Wednesday 28 December 2016

The detective's daughter


The Detective's Daughter
Author: Lesley Thomson
ISBN: 9781471345043




Hi Everyone,

This was extremely long!  There were parts of it that seemed to have already been told, but by the end the information all came together to form the making of a good story.  I think because this was so long, and I was listening to it rather than reading, it was easy to get a little lost.  If I had been reading this I may have gone back and re-read parts.  Having said that I enjoyed the narration and ability to listen while I worked on my housework and gardening. 

The characters were interesting.  Kate Rokesmith and inspector Darnell are dead, and another character dies.  These seemed to be a lot of dead characters to keep up with, but this soon became easy as the story came together.  The son of Kate transforms into one of the leading characters... you will quickly figure this one out for yourself without me forming a spoiler.  Each character becomes connected in one way or another.  It must have been quite a small town!  I found the characters to be interesting and the mystery killer wasn't easily suspected, not too soon anyway. 

The scene, was quite a bit smaller than the character count.  I visualised all the story happening within a small range.  This may be my small town visionary, but other than the train rides my mind stayed in a small radius.  I liked the visualisation of the end scenes, they captured my imagination and had me holding my breath.

Overall, I am pleased I listened to have listened to this one on audio because of the length.  On the other hand I think I would have found it easier to follow by reading the book.  Hard decision... book or audio?


Description:

Summer, 1981: The body of Kate Rokesmith is found by the River Thames in London. Her four-year-old son is wandering nearby, traumatised and mute.

Detective Inspector Darnell cancels yet another trip he had promised his daughter Stella and heads for the scene of the crime. The murder is never solved.

Winter, 2011: It's another busy day at the Clean Slate office. Owner and head cleaner Stella Darnell is annoyed to have her routine interrupted by the news that her father has died of a heart attack. Dutifully sorting his belongings, she finds the case papers for the Kate Rokesmith murder gathering dust in his attic. Stella cannot resist the lure of bringing order to chaos. Red pen in hand, she determines to find the killer...



This was available from: Amazon, Book depository and Fishpond

It was also available at Audible and I borrowed it from our local library via Borrowbox


Happy reading



Wednesday 21 December 2016

Wild Raspberries

Wild Raspberries
Author: Connie Chappell
ISBN: 9781612965123




Hi Everyone,

Here we have a book with the ultimate love triangle!  To start with Jack/John dies.  Dan his son also dies, in a different situation.  So, we are left with...

  • A wife - she is also the dominating mother-in-law
  • The daughter in law
  • The girl friend - or rather she is practically a second wife whom Jack has been seeing for over 20 years
  • A counsellor
  • A quilt

What better way to bring out the many truths they have hidden behind their lies, than to go on a trip to the cottage that Jack purchased and left to Callie (the girl friend).  This plot plays with your mind as you untangle all the hidden events that connect all the characters.

Just as friendships seem to unravel so does another link in the web of lies.  This is one drama I wont forget in a hurry.  Some of the lies I saw coming, whereas others shocked me.  This is a well thought out plot that will leave you analysing well after the book is finished.  I don't think it is over for me even though the ladies have joined together in harmony, I still have my questions and doubts.  I want to know more about Jack/John.  How did he manage to keep his secrets so long?  Other than a deceptive husband and lover what was he really like.  And, what was Dan (the son) like?  This was touched on a little but I thought he was in the background a little too much.  I wanted to know more about him so I could understand the importance of Lizbeth a bit stronger.

Overall, I enjoyed this book.  I have spent the last of my afternoon reading to see the outcome.  It got to the climax and I was hooked for the rest of the book, unable to give it up.


Description:

Tuesday 20 December 2016

December booktuber of the month


Hi Everyone,

So that I don't become too distracted with all the Christmas entertainment around the place, I am bringing you my choice of booktuber for this month a few days early.  I am highlighting Ermahgerd Berks because she is fresh and I like her honesty. 

As she unboxes the romance books she isn't slow in claiming she wont read them and doesn't like romance books.  Quite often Youtubers can sound like they are selling a product.  Not this young lady.  I really like that about her. 

I also like that she reads the back of the books and audios.  At times I watch unboxings and have no idea about the product, only that unboxing looks fun and all the books have beautiful covers.  I have to admit that while I watched this unboxing clip, I skipped over to check out the audio box link.  I haven't come across this particular link before (maybe you should check it out too). 

In addition to the book product that she unboxes I love the Christmas stockings that hang behind her! 

So, check out the link and clip above to see what she presents.  Her clips seem very regular, honest and she lets you know what she is actually unpacking and/or reading.

Happy reading


Monday 19 December 2016

Jake and the gingerbread wars

Jake and the Gingerbread Wars
E. G. Foley
ISBN: 0997254939



Hi Everyone,

I couldn't wait to finish this one before telling you all about it.  Christmas is too close and I am only half way through reading this aloud with the kids; I think you should know about it before Christmas is over.  This is one that I recommend reading for Christmas.  So if you still can get a copy and start reading today.  I got my copy from Amazon in kindle format. If you have a Kindle then you can have this book too and enjoy reading it with your kids.

The kids and I all love the little elf named 'Humbug'.  And a humbug is exactly what he is.  He doesn't want to work for Santa anymore because he has been put in the kitchen with Mrs Claus.  Can you just imagine that?  We all smiled at the thought 😂.  I can understand why he has to do dishes duty when I listen to his attitude.  Really, this little elf is what is giving this book so much pleasure.

There is plenty if imagery going on in this book.  The author has done a brilliant job of showing us the gingerbread war, the fairies, and of course Humbug.  The language is also detailed and rich.  I have found that the vocabulary choice has been at an impressive level for the age of which the book is aimed.  By reading this on Kindle any child is able to find the meanings of the words that might leave them questioning.  I have done this in a couple of cases, and we are only half way through!  I always stop and look up the words when I am reading aloud to the kids with my Kindle.  It is a quick and easy way to build vocab.

As for the plot... We are loving it.  Especially with Christmas approaching.  It is creating quite a family time with the kids.  I am only half way through, I know, but my opinion is backed up by that of my children and they can 'say it as they see it' at the best of times.  Take a look at the description and see why we might just be smiling our way through this one.


Description:

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men…and Gingerbread Men?!After his harsh beginnings as a rough-and-tumble orphan on the streets of London, Jake Everton takes his rightful place as the long-lost heir of an aristocratic family with magical powers – his personal quest, to follow in his slain parents’ footsteps as a Lightrider in the age-old battle of good versus evil. In the fantastical nooks and crannies of the Victorian Age, Jake and his friends (including his pet Gryphon) find no shortage of adventure – righting magic-related wrongs, solving supernatural mysteries, and exploring wondrous new worlds. Now it’s Jake’s first Christmas with his eccentric magical relatives, but trouble never takes a holiday…

Santa’s Horrid Little Helper

Wanted! Humbug, the disgruntled Christmas elf.

Reward: One Christmas wish granted, courtesy of Santa.


Humbug hates being a Christmas elf. Instead of making toys, he’d rather make mischief. Angling for a new job in Halloween Town, he sets out to prove he’s frightful enough for the task by ruining Christmas for as many people as possible – until Jake and his friends capture him. The kids set out on a rip-roaring adventure to the North Pole to hand the troublemaker over to Santa and collect the reward. But the way is fraught with danger, leaving them to wonder if they’ll make it back in time for Christmas…or if they’ll even make it back alive!


This was available from: Amazon, Fishpond and Book depository


Happy reading


Friday 16 December 2016

Once Upon a Snowy Night


Hi Everyone

With Christmas only one week away, I wanted to post this poem by one of my favourite poets - Robert Frost.  This poem can be read in many ways, with many interpretations.  With Christmas upon us it is easy to see Christmas time in the meaning, but was it so?  This is what I love about poetry. The way we can read mean into the words, dependant on our surroundings and social content of the moment.  How we can all get a different meaning or vision from exactly the same words.  And how for years after the poet places the words upon the page, we all argue what he meant.  If only I could hold a conversation with some of these writers and see what was in their heads when they wrote it.  Think about it... would they laugh at our interpretation in comparison to their initial meaning? 

To all you who get snow at Christmas, I hope you enjoy the beauty and peace it brings.  We have summer and I hope for a beautiful day where all the kids can have water fights, while we adults enjoy the company of others outside in the sun.

Happy reading


Tuesday 13 December 2016

Rosie

Rosie
Author: Lesley Pearse
ISBN: 978-0-141-04601-3


Unloved, threatened.
Will anyone help her?

I finished reading Rosie a few days ago.  I couldn't find the words to review this without unfolding the story in my mind.  This book is more than a novel, it is a brilliantly sculpted story that will leave an implant on your life. 

Rosie starts with a little girl in a brutal home.  Until, Heather comes to look after the family and soon becomes part of the family.  When she disappears the story takes a new turn.  As Rosie endeavours to protect her little brother, family secrets begin to unravel and Rosie is left fending for herself, in a world that seeks to ruin her inner-being.  How she doesn't crumble shows immense strength and humanity.

I think in part she survives by finding purpose and meaning in the help and protection she gives to Donald.  The beauty they create together with nature and gardening holds Rosie together.  It can be the only reason, in my mind, that she didn't end up in an asylum like the one she worked.  All around her the people in her life took her in, only to trample on her and try to cut down her spirit.  I could have screamed many a time at the characters in this book! 

There is so much I could say about Rosie but there is no way that I can venture into it without spoilers.  I have become to passionate, and opinionated, about the characters to hold a conversion without spoilers.  If you want a book that you wont be able to put down for the Christmas season, then don't look past this one on the book shelves.  Lesley Pearse managed to take draw me in until I was almost a background character, viewing everything but not able to help.

Seriously, this book book will leave you quietly thinking, long after you are finished.


Description:

Her brutal, violent family will be
the death of her...

Without a mother., Rosie is at the mercy of her father and thuggish brothers.  Then on day a friend comes to the farm in the form of cockney housekeeper Heather Farley.

But soon enough Heather vanishes, abandoning Rosie to her fate.  Only when Thomas Farley comes t find his sister several years later, does Rosie learn the terrible truth about Heahter - and her family.

Running away from home, she finds herself pursued by the man who brought ruin on her family.  Is he out to ger her too?  Or could he have some other reason for chasing her?


This was available from: Fishpond, Book depository and Amazon


Happy reading

Wednesday 7 December 2016

Jamie's 15 minute meals

Jamie's 15 Minute Meals
Author: Jamie Oliver
ISBN: 978-0-718-15780-7



Hi Everyone,

Get a load of my tea last night!

This recipe was on page 190 of Jamie's 15 Minute Meals.  Its called 'Chicken pasta herby 6-veg Ragu'.  This is the second time I have made this... actually I think it is the third, and I have only had this book for about six weeks.  Yes, you could call it our new family favourite. 

I have tried some of the other recipes in this book and I have loved them all so far.  They are quick to make and seem to use staple ingredients.  That is, the recipes I've tried to date have not required a trip to shops.  As I have stated in past blog posts, I like recipe books that use everyday ingredients. 

These recipes are supposed to be achievable in 15 minutes... true/false.  So far, TRUE.  Well done Jamie 😀.

What does this book actually contain?
  • 260 pages of recipes
  • Beautiful pictures of each recipe
  • Good inspirational notes about nutrition and your pantry
  • Brilliantly set out index
  • Recipes for - chicken, beef, pork, lamb, fish, pasta, soups & sarnies, veggie, breakfast
  • A good ribbon book marker
  • A dust  jacket, that gets in my way but is beautiful
Overall, I am thinking that this may just become one of my most used recipe books!  Better yet, it would be good if someone else in the house used it more than me... hint, hint my dear family members.

Happy reading

Monday 5 December 2016

Book vs movie...

Me before You

Book verse's the Movie...




I am excited to announce that I finally got to view the movie of  'Me before you'.  I have been waiting to get my hands on this one.  I went through every possible emotion while reading the book.  And... I did the same with the movie.  It isn't very often that the book and movie come along side each other in my ratings book.  This movie exceeded my expectations! 

The actors, Emilia Clarke & Sam Claflin, were perfect for the role.  The accents were catchy and drew me in even more to the characters.  They were just what I had envisioned in the book.  I found this to be amazing in itself.  How on earth did they find such perfect actors to give this book the justice it deserved.

The clothes were a main feature in the book (for me) and here they managed to set the screen alive with Lou's clothing.  Now this had to be done just right or it would have ruined the character, completely!  I give the wardrobe top marks, right down to the bumble bee tights!  Lou's selection of shoes were amazing.  The only piece of clothing that I was disappointed with was - the red dress.  The dress in the movie was lovely, but not what I envisioned.  It suited the actor and fitted in well with the scene and personalities... just not what I pictured in my little mind.  I can't even describe the gorgeous dress I had Lou dressed in for her date. 

What do I think?  Book or movie?  Hard choice with this one.  Sorry, I have always found the book to be better, but this time I am torn.  I would still read the book first and read it with tissues.  Then find a comfortable spot to curl up with the movie.  I think this one is actually best watched at home with a good drink, chocolates and warm pair of slippers.  Oh, don't forget the tissues.

Happy reading or viewing, your choice


Friday 2 December 2016

Grandpa's shorts...


Grandpa's Cardigan and Grandpa's Shorts
Authors: Joy Watson and Wendy Hodder


Grandpa's Shorts...

They are comfy and cool,
saggy and baggy - and terribly old!
Grandpa thinks his long-lost shorts
will be just right for the beach..
But what will grandma say about them?


Grandpa's Cardigan

It is snuggly and soft, patchy and scruffy,
and just the perfect shade of grey.
But where are those missing buttons...
and what is that big hole?
It is time for a new cardigan, Grandpa!


Who out there doesn't know someone that these two books can relate to 👀 ?  I giggled all the way through 'Grandpa's Shorts' as I envisioned people and put them into characters in this book.  Grandma busy putting everything away with hope that Grandpa doesn't find his old shorts.  As for the shirt that he finds to accompany the old shorts.  This book has to be a classic!

So I couldn't resist it.  I had to buy 'Grandpa's Cardigan' as well.  This one made me laugh just as much.  Poor Grandpa goes shopping for a new cardigan while Grandma cheerfully mends his old one and sends it off the the op shop, ever so pleased to see the end of it.  After a long day shopping Grandpa takes a rest in the op shop and returns home with a new cardigan... I am sure you can guess what cardigan he returns home with. 

I love these books!!!  They are real stories.  You have to laugh while you read these, you just have to!

These were available from: Fishpond, Book depository and every bookshop in my area so keep a look out at your bookstore


Happy reading



Thursday 1 December 2016

women and cats


Hi Everyone,

I asked my daughter for a word to look up a quote for.  She came up with cat!  Upon searching this was her favourite.  I wonder why?  We sort out the cat for a photo and I think she has the same opinion as the quote.  She is such a lovable little critter.  They both are 😊

Then I got wondering who Robert A Heinlen was (the author of the quote).  He was a science fiction writer who became influential in his field of writing.  You can find out more about Robert A Heinlen (July 7, 1907 – May 8, 1988) on the wikipedia page designated to him.

Anyway my daughter, cat and this quote have made me smile tonight.  I hope you can smile at this too and just relax in acceptance of everyone (male, female or cat) in your life today.

Happy reading




Tuesday 29 November 2016

Love and Food at Gran's table

Love and Food at Gran's table
Author: Natalie Oldfield
ISBN: 978-0-473-30726-4


Recipes made with love and
tested by time from 60 grandmothers from
New Zealand and around the world


A dear friend gave me this book with the instructions to read the inspiring stories of the grandmothers, then try their recipes.  This book is beautiful!  Right down to the maker ribbon, the details are exquisite.  There are 60 grandmothers stories, along-side a couple of their favourite recipes.  These are tried and try, handed down, and loved recipes.

Today it is cold here, I have no idea what has happened to our beautiful spring/summer weather but it is blowing and cold out there.  So I turned on the oven and picked up this book.  I made boiled fruit cake and read the story of 'Henrietta "Topsy" Ireland.  The boiled fruit cake was simple to make and smells divine!  Then, I made Nanna's Butter Bikkies and read the story of 'Edith Tolman Domeney'.  These biscuits are practically flying out the door.  They remind me of my Nana, who should be in this book as she was a beautiful lady.

Both these recipes contained simple every day ingredients.  I love that in any cookbook.  The treasure in this book is the stories.  They make the recipes 'real'.   They bring to life family and cooking, as they make me remember my grand-parents and the special things that only Nana could make successfully. 

Above all this book is so beautifully presented!  Nothing has been missed in it's presentation; it should be on every ones kitchen counter top.

Mmmm!  I am going to get a coffee and some of the boiled fruit cake.


Description:

Inspired by her own beloved grandmothers and their collective belief that 'food made with love is the best kind of all' Natalie Oldfield has embarked on a very personal journey to collect the stories and culinary wisdom of over 60 grandmothers from New Zealand and around the world.

Grandmothers have their own very special brand of benevolence.  Their tables are magical places where lasting memories are created.  Regularly laden with beautiful home-cooked food, they are at once a place of gathering, a place of sharing and laughter, and a place where family, friends neighbours, and community come together.

"Love & Food at Grans Table" brings together over 120 tried and true recipes; simple, wholesome and delicious food created with love by grans who spend every day caring for others, and in doing so bless generations of people.

Because the love we learn from our grans is a special kind of love -
and food made with love really does taste better.


Happy reading


Sunday 27 November 2016

The Emblem Throne

The Emblem Throne
Author: Jeffrey L Kohanek
ISBN: 9781612967615



Hi Everyone

I would like to thank the publishers and Netgalley for enabling me to review this book.  I hadn't read the first book in The Runes of Issalia but I still managed to understand the start of this book quickly, which is book II in the series.  The first few chapters introduced me to the characters, and as they left the Academy I found myself being being transported into their lives and journey.  I had to keep turning the pages way past the time of which I should have been sleeping. 

For anyone wanting to read this book I would recommend that you start with book I and take the compete journey.  As I finished The Emblem Throne I found myself wanting to know how the series started.  This book finishes in a place where you need to pick up the next book (not yet published).  And, I will hang around now, patiently awaiting the third book of which I will definitely continue to follow the journey with these characters.

By part II, the plot had completely taken over my nightly routine; by the end of part III it had taken over my day.  There was more action as each part developed.  There were numerous climaxes that kept dragging me back into each characters lives.  As I got to the last ten pages, I realised I was not going to get to the end of the plot before the end of the book.  This is when I became disheartened as I was not ready to finish the journey I had been taken on.  I don't enjoy waiting for the next book in any series, but such is life. 

I recommend this book to lovers of YA genre.  If you haven't read book 1 of this series then do start with the first book; I wish I had.


Description:


This was available from: Fishpond, Amazon, and Book depository


Happy reading

Friday 25 November 2016

Booktuber of the month


Hi Everyone

The month of November is quickly coming to an end, so I have gone through my favourite booktubers to bring you my picking for November's booktuber of the month!!


Here we have her...

Felicity over at her booktubing channel



I choose Flick as my choice of booktuber this month because she almost 'bursts' with excitement when she shows her books.  I like the way she reads the back cover for us.  This has made me add quite a few books to my TBR list on Goodreads

In the above clip she shows the books she has read over October and the books she has received or purchased during October.  I am so jealous... I want all those books too!  She has ruined me, I want to read, pretty much, every one of those books now. 

Take a wonder over to her channel and check it out.  I am off to the book store! Okay, I will control the need... just for now. 

Who are your favourite booktubers?

Happy reading


Wednesday 23 November 2016

Harry the happy mouse


Harry the Happy Mouse
Author: N. G. K
Illustrated by: Janelle Dimmett





Hi Everyone

This was free this morning at Amazon (in kindle format).  I had to have it because title and cover just looked so cute.  I then read it on my kindle phone app so I could have the pictures in colour. 

It is fantastic!   

The most adorable book about kindness and how it spreads. 

I have to have it in paperback!


The words enticed me as they twisted around my tongue so I made my teenagers listen to a cute read aloud.  They are never to old 😉 well at least they humoured me. 

On the crest of a wave, and the wisp of the wind,
Harry the Happy Mouse was thinking good things.

And that's just the first page.  It kind of has a happy childhood memory entwined in the background for me.  There must have been a book I had read to me that sounded like this, as really it made me smile with a reminiscent smile.

So here you go I have done the homework for you and you can get a copy from Amazon, Fishpond and Book depository  or if you are quick enough you still get the free kindle copy today by clicking the Amazon link above.  I enjoyed it on Kindle, it was well formatted, but the book version will be coming to my bookshelf as I think it deserves a place there.


Happy reading




Sunday 20 November 2016

One of the Few

One of the Few
Author: Jason B. Lad
ISBN: 978-0-9965384-0-4


Hi Everyone

I was sent a message asking if I would like to read this book and the description sounded interesting so I took up the offer.  I am pleased I did.  Above all I am pleased I kept reading because when I first picked it up, I wasn't really in the right state of mind for reading such a book.  I put it down for a few days and when I commenced, I really enjoyed it.

I became linked to the fighter pilot, and the man.  They are one in the same but as I read this I felt I connected with two different people.  There was the standard marine man talking in one instance, then it is the christian man talking.  This is kind of hard to explain.  As I write I hear myself saying "What are you on about?"

This is a story of a marine fighter in a marine world, but also man who loves a christian girl.  There are more barriers from family than he often endures in the writings of his marine experience.  As he marries this girl and looks for worldview, answers to his questions he changes his perspective.  I like the way he writes of this.  Each connection is linked within the midst of his fighter pilot world.  I would envision it to be a great read for men as the dialogue is  definitely taken from the mans view point and transferred to the explaining of his findings in his search for answers.

If you pick up this book and like me put it down, then do go back to it.  It is well written and I do believe worthy of reading.  I think we should look to find answer,s as this author has.  I think listening to others can show perspectives that we would not always look to.  This book shows just that.  One mans questions, and the answers he found along the way.


Description: 

A Marine fighter pilot embarks on the greatest mission of all: the pursuit of truth.

Jason B. Ladd realizes that while he’s ready to defend his country, he is unprepared for his most important decisions as a husband and father.

In One of the Few, Ladd pulls from his extensive military training to offer a compelling defense of the Christian faith as he warns seekers to avoid spiritual apathy and offers effective Christian tactics for withstanding spiritual attacks.

Filled with deeply personal stories, this compelling book comes directly from the spirit of a man with the soul of a marine, the mind of a fighter, the heart of a father, and a commitment to Christ.


http://www.jasonbladd.com/


Happy reading

Friday 18 November 2016

Before the flood



Hi Everyone

It is a beautiful day here.  Yesterday I spent time in garden, moving plants and thinking of how to make my section beautiful.  The cat followed me, stalking the young birds.  There was little wind in comparison to the last couple of years, so being outside was such a pleasure.  Then came the evening and the rain pattered on my roof as I smiled thinking of the plants I had just moved.

This morning I awoke early and sat in bed watching the above clip which my sister had recommened, with her heart yearing that we all watched it.  Well being a fan of Leonardo DiCaprio since he first featured on 'Titanic', I clicked the link and what I viewed in this documentary by National Geographic, left me with wide eyes.

I listen to the media, talking about the little effects global temperature, and live in a bubble.  I have to admit I have thought little of it.  I live in country that is doing something about helping the world in this area, so thought we were doing fine.  As I watched this, I was more blown away by the mass production of products of which I use everyday without thinking, without knowing where they come from.  I do much of this because I am told they are good for my health.  My health!  My goodness!  My health may just be killing my future great-grand children, as my children and future grandchildren continue in the path I take. 

It is not because I am ignorant.  It is because I live in a beautiful country.  I have only to drive 30 minutes and I am at the beach or go the other way and I am in the midst of a beautiful bush.  Turn around and I can view a river of which you can catch and eat the fish.  Drive 2 hours from my home and you are in the middle of a conservation treasure and a lake side town.  Go the otherway and you can view the glaciers.  And as or snow capped mountains, they are the norm here. This is my beautiful country of which I have obviously taken for granted.  I watched this and saw where my oil comes from.  Where my products come from.  The people who live there.  The amount of people who live there!  The mass factories!  Burnt forrestry much of which is for production of the things lining the shelves of our stores here.  My goodness!  To me this shocked me more than global warming. 

This film, by National Geographic and placed on many channels on Youtube, is extremely well presented.  It is well documented with statalite footage that is fantastic.  I have never seen the whole world's weather on screen before, only my country's as I watch the weather report.  Put into a world view and it is quite amazing.  The views from space, makes me want to see it from space.  I am very impressed by this film.  I will be getting it on DVD if I can get my hands on it.  And my kids will be watching it. 

I will plant another tree today, just as a reminder of the beautiful world we have, and really should be keeping as such. 







Thursday 17 November 2016

Worthy of repeating



Hi Everyone,

I just have to share this quote!  I found it over at brainyquote.com and you can click the above link to venture over there.  With the weekend fast approaching and a day in garden, I sat down to post something for you and went... brain malfunction. 

I was in need of coffee and chocolate...

The sun has given me a sense of sunstroke...

Or, maybe it is just the end of the week!

What ever the problem I was lost for words.  For all you who know me personally, you will all know I am not often lost for words.  So instead of writing I started surfing the internet.  You know the feeling, that sidetracked feeling that gives you so much more pleasure. 

What I came across was the above little owl who just made me smile.  So as your week ends and you look forward to the weekend I hope you all manage to find something that makes you smile.

Happy reading



Tuesday 15 November 2016

I wish I'd looked after me teeth


I was thinking of my favourite poems to share with you today and I couldn't get past Pam Ayres 'I wish I'd looked after me teeth'.  This makes me smile every single time I hear it.  The first time I ever gave a giggle at this one was while I was at primary school.  I remember very clearly my teacher reading it to me.  I must have been to the dentist around the time, as I know it hit something sentimental in me. 

I still wish I had looked after my teeth!  We didn't have many lollies but I also didn't do much cleaning of my poor little teeth.  I found this out every time I went to the dentist!  I loved the dentist and the little bumble bee they kindly gave to me at the end, it was almost worth the pain just to get the little bumble which hung nicely from a piece of dental floss.  Now I don't get offered a bumble bee, I only get handed the bill!  Funny how things change when your an adult.

Well here we have the poem that made me laugh and visualise a lady in the dentist seat.  I could hear her speaking every word as my teacher read it to me.  Today, it is still one of my favourites and she is still one of my favourite poets. 




Did you smile?

Happy reading


Thursday 10 November 2016

The here and now

The Here and Now
Author: Ann Brashares
Read by Emily Rankin


Hi Everyone

Listening to The Here and Now, narrated by Emily Rankin's voice is what enticed me into the plot of this novel.  That isn't to say the plot wasn't enough on its own, as it definitely was, I'm just commenting that the narration was the most influential factor of this audio book.  I highly recommend listening to this one.

Now, to the characters.  I loved Prenna and Ethan.  I thought Ethan came across as a little pushy for Prenna to give more of herself to him, but as a person he was a lovely young man.  I loved the innocence of Prenna and the importance of keeping the rules, even though in this case not all the rules were based on truth.  Ethan had a loyalty, especially to Prenna which made their relationship soar.  As for the rest of the characters, they were a bunch of self-centred, self-fulfilling *..........* (you decide the words to put in here).  But, there does need to be characters like this in a book, come on, we all know they make you want to turn the pages.

To the plot... I thought the ideas in this book were brilliant.  They connected and flowed into a storyline that sparked my interest.  The concept of the virus and the reasoning of the virus was realistic; as for time travel... well, but I enjoyed the vision of it all.  One thing that I did connect well with was Prenna's letters to the future, within which she writes of our obsession with technology.  She makes so many good points that I hear and see, echoed every day.  I had to smile as I heard her letters spoken like an adult was having a coffee right beside me.

Overall I really enjoyed everything about this audio book.  I think I would have enjoyed reading the book as much as liked listening to it read aloud to me as I went about the daily demands of life.  I give credit to the reader of this audio version though, as she did bring the story alive through her reading.


Description:

Follow the rules. Remember what happened. Never fall in love.

This is the story of seventeen-year-old Prenna James, who immigrated to New York when she was twelve. Except Prenna didn’t come from a different country. She came from a different time – a future where a mosquito-borne illness has mutated into a pandemic, killing millions and leaving the world in ruins.

Prenna and the others who escaped to the present day must follow a strict set of rules: never reveal where they’re from, never interfere with history, and never, ever be intimate with anyone outside their community. Prenna does as she’s told, believing she can help prevent the plague that will one day ravage the earth.

But everything changes when Prenna falls for Ethan Jarves.
'A lightning-paced sci-fi time-travel romp that, much like a cinematic blockbuster, offers intrigue [and] romance ... Brashares’ worldbuilding is solid, and she handles the time-travel elements with a fluid, cinematic ease.'  —  Kirkus Reviews


This was available from: Amazon (Audio, kindle and paperback and  Book depository (paper back).


Happy reading as we drift into the weekend,


Monday 7 November 2016

Dont Quit


Hi Everyone,

The authorship of this poem seems to be a little controversial and lost over time.  I have done a search as to the the author and come up with several names, the most common being -  Edgar A. Guest (1881-1959). 

Who ever wrote it, I hope they got the due credit.  I had this little verse on a pretty little scroll, when I was a teenager.  I loved it and treasured the words.  I gave it away to a person who had cancer and they held on to it, treasuring the words as a gift. 

Today I thought I would find a poem for you all and I remembered this one.  I remember the gift it was to me through the teenage trials and the gift it became to the person I handed it onto.  I give this poem to each one of you that needs a little lift; especially to all who need to be reminded that you must not quit!


Happy reading

Friday 4 November 2016

Mistress

Mistress
Author: James Patterson & David Ellis
ISBN: 978-0-099-57419-4


Hi Everyone,

It's been a busy week here, the sun is streaming through our window as spring blossoms, and I managed to sneak in some extra reading time.  A good week all in all one would say.

Mistress, by James Patterson and David Ellis, has sat on my shelf for far too long, so I took down the poor little book and gave it some attention.  I have to say enjoyed it but not to the extent I thought I should have.  I worked in a bookstore some years back now, and James Patterson was always on the 'Top 10' list.  Hence, when I bunkered down to devour this novel, I had high expectations.  It started out a little bizare as woman falls to her death while her boyfriend watches from the street.  He then makes run for it!  Why?  That was the start of my questioning in this novel.  It took a while for the action to arise and when it did I was impressed.  I became quite excited and thought "Right this is why people like James Patterson novels."  The action didn't last as long as I would have liked.  But I waited for more.  I'm still waiting.

The spiraling plot did keep me captivated, and I read to end to find the mystery behind the ever growing events.  I thought there were just a few too many characters to keep up with.  There was also a lot of word play, as the authors added television program linkage into the storyline.  I did expect that these would come into some of the mystery or plot, but they didn't.  Then again they did add to some of the joy of reading as I was reminded of movies watched in the past. 

So, did I enjoy this read you may ask?  Yes, over all I did enjoy it.  I wouldn't read it again, so it will be a 'hand me along book', but I am please I have experienced a James Patterson novel.  I have since read other reviews for this novel and it would seem it is not one of his 'best' writings.  Some have questioned why Patterson joined with another author for this book.  I am keen now to read one more of James Patterson's novels so I can compare and make my own opinion on this piece of writing, in comparison to his previous books.  Keep an eye out on my future reviews and I will sneak in another book by this author and let you know the outcome of my investigation.  There has to be a reason behind why this author was always on the 'Top 10' shelves in my past days of working in a bookstore.


Description:

As Ben Casper watches his best friend plummet from her sixth-floor apartment balcony, he realises his life is about to change.  Diana had no reason to kill herself, she had to have been pushed.

Diana worked for the CIA, so the investigation into her death is kept tighly under wraps.  But ben is a politcal journalist, and can feel that something isn't right.

Ben strts investgating for himself and soon discovers Diana was leading a double life he knew nothing about.  But when more people involved die in questionable circumstances, it's clear that someone doesn't want the truth to be uncovered. 

And unless Ben drops his investigation, he could be next...


This was available from: Amazon, Fishpond and Book depository


Happy reading



Thursday 3 November 2016

Storm catchers

Storm Catchers
Author: Tim Bowler
Read by: Mark Medows
ISBN: 9781471327452




Storm Catchers reminded me of the classical books, Famous Five, but the ending blew me away.  I listened to this contently, while I cooked meals and cleaned up after the family, quickly becoming enticed by the words playing in my ears.  It had it's share of suspense, just enough for any young teen to connect with.  I connected well with the characters.  The plot flowed perfectly, which I would think my young reader would follow and comprehend with ease.  I really enjoyed this book the whole way though, as it lacked all the 'dribble'.

What amazed me most about Storm Catchers was the ending.  I was surprised that the happy-ish ending was connected to family deceit and betrail.  I am sure any young adult or teen will connect with the ending as there are so many families that have their share of issues.  What I did wonder, is if there is a need for this kind of stucture in a book or if it is better that an individual, especially teens (excluding young adult), be able to escape some of the issues adults place on the youngs ones.  And, do all children/teens need to have such behavior normalised? Or, is reality a neccesity as they emerge into the adult world?

What do you think? 

Other than these little thoughts rolling around in my head, I really enjoyed this book.  I listened to it on audio, and recommend the audio version.  I have discovered the world of audio books and love it just as much as sitting down with a good book in had.



Description:

"Tell a soul and she's dead. We'll be in touch." The kidnap shocks the whole family. Ella has been snatched away from the house in the middle of a storm. Her brother Fin will never forgive himself for leaving her on her own. And now Sam, their little brother, has gone wandering on the cliff to "catch the storm" as it blows out to sea. As the kidnapper's plans unfold, all the members of the family are forced to confront their deepest, darkest secrets. Fin comes to realize that Ella is not the only victim and that the real villain may be closer to home than anyone thought. A new storm is breaking on the horizon. And it's going to change everything....


Happy reading

Sunday 30 October 2016

Booktuber of the month




Hi everyone,

It is the end of October and I bring to you my lastest find for youtuber of the month.  He seems to be very up beat, which I always like in a person.  He also posts very regularly, one thing I find important when I want to look in on what a tuber has been reading. 

Check out his dog.  The most adorable siberian husky.  I may just watch to see his dog!

Connor O'Brien has a good range of reviews and also incorporates variety with wind-ups, bookcase tours and the all famous unboxing.  There aren't a heap of male booktubers out there in comparison to the girls, but here we go.... Connnor he has made my choice of booktuber for the month of October.  Click the link above or watch the clip I have attached today then take a look over at the rest of his reviews.

As for booktuber nominations, if you have a favourite that you think I should check out then comment below and send me their link.  I will take a look.

Happy reading