The Door That Led To Where by Sally Gardener . Review.

From the moment I received this book I had a good feeling about it as soon as I saw the cover. A door with a map behind it, I was intrigued! This is the story about a young man called AJ. He does not have the best life ,his mother is not a great one ,and there is not much money to go around. 

His life takes a huge turn for the best when he gets a job all thanks to his mother . The past and present become closer then they seem and there are many adventures ahead of him all because of his mysterious father. The book travels between present day and 1830 meeting various interesting characters and some time travelling criminals.my favourite characters were AJ and Elsie, Elsie is the mother figure that he never really had and she is a real rock for him , I loved their scenes together! 

If you like adventure, mystery and time travel with some heart warming scenes then this is the book for you! 

 I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading4kids.

This book is due to be released in January 2015 and will be a available from Lovereading4kids and all other good bookstores then.

Please find a link to this book below.

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/10692/The-Door-That-Led-to-Where-by-Sally-Gardner.html

Kindle haul!!!!

Death of an Avid Reader by Frances Brody. I adore this cover! I collect this series!

The Curse Of The House of Foskett by M.R.C Kasasian. This was one of kindle daily deals this week.

The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead.

The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud . Book 2 in the Lockwood & Co series. I adored book 1!!

The Age of Gold by Harry Black

Bookish Christmas Gifts

Hi guys!!! I received some wonderful bookish gifts this year that made me grin from ear to ear. My friend and I always send each other books ,but this year he really outdid himself. Check out the goodies below. I was spoilt! 

A Banned Books Mug!!!!! How cool is this!!

Oriental Carpet Bookmark

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. I can't wait to read this, it comes highly recommended !

  This is a beautiful hard back edition of one of my favourite childhood books, the illustrations throughout are stunning!

The Little Bookstore In Big Stone Gap by Wendy Welch. I could not believe that he got me this! I am a fan of the Big Stone Gap series by Adrianna Trigiani and so when I saw this non fiction book based in the town I was a very happy lady !

In My Mailbox

Hi guys! Just thought you might like to see these two books I received very recently for review from the lovely peeps over at Lovereading4kids.co.uk . Both these books are to be released in January. 

All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

The Art Of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson

Both these books are YA books and can be found over at Lovereading4kids.co.uk

Links can be found below and reviews to follow this week.

The Art Of Being Normal

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/10721/The-Art-of-Being-Normal-by-Lisa-Williamson.html

All The Bright Places

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/9780141357034/isbn/All-the-Bright-Places-by-Jennifer-Niven.html

In My Mailbox

These awesome goodies came to me recently for review. I can't wait to start them . These are YA and adult fiction . 

The Catalyst by Helena Coggan

The Two Of Us by Andy Jones

The Sky Is a Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Cranberry Bluff by Deborah Garner. Review.

This is the story about a woman called Molly , she has moved from Tallahassee Florida across country to Cranberry Cove where she has inherited her  Aunt Maggie's Bed and breakfast . Molly takes over the business and tries to put the reason she moved here out of her mind but some things just don't want to stay in the past. Molly is a very likeable leading character and I really enjoyed getting to know her and her neighbours and friends , but the most interesting people are the guests staying in the bed and breakfast as some  may not  be as innocent as they first look. 

A perfect cozy mystery to be enjoyed with a big cup of tea ....  and maybe cake........ :0)

Yes Please by Amy Poehler . Review

I knew nothing about Amy until I came across the movie Baby Mama that she starred in with her good friend Tina Fey. So when I found out that this awesome lady had written a book I could not wait until publication day. I got this book from Audible.co.uk and it is Amy telling us her story along with some of her friends who happily helped her tell other parts of it.  A lot of the story is told about her work , she has had a wonderful and rich career filled with some amazing people and a supportive family surrounding her. Her life can be glamourous but she does not shy away in telling us the darker parts of the life she has had which I found inspiring. From being a young girl right up to present day we get a good idea of this smart funny intelligent woman that we know and love on screen. There is some serious parts and some down right funny bits that could make you spit your tea out with laughing, so there is plenty in here for everyone .

Read this if you like inspirational women ! 

Death With All The Trimmings by Lucy Burdette . Review

This is book Five in the Key West Food Critic Mystery Series. In this book it's Christmas time in Key west and Hayley Snow ( our main character in the series) is interviewing the famous if not slightly terrifying Edel Waugh. Many thanks go out to Lucy from me as she used my name for the character and it was a complete honor and great fun reading what this Edel got up to. Chef Edel Waugh has just opened a restaurant in Key West but not a single thing is going as planned because at every turn we are met with one disaster after another and it  feels more like Friday the 13th then the holly jolly festive season.

Someone is really trying to hurt Edel's business and Hayley feeling sorry for this hard working woman decides to help her before she meets with more disasters. These two form the most unlikely a friendship as you could ever meet but it makes for great reading. One of my favourite characters Hayley's friend and houseboat mate Gloria is back and we spend a good bit of time with this character in this book which I loved as she is a real mother figure with extra sparkle and charm. This story is just the perfect Christmas cozy mystery and I loved every minute of it.  Now I am crossing my fingers that book 6 will be out soon so I can get back to my favourite characters in the beautiful Key West that Lucy describes so well. 

I Was Here by Gayle Forman . Review

This is the story about a young woman called Meg who decides to take her own life and the aftermath she leaves behind. The story is told by her best friend Cody who is in shock , and devastated by her friends actions .Cody is a good narrator and a pretty tough cookie on the outside but inside we get glimpses of a softer side to her that she does not show often. Through her we get to know more about Meg and when Cody goes to Meg's collage to tidy up the remnants of her life there she gets more and more information about her friend . There seems more to Meg's suicide then at first meets the eye and Cody takes it upon herself to find out what went on with the most unlikely of help from  Meg's ex.

I recommend this to anyone who wants a really good page turner that will leave you with a lump in your throat. 

I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading4kids.

This book is due to be published January 2015 and will be available from Lovereading4kids and all other good bookstores then. 

Below please find a link to this book on Lovereading4kids.

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/9781471124396/isbn/I-Was-Here-by-Gayle-Forman.html

Seven Days by Eve Ainsworth . Review

This is the story about a girl called Jess. Jess is fourteen years old and getting bullied at school. She lives with her mum and sister and her mum works hard but money wise  things are tight for this small family of three so she does not have the best of everything. Jess's dad is pretty much absent in her life and basically a useless individual , you would not want to rely on this guy. So when the bullying gets worse she has hardly anyone to turn to. Half of this story is told from the bully's point of view, her life is no picnic either but it's interesting reading a book about bullying seeing what's going on in the bullies life at the same time as the victim.This was different from any other book about bullying that I have ever read , I found it left me with a smile and sense of hope. 

I recommend this to anyone who has been bullied or is going through it as Jess is a very likeable character who is very relatable and full of goodness.

I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading4kids.

This book is due to be released february 2015 and will be available from lovereading4kids.co.uk and all other good bookstores then. 

Below please find a link to this book on the Lovereading4kids website.

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/9781407146911/isbn/Seven-Days-by-Eve-Ainsworth.html

The Earth Is Singing by Vanessa Curtis. Review

This is the story about three women from one Jewish family at the time when the Nazi's invade their town. This is a remarkable well told story that both astonishes and is heartbreaking while being beautiful written. These three strong women from three generations are to be admired,they are resilient , smart and courageous , it was a pleasure reading about them and the emotions and struggles they went through, you really feel for these people. There were moments I had a lump in my throat and I think that is something special when an author can do that. The youngest girl in the family is called Hanna and she is the narrator , her father has gone away and no one is sure where he has gone or if he will be back, and with the invasion of these terrifying troups it is a fearful time, her mama is trying to support and care for her and her own mother or as Hanna calls her Omama. 

I recommend this book for any fans of Anne Frank . Unforgettable and touching! 

I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading4kids 

You can find this book through the link below.

This book is due to be published January 2015 and will be available from Lovereading4kids.co.uk and all other bookstores at that time

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/9781409577447/isbn/The-Earth-is-Singing-by-Vanessa-Curtis.html

In My Mailbox

These two fabulous books arrived in my mailbox yesterday . Both are due to be be published early next year. The first book is The Girl In The Photograph by Kate Riordan . 

The second book is a YA book called Seven  Days by Eve Ainsworth

I can't wait to start these! You can expect reviews on these books coming up soon. Have a great day guys x x x

Orkney Twilight by Clare Carson . Review

This is the story about a cranky secret cop who is a little fond of the drink , and his inquisitive daughter and her quest to find out more about him while they both visit the Island of Orkney . Although Jim is bad tempered and abrupt pretty much all the time I found him very likeable and enjoyed reading his story. Spy's , double agents , secrets and lies all combine in this story in which we can never be sure that everyone is who they seem to be. I enjoyed the setting of the story , I did not know much about Orkney before and so I had to look it up. The characters , especially Jim, was fascinating , his life was very cloak and dagger and it really intrigued me about why someone would do that type of job and what the world of the secret services is actually like. 

I recommend this to everyone who likes a thrilling good spy story ,that will keep you guessing. You will love this!

I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading.co.uk

This book is due to be published  April 2015  and will be available to buy from lovereading and all other good bookstores at that time. 

Below please find a link to the lovereading website! 

http://www.lovereading.co.uk/

Sleepless by Lou Morgan . Review

This is the story of a young girl called Izzy , it is coming up to exam time and her and her friends are all worried about managing to get all the studying in that they need to pass exams , so they take some unwise steps that is about to lead them in to a whole lot of danger that none of them could have foretold. Paranoia , hullucinations , fear and terror are some of the things these characters go through and it is described so well that it is very believable and there is a real sense of unseen menace . Quickly It becomes hard to know who is friend or foe.It was very hard to put this down and I recommend this to everyone , but especially young adults who likes eerie, creepy books that will keep them up at night. I can't wait to read more books from the Red Eye series , this is the second book and I have read both so far and I am very impressed!

I received this book from Lovereading4kids for review . 

This book is due to be published in January and can be purchased through the link below or found at all good bookstores.

This is a YA book and is aimed at ages 14 +

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/10695/Sleepless-by-Lou-Morgan.html

NaNoWriMo Winner 2014

As you can see by the title I finished my 50,000 word count story for 2014. This was my third year doing this and I really enjoyed it. Each year I learn more and find the process more enjoyable. As you may know I was nearly a week in hospital so missed those days writing but as soon as I got out my fingers were off at high speed again. To all those who won I wish you a mighty congratulations , all those aching fingers and necks were all worth it.

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare , Sarah Rees Brennan , Maureen Johnson. Review

This is a collection of eleven stories featuring the infamous Magnus Bane. If you are a fan of The Infernal Devices series then Magnus will be no stranger to you but for those who are less familiar with him Magnus is a very very old Warlock and a very dapper dresser who is very witty bordering on Caustic . He helps people out of the various situations they get themselves into with his own particular sense of style.We get a really good insight into his life and many loves in this book so it's not essential to have read other books in this series before this one . The story starts in 1791 in Peru and each new story is set at a different point in time and a different place leading up to present day.This globe trotting Warlock has a really sweet and adorable side that he tries to hide very well but he just come across as a very likeable character...well as far as Warlocks go. Each new story also features a really awesome illustration that makes a lovely added extra to this beautiful book. I would recommend this book to all fans of the  Infernal Devices Series and Mortal Instruments series...or if you just like a bad guy. Enjoy! 

I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading4kids.co.uk for review. 

This book is being released this month.

You can buy it from Lovereading4kids.co.uk and all other bookstores then.

Below please find a link to this book on the Lovereading website.

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/10589/The-Bane-Chronicles-by-Cassandra-Clare.html

In my mailbox

Hi lovelies ! Are you having a good day? I was out walking earlier and I can just about feel my fingers again now. Beautiful and sunny and cold ,the perfect walking weather. I was so pleased when I hot back and these two gorgeous books arrived . I was sent these for review from the lovely people at Lovereading4kids.co.uk.Both of these books are YA and are to be published in 2015 . The first book is book two in the Red Eye series by Stripes Publishing. If you want a book that will keep you up at night with creepy plots look no further then this series. Can't wait to start this!!!! I foresee a sleepless night in my near future :0)

Sleepless by Morgan

The next book I received is The Earth is Singing by Vanessa Curtis . This is the story of a young Jewish girl and her life when the Nazi's arrive . This sounds like it will be an emotional read. Can't wait! 

In My Mailbox

My postman is great ! He brought me some lovely books today that were sent from the awesome people over at Lovereading.co.uk that I am very excited to show you! 

The Door That Led To Where by Sally Gardner

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare

Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson

I Was Here by Gale Forman

Orkney Twilight by Clare Carson

Me and Mr J by Rachel McIntyre . Review

This is the story of a young girl called Lara who's family are on the breadline after the family business went bust. If things were not hard enough she is getting badly bullied at school , and being ginger haired with an unfortunate surname  is just about all the bullies could possibly need to begin a war against her. Lara's interior dialogue is hilarious and even though she really is struggling with these bullies and having no real friends to speak off she is very brave and gutsy and I had to admire her for that.

When a new teacher arrives her life brightens considerably in some ways , but some people can't stand her happiness and would do everything they could to hurt her even more. 

I literally started this and did not put it down until I finished it, it had such great characters both good and bad and a plot that felt very believable that I wanted to see how Lara's story would end. This is a very memorable story with a female lead character that is to be admired. 

I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading4kids.co.uk

This book is due for publication February 2015 and will be available from lovereading4kids.co.uk and all other good bookstores then.

Below please find a link to this book on the Lovereading website. 

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/9781405273442/isbn/Me-and-Mr-J-by-Rachel-McIntyre.html

Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan. Review

This is a book about a young girl called apple who lives with her grandmother in England. Apple's mother abdoned her years previously to peruse a glamourous stage life in America. Apple misses her mum dearly and thinks her life would be 100% better if only her mother would come back and she did not have to live with her fussy, strict grandmother any longer. Her friendship with her best friend is on the rocks too and life seems very uncertain right now. Be careful what you wish for because sometimes wishes can turn to nightmares very quickly and sometimes it's better to have dreams then the cold face of reality. Apple is a brave young girl who is trying to be there for everyone , her life is often terrible but she is an optimistic soul really and extremely kind despite the odds against her. This is a story to pull at the heart strings with a young heroine in the centre of the story that shows amazing strength.

I received this book from Lovereading4kids.co.uk for review.

This book is due to be released Februaury 2015

If you would like to know more about this book I will leave a link to this book below.

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/10691/Apple-and-Rain-by-Sarah-Crossan.html

This book is a YA book aimed at ages 14 +

In my mailbox

Today I got sent a review book from the lovely people over at Lovereading4kids.co.uk. The book is called Me & Mr J by Rachel McIntyre  and is about a young girl finding her perfect soulmate in her new male teacher Mr Jagger. I can't wait to start this, it sounds amazing!

This is an uncorrected proof so the cover of this will look different when it is published.

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie. Review.

This book was SO good I did not sleep good for two nights as it was very creepy and I wanted to find out how it would end. Meet Sunshine, a modern girl with a retro love of clothes and all things old timey , she has moved to a new town with her mum and the book begins with them moving into their new house. Very quickly we learn that there is more to this house then meets the eye and Sunshine has a direct line to the creepiness that her mother seems totally unaware of leaving her very frustrated and scared. It does not take Sunshine long to meet a new friend called Nolan , a young man with an open mind and a laid back attitude, basically the most perfect friend she could meet in her present predicament . They work together to find out what's going on and if they can make it all go away. This book was really creepy throughout but had moments of real sadness and chills up the spine. I recommend this for dark stormy nights when the lights go out.

I received this book from the lovely people over at Lovereading4kids.co.uk.

I will leave a link to their website below this week as the website is currently under construction.

This book is going to be released in March 2015 and I can't wait !!!!!!!! 

Monday Night / Pamper Night

It was a rough rough week last week and if anyone was in need of a good home pamper session it is me right now. 

My appetite is at zero at the moment and I feel pain and I am uncomfortable so I have to try and encourage myself to have something . I made one of my favourite homemade soups, creamy mushrooms and potato , there is no cream in it but I add some milk to make it creamy, then when it is cooked I wait until it cools then pop it in the fridge until I need it. I am also planning on getting plenty of veg in my diet to perk me up so the below stir fry is needed badly. I make this about once a week.

I like to light a candle and turn of harsh lighting then put on some music that is restful rather than stimulating. I believe I got this candle holder in Next and the pattern creates lovely patterns on wall tiles.

A hot bath is a must with either aromatherapy oils or foodie scented bubble bath/ shower gel.

This one smells like cola bottles.Warming and a little sweet.

When I get out of the bath I turn on an audio book as I get ready for bed and putting on my lotions and potions.I am finishing Yes Please by Amy Poehler which I have adored listening to. Amy is one cool lady who can also call Tina Fey a bestie.....  Can't get much cooler then that. 

The skincare products That are saving my skin now are these:

I need hydration right now. Not enough fluids ... or enough yummy eats make skin dull and pasty so while I am working on getting healthy fluids and nutrition in my body I need something that can soothe and calm down what ever is going on on my face. 

Hydration baby! 

Masks are the first thing I reach for. They are gentle and this one does not irritate my sensitive skin .

Moisturise it! Okay when skin is seriously parched I will reach for all my favourite skin saviours , some are old friends others I am still getting to know. Here they are:

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour cream. The is a reason it has been around for so long. It does what it says it will.

Le Roche Posay 

Le Roche Posay

Elemis

Cracking up! Lips are the first to get dry , crack,  and in the worse case bleed during cold weather. That rarely happens now since I found some solid products that prevent it ,but should I go out in the cold without something moisturising on my lips I may kiss my lipsticks goodbye as no one wants to see a cracked lip wearing lipsticks.it makes it look so much worse. Night time is the best time to layer on the balms so they have a full night to absorb all the goodness from the products without drinks and food taking them off.

Scrub first

Lush Popcorn Scrub

Lush whipstick

Got cold feet! I have bad circulation in my feet so I try and remember to coat feet in body butters or lotions then add thick bed socks or thermal socks on top. The heat from under my duvet will help the lotion to sink in and in the morning your feet will thank you. 

Try this one! 

The Body Shop 

Oil Slick! 

There is nothing my hair enjoys more then being covered in oil and left overnight. After the oil is washed out my hair is more likely to be calm and better behaved and less like the birds nest it craves to be. 

I like Caudalie Divine oil for this but as I have now run out of that I have been using L'oreal oil and it smells lovely without being too much in your face. I add a soap and glory turban over the top of this to keep in heat aiding it to work then let it sit for the night .

Once bitten! 

My poor nails are suffering... They don't know if they are coming or going... To be fair some are breaking off and some are continuing to grow ,so to look at them it would be hard to figure out what style exactly I was going for. With a nail file in hand and some patience, I cleaned, scrubed, filed, buffed, painted and let dry until they were looking a bit better. I chose this perky colour to liven up my digits. It's more of a summer colour but I don't care. 

Cute As A Button by Essie

Arm and a leg! 

I hate putting on body lotions but I know how good they are for my skin so I try to do this often . This is the one I have been using lately.

I prefer the smell of the old Charity Pot but I will use this up anyway but likely won't repurchase.