From the Book Elf

Christmas at Hollybush Farm  by Jo Thomas Christmas at Hollybush Farm was published on 9th October 2025 by Penguin.  My thanks to the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review and to  Random Things Resources for inviting me on the tour. Synopsis Jemima Jones is driving home to her family's magical hill-top farm for Christmas… And on arrival, she soon learns that her dad has been keeping a secret – all is not as it seems, and Hollybush Farm is struggling to make ends meet! Worried about losing the childhood home she loves, Jemima must pull on her winter wellies and get stuck in. Amid the chaos of chasing after escaping sheep and organising the Christmas tractor run, Jemima begins documenting her slice of farming life on social media. As she builds a supportive online following, she also forms an offline connection in the shape of charming, retired rugby player Llew, her very own Santa's helper. With a sprinkle of festive cheer and a dash of goodwill, might t...

The Cat and the Christmas Kidnapper by L T Shearer The Cat and the Christmas Kidnapper by L T Shearer  was published on 16th October by PanMacmillan. My thanks to the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review and to Random Things Resources for inviting me onto the tour. Synopsis Join Lulu Lewis, a retired detective with a knack for uncovering secrets, and Conrad, her extraordinary talking cat, as they take on their latest case. Hoping for a relaxing break, Lulu sets off with Conrad on her canal boat, The Lark, to the picturesque city of Bath to visit friends. But Christmas cheer soon gives way to festive fear when the pair learn of a ruthless kidnapping plot that is plaguing parents in the area. As the kidnappers fuel panic with further demands, the pair must unravel clues faster than Conrad can charm with his witty banter if they are to stand any chance of bringing the criminals to justice in time to save the holidays . . . My Thoughts This is the next capti...

  A Vampire is NOT a Pet  by Lexi Rees My thanks to Lexi for sending me a copy to review and to  Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me on the tour. Synopsis Yasmin REALLY wants a pet. A cat, a dog—she’d even settle for a snake. After all, there’s hardly anything Yasmin is afraid of… unless you count ghosts, zombies, monsters, and maybe custard. But Velma wasn’t the pet Yasmin expected. For starters, there are the fangs. And, well… she’s a vampire. From classroom chaos and dental disasters to a blood bank heist (don’t ask), the world’s worst cow impressions (really don’t ask), and a Halloween party wild enough to wake the dead, Yasmin and Velma are about to have the time of their (after)lives. As the mayhem piles up, Yasmin starts to wonder… could a vampire be the most fang-tastic pet ever? My Thoughts Wow, would we all like to have a vampire as a pet ????????? Well by the time you have read this short story by Lexi you will definitely have decided one way or another. ...

The Colour of Memory  by Christopher Bowden My Thoughts I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. Christopher Bowden has a style of writing that I like with just enough detail to give you what you need without overloading you with minutiae. First of all I was drawn in by the title of the book, and the cover, which doesn’t give any clue as to what lies ahead making the turning of the first page a complete mystery.  The pace of the book and the introduction of different characters and settings has been well thought out to keep the reader captivated and is characteristic of Bowden’s writing.   The idea of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes and the theme of “Windows” for Lucy’s art work is captivating and I have found myself , since I read the book, looking at them in a completely different way. Lucy is a lovely central character who is curious about a coded book she comes across and is eager to learn more about its origins and who wrote it. The differ...

Beneath A Darkening Sky  by Judith Crow Beneath A Darkening Sky by Judith Crow  was published on 13th October by Crowvus. My thanks to Judith for sending me a copy to review and to  Random Things Tours for inviting me on the tour. Synopsis Dark retellings of beloved fairy tales. Disturbing visions of the present and dire warnings of the future. Great estates where devastating secrets linger in every shadowed hall. This chilling gothic horror anthology contains it all.  My Thoughts What a dark collection of short stories this little book holds. Each of which will have you looking over your shoulder or checking whether the line of salt is securely in place outside your bedroom door. Some of these stories are very short , ie a couple of pages, but they are equally as captivating as the longer ones and will definitely leave you with a ghostly feeling. Each retelling will draw you into its dark, and at times gruesome, setting straight away making you feel as though you...

A Ticket To Ride  by Sue Wickstead This is the latest book from Sue Wickstead in the "Bus" series. My thanks to Sue for sending me a copy to review and to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me onto the tour. Around the corner and up the hill, Jumping off when the bus stops still. Animals and friends hop on and off the bus as it travels through lands near and far, on special days and everyday afternoons. On this journey, you can meet everything from cats and elephants to one very celebratory bee, telling jokes and adding their opinions. This collection of light-hearted poems and stories is perfect for a cosy afternoon with your own Nanny. My Thoughts This is another lovely addition to the library of Stories and Rhymes that are all bus related by Sue. A Ticket To Ride is a wonderful collection of short stories, rhymes and jokes that will keep any little one entertained for hours whilst they are either read to , or reading it for themselves. Like all the previous...