Now that I am older I still enjoy this day. It's fun and even though I am not dressing up this year I will still be enjoying the day and night.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Happy Halloween!
As a child this was one of my favourite holidays ... Looking back it was probably because it was centred around children , the outfits , the sweets , the movies and being chased around the garden by mum in a Halloween mask as she tries to catch us as my brother and I squealed in delight . Mum would also have a big red bucket that she filled with water and we would bob for apples . With wet faces and giggles we would be having a great time. Then we would trick or treat to our granny's house coming back with goodies to be eaten in front of what ever Halloween show was on TV. Usually a neighbour would call too most years and tell us a creepy story of two.
Here is a few movies to choose from .
Well hello there!!!!!!!!!To all those celebrating tonight , have fun , stay safe and enjoy the spirit of the night ... Pun intended ! :0)
Friday, October 30, 2015
Yarned and Dangerous by Sadie Hartwell . Review
This is the first book in the tangled web mystery series featuring Josie Blair. Josie lives and works in New York for a fashion designer called Otto who has a larger then life ego! Needing to abandon him to take care of her grand uncle after he has been injured she has left the city with a new on her ear from her boss.
As her mother cannot help out its up to Josie to head to the farm in Dorset Falls , Conneticut and take care of grouchy Eb while also clearing up his recently deceased wife Cora's wool shop in this small quaint town.
Josie is not long back in town before she meets some faces from the past and not all of them are friendly but as the majority are she hopes to make her stay there as painless as possible and get out of there as quick as she can , but when a body shows up things become complicated very quickly and there is more going on in this small town then meets the eye , and she has taken it upon herself to figure out out what's been going on with the help of one or two new friends . This was a very enjoyable mystery series and I completely loved the setting and the characters , grouchy Eb really grew on me and I can't wait to read the next book in the series , I loved this so much!
I received this book for review from the lovely people at Netgalley.
This book is being published in November 2015 by Kensington Books and will be available from all good bookstores then .
Below please find links :
Goodreads
Sadie
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Broken Resolutions by Olivia Dade. Review
The story is about a group of people who are all going to a party on New Years Eve at the public library where the theme is all about love. Penelope is hosting the party where a group of singles are all hoping to have someone to kiss when the bells chime midnight. There are plenty of party games for everyone to get to know each other and some people are clicking more then others but the story keeps you guessing about how the night will end. Not everyone at the party is who they seem to be , but it's not going to stop them from trying to find love . It is definitely not just the stories that are all around them that are filled with sparks of love and passion it looks like there could be some actual sparks between the stacks too.
If you like books about books that also combine romance then this is the story for you .
I received this book for review from the lovely people at Netgalley. This book is being published December 8th by Kenaington Books and will then be available to purchase from all good bookshops.
Below please find all links:
Facebook
Olivia's website
Good reads
Monday, October 26, 2015
Reading This Week
House Of Shadows by Nicola Cornick
The Dark Days Club
Maurice by E.M Forster
Love, Lies , And Liquor by M. C Beaton . Review
This is book 17 in the Agatha Raisin series featuring Agatha Raisin as the main character. Agatha owns a detective against in Carlsley but in this book Agatha has been taken on a surprise holiday with her ex husband James Lacey. With ideas of sunny climates and bikinis in her head she is more then a little disappointed to find herself in the drabby wet old run down town that was built up as a dream destination in James's mind of his time apwnt here as a youth . Much has changed since Jamea was here last and they are both quite depressed .
If things were not bad enough with the destination , the hotel is a dive , the food inedible, and some of the other guests are just one step away from being thrown out . After Agatha has a run in with a middle aged female with a mouth the size of the channel tunnel in the dining room it surprises her a lot when the next time she hears the woman's name mentioned she has been murdered.
Agatha is quickly on the case to find out who killed mighty mouth as the police have reason to suspect her of all people , but as danger seems to still be lurking in this horrid little town she needs to keep her wits about her and get some help from her staff as well as James . This was a really enjoyable story told with Agatha's acid tongue and witty one liners! This is one holiday that Agatha won't forget in a hurry.
Below please find a link to M . C Beaton's website
Magic Flutes by Eva Ibbotson . Review
The story begins with a young English boy called Guy Farne who is in foster care , he has not had the best of luck with previous foster parents , but one woman saw something in him that no one else did and this was making of him .
From rags to riches this man rose in society and made his foster mother very proud.
The story is also about a very privileged young woman called Tessa who lives in Austria , she is helping backstage in an opera house/ theatre where she is at her happiest working surrounded by the glamour and talent of this artistic set as well as all those less glamourous , more colourfully spoken people doing the hard graft to get all the behind scenes work done, but if anyone knew who she really was it would be severely frowned upon .
These two people meet unexpectently , both from very different backgrounds , and are intrigued by each other despite everything going against them.
A charming story told in two very different parts of the world about two very different upbringings and families . I really enjoyed this tale as will any fan of Downton Abbey and similar programs.
I received this book for review from The lovely people over at Lovereading4kids.co.uk.
This book had been published and is available through lovereading and all other hood bookshops.
Below please find a link to this book.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Hiss and Hers ( Agatha Raisin mystery series) by M. C Beaton
This is book 23 in the Agatha Raisin Series.
Love is in the air with almost all the women in Carsley and a sudden interest in gardening has overtaken the small village as a new handsome gardener has been attending more then just a few shrubs . Agatha has been no less smitten then all the rest of the women in the village but when tragedy occurs other events come to light and this roaming lothario had quite the reputation both in the sack and flowerbeds. When he is found dead by what looks like murder it's anybody's guess who could have done it as he had potentially a long list of enemies , jealous lovers, angry spouses just to name a few ! It's up to Agatha and her detective agency employees to pull out all the stops to find out who wanted him dead. It is not just the potential romance with the deceased that has been annoying Agatha but the other men in her life too who flounce in and out causing heartache and frustration as they go and many a curse from this witty smart female! Go read this series it's a joy to read!
M.C Beaton's Website
Death By Tea by Alex Erickson . Review
This is book 2 in the bookstore cafe mystery series featuring owner Krissy Hancock. Krissy lives in the quaint town of Pine Hills where she runs her bookshop/ cafe called Death By Coffee. Her store is of particular interest to book lovers as her father is a famous writer but it becomes even more well known when a murder occurs there and she was the last person seen skulking around there in the dead of night. Needing to do everything she can to run her business , clear her name , find a killer and keep her sanity and love life afloat is all in a day's work for this smart funny bookshop owner.
I loved this story and setting. The characters were so much fun and Krissy is one gutsy female! I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received this awesome book for review from the lovely people over at Netgalley.
This book is going to be published by Kensington Books in November 24th 2015 .
Alex's Website
Twitter
Facebook
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Happy Mail
I have tried to get as many pictures taken as I could . There may be some I kissed out . I will leave. A link to my YouTube haul of these stickers below and a link to Tesia's shop .
My YouTube Channel
Tesia
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
A Song For Summer by Eva Ibbotson
When a young woman who is brought up surrounded by strong female role models in the form of her mother and aunts they images great things for her , but surprising them all she becomes a cook and applys for and gets a post in Austria where she will work at a prestigious school there. When there, her job entails more then just cooking as the kids need guidance and the staff too need some work.
Growing up, war, and love combine here in this lovely book with a beautiful setting filled with interesting characters and a charming ending.
I received this book for review from the awesome people over at Lovereading.co.uk.
This book has been published and is Available from Lovereading4kids and all other good bookstores.
Girl Alone by Cathy Glass . Review.
This is a non fiction account of what it is like to be a foster carer . The child specifically mentioned in this book is called Joss ( not her real name), her father commited suicide and her mother is now in a different relationship and this young girl is struggling with life in every way.
Cathy talks about what it is like to foster while having other kids of her own to look after and protect their wellbeing . As each child she looks after is different there is no set guidebook to helping a child but some guidelines and common sense as well as love and empathy are very useful life skills to have. I have heard it said that it takes a village to raise a child , but if that child is going through some rough home life problems the village can become the foster care system with foster homes , social workers and a team of people looking after each child's specific needs . Heartbreaking and eye opening it can vividly make you see what goes on behind closed doors and the good people out there fighting against it.
I would definitely read another book by Cathy after reading this.
I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading.co.uk.
This book has been published and is now available through Lovereading and all other good bookstores .
Please find a link to this book below where you can also was a free excerpt.
The Turning Point by Freya North . Review.
This is the story about two people who live in different parts of the world. Frankie lives in England with her son Sam and daughter Annabel , and Scott lives in Canada with his daughter Jenna who has epilepsy. Frankie is a writer of children's books and is struggling to find her muse and Scott writes music for films . Through a chance meeting in London where they are both there on business they meet and click and it is the start of a beautiful relationship. I read half of this book with a box of tissues and seriously wondered if I would run out as I was so emotionally attached to these characters. My heart broke and soared , I smiled and I howled with tears but one thing is for sure I will never forget it .
I recommend this to anyone without any doubt.
I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading.co.uk.
This book has been published in 2015
and is available from lovereading and all other good bookstores .
Below please find a link to this book on the lovereading website .
http://www.lovereading.co.uk/book/14424/The-Turning-Point-by-Freya-North.htmlLook Both Ways by Carol J Perry. Review
This is book three in the Witch City Mystery Series featuring main character Maralee ( Lee) Barrett. Lee lives with her lovely aunt Ibby in Salem ,Massachusetts . This is the perfect setting for a magical / mystical mystery considering the history of the town. In this story Lee is trying to put together a home again after her last home went on fire so she is trying to purchase some things for it , but during one of those trips she comes across a body of one of the people she bought some of her furniture from . Needing to find out what happened in case she gets the blame as well as getting some magical insights it's not long before she is following some leads. I loved this mystery and esp the dynamic between Ibby and Lee , they have something special together and I loved the storylines where they were together . This was a fun read that I definitely would recommend .
I received this book for review through Netgalley from the lovely people over at Kensington Books. This book is being published Octobet 2015.
Links below:
Goodreads
Amazon.co.uk
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00TE7O8L2?ie=UTF8&redirectFromSS=1&pc_redir=T1&noEncodingTag=1&fp=1
Monday, October 19, 2015
In My Mailbox
Today I found this pretty review book in my mailbox . I can't wait to start it!
House Of Shadows by Nicola Cornick
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Agatha Raisin And The Deadly Dance by M. C Beaton . Review
Could there possibly be a more cheerful way to fill an evening then listening to Penelope Keith narrate a story of M. C Beaton... The short answer is no.
Agatha has some bad luck while on holiday which really put a damper on her plans . Returning home to Carsley she decides to open up her very own detective agency but it's not all glamour ! Agatha employs the very eager Emma as her secretary and then this business is up and running !
This had everything you could want from a detective story, psychopaths, liars, cheats , no good scoundrels and in the centre of it , the fabulous, no frills Agatha Raisin , who enjoys smoking , does not cook but loves her microwave , curses freely and is filled with gumption and curiousity and who you can't help but love . Don't waste a minute more go listen to the audio books or read the series, either way she is terrific!
Audible
Goodreads
Amazon
The Christmas Cafe by Amanda Prowse . Review
This was probably one of the loveliest Christmas books I have ever read . The story is about a woman called Bea who owns a cafe , and through that on an online forum for cafe owners worldwide she meets another cafe owner on the other side of the world and they begin a friendship . The story is based in Auatralia and Scotland and was lovely expieriencing the story from both settings .
This story is about family, love and timing , and how important all these things are especially at Christmas. I closed this book with a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my belly and I would recommend this to anyone who needs a book to get them in the mood for Chritsmas and leave them with a feeling of hope.
I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading.co.uk.
This book is being published October 2015 and will be available from Lovereading and all other good bookstores then.
Below please find a link to this book on the lovereading website where you can also find a free excerpt .
My Saturday
Tea is a must have for me in the morning or I just can't wake up properly , add some fruit and cereal and I am off about my day.
First things first , there are little furry people that need walking ....
Today I have been reading this 
Locke & Key by Joe Hill and narrated by Gabriel Rodriguez. This is a dramatised horror / thriller which is truly creepy. It may still be free on Audible.uk , go check!
My autumn coloured one above and my brighter coloured one below. They are each going to be six foot by six foot approx 144 squares each . Phew! Glutton for punishment! 
This week I got a Pumpkin and an Orla Kiely lantern for beside my bed. I love how the light reflects on the wall behind it at night time . 
Reading a few pages of this old favourite every night.. Ohhh Mr. Darcy , we need more of you in this world and more inspiring ladies like Lizzy who live their life not caring what anyone else thinks.
......................................................
And listening to these:
Tipping The Velvet by Sarah Waters
Agatha Raisin and the Deadly Dance by M.C Beaton.
As it is the autumn you can always find me with my hook and wool doing things like this:
Here are some songs I have been loving lately as I read :
Lisa Mitchell
Neopolitan Dreams
Lost and Found
Lianne Le Havas
River Flows In You
Yiruma
Did I tell you my YouTube channel has been back up and running a little while now after a break. I likely forgot! I have books, reviews , hauls, journaling, day to day vlogs on there and anything else interesting I happen to come across.
Here is the link if you would like to see more or hear me having a natter . Xxxxx
Please subscribe if you enjoy all these types of things xxx
Friday, October 16, 2015
Reading This Weekend
The Christmas Cafe by Amanda Prowse
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Christmas Ever After by Sarah Morgan . Review
This is the story about a woman called Skylar Tempest. Skylar is a Jeweller and very crafty which is completely frowned upon by her snobby parents who want much more from her and her only saving grace in their eyes is the man she is currently dating. When things take a very big twist at a Chrustmas party, Skylar's life takes a completely different path with someone that she never imagined sharing a cup of tea with let alone anything more meaningful but Christmas has a way of making everyone see things through rosy tinted glasses and there becomes more surprises then she could have ever have imagined .
This was a wonderful story about love , family ups and downs as well as expectations at this festive time of year.
A gorgeous feel good book!
I received my review copy through the lovely people over at Mira Books UK
This book is being published on the 22nd October 2015.
Below please find a links to this book :
Amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00U1M9C06?ie=UTF8&redirectFromSS=1&pc_redir=T1&noEncodingTag=1&fp=1
Goodreads
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Carrying Albert Home by Homer Hickam. Review
This is the story about a husband and wife called Elsie and Homer who take a trip with an Alligator to bring him home.
Elsie received Albert the Alligator from a former love of her life and they had a great fondness for each other , which is why Albert is of such importance to Elsie. The setting of the story is in 1935 in Coalwood, a coal mining town in America . The story is made up of fiction and non fiction and a whole host of adventures sometimes with some very well known people . While on their journey of bringing an alligator home and it also brings a wife and husband back to each other. The book also contains wonderful photographs of the people mentioned in the book.
I received this wonderful book from the lovely people over at Lovereading.co.uk.
This book is being published on November 2015 and will be available from Lovereading and all other good bookstores then.
Below please find a link to his book on the Lovereading website.
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