Goodreads: July Wrap Up

Goodreads: July Wrap Up

Sunday 31 July 2016

Read post

July has been a pretty quiet month for me, reading wise. I’ve started a new job, moved into a new (adult!) flat and all of that has taken up a hell of a lot of my time. However, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t make SOME time for reading and so I have a few little books to share with you guys!

The first book I completed in July was actually House Rules by Jodi Picoult, which if I recall I mentioned in my June wrap up post. I finished that one pretty early on in the month and needless to say, I absolutely ADORED it. I love Jodi Picoult- one of my favourite books is by her (The Storyteller, if you were wondering! It narrowly missed out on my Top 5 books post here) and I’ve read a fair few of her other books as well. This one, as is the case with everything I read by her, was one which did not disappoint in the slightest. I’ll be putting up a full review over the next few days as I honestly need to rave about how good it was!

I then went on to read Dear Amy by Helen Callaghan, which I’ve already reviewed here. As you all already know (because I mention it every other post on here!) I absolutely love psychological thrillers and crime novels and this one fit right in with my love for the genre! I definitely recommend this if you’re into psychological thrillers or crime, you will not be disappointed, I promise you!! Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for the ARC of this book!

I was also lucky enough to be part of the Fell blog tour, a supernatural-esque novel written by the fabulous Jenn Ashworth. I read this one alongside the other books I was reading, as obviously, I was up against a schedule but it was nice to be part of a little blog community, if only for a week! If you’re into the strange and the mysterious, I’d say that this book is for you! Thanks go to the team at Sceptre for sending me over this book and asking me to be a part of the tour!

Finally, I finished Local Girl Missing by Claire Douglas. I’ve previously read The Sisters by Claire and loved it so I was absolutely delighted to get a copy of this from Penguin Michael Joseph. I must admit that I expected a little bit more from the ending but it was a pretty good book none the less! There’ll be a full review up in the coming weeks so keep an eye out for that if you want to know more!

I’m currently about a quarter of the way through Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty and I’m enjoying it quite a bit so far. I’m looking forward to getting through that one and finally finding out what happened at this constantly eluded-to BBQ!

In the month of July, I read a grand total of 1642 pages, which I’m pretty impressed with!

What have you read this month? Let me know!   

Book Review: The A to Z of You and Me by James Hannah

Book Review: The A to Z of You and Me by James Hannah

Saturday 30 July 2016

Read post

The A to Z of You and Me, by James Hannah, is a book like nothing I’ve ever read before. Firstly, thanks to the guys at Sourcebooks for my review copy of the book! This fabulous book was one of the selection of books I loaded onto my kindle before heading off on my holiday to Spain, and I’m honestly so glad that I did. It’s pretty obvious what’s to come for the lead character, but that doesn’t stop it from being a thought-provoking tale of loss, what-ifs and making the most of life while you can!

I found that this book was one which had me heartbroken from the word go- you knew exactly what was coming once the end of the book – and the Z – was reached but getting there was an adventure which I enjoyed beyond belief. The book introduces Ivo, a young man who, as a result of a combination of diabetes and carelessness, has been admitted to a hospice for end-of-life care. We learn, throughout the book, of how he lost the love of his life Mia to an accident, and how he holds his best friend responsible for her death. We learn of how his father died of cancer when he was just a young boy. We learn of all these horrible, traumatic and devastated events and how they come together to destroy our protagonist; mentally, physically, and emotionally.

I absolutely loved how much focus is put on Sheila, the nurse responsible for looking after Ivo and ensuring that he was as comfortable as possible as the end of his life drew near. This aspect particularly resonated with me as both my cousin and my boyfriend’s mother are nurses and it really put nurses – rightfully- in an excellent light. I honestly didn’t expect to be so moved by it but I found myself filling up with tears at the end. I’m just glad my friends didn’t notice that I was silently sobbing behind my sunglasses, quite frankly!  

The themes presented were pretty heavy but enjoyable none the less! I’ll be looking out for future books by the author as I definitely think that he’s one to look out for!

4/5

FOOD: Be At One, Seel Street Liverpool Launch Party!

FOOD: Be At One, Seel Street Liverpool Launch Party!

Thursday 28 July 2016

Read post

A week or so ago, I attended one of the opening nights at a brand new cocktail bar in the heart of Liverpool. Be At One is the PERFECT place for the cocktail lover, and I’ll tell you a little secret here: I am a complete cocktail girl and I was well and truly won over by this amazing venue!

When I arrived, I was greeted by a lovely lady who took my name and gifted me with my free cocktail counters. As far as I’m concerned, the only thing better than cocktails is FREE cocktails so I was particularly chuffed to have a few freebies to choose. This meant that I went for drinks that I probably wouldn’t normally risk going for: I’m a very “play-it-safe” kind of girl and usually stick to what I know and like, so it was really nice to try something a little out of my comfort zone. I got a Pornstar Martini, which I’ve actually never tried before so I felt hella sophisticated with a martini. You got a teensy shot of Prosecco with it as well: I wasn’t really sure what to do with it so I just bunged it in with the drink. It tasted amazing so I guess I didn’t do anything TOO wrong there! I spoke to one of the barmaids, an Italian girl called Sara, who was up from one of the London bars to help with training. She helped me choose the cocktail  which was perfect for me, and of course, it contained gin. I’m not sure which one I had here, as it was pretty loud and I kind of just pointed at the menu, but it was full of mango, gin, and happiness! I’m sure if you say that at the bar, they’ll know exactly what you mean (wink wink!)

Later on in the evening, I met up with some pals and I tried out the Singapore Sling. This one was my absolute favourite of all the cocktails I tried: a mixture of gin, Cointreau and fruit juices, it was exactly what I was looking for and I’ll definitely be making this one my signature drink. I was told by one of the barmen that there are over 180 cocktails to choose from, so there really is something for everyone!

I was also lucky enough to meet with one of the owners, Leigh, and have a chat with him about the business and how things have grown over the years (as well as have a little boogie and a couple of drinks with him and his associates!) The company has been going for a blooming long time, starting off in London and now spreading nationwide. Along with this brand new Liverpool bar, there’ll also be a bar opening in Nottingham in the very near future. You could tell that Leigh had a lot of passion for the business and the name and that really stood out as being a reason to get behind him and his team in his Merseyside venture.

The bar itself was fantastically designed: it was colourful, you could see what you were being poured, how much and could watch them mix everything together right before your very eyes. It’s on Seel Street, which is pretty central to everywhere in Liverpool city centre, but it took me a little while to find none the less. It’s away from the hustle and bustle of other bars but close enough that the environment of those bars is mimicked here.

Be At One was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Imagine this situation: having an absolutely fantastic time, sipping away at a cocktail with absolutely no cars in the world. Then suddenly, bam: Proud Mary is blasting through the sound system and the barmen and women are ON THE BAR dancing while they mix! It was fun, it was exciting and I’ll definitely be going back for more! This will definitely add to the appeal of the place: I found myself having as much fun as I would have had on a night out in town, and I was home and tucked up in bed by half 11!

I’d definitely recommend you check out Be at One if you’re local to Liverpool, but if not, there are plenty of them scattered around the country!

Book Review: Wrecked by Maria Padian

Book Review: Wrecked by Maria Padian

Tuesday 26 July 2016

Read post

As you’ve probably clocked on by now if you’ve been reading my blog for a while, I love a good YA novel as much as the next person. YA is probably one of my favourite genres (you can find out why here) and Wrecked by Maria Padian is one has stood out for me. I’ve never read anything specifically on the subject of rape before, so I will put out a warning here and say that if the subject is a trigger or you’d feel uncomfortable reading around the subject, this review (and the novel) is probably not for you. Stop here!

The novel follows the story of Haley, a soccer star and Jenny, a quiet and hardworking college student. The two girls are roommates in their college dorm. One night, Haley is awoken by an incredibly upset Haley and no more is said of the matter. A few days evening, Haley is informed by a volunteer for the college Rape helpline that Jenny was sexually violated while out at a local fraternity party. From here, the story follows the process that Haley undertakes to get justice for what has happened her and the difficulties that a victim of rape encounters as a result of reporting the crime. It addresses the fact that often, in the case of rapes being reported, it is the victim that is treated as the perpetrator, with them being socially excluded and having vast amounts of abuse sent in their direction. The novel focuses on the psychological and physical effects that reporting a sexual violation can have on a person and also the injustices of a system which follows an innocent until proven guilty (as opposed to a belief in the victim) attitude towards rape.

The subject is one which I honestly believe has a place in the social sphere and a lot more should be done to ensure that people are aware of what victims of this horrendous crime actually go through. Such a crime can happen to anyone- any gender, any age, and any race- it doesn’t discriminate. The book deals with the issue sensitively and fairly and I really enjoyed the book in spite of its pretty dark topic. The ending was a bit of a tricky one to deal with but that is obviously echoed in real-life situations so I understand the decision that Maria made here.

Thanks so much to the guys at Algonquin Young Readers for sending me an ARC of the book! You’ll have to wait a wee while to get hold of your own copy of it, as it’s not published until October but definitely, keep it in mind for the future!

4.5/5

BLOG TOUR: Fell by Jenn Ashworth

BLOG TOUR: Fell by Jenn Ashworth

Saturday 16 July 2016

Read post

I’m absolutely OVER THE MOON to be taking put in my first ever Blog Tour today, for Fell by Jenn Ashworth. Fell is published by Sceptre books and was released this week, on the 14^th July 2016.

I’ve never read anything by Jenn before, but I definitely think that I’ll be latching onto her back category as soon as the time allows it. When I was approached about being a part of this book tour, I was a little bit unsure about it all, as the book certainly falls into a category which is ever so slightly out of my comfort zone. I’m not big on the supernatural aspect of fiction- whether that be in television or literature- but reading is one of those hobbies which allows you to challenge yourself intellectually and spiritually, so I decided that not giving this book a go would be an insult to its purpose. It did take me a little time to get use to the writing style, but by the end I was in awe with what Ashworth does with her words- her use of metaphors, descriptive language and execution was absolutely sublime and I honestly felt myself clearly imagining the run-down house with its overgrown Sycamore trees that Annette returns to at the start of the novel. I enjoyed the shifting of time throughout as I do believe that that added to the eeriness of it all; I’m not sure whether I’ve been converted over to reading around the supernatural, but I can definitely say that I’ve been converted into reading the supernatural according to Jenn Ashworth. Her writing is incredibly accomplished, to say the least.  

The story itself is set around the premise of Annette’s return to her parent’s house- an old and neglected house, Annette wants urgently to sell the house and return to her own business. Her parents, on the other hand, dead a number of years, have a completely different idea. Annette’s presence in the old house rouses their spirits and the need to watch over their daughter and ensure her protection and happiness becomes staple. The book delves into the past and the illness which Netty suffered through are discussed and delved further into. These scenes struck me as being particularly well written and had almost an edge of sadness attached to them- I was definitely moved by what I read and as far as I’m concerned, those are the workings of a good piece of literature. The perspective shifting to that of the deceased was an interesting addition to the plot- I particularly found it interesting that the ghosts could hear the thoughts of people entering the house even if they chose not to voice those thoughts out loud, and it is this perspective which gives a certain je ne sais quoi to the novel.

The story surrounding Timothy, one of the lodgers, was a particularly creepy and thought-provoking one. He is supposedly a healer -the couple decide that allowing him to stay as a lodger when they no longer have the means to do so will have benefit to Netty and her illness. Whether this is the case or not, I’ll leave to you to find out. Ooh, mystery! By the end of the novel, we’re none the wiser about the man’s intentions, nor what happened to him after leaving the house but it is this feeling of mystery which adds so much to an already mysterious and all-consuming tale.

Naturally, Annette is pushed into the background of her own family- the tale deals with loss and abandonment, an abandonment which is undoubtedly replicated in the condition of the house which the family adored so very much. It is a story of regrets and all things passed. A story which looks at illness in a harrowing and often disturbing way and how illness not only effects the ill but the family of the ill as well. The reasons for the resentment that Annette shows so clearly at the start of the book aren’t explicitly stated, but the distinct lack of care from her parents over the course of Netty’s illness, and the exclusion that she felt from a family she wanted so much to be a part of seem to be good enough reasons to explain it in my view. 

I always find reviews concerning books like this difficult to produce- I want to express every last emotion and thought that I felt whilst reading, but then at the same time I want a future audience to appreciate and feel the joys that I myself have felt without spoiling the tale. It is honestly a book which you have to read yourself to properly appreciate.

I loved the setting of the story- being from Lancashire myself (around an hour from Morecambe Bay) it was nice to read a story which wasn’t eternally based around London and the South of England and I felt that I connected a little more with the story because of this personal attachment.

I’ll leave the rest up to you, the audience, and I hope that you add this one to your to-read lists! Thanks very much to Nikki Barrow for my ARC of the book.

4/5.

Book Review: The Summer I Met You by Victoria Walters

Book Review: The Summer I Met You by Victoria Walters

Thursday 14 July 2016

Read post

About a month and a half back, I received review copies (yes, two!!) of The Second Love of My Life by Victoria Walters. I reviewed that one here but spoiler alert: I absolutely loved it. I got in touch with the lovely Victoria straight after I finished regarding her short story and the likelihood of it being published as a paperback. I’m a bit of a paperback lover and I’d much sooner read an actual physical book than an e-book, but unfortunately she informed me that kindle was the best I was going to get. I decided to like it or lump it and downloaded it straight away (it was a bargain at 99p!) and man, am I glad that I did.

I’ve had a crappy few months, with the final stresses of university exams falling down on me like a ton of bricks. I wanted a relaxing, easy and enjoyable read to sit down with after a day in the library and The Second Love of My Life was definitely that. I started The Summer I Met You, Victoria’s short story, just as my exams had finished and I was still in that wind-down phase. It was exactly what I needed.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I finished it in about an hour. Granted, it is a very short one, around 60 pages. The story follows the characters introduced to us in The Second Love of My Life and it was really nice to get to know these characters even further. Except, in this one, the central focus was on Emma and John, as opposed to Rose. I loved reading about their love story and I love that this one is a little prequel to a book which I already loved so much. There’s not much I can say about 60 odd pages, but I wanted to get this little review out there and further plug The Second Love of My Life as I honestly have such an incredible love for this book. I don’t think it really matters which order you read them in as you get to know the characters independently of each other, and there aren’t really spoilers in either of them!

You can get copies of both of these on amazon! At the moment, I’m pretty sure you can snatch them up for 99p each! If you take ONE piece of advice from any of my reviews, then please take this one and support an author who honestly deserves the recognition for her beautiful writing!