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Susie Dent is probably better know as the Countdown lexicographer.

The woman in the Dictionary corner of the same show.

So it's no surprise that this is a book about, well, words, and where they come from.

Or, perhaps more precisely, the origins of common phrases we all use, to the best of current belief (some are still unknown).

So one of those books you read for entertainment and knowledge, really, instead of for the plot!
  
Things We Never Said
Things We Never Said
Samantha Young | 2019 | Romance
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Characters (0 more)
Emotional roller coaster
I've been in a reading slump the past few weeks so I was excited that I could dive into the ARC of Samantha Young's newest book. I started reading Samantha Young back when she first published On Dublin Street, and I've been a fan ever since.

While reading this book, I finally was able to figure out what I love about Samantha Young's writing style, and it's the fact that each story reads like your best friend is telling you the story. It's almost like you sit down and spend 4 hours listening to your best friend's dirty jokes, setbacks, and love life. It's truly a fantastic experience. I love how conversational her books are, and I always feel like I'm saying goodbye to a friend when I finish a book. This book was no different.

Things We Never Said is the third in the Hart's Boardwalk series. We learn about Dahlia McGuire's past, her heartbreaks, and her family. Dahlia was never a character I connected to in the other books, so I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy it as much as her other books. Luckily, my hesitancy was misplaced. Not only did I start to connect with Dahlia as a character but I also truly enjoyed the plot. We got to see more of Dahlia's background, and I couldn't help but cry for her and her experiences.

I loved Dahlia's messy background, and I couldn't help but cry for her and her family. I enjoyed learning more about her history and see how she could overcome some of her hardships. With all of Samantha Young's books, the characters and relationships were the shining stars of this story. I think many readers will be able to connect with Dahlia and Michael. They were realistic, and I loved the character growth they both had to do throughout the book.

All in all, I'm giving this 4 1/2 Caffeinated Stars! The plot was interesting, the characters superb, and I really can't wait for the next book in the series.
  
As this is the third book in the series, there is not much that I can say about it that will not spoil either of the previous books but I will do my best to avoid most specifics. If you haven't read the series yet, I would recommend not reading this review.

My opinions about this book have not varied greatly since I began reading the Prisoner of Cell 25. The writing quality is still not impressive, but it feels more like a middle-grade novel or low-level young adult so it isn't entirely out of place. The author continues to overuse the word said as his descriptor for almost every person who is speaking, which becomes tedious. As I am listening to the audiobook, I have mentioned before that it could compound the issue for me hearing so many "saids" in a row but in my opinion, that's just poor word choice that could be rectified quite easily.

I enjoyed how this book continued to develop the characters and world because previously I felt those aspects to be a little lacking. We learn more about the Elgen and their secretive board, though I hope that is expanded in future books. They are a shadowy corporation and the "big bad" of the series in conjunction with Hatch, but we know very little about either party.

There was more character development and added depth to their personalities. We were given internal motivation and struggles that made them more realistic and relatable. Our core group feels more developed now, although the supporting characters are still a little flat. I hope that they are fleshed out more in subsequent books.

Overall, this is a fast, easy read that is perfect for middle grade or young adult/teen who just want a fun book with an aspect of fantasy.
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Never Let You Go in Books

Jan 12, 2018  
Never Let You Go
Never Let You Go
Chevy Stevens | 2017 | Mystery, Thriller
8
8.3 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Having never read any of Chevy Stevens books before, I didn’t know what to expect but having read the description, I thought I would give it a go and I wasn’t disappointed.

This is a fast paced, chilling read with twists that are well-thought out, well developed and believable. Domestic abuse is a difficult subject to write about sensitively and without sensationalism and Chevy does this very well whilst not losing any of the suspense, darkness and fear that comes with living in a very poisonous and controlling relationship.

With great characters and a great story-line, I found this a highly addictive read from start to finish and I will definitely be checking out her other books.

I want to thank the publisher (Little, Brown Book Group UK) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
  
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Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Magic Hour in Books

May 25, 2018  
MH
Magic Hour
Kristin Hannah | 2006 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have read a lot of Kristin Hannah's books, loved them all, and this one definitely did not disappoint.

This book was well written, and the flow of the story was very satisfying. It's a wonderful, magical story about the love between several pairs/groups: mother and child, father and child, two sisters, and some long-time friends. There was just enough mystery to keep me intrigued and engrossed in the story, and Julia's relationships were well-crafted and beautifully developed.

I did get into the story a little slower than most of her books, I think because the character development was a bit more complicated than others - but I'm OK with that. Once I got into it, it was hard to stop! It's definitely a great romantic beach read and a wonderful escape from reality that I enjoyed very much.
  
Credible Witness: Paranormal Police Stories
Credible Witness: Paranormal Police Stories
Andy Gilbert | 2017 | Horror, Mind, Body & Spiritual, Paranormal
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
These are the most believable out of all the police ghost books (0 more)
You may not sleep for a few weeks (0 more)
The best out of all the police paranormal books.
Unfortunately this has the worst looking cover but you know the saying! This is absolute quality, brilliant written told by no nonsense British coppers made all the more believable as some haven't told anyone before for fear of ridicule and remain anonymous. I am used to situations like these yet I tell you, some of the stories sent the shivers down me. This really is an incredible book for those who have an interest or those who don't believe and want to question what the professional investigators who analyse and witness things for a living have to say about the things that have genuinely happened to them.
  
Small Great Things
Small Great Things
Jodi Picoult | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.7 (19 Ratings)
Book Rating
Everything (0 more)
Nothing (0 more)
Another corker from Jodi
I was almost not looking forward to reading this book as normally Jodi Picoults books put me through the emotional wringer. However, this one left me (mostly) dry eyed. Don’t get me wrong, I love a blub more than most people but it’s nice to occasionally finish one of her books without being covered in tears and snot!

Despite this, it is an awesome book. I’m not going to divulge the story but it’s basically about racism and people’s perceived attitudes to it. The 3 points of view are Ruth Jefferson, a black nurse. Turk Bauer, a white supremacist and Kennedy McQuarrie, a lawyer.

It’s well thought out and you can really get under the skin of the character. A really good read, one I would probably read more than once.