Book Reviews

Gruffalo Granny: The brand new Gruffalo picture book adventure: 3 by by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Hello there! Now, today we have some rather exciting news for all you bookworms and adventurers out there. Do you remember the deep, dark wood? Well, it’s time to pack your bags and head right back inside, because creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have a brand new picture book for us to enjoy. It all begins quite simply. The Gruffalo turns to his daughter one morning and says, "Your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay." Splendid! So, the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Child get straight to work, tidying up and... Read more...
Redwood: The Untold Story of the Cold War's Most Extraordinary Spy by Ben MacIntyre
In the early months of 1981, Tehran was a cauldron of sectarian violence and revolutionary chaos. The Ayatollah’s fledgling Islamist regime clung to power through terror, unaware that across the northern border, the First Chief Directorate of the KGB was already drafting operational plans for a full-scale covert overthrow. What the Kremlin did not factor into their geopolitical calculus was the American response. Hidden deep within the Pentagon's SIOP—the Single Integrated Operational Plan—lay a contingency unknown to the global public: the immediate, catastrophic deployment of the American nuclear triad against... Read more...
Bored of Lunch: Prep and Go: Healthy recipes to save you time and money by Nathan Anthony
Right, listen to this. If you want to stay healthy and get ahead of the game, you need to look at what Nathan Anthony is doing. The man's a million-copy bestseller for a reason, and his new book, Prep and Go, is absolutely spot on. It’s all about showing you how simple, delicious, and incredibly healthy meal prep can be. No fuss, just proper good food. Whether you’re wrapping up a healthy lunch for work or looking for a do-ahead dinner to feed a hungry family the minute you walk... Read more...
Swan Song by Charles Spencer
It was September 1997 when Charles Spencer stepped up to the pulpit at Westminster Abbey, unleashed that blistering eulogy, and fundamentally shook the House of Windsor. Now, nearly thirty years after Diana’s death, the Earl is opening up the family archives—and his heart—to deliver what promises to be an absolute blockbuster of a memoir. In Swan Song, Spencer takes us right back to the beginning, long before the global adoration and the palace warfare. We see Charles and Diana as the two youngest Spencers: inseparable, fiercely loyal siblings who secretly called... Read more...
Tidworth Book Club
We are a military charity and are currently running 2 book clubs in Tidworth for military spouses new to the area.    Both book clubs are held at The Haven Centre and are free to attend, we have 2 to choose from but once you pick one you can only attend that one. There is a daytime one running the 2nd Tuesday every month 11.00-13.00, then an evening one running the 3rd Friday every month 18.30-20.30. When members attend there's tea, coffees, biscuits etc and we have some socialising time before having... Read more...
The BBQ Book by Tom Kerridge
Tom Kerridge brings Michelin-starred thinking to the back garden in The BBQ Book. Bold, flavour-packed, and genuinely achievable — the ultimate guide to summer barbecuing. Read more...
Elizabeth II by Robert Hardman
Robert Hardman's Elizabeth II is the definitive portrait of Britain's longest-reigning monarch. Authoritative, warm, and richly detailed — an essential read for anyone who admired the Queen. Read more...
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros raises the stakes again in Onyx Storm. Packed with dragons, romance, and breathtaking action, this is another unmissable instalment in one of fantasy's most addictive series. Read more...
The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith
Cormoran Strike returns in another intricate and absorbing mystery. The Hallmarked Man is Robert Galbraith at his best — complex, atmospheric, and impossible to second-guess. Read more...
The Siege by Ben MacIntyre
Ben MacIntyre brings his trademark storytelling to The Siege, a gripping and meticulously researched account of one of the most dramatic hostage crises in British history. Read more...
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney's Normal People is a modern classic for good reason. Intimate, beautifully written, and emotionally precise — a story of love and connection that stays with you long after the last page. Read more...
In Too Deep by Lee Child
Jack Reacher is back and as relentless as ever in In Too Deep. Lee Child delivers another tightly plotted, action-packed thriller that fans of the series will devour. Read more...
Sword by Max Hastings
Max Hastings brings his trademark authority and clarity to Sword, a gripping account of one of the most dramatic episodes of the Second World War. Essential reading for history enthusiasts. Read more...
Live to Eat by Emily English
Emily English brings a refreshingly balanced approach to food in Live to Eat. Nutritious, delicious, and free from diet culture — a cookbook that genuinely makes you feel good. Read more...
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Richard Osman is back with another brilliantly plotted mystery. The Impossible Fortune has all the wit, warmth, and clever twists that fans of the Thursday Murder Club have come to love. Read more...
Entitled by Andrew Lownie
Andrew Lownie's Entitled is a forensic and revealing examination of the British aristocracy. Privilege, power, and entitlement are laid bare in this compelling and well-researched read. Read more...
Pastures New by Clare Balding
Clare Balding is warm, witty, and utterly readable in Pastures New. A charming memoir about embracing change, the British countryside, and finding joy in new beginnings. Read more...
Eat Yourself Healthy by Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver makes healthy eating feel achievable in Eat Yourself Healthy. Packed with nutritious, budget-friendly recipes, it's a practical guide for anyone looking to eat better without the fuss. Read more...
The Intruder by Frieda McFadden
Frieda McFadden delivers another gripping psychological thriller with The Intruder. Tense, twisty, and impossible to put down — perfect for fans of dark domestic suspense. Read more...
Last Rites by Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne's Last Rites is a raw, honest, and often hilarious final memoir from the Prince of Darkness. A must-read for rock fans and anyone who loves a truly extraordinary life story. Read more...
Lottie Brooks vs The Ultra Mean Girls by Katie Kirby
Katie Kirby's Lottie Brooks is back and funnier than ever. A brilliantly relatable read for tweens dealing with friendship drama, school stress, and the chaos of growing up. Read more...
The Greatest Story Ever Told: An Eyewitness Account by Bear Grylls
Bear Grylls turns his attention to faith in this bold and personal book. The Greatest Story Ever Told is an eyewitness account that blends adventure with spiritual reflection. Read more...
Clean in 15 minutes by Iwan Carrington
Iwan Carrington's Clean in 15 Minutes promises a tidier home without the time drain. Packed with practical, no-nonsense tips, it's a handy guide for busy households. Read more...
The Wild Rose by Dilly Court
Dilly Court delivers another sweeping romantic saga with The Wild Rose. Rich in period detail and emotion, it's perfect for fans of historical fiction and a great holiday read. Read more...
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights remains one of the most powerful and haunting novels ever written. Our review explores why this classic still captivates readers nearly 200 years on. Read more...
William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story by Russell Myers
A fascinating and intimate look at the lives of William and Catherine. Royal correspondent Russell Myers draws on years of access to tell the inside story of Britain's future king and queen. Read more...
The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown
Dan Brown is back with another gripping thriller. The Secret of Secrets delivers the fast-paced twists and cryptic puzzles fans have come to expect from the master of the page-turner. Read more...
Jane’s Patisserie Classic: Timeless Cakes and Essential Bakes
Jane's Patisserie Classic is packed with timeless cakes and essential bakes that actually work. A reliable, beautifully presented baking book that belongs in every kitchen. Read more...
Hamlyn All Colour Cookery: 200 Classic Cocktails
A brilliant guide for home bartenders. Hamlyn's 200 Classic Cocktails covers everything from timeless classics to crowd-pleasing party drinks, all with clear, easy-to-follow recipes. Read more...
Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm by Charlie Mackesy
Charlie Mackesy returns with another beautifully illustrated and deeply moving book. Always Remember is the perfect uplifting gift for someone who needs a little encouragement. Read more...
A Tale of Two Puppies by Martin Clunes
A warm and charming read from Martin Clunes. Perfect for animal lovers, this book is as endearing as you'd expect from the much-loved actor and dog enthusiast. Read more...
BBQ by Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver's BBQ is packed with bold, crowd-pleasing recipes perfect for the grill. Read our full review to find out if it deserves a place on your bookshelf. Read more...