Summer Flings: Book Review

I know i’m a little bit “late to the party” with this series, but better late than never right? 🙂 I’ve recently finished the last part of the Summer Flings short stories by Aimee Duffy and I’ve enjoyed the journey so much!

Like every book I read about holidays/travel; I immediately want to pack a bag and visit the destination in question! With this series, I had 7 to choose from 🙂 We started off in TinselTown, then off to Miami, Paris, Greece, Ibiza, Florence & finally landing in Dublin! I’ve made a mental note that I just have to visit every one of these in the not too distant future! I loved the way Aimee described the places we visited with so much detail, you could really put yourself into the book and get lost in the destination 🙂

I loved the bunch of characters we went on our travels with too. I really liked the main character Ciara & I loved her friendship with Elle & Gemma – they were all so completely different; and despite the odd argument (or two or three, or four) you could tell from an early point that it was as strong as could be 🙂 If only all friendship groups were like that! As for Zach – i’ll be honest I wasn’t keen on him at first; i can’t really pin point a certain reason, he just seemed a bit arrogant. It seemed like that’s the way Aimee Duffy wanted him to be portrayed though? Anyway, by about book 2 or 3 I completely changed my mind & I loved him!! I could picture exactly what he would look like (we were given many extremely clear descriptions of him! ;-)) & I really shipped him with Ciara 🙂

I found these short stories a lovely little filler to read in between books and I really looked forward to where we would be visiting next! I read them all in one sitting which is definitely something I don’t get chance to do much anymore!

My Rating? – I rated these books as the following:

• Trouble in Tinseltown – 4 stars
• Misbehaving in Miami – 4 stars
• Point us to Paris – 4 stars
• Geeks go Greek – 5 stars
• Ibiza Insanity – 5 stars
• Flirting in  Florence – 5 stars
• Deliver us to Dublin – 4 stars

Would I recommend this book? – Of course 🙂 I think they’d be fab to read on a sun lounger on the beach somewhere, but if you’re like me and read them in the winter, they’re a great way of getting you ready for the summer holidays!

Thanks for reading 🙂

The Love Shack: Book Review

The Love Shack by Jane Costello.

“And I realise that of all the things life may or may not throw me, nothing will match this: loving her with every bit of me”

Aw. What a cute little read this was 🙂 As a chick lit fanatic, this book ticked all the right boxes for me. I’ve always been a fan of Jane Costello so I knew I’d enjoy this and straight from the beginning I found myself getting lost in the world of Dan & Gemma.

It made me laugh SO much – Dan’s *ahem* “interesting” choice of car  (It is a rusting, backfiring, filthy lawnmower with windows – except one of them is covered with the box of a 24 pack of carlsberg”) and not to mention Dan’s little escapade through a window – ouch!

I loved Dan & Gemma’s relationship. It reminded me a little bit of my own with my boyfriend, also called Dan :-). They were just an easygoing couple with lots of little jokes and quirks, with little drama, and who obviously really loved each other! In fact, Gemma reminded me of myself a little bit too – especially the stressed/need to get things done side of her. I loved how we switched between both of them on alternate chapters. It’s nice to see things from a man’s perspectives sometimes too! I loved how Dan completely and utterly adored Gemma, and wasn’t afraid to show it either!  I thought Dan’s Mum Belinda was an absolute legend – she was so funny! The story reminded me a little bit of a cross between British TV programmes “Gavin and Stacey” & “Him and Her” – with Belinda definitely being Pam from Gavin and Stacey!! 🙂

I really got into this book and the way Jane Costello described all the characters really gave me a picture in my head of what I imagined them all to look like 🙂 I looked forward to settling down every night to read it, it was like catching up with my friends! We can’t forget about Flossie, poor Flossie 😦 and the laughs that Sadie gave us too! 🙂 I also happened to quite like Alex, and did feel a little bit sorry for him, but i’m glad with the choice Gemma made in the end 🙂

Would I recommend this book? – Yes! If you’re a massive chick lit lover like me then you’ll definitely enjoy it, and Jane Costello’s other books too!

My  Rating – 5*. I really did enjoy it from start to finish, it was lovely to follow Dan & Gemma’s journey and i’m so glad that things worked out for them in the end!!

Thanks for reading!

A Home in Sunset Bay: Book Review

A Home in Sunset Bay by Rebecca Pugh. Isn’t the cover just beautiful?! It looks like a postcard! 🙂

“It was a delicious slice of seaside paradise…”

Wow Wow Wow. Where can I start? I literally ADORED this book and I got lost in it from the very beginning! Just like in Bluebell Hill, Rebecca has a way of writing about a place that just makes you fall in love and transports you there. I NEED TO BE IN SUNSET BAY AND I NEED PANCAKES AND A STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE AT DOLLY’S DINER! I had a perfect little picture of Sunset Bay in my head and the Christmas markets also sounded so dreamy! *sigh*

Seriously, I completely fell for this book and there’s literally nothing I can fault about it! I loved how the main relationship in this book was between two sisters. I physically couldn’t put the book down at times because I was so desperate to find out what was going to happen between Mia and Laurie, and what had happened between them. I felt so much for the two girls who had been driven apart and I could have cried with happiness when they managed to resolve things! It just proves that a relationship this powerful doesn’t always have to be a romantic one!

Speaking of which though.. Cal! I loved Cal and I wanted him to sweep Mia off her feet from the start! I love how Becca portrayed him as being someone who absolutely idolised the girl he loved, I’m such a sucker for a bit of true love! Mia was such a likeable character that everybody seemed to absolute adore! 🙂 Marco and Laurie were a lovely little pairing too, I actually didn’t see that coming but i’m so glad it happened! 🙂 I loved the little selection of characters in the book – minus Neil of course! Even after disliking the girls’ Mum, I came to like her in the end and i’m so glad everything turned out well. I loved how the story was focused around a family. Family should always come first! 🙂

Would I recommend this book? YES. You won’t regret it. A Home in Sunset Bay is the absolute perfect story and I looked forward to getting into bed for a visit every night! I feel like I need to read it again!

My Rating? Without a shadow of a doubt, 5*. Both of Becca’s books have been amazing and I can’t wait for book number 3 already! 🙂

Thanks for reading!

What’s on my TBR (To be Read) List?

I apologise that this isn’t the most interesting or detailed blog post, but i’ve been so busy again that I haven’t really had time to sit and write a book review. In the past few weeks i’ve read Landline by Rainbow Rowell (4*) and Doubting Abbey by Samantha Tonge (3*).

I currently have a tbr list as long as my arm, i’m forever buying new books and adding them, then changing my mind of what I want to read next! There’s some poor books on my shelf that have been there for a long time collecting dust.. Whoops!

Here are some of the books I’m planning on reading over the next few months, I would love some recommendations of what should be my priority!

1. Jane Costello – The Love Shack (right at the top because it looks so good and i’ve had it for ages!)
2. Geek Girl – Holly Smale
3. Jill Mansell – Three Amazing Things about You
4. Kat French – The Piano Man Project
5. Attachments – Rainbow Rowell
6. Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins
7. You had me at Merlot – Lisa Dickenson
8. The Guestbook – Holly Martin

 

I’m also in two minds whether or not to read The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer – i’ve seen so many good reviews but at the same time, Sci-Fi/Futuristic type books aren’t usually what I enjoy reading! I’m more of a Chick Flick, Romance type lover. I’d love some more advice on whether I should give it a go!!

Thanks for reading – comments would be very much appreicated! 🙂

 

Finding Audrey: Book Review

I love the simplicity of this cover. It’s so effective!

“Episodes. Like depression is a sitcom with a fun punchline each time..”

I loved this book so much! 🙂

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, I knew I’d enjoy it because I love young adult fiction and I adore Sophie Kinsella! This novel was a lot different to Sophie’s other books but it was honestly such a good book and i’m so glad I read it!

The book took us into the mind of Audrey and Sophie Kinsella wrote it so well! There must have been so much research and hard work put into writing this book and I thought the topic of depression and social anxiety was described perfectly.  I actually felt like I was Audrey at some points and I could picture exactly what was going on at all times. I really put myself into Audrey’s position! It was definitely an eye opener!

I got completely lost in the story and it was literally one of those books I couldn’t put down. Although I kind of wish we knew exactly what had happened (though I think we all got a good idea!!), I felt for Audrey so much and it really tugged at the heartstrings! It must be so hard to feel like she does and have to suffer every day, I couldn’t even imagine it. Although nothing even close to what Audrey suffers with – i’ve battled demons in my past and I know how hard it can be to overcome them!

In regards to the characters – I thought Audrey was a really cool, and very likeable character. Linus was AMAZING!! He was just what Audrey needed and I just wanted to hug him! Audrey’s brother Frank was also one of the most important, and one of my favourite characters. Although not very likeable at first – he came across as a very “couldn’t care less” sort of person and I could see something dramatic happening between them both – but he turned out to be just as amazing as Linus, he was there for Audrey when she needed him the most – you can’t beat a sisterly-brotherly bond! Not to mention Felix, although only four years old he was significant in that he was completely innocent and a bit of a distraction for Audrey! Audrey’s Mom was HILARIOUS and she made me laugh out loud at times. I can’t speak from experience obviously, but it must be so hard being the parents of a teenager!!

Would I recommend this book? Definitely. I think everyone should read this book – whether you’ve read anything by Sophie Kinsella before or not, it’s worth a read. You won’t regret it, I promise!

My Rating? Without a doubt 5*. I cannot wait to read more young adult fiction by Sophie Kinsella!

Thanks for reading – has anyone else read this book? If so what did you think?

All about me: 25 Questions

Hi guys! I decided to do a different kind of blog post this week. I’ve never really wrote anything about myself or introduced myself properly so I thought i’d do a 25 questions/25 facts about me post!!

1) What is your name? My name, in case you hadn’t already guessed is Louise. I don’t like being called Louise though, I prefer Lou. Working with children though, I get all kind of variations – Aweez, Wooeez, Weezy, Lou Lou and Eez are just a few of many!

2) What was your favourite subject at school? I’ve always loved English!! I was always much better at English than I was at Maths and I did really well in my GCSE exams. I also loved Child Development and it’s what made me know I wanted to work with children. Here I am, 7 years later still studying it!!

3) What is your favourite drink? I’m a pepsi max/diet coke addict!

4) What is your favourite food? Chocolate! I could literally just eat it all day everyday and never get fed up! I am good though and only eat it a couple of times a week! I also love Pizza, Fruit & Chicken – especially from Nandos! Yum! I’m hungry now!!

5) What is your favourite song? My absolute all time favourite song is The Words – Christina Perri, it’s so beautiful! I love pretty much any type of music though from cheesy 90s pop music to heavy metal, i’m so random haha!

6) Favourite Book of all time? Such a hard choice, I have so many!! I’d say my favourite is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, purely because i’ve read it at least 20 times and I love it even more every time I do!

7) Favourite Colour? I love Purple and Yellow! 

8) Favourite Perfume? Daisy by Marc Jacobs – I love it so much!

9) Are you married? Nope, but i’ve been with my lovely boyfriend Dan for almost 4 and a half years!

10) Have you ever been out of the country? If so how many times? Yep, I look forward to my holidays so much, I’ve been abroad about 10 times, mainly to various places in Spain and Greece! I’d love to branch out a bit more though and I’m currently planning a trip to New York City for my 25th birthday next year!!

11) How many siblings do you have? Just one, a younger Brother called Luke.

12) What is your favourite shop? 99% of my wardrobe is from New Look!

13) Favourite Restaurant? Nandos! I could eat there every day!

14) When was the last time you cried? Erm.. it may or may not have been when I was watching Once Upon a Time the other day..

15) Favourite Movie? I physically can’t pick a single favourite movie because I have so many! I love Disney (Snow White and Beauty and the Beast being my faves), Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and RomComs/Romantic Movies!

16) Favourite TV show? Jeez, that’s a tough one, I have no idea! Lol, Once Upon a Time is without a doubt my favourite tv show. I only discovered it last year and since then I binged watched it all, cried over it many many times, became obsessed, spent money on loads of merchandise & basically allowed it to take over my life!! I seriously love it soooo much, I can’t explain!! 🙂 I also love Friends, House, Gavin and Stacey, How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory.

17) Can you cook? I can, nothing too exotic though haha! My boyfriend says I make the best cheese toasties in the world though & I made a very delicious Victoria Sponge Cake today!

18) Can you drive? Yeahh! I passed my driving test last year after putting it off for so long & it’s the best thing i’ve ever done!

19) Do you have a job? Yes. I’ve worked in a PreSchool for 4 years and I love it so much, it’s so rewarding! I’m the room leader too and I love the people I work with, including my Momma!

20) Favourite Celebrity? The 3 Jennifers – Jennifer Morrison, Jennifer Lawrence and Jennifer Anniston! I also love Josh Dallas and Colin O’Donoghue *swoon* 🙂 Plus basically the entire cast of Once Upon a Time!

21) How old are you? I’m 23 but I look about 15/16!

22) When is your birthday? The 12th of November 🙂

23) Any bad habits? Over thinking things, worrying and stressing!!

24) What is you biggest fear? I have a huge fear of dying and losing people I love 😦 I’m also pretty terrified of small spaces, snakes, ambulances and, the weirdest one of all – Baked Beans?! They freak me out, the texture of them and they taste like rubber! If I ever wash up and someone’s eaten them and they’re floating round the bowl, bleurghhhhhh! *gags*

25) Your biggest dream? I’d love to go to America, especially New York City and Florida/Disney World!!

 

So that’s al! I hope you enjoyed reading it and I didn’t bore you too much! 🙂

A much younger me, I was about 4 or 5 here! (I still don’t look much older than this!!)

A more recent picture of me, taken last year at a Friend’s wedding!

 

Fairytale Beginnings:Book Review

Fairytale Beginnings by Holly Martin

“but despite all our problems, I know we are supposed to be together, I know you are my soul mate”

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!! I actually said to myself when I was reading it: “i’m sure this book was written for me” because it was literally as though everything I love/possibly obsess over?! was put together, and this was the beautiful outcome!! I’m a huge disney and Once Upon a Time fan and this story just made me smile so much!!

I loved it from the minute I started reading it & I fell in love with Clover Castle as soon as it was described – “it was magical and arrogant and wonderful all at the same time..”. I’m ashamed to say that I live in the same town as a castle which i’ve never been inside of – shame on me!! I feel like after reading this story, I need to visit more places like this and discover just how beautiful they can be!!

I loved the characters in the story. Milly again reminded me of myself quite a lot – someone who obsessed with Disney, who dreams of happy endings and romance & who’s possibly not quite ready to “grow up”. I’ll be honest I wasn’t a fan of Cameron at first but that soon changed and I began shipping them both quite early on! Olivia though – yuk!! I took an instant dislike to her and I knew she was up to something straight away. I love how the story was like a Disney film in itself; two lovers, a villian, a magical castle & most importantly – a happy ending!! 🙂

What i also adored about this book is the little bit of mystery in it! I found myself not wanting to put it down because I was so eager to find out all about the legacy and all the secrets of Clover Castle! It reminded me of my beloved Once Upon a Time so much!!

Would I recommend this book? – Definitely, 100%!! If you’re a disney/ouat fan, or just a lover of Happy Endings and a bit of romance, there’s no doubt that you’ll love this book, it’s just magical and it’ll definitely make you smile!!

My Rating? – 5* Holly Martin really is an incredible author and I can’t wait to read more of her books this year! Note to self not to read one when i’m busy with Uni work though – I get so sucked into her books that it’s impossible to concentrate on anything else!! 🙂 I just love them!!

Thanks for reading guys!! 🙂

My Top 10 books of 2015!!

Although I haven’t read that many due to me being so busy, i’ve read some amazing books this year!! It was so hard to choose my top 10, but after much thought, here they are:

(In order in which I read them, btw :-))

1) If i Stay – Gayle Foreman. This book was a little different to what I usually read, but I enjoyed it so much. It’s such a sad but lovely story, and the follow up”Where she Went” is also very good!! My Rating – 4*.

2) Shopaholic to the Stars – Sophie Kinsella. This was the next part in the Shopaholic Series, a series that I love so much!! This part was just as good as the others, Becky Bloomwood/Brandon is one of my all time favourite book characters and always makes me laugh out loud! My rating – 4*.

3) Dream a little Dream – Giovanna Fletcher. I absolutely love Giovanna Fletcher’s books and this one was a little treasure too! I loved the fact that it was a little bit different, and it made me chuckle a lot too! My Rating – 5*.

4) The Sun in her Eyes – Paige Toon. I read this on holiday in Spain, a Paige Toon book is a holiday essential in my opinion! 🙂 Paige Toon is probably one of my favourite authors and this book was just as perfect as I knew it would be. My rating – 5*.

5) Wedding Night – Sophie Kinsella. I also read this on holiday & I think it’s my favourite Sophie Kinsella book to date! It was quirky and kept me wondering what was going to happen throughout! It also had a super happy ending, and let’s face it we all love one of them don’t we?! 🙂 My Rating – 5*

6) I knew You were Trouble – Paige Toon. This is a follow up to the Johnny Jefferson series, another one of my absolute favourite book series!! Johnny Jefferson is god in my opinion! 😉 This book was just as good as it’s elders and is able to make you laugh & cry throughout! I can’t wait for more in this series!!  ps, you will constantly be singing Taylor Swift every time you see/read this book!! 🙂 My rating – 5*.

7) One Hundred Proposals – Holly Martin. I absolutely adored this book, awards for cutest book relationship pretty much ever goes to Harry & Suzie!! It’s such a cute read & I was completely fangirling by the end!! We all need a Harry in our life! I’ve also read “One Hundred Christmas Proposals” recently and that was just as amazing – the icing on the perfect little cake!! My rating – 5*.

 

8) I heart London – Lindsey Kelk. I finished the i heart series recently and I have to say I Heart London was probably my favourite part! Everything finished just as I wanted it to & although I was sad that it came to an end, I can look back and honestly say I loved every minute of reading it!! I need to travel & visit these amazing places just like Angela, just need to win the lottery first… *sigh* My rating – 5*

9) Return to Bluebell Hill – Rebecca Pugh. I thought this book was absolutely beautiful from start to finish! It was such a lovely read & I looked forward to reading it every day! Rebecca is a lovely person & her book definitely reflects just how lovely she is! I can’t wait to read more by her!! My rating – 5*.

10) The Twelve Dates of Christmas – Lisa Dickenson. I only recently finished this and decided it must go on my list!! It was the perfect Christmas story in my opinion & it really got me in the Christmas spirit!! My Rating – 5*.

 

So that’s all! Thanks for reading, let me know what you think of any of the books on my list, and if any of you have any suggestions of books to add to my ever growing 2016 to be read pile, that would be fab too!!

Happy New Year to you all! I hope 2016 treats you well!!

The Twelve Dates of Christmas: Book Review

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Lisa Dickenson.

“..you are slowly turning into the love of my life”

Hii! I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, I know I did! I read “The Twelve Dates of Christmas” by Lisa Dickenson over the holidays & I absolutely loved it!! I hadn’t heard of this book until I spotted it in Asda last month (I have to buy a new Christmas book every year!) and as soon as I read the blurb I knew I’d really enjoy it, I wasn’t wrong!!

I loved the idea of the story and how it linked to the song. I also loved how each chapter was a different date and I found myself constantly looking forward to the next date. They weren’t just your average dates either and I made a “New Year’s Resolution” to myself to make the effort to actually visit London in 2016 – I’ve only ever been once! 😦 The Shard, Winter Wonderland & Hummingbird Bakery are definitely the top of my “to see” list” (although maybe not to throw up and have a food fight – but you never know!).

It was a lovely selection of Characters in this book too, with the exception of Seth – bleurgh!! The main character Claudia reminded me of myself a little, perhaps a little too trustworthy and always loyal to her family and friends. I adored Nick from the beginning, I loved their friendship with Penny, and isn’t Claudia’s Dad Joe just the cutest?! 🙂 This book ticked all the right boxes for me as a huge chick lit lover!

Hands down one of my favourite ever scenes in a book has to go to the sing song at the wedding, I was literally crying with laughter just picturing it! Lisa Dickenson also wins award for the most accurate Christmas quote EVER: “The obligatory Christmas Movie was playing in the background, this time Home Alone 4, which she was refusing to give her full attention out of loyalty to Macaulay Culkin” – let’s face it, as fab as the other two are, you can never beat Home Alone 1 and 2!!

Would I recommend this book? Of course, you obviously don’t have to wait until Christmas, but if you do, it really gets you in the Christmas spirit! I should warn you though, you’ll be singing The 12 days of Christmas constantly when reading it! 😉

My Rating? 5* – I can’t wait to read “you had me at Merlot” now!

Thanks for reading!!

Return to Bluebell Hill: Book Review

Return to Bluebell Hill by Rebecca Pugh. Isn’t the cover just beautiful?!

“She had never in all of her twenty eight years of life, been kissed in the way that she was being kissed right now”

Hi Guys! Haven’t posted a blog in a while because i’ve been so busy and I haven’t really had much spare time to actually sit and read! 😦 I recently finished “Return to Bluebell Hill” by Rebecca Pugh. I had heard amazing reviews about this book so I was super excited to read it. It jumped right to the front of my tbr list and I have to say I wasn’t dissapointed in the slightest!!

This story was so romantic & everything you are looking for in a chick lit book! I shipped Jessica & Reuben from the moment they first met, and I had the hugest smile on my face when I finished the book. I immediately took to Jessica’s character and I could have cried so much for her. Being so close to my Mom and Dad, I couldn’t even imagine being in her shoes! I was desperate to find out how Jessica’s story would develop. There were lots of twists, surprises and unexpected moments, which i loved! Sometimes when reading a book you can predict what would happen and although I guessed a few bits, it was nice to go on Jessica’s rollercoaster of a journey to get there!

I loved the fact that there were only a handful of characters in the story so you could really get a picture of them. I adored Rueben, wanted to hug Esme and I loved Jessica’s friendship with Sarah! Although skeptical about Helen at first, I grew to like her and i’m glad she and Jessica formed a relationship! I also fell in love with Bluebell Hill, I constantly had a detailed picture of it in my head it sounds like the most perfect of places to live!

Would I recommend this book? Of course! It’s so beautifully written and it’s the kind of book that you can’t put down! I’m looking forward to reading more books by Rebecca Pugh in the not too distant future!

My Rating? 5*! 🙂

Thanks again for reading!!

Louise xxxx