First Buys of 2015!

The books I bought today, still so new they have the stickers on them!

Welcome to 2015 people of Earth!

Yes, it is the 2nd January 2015, and, although I only posted on the 31st, I am back blogging to you already - many many thanks to my new baby (also known as my laptop)!

Today, I went shopping with my other half, and although I needed to go shopping for gifts for family for birthdays, I stumbled upon the little joy that is Waterstones in the Metro Centre. For those who do not know, the Metro Centre is a huge shopping centre just outside of Newcastle in the United Kingdom, and is in constant competition with Blue Water (near Kent I believe) to be the biggest shopping centre in the UK. Until a couple of years ago, there was always a Waterstones just around the corner from the MetroGnome stage (MetroGnomes are the mascots of the shopping centre if you like). Then one day, poof. All of a sudden, it re-opened again in late 2014, just in time for Christmas! But no matter when I went, I couldn't seem to find it. Until today.

My mind was telling my no. But my body (and my heart) were telling me yes. So guess what happened?

I PURCHASED SOME LOVELY SHINY NEW BOOKS AND I AM SO EXCITED TO SHARE THEM WITH YOU!

With the sale sign just staring at me as I attempted to walk past, I gave in. In I went. It is such a lovely little shop, and still looks brand spanking new! On the tables as you walk in, there are sale bargains galore, and that is where I found two of my books.

Endgame: The Calling - James Frey and Nils Johnson-Shelton

Endgame: The Calling - James Frey and Nils Johnson-Shelton

This was the first book to catch my eye. Its a hardback, which hopefully means it will be more durable to my clumsiness, and hopefully stay in better shape than other books I've had in the past. The colour of the cover is just divine, i can't help but keep staring at it in short bursts until I realise that it is a book and wont have feelings back at me. Other than the half price sticker, the emblem caught my eye too. It is so intriguing to me, and it is just such a beautiful cover in general, I didn't really need flip it over and look at the back. But I did. 

"The end of the world is coming. Play now. Or we all lose." I mean COME ON. How can you not be intrigued? Safe to say this book had well and truly earned it's way into my arm at this point. Reading the inside flap of the cover just makes me want to read it even more, and for this reason, along with the previous mentioned, it made it's way home with me today, and will be the first of my 2015 reads! I'll also keep you all updated via goodreads and twitter as to how I am getting on with this, as I am to be more interactive with followers and bloggers alike this year! So keep a check on me, I promise I wont disappoint!

All The Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr

All The Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr

The second book to catch my eye is a one that I have seen posted all over Twitter, Instagram, BookTube and blogs alike. This is All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. This again, is another sale table snatch. The beautiful cover was the first thing to catch my eye, images of cities from above and outside are always lovely, but to see them on books is always a weakness of mine dragging me in. I recognised the title as being a one from numerous reviews, all of which were nothing but positive, so I was inclined to find out more. 
When I picked up the book and looked at the back cover, all I could see were positive words about how the author describes scenes and how he has created an 'extremely readable' book. At this point I was hunting for the synopsis, which I then found on the inside cover. Now, anyone who knows me knows I am a sucker for war novels, and this one is certainly no different. I cannot wait to get stuck into this book!

The Miniaturist - Jessie Burton

The Miniaturist - Jessi Burton

Again, I recognised the name, thanks to you guys! I had heard/read so many good things about this book, I couldn't just walk past it without finding out more about it! Sadly, this one wasn't in the sale, but considering it is a Waterstones Books Club book, I can't complain too much!

The cover of this one is just too gorgeous to walk past without stopping, it really does catch your eye incredibly well. After reading the synopsis on the back, I was yet again intrigued, and after reading such good reviews, I knew I had to get it. After all, I was unsure as to when I would be in Waterstones next!

The second thing to catch my eye had to be the page ends. THEY ARE THE MOST GORGEOUS SHADE OF BLUE. I'm sorry, I just have such a thing for page ends, and these do look particularly delightful.

So there we go, thats it. All three of my first purchases of 2015! If you have read any of these, please leave a *spoiler free* comment below to let me know what you thought of it. If you have a twitter handle, leave that too so I can follow you all in the least stalker-ish way imaginable!

See you all soon - I'm off to go curl up in bed with Endgame!

What 2014 brought me...

Hello! Now, this isn't a "typical" blog post about books or films or whatever. Well, it kind of is if you think of this time of year, it's a somewhat typical blog post.

In this blog post, my intention is to be reflective over what 2014 brought me. If any of you reading this have experienced the same experiences, please comment below! If you feel that you'd like to share some of your 2014 experiences with me, the comment box is there for you too! So, here goes!

2014. What a year. I've achieved what I thought was not to be achieved. I graduated fromYork St John University with a high 2:2, kicking myself for that one module I didn't do so well in. Because of this (yes I've used because as a sentence started, shoot me), I've moved from my wonderful house in York back to living with my parents in my hometown. Which isn't such a bad thing as I'm currently living rent free until I enter a full time job. High five for free internet!

I've regained my love for books and stitching. And odd combination, but it works for me. I know people will be thinking "oh but you've barely blogged about this and you've said you would" but things get in the way and I genuinely forget. However, regaining my love for books is something I thought would never ever happen, considering for the past three years all I have managed to do is read about theologians, so I'm pretty pleased that my reading for pleasure has come back.

I started stitching when I was young and then kind of forgot about it (a running theme in my life, no lie). Until recently, and I went kind of mad with stitching, purchasing lots and lots of kits and never finishing them, some even left unstarted! And then christmas came around an I started stitching tags for gifts, so that sidelined everything and became my main focus. I don't know how, but I managed to create half a dozen gift tags. I'm quite proud!

I took my family holiday this year, and my wonderful boyfriend was allowed to come too! I did so much in those two weeks in a country I've been visiting for a good 15 years that I've never done before this year, and if I had the chance, I'd do them all again!
Tip; if you ever visit Mt. Teide in Tenerife, take a jacket. Sounds daft but it is FREEZING at the top!

At the minute I can't think of any more major major highlights other than attending my boyfriends graduation, so I'll leave it here.

See you all in 2015! X

Christmas Recommendations!

Okay, so I know its only December 7th, and I haven't really been in the Christmas spirit - if anything, I've been quite Scrooge-ish). BUT, with Michael Bubles calming music in my ears (his Christmas CD no less), I feel that it is only right that I blog about my recommendations for the Christmas period, with particular attention being paid to films and books! So, in no particular order, I present to you:

Music

Naturally, all of the Christmas songs must be listened to. No matter how irritating or cheesy or rubbish they are, they have to be listened to.There are loads and loads of options out there, but, and anyone who knows me will see this as no surprise, my main recommendation when it comes to music is...

Yes, it's the Canadian heartthrob that is Michael Buble. His Christmas Album is filled with covers of classics that make your heart melt and just want to grab the one you love and curl up on the settee/sofa and enjoy a special Christmas with them.In fact, listening to Michael Buble at any point in the year is a great idea!

Film

Again, Christmas films are available in the  hundreds, if not thousands. That's why it is so hard to pick a favourite. So, I have a few.

1. Jack Frost

This film is one of my mams favourites. It is a heartwarming story about this young boy who loses his dad. He thinks his dad is gone forever, when in fact, his spirit is still around and looking out for him, in the form of the snowman built in the boys garden. Yes, I am aware of how creepy it sounds, but you just have to watch it. It's a 90's film, so if you are in your twenties and havent seen it yet, SHAME ON YOU!

2. It's A Wonderful Life

"Everytime a bell rings, an angel gets its wings"

I first saw this film in Year 9 English, when I was 14. My teacher at the time was one my favourites, she always chose materials for topics that had an underlying message or theme that made you think. This is another one of those choices.

I absoultely adore this film, and its black and white entirity makes it just that little bit more magical for me. I need to purchase this on DVD though, as I haven't really watched it for a year or two so need to get back into it again!

3. The Polar Express

I had trouble deciding which one was my favourite between this and the next choice. Tom Hanks plays the conductor of THE Polar Express in this film and the character (an animation may I just add) actually looks like him! Once you've seen this you cannot unsee it. And no, I am not sorry for that!

All I need to say about this film is that no matter what age you are, this is a must to watch around Christmas time. It makes you believe once more, even if it is just for the length of the film!

4. Arthur Christmas

I am 21. I repeat, I am 21. And this film is supposed to be for kids. But I dont care.

This is a heartwarming film focused on Christmas wishes and making them come true. Arthur and his brother Steve help their Dad out throughout the year in order to make sure that every child gets their wish - a present from Santa. Steve is in charge of the delivery operation amongst a number of things, and Arthur is in charge of recieving, reading and responding to Christmas letters. Just as Santa sets off to deliver presents, they come to a realisation - a present has been left behind! So GrandSanta, with the help of Arthur and a delightful little elf who loves wrapping, sneaks out to deliver the present with his two guests.

This is a fanstastic film that I have kickstarted my Christmas off with this year, and no doubt I will watch again before the big day! I could not recommend this film enough!

Books

Okay, I have a confession. 

At the start of this blog I said I would be recommending loads of book for the festive period. However, after listening to Buble (I still am, on repeat), and writing about films I recommend, I have come to a realisation - there are no books to recommend!

It's not that I havent enjoyed any books, because I have. It's just that I havent actually read any Christmassy books, so I dont know what to recommend! Maybe you guys could help? Please Please Please recommend a Christmas read for me in the comments below, I would really appreciate it!!

Do you have any particular recommendations for me or anyone else reading this blog? If so, what are they and why? I really do look forward to hearing from my readers, and I will reply to you as soon as I can!

November Book Haul

Hello!

In my last post I mentioned that I would probably do a follow up blog a few days after the last post to go into more detail about the mini haul I had.

I lied.

And I am so so sorry! I got caught up with overtime at work, cross stitching gift tags and cards, reading, and watching Netflix. So, I'm going to be a good little elf (as it can now be classed as the Christmas season - at least according to the number of houses with Christmas lights) and give you all a more detailed look into my book haul!

November 11th - payday

So the day I got paid, I went for a wander around the shopping area where I work, with the intention of buying Christmas gifts for people. Instead, I ended up purchasing three books for myself, as well as some hairdye, and well, no presents,

Each of these books came from the same Charity Shop - Scope in this instance - and were a complete steal at a total of FIVE POUNDS for the three.

1. The Noahs Ark Quest - Boyd Morrison

*Note - known as The Ark in the U.S. Also, I forgot to take a photo of this one!*

"The greatest archaeological discovery in history could mean the end of mankind"

This book focuses on a woman named Dilara Kenner, who is contacted by a man who claims to have vital information regarding her missing dad. So, she drops everything to go meet this man, However, when she meets him, he tells her of Noah's Ark and the potential death of billions. And I am 99% certain her father is linked into this all, or at least I hope he is! Just as the man begins to explain what he is on about, he actually collapses, and, with his dying breath, tells Dilara to find a certain man named Tyler Locke, who will be able to tell her everything she needs to know.

When she finds him, he agrees to investigate this claim of Noah's Ark alongside Dilara, and they reveal some interesting information. Religious fanatics have infact got a weapon from the Ark that will allow them to recreate the very same effects from the Biblical Flood, which could cause the death of millions.

I'm interested to read this, and see where it takes me. However, I do think it sounds a little too far fetched, I mean, how would these religious fanatics know where teh Ark is, or infact have anything from the Ark itself? I guess I'll have to read to find out!

2. The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown

I have a confession. I've never actually read a Dan Brown book before. I know! So, pick yourself up off the floor, dust yourself down, and continue reading whilst getting over this shock!

Robert Langdon is asked to perform a lecture in the U.S Capitol Building when he is rudely interrupted by a disturbing object encoded with five symbols being found in the building. Langdon looks into the object, and finds that there is an ancient invitation into a lost world of potentially dangeroud wisdom. His mentor is kidnapped, and Langdon realises that the only thing that can save him is infact to accept said invitation and plunge head first into a world of Masonic secrets, hideen history and an inconceivable truth

Now, I think I am getting myself into a lot of confusion here, as I have infact realised that this is e third in the Robert Langdon series, although the synopsis makes it sound as though the books are standalones and I do not need to worry about missing the first two. Here'ls to hoping!

3. The Luminaries - Eleanor Catton

Whoever donated this book to charity - I owe you one. Big time.

This book has won the Man Booker Prize award in the year of its release - 2013 - so imagine my surprise and delight when a book I have heard nothing but amazing things about has been placed on a shelf in my local chairty shop! I grabbed this baby and was never letting go - I even reluctantly had to hand it over to the cashier and gave this look of desparation for the book to be put in a bag so I could have it back before she kept it for herself!

The Luminaries is set in New Zealand in 1866. The main character - Walter Moody - has arrived in the country with the aim to make his fortune there. On the night of his arrivalhe finds himself in the company of twelve local men who have met in secret to discuss a chain of unexplainable events. A wealthy man has vanished, a prostitute attempted suicide, and an enormous fortune has found its way into the home of an incredibly unlucky drunk. Moody soon finds himself drawn into this mystery, which involves a network of fates and fortunes that is profoundly complex an ornate, and I cannot wait to get involved myself. However, at a whopping 800pages and then some, I am going to be on a while reading it. That is, when I eventually get round to starting it at all!

Extra Purchases

Megan Olivier, a BootTuber I follow, announced she was having a book clearout and wanted to sell some of her books on ebay. So I thought I would go for a wander over there and see whether there was anything worth bidding on. I am so pleased I did, as I can announce I have won two bidding wars in order to get two wonderful books.

The books I won were:


Between Shades of Gray - Ruta Sepetys
The Girl In The Red Coat

Now, I am currently reading Between Shades of Gray and I am loving it. I need to find the time to just be able to sit and read it and get it finished so I can post a review for you guys!

Both of these books are centred around war. One is the story of a Latvian girl, the other a little girls journey through life, perhaps the most heartbreaking war story to come out of WW2 next to Anne Frank. If you have seen Schindlers List, you will recognise the image on the cover of the book.. This image is a replica of a still of "the girl in the red coat" from the black and white film Schindlers List. This little girl can be seen in a specific scene amongst number of Jews living in Ghettos in a German-occupied Poland. The author - Roma Ligocka - attended a screening of Schindlers List when it was first released, and knew in an instance this little girl was her.

From that alone, I wanted to know more. I cannot wait to read TGITRC after BSOG, and I will definitely tell you all about it!

So, that is is for my little mini haul! Until my next post - I wish you all well!

***** have you read any of the books I've mentioned? Or from these purchases could recommend any? Please let me know in the comments below, I love reading your comments and thoughts on the items I blog about!

An Update of all Kinds, including a Mini Haul and BookTube info!

Hello followers! I have a quick (at least I hope it will be) update with regards to a couple of issues. Firstly, I want to discuss BookTube and how things are going with that, then I want to discuss a mini haul (although that may come later as there are pictures for that one and I don't want to drag out this post) and tag's I've been requested to do by fellow BookTubers.

BookTube

So, incase any of you wonderful people did not know, I am on YouTube, attempting a video version of this blog. However, my laptop refuses to connect to the Internet properly (damn you technology) therefore, I am having to use my Kindle to blog, as well as borrowing other people's laptops (such as right now, I'm using my boyfriends laptop whilst he isn't here). Sadly, this means that I am unable to record and upload my videos to YouTube, meaning I am having to do them on here instead.

BUT

Every cloud has a silver lining. As does this cloud! Because I cannot upload to YouTube properly, it means I will be responding to tags and uploading reviews to this blog instead, which is excellent for my own peace of mind, as I feel like I have been neglecting my blog slightly. (Sorry everyone :( ). SO you shall see updates on here more often, starting with two tags from Wanderness, one from The Sheep and the Wolf, and the final one from Michael from Bitten By A Radioactive Book.

Mini Haul

Since payday (11th November for me) I have purchased five books. Three of these books have been very briefly discussed in a mini update video on my vlog, and they are The Noahs Ark Quest, The Lost Symbol, and The Luminaries. The other two additions I won on ebay as a fellow BookTuber was having a clear-out of her books, and these ones are Between Shades of Gray and The Girl In The Red Coat. I have already started reading Between Shades of Gray and I am very excited to see how it pans out, so look out for that post!

In the mean time, I will post in the next couple of days with regards to the Mini Haul and discuss each in more detail (at least two of them have maps within the first few pages - exciting stuff!). But for now, I shall bid you all a good evening (if you're in the UK at least). If you are not on GMT, then I hope you are having or have had a lovely day!

**I'd love to hear your thoughts on my recent changes from BookTube to blog, is it something you are looking forward to? Please leave your comments below, and please leave your blog details if you want me to follow you! If you follow me, I will follow back!

Twenty-Eight and A Half Wishes: A Review

Hello! Today I bring you a review blog of the book Twenty-Eight and A Half Wishes, a murder mystery novel by Denise Grover Swank! So, let's get started!

I got this book on the Amazon Kindle Store, for a total of ZERO POUNDS. Yep, that's right, a total of nothing. Which did make me a bit dubious about this book, as most books that are free on Kindle are in fact either Classics, such as Jane Austen, or not exactly the greatest. So I went into this with a restricted view.

HOWEVER, I have since found out that it has won an award - "The Beacon" - and won the Unpublished Division, Mainstream Category in 2010. And this then changed my view. If the book has won an award, it must be good, right?

OF COURSE IT IS.

I fell in love with this book quite quickly. when i first picked it up I was in the middle of doing my dissertation - which was a very bad move. It meant that I didnt follow it as well as I should have, and lost interest in favour of panicking over my dissertation and other assignments. So it was left to gather metaphorical dust on my Kindle, until I finally picked it back up again this summer on the recommendation of a very good friend. And I am so pleased I did.

The book is about a girl named Rose, and Rose has these - usually - pointless visions, such as a leaky pipe or dog escaping. Usleless to her, but useful to the people she seems to be talking to at the time.Until one day...

"It all started when I saw myself dead."

I KNOW RIGHT?!

So naturally, you need to know why she's suddenly having visions of herelf dead. However, when she gets home later that day, she finds her mam(mom/mum/mother) dead in the exact spot where she should be dead herself. And with the help of her sister Vi, her sisters husband, her nosy neighbours across the street, and a wonderful, gorgeous, mysterious new next door neighbour called Joe, hilarity ensues in the form of not only trying to solve the murder that she seems to be framed for, but also in the form of Rose trying to break free of the obedient mould she's always been in.

This book is full of twists, things I definitely didn't see coming! I was left hating Joe (the hunky next door neighbour) at times, whilst also left me hating myself for hating him, if you get what I mean? His actions are sometimes questionable, but they all tie in together at the end.

This book is the first out of a series of mystery novels, and I will be purchasing them all - eventually!

Overall I give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It is only losing a star because of my own reasons, nothing wrong with the book itself, just my emotions all over the place! I would highly recommend this book, it makes you luagh, cry, drop your Kindle on your face while reading in bed in shock, and overall leaves you questioning so many different things!

A must-read, and at 0.00GBP, you would be crazy to say no!

Have you read this book? Or another one like it and you think I would enjoy it? Please leave your thoughts and recommendations in the comments, I love your feedback and recommendations!

Monthly Update - November 2014

Hello!

So, October is finally over, with the month ending in its usual fantastic way - Halloween! This year however, I opted for a night in with my boyfriend and parents, as opposed to going out and getting drunk silly, especially with a supposed 8.5 hour shift the following day! AND, I decided to blog for you wonderful people too! Is there really a better way to spend Halloween? I doubt it 😉

So, with the end of October comes November, and in true November style, I'm starting to feel a little Christmassy, and I don't know why. I kind of feel like Jack from The Nightmare Before Christmas. You go from pumpkins and scariness one night to Santa Claus, reindeer and sleigh bells the next. One of the issues with this however, is that I work in retail. And as soon as that Christmas music starts, I have a dread of Christmas!

Anyway, back to the task in hand...an update!

So this month I managed to finish a whole two books! I know! Someone stop me before I get out of hand! I have also been experimenting with designs in terms of Christmas cards and gift tags in the form of cross stitch, something a little handmade to make each gift extra special and personal for the person on the receiving end. I'd love to share them with you, but they aren't completely done yet and I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise!

What else did I do in October??

I created a goodreads account! If any of you are avid readers or have a goodreads account, please leave it in a comment below so I can find you guys and add you on there, I love looking at people's reading interests and gaining inspiration as of what to read next!

So, that's pretty much it for the update, although I do have a review that needs writing for my Kat read, Twenty Eight and a Half Wishes, so I'll be posting again soon!