Year's resolutions is to stop feeling so guilty about taking time for myself, which ties in perfectly with my reading goal.

Let's make 2019 the year of reading!