Purchases, Prize's and Post box

Well my letterbox and my e-mail inbox have both been working overtime today. Our mail turned up at 745pm! Excuse was that is was a holiday yesterday and they were behind. They should have to work bank holidays like I do! lol.

First of all I found out I had won a competition on a blog run by Donna called My life. One story at a time. Yes you've guessed it. I've won another book. It's called Cruelty to Innocents and came courtesy of the author, via Smashwords.

Synopsis from Smashwords.
What if you were in your car alone with your small child and you came upon an emergency scene? Would you stop to help? What if, while you are trying to assist a victim of an accident or mugging, you left your young child alone in the car, thinking he or she would be safe. What if, instead of help, the call to 911 brought a terrifying, sinister result?

Someone’s abducting children from 911 emergency scenes in Aberdeen Maryland, while their parents call for help and lend aid to accident victims. Someone who’s also listening in is a monster and vicious child abductor. In the midst of the chaos and confusion of the scene, that monster slips in and steals the innocent children leaving behind no trace for authorities.

Sloanne Kelly is unprepared for what awaits in her hometown as she travels back to Maryland. Her goddaughter is one of the victims and the clock is ticking. Together with her best friend and a local fireman, Shawn Tyler, Sloanne will face the most insidious of criminals and fight to recover the children before there is anymore, "Cruelty to Innocents."

After I got over the excitement of that, I went on an Amazon 1-click spree. I "bought" some freebie books for my Kindle. "Fifth Avenue" a thriller by Christopher Smith. Another thriller "No Good Deed: Book one by M.P.McDonald. Finally "Mayne Attraction:In the Spotlight" by Ann Mauren. They really do make that 1-click too easy! Hubbie just raises his eyebrows at me!

Then I also took advantage of a free audio book from Audible.co.uk and "bought" Only Time will Tell by Jeffrey Archer. This was recommended to me by a work colleague. I don't normally like his books but she said this was different from his normal books so thought I'd give it a go.


Through the post, when it eventually came, I received a book via a fellow swapper at Read It Swap It. It was a copy of Botswana Time by Will Randall. I just love books that are based in other countries. I think this is along the same lines as the "Number one ladies detective agency" by Alexander McCall Smith, and I loved that series of books.
I love the cover to this book.




Finally I had my weekly Graze Box, full of healthy snacks.

Remember if you would like a free box and you are in the UK, you can get a free box with my compliments if you go to their website and enter the code 5TGBH153. There is no obligation to purchase further boxes.


Well I'm off now to do some reading. Enjoy the rest of your day everyone and thanks for stopping by.

LOADING DOC PRODUCTIONS: A Week of Linwood Barclay Book Trailers

For those that love Linwood Barclay books, and I'm one of them, here are some trailers for his books.

LOADING DOC PRODUCTIONS: A Week of Linwood Barclay Book Trailers: "This Friday we will be releasing the full trailer for Linwood Barclay's upcoming novel 'The Accident'. The Accident marks the 5th trailer Lo..."

It's Monday. What are you reading?

Hosted by Sheila at Book Journey

Last week I finished reading Star Gazing by Linda Gillard (see my review), which I had to admit was one of the best books I had ever read.

I am currently reading several magazines as I love a good magazine. This includes "Woman" where I have  sent off for a free Revlon lipstick. I'm also reading my travel magazines, Lonely Planet and Wanderlust. Great magazines if you are a travel addict like me. Oh have I told you it's only 29 sleeps until I go on my cruise. I didn't? That's a surprise!

Adventure of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

I am also reading The Darkness beyond the Veil by Darren Scothern, which is a selection of short stories of the paranormal/supernatural kind. Not my normal thing but I am quite enjoying it. I also like the short story aspect as it allows me to read one, then get on with my chores and then come back to another story.

My next book which I've actually started but only a couple of pages in, is The Stolen Child by Brian McGillow, which again is a kindle book.  I then have to decide which books I am going to read on my cruise, so I can set up a separate folder on my kindle. Decisions decisions.

I am often amazed at how many books people read in a week. I'm afraid I can manage one at the most, although I'd like to be able to read more. I find that if I read any quicker then I don't take it all in. So that's all from me for now. Back to my reading. x

The Unremarkable Heart by Karin Slaughter

For those of you that are a fan of Karin Slaughter, I have just come across her new book, an e-book short story which came out on the 26th May 2011, for sale on Amazon Uk for only 49p. All her other books are at least £4.00 or more! It only appears available on the Kindle at the moment. Click here for the UK book. Click here for the US book, although at this time it would not give me access to the price for the US book as I am in the UK.

Synopsis - From Amazon
International, multi-million copy bestselling thriller writer Karin Slaughter is known for her compelling storytelling, intricate plotting and her ability to put the reader right at the heart of the crime. In The Unremarkable Heart she has turned her talents to a gripping story that will chill you to the bone.

This exclusive eBook short story includes extra material: the first chapter of her new paperback, Broken, out this June. And the first chance to read the opening chapter to her compelling new novel, Fallen, out in hardback this July.

Beautiful photos

I have let my husband splash out and buy himself a new Canon digital SLR camera. Too fancy for me, as I can only use the point and shoot camera's, mainly using my mobile (cell) phone. The camera on there is plenty good enough for me. It's a canon cybershot and has lots of features, if I knew how to use them.

Dave has decided to join a photography club so he can make the most of this camera. He is into astronomy and has taken some amazing astrophoto's. We are off on a cruise in June to the Eastern Mediterranean, so he is trying to learn as much as he can about taking beautiful photos.

A friend of mine sent me a link to National Geographic which has some beautiful photos on it. Any of these can be used as computer wallpaper. I have some favourites amongst them, but have uploaded one as my wallpaper due to the vivid colours.

Have you worked out what it is?

It's rice fields in Yunnan, China. Isn't it beautiful? The colours just fascinate me.

The photograph is by Thierry Bornier.

Photo Gallery: How to Take Landscape Photos -- National Geographic

Photo Gallery: How to Take Landscape Photos -- National Geographic

I found a great page on National Geographic for all those holiday makers who love to take photo's. Some great shots here.

Versatile Blogger Award

I can't believe it! Another blogger Donna at My Life. One story at a time. has given me a "Versatile blog award". I am so chuffed. It's nice to think that there is someone out there who is reading and enjoying my blog. Her blog is so pretty and colourful, so head over there and have a look. Just click my link above.

When Donna was given her Versatile Blog Award, she was asked to complete a task. She has never asked anything of me, but I thought the task she was asked to complete was so good that I would also complete that task.
1. Admit seven random things about myself
2. Nominate five other versatile bloggers for the same award.
So here we go!

1. I am terrified of edges. If we go on holiday and the coastal road runs close to the edge, it makes my stomach go into knots and I feel physically sick. The same with mountain roads.

2. I hate answering the phone at home. Weird I know. Especially as I am a police despatcher and have to speak to members of public on the phone when they are reporting emergencies. For some reason though I hate it when my home phone rings, so hubbie always answers it. If witheld numbers ring my mobile (cell phone) I just disconnect them!

3. I have never been able to have children unfortunately so I am obsessed with my cats (as well as my husband!lol). This makes me sound like a sad old woman I know, but my little cats are the thing that make me happy when I feel low.

 Sukie is a sealpoint siamese and is the sister of Minnie (above). They are mixed race (dual heritage). Minnie is a mans cat and loves men. She also loves playing on the stairs as you can see.
Sukie loves to curl up and sleep and is not so playful, but she is definately her Mums cat and follows me everywhere. She is sat next to me whilst I am writing this!

4. I have many acquaintances but very few very close friends. One of my closest friends I have been friends with for over 20 years. Another I have been friends with for 45yrs and we only see each other once a year, but I know she'd be there for me if I needed her. My other 3 close friends have been friends with me for only a few years, and came into my life relatively late (I'm 47) but I would trust them with my life and tell them everything. 

5. I have become obsessed with blogging and like Donna, spend ages changing my blog around, thinking what to write and reading other peoples blogs for enjoyment as well as idea's.

6. I get angry with people who use their mobile phone whilst driving, which is illegal in the UK and carries a fine and penalty points on your driving licence which build up to a driving ban. I have seen so many road traffic accidents with my job where the main cause is people on their phones. I have to say I do tell people about it. My placid and laid back personality changes when I am behind the wheel of my car!

7. I hate entertaining. I don't mind hosting BBQ's or doing buffet meals, but if it comes to making a 3 course meal, I hate it. I have no confidence in my cooking at all. When people invite us to dinner, I feel obliged to invite them back, as I should, but it makes me so nervous as I don't think I'm a good cook.

Well that's me. I suppose there's a lot more to me than that. I could have thought of lots more, like my love of doing volunteer work and helping others, but they are the 7 things that are a bit more random.

As for giving blog awards to my favourite blogs, well that was difficult as there are so many of them. So after much thinking about this I have chosen the following blogs. In no particular order.

1. Alexis at Reflections of a Bookaholic. Her blog is so professional and so interesting with some great reviews. She hosts some great giveaways.

2. Lainy at So Many Books so little time. Again some lovely book reviews and some pre-loved giveaways.

3. Anne at Random things through my letterbox. Anne's blog keeps me entertained all the time. She gets some really weird things through her letterbox, not just books but also cat food, tools and so much more. She is a champion reviewer for Amazon and her book reviews are fantastic.

4. Carole at Dizzy C's little book blog. She hosts some great giveaways and also has some good author interviews too.

5. Laurie at The baking bookworm. She has some of the most scrummy recipes on her blog as well as book stuff.

Have a look at all of them and see what you think for yourself.

Thanks to everyone who follows me as I really do appreciate it. I may not have many followers but I'd prefer to have just a few who actually read my blog than hundreds who may never visit it again.

Book Review -- Star Gazing by Linda Gillard

Star Gazing by Linda Gillard

Authors website: www.lindagillard.co.uk


I won this book on Dizzy C's Little Book Blog and the book was sent to me by the author, who had kindly signed it for me too. I was thrilled. I had never read any of her books before and was not sure what to expect.


The synopsis grabbed me instantly as it was about a woman who had been blind since birth. This resonated with me as my Paternal Grandmother was blind and I appreciate the difficulties a blind person faces. Plus I appreciate their hightened sense of touch and sound.

Synopsis
Blind since birth, widowed in her twenties, now lonely in her forties, Marianne Fraser lives in Edinburgh in elegant, angry anonymity with her sister. Marianne's passionate nature finds solace in music, a love she finds she shares with Keir, the man she encounters on her doorstep one winter's night.

Keir makes no concession to Marianne's condition. He is abrupt to the point of rudeness, yet oddly touchingly kind. But can Marianne trust her feelings for this reclusive stranger, who wants to take a blind woman to his island home on Skye, to 'show' her the stars?

This beautiful, passionate and deeply haunting novel has the power to move and gives hope to even the most fractured heart.

Review
This was one of the most touching and beautifully written books that I have had the fortune to read. The authors beautiful description of the scenery and surroundings in Skye, that need to be 'translated' into a musical comparison for the blind Marianne to understand, was hauntingly amazing. The way Marianne is taught by Keir about the surroundings of Skye by touch and sound, brought back memories of my Grandmother who I used to buy things for that she would 'see' by her touch. The research that the author has put in to the feelings of a blind person and the way they 'see' is truly brilliant. I found myself comparing Marianne to a younger version of my Grandmother.

The book itself is so beautifully written and the relationships between all the characters is warm and loving. The book is a mixture of joy, sadness and apprehension. I have to admit that I did actually cry in places whilst reading the book, which is very unusual for me. I don't want to write what the joy's, sadness and apprehension entail for fear of adding spoilers, so you will have to read it to find out for yourself.

I thoroughly recommend you read this one, but if you are a sucker for a good story, make sure you have plenty of Kleenex at the ready.

I have no other option but to give this wonderful book 5/5.

Book Giveaway -- Slow Burn by Conrad Jones

To be in with a chance to win a signed copy of Slow Burn by Conrad Jones go to Goodreads website. This is for an uncorrected proof copy. He has 200 to give away.

Book Review -- The Child Taker by Conrad Jones

I have to be honest, I had never heard of Conrad Jones (Sorry Mr Jones), and really only bought the book as it was a bargain on the Kindle and I'm open to reading any thrillers from any authors.
Initially I couldn't work out where the book was going as in the first 4 chapters, two were dealing with a child taker and the other two were dealing with a secret ops unit in somalia. When it became apparant where the book was going I was enthralled and couldn't put it down.

I cannot believe those that have given the book 1 and 2 star ratings, one even saying the writing was childlike! I found the book every bit as a good as those from writers such as Linwood Barclay, Andrew Gross, James Patterson. The book kept me gripped to the end, and boy what an ending.
I would certainly read more books from this author, although not so keen on the terrorist genre of books, but certainly if he wrote more thrillers like this I would buy them all.
Highly recommend it. Give it a try. 5/5

World Book Night Giveaway - Fingersmith

I have a copy of the World Book Night Edition of "Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters, to giveaway. It has never been read, and has a unique identifiable number linked to bookcrossing. 

This giveaway has been extended from end of May to the end of June 2011.


I am offering this to the 1st follower who can get me 5 more followers, that are still with me by the end of June. All you have to do at the end of the Month is give me the names of the 5 followers you have recommended and the book is yours.


I have no other rules apart from that one. I am happy to ship internationally so you don't have to be a UK follower. 
The only other thing I ask is that you go to BookCrossing when you receive the book and acknowledge on there that you are the new owner as all these books were issued with individual identification numbers, so that World Book Night organisers and the author, can track where their books ended up.


Thanks and good luck!

Bookalicious Travel Addict: Freebies

Bookalicious Travel Addict: Freebies: " GIVEAWAY FREE GRAZE BOX - From me to you

FREE BOOKS! - Click this link for information about free books (p+p applies) GIVEAWA..."

** This has been extended until the end of June **

Pondering on how to spend my day

I have hurt my back and the pain is travelling down to my hip and I'm suffering. I'm not seeking sympathy I hasten to add. I am just pondering on what I can do with my day off work.
I'm tired as I've been awake since 3am, so should I have a nap?
I am enjoying my book "Star Gazing" by Linda Gillard, so thinking maybe I should sit and read.
My kindle book collection needs organizing so I could do that.
Or I could go for a walk to help ease my back. Sitting at my computer is not helping, so this is a brief interlude to my reading.
I have a couple of books to review, that the author has asked me to review, but I am having a bit of a dilemma. I really didn't enjoy it! I found it childish in it's writing; apalling in it's grammar, and thoroughly un-interesting! What do I tell her? Should I be honest and fear upsetting her, but being honest to other readers? Or should I lie in order not to hurt her feelings, but deceiving other readers? What would you do? Please advise me on my dilemma!
I have several paperbacks to organise still. Which ones I want to BookCross and which ones to swap on readitswapit. I can't go lifting loads of books today though so that will have to take a back seat for now.
I think I'll read for a bit then off out for a walk. Please don't rain!

Crime Fiction Collective: Books for Charity: Helping a Family in Joplin

Crime Fiction Collective: Books for Charity: Helping a Family in Joplin: "Posted by L.J. Sellers As I watched families pick through the rubble of their homes, looking for shoes for their kids, I felt sickened and ..."

FREE book! Sand by Lili Tufel

If you have an e-reader/Kindle/Sony Reader etc, they you can get a copy of the book "Sand" by Lili Tufel if you use coupon code CQ33m at Smashwords.com. This offer is valid until May 31st. Saves you $2.99.

The book has a 5* rating.

Ebook Description - Courtesy of Smashwords

Dallas is a Special Forces Lieutenant who is driven by his promise to protect the Colonel’s daughter Abby from an opium drug lord. He is torn between duty and his love for her and when he discovers that the drug lord's charming—murderous son has befriended Abby, there's no limit to how far he is willing to go to protect her.

Book Review -- Bed Green by Cardaem Marquez

This book was provided courtesy of Smashwords.

This was just a short novel about a boy, who narrates the story, and the bond with his grandmother, who was married to a man whom she and her father were led to believe lived in a large ranch with lots of cattle and horses, but was in fact a mud baked hut in the desert with a dog.

She endured violence from her new Husband who was a drunk, and then bore a Son who also became a violent drunk. The Son's Wife went missing and he remained at home with his Mother and Father and young Son, the narrator. A wonderful bond was formed between the Grandmother and Grandson who did what they could to escape the violence.

This was beautifully written and very descriptive, enabling the reader to form a picture in their mind of the characters and the location. This to me, was very good as it was only a short read.

I would love to read more from this author. 3/5

New - Gimble telescopic/folding light book holder

The NEW Gimble Telescopic/Folding Light Weight Book Holder for Hands Free Reading. It fits virtually all book sizes, keeping them open at the perfect reading angle, yet pages are easily turned, altogether a more pleasurable read!...it also allows your book to free-stand, (perfect for holidays, cooking and reference books) so wherever you enjoy reading, in bed, on a train or a coach, in the bath, at work, when studying or simply relaxing, you can take it with you as it folds down to pocket size and attaches onto the books cover.  Here's how it works: Open it out, adjust the telescopic arms to your book size then slip it over the outside of your book ...Simple!  Available in the 3 most popular colours Charcoal, White and Pink. And here's the really good news!  The Gimble Traveler is  only £6.99 (p+p99p) £7.98. Get One FREE when you buy 3 for  for only £20.97 (p+p£2.99) £23.96 Simply send a cheque stating the colour Charcoal, White or Pink and the quantity remember to include your address. To: Gimble Ltd, 90 Longden Coleham, Shrewsbury SY3 7DX  or visit www.gimbleuk.com Perfect gift for friends, family and yourself plus  14 day Moneyback Guarantee. Forget the Kindle...get a Gimble! ...for the Love of Books.  Further information call Michael Drage 07980 000 926 or 01743 289288 or email:mike@gimbleuk.com I have one of the ordinary ones which isn't telescopic and it's great. It really helps to hold your pages open. If you choose to purchase one, could you please tell Mike where you saw his invention. I am not getting anything out of it, but it is nice to see how much traffic a blog brings to his site.

Blog Hopper question of the week

Blog Hop question of the week.

If you were given the chance to spend one day in a fictional world (from a book), which book would it be from and what would that place be?

I initially thought I would choose Pride and Prejudice, but that is just my pure lustful thoughts of Mr Darcy (aka Colin Firth). But so as not to be so shallow, I think I would have to pick The Island by Victoria Hislop because when I went to Crete this year and I fell in love with it so much, and saw the places where the book was set, apart from Spinalonga the former leper colony, which I shall save for my next visit. The writing in this book really brings the Island to life.

Free e-book - Electronic crime in muted key by Nick Wastnage

Electronic Crime In Muted Key by Nick Wastnage

Free with coupon code NG43M until June 30th. From Smashwords

Description:

The most unlikely of men pulls off the perfect online scam. He sets up five desperate and innocent people, fakes his death and reinvents himself to live a new life on an idyllic Greek island with millions in the bank. But his tranquillity is short lived. His scorned lover and bitter wife have other plans.

It’s a fast moving story of a man’s successful and meticulous plan to create a new identity. Using untraceable emails and the tag Scorpion, he manages to obtain a dead body that matches his own and falsify his own death. He blackmails five people to help him in his scam and uses them as couriers to take drugs, art and precious gems to buyers around the world. Once he’s paid the millions of pounds he’s owed and it’s safely deposited in his Swiss bank account he disappears. But his lover is at first distraught and then angry when she finds out he was married and had used her as cover for his criminal scheme. She teams up with his supposed widow and they plan to seek him out. They find they’re in a race with the British and Greek police to find him. They’re after him for murder, body theft and fraud.

Thanks for ebooksfreefreefree for sharing this offer with me.

Book Review -- Don't breathe a word by Jennifer McMahon

This book was provided to me courtesy of NetGalley and Harper Collins. The review is entirely my own and I have not been paid for this review.

This is a book which initially I thought was going to be a young persons fantasy tale. How wrong I was. It's a psychological thriller, that takes you into the past and then back to the present. It's a tale of family lies and betrayal.

The present day focuses on partners Sam and Phoebe, who both had problems in their childhood. Event's from the past become intertwined with the present and things happen that make Sam and Phoebe both doubt their sanity. People come into their lives and then just disappear as if they never existed. Are people who they say they are? Who can they really trust?

In the past Sam's sister Lisa went missing in the woods, where there were dark tales of fairies and the King of the fairies, Teilo, who Lisa believed lived at the bottom of the woods. The woods where the old town of Reliance used to exist. A town where it was said the folk simply disappeared or just upped and left. Strange things happened in the woods. Dare you go into the woods?

This book has lots of twists and turns and is far more than a fairy tale.  It is a thriller with a difference. I found the book intriguing and the characters even more so. I have to say though I was a little disappointed with the ending and thought the author could have done a bit more with it. It left me a little deflated and confused after all the thrilling ups and downs of the plot.

I will certainly look out for more by this author though. It is not normally a book I would have chosen, but I'm glad I read it as it's opened my eyes more to different genre's. 4/5

Random Things Through My Letterbox: Greek Holidays & The Cat of Portovecchio by Maria ...

Read my bookloving friends wonderful blog post - Random Things Through My Letterbox: Greek Holidays & The Cat of Portovecchio by Maria ...: "The best thing to come through my letter box this month was our holiday tickets. We fly to Corfu tomorrow morning for two weeks, and I'm ve..."

Countdown to my cruise

I am on a countdown now to my Cruise around the Western Mediterranean in June. I am organising my kindle so that I have all the books I could need. Mind you I have around 300+ on there and somehow don't think I'll be getting through them all! Even I can't read that quick.

Adventure of the Seas - Courtesy of Royal Caribbean cruise lines

My cabin is on the same deck as the library! Pure co-incidence I can assure you. So a little trip to that will be in order too. I did wonder about taking some books to BookCross too, but then there's the little matter of baggage allowance. To me 20kg is not enough when you're on a cruise and want to take outfits for all occasions! I am known to be a lover of shoes, so I am going to have to be very strict with myself.

I have won a lot of different books in competitions lately which I would really love to take with me, but I am thinking that my kindle is going to have to go with me rather than books. I am going to organise a folder of books on my kindle, especially for my holiday. I am heading to Rome, Florence and Pisa in Italy. Can anyone recommend a good book that's based in Italy to inspire me?

Rome, courtesy of UKPix.com

My book reviews this week are a bit slow on coming through. I have been reading the same two books now for just over a week. Work commitments have got in the way along with housework duties. Today it will be gardening duties as my lawn is out of control! Any offers? I hate it when all the lawns in your street are immaculate, for those that have them, and then mine is out of control! There are only 16 houses in my street so hate to let the side down. So off I go and back to my blogging later. This week is going to be a week of bookshelf organising so look out for some pre loved giveaways coming up.

I missed blogging!

Oh my goodness. Blogger stopped working and blogs disappeared! I haven't been able to blog all day. Now I know I'm addicted.

I spent a bit more of my spare time on facebook and then realised that the novelty of facebook had worn off and I was missing my blog and reading other people's blogs.

I don't know what happened but I'm glad to see my blog posts have reappeared. It just gave me time to sort out my books and decide which ones I wanted to send to book crossing and which one's I wanted to save for giveaways, so at least my book shelves are a bit tidier.

So normal service is resumed. Well on blogger anyway. Thanks to Blogger staff for getting us back and re-doing our blogs.

Book Review -- Jenny Lopez has a bad week

What a fabulous little read. I sat and read this in one sitting in about 90 minutes. I am not a reader of "chic lit" but wanted something to read that wasn't going to take me long. This book just seemed as if it was going to be a light hearted read, and it was just that.
The book mainly centres around Jenny, but then there's her friends Erin and Angela. Jenny's life seems to be in a mess since coming back from LA. No real job, no roommate and no boyfriend as she's been dumped by the love of her life.
I loved going through Jenny's week with her. I found that I was easily able to picture her and her friends and her little apartment.
I found the book funny and was actually quite sad when it came to an end as I wanted to carry on her life's journey for her.
I have never heard of this author but will certainly hunt down her books. It has also changed my mind a little about chic-lit books, so I won't rule them out in the future.
Great read. Give it a try. Click here.

Through my letterbox (and door) today

Today I have had a few surprises again through my door.

I had a lovely book from the author Linda Gillard - Star Gazing. She had also signed it for me which I was thrilled with. This book was courtesy of a competition on a fellow bloggers site, Dizzy C. So thank you both of you lovely ladies.

I received a book from a fellow BookCrosser called "The Hogfather" by Terry Pratchett. Not my type of book, although I loved the TV show, but my Hubbie is very pleased as he has a new book to read!

Then I had a book I'd ordered from Amazon called Crusade in Europe by Dwight D Eisenhower which was a 1948 edition. What makes me smile is that when I was at school I studied WWI and WWII history as my chosen history subject and really didn't enjoy it. I think it was because I couldn't remember dates and stuff. Now I love reading about it, and I can share the books with my Dad who was a young boy in WWII, although I don't think of him as that old! He finds it amusing I am interested in it now, when I wasn't at school. I think it is because my Grandfathers both fought in WWII it makes me appreciate it all the more now.  This book was recommended by a fellow facebooker Stuart Finlay, who writes as a hobby. He was reading it and it made me interested enough to buy it, so thanks Stuart!

The other things I was excited about through my door, came courtesy of Ocado when they were delivering my shopping. One was a free bottle of white wine, which my Hubbie will drink, as I'm not a drinker, but then there was the box of GU chocolate souffles. Naughty but nice. I really shouldn't have them as I've been on the Slimming World eating plan for over 2 years now and have lost 4 stone (56lbs) and want to keep that off. Especially as I'm going on a cruise in June and there will be soooooo much food that I'll be in food heaven. Visiting Italy as well with all that lovely freshly made pasta and pizza. I think I need to get the WII fit out and burn some fat before June! I eat these things and then spend hours feeling guilty! Oh well, off to get some lunch now. Back later people xx

Book Review -- Night by Elie Wiesel

I received a copy of Night by Elie Wiesel as part of a UK Sweepstake on BookCrossing. When I first looked at it I thought "It's not really my kind of book". Before I journalled it on Bookcrossing I thought I'd scan the first few pages, then I scanned the next few and then I couldn't put it down and was drawn into the character until I'd finished it all. Only had about 110 pages.

Its the autobiography of Elie Wiesel, who lived in the town of Sighet which was in the then Transylvania. His family were well respected Jews in the town. One man in the town kept saying to the townsfolk that someone was coming to take them away and they scoffed at him thinking he was mad. But no truer words had been spoken. Elie was only 15yrs old when he was taken to Auschwitz concentration camp and then to Buchenwald.

This book is an account of his and his families life in the Nazi death camps, where he witnessed the deaths of some of his family, and where his faith left him. As the book blurb states "NIGHT awakens the shocking memory of evil at it's absolute and carries with it the unforgettable message that this horror must never be allowed to happen again".

I would like to quote a passage from the book which moved me.
"Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the little faces of the children whose bodies I saw turned into wreaths of smoke beneath a silent blue sky.
Never shall I forget those flames which consumed my faith forever.
Never shall I forget that nocturnal silence which deprived me, for all eternity, of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust. Never Shall I forget these things, even if I am condemned to live as long as God Himself. Never"

It really is a moving book, which depicts a part of history that I hope I never get to see happen in this civilized world in my lifetime.

Change of Book Recommendation

I had decided to do a regular book recommendation every so often and had featured the book "Madeleine" by Kate McCann. I had a few comments left but it seemed to be a controversial choice with the comments left and I could not risk any libellous comments appearing on the blog, so decided to change my choice.

I have therefore picked a book which I reviewed recently "The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society". It is one of my favourite books and having been to Guernsey a few times, it meant a lot to me.

Amazon link on left hand side for you to look at.

Do you like James Patterson or writers like him?

I often used to end up in a rut, wondering what to read next. I am a James Patterson fan, but got a bit fed up of his books when he was bringing about 7 or 8 a year, as it made me doubt they were all his own work. How can you possibly write that many books in a year? It ended up where I had read them all and after I'd read books by his collaborating authors, like Andrew Gross, I was stuck what to read next.

Then came the wonderful invention of the kindle and my mind has been opened to loads of new authors. One of the cheaper kindle books that I love is Playing the Game by Simon Gould. This is currently 99p or 99c on Amazon for the e-book. It is written in the style of Patterson books.

Book Blurb -
Detective Michael Patton of the LAPD has been targeted by a serial killer named "The Chemist" - He doesn't know why. Two girls are already dead and a third only has 24hrs to live. For Detective Patton, this is a game he has to win.

It is a good, fast paced book but being an e-book there were some typo errors and grammatical errors which I put on my Amazon review. This is the only reason I dropped this book from a 5* rating to a 4* rating. This seems to be a problem with some e-books and is not the authors fault but I believe that of the publisher.

On the 9th June he is bringing out the second book in the "Playing the Game" Series, with Detective Patton. This one is called Viper Trail. He has told me that my character is in this book, but I don't know if I live or die!

Viper Trail - 9th June

Book Blurb - 

"Viper Trail", the second book in the "Playing The Game" series is released.

Detective Michael Patton and his LAPD partner Charlie Holland fly to Washington D.C. after Patton's former LAPD partner is shot by The Typhon - a sniper striking at will from the rooftops of the city.

A second killer is soon on the scene - The Card Killer - both competing for Patton's attention.

How are these killers linked to a rogue covert surveillance unit, assembled by Mayor Cyprian Hague and Senator Conrad Conway? What link do these killers have to Patton's nemesis, Sarah Caldwell? Will Patton put all the pieces together and find the killers before their games are completed?

Join Patton on the Viper Trail from 9th June ...

After "Playing The Game" selling more than 25,000 copies on Kindle this year so far, the price for "Viper Trail" will match it at £0.99 / $0.99

Click here for the youtube video of the book.

I think it's nice to support these indie writers, and have bought more indie author books since having my kindle than I ever did before.

So if you like crime fiction, please support Simon with his new book. After all, where can you get a few good hours entertainment for 99p or 99c.

Through my real letterbox and virtual letterbox today

Every day seems like Christmas Day in the book world.

My first book through the door today was 'Tis by Frank McCourt. This came via a lovely person in Belgium after I won it in a Sweepstake on Bookcrossing. She had even put a lovely note with it on a George Clooney postcard. I love George Clooney! How could she have known that? I have read Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt but never 'Tis, so I look forward to reading and reviewing this one.

Secondly, I won another competition run by Alexis on her blog Reflections of a Bookaholic which is a great and informative book blog. I chose to read Last Dance at the Jitterbug Lounge by Pamela Morsi.

And lastly (so far, unless anything else turns up this afternoon) I have been given an e-book to read called Queer Fish in Gods Waiting room by Lee Henshaw. This book has received some 5* reviews on Amazon, so the author has kindly said I can have a copy to give away to each of my followers, so watch this space. It is suitable for adults only.

So I'm going to read a bit today; do some more spring cleaning of my wardrobes (closets) and then off to do some volunteer work later this afternoon. No real work until tomorrow.

Recommended Title -- Madeleine by Kate McCann

I have decided that every so often I am going to do a blog post about books that have a special meaning to me, or have grabbed me in one way or another.

This week I have chosen "Madeleine" by Kate McCann. See my link on the left hand side. Madeleine was a 3 year old girl who went missing whilst on holiday in Portugal with her parents and her two younger siblings in 2007. Her parents Kate and Jerry, were just across the complex having something to eat, whilst they and their friends regularly checked on all the children. When they went to check on the children Madeleine had gone. She has never been seen since.

The McCanns come from Rothley in Leicestershire UK, and I work for the local police there. We have had an incident room running ever since. There have been several suspects which the Portugese police interviewed but they have all come to nothing. Could her disappearance have been handled better by the Portugese police? Maybe, but who can say?

Kate has written this book about Madeleine with all profits going to the Find Madeleine Appeal to raise funds for further searches. Please have a look at the site.

Quote from Kate McCann
“There are several different reasons as to why I finally came to the decision with my husband Gerry to write and publish this book,” said Kate McCann. “This decision has not been an easy one. Many factors needed to be given thorough and careful consideration, not least the impact of such a book on the lives of our three children. My reason for writing is simple; to give an account of the truth.

Publishing this book has been a very different decision and is one that we have taken after much deliberation and with a very heavy heart. However, in the last few months with the depletion of Madeleine’s Fund, it is a decision that has virtually been taken out of our hands.

Every penny we raise through its sales will be spent on our search for Madeleine. Nothing is more important to us than finding our little girl.”

Book Review -- Belfast Girls by Gerry McCullough

Belfast Girls

Kindle Edition

Published 24 Nov 2010
by Night Publishing

My rating - 5* Excellent read

Currently £1.39 UK

I thoroughly enjoyed this kindle book. It was mainly about 3 girls who grew up in Northern Ireland and became good friends. All of them intelligent girls, doing well at school but their lives taking completely different paths.

Sheila who was always the tall beautiful one. In love with a man who expected perfection from her but left her when he realised she wasn't perfect. She went on to be famous, travelling all over the world, but still holding a torch for her man despite the many temptations thrown in her way. She still compared them all to him.

Mary who was clever but got into bad ways and with the wrong people. Could she turn her life round before she ended up in a bad way?

Phil (Philomena) who was kind and caring and always loved her man Davey, despite him getting mixed up with some bad people. Northern Ireland had been going through the ceasefire, but drugs and money laundering and people trafficking had taken over. Phil knew Davy was into something bad but she loved him and he kept her out of it so she would be safe, but would she?

The Belfast Girls lives separated somewhat when they left school as their lives took them down this different path, only to end up back together again when they most needed each other.

This book kept me wanting to read more. I loved the way the characters came from the same backgrounds but their lives went down totally different paths, only to collide in the end. Very well written, and a hint into what life in Northern Ireland became like for some after the ceasefire. A very good read!

Ruby Barnes: Ignore Smashwords at your Peril

Ruby Barnes: Ignore Smashwords at your Peril

Read this analogy between different Kindle files and knitting. I know, it sounds strange but it's funny.

I love competitions - Here's some to share

From my recent wins I have decided "I LOVE COMPETITIONS". It's not very often that I enter them and when I entered the last 3 I've won.
                                                                                                                    
Well I've found a great one on Book Depository UK. Its to win a signed copy of "Nocturnes" by
Kazuo Ishiguro. For anyone who doesn't know this wonderful Japanese Author, he also wrote "Remains of the Day" which was made into a film starring Anthony Hopkins, and also wrote "Never Let me Go" which has also been made into a film. Click here for more details on the author.

Nocturnes is a collection of five stories.
Blurb from Fantastic Fiction website - In this sublime story cycle, Kazuo Ishiguro explores love, music and the passage of time. This quintet ranges from Italian Piazzas to the Malvern Hills, a London flat to the "hush hush" floor of an exclusive Hollywood hotel. Along the way we meet young dreamers, cafe musicians and faded stars, all at some moment of reckoning.
Gentle, intimate and witty, Nocturnes is underscored by a haunting theme; the struggle to re-stoke life's romance, even as relationships flounder and youthful hopes recede.

If you like autobiography's or biographys, they also have a competition to win a signed copy of "Life" by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, plus a signed copy of Exile on Main Street on vinyl. Click here.

GOOD LUCK!

MP’s new heroine goes in for some gold digging - Corby - Evening Telegraph

MP’s new heroine goes in for some gold digging - Corby - Evening Telegraph

Louise Bagshawe has been re-appointed as MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire. However she is getting a slating by locals for having a second paid job.

Do you think she should still be allowed to write and get paid for it, when she is an MP? She states she does her writing when MP's are on their summer holidays. To me that's fine. What do you think?

Win some books from Transworld publishers

Have a look at the Facebook Page What shall I read this month? which gives you the chance to win two books this week, which are

 "Any man of mine" by Rachel Gibson.

And "Exposed" by Liza Marklund.

It's true! Things happen in 3's.

They say that things happen in 3's and it has just been proven to me.

First of all I won a UK Sweepstake on BookCrossing where 22 people entered, so that means I have won books from 21 other people. Some people have sent me 2 or 3 books! The postman came yesterday with a large sack and laughed and just left the sack with me. He was like Father Christmas!

Secondly, I won a draw with Random House Publishing on a "What shall I read this month" Facebook  thread and have won a book entitled "Sons of Thunder" by Giles Christian. This has made my husband happy as he loves this genre of books, so he gets to share my good fortune.

And lastly today, I have won another book draw run by "Dizzy C" on the blog Dizzy C's Little Book Blog and have won a book by author Linda Gillard entitled "Star Gazing". I'm thrilled about this as I have never read any of her books and they get such good reviews.

The postman is now the most popular man of the moment, delivering me all these exciting books!

BE YOURSELF WHEN BLOGGING

I am still quite new to blogging, and like other blogs have "hopped" around the blogs looking at some amazing blogs. They are so well laid out, informative and professional, that you get as another blogger described "blog envy". I have looked at some blogs and wished that mine could look as good. Then someone told me that they have taken 4 years or more to get their blog looking the way it does. I suppose that me trying to do it in 4 weeks is nigh on impossible.


I was never happy with how my blog was laid out, and with looking at widgets that other people had on theirs, I have customised it to suit what I think my blog is trying to portray. I found my background from Into the Background where two friends design the backgrounds because they love doing it and not for money. Erin was very helpful and made my header for me without me even asking. Take a look if you are thinking of changing your background.


I also sat and thought about what I should be actually saying in my blog, as some people seem extremely articulate and very professional when they review books. Then another blogger just told me to be myself, and show people who I really am, rather than trying to be someone different. Advising me to just talk about my life. I was also told it is better to have 1 dedicated follower than 101 followers who don't really take any notice of what you write or what you are doing. So I have promised myself not to get hung up on other peoples blogs being better than mine!


I will therefore just ramble on about my travels, and do book reviews based on how I actually felt about a book, and whether I would or wouldn't recommend it.


I do still appreciate criticism, both positive and negative. If it is negative though please make it constructive. I have discovered that bloggers are most helpful and willing to share, so any tips I'd be grateful. I would like a tip on how I can get star ratings next to my books if anyone can help me there?


Failing that please follow me when you can. I hope you enjoy what you read.
From the ramblings of a 40 something, tired, sunburnt and sore woman. x

Holiday Discounts - UK followers

I am signed up with a company called Voucher codes. Have a look at this link as there are some amazing money off vouchers you can print off to save yourself money on holidays, flights and overnight hotels plus more.

ONGOING REFURBISHMENT

Please note my site is undergoing refurbishment!

I am looking at trying to change my background so please bear with me whilst this happens. You are welcome to browse through it as it is, but this is in no way reflective on how it will look when I've finished.

I would appreciate your comments about what you think it looks like, or what I can do to make it better. Do I need to take something off, or add something on? How is the font? How easy is it to read? All comments appreciated.

Lisa x

Book blogger hop

Well I am trying out different things on my blog and taking tips from fellow bloggers, as I still a blogger virgin. I came across a wonderful blog called Crazy for books, which is so colourful and jam packed with interesting stuff! I therefore thought I would follow what bloggers call "A blog Hop". See it makes you think I know what I'm talking about, but I'm still not completely au-fait with it all, but having fun nonetheless.

The question asked on this blog hop was, "What blogger would you most like to meet in real life?" Well that got me thinking as I have come across some wonderful people whilst undertaking this new "adventure". I think I would have to mention a few, rather than just one.

• Alexis @ Reflections of a bookaholic as her blogs are always so interesting so that makes me think she must be an interesting person to get to know
• Ann @ Random things through my letterbox as I have know her from other book sites and her book reviews are awesome!
• Lainy @ So Many books so little time as again, I've met her from the read it swap it website and she seems a fun friendly person.

Then again, you come across so many lovely people when you are a booklover that I am sure they would all be delightful people to meet.

Who would you choose?

Quote of the Day

Saw this quote and just had to blog it. Thought it very poignant in this time where so many libraries in the UK are being forced to close due to government cuts.

"Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries."
— Anne Herbert

So many parcels through the post today! How exciting.

How many books have you ever received through the post in one day? Today I had 11 plus one I picked up as a "Wild release" from Book Crossing, where someone had left it for me to find in a Tea shop! This was by Gervase Phinn, called The other side of the Dale. It is based on the tales of Gervase Phinn when he was a school inspector and travelled around the rural villages of Yorkshire. It's a lovely series of books to read. Very descriptive and highly amusing because of the things children say. I thoroughly recommend them.

My first book through the post was a kind gift from a fellow blogger So many books, so little time. It was Katie Fforde "Wedding Season", which she sent to me to read before I read "Love Letters".

I then had a book I had done as a swap on Read it swap it, which was Private by James Patterson. I love his books and find them quick easy reads.

Then I had so many other parcels to open. I entered a UK sweepstake on BookCrossing, where everyone is given the name of a person to send a book to as a winner.The winner is sent another persons name as a decoy. The winner then gets lots of books through the door. Well I was thrilled to be that winner! Amongst my books received today were:-

• Full Tilt, by Janet Evanovich. I love her Stephanie Plum books so I'm looking forward to read this.
• Jumper, Griffins story by Steven Gould, which has been made into a film.
• Mr Chartwell by Rebecca Hunt, about a dog belonging to Winston Churchill.
• The Children of Men by PD James.
• The Snow Geese by William Fiennes, about a man who travels the world following the path of the snow geese. I am excited about that one.
• Do Ants have arseholes? A funny book with pointless questions in, like "Why don't sheep shrink in the rain" Sounds very amusing
• Night by Elie Wiesel, about the holocaust.
• The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne by Brian Moore, which has also had a film made based on the book.
•  Finally the Little Marmalade cat book. A little read all about cats, which came with a lovely cat book mark. I am a big cat lover, so this again suits me down to the ground.

It was as if some of these people knew me personally as the books a lot of them chose were just the books I myself would choose to read.

My love of books about other cultures

Having been a travel agent for 20+ years, I obviously have a love for other cultures, having visited a lot of different continents. I find the African cultures all very diverse and very very interesting.

Senegambia, The Gambia by Lisa Hardy

Whilst in The Gambia, we befriended a local man called "Kabs" who was a Tour Manager for a local independant company in Senegambia. He was so friendly and introduced us to his family, taking us to his home which was a compound, where he lived with his mother, and his brother and brothers family and his other siblings. They were so welcoming despite most of them not speaking English. We took with us a bag of rice as a gift. This cost us about £12 but would feed the whole family for a month.

Kabs and his family

Kabs took us to a local school where we went armed with books (of course) in English for their library, pens, pencils, paper and sweets. The children swarmed round us like bees around a honey pot. They were so lovely and so delighted to see the white people.

Children at Bakoteh school

Before I go anywhere on holiday I buy all the guide books, as I love to read about the country before I go, so I know what to expect. I am quite street wise on holiday and like to take my Husband and I off independently, although obviously being aware there are places you can and can't go on your own. We found that if we went with Kabs or his colleagues, he stopped people from pestering us.

I found one excellent book on Gambia whilst I was in The Gambia, called Tomkinsons Gambia. It was rich with colour and information.

Tompkinsons Gambia

This trip was the one that inspired me the most to read up about different cultures. I have since travelled to the Far East and been immersed in the sights and smells of Bangkok and the surrounding villages in Thailand. I have experienced the poverty in Malaysia. I have seen the way of life of the Aborigine people in Australia, how they eat from the land, all sorts of things we would turn up our noses at. I have experienced how in Mauritius, people of all religions live amongst each other quite happily and the rich live amongst the poor. That was quite eye opening and very humbling.

All in all these experiences have pushed me to read about the ways of life of other cultures. I love to read books like Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, where the author, quote "brings to life not only a character but an entire culture, and a sensiblity so strikingly different from our own ... engrossing and completely convincing". If you haven't read this, I strongly suggest you do. It's a book that has stayed in my mind.

 I also love books like Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, about a young girl growing up in Afghanistan. I just wish the author would write more books!

I have just therefore bought from New Books Magazine The City of Veils by Zoe Ferraris. In it "The burkha-clad body of a young woman is discovered on the grimy sands of Jeddah Beach".

Overall I love books of all genres, but I would just say, if you are stuck in a routine of reading modern fiction, thrillers or historical fiction then broaden your horizons and read one of the fiction books I've mentioned. They really do enrich your mind.

Amazon.co.uk Bestsellers: The most popular items in Kindle eBooks

Amazon.co.uk Bestsellers: The most popular items in Kindle eBooks

CONTEST: Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley « Novel Novice

CONTEST: Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley « Novel Novice

For my US Followers only. Book is being released tomorrow.

Official synopsis:

Just when seventeen-year-old Cullen Witter thinks he understands everything about his small and painfully dull Arkansas town, it all disappears. . . .

In the summer before Cullen’s senior year, a nominally-depressed birdwatcher named John Barling thinks he spots a species of woodpecker thought to be extinct since the 1940s in Lily, Arkansas. His rediscovery of the so-called Lazarus Woodpecker sparks a flurry of press and woodpecker-mania. Soon all the kids are getting woodpecker haircuts and everyone’s eating “Lazarus burgers.” But as absurd as the town’s carnival atmosphere has become, nothing is more startling than the realization that Cullen’s sensitive, gifted fifteen-year-old brother Gabriel has suddenly and inexplicably disappeared.

While Cullen navigates his way through a summer of finding and losing love, holding his fragile family together, and muddling his way into adulthood, a young missionary in Africa, who has lost his faith, is searching for any semblance of meaning wherever he can find it. As distant as the two stories seem at the start, they are thoughtfully woven ever closer together and through masterful plotting, brought face to face in a surprising and harrowing climax.

Complex but truly extraordinary, tinged with melancholy and regret, comedy and absurdity, this novel finds wonder in the ordinary and emerges as ultimately hopeful. It’s about a lot more than what Cullen calls, “that damn bird.” It’s about the dream of second chances.

Book Review -- The Craigslist Killer

Thank you to Smashwords for allowing me to view this book.

This was just a quick read (took me just an hour) and was quite an "interesting" read if that is the right word for it.

It is based on 3 college friends, online dating and a dare. A deadly dare that should have been turned down. Not much more you can say when it's a short read, without giving the plot away.

It was okay as a filler, and could have made an interesting longer book. Written in the style of James Patterson. It never got boring and was quite well written.

I'd certainly recommend it whilst it's at a good price. I don't think I would pay much more than £1 for it due to it's shortness.