Here it is guys, the first book that I genuinely can't finish (sorry Dad!!). I tried 3 times to start this book, and got up to Chapter 10 on my last attempt, but I just can't get into it!
I'm not sure if it's because of the narration, though I did try and read it as well, but other than messages and weird dreams, nothing is happening! I know from my dad that some more interesting stuff happens, but I just can't get to that point!
Maybe it's because I've had a good run of great books, I'm not sure!
Anyway, thought I'd best be honest and let people know!
Stay safe everyone!
Steph 💚
Sunday, 31 May 2020
Friday, 29 May 2020
Review #21: Where The Forest Meets The Stars by Glendy Vanderah
Writing Style: 9.5/10
Storyline: 10/10
Ease of Reading: 9.5/10
I have no idea how I even started reading this book and why, and my first impressions were that I was a little reserved. It started talking about aliens in the first chapter and I was just forever thinking "where is this book going". But I carried on.
AND I"M SO PLEASED!!!
This beautiful, thoughtful, emotional book, had me crying (I seem to be doing that a lot these days) and hoping for the best all the way through, and I was so invested in Jo and Ursa.
I can't really go into it without spoiling it, but all I will say is THE THEMES!! This book had everything. Love, lust, death, fear, aliens, beauty. Everything anyone could ever want in a book, Where the Forest Meets the Stars has it!!! Anyone aged probably 12 (there's a couple of mild cursing) up to 100 would love this book, and to be honest, I think because of all the themes, whatever genre you normally read, this would probably suit.
Please go and read this book. It's just so good (and is free on kindle unlimited)!!!
Stay safe all,
Steph 💚
Thursday, 28 May 2020
Review #20: The Little Princess by Casey Watson
Recently, I've started to read more stories told by foster carers. This review is of one of those, and so if you are triggered by these sorts of books or their themes, please do not read any further.
----------------------------
I am in awe of foster carers and all they do for children, especially when the children are often abused physically and/or mentally. The most known stories are written by Cathy Glass, and I have read all of her books, however this short story by Casey Watson caught my eye.
It is a short story, one which was quick and easy to read, which reflected the time that the child was with the foster carer. Saying that, it took nothing away about the importance of this story being told. In the book, Casey often refers to not being able to un-know the horror, and as a reader, I absolutely wish I could un-know the vague details from this book.
All in all, a very poignant book, one which took around 4 hours to read and one that was eloquently written. I really recommend this book, but if you are an emotional reader, please be careful.
Take care everyone,
Steph 💚
----------------------------
I am in awe of foster carers and all they do for children, especially when the children are often abused physically and/or mentally. The most known stories are written by Cathy Glass, and I have read all of her books, however this short story by Casey Watson caught my eye.
It is a short story, one which was quick and easy to read, which reflected the time that the child was with the foster carer. Saying that, it took nothing away about the importance of this story being told. In the book, Casey often refers to not being able to un-know the horror, and as a reader, I absolutely wish I could un-know the vague details from this book.
All in all, a very poignant book, one which took around 4 hours to read and one that was eloquently written. I really recommend this book, but if you are an emotional reader, please be careful.
Take care everyone,
Steph 💚
Wednesday, 27 May 2020
Overview of Books Read This Week
I've read a few books this week and I thought I'd do a collective post. The first book was Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, then Loveish by Sakshi Narula and then The Saddest Girl in The World by Cathy Glass.
Where The Crawdads Sing
Where The Crawdads Sing is May's book for a Book Club I've been part of for a few months, and one which I promised I wouldn't do a full review. However, it is a book that absolutely deserves a mention. It is in my top 5 books i've ever read, and I genuinely cried the whole way through. The whole storyline had me gripped. I won't say any more, but please read it!
Loveish by Sakshi Narula
I'm not really into poetry, but this wasn't bad. There were a few poems I really didn't "get", but there were also some that really resonated with me. I think I would prefer the "old school" poetry, but it was interesting to read something completely different. I would pop a warning on that some of the language and content are for adults only.
The Saddest Girl in the World
Cathy Glass is one of my all time favourite authors. I love reading about her foster children, and how they improve, but I also like visiting her website, where she gives updates about the children in her books about where they are now. I'm pretty sure I had read this book previously, as I'm sure I've read them all, but as usual I loved this book. Her dedication and patience gives me a lovely feeling, and I don't think I could do it. All in all a definite must read.
Please let me know what you think of these books if you've read them, and also. if you like the format of this post!
Stay safe everyone,
Steph 💚
Where The Crawdads Sing
Where The Crawdads Sing is May's book for a Book Club I've been part of for a few months, and one which I promised I wouldn't do a full review. However, it is a book that absolutely deserves a mention. It is in my top 5 books i've ever read, and I genuinely cried the whole way through. The whole storyline had me gripped. I won't say any more, but please read it!
Loveish by Sakshi Narula
I'm not really into poetry, but this wasn't bad. There were a few poems I really didn't "get", but there were also some that really resonated with me. I think I would prefer the "old school" poetry, but it was interesting to read something completely different. I would pop a warning on that some of the language and content are for adults only.
The Saddest Girl in the World
Cathy Glass is one of my all time favourite authors. I love reading about her foster children, and how they improve, but I also like visiting her website, where she gives updates about the children in her books about where they are now. I'm pretty sure I had read this book previously, as I'm sure I've read them all, but as usual I loved this book. Her dedication and patience gives me a lovely feeling, and I don't think I could do it. All in all a definite must read.
Please let me know what you think of these books if you've read them, and also. if you like the format of this post!
Stay safe everyone,
Steph 💚
Monday, 25 May 2020
Review #19: No Right to Kill by M.A. Comley
This book was recommended to me after my review of Silent Scream by Angela Marsons. I can absolutely see the similarity, here's what I thought:
Writing Style: 9.5/10
Storyline: 9/10
Ease of Reading: 9.5/10
I found this book (No Right to Kill) really easy to read. It was a "No waffle, no nonsense" type of book, which I loved, it just simply told a story without throwing a massive amount of detail to get entangled in, whilst at the same time setting the series up really well for future books.
I like the character of Sara Ramsey, but I preferred Misty the Cat!! I hope she sticks around for much longer!
All in all a sound book without much thought required. If this is your favourite genre, I'd definitely recommend this as a quick, easy read.
As always, any recommendations please let me know.
Stay safe
Steph 💚
Monday, 18 May 2020
Review #18: The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms
This book, is easily the cheesiest, unreal book in history, but it was also genius!! See below what I thought!
Writing Style: 9.5/10
Storyline: 8.5/10
Ease of Reading: 9.5/10
From the title, to the storyline, to the characters, each thing screams meticulous planning, and I absolutely commend the author because it worked. This is, I'm guessing (no kids!) the ultimate wish of any parent. To be able to go to a beautiful city for two months, enjoy yourself, get made over and have a gorgeous boyfriend would be amazing for anyone! Just read the book, you'll get a sense of it!
The book was always so light hearted and funny, and almost giddy, that I flew through it, even at one point reading it at 5am when I woke up from nerve pain.
The main character is a librarian, and the number of literary references, whilst uncountable were incredible! Even if it's not your sort of book, read it to get book recommendations! It's so so clever!!
There's a bit of a shake up at the end, but I'll not spoil it for you! It works too!
The only (and I mean the only) downfall was that there wasn't more! I feel like the future of all these characters could be written in a sequel?? What happens to John? Do Amy and Daniel stay together? Do Cori and Joe continue on their current paths? They're all questions that I need answers to!
Anyway, enjoy this literary genius-ness of a book - thoroughly enjoyable and exactly what I required after a really stressful first venture out into public.
Stay safe lovelies! And please stay 2 metres apart!
Steph 💚
Storyline: 8.5/10
Ease of Reading: 9.5/10
From the title, to the storyline, to the characters, each thing screams meticulous planning, and I absolutely commend the author because it worked. This is, I'm guessing (no kids!) the ultimate wish of any parent. To be able to go to a beautiful city for two months, enjoy yourself, get made over and have a gorgeous boyfriend would be amazing for anyone! Just read the book, you'll get a sense of it!
The book was always so light hearted and funny, and almost giddy, that I flew through it, even at one point reading it at 5am when I woke up from nerve pain.
The main character is a librarian, and the number of literary references, whilst uncountable were incredible! Even if it's not your sort of book, read it to get book recommendations! It's so so clever!!
There's a bit of a shake up at the end, but I'll not spoil it for you! It works too!
The only (and I mean the only) downfall was that there wasn't more! I feel like the future of all these characters could be written in a sequel?? What happens to John? Do Amy and Daniel stay together? Do Cori and Joe continue on their current paths? They're all questions that I need answers to!
Anyway, enjoy this literary genius-ness of a book - thoroughly enjoyable and exactly what I required after a really stressful first venture out into public.
Stay safe lovelies! And please stay 2 metres apart!
Steph 💚
Friday, 15 May 2020
Review #17: The Missing Ones by Patricia Gibney
This was an audiobook I've been listening to during the week. The book is the first in the Detective Lottie Parker series. Here's what I think:
Narration - 8/10 Storyline - 8/10 Ease of Listening - 8/10
I've given this book solid 8s across the board. It's definitely a grower! There were a few loose threads at the end of the story, perfectly paving the way for a sequel. The storyline was solid and really well balanced between believability and entertainment. The narration was sound, and the Irish accent gave the locations a real buzz without being difficult to follow.
Lottie is a hard working detective, and can be related to very easily. A strained relationship with her mother was my only criticism as its starting to become a recurrent theme in many books, but I'm hoping that it is explored in future books.
Lottie is portrayed as workaholic, juggling work and three older children and dealing with becoming widowed. A rare element I enjoyed in the book was getting to know snippets of details about her late husband, and I hope this continues in future books as it gives the whole book a unique and interesting dynamic.
The book reminded me of another I have read, Silent Screams by Angela Marsons (Review #11), so if you liked that book, I would recommend giving this book a go. Don't worry, it's not too same-y!
Overall, a solid book, which builds a platform for storylines to develop, and one that wasn't too heavy or brain-consuming.
As always, please let me know if you have any recommendations and I'll add them to my ever growing list.
In the meantime, stay safe!
Steph 💚
Narration - 8/10 Storyline - 8/10 Ease of Listening - 8/10
I've given this book solid 8s across the board. It's definitely a grower! There were a few loose threads at the end of the story, perfectly paving the way for a sequel. The storyline was solid and really well balanced between believability and entertainment. The narration was sound, and the Irish accent gave the locations a real buzz without being difficult to follow.
Lottie is a hard working detective, and can be related to very easily. A strained relationship with her mother was my only criticism as its starting to become a recurrent theme in many books, but I'm hoping that it is explored in future books.
Lottie is portrayed as workaholic, juggling work and three older children and dealing with becoming widowed. A rare element I enjoyed in the book was getting to know snippets of details about her late husband, and I hope this continues in future books as it gives the whole book a unique and interesting dynamic.
The book reminded me of another I have read, Silent Screams by Angela Marsons (Review #11), so if you liked that book, I would recommend giving this book a go. Don't worry, it's not too same-y!
Overall, a solid book, which builds a platform for storylines to develop, and one that wasn't too heavy or brain-consuming.
As always, please let me know if you have any recommendations and I'll add them to my ever growing list.
In the meantime, stay safe!
Steph 💚
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