Showing posts with label biblio cat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label biblio cat. Show all posts

Friday, 31 January 2025

**FRIDAY FICTION FIX** Book Reviews with Amber at The Mewton-Clawson Library #307 featuring **The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal** by Jodi Taylor **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins + Photo Fails Blog Hop

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Hello gorgeous library guests 

and 

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ 

Thank you for joining me in the stacks today. 

Mew may remember last week when the P.A. tried to ambush me with the warm, damp flannel?

Well, mew'll never believe it, but she got me!

Amber's Book Reviews #307 ©BionicBasil® Amber's Adorable

Yep, I was cornered under my desk by a warm, damp flannel, and before I knew what was happening, it had been smooshed all over my face and then swiftly removed.

Look, it wasn't that bad, and the warm flannel, in all honesty, was quite nice, like a mini spa treatment. However, I had to keep up appearances and complain bitterly to the management about being ambushed under my desk while I was supposedly hiding! MOL

The P.A. then decided, after said complaint, that extra treats were in order to diffuse the situation, which was really a rather supurr bonus. All I could say at that point was, YUM!

Oh, and this week is my non-cat book week, and I have a furbulous book few mew! 

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The P.A. is joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.

1. _________________is a habit I want to develop.
2. I can’t seem to break my habit of ________________________.
3. I just recently _________ for the first time ever.
4. _________ is a historical period I wish I could visit.

The P.A.'s answers are...

1. Daily meditation is a habit I want (would like) to develop. Instead of my sporadic here-and-there practice!

2. I can’t seem to break my habit of procrastination and apathy. I'm much better than I was this time last year, but it's like wading through treacle uphill on sheet ice, carrying a pyramid. Who knew mid-life was so fluffing challenging??? 

3. I just recently made a bandana for a lovely K9 for the first time ever. I've never made anything for a K9, so it was a first!  It is pink with sparkles for a cute girl named Stella.

4. Ancient Egypt is a historical period I wish I could visit. Here's a little-known fact: I always wanted to be an archaeologist specializing in Ancient Egypt, and at careers day at school, when asked about my future and what I'd like to do/be. I was told most unceremoniously that there was no chance of that because girls didn't become archaeologists, there were no courses available for me, and that was that dream utterly squashed in less time than you could say; I'll have a niptini, shaken not stirred, with a sprig of catnip and cute pink umbrella on the side! 

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Today, as it's the last Friday of the month, we're also joining in the furbulous...


Do stop by the marvellous Mudpie's blog at www.mochasmysteriesmeows.com to join in.

Pet Photo Fails  ©BionicBasil® Smooch's Over Indulgant Catnip Haze

Today's fail is courtesy of Smooch's over-indulgent catnip haze at Catmas, he said, and I quote. "I'm laying off the green stuff for a while!" MOL

Yep, mew do that, Smooch.

 Oh, and wipe your mouth, dude, and don't dribble on anything! MOL

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Let's see what I've got to show mew this time!

Amber's Book Reviews #307 ©BionicBasil® The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal by Jodi Taylor
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal


by 

Jodi Taylor

       Here's a little snippet of the book blurb:      

Meet Lady Amelia Smallhope, for whom there is no problem that can't be solved by a drink and a think.

And 
Pennyroyal, for whom there is no problem. Ever.

Everyone's favourite time-travelling bounty hunters. Sorry - 'recovery agents'. No bad guy they can't handle. No expense account too flexible. No rule they cannot break.

As long as they're together, the world is their oyster. And they'll always have each other, right?

Fasten your seatbelts. The timeline doesn't know what's about to hit it.

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If mew haven't already read any of the Chronicles of St. Mary's books, then mew are missing out on rip-roaring, time-travelling, historical adventure series that is just absolutely, fluffing brilliant!

Today's book is an off-shoot starring some of the characters from the main series.

If mew’re in the mood for a riotous romp through time and space, look no further than The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal! Jodi Taylor enchants us again with her dazzling blend of wit, charm, and chaos, introduced through the unforgettable duo of Lady Amelia Smallhope and her partner-in-crime Pennyroyal. Right from the start, we meet the furbulous Lady Amelia, whose philosophy seems to be that every problem—even the most complex—can be solved with a hearty drink and a dash of clever thinking. Then there’s Pennyroyal, the epitome of confidence, who seems to stride through life without a care in the world. For her, problem is just a four-letter word that doesn’t exist in her vocabulary. Together, they form a partnership that’s as dynamic as it is delightful. As recovery agents (let’s be honest, they’re basically time-travelling bounty hunters), Smallhope and Pennyroyal tackle a wild array of challenges that span the ages. Sharp humour and wickedly clever prose are present on every page, often leaving me chuckling out loud as our intrepid friends dance between timelines, breaking just about every rule in the book while they’re at it. Who knew history could be so hilariously malleable? The chemistry between Amelia and Pennyroyal is electric, and their zany adventures will have mew rooting for them from start to finish. Just when mew think they’ve reached their wildest escapades, the stakes are raised even higher, reminding us that when it comes to time travel, there’s always a new timeline waiting to be turned upside down. This book is a vibrant tapestry of escapades, laughter, and heartwarming camaraderie. It’s a fast-paced thrill ride that beckons mew to fasten your seatbelt—because trust me, the timeline truly doesn’t know what’s about to hit it! If mew're looking for a story that meautifully balances fun, friendship, and just the right amount of reckless abandon, this is utter purrfection and your ticket to an adventure mew won't soon forget. Grab your cup of catnip tea, settle in, and prepare to be taken on a wild journey—these two are ready to make history their playground!

An Utterly Epic Read!

And if like me, mew love a long series, St Mary's has fourteen books so far. Another off-shoot, The Time Police, has six books, plus there are lots of short stories as well. Jodi Taylor is a truly exceptional writer, so if mew haven't read any yet, do try them, and I will add that the audio versions are superb!


Paperback: 464 pages
Audio: 12 hours 14 mins
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My Rating Scale

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Ratings of:

The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal

 
Overall Enjoyment

Amber's Book Reviews ©BionicBasil® 5 Paw Rating - Pale Blue

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Other Fun Blog Hops to Join Today


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I'm off to read next week's book, as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time! 

Don't forget, if mew are looking for great books with cats, check out the Book Review page, just click the link here or at the top of the page, as that's the place to visit to get your feline fiction fix. 

Until next time...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 

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Friday, 6 December 2024

**FELINE FICTION FIX** Book Reviews with Amber at The Mewton-Clawson Library #300 featuring **Chumley and Hudson Investigate. The King Herod's Affair** by M.E. Watson **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins

Amber's Book Reviews ©BionicBasil® December 2023

Hello Supurr Library furiends

and

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ

Many thanks for joining me in the stacks today and for my 300th Book Review!

OH MY COD! I can't believe I've reached such dizzying heights of reviewdom. When I started my little hobby library a few years ago, I never thought about the numbers or how many books with cats I would read, but at this moment, I must say I'm feeling rather accomplished about my furbulous feline fiction accomplishment! MOL 

And I think I'm the only Library Cat and Private Library Owner who has reviewed that many cat books in the world. Way to go me, at twenty-fluffing-two!

Oh, and I just have to share this with mew...

Amber's Book Reviews #300 ©BionicBasil® WHO STOLE MY SPOT

The other morning, I woke up and needed to visit the little cats room, but my fresh grey blanky was so snoozable and warm that I didn't want to get up, and then Melvyn appeared and had a really great idea. He said.

"Amber, I'll keep your blanky warm until mew get back!"

Awwwwww, what a little sweetie, purrhaps all my training is finally paying off.

Anyhoo, a short while later, because I stopped off in the kitty kitchen for some snacks, I returned to my favourite snooze spot to find Melvyn zonked out and unwakable.

He stayed there for a good few hours, and I was relegated to the emergency grey blanky on the other sofa, which the P.A. had put my heated warmer on, so it was supurr toasty for snoozing.

So this was me...

Amber's Book Reviews #300 ©BionicBasil® Amber Loves Her Grey Blanky

Yep, life is really this good! MOL

Anyhoo, let's see what's been happening at the Mewton-Clawson Library this week.


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Today the P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.
1. ___________________, ______________________ and _____________________ are on my to-do list this month.
2. If I hear _______________________________ one more time I will scream.
3. All I want for Christmas is _________.
4. _________ is my favourite holiday scent.

The P.A.'s answers are...

1. A new Catmas Crafting with Cats post, rerunning all the other Catmas with Cats posts, and I have a very special crystal wand to make; these are on the 'urgent side' of my to-do list this month.
 
2. If I hear Last Christmas by Wham one more time, I will scream. I never liked it back in the eighties, and that has never changed. Some songs are like that; you either love or loathe it!  I've never been a fan of schmaltzy songs; I'm more of a dance, trance, house music, deep house, etc, with a bit of Heavy Metal/Rock thrown in when I want a change, kinda girl. If it's schmaltzy, romantic or the like, I've headed for the hills at lightning speed. LOL

3. All I want for Christmas is a new box of coloured pencils. I've seen a rather lovely set on Amazon, which would be utterly delightful.

4. Spice, orange and cinnamon are my favourite holiday scents - for home fragrance, not purrrsonal purrfume! LOL 

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Let's see what I've got to show mew this time!

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Amber's Book Reviews #300 ©BionicBasil® Chumley and Hudson Investigate. The King Herod's Affair by M E Watson
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy


Chumley and Hudson Investigate

 

The King Herod's Affair

by

M.E. Watson

 Here's the book blurb:   

Welcome to 1920's Britain, where cats and dogs have a voice and are treated as equals to humans. In the quaint village of Upper Much-Mousing, one lucky young cat named Erin Chumley inherits an old Manor house and Estate. But with it comes responsibility and bills, and Erin must navigate her new life with the help of her housekeeper and tutor, Mrs. Hudson, a retired Army veteran with a mysterious past.

Together, Erin and Mrs. Hudson start a detective agency to earn funds and teach Erin about the world. Their latest case takes them to the bustling city of London, to the famous King Herod's Department store. Three kittens have gone missing, and it's up to our dynamic duo to solve the case. But what starts as a simple investigation quickly turns into a dangerous race against time, as they must save the kittens from the clutches of the evil and lazy Anders, the store's nighttime security guard. As they dig deeper, they uncover a sinister black-market gang stealing from the store, and must also help their feline seamstress friend, Jenifer Darcy, get the recognition she deserves for her work.

Join Erin and Mrs. Hudson on their witty and whimsical adventure, filled with action, fun, and heartwarming moments. Perfect for younger and middle grade readers looking for a fun and exciting read.

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I was going to review this purrticular title last week, but then I noticed that today was my 300th Book Review, and I wanted something rather special to share in today's post.

So for my milestone 300th Book Review, I have the greatest purrleasure of sharing Chumley and Hudson Investigate by non other than fellow Cat Blogger Erin the Cat Princess.

If mew're looking for a delightful romp through 1920s Britain with a cast of charming anipal characters, look no further than Chumley and Hudson Investigate: The King Herod's Affair! M.E. Watson has created a whimsical world where cats and dogs are not just anipal companions but equal members of society, and it's an absolute joy to dive into their adventures.

Meet Erin Chumley, a young cat who finds herself the proud owner of an old manor house in the picturesque village of Upper Much-Mousing. While inheriting an estate sounds glamorous, Erin quickly realizes that with great property comes great responsibility (and bills!). Luckily, she has the steadfast Mrs Hudson by her side—a no-nonsense retired Army veteran whose mysterious backstory adds further layers of intrigue and charm. And together, they embark on an entrepreneurial journey by starting their own detective agency! How pawesome is that? Their first assignment takes them to London’s bustling King Herod's Department Store to investigate the mysterious disappearance of three playful kittens. The stakes rise when they encounter the wickedly lazy security guard, Anders, who seems to be hiding more than just his nap schedule. The storytelling is filled with clever twists and vibrant characters to keep those pages turning, as the plot unfolds with humour, action, and heartwarming interactions, making it a page-turner that keeps mew on your paws! The dynamic duo of Erin and Mrs Hudson is refreshingly witty, reminding us that teamwork, furiendship, and a little bravery can help us overcome the most daunting challenges—even if it involves battling a black-market gang! Purrfectly tailored to cater for all reading ages from middle grade to whenever this tale balances adventure with life's lessons. Chumley and Hudson Investigate not only entertains but encourages curiosity about the world around us. So, grab a nice cup of catnip tea (or a bit-sized bag of kibble!), settle in, and prepare for a delightful adventure that will leave mew purring for more!

AN EPICALLY EPIC ADVENTURE

Just how adventures should be, and I know, as mew know that I know, with the amount The B Team go on! MOL 

I've got one last thing to say; this would make a furbulous Catmas present for anypawdy who loves a great read and cats. 

Erin my dear, mew are the epitome of FURBULOUS, and many CON'CAT'ULATIONS on your first published novel. I hope there will be many more!

**Available in paperback and hardback copies from Amazon**

Hardback: 118 pages

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Rating of:

Chumley and Hudson Investigate. The King Herod's Affair


Overall Enjoyment

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      Other Fun Blog Hops to Join Today


          Brian's Home   Catblogosphere    Feline Friday   Nature Friday    Flashback Friday   Friendship Friday        
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I'm off to prepare for next week's review, as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time!

Don't forget, if mew are looking for great books with cats, check out the Book Review page, just click the link here or at the top of the page, as that's the place to visit to get your feline fiction fix.

Until next week...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 









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Don't furget to subscribe and never miss another review! 

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