Hobbies and Crafts

I'm still reading and just downloaded Lynda
Bellingham's book from Amazon for 99p.

That one sounds interesting AnninGlos. A bit out of the ordinary.

I'll look out for that book Ann. It sounds interesting.

I read Lynda Bellingham's book a while ago Emma. Enjoyed is not the right word for such a book but I was glad I had read it.

Had put off buying it Vera but it's there now and have
several books to read before I tackle it.

Finished Never look back by Lesley Pearse now. I really enjoyed it. It covered so much information about America in the 19th century including the civil war. My knowledge of that was a bit sketchy and this was quite lurid in places. You tend to think of America as being a civilised country and forget that in this war the hospitals would have been very basic and that so many men on both sides died. It also showed how much poverty there was in the states at that time, with immigrants arriving from Germany, Ireland and other places, expecting to find employment and somewhere to live. families with out of work fathers then living three families to a house meant for one small family and others living rough among rats and excrement.
I always like her books and would recommend this one.

I have just finished Not Quite Nice by Celia Imrie. I knew it would be a light read but thought it might be quite enjoyable. However, although I did finish it, I was disappointed with it. It started OK but after a while I found I was bored and I couldn't believe in any of the characters and the story got sillier and sillier. Just my opinion of course, but I think Celia Imrie is a better actress than writer.

Thanks Vera, sounds like one to avoid then.

Am almost finished reading SILENCIO first book written by L A BERRY.
It's a book based on factual events about baby trafficking in Spain. It is written in a thriller genre. Ten years after her newborn was taken off her by the nuns, Mercedes who is now a journalist uses her expertise to unmask a network that has spanned decades and moved thousands of babies out of Spain.
This book is a real page turner, thrilling and emotional, would recommend.

That sounds a good book Haribo. I'll look out for that one.

I had a look in the library recently for Never Look Back by Lesley Pearse as recommended by Ann, as it sounds an interesting book. They didn't have that but I picked up another one by the same author, Stolen.

A girl is found washed up on a beach. She is still alive but she has amnesia. It is clear that her mind is blocking out something dreadful from her recent past. As she gradually recovers her memory we learn of the traumatic events that led to her being found on the beach, and that the horror isn't over yet.

It's a good story, which should be full of fear and menace, and there was one twist I hadn't expected, but the style of writing is so lightweight that I didn't feel any emotional involvement at all. It's a good holiday/beach book but a disappointment if you want something that makes you think a bit.

I always feel guilty if I post a review that's a bit negative. I really don't want to put anyone off trying a book that they may love even if it's not to my taste.

EDIT. I have just been reading some reviews of this book and it looks as though I've picked up Lesley Pearse's one poor book. Lots of the reviews said they couldn't believe she had written it as it is not in the same league as her other books. Several said it felt as though it had been written by a teenager. I will try another of her books now I know it's not just me who didn't much like this one.

Alice and Freda Forever..a Murder in Memphis by
Alexis Cole.

It's about a love affair between two girls back in the 1800s
which was not even thought about then that people of the same sex
could fall in love.

Interesting so far although finding one of the girls also has boyfriends.

I am currently reading Ancestors by Paul Crooks. It's an interesting story so far and I'll post about it when I finish it.

I've also just downloaded The Other Son by Nick Alexander which I had on my "to read" list after it was mentioned on here. It was £1.99 on kindle books so it used the Amazon £2 voucher they emailed to me. I expect the rest of you that use kindle books on Amazon got a voucher as well. It was a nice surprise :-D

Going to sulk now 'cos I haven't had one! :-( :-(

Poor Ann :-(. I wonder why I was honoured. It can't be because of the money they get from me as I hardly spend anything. I mostly get free books from them or, if I really want something, I wait till the price drops right down. Perhaps it was an attempt to get me to spend a bit more. Didn't work then :-)

Mmm! Curiouser snd curiouser! :-( :-D

Re Amazon - I got sent a couple of £1 voucher codes but thought they were for music downloads or 'streaming' or something. They've been deleted. I'd have used them if I'd known :-0

I'd also accidentally taken out a trial of Amazon Prime by clicking on a 'free to Prime subscribers' book. That's been cancelled, thank goodness. However, I was able to read it for free! (Not something I'd recommend doing)

Isn't odd? I wonder how they decided who got what? I had one for £2. Once I had used it I deleted the email but I am sure it said it was for use with Kindle books before 4th Jan.

Just got another one - why do men mention something they'd like so late??? It was for a couple of DVDs. The earlier discount code appeared after placing an order of a different DVD.
+++++++
Your recent order entitles you to a £1.00 promotional credit which we have added to your account. This credit can be applied to your next qualifying purchase or rental from Amazon Video. This offer is available to UK customers only. For details of how to claim please see ......

......To redeem the Credit, browse the eligible movies and TV shows at Amazon Video via the Amazon.co.uk website,
+++++++

That must be why I thought it related to downloads etc.
Perhaps book purchases generate a discount for books?

Ah if that is the sort it was, I have had a couple of those in the past.

Mine wasn't quite like that. I hadn't made any recent purchases. I just got an email out of the blue on the lines of "Here is a Christmas present from us to you". I'm happy to accept the gift :-D