Witchnapped In Westerham – Dionne Lister

First book of the year has been completed! I actually finished this book on the third, which I was pretty happy about. The past few years, I’ve found reading really hard, it’s been a slow process to get back to enjoying reading. I’m happy to be enjoying reading again!

Witchnapped in Westerham centres around Lily, an Australian photographer. An unusual English woman turns up at Lily’s door and explains that her brother, James, has been kidnapped and that they need Lily’s help to find the kidnapper. Why do they need Lily’s help? Because Lily is a witch, and her powers started yesterday on her birthday. Next thing Lily knows, she’s being whisked off to England to help the Paranormal Investigations Bureau helped find her brother.

I originally purchased this book because it was free on Kindle from Amazon. I didn’t know much about the plot when I started the book, but as soon as I started reading Witchnapped in Westerham, I was hooked. This book is such an easy book to get into, the plot has you hooked from the moment you start it as it throws you straight into the midst of the intrigue, as you find out Lily’s brother has been kidnapped and Lily is needed to help investigate as she is a witch!

The plot develops really quickly and Lily’s character is really interesting which holds the reader in the story. Suddenly, your on a plane to England with Lily as she’s plunged into this new world that she didn’t even know existed until a few hours earlier. The writing is very easy to read, the plot will keep you hooked and the characters are developed enough to keep you reading to see what is going to happen.

I have already purchased the next book in the series. Witchnapped in Westerham left me wanting to know more about Lily’s adventures as she learns more about her powers and the trials and tribulations that go alongside.

Welcome to 2021

Well, it’s certainly been a while since I last posted anything on here! I’m hoping to revise my blog this year and start posting more regularly, although the content might be a bit different.

In Scotland, we’ve gone back into another lockdown so I’m going to be spending a lot more time reading and walking and I was thinking that I would take you guys along with me! You can experience the Scottish Borders along with me and we can spend the next stage of lockdown together, be it baking, reading, walking or anything else. Come and join me, hopefully getting back to some normality across 2021!

My Lockdown Saviours

Hello,

I thought I would share with you guys what is keeping me going during lockdown in the UK. We started off with a three week lockdown in response to the Covid-19 outbreak and it has been extended for another three weeks at least. I am considered a key worker as I am a pharmacy technician so I am still working full time. However, I do have a lot more ‘free time’ on my hands as I am limited to what activities I can do and where I can spend my time. Here is what has been keeping me entertained during this period of lockdown:

Knitting – I am normally a seasonal knitter and not a very productive one. I have projects on the go but they barely get pulled out of the bag. Even when I do feel the urge to knit, I usually only do a little at a time. However, I’ve refound my love of knitting recently despite the warm weather. I’ve bought wool to make a couple of my friends’ little girls jumpers for their birthday and I’ve even been taking the knitting with me to work to do on my break (and as an incentive to actually take my full break allowance). I started doing the Arne and Carlos knit along to use up some of my spare wool and which I think I am going to make into a blanket once complete.  I’ve got sock wool calling my name that’s been sat in my cupboard for a good couple of years as well but I don’t want too many projects on the go at once.

Reading – I am a huge book lover, but I do struggle to fit reading into my everyday life normally. I think during lockdown so far, I’ve read more books than I did last year, which is terrible. As a way to destress and switch off after work, I’ve been making a conscious effort to go to bed earlier to read before falling asleep – although this doesn’t always work because some nights I’m asleep after only half a page or so! I’ve also been listening to audiobooks on my daily walks with the dog as a way to fit more books into my days as well.

Walking – I have always been an active person, I am normally seen cycling around on my road bike every other day. However, in the UK we are only allowed out for exercise once per day so my exercise hour has to be spent enjoying walking my dog. I love walking and I am using my time out with the dog to switch off from all the news and stress and to be present in the moment. I don’t use my phone (except to listen to audiobooks) and I appreciate every minute of my time outside.

Cooking – After all the panic buying in the UK and across the rest of the world (which I personally did not partake in), there has been a shortage of quite a few essential products. To combat this, what we’ve been doing in our household is shelf cooking – using only what we have in already and making it work. We’ve both been putting a lot of effort in when it comes to dinners as we’ve got to be more imaginative and to make meals cheaper, we’ve been cooking from scratch. We’ve made homemade pizzas including the dough, gnocchi from scratch, I’ve experienced Hasselback potatoes for the first time and I’m in the middle of making Schnitzels as I type this.

What has been keeping you going during the lockdown period? Would you like more lockdown content or would you prefer normal content?

Keep safe!

 

Mind Blowing Books

One of my favourite type of books are the ones that you walk away from with your mind blown because of the plot or the ending and I thought I would share them with you today. Feel free to leave a comment saying what books blew your mind and if you’ve read the ones on my list.

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1. Scythe – Neal Shusterman – Boy oh boy did this book keep me hooked and through twists and turns in as it went on. Whenever I thought I had it sussed, there was a curve ball thrown straight at my face and the second instalment is the exact same (or maybe even better). Scythe centres around two apprentice Scythes as they learn the trade of killing in a society where people can no longer die. Scythes are meant to be good and unbiased people who put a lot of thought and effort into who should be next to die as they fill their quotas for the year, but it turns out there are bad Scythes too who enjoy killing their quotas and who do it in violent ways. Honestly this series is awesome and I cannot wait for the next book to arrive in September.
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J Maas – we all know how much I love Sarah J Maas, I could not speak highly enough of Throne of Glass and then she wrote this book and the whole series and honestly, it is so much better. I was hooked from the first chapter of book one and the pages kept on turning. I was mind blown towards the end and even now years later, I still cannot get over the first book. AMAZING! Read it if you haven’t already.
3. The Storyteller – Jodi Picoult – Jodi Picoult is an author who’s endings you never see coming and The Storyteller is the best of all. I was gobsmacked in the best possible way. Even after rereads, this book still blows my mind. I am not even going to tell you the plot outline. Just read it and let your mind be blown alongside mine.
4. Behind Closed Doors – B.A Paris – This book from start to finish is superb. The ending blew my mind but there were moments throughout that were the exact same. I read it begrudgingly after my mum and sister kept telling me to read it and I am glad to this day that they did. I need to reread this book again soon – and I’m not going to tell you the plot of this book, go into it without knowing anything about the plot because it is so much better.
   

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Book Unhaul – August 2018

Hello all,

Once again it’s been too long since I’ve updated you all on anything. So welcome back! Thought I would treat you all to a book unhaul because it’s been a minute since I’ve done one. As you all know, we moved house just over three months ago and when I was redoing my bookshelves, I took the opportunity to purge my shelves and get rid of books that I know I won’t ever read again. This round of books is mostly YA books, so I’ll be donating them to my local library for them to use as they’re in good condition.

1. Lord of the Rings – J.R.R Tolkien – I’ve had this book on my TBR list for years, and I’ve never ever once had the urge to pick it up. I’m holding on to it for no reason. I’ve read The Hobbit and I didn’t particularly enjoy it and I can’t bear the thought of reading the Lord of the Rings books because I’m not a huge fan of the films either. It’s going.
2. Allegiant – Veronica Roth – I hated these books. I gave them to my sister who also didn’t enjoy them and she gave them back to me. I’ve already donated the other two in the series but I couldn’t find this one at the time so it’s going now that I’ve found it again.
3. I am Number Four – Pittacus Lore – I read this book ages ago and I remember it being alright but not loving it. I’ve kept it on my shelves all these years because I am a book hoarder. I hate getting rid of books but since buying the new house, I can’t stand clutter and I want everything to look tidy and clean. So out it goes cause I have no interest in ever re-reading. Plus is there not a whole lot of controversy surrounding this book.
4. Does My Head Look Big in This – Randa Abdel-Fattah – I loved this book as a young teen. I found it fascinating because it taught me about Islamic culture and I hadn’t read anything like it before. I would happily keep this book but I am choosing to give it to the library because I would like other young teens to read it and learn about Islam. It’s particularly important in today’s Islamophobic society. Hoping that for the children of the Scottish Borders will benefit from this amazing YA read.
5. To Be or Not To Be – Liz Evers – Not going to  lie here, I solely bought this book because it has a gorgeous cover and spine but I don’t actually have any interest in the book itself. I’ll even admit to the fact that I’ve only read one Shakespeare play and that was enough for me.
6. Pride Over Pity – Kailyn Lowry – I purchased this book when I was in my full swing love of Teen Mom and Teen Mom 2 in my mid teens. It’s actually an alright book but I no longer love Teen Mom or Kailyn Lowry so I shall donate it with the hopes that maybe there are a few Teen Mom lovers in my home town

That’s my little book unhaul for the month. I will probably be getting rid of more books in the upcoming months, I just need to wait for the days when I am feeling ruthless as that’s when I feel less sentimental about my books.

1. RLoLLLorL0#6ywrixsd2. I IIIIIIIII

December & January Book Haul

Okay guys, I don’t know if anyone noticed but until December, I was in a really bad reading slump. I was still reading, don’t get me wrong but it felt like a chore, I had to make myself read before bed or I wouldn’t have read anything. I barely bought any books last year at all, I don’t know what was wrong with me. However, December hit and the reading slump vanished, I was excited to read again, I saw so many books that I wanted to buy and I felt inspired and refreshed. Ready to read so many new books and dabble into some new genre territory. Because of this new passion for reading, I ended up buying a lot of books, which is unusual for me anyway because we’re saving for a house so my money is a bit tight at the moment and every spare penny is getting funnelled into my Save To Buy ISA. Without further ado, here is my very first ever book haul on the blog (I think).

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August – Claire North = I’ve wanted to read this since Regan (Peruse Project) reviewed it on her YouTube Channel. I didn’t want it that much to justify buying it full price, however I found it recently for £2 in my local British Heart Foundation and picked it up. Who doesn’t love a pre-loved book bargain? I am hoping to get around to this book so, but we all know that I suck at sticking to any form of TBR pile.

Tower Of Dawn – Sarah J Maas = Of course I would pick this up almost as soon as it came out. I went to my local independent book store, Main Street Trading Company to order the book in between Christmas and New Year. The staff were so friendly and it felt so good to be supporting my local book shop! I’ve already read this book and loved it, I might even right a book review of it soon, I’m not 100% sure.

And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie = I watched the tv adaptation with my sister last year (or the year before?) and I loved it. When I got a book voucher for my birthday I knew I had to pick this up and I went to Waterstones and got it. I am really looking forward to reading it, it’ll be my first Agatha Christie novel and I’m sure that it won’t be my last one.

Nevernight – Jay Kristoff = This is a book I’ve been meaning to pick up after hearing Catriona (LittleBookOwl) raving about it, multiple times on her YouTube channel. I’ve honestly got very little idea what the book is about, however, I do have very high expectations about it. It was a bargain on Amazon when I got it, £1.99 for the kindle book!

The Raven Boys- Maggie Stievwater = This was my January Audible credit, after hearing so many things about this series again recently. I’ve not listened to it yet, but I think it might be the next book to accompany me on my commutes to and from work.

The Republic of Thieves – Scott Lynch = My December Audible credit, as I have been working my way through the series, I thought I’d use my monthly credit to purchase the next instalment and see what Locke and Jean are getting up to.

Assassin’s Apprentice – Robin Hobb = So many people have recommended this book series to me and I finally decided to see what all the hype is about the books. I’ve no idea what the premise of the book is, so I shall be going in blind but sometimes I think that that is the best way to read fantasy novels anyway.

Strange the Dreamer – Laini Taylor = This is another book that I’ve heard LittleBookOwl going on about on her YouTube channels recently and it’s got such hype surrounding it on BookTube. I am definitely, definitely getting round to reading this as soon as I have finished my current read.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone – Laini Taylor = this is another book that I am super late to pick up after the hype surrounding these books years ago. I’ve heard so many good things about it, I just couldn’t justify buying them when I was a student. However, I saw this first instalment in Waterstones and I was transported back to watching everyone rave about the series on youtube and had to get it.

Have you read any of the books included in this haul? Any books you would recommend to pick up soon, included in this haul or not?

 

Ten Books I want to read in 2018

Guys, I am using this year as the excuse that I need to cut my TBR pile down to a minimum. It’s getting out of hand and it’s ridiculous the amount of books I’ve accumulated across the years. I want to read as many of my books on my TBR list and also buy a very limited amount of books. I reckon that I will try to read three books for every book that I buy this year and hopefully that will be me well on my way to reducing my GINORMOUS TBR pile. Also, watch this space for many book unhauls this year, because I am planning on getting rid of books as I read them if I am not planning of ever picking them up again. I will be doing a few posts on the books that I am getting rid of, and I’ve already got a couple of books saved away for these posts and then they’ll be off to the charity shop to be loved and read by someone else. However, without further ado, here are the books that I most want to read and get off my TBR list!

The Final Empire – Brandon Sanderson:It’s embarrassing how long I’ve had this book on my tbr list and I’ve picked it up a few times, started it, read a couple of chapters and then put it down for a new release. Every time without fail. NOT THIS YEAR!

If You’re Lucky – Yvonne Prinz: I was given this book for review from Netgalley in 2015 and I’ve still never gotten around to reading it, let alone reviewing it! How bad is that? Sorry Netgalley!

Anne of Green Gables – L.M Montgomery: I’ve no idea why on earth I have never read this book, I have it’s sequel too but I’ve never read it. It’s my auntie’s favourite book and she always asks me if I’ve read it yet but it’s never happened yet.

Made In America – Bill Bryson: I seem to read one Bill Bryson book per year for some reason, so seeing as I’ve owned this book for 5 years, I should probably make this one my next read and finally knock it off the TBR list.

Chinese Cinderella – Adeline Yen Mah: One of my most trusted and bookish friends recommended that I read this book whilst we were at Uni and seeing as I graduated almost three years ago, I should probably get round to reading this sooner rather than later.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson – John Green: I’m not a huge John Green fan, so I’ve been putting off reading this book for quite a long time. I should stop putting it off and just read it. I’ve probably made the situation worse in my head, but I just don’t like his writing….maybe I should just unhaul without reading?

Room – Emma Donoghue: Does a reread count? I’ve not reread this book since I got Goodreads back in 2012, so it’s been sitting unread on my to-read shelf for a long time and I want to finally get around to picking it up again. Fingers crossed it’s as good as I remember!

Before I Go To Sleep –  S.J Watson: Again, I’ve picked this book up numerous times and something newer always comes along and I lose interest. 2018 is the year to fix this!

Code Name Verity – Elizabeth Wein: We all know how much I love WW2 historical fiction so why is this still on my TBR pile? Even I can’t answer this question. I think this might be my next read.

Mischling – Affinity Konar: I purchased this book entire off of Goodreads recommendations and I’ve barely even thought about it since I’ve picked it up. I think it’s because it’s a kindle book and I always look at my physical shelves when picking my next book. Too many books to chose from, so little time to read at the moment.

What are the books you’re aiming to read this year? Have you got a TBR pile as big as mine?

 

 

Lucy’s Book Club for the Lost and Found – Emma Davies

*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I’m honestly not sure what I think of this book, I’ve been thinking about what to say about this book for a couple of days and I’m still not sure what I would rate it. A 3.5 stars?

Overall, I enjoyed this book, I just found it lacking in something I can’t quite put my finger on. I found it easy to read but not a book that I was eager to read when I put it down. It just lacked a bit of oomph and attraction that just wasn’t there for me. It wasn’t as feel-good and enjoyable as I think the storyline could have been.

The one thing that I can put my finger on that put me off this book was the relationship between Jasper and Lia. He was such an arrogant person as soon as he walked into the story and his character just bugged me the whole time. There is one bit about the relationship that particularly bugged me *spoiler* and that’s when she’s scared he’s going to get mad for wanting to be alone after her mother’s death. She was expecting him to “rage” when she asked him to leave and that’s not a healthy relationship!

Also, Hattie just gives Jasper Lia’s address after Lia has already said she didn’t like his attitude when the first met. Like really? I’d be so annoyed if one of my friends gave out my address to an almost stranger after he’d been rude on the first meeting.

I didn’t hate the book, I think I was expecting more from the book that I should have. I haven’t read an Emma Davies book before and I can’t say that after reading this one that I’ll pick up another one of her books anytime soon.

Top Five Books I Read in 2017

Instead of doing my usual yearly wrap up, I thought I would share with you the top five books that I read this year. How is 2017 almost over? I’ve still got one book to read before I’ve completed my Goodreads challenge but I’m sure I can get another book in the bag before the year is out.

Talking As Fast As I Can – Lauren Graham

I blooming loved this book so much I cannot explain. I loved the Gilmore Girls growing up and I still watch them from time to time now. Of course when I heard about her bringing out a book telling about her time recording the Gilmore Girls and the revival, I had to get it on Audiobook. Highly, highly recommend this book, especially as an audiobook!

Perfect – Cecelia Ahern

I was so excited when I heard that the second instalment in the Flawed Series was coming out. I jumped at the chance to get this book on Netgalley and I was so glad that I did. It’s such a great concept, and I think it’s so appropriate in the current political climate. Definitely recommend picking up the series!

A Court of Wings and Ruin – Sarah J Maas

Where do I even start with this series? GO AND READ IT FOR YOURSELF! I cannot rate this series highly enough and there is nothing that I can say that will make this series any more interesting to you than if you were to read the blurb! Go! Go! Enjoy!

Salt to the Sea -Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys is one of the best young adult authors I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Salt to the Sea is one of the most tragic and under-rated young adult historical fiction books I’ve read and I didn’t even realise that it was based on a true story. I spent so much time reading about the unknown (to me) events of WW2 after this book and I was shocked to discover how little I knew. This book was an eye opener and it is a book that will haunt me for a long time to come.

A History of Britain in 21 Women – Jenni Murray

I learned so much in this book that I couldn’t not include it. It taught me so much that I had absolutely no clue about and it taught me how bad-ass British women were/are. If you want to read about how awesome us women are as intellectuals and human beings, check this book out. You might discover a few things along the way that make you realise how ignorant to history you truly are, or then again, that might just be me!

What books have you loved this year? Let me know so I can branch out with my reading in 2018!

Weekend Wanders – Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh’s Christmas

Hello and welcome to a wintery edition of weekend wanders!

This time was a little bit impromptu as what I had wanted to do was to spend the day wandering around the Edinburgh botanic gardens, however, by the time we actually ended up in Edinburgh it was getting dark. So, instead we decided to head up Arthur’s seat as the sun was setting and it was breath taking. I’ve never seen views like it, that is I’ve been up Arthur’s seat before (it’s a great place to go for Bonfire night and New Year because you get great views of all the fireworks in and around Edinburgh) but there is something so magical about seeing the sunsetting over the city.

Sunset from Arthur’s Seat

 

The only downside to seeing the beautiful sunset was that it was blooming freezing at the top of Arthur’s seat, even with a big woolly jumper, a thick winter coat, hat, scarf and gloves! I was so freaking cold. And then we had to hike back down Arthur’s Seat in the pitch black, which was not exactly my idea of fun!

We then headed along to the Christmas markets for a wander around all the cute and Christmassy stalls and food. I love the Christmas markets in Edinburgh, they really do get you in the Christmas spirit, but the stalls are always very samey so we don’t normally buy anything. Except food, because you cannot go to the Christmas markets in Edinburgh and not got a waffle or some churros!

As we were heading back to the car, we spotted the castle all lit up blue for St Andrew’s Day! It looked awesome!

Edinburgh Castle – St Andrew’s Day