Review of Alfie Bloom and the Secrets of Hexbridge Castle by Gabrielle Kent

Alfie Bloom's life is boring and lonely, but when he meets Caspian Bone his life is changed forever. He has inherited a castle! Deep below Hexbridge Castle is a secret, to dark to come out to the world. Can Alfie and his friends save the secret? Or will he loose everything?

This is a brilliant book! Full of adventure and action everyone will love it! Suitable for girls and boys aged 8 +

  5 stars!!

For more information look at Gabrielle Kent's website: http://gabriellekent.com/

Interview with Cathy Cassidy!!!

We have a very special interview today!

What sort of books do you write?

I write books for teens and pre-teens. They are real-life, growing up stories that focus on emotions, friendship, family and drama.

Can we contact you and how?

You can email me via the 'email Cathy' link on my website, www.cathycassidy.com or post on my Facebook fanpage, my instagram page or on my Twitter... 

What are your latest books?

Broken Heart Club, the newest, will be published in April and is the story of five best friends whose friendship group is broken apart in a very dramatic way, leaving them to pick up the pieces. Other recent books include Looking Glass Girl, a 21st century take on the classic Alice in Wonderland story, with quite a dark vibe and lots of twists and turns; and also Fortune Cookie, the series finale to my Chocolate Box Girls series.

What is it like being a writer?

It's the perfect job for me... lots of daydreaming and thinking up characters and stories! It's not all perfect - there are deadlines and stressful moments, but mostly it's very cool. My favourite bit is going on tour and meeting my amazing readers!

What tips would you give to want-to-be writers?

Read lots - you learn all kinds of style tips without even trying. Write a little every day - not just inside school but outside, too. And write 'from the heart', because that passion will show in your work!

How did you get into writing?

I started out writing for the legendary teen magazine Jackie, and then earned a living as a freelance journalist and illustrator. The books came later!

Who is your inspiration?

Difficult... the inspiration for writing comes really from the characters and stories in my head, not from a particular person. But I guess I'd say my dad was my inspiration in life, even though he wasn't anything to do with books or writing. He taught me to dream big and believe in my dreams, and also to work hard to make the dreams happen. That combination of dreams and sheer hard work was a great lesson to learn early on in life - thanks, Dad!

Who would you like to thank for giving you ideas, feedback etc.?

Interesting question... I'd thank my dad for believing in me when nobody else really did, and my kids and husband for being excellent 'first readers' and giving great (and sometimes savage!) feedback.

Thank you for your lovely interview! 

Cathy has a blog: http://cathycassidydreamcatcher.blogspot.co.uk/ and check her website out for events and new books!

Book Review on Geek Girl by Holly Smale

  This book is about a girl called Harriet Manners who is a Geek. At school nobody likes her apart from Toby, another Polar bear in the rainforest, and Natalie, Harriet's BFF. But at a Clothes Show something happens. It changes Harriet's world and nearly wipes out a friendship.

A great book for 11+ girls, who like books by Jacqueline Wilson and Cathy Cassidy.

If you liked this book why not try the others in the series?