KJK Reads

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, Christmas Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Earl covers the different Christmas traditions over the last century, sometimes showing how it evolved (or devolved) into the traditions we have today. It is well researched but still readable rather than coming across like a research paper it has a more casual and easily accessible form. The majority of the images add to the humour of the book with the cartoons being fun but there's also some real images from the times being referenced to show the actuality too.  Favourite Quote: “Retail shopping hasn't always dominated the Christmas season. But for much of its history, there has been an expectation that certain people would be spending money in various ways. That relationship between Christmas and money has always changed with the times and the ever-shifting economic landscape.”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Romance, Hockey Romance  Thoughts: I already fell in love with John Logan from the show so I decided to go back and read more of the series and this one only developed my Logan appreciation. Seeing him interact with his family and the way in which he accepts the family responsibility without question is admirable even if he shouldn’t be in that position (as the child of an addict) in the first place. I loved seeing Wellsy and Garrett again and getting to see the development of their relationship further. This book felt like it focused more on the details of backgrounds and relationship dynamics with Grace and Ramona, Logan and Jeff and both of them and their parents and much like the first book it doesn’t shy away from deep and traumatic themes. Grace herself was fun and felt quite relatable with her talkativeness and random killer facts when she feels awkward. I wasn’t so much a fan of the way in which the two got together for this one but I like that it fe...

Rating: 3 Stars Themes:  Non-Fiction, Supernatural  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. What an interesting combination of the spooky and macabre of Halloween and Christmas, perfect for the period in between the two holidays. The images throughout the book are great and it’s interesting to have them from the periods and papers being referenced. I liked that the proven hoaxes and false reporting were pointed out in the chapters to give it a more balanced feel rather than skewing it all to support the author's view on the ghost. I also liked the epilogue bit, especially for King Richard 3 with the more recent findings of his body and potential sighting afterwards. Overall, an interesting read. Favourite Quote: “The bleak midwinter is a border between the old year and the new, and borders have always had a mysterious, exotic, or magical quality.”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Fairy Tales Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I hadn’t read a modern fairy tale like this before and this one feels quite timely. Bronas and Solomiya are forced into the forest by monsters invading their village, destroying and killing as they go which reflects the real experiences of many Ukrainian children (and too many others in occupied and warring areas). The stories they had been told by family members growing up didn’t dissuade them when there was little choice and the lack of human/adult presence throughout lends itself well to fairytales and reality. The different creatures throughout the forest are well described and easy to imagine, and most matched my imagination to the images when provided. The use of illustration throughout in sharp dark lines added to the eeriness of the tale and the doubt as to how the journey for Bronas and Solomiya would end. Favourite Quote: “I guess, sometimes, mon...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Children's Fiction  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is an extremely important read, especially now with the growing political tensions. Amiri takes us on his journey from initially fleeing from danger to running towards the only country (well 1 of 2) that can save his brothers life. This allows us to see the life of a refugee from a child's point of view which feels even more emotive with how innocent and vulnerable children are. The illustrations are very childlike and uncomplicated which reinforces the young age of Amiri at the time of the events. I liked that the ending was filled with hope as hopefully it will inspire those who are reading this to find a story that represents them and their life. It really is an important and poignant read. Favourite Quote: “These men didn't want us here. Maybe no one did. But didn't they know what we'd been through, how dangerous it was...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Romance  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Another cute installment to the Dreamboat Cruises series. Harper embodies the eldest daughter (although I can’t 100% remember if she is the eldest) to a tee, organising everything for a wedding on the cruise and squashing emergencies almost as soon as they arrive. Then Finn arrives and becomes her cabin roommate and throws everything in the air. I loved that Finn instantly saw her burden and started to try ease it, helping with setting up and supporting wherever possible. Finn and Harper are childhood friends which makes it all so much cuter as they have a full history already and a few inside jokes already which led to some great banter at moments. Though this feels like a romcom at times there are some real moments of vulnerability with childhood traumas and supporting each other as a four. Also the fence moment was the cutest thing and really showed th...