Reviews written by Sarah

I recently won this book in a competition and I quickly scanned through it to see what it was like. On first impressions that came to mind were colourful, clear layout and mouth-watering pictures. When I sat down to have a more in-depth read my mouth began to water even more. This book has the most amazing photographs: the food is well presented and looks like, well, real food.

Anyway, I digress. The Easy Cook Cookbook is exactly what it says it is. Set into two sections, one for everyday food and the other for weekend food, this recipe book is akin to that series of books for non-intelligent people (come on, work it out!) With easy ideas for snacks, family dinners and even three course dinner party menus, this is the guide for me. Now I love to cook but sometimes I get stuck for something new, especially when entertaining. So, with plans for this Friday to go round to friends for dinner (we bring dessert) I had to try one. I’ve had a go at the cheat’s blackberry meringue cake for dinner parties. With one major change – I had everything except blackberries in the house, but I did have strawberries. It worked! It smells delicious and has frozen perfectly. I can’t wait to try it on Friday.

So, if you love to cook or would love to have a try, or even just looking for something new, this book is for you! Though I recommend reading it on a full stomach or you could just get a bit peckish.

(NB ratings do not apply to this but have set all to 5 as it is a fantastic book.)

OK, so this is really a book aimed at children but even my husband rushed to find a balloon, paper clip and woollen jumper after hearing he could make lightning (page 29 if you're interested). With topics from Alien Encounters to Superstitions and Curses to The Living Dead, this is a book you can either read from cover to cover or dip in and out of. Tips on how to levitate or send a secret message will have anyone with an inner child begging to know more.

Beautifully presented with photographs and drawings on every page (where else would you see a photo of a frog riding a tricycle?) this is an easy book to keep reading. Each two page spread is set on one topc and has a handy web link at the bottom to research more. Websites such as BBC.co.uk and totallyabsurd.com are featured here. As to how long these stay active and relevant is an aside as it's still a great idea, making to book interactive.

Some facts (such as you can't lick your own elbow) are oldies but goodies. However, did you know that Hennig Brand discovered phosphorous in 1669? Not so weird, I hear you say. You may change your mind when you realise he had to do numerous experiments involving 50 buckets of human urine for each one. YUCK!

At £9.99 this hardback book is well worth the money as in one family it can be shared, discussed, tested and explored for hours.

(NB ratings do not apply to this but have set all to 5 as it is a fantastic read.)

"Two sisters. One brutally murdered. The other left behind to pick up the pieces..."
Decades ago Ellie has the horrific news that her only sister, Lila, has been brutally murdered. In the aftermath, she turns to a new friend, an author, and entrusts him with her most intimate feelings. Little does she know that he intends to write Lila's story and turn it into a bestseller. Upset by her sister's story being revealed to the world, Ellie throws herself into her life: her work and her relationship.
Moving to present times and Ellie runs into one of Lila's ex-professors: the one named in THAT book as her killer. Still protesting his innocence, he meets with Ellie to give his side of the story. Leaving behind Lila's treasured notebook, a vital piece of missing evidence from her death, he is out of Ellie's life as quickly as he entered it.
Ellie becomes determined in her resolve to finally solve her sister's murder. Her search leads her to both places and faces from her past she would stay in her past.
Reading this left my heart pounding at times as I tried to guess how each part of the puzzle fitted together. At times, the story dragged and characters felt empty, but pace soon picked up as it moved from chapter to chapter. Overall, this feels like a crime and thriller aimed at women, but others may beg to differ. Why not read it for yourself and let me know?

If I Stay - what would you choose? "But what is the choice?" I hear you ask. To stay or go. "Stay or go where?" All will be revealed - read on.

Mia is a 17 year old family girl with an ex-rocker teacher for a dad, an ex-punk, hopeless cook for a mum and typical boy for a younger brother. Also she has a gorgeous, up-and-coming rock star boyfriend, a fiercely loyal best friend and a loving, supportive extended family. These people make up her world. Well, we must not forget her cello, as Mia is a gifted musician.

However, one snowy February day, her world falls apart. Travelling to see her aunt and uncle, Mia's family are involved in an horrendous accident. Immediately she sees her parents are dead and goes looking for her beloved brother, Teddy. Instead, she finds herself: her own broken body. Quickly she realises she has a decision to make: stay or go? Live or die? Looking back on her life, Mia draws on everything and everyone she knows and loves to help her. Using flashbacks to add tension, this young adult novel easily slips into the adult literature genre. What is Mia's choice? You'll have to read right to the last page to find out.