A Lie For A Lie Book Tour & Review

Welcome to my part in Julie Corbin's 2020 book tour for her new novel, A Lie For A Lie!

If you haven't already, I urge you to check out the previous stops, encourage you to follow the tour as it goes on and of course, pre-order this fantastic new story. 

Today, I'm going share my review of this book with you. 

Thank you to Myrto @ Hodder for the opportunity!

A Lie for a Lie by Julie Corbin

Paperback, 352 pages

To Be Published 15th October 2020 by Hodder & Stoughton

Shelves: abuse, adult-fiction, arc-or-review, blog-tour, books-i-own, crime-thriller-mystery, death, mental-health, read, read-in-2020, realistic-fiction
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Description via Goodreads:

We all tell lies, don't we? Most of the time, they're harmless. But every now and then, we lie without thinking about the consequences.

As a school nurse, Anna Pierce is a well-respected and trusted member of the community. So when she is accused of hitting a pupil, the reaction is one of shock and disbelief.

The pupil is Tori Carmichael - Anna's mentee and a troubled child known for bending the truth.

With her career and reputation on the line, Anna is determined to clear her name. But before she can, the worst happens: Tori is found dead.

Suspicion mounts against Anna, who says she didn't do it. 
But if she isn't the killer, there is someone out there who is ....

When I was offered to read A Lie For A Lie, I jumped at the chance. Despite being a bestselling author, I was yet to read a book by the acclaimed Julie Corbin and this was certainly a fantastic introduction. The premise of the story sounded very intriguing and neither the story nor the author let me down. 

A Lie For A Lie tells the story of Sister Anna Pierce, a seemingly perfect school nurse whose life is turned upside down when she is accused of hitting one of the children that she mentored - a troubled girl named Victoria ('Tori') Carmichael. Unfortunately, when things seem like they can't get any worse, Tori is found dead in her home. This book explores the time from when Anna is accused and all of the trials and tribulations that follow.

Despite the often 'heavy' subject matter of this book, I found this an easy read from the start - something which was very welcome. The writing is simple yet very well done - the descriptions of the setting, mainly a large boarding school in Scotland, gave me a great sense of where the characters were and a good sense of atmosphere without ever feeling over-explicatory. The characters were written equally as well, having multiple layers and depth and personality.

There are a lot of different emotions and relationships explored within the story and I think that this is one of the main places where the book excels. Relationships between teachers and students, husband and wife, parent and child, teenagers, siblings and even more are all explored with great care and consideration, none falling short. I really was impressed by the authenticity the relationships depicted. 

As aforementioned, there are a lot of 'heavy' subjects discussed in this book including but not restricted to abuse, family separation, bullying and self harm. I was particularly affected by reading about the family separation issues in this book, the explanation and exploration of the the subject seemed so heartfelt and, honestly, heart wrenching at times. It's a subject that is written about frequently, but I have to admit that I related to Corbin's depiction of it more than I have with any other piece of writing regarding it. I admire the author for writing about several difficult topics with great understanding.

A Lie for a Lie is an easy to follow story which becomings increasingly complex with twists and turns around every corner. I had lots of thoughts and ideas of what the real story was but I was left guessing right until the very end. It consists of simple but highly intriguing writing which is a pleasure to read and, if you're like me, will keep you up until the early hours of the morning, desperate to find out more! It is so refreshing to read a book where you're left wondering until the last page.

Blog Tour Stop: Caroline & West/Deeper

This month marks the UK release of the hotly anticipated New Adult book, Deeper, the first in a set of books focusing on Caroline & West. This is a book that has had absolute rave reviews and almost non-stop praise from world-wide fans already, so it's definitely one of, if not the New Adult book to look out for.  

For my part in the blog tour, I'll be sharing my review of Deeper with you.

Here it is - enjoy!

Deeper by Robin York

Paperback, 400 Pages

Expected Publication 6th March 2014 by Piatkus

Shelves: arc-or-review, contemporary, drink-and-drugs, erotica, new-adult, read, read-in-2014, realistic-fiction, series-or-companions

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Description via Goodreads:

When Caroline Piasecki's ex-boyfriend posts their sex pictures on the Internet, it destroys her reputation as a nice college girl. Suddenly her once-promising future doesn't look so bright. Caroline tries to make the pictures disappear; hoping time will bury her shame. Then a guy she barely knows rises to her defence and punches her ex to the ground.

West Leavitt is the last person Caroline needs in her life. Everyone knows he's shady. Still, Caroline is drawn to his confidence and swagger - even after promising her dad she'll keep her distance. On late, sleepless nights, Caroline starts wandering into the bakery where West works.

They hang out, they talk, they listen. Though Caroline and West tell each other they're 'just friends,' their feelings intensify until it becomes impossible to pretend. The more complicated her relationship with West gets, the harder Caroline has to struggle to discover what she wants for herself - and the easier it becomes to find the courage she needs to fight back against the people who would judge her.

When all seems lost, sometimes the only place to go is deeper.

Deeper is a book that has had a lot of really rave reviews and as someone wanting to check out the offerings in the recently highly popular New Adult genre, I knew that this would have to be one of those definite to-reads for me. Deeper is a book that deals with and portrays what seems to be a real problem today, an issue known as 'Revenge Porn'. 

Deeper explores the life of Caroline, a college girl who has had sexual pictures of herself posted all over the internet, thanks to her ex-boyfriend, Nate. This behaviour is known as 'Revenge Porn'. I've never read any books on this subject before, but it seems like a very modern issue that we really should be reading about - it's certainly not something that is rare in our technology-obsessed society. I can't say that I've ever thought about the issue of revenge porn, but this book really brings to life how it easily it can happen and how easily things are shared amongst people. Caroline finds all of her life has been negatively affected by the photos, and we see how near-impossible it is to remove one post from the internet. I think that the author, York, has done a fantastic thing by bringing this topic to life and writing it realistically. 

As you'd expect, Caroline isn't having the best time at college, but things start to change after she sees a guy she doesn't know all that well, West Leavitt punching Nate. Despite his shady reputation, Caroline is intrigued by West and begins to spend time with him, their chemistry building each time they meet. We learn more about West, and it's easy to see why Caroline is so attracted. We find out that West is from a poor, unstable background and works his hardest to ensure his young sister is safe and cared for, he is absolutely devoted to her, their relationship feeling more like one between a father and daughter. When West is at college, working on making a better life for his sister, he makes bread during the night and sells home-grown weed with freshly baked muffins. West is absolutely irresistible, both physically and personality-wise throughout this book and it's completely understandable why Caroline is so attracted to him. We get to read from West's POV throughout the book, which I found equally as interesting as Caroline's POV, if not more. 

As for Caroline herself, I neither loved nor disliked her, she was a character that seemed like an average girl of her age - I don't think that she had any extreme personality traits or eccentricities, but I think that this actually benefits the way that the issue of revenge porn - it was easy to connect with her and imagine her situation. I did admire the fact that she was proactive and did something about her situation, and didn't just shy away from reality. I liked her to-the-point contributions.

I have to say, there were a few things that I had to adjust to in this book - I can't deny that I found some of the phrases/sentences quite cringe-inducing at points, but after adjusting to the book and York's writing, it didn't bother me so much. Naturally, being a new adult book, the book is full of sexual tension and well, the rest, and I really don't think anybody will be disappointed in that aspect - York really has excelled herself there! Again, some of the phrases felt a little crude which put me off, but I did adjust to the writing. 

Overall, I can see why Deeper is already globally popular and I for one have certainly been left wanting more West! I admire York for both tackling such a big issue and creating a story that I could really engage with. I will be looking forward to learning more about Caroline and West and sharing their new experiences in the next book!

I hope that you enjoyed my review and that it's made you interested in this book! Below is a list of the previous and upcoming spots in the UK blog tour for Deeper.

Thank you to Piaktus for providing the material for me to participate in this tour!

Blog Tour Stop: Dandelion Clocks

This month marks the UK release date of the latest middle grade/young adult must have book, Dandelion Clocks by Rebecca Westcott. The book follows eleven year old Olivia as she starts growing up and alongside that, has to deal with her mum's terminal illness. Dandelion Clocks may be a bit of a tear jerker at points, but author Rebecca Westcott has provided me with something that's bound to cheer you up!

 Here is an extract of Rebecca's actual diary when she was around Olivia's age:

March 1987 (aged 12)

Dear Diary,

Today has been such a cool day. Had a flute lesson at school which meant that I didn’t have to do stupid science. Excellent! Especially as my science teacher hates me and is always telling me to be quiet. Had a library session in English so I just got to sit in the corner and read Blubber. Now I want to read all of Judy Blume’s books – they’re so cool!

There’s been some scary stuff in the news about kids getting kidnapped and pulled into cars so Mum has got me an attack alarm. It’s very orange. I’m really scared about setting it off cos I think it’s meant to burst your eardrums or something, so I’ve hidden it under all my books, right at the bottom of my school bag.

Mum gave me and Elizabeth some butterscotch Angel Delight for pudding. My favourite! The first thing I am going to do when I grow up is buy a packet and eat the whole lot ON MY OWN without sharing.

Off to watch Grange Hill now. Mum’s finally agreed that I’m allowed to watch it but she keeps coming into the living room to check that it’s suitable. I really, really like Zammo A LOT.

Thank you to both Rebecca and those at Puffin for providing me with this content.

Dandelion Clocks is available to purchase on 6th March. I hope you enjoy it! 

Exclusive Blog Post from Tabitha Suzuma

 Thanks to Bodley Head, I was offered the opportunity to ask for a post of my choice from the author of HURT, the book I reviewed earlier this week. I nearly always ask for the same thing, a playlist to go alongside the book, and Tabitha provided me not only with a playlist, but a playlist that sounds fantastic, featuring two of my favourite artists, Garbage and Lana Del Rey. Check out what she had to say:

 Playlist to HURT

I wrote HURT to Back to Black by Amy Winehouse, Only Happy When it Rains by Garbage, Born to Die by Lana Del Rey, Lose Yourself by Eminem, Play On by Paloma Faith, and a very haunting cover of The Beautiful People by Marilyn Manson. These songs helped me get into the detached, heavy-hearted and depressed moods of Mathéo: a talented, privileged teenager who on the surface appears to have it all but deep down, harbours a terrible secret that threatens his life as he knows it, as well as the relationship he has with the only girl he has ever loved. It is one of the harsher, grittier and more difficult books I have written, and the soundtracks to the films Sylvia and Never Let Me Go also helped me reach the levels of distress experienced by Mathéo as he battles with his secret, his past, the consequence of his actions, and ultimately attempts to achieve forgiveness and absolution.

I hope that you all liked the post and enjoy listening to these songs alongside the book.

My thanks go to Tabitha for taking the time to write out a post for me, and of course to the publishers. 

HURT by TABITHA SUZUMA is available for purchase NOW!

Blog Tour Stop: Undeniable

I'm happy to be able to be a part of the blog tour for Undeniable, a new book by Liz Bankes!

I can't think of anyone who doesn't like reading about irresistible men once in a while (okay, well maybe some, but hey...) and that is exactly what Liz delivered in her first book and has done once again in her latest offering, Undeniable! If you're looking for a book boyfriend, this is definitely where you'll find one!

Liz Bankes, the author of both Irresistible and Undeniable has created a quiz to help you find your ideal man from the characters in both of her books. My irresistible man is Jamie, who is yours? Take the quiz below!

Who’s your irresistible man? 

What quality do you find attractive, even though you know you probably shouldn’t?

A. Grumpiness and sarcasm

B. Cheesy jokes

C. Someone constantly making fun of me

D. The ability to beatbox

  

Who is your celeb crush/best friend?

A. Ed Westwick (as Chuck Bass)

B. Everyone in McFly

C. Harry Styles

D. Eminem

What would be your ideal date?

A. Dinner and fine wine, probably somewhere where they serve tiny food you can’t pronounce. You might be tempted to go for a midnight swim in his pool.

B. A picnic, followed by a comedy night

C. A curry in Brick Lane, followed by late-night dancing in a Shoreditch hipster bar

D. Watching a boxset and eating biscuits.

Who are your favourite fictional couple?

A. Bridget Jones and Daniel Cleaver

B. Georgia and Dave the Laugh

C. Joey and Pacey from Dawson’s Creek

D. Monica and Chandler from Friends

What is the most important thing to you in a relationship?

A. Getting to see a side of someone that no one else does

B. Making each other laugh

C. The exciting bit at the beginning where you get butterflies and anything could happen.

D. Being best friends

Mostly As: Jamie

Rich, bored, often drunk and annoyingly sexy, Jamie is bad news. Life would be a lot easier if you could just stop thinking about him…

Mostly Bs: Dan

Friendly and funny (if you ignore the cheesy jokes he makes up himself), Dan is the perfect companion for a summer job. He’s also good for picnics and kissing.

Mostly Cs: Spencer

Party boy Spencer  is all about the fun – having fun and making fun of you. But it seems like Spencer might really like you – can he be serious?

Mostly Ds: Max

He’s been your boyfriend for years, he wears his jeans too low and is prone to rapping in public. But he’s also sweet, loyal and your best friend.

Undeniable is available to purchase now!

Many thanks to both Liz Bankes and Templar for allowing me to host a stop on this blog tour.

Don't forget to check out the other stops on this tour!

Blog Tour Stop: Ink

This month marks the UK release date of the first book in The Paper Gods series, Ink by Amanda Sun. This is a book that is sure to be a hit with a lot of you, it's new, quite different and has a great idea behind it. I always enjoy finding out a little about the author behind the books and as I also like listening to music, I thought it would be fantastic if author Amanda Sun could create an Ink playlist to share with us. I am so happy that she's managed to conjure up this playlist to share with us all. Here is Amanda's playlist and comments about her specially chosen songs:

The Ink Playlist

I’ll admit it—my music tastes are…varied, to put it nicely. Of my top four favourite bands, one is Japanese, one Korean, one Icelandic, and one Irish. So bear with me for the INK playlist—it’s a bit of an adventure. Hopefully you’ll discover something new here in this mix that you like. :)

Monster – Arashi

This was the original “theme song” of INK when I started writing it a few years ago. It fit perfectly with the book—a monster, trying to protect and become real for the girl…but she’s still afraid of him, because at the end of it all, he’s still a monster.

My favourite part of the song is when they sing:

“I am awakened by your tears, and so I drag you away into the dark night.” 

You know he’s trying to be more than he is and save her from her sadness, but he ends up being a monster that kidnaps her. So sinister! I love it. :)

Monster – BIGBANG

This song came out while I was editing INK, and it was just perfect for the story. I love how beautiful the song is with the piano, and yet so angsty and dark. This quickly became my second official “theme song” for INK. :)

My favourite lyric in this one is:

“I’m not a monster. You know me so don’t leave like this. If even you throw me away, I will die. I’m not a monster. I think I’m sick. I think I’m sick.”

Actually, the whole song is perfect. Make sure you read the translation if you don’t speak Korean.

Falling Down – Ben Jelen

Another song where the mood and lyrics are perfect. This one’s in English, so needs less explanation. :) It makes me think of those darker times when Tomohiro just wants to give up.

“The simple truth is I’m falling, falling down, and I don’t want to drag her through the bottom.”

Tick Tock - U KISS

Another angsty song, this time a Korean band singing in Japanese. I like this one because it has the sense of running out of time, that things are going to get darker.

“Yeah this unavoidable destiny, just you alone, stay by my side. Final round going down.”

Sakura Sake – Arashi

(link: http://www.downvids.net/arashi-sakura-sake-pv-334662.html)

Here’s one that’s a little lighter! It’s all about the newness of the cherry blossoms blooming, and how we have the potential to shape the future into what we hope for.

“Don’t look back, because tomorrow isn't behind you. Go forward, go forward!”

You’re Beautiful – Chester See 

(link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVl5s1e0Oo4) 

Confession—I’m a huge Chester See fan. This song makes me think of the courage Tomo and Katie have to build up to tell each other how they feel.

"Cause even when you just walk by, Well I look around to seem occupied, ‘Cause I'm trying so hard to hide, Yeah, all of these feelings inside.”

Aitai – Yuzu

(link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYUycGj4CzE)

This song is both sad and grateful for the time spent with someone. It makes me think of Katie and her mom.

“I won't forget. Even now, you are still inside my heart. Thank you, thank you, I can't express enough my thought. Somehow, I want it to reach you.”

Big Bird in a Small Cage – Patrick Watson 

(link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpuZ-khasgA)

This song really speaks to Katie and Tomo’s situations. Neither of them asked to put into the position they’re in now, but all they can do is move forward with what they’ve been given.

“You put a big bird in a small cage and he'll sing you a song, That we all love to sing along, To the sound of the bird that mourns.”

Canvas – Ken Hirai

How could I not have this one on the list? With all its ink and painting imagery, this song is perfect for INK. This song is about the strong friendships we have with each other, and it makes me think of Katie’s life in Japan with Yuki, Tanaka, Diane, and Tomo.

“Even if things can't remain like this, and we are washed away by the future, it'll never change, it'll never become dirty, the canvas that’s only for us.”

------------------------------------------------------------

Many thanks to both Amanda Sun and Mira Ink for all of their time and for the hard work that's been put into this blog tour - don't forget to check out the other stops!

INK IS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW! 

Amanda Sun was born in Deep River, a small town where she could escape into the surrounding forest to read. Ink is her first novel and The Paper Gods series is inspired by her time living in Osaka and travelling throughout Japan.

Visit her at www.AmandaSunBooks.com and on Twitter at @Amanda_Sun.

Book available from Amazon: http://amzn.to/12FzSMN

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h51YUkiyGc

Heroic

Heroic by Phil Earle

Hardback, 304 pages

Published 25th April 2013 by Penguin

Shelves: arc-or-review, blog-tour, books-i-own, if-i-were-a-boy, mental-health, read-in-2013, realistic-fiction, really-good, to-read, young-adult

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Description via Goodreads:

'For the past five weeks I'd prayed that I'd never see my brother's name spelt out in poppies. In the weeks that followed I often wished I had.' Jammy and Sonny McGann are brothers, but that's where the similarities end. One is calm when the other is angry; one has a plan while the other lives purely in the moment. When Jammy returns from Afghanistan a very different man to the one who left, it's Sonny who is left to hold things together. But just how far will he go to save the brother who always put him first? Inspired by S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders" and by the battles facing young soldiers all over the world, this is a devastating novel about brotherhood and sacrifice, from the award-winning author of "Being Billy" and "Saving Daisy".

When I heard that Phil Earle had a new book out, without knowing the synopsis or seeing the title or cover, I knew that I had to have a copy. Undoubtedly, Earle is one of my favourite authors. Though he's only released two other books, I absolutely adored them and just from those, I know that he can't disappoint.

After my initial excitement, I calmed down enough to read the blurb of Heroic, I was a little surprised - it seemed quite different to the kind of story that I expected, however when I thought again, I thought wow, this is exactly the kind of thing that Earle would write - something raw and gritty, something almost painfully realistic. Once again, Earle's experience with teenagers and young people shines through and gives the story a true sense of authenticity. Earle and his writing shine a light of truth on society today - both the positive aspects and the more negative ones.

Heroic is the story of a gang of teenage boys living in a rough block of flats, in particular the stories of a pair of brothers, Sonny and Jammy. Jammy left his friends when he and another member of the group went to serve for their country in Afghanistan, an experience that would change not only his life, but the life of all of the others around him. I think it was a good idea to read both brothers narration, to see how their thoughts and feelings changed through their experiences. Earle certainly didn't hold anything back with his descriptions of these things - I often felt a little uncomfortable reading, but I knew it was because it was so achingly honest - Earle is writing about things that do happen to and do have an effect on a lot of people.

As you can imagine, war is not a pretty thing, it's not full of happiness. Although war and soldiers are often glorified, the characters and situations in this book are anything but glorified. However, there are some more heartwarming moments, along with loss and the attempts to survive come courage and love. Friendship and support are at the real heart of this book. As Dumbledore would say, "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light" and this is a book that first that theory - both Sonny and Jammy go through hell but in the end, they realise they have each other and that gets them through.

I hope you can tell how much I enjoyed this - it is always difficult to put in words how Earle's writing makes me feel. For me, there is nothing better than a realistic book that deals with real issues and this is exactly that. I don't know what Earle is planning next, but I am so excited to find out. If you haven't picked up any of Earle's books, please, do go and pick them up now!

Blog Tour Stop: Heroic

You may have noticed that I'm quite a fan of Phil Earle's writing - I read both Being Billy and Saving Daisy as soon as they were released and I'm so glad that I have also had the opportunity to read his latest novel, Heroic. When I was offered the chance to participate in the blog tour, I jumped at the chance and so Phil provided me with an exclusive piece - a list of his Top Ten Underdogs! 

Here is what Phil had to say:

Underdogs. 

I love them. 

Whether they’re on the page or the big screen, there’s something about them that is completely intoxicating.

So here, in no particular order, are my top-ten-kids-books underdogs, the individuals you think are going to amount to nothing…but delight in proving you wrong.

Stanley Yelnats

Holes by Louis Sahar

His family is cursed and he’s been busted for pinching a pair of sneakers. Sent to the steaming hot desert to dig holes all day and surrounded by a ragtag bunch of reprobates. But, Stanley’s journey is only just beginning. 

One of the greatest characters ever created. An underdog so fine we named our son after him (well, him and Flat Stanley)

Ponyboy, Sodapop, Darry, Jonny, Dallas

The Outsiders by SE Hinton

I still struggle to understand how S.E. Hinton managed to create such vivid characters when she was only a teenager herself.

I read this book every year, as these lads have nothing: no money, no status or prospects, but they have each other, and there is such power in their relationships that it destroys me every time. A huge influence when writing HEROIC.

Stanley Lampchop

 Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown

This young man doesn’t let being squashed flat by his brother’s notice board stop him living. He gets posted to California in an envelope to visit friends and foils an art crime, before being re-inflated by his brother’s bike pump. Classic, classic story-telling.

Skellig

Skellig by David Almond

Another of the books that changed everything for me. Who’d have thought the rambling, cobwebbed figure living in the ruined garage could possibly change Michael’s world forever. Skellig never fails to move or amaze me.

Sig

Revolver – Marcus Sedgwick

A book so tense and sparse that there isn’t a single word misplaced or misused. I’d give my right hand to write as lyrically as Marcus. 

In Sig, he has created a character facing both overwhelming odds and grief. He’s a character I absolutely loved.

Martyn Pig

Martyn Pig by Kevin Brooks

This book was a game-changer for me, as Kevin Brooks came in and broke all the rules, making you empathize with a character who is making some morally complex decisions. Kevin is one of few authors I’d camp outside a bookshop for. A new book from him is an event to look forward to.

Joey Pigza

 Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

Jack Gantos’ books about an ADHD kid are an absolute joy. Everyone’s written Joey off, his home life is chaotic and his head feels like it’s buzzing with bees. This book has more heart than any I’ve ever read.

Dermot Milligan

The Donut Diaries by Anthony McGowan

Dermot is fat, there’s no getting away from it, which sees him set firmly as one of life’s underdogs. What I love about him though, is despite his food-based flaws, he still manages to out-smart the FHK (the floppy-haired kid) every time.

So much more than a UK version of Wimpy Kid. Knocks spots off it in fact…

The Wolfe Brothers

Fighting Reuben Wolfe by Markus Zusak

Yes, ‘The Book Thief’ is magnificent, but so are the Wolfe brothers. HEROIC is all about brotherhood and the sacrifices Jammy and Sonny are forced into, and this book handles that same theme beautifully. Savage and tender in equal measure, you can’t help but root for this devoted pair.

Felix

Once/Then/Now/After by Morris Gleitzman

Not many writers could take a character and give them an arc as dramatic as Felix’s. Spanning a lifetime and four incredible books, we see Felix battling the Nazis in WWII as well as bush fires in his later years. Morris creates wonderful, three dimensional characters, and Felix is one of the finest in any children’s books.

Hope the list was entertaining, was certainly fun putting it together…

Heroic by Phil Earle is available to purchase now!

Thank you to Phil for writing this fantastic post and to Penguin for giving me the opportunity of hosting a stop in this tour.