First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines?

• Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
• Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
• Finally… reveal the book!

The boat moved with a nauseous, relentless rhythm, like someone chewing on a rotten tooth. The islands just visible through the mist looked like teeth, Faith decided. Not fine, clean Dover teeth, but jaded, broken teeth, jutting crookedly amid the wash of the choppy grey sea. The mailboat chugged its dogged way through the waves, greasing the sky with smoke.

Any ideas?

I couldn’t resist this gorgeous illustrated copy of The Lie Tree even though I do have another copy somewhere on my bookcases!

Goodreads Synopsis:

When Faith’s father is found dead under mysterious circumstances, she is determined to untangle the truth from the lies. Searching through his belongings for clues, she discovers a strange tree. A tree that feeds off whispered lies and bears fruit that reveals hidden secrets. But as Faith’s untruths spiral out of control, she discovers that where lies seduce, truths shatter… 

I’ve read over 100 children’s books this year and – just wow! – the standard of writing is just incredible! I genuinely feel completely in awe of these brilliantly talented writers who are opening up such a world of wonder and delight for all readers. As a primary school teacher, I absolutely love being able to recommend books to my class and to be part of their reading journey. Whilst I have chosen 12 favourite books I’ve read and reviewed this year, I could easily have chosen so, so many more! And, of course, there’s the many, many books that I’ve bought that are patiently waiting for me to read them – and I will! Thank you to all the wonderful authors who have taken me on the most incredible reading adventures this year …

I’ve included the opening to my review in each of my choices with a link to my full review.

Nisha’s War:  a stunning, hauntingly atmospheric wartime adventure which swept me into a ghostly tale of loss, forgiveness and hope; a powerful depiction of the trauma caused by war and of healing within a family.

Hedgewitch: a gorgeously bewitching adventure that completely enthralled me:  an adventure brimming with witchy delights, Faerie tricks and nature-inspired magic.

Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup: a magical, sparkling gem of an adventure that kept me enthralled throughout:   gorgeously heart-warming, wonderfully whimsical and completely captivating. 

The Secret of the Treasure Keepers: a brilliantly absorbing, intriguing historical adventure which builds a sense of mystery so masterfully that I absolutely had to keep reading.  This is not only a gripping mystery, it is also a window into the past, and into the lives of characters who feel so real that it was a privilege to follow their story. 

Firesong: oh my goodness, what an epic adventure this is! Yes – it is gripping, exciting and action-packed, but it is also poignant and heart-warming:  an adventure which makes your heart both race and sing.  Absolute perfection!

My Friend the Octopus: an utterly gripping Victorian mystery with the most heart-warming bond between a young girl and her octopus friend at its core.

Small!: BIG on hilarity, heart and hope – with a good dollop of yuckiness, smelliness and zaniness.  A tasty treat of an adventure which delighted me, grossed me out ever so slightly and left me with a giant grin! 

Orla and the Wild Hunt: absolutely sang to my heart, and will undoubtedly be one of my favourite books of the year, transporting me back to my Irish childhood when I devoured books with Irish folklore, but with a fresh twist that made this an unputdownable, magical read. 

The Extraordinary Voyage of Katy Willacott: a truly incredible adventure brimming with discovery, danger and daring:  a story which captured me completely as I was swept into an unforgettable journey by the most remarkable young girl as she fights against society’s expectations and chases fallen stars …

The Treekeepers: a breath-takingly stunning, epic fantasy quest that enthralled me from the opening lines.  I read this masterpiece whilst sitting in the garden over a day:  living in the magic of the storytelling, drawn into the incredible landscapes of Skyra, and with my heart completely captured by the quest undertaken by a courageous band of friends, intent on saving their world from a terrible threat …  

Operation Nativity: the PERFECT Christmas adventure brimming with heart and humour, with family and friendship and with the magic of Christmas.  I am a huge fan of Jenny’s books and have devoured and loved them all, but I have to admit that this one is my favourite. 

The Chestnut Roaster: an unforgettable, mesmerising historical fantasy which swept me into late 19^th century Paris and into a gripping, dangerous and exciting adventure that completely captivated me.

Have you read any of these? What have been some of your favourite books this year? What have I missed that you would recommend I read next year?

I’ve been dipping into the short stories in this collection over Christmas and I’m definitely enjoying them as late-night reads!

I’ve been off on my Christmas holiday, so I’ve managed to read more books than I normally would in a week! I found an early copy of Saving Neverland in Waterstones, so just had to buy it and have a re-read. My review is coming! I also read Monster Hunting for Beginners which was a really fun, quick read which I think children of 7+ would really enjoy. I’ve had The Hunt for the Nightingale on my TBR for a while and decided to read it before I read The Night Animals. It was a fantastic read dealing with sibling loss in a way that I hadn’t read before. I found it incredibly poignant and adored Jasper. My Christmas Day into Boxing Day read was The Ghost Locket which was a spooky tale set at Christmas which I really enjoyed. Finally, I’ve just finished a gorgeous, heart-warming, poignant read, The Octopus, Dadu and Me. I will be taking part in the Blog Tour in early January.

I’m hoping to read the next Harley Hitch adventure next and then Monster Hunting Monsters Bite Back.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines?

• Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
• Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
• Finally… reveal the book!

Night is at its deepest, darkest centre when she comes. I’m dreaming about being stranded on a wild island when I slowly notice the paws on my chest like two solid nothings. They feel the way ice does when you hold it in your hand – like something so cold, it’s just numb. And then I open my eyes and I see her.

Any ideas?

I’ve just finished reading The Hunt for the Nightingale which was absolutely beautiful and heart-breaking. I have been approved to read The Night Animals on NetGalley, but have managed to get a copy as it has appeared early in some bookshops.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Nora’s mum has good days and bad days, but the bad days are getting worse.  It’s been just the two of them for always, and they don’t need anyone else.  When the rainbow-shimmering ghost animals Nora used to see when she was small start to reappear, she’s convinced that they hold all the answers.  Along with new friend Kwame, Nora follows a glittering ghostly fox, hare, raven and otter on the adventure of a lifetime, helping her to find the strength she needs to help her family.

I’ve just started The Wildstorm Curse and definitely think it’s one I’ll enjoy.

I’ve finished reading Murder at Snowfall which I absolutely loved. It is such a brilliant whodunnit that kept me guessing until very near the end. I have read the Clifftopper series for slightly younger readers, but now definitely need to read more of Fleur’s mysteries! I thought I’d read The Bird Singers as it’s been on my TBR for a while and before I started The Wildstorm Curse. Oh my goodness, this was brilliant! I loved the bond of sisterhood and the slavic mythology. I did not see some of the twists coming and thought they were perfect!

As I’m on holiday, I’m hoping to get a couple of books read. First up, The Octopus, Dadu and Me which sounds like a really heart-warming read. I walked into my local Waterstones today to find that one sole copy of Saving Neverland had sneaked out early so I couldn’t resist. I adored this when I read it on NetGalley and fully intend to read the hardback snuggled up with lots of chocolate treats and hot chocolate (maybe even a Baileys) as this is a book feels like a cuddle in a book which is exactly what I am in need of.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

The Magic of Endings is an unforgettable, magical adventure that utterly enchanted me:  a story of grief, of family and of the healing power and strength of memories.

Eleven-year-old Jojo Locke, who has just finished primary school, is spending the summer holidays with his Grandparents, and his younger brother Ricco, in the village of Dor.  He lost his dad when he was five and, whilst he has a vague recollection of his voice, no-one else in his family can really remember him so he is not talked about, forgotten without shared memories.

Just as Jojo is settling in with his grandparents, they have an unexpected visitor:  his godmother, Aunt Pen.  And even stranger, after Jojo wishes that his mother does not have to leave to go back to work, she has a rather serious outburst of burping.  Could this be merely coincidence, or could Aunt Pen not be all she seems?

And so begins the most magical, breath-taking adventure as Jojo is transported by Aunt Pen to a world outside his own where she reveals that she is a faerie.  Back in his own world, Aunt Pen continues to grant wishes, wishes with the power to awaken Jojo’s memories of his father.  Will he have the courage, strength and self-belief to follow his new-found memories of his dad and save both the magic in his and the faerie world?

This adventure feels like a blend of magical realism and otherworldly mythology and folklore which gives it a slightly surreal edge which works brilliantly in its exploration of grief, hidden memories and healing.

There is also plenty of edge-of-your-seat excitement, wonder and danger as wishes are granted with unexpected consequences, as creatures of myth are encountered and as Jojo gets closer and closer to the truth of what happened to his father.  This story builds powerfully to an emotional crescendo that brought tears, but also hope and healing, and I think it is a story that will speak to anyone who has lost someone close and who understands that memories, and especially those shared with family, keep the person alive in our hearts. 

The Magic of Endings is an evocative, tender story of grief and healing through shared memories:  a magical adventure to treasure and to capture the hearts and imaginations of young readers of 9+.

Thank you to Anderson Press for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a weekly meme now hosted by That Artsy Girl Reader.  This week’s theme is Books I Hope Santa Brings This Year. For the first time ever, I’m not expecting Santa to bring me many books nor any children’s books (I buy too many myself!), so I’m going for a mix of what I think Santa is bringing (as I asked for them!) and what I hope he will bring – but probably won’t!

Books I think Santa will bring!

Books Santa probably won’t bring, but which I’ll treat myself to! I have a lot of Waterstones points and some book tokens!

What books are you hoping to get for Christmas? Have you read any of these?

Once Upon a Hillside is a stunning collection of seven stories celebrating the changing landscape of a hillside first inhabited by humans 6,000 years ago to the present day.   I was completely captivated by each of these beautifully told, lyrical stories which celebrate the natural environment and the lives of those who found a home on the hillside at different times throughout history. 

The Stories

The first story is that of Tani whose Neolithic clan make their home on the hillside, surrounded by everything they need to survive off the land. Will Tani be able to overcome the restrictions placed on her, and earn her place as a hunter?  And will the discovery of a white bird in a piece of flint help her reach her goal? 

In Roman times, twins Corio and Lucilla help an injured hare believed to be magical.  Can Lucilla use her knowledge of herbs to heal the hare, or will it find a new place in the world?

Ailith lives in an abandoned cottage with her herbalist mother during the Middle Ages.  When she and her mother are accused of harming others, will she be able to uncover the real culprit before she loses her home and perhaps her life?

During the English Civil War, orphan Liddy finds a job as a crow-scarer on a farm where he meets and befriends a lonely shepherd and his dog.  When a storm comes, Liddy makes a discovery that will change his life forever …

Clara, a young Victorian girl, is looking for adventure and finds it when she becomes involved in solving a mystery at her grandfather’s excavation site.  Could what she discovers in an old shepherd’s hut lead her to find out who is behind the strange events at the site?

In the 1930s, siblings Peggy, Dennis and Stanley are sent from the city to stay with Aunty May in her cottage after their father loses his job.  When exploring the hillside, they find a seemingly unused den, but what if someone else wants it back?

The final story takes the reader to the present where Amari is visiting her Granny Down in her cottage.   Can Amari’s hope to keep her Granny in her beloved home come true when she makes her wish on a wishing tree?

I loved the interconnectedness of each story through the characters appreciation of the natural environment and through their shared experiences of having the strength to be themselves, of overcoming problems and of finding a place where they belong.  I also loved how relics, once precious and special objects from preceding stories, were found by children in subsequent stories.  This is a wonderful way to make links between the present and past in each story and to show that objects can tell stories.

This is an exquisite hardback illustrated edition that would make a very special gift for readers, one to be cherished and returned to again and again.  The hardback cover showcases the plants, animals and objects reflected in the stories.  The endpapers perfectly portray the changing landscape of the hillside throughout the seven stories.  Each story begins with a gorgeous, detailed two-page spread of the landscape with an intriguing line to introduce the story. I loved noticing how the landscape both changes over time but remains instantly recognisable, maintaining a wildness and beauty throughout.   The beautiful illustrations throughout encapsulate each story perfectly with their depiction of the landscape, the flora and fauna, and the vividness of the lives of the people within. 

Once Upon a Hillside is an incredibly special, utterly delightful collection imbued with the wild beauty and constancy of nature; with folklore, history and archaeology:  stories of lives lived throughout the ages, connected through the landscape, through the need for friendship and belonging, and through relics of past lives.  These stories are sure to enchant readers as they enjoy the journey into the past, and delight in the gorgeous illustrations. 

Thank you so much to Zephyr Books and Polly Grice for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour, and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Angela McAllister has been published consistently since 1987, writing original fiction for all ages and also published several bestselling collections of folk tales. Her work has won many awards, including The Red House Book Award and The American Folklore Society’s ‘Aesop Award’. Angela lives in Dorset. Follow her on instagram @angelamcallisterbooks.

Chiara Fedele was born in Milan and now lives in a nearby village. She took a degree in Illustration at La Scuola del Fumetto. Chiara works with Italian and international publishers. She has won a number of awards including the Premio Cento Illustrator Competition in 2008, Sydney Taylor Award Silver Medal in 2018 and 3×3 International Illustration Award Merit in 2019. See more of her work at chiarafedeleillustrator.it or on instagram @chiaraillu.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

I’ve just started this and can already tell I’m going to love it!

I’ve finished listening to While the Storm Rages which I really enjoyed, despite the tears! It is such a heartfelt, real-feeling story with incredible characters who I was really invested in. I also read Once Upon a Hillside which is a beautifully written illustrated collection of seven stories throughout history set on a hillside. I will be posting my review as part of the Blog Tour later this week.

I have so many books to read and review, but I think the one I’m going to choose next is a classic which I can’t believe I haven’t read!

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

This is a weekly meme now hosted by That Artsy Girl Reader.  This week’s theme is Books on My Winter 2022-2023 To-Read List. I have chosen a mixture of middle-grade books which I have been sent to review or have been approved to read on NetGalley and some adult books that I really want to get to over the Christmas period.

These are the six middle-grade books I’m hoping to read in December/January:

These are the adult books I’m hoping to read over the Christmas break:

What books have you on your Winter TBR? Are any of these included?