Friday thoughts #8

That is so me!! Anyone else the same?

Review- Speechless by Hannah Harrington.....

Speechless by Hannah Harrington.

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (28 Aug 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373210523
ISBN-13: 978-0373210527
Firstly, kind thanks to the publishers, for granting me the permission to review this book via Netgalley, for no charge, for an honest review.  This book was read on my kindle.

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.

My Review. 
Firstly, many thanks to the publishers for granting me access to review this book, for which it was kindly received via Netgalley. This was read on my Kindle and the review is of my honest opinion. When i saw this book and realised who the author is, i did a little scream of delight because i absolutely adored her debut book 'Saving June'.  Even now almost three months on, i still think about that book because it had such a lasting impression.  Now i know this book isn't connected to the debut book in any way, other than the author connection, but still, i had to read this.  After reading the synopsis, i thought it sounded fantastic and i was hooked.  Obviously because of this, i had set high expectations!  The cover whilst plain and boring can also be seen as quite intense in relation to the story and the title, but i would not have picked this up if i knew nothing about it because it doesn't appeal to me.

The plot is quite straightforward really, set with high school kids as most contemporary YA novels are, leading to obvious assumptions about possible themes that seem commonplace amongst teens.  The main character Chelsea is part of a 'popular' girl group (we all had them in high school i am sure) but to put it bluntly, she is really being used by the leader of this group, yet she doesn't realise it and is a follower wanting to impress.  This means Chelsea is quite horrid at the start, and gossiping about people, spreading rumours/lies, telling people's secrets and making people miserable.  Hence, i really disliked her initially because i just could not relate to her; i hate seeing people get hurt and followers are just not themselves, they don't use their own mind, making them weak in character.

One night, everything changes, Chelsea sees something she shouldn't and once again she shoots her mouth off to all those who will listen to gain attention, regardless of anything else.  This leaves someone's life in the balance and she is given a 'wake up call' in regards to her actions.  She decides to stop gossiping and telling secrets/rumours by not using her voice, hence 'Speechless', perfect title! and she also does something quite impressive to try and 'correct things', which was a commendable action.  This action is hated by her 'friends', who then turn their back on Chelsea and she finally realises that they aren't her real friends at all.  Unfortunately, she does experience a lot of bullying at school for standing up for what is right; which is so sad to read because she did the right thing, infact it was heartbreaking to read about and made me feel uncomfortable.  It leads Chelsea onto a path of self-discovery whereby she also finds new opportunities and new friends, but is there any forgiveness from them or herself? Well you will have to read for yourself.

After Chelsea did this commendable action and onto her path for self-discovery, i started to like her and i loved being in her mind as such  She absolutely wanted to change, she knew her mistakes and was learning from them- she really needed to forgive herself though and i have to say that i started to feel sorry for her.  Throughout the rest of the novel, i really did like her and took to her.  There are several other side characters with means lots of names which i won't go into them all; her 'old' not real friends who are just nasty b*tches and then there is her new friends; Sam, Asha, Lou, Andy etc (her only communication with them is through text and notes) who are lovely, warm-hearted and funny.  I adored them as they seemed really nice and funny too, i could totally relate to them.  There is even a love interest for Chelsea and it's so cute, i wanted her to be happy. To get to know each other they have to use texts and notes since she doesn't speak, not even with him.  There isn't a huge amount of romance in the book but it's a lovely friendship that is developing into a budding relationship.

I really did enjoy the book, it definitely improved as it went along but for me that was due to the characters and how i felt towards them.  Not only that but there is underlying lessons inside for teens who read this book; around high school with peer pressure and friendship, around bullying and showing that even when standing alone is difficult, it is still possible to do the right thing.  On the lines of self-discovery and how Chelsea feels, i have included a quote, which is her thoughts, it shows how far she has come and how strong she it.

".....except that night didn't change my life.  I changed it.  I have to stop acting like i have no control over these things.  Like i'm letting them just happen to me.  These are my choices.  For better or worse"

Such a powerful quote in my opinion.  This is what i love about the author's writing style, she can evoke so many emotions in the reader, enabling bonds to be made with the characters, she kind of gets under your skin and just pulls you in.  You can read so easily and so much at once because her writing just flows beautifully.  She does the same with the 'Saving June', this lovely writing ability that she possess, but like i said you cannot compare the books, I loved them both. I loved this and really enjoyed it, I HIGHLY recommend this book for everyone to read because you will really enjoy it.  Does Chelsea speak again? You will have to wait and find out.  I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

Waiting on Wednesday #13

Beta by Rachel Cohn.

This is my 13th Waiting on Wednesday (WoW), 

therefore my #WoW may not correlate with the linked post.

This meme is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the spine.

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion Books (16 Oct 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1423157192
• ISBN-13: 978-1423157199M

In a world constructed to absolute perfection, imperfection is difficult to understand—and impossible to hide.

Elysia is a clone, created in a laboratory, born as a sixteen year old girl, an empty vessel with no life experience to draw from. She is a Beta, an experimental model of teenaged
clone. She was replicated from another teenage girl, who had to die in order for Elysia to be created.

Elysia's purpose is to serve the inhabitants of Demesne, an island paradise for the wealthiest people on earth. Everything about Demesne is bioengineered for perfection. Even the air there induces a strange, euphoric high that only the island's workers—soulless clones like Elysia—are immune to.

At first, Elysia's new life on this island paradise is idyllic and pampered. But she soon sees that Demesne's human residents, the most privileged people in the world who should want for nothing, yearn. And, she comes to realize that beneath its flawless exterior, there is an undercurrent of discontent amongst Demesne's worker clones. She knows she is soulless and cannot feel and should not care—so why are overpowering sensations clouding Elysia's mind?

If anyone discovers that Elysia isn't the unfeeling clone she must pretend to be, she will suffer a fate too terrible to imagine. When Elysia's one chance at happiness is ripped away from her with breathtaking cruelty, emotions she's always had but never understood are unleashed. As rage, terror, and desire threaten to overwhelm her, Elysia must find the will to survive.

I have wanted to read this book since i saw it during BEA2012, well ArmchairBEA for me!  The cover grabbed my attention because it is absolutely gorgeous!! I can only imagine it is even more so in real life.  The subtle pinky purple colours, the design on the face,, her eye colour is amazing! (i know not real but wow, i adore them!) and her blank stare but not front-ways on,just wow.  I also love the font too, very computerised looking, linking with the book.  The synopsis, while quite lengthy, is just perfect to draw me in, the premise sounds incredible, this dystopian world, clones, and fighting for survival. Oh i love it love it!!! I wish i could read it now!!!!!

 What is everyone else looking forward too?

Review- Confessions of an Angry Girl.....

Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett.

Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen; Original ed (August 28, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373210485
ISBN-13: 978-0373210480

Firstly, kind thanks to the publishers, for granting me the permission to review this book via Netgalley, for no charge, for an honest review.  This book was read on my kindle.

Rose Zarelli, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some confessions to make…1. I'm livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I'm allowed to be irate, don't you?

2. I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who might be dating a cheerleader. She is now enraged and out for blood. Mine.

3. High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the time. (Mars is red and "seeing red" means being angry—get it?)

Here are some other vocab words that describe my life: Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable.

(Don't know what they mean? Look them up yourself.)

(Sorry. That was rude.)

My review/thoughts.
Firstly, many thanks to the publishers for granting me access to review this book, for which it was kindly received via Netgalley. This was read on my Kindle.  When i saw this book, i was drawn in by the title, and the synopsis- normally i am drawn in by covers, but this one was different.  Nevertheless, i still liked the cover and realised a link from the story once it was read, which made me smile.  This book is also a contemporary YA and right now i am really into reading these.  Therefore, i had high hopes for this book!  I also had it in my mind that we would have a book of 'confessions', all insights into what this girl had done wrong when angry and the reasoning..........but i was wrong!  What it is, is much much more!  and i have to say that i absolutely LOVED this book!  When i finished reading it, i scribbled some notes down and one said.....

'Wow! Just Wow! But argh I need more!! I have read this so quickly- half the book in 1 sitting. I was so involved in the story, routing for Rose, a page turner and a half.......'

The story is centred on Rose, who during a short period of time has had her dad die in Iraq, her brother go to college and change, a mum whom can help other troubled teens but can't help her daughter, a best friend Tracy- who is fickle, superficial and is all about image and status- wanting to be a cheerleader, into drinking and thinking about sex.  They are both freshman at high school. She has an older love interest, Jamie who seems hot and cold, and she is getting bullied by his 'maybe' girlfriend Regina.  Anyone going through all this is surely going to be angry, Rose is only 14 too (turns 15 in book) and all this for someone so young must lead to some intense anger inside.

Even though i knew Rose was 14, when i was reading the book, she just seemed older.  Initially  I wasn't entirely comfortable with the main protagonist being this age, because a 14 year old is very different to a 17-18 year old, the way of thinking and acting is yards apart despite only 3-4 years difference.  I thought she would be a whiny teenager but i was wrong.  Rose seems older than her peers; she thinks and acts older than them, she is the sensible one, much more clued up to the world by how she deals with peer pressure and teen issues.  This is demonstrated with her view on drinking and how she educates her best friend with valuable lessons regarding 'sex education'.  Not only is it the way she acts, but also in her mind set, we know her thoughts since the narrative is from her perspective, therefore getting a much deeper insight into this angry girl's thoughts and analytical mind.  I am not saying Rose is perfect, she does some embarrassing things and some cringeworthy stuff but i mean in general and compared to her peers she does seem older.

Another problem i had with her age is to do with her love interest, Jamie, who is 17,  14 to 17 may only be 3 years but as a teenager this gap seems much bigger than say 24 to 27.  This uncomfortable feeling is worsened when it is realised why Jamie came to be interested in Rose.  Yet when you are Rose's age, it seems cool and grown up to have an older male like you!  Despite the issues, I wouldn't let something like this put me off a book and i am so glad i didn't.  The author portrayed these teenagers perfectly in my opinion and I thought it was brilliant that the author could write so realistically in the view of a 14 year old.  This whole 'love interest' situation was kept at the right level given their age difference.  The feelings were all there and you really felt them as a reader, which, as an adult author it cannot have been easy to convey them in a first person perspective.  If the situation would have gone further than a kiss, than i would have felt extremely uncomfortable to the point of not reading it,as Rose would have been underage! Infact, they only share a stolen kiss or two, which were breathtakingly beautifully described by Rozett and raw with emotion!  I did feel really sorry for Rose's close friend Robert, who is a true friend but has a massive crush on her and would do anything for her.  He really did seem like an odd body guy, and no matter how sweet he was, why is it always the badass boys who get into trouble that get the girl? I was even leaning more for Jamie than Robert!

Another major theme in the book is bullying! and handled perfectly by Rozett, as unfortunate and horrid as bullying is, it does happen in schools, and it makes this story realistic.  Bullying can start over silly events such as they did in the book.  The author didn't just skim by it in a couple of chapters and then it drops, she had it weaved throughout and it is quite upsetting.  I felt my heart strings pulled, it sent me straight back to high school in my head, so many emotions were involved, and i found it really uncomfortable to read about the bullying.  I did wonder why she didn't ask for adults to help but then i realised that often adult's help can make things worse or so it seems that way when you are 14.  I felt so protective over Rose, with everything she had gone through in a short space of time, i wanted the bullies to get their comeuppance and leave her alone!

Having so many high school issues in a book and portraying them in such a way for it deemed to be a realistic story is brilliant, these issues do not stop just because of what is happening in Rose's home life and i think that was a wise move by the author to add more depth to the story.  These issues; peer pressure, drinking, smoking, underage sex, sex education, partying, teen relationships, friendships and bullying is so difficult for the majority of teenagers to deal with but Rose didn't give into any pressure despite the anger inside and everything else, it shows how incredibly strong she is.  Throughout the book, i believe there is development in her character, she becomes more confident, deals with some issues with herself and her family.  However, in my opinion i didn't find Rose as an angry girl.  She doesn't take her anger out on people or things, she may have anger and upset inside, but mainly it was words (P*ssed off etc)  which is understandable.  However, i believe that she is also full of fear, scared of what could happen and consequences in all situations but by the end she does seem to be working on this.   I think these attributes she has stem from her dad's death in Iraq, she has not gone through the grief stage properly as it has alienated her and her mum's relationship- her mum is no longer there for her.  Her brother leaving for college, and doesn't want to talk about their dads's death either.  She has is all bottled up with no one to talk too so she can deal with the grief.

I have mentioned other characters throughout this review; Tracy, Jamie and Regina and there are other additional ones which i am not going to discuss.  All these characters were great additions to the book regardless if i liked them or not because they are all people you can relate to and they were well developed characters.  The only character that i took too and adored was Rose, how could i not!  She grew on me so fast and i just wanted to hug her.  Tracy, should have been there for her best friend in the situation but was selfish, she used Rose when needed and i really disliked her.  Rose provided her with much needed sex education, this discussion and the other major issues mentioned are perfect for a YA novel; if teens read this book they could get so much out of it.  Jamie, portrayed as a badass, getting into trouble, skipping school etc but at the same time he was loveable but he seemed hot and cold, i feel like he should have been there for Rose when he knew what she was going through if he did care for her!  But then there were times when he was just so perfect, like when he ran to her when she fell running etc.  I liked him when he was with Rose, but disliked him when not.  Regina,a cheerleader was a bully, a nasty piece of work and how could someone be so heartless! I really wanted to punch her!  It made me tear up at some points.

This book just takes you through a range of emotions, from laughing or smiling and then utter sadness and tears!  For an author to be able to induce those feelings in a reader is incredible and shows the skills they have in writing.  Another aspect i loved was that at the start of each chapter was a word with a dictionary definition plus a little phase to how it relates, i thought it was an original idea and Rose loves long words!   I loved this book, i really did, i loved Rozett's writing style and even though is was quite slow paced at first, it really did pick up pace and was an absolute page turner, i couldn't put it down. I just wanted more and more.  Yet the way it ended, it didn't feel like an ending, it annoyed me because it wasn't a rounded off conclusion.  Therefore, i cannot wait for the next book 'Confessions of an Almost Girlfriend', i have high hopes for that book!  I hope to learn more about Jamie, and i would like for him and Rose to have more time together.  I am still not thrilled about the title as i don't think it suits the book like i said before but i worry this assumption could put people off from reading this book.  I would recommend that people read this book for sure! Roll on the next book!

Overall, a fantastic read! even if there are some slight flaws, i still rate it highly! I would re-read it, i would recommend it and i think it is a perfect contemporary YA book.  This book has so many different levels that it has taken such a long review to get my thoughts across.  I actually found this review very difficult to write, because there is so much content to discuss, i loved it but i struggled to articulate my thoughts and feelings into words.  So summary two words= READ IT! please :) Of course i give it a 5/5

I am featured in an interview......

I was kindly offered the chance to be part of a blog anniversary at 'Kelsey's Clutter Bookshelf', her blog is 1 year old this month! I feel extremely honoured to be asked by Kelsey to do this and what a privilege it is.  We decided that i would complete an interview.

To check out this interview, click here. But also have a look at Kelsey's blog because it is amazing! She is lovely and so friendly, bless her she taught me how to make a blog button!!!! Wish her a happy 1 year of blogging, and hopefully many more to come.  :) No laughing at my interview lol.

Happy 1st birthday.........

'Kelsey's Cluttered Bookshelf' !!!!

Stacking the shelves #17 / 18

This is a meme hosted by Tynga at Tynga Reviews and is to haul all the books we have got this week, whether bought physical or e-book, whether for review,from the library, won in a giveaway as a prize or even borrows from a friend. With this you can supply your link and then see what everyone else has bought.   This is the link for this weeks collection 'Stacking the Shelves 18'.  The meme starts on  a Saturday, but you can join all week.  So this is my haul;

This week, well actually it covers two weeks.  I did a bit of bargain buying because i couldn't resist!!! I LOVE Diane Chamberlain's books so i bought two more that i didn't have, also i needed this Lindsey Kelk i heart book because i have most of the others :) Oh and the Simone Elkeles books- well i keep hearing great things about these and on videos on YouTube, esp the 1st book.Therefore, i couldn't resist!!!! The review books have really stacking up, i'm auto-approved on a lot on netgalley so i accept what i like. I am trying to be strict.  Does anyone have a book for review that they really wanted to review at the time and then months down the line think uff i don't wanna review this anymore? Do you still review it regardless? I have just put some of the books i have for review here, there is more but i don't think others would be interested in those.  I also have LOADS of my own books to read on my shelf so i kind of want to have a break from review books so i can get through some of those.  

There is too little time and too many books lol!!!

Bought.

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

(I haven't taken a picture of these, i got these 3 for £5)

I Heart Vegas by Lindsey Kelk

Before the Storm by Diane Chamberlain

Brass Ring by Diane Chamberlain.

Won!

Wake by Amanda Hocking.

Won on a giveaway hosted by A Book and a Latte-

Found out only yesterday, so obviously i don't have the book yet :)

For Review.

Crewel by Gennifer Albin (Pub date;16th Oct 12) (HOW EXCITED AM I!)

One Pink Line by Dina Silver

The Making of Us by Lisa Jewell .

 

Things That Happen to You in Barcelona When You're Thirty by Llucia Ramis

The Shadow Society by Marie Rutkosi (Pub date; 16th Oct 12)

More by T. M Franklin (Pub date; 4th Oct 12)

Colonization by Aubrie Dionne (Pub date; 7th Nov 12)

(I had a post about this recently for a cover reveal.)

What did everyone else get this week?

Friday thoughts #7

This should say 'she' and 'woman' to be applied to the female reader. 

Should be gender neutral really but you get the message, it is so true :)

An heads up!

Hi :)

This is just a lil heads up to say that i am having a bit of a review writing funk, and a reading one :(  The review writing one is effecting me the most because even writing notes or anything about the books is driving me mad.  Therefore right now i feel like a failure! :(  I will catch up and i will try my hardest to do the posts, i am just asking for people to stick with me and be patient.

* I will also reply to all the comments that i haven't yet :) I am checking out people's blogs and commenting on their blog :)

*The books coming up for review are here;

I am currently reading;

and then this is up next;

Waiting on Wednesday #12

Crewel (Crewel world #1) by Gennifer Albin.

This is my 12th Waiting on Wednesday (WoW), 

therefore my #WoW may not correlate with the linked post.

This meme is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the spine.

• 
  
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux (16 Oct 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374316414
• ISBN-13: 978-0374316419

Book Description.
Incapable. Awkward. Artless.

That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.

Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.

Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.

I have wanted to read about this book since i heard about it during the BEA2012 (i was doing armchairBEA since i am in the UK), it was the cover that first grabbed my attention.  The cover is GORGEOUS!  I just love it, it's sort of dreamy and swirly with all the mix of colours. I love it!  When i read the 'blurb' i was hooked!  Right now anything to do with time travel, or just the just time and matter has me interested.  This one seems intriguing because there seems to be some mystery about it what is going to happen because the teenager has done something she shouldn't have.  The whole fantasy mixed with sci-fi and oooohhh i'm just so excited, i need to read it now!  I am absolutely down-hearted though because i had some time off from checking Netgalley, due to the amount i had to read, and it appears on there for review!!!!  I have since requested it but not heard back, so i do not hold out much hope.

This book will also be available as a paperback, and i think this is in the US as well as the UK but the cover is just horrid and boring in comparison, i have included it here to see~~~~~~~~>
What do you think> Which do you prefer?

What is everyone else looking forward too?

Bout of Books; Day 7 Update and Wrap-up!!...

Day 7; Sunday 19th August......An awesome day!!!!.

Books read today; Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett
Books completed so far; 2 books-Speechless by Hannah Harrington and the one above
Today's Progress;  83% of Confessions book, which at 272pgs, I read approx 225pgs!!!!!!  today

Readathon Pages Total; Approx 605pgs!!!!

Feelings/Updates; Had a great day all around with the kids- going out for a family meal and just having fun!  Followed by a must needed post that i had to put up, however i feel like no one is gonna read it or even be bothered with what i am offering, oh well :) I also managed to get in a whole 3 and bit hrs of reading! and i managed to finish the book i was reading.  I got so involved in the book, i didn't realise how much i had read, amazing!! Cannot wait for her next book in the series.

WRAP-UP!!
Ok, so here is the link to the goals that i set out to achieve! 

My goals
*Try to attend 1 twitter 'party' (I had every intention too, but unfortunately for various reasons i missed all 3 which i was really unhappy about :( )
*Ensure i am active on twitter inbetween, using the #boutofbooks  (Not as much as i liked, and not as much as last time but nevermind.)
*To check out people's blogs and to comment on their progress (Yep easy one!)
*To post up my winning prize from the last Bout of Books! I have not done a post with the winning prize completed and in my possesion. (YES!! It is up BUT only from yesterday. Check out the post, it is my winning prize from the last Bout of Books readathon AND i have done a little giveaway- everyone gets a prize as such, hehe, post is here! )
*To complete 3 books ( Now i have 2 books from my last readathon-1 i am 24% way through and the other i have just started) but i will include the 3 books i planned to read for this readathon.  (Sadly i failed on this one but i didn't feel like i had, i feel like i have achieved a lot given the week i had :)
*To update this post with progress (Yep i kept up to date regularly :) and linked up!)

Read;
Two of the books i wished to read in the readathon, these were; 
*Speechless by Hannah Harrington 
*Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett, 
( i loved both of them, got through then quickly!!) I also read some more (about 15%) of a book from the previous readathon i did last week)
*Thy Neighbor by Norah Vincent (not enjoying this as much, taking me a long time to read!)

READ PAGE TOTAL= 605!!! wow! just wow!

I have to say that i really enjoyed the readathon (again), this is my favourite readathon because of all the interaction, challenges and link-ups.  I was sad to read that the link-up's aren't working for everyone and i hope that these don't stop because of some problems.  I am sad that is it over :( but looking forward to the next one.

NOTE TO SAY; I will be replying to all comments within the next few days (kids depending! lol) and also catching up with people's wrap-up posts etc.  I have 4 Reviews to get up on here!!! In a review block right now which is getting me down, so i kinda need a break. I need a break from reading too for a few days at least, maybe even a week, i feel sad because of the books i planned to read in August! 

Hope everyone enjoyed the readathon :)

An apology.......

I just wanted to say sorry for the lack of reviews recently.  I feel like I need to say this.  I have three pending reviews, I am reading but i have been really busy recently.  Another problem I have is that I have hit a block with review writing- I cannot articulate what I want to say and I just have comments and bits of ramble all over.  It's driving me crazy! I think the problem is I need to write reviews straight away unless I am putting them off because I still need to think about the book, it happens.  Does anyone hit a review writing block? I feel like it is just me and it's an awful feeling.

I was the winner- Bout of Books 4.-GIVEAWAY HERE!

Yes, not that many seem to realise, but i was the Grand prize winner for the Bout of Books Readathon 4.0, this was back in May.  Rather than copy out all the posts that i made on my blog, i am going to link them.  When i realised that i had won- i did an 'OMG I WON' post because i was so excited and shocked!  My prize was to be designed and sent to me by the lovely Shirley @ Creative Deeds Reads- she is experienced in the world of graphic design.  She was absolutely lovely, really friendly and we worked together to come up with the final design for my bookmark. She did a post after i received my bookmarks, they took a while but i didn't mind as it was coming from the US, and shipping took longer than the design LOL! She was kind enough to design me- my blog header, a twitter button and my ladybirds (a ladybird in a heart design-how cute!!) I blogged about the new twitter button i had a while ago- i was happy and excited lol.
Here is these designs;

So, the final design for the bookmark is below- i love it

I was given the choice of how many bookmarks i would like and it ranged from 100- 500 (i think, maybe more! so i chose a sensible number and i picked 250, which is plenty.  Here they are in the box, and this is how they were when i received them but i have included the twitter pic i posted to show a glimpse of the bookmark and that i had received it =D .

Now, I was delayed in making a post about this, my apologises but i then decided to wait until the Bout of Books 5.0 to show people doing this readathon how fantastically awesome the grand prize is!!

So, enter enter enter, as i love my bookmarks!

But as a little giveaway (as such), anyone who would like a bookmark- i will send a couple, in a card with a little note :) I am willing to send them international too!

All you need to do is to comment here and email me at

beckiexx03@aol.com with your details of where to them sent too, 

and put BOOKMARK in the subject line.

Your details will be kept safe and emails deleted once i have sent them.

I would LOVE all my followers and people who have commented on my blog etc to receive them

but feel free to spread the word.  I have a limit though, so be quick =D

Bout of books, day 6 update..........

Day 6; Saturday 18th August......another repeat.....infact worse .

Books read today; Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett
Books completed so far; 1 book-Speechless by Hannah Harrington
Today's Progress;  7% of Confessions book, which at 272pgs, I read approx 19pgs  today

Readathon Pages Total; Approx 380pgs so far

Feelings/Updates; Today was a failure with reading again! It is just down to having family time- which i loved, but house and laundry which i hated!  We had a massive family bbq to go to which was brilliant and by the time we got in i was washed out!  I realised i had missed the Twitter chat again, which means somehow i missed all 3, really unhappy about that! :(  So i wasn't in a reading mood by the time the children were settled in bed- gone 9pm!  My partner put a film on, which he fell asleep watching as usual and even though i said i was gonna try and read, i ended up watching the film again and i watched it till the end whilst he snored! typical!  I tried to read but did little before falling asleep.  I feel guilty about not reading enough and not making more time to read.  I haven't done the posts i needed to do whilst the readathon has being going on, i have a block while writing a review :( i have 3 pending reviews to do, amongst other planned posts and i feel my blog is just readthon updates where i say i haven't read much! Granted i do enjoy what i read. I'm just sad the readathon is almost over.  I wish i would have done a readathon in September but Bout of Books is my fav ever readathon.  I am so behind with everything.  Moan over, im sorry and i'm sorry if you've got to the end of this-well done!.  Day 7 isn't going to be much better, it's 3pm and i have read zero!  My own fault, this morning did online shopping in a sale and read some previews of books on Amazon,oh dear!  but we have just had a meal out with the kids which was lovely but stressful lol.

Hope everyone had a better reading day than me! 

Bout of Books; Day 5 update........

Day 5; Friday 17th August......not a repeat of yesterday :(

Books read today; Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett
Books completed so far; 1 book-Speechless by Hannah Harrington
Today's Progress;  10% of Confessions book, which at 272pgs, I read approx 27pgs  today

Readathon Pages Total; Approx 361pgs so far

Feelings/Updates;Today was a failure with reading.  I had a flare up of pain, so i had to just sleep it off as such. When i felt better, i felt guilty to the kids so we had some time together being silly.  When i got to have some time online, i had to clear some of my emails out....i did some online shopping eeekk!! and i then  checked out some blogs and did some commenting on people's updates.  I have yet to reply to comments on my blog but i will do it :)  I checked out the challenges but one was not international and i didn't have time to do it for fun :( and the other one, i couldn't get my books out to do the book spines challenge as the kids were in bed.  I tried to read but that 10% took me hours as i had to keep re-reading the same paragraph over and over, wasn't going in at all. I kept watching the film my partner had on because it was so funny such a distraction.  I may even re-read some of that 10% again because it wasn't going in,  I wasn't in a reading mood.  It's now mid day on day 6 and i'm sad the readathon is almost over and i haven't met my goals.  I love the community of this readathon.  Also i haven't done my post to show the grand prize i got for the last Bout of Books, i don't think people realised i won, also i am going to do a giveaway for my bookmarks for people :)

Hope everyone had a better reading day than me! 

Bout of Books; Day 4 Update & Challenges...

Day 4; Thursday 16th August......Wow what happened lol...

Books read today; Speechless by Hannah Harrington
Books completed so far; 1 book-Speechless 
Today's Progress;  54% of Speechless, which at 288pgs, I read approx 155pgs  today

Readathon Pages Total; Approx 334pgs so far

Feelings/Updates; Wow, what the hell happened today!!! I have no clue!! I have had a busy day too, a busy morning with the kids and then this afternoon i had an hospital appointment where i was in there for 1hr30mins-the drive is around 30mins each way and since i am the passenger i got to do quite a bit of reading.  This evening i have read and read and read.  It just proves what having a clear mind AND reading a good book can do to you.  The other book i am reading, no way could i have read do much.  Infact i am putting it to the side for now but i will finish it. I am so chuffed with myself :) and i entered all 3 challenges, woohoo! I haven't being active on twitter (so sorry) and not being on any blogs (sorry) but i def play catch up tomorrow :) Can't do everything!  

Challenges.

***The first challenge of the day was hosted by 'Reading in Winter' and is titled 'A Book for Every Season'.  To name books for each season- could be to do with cover, title, setting in the book or just something about reading that book during that time etc.

Here are mine;

Fall/Autumn- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s) Stone.

 (This season is the start back to school after the summer holidays and start of the new school year, makes me think of Harry Potter starting back at Hogwarts).
Winter-The Gift by Cecelia Ahern- Set in winter, christmas time, snow on ground etc
SPRING-A Spring Affair by Milly Johnson- Namesake in title, set in spring
SUMMER-That Summer by Sarah Dessen- Namesake in title, love the author.

*** The second challenge was hosted by BookSmartie and was called the CandyChallenge. This was to show/name what you snacked on while reading, and whether the book influenced your snacks.

Mine;

I snack on whatever i fancy at the time or what is in my cupboards etc but there are some firm favourites-

 DRINKS- Hot chocolate, coffee.

SNACKS-Chocolate (any type!) and popcorn

***The third challenge was hosted by Books with Cass and is a contemporary challenge about favourites, i loved this but was bit unsure when i had 2 out of 3 same favs as the host....total conscience.  I tried to change my favs but i couldn't because they are my favs too.

Fav Contemporary= Pushing the Limits.

Fav Cover= My Life Next Door

Fav Surprise Contemporary= Saving June

Wow. What a Day!!!

Loved all the Challenges =D