In My Mailbox & Stacking the Shelves

 Wow, how quickly has this week gone by?!  Once again it’s time to take part in the Stacking My Shelves meme, hosted by Tyna's Reviews and In My Mailbox meme, hosted by The Story Siren.  I’ve had a fairly busy week this week, here’s what’s landed:

For review:

Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

I was gobsmaked that I hadn’t come across this series before.  I now know that Dreadnought was released in 2010 and is being re-released by Tor in December.  Just look at that cover!!!  It’s totally amazing!  I can’t work out if its from a drawing or a digital cover..but it’s flippin awesome…steampunk candy heaven :)

At the start of the Civil War, a Russian mining company commissions a great machine to pave the way from Seattle to Alaska and speed up the gold rush that is beating a path to the frozen north. Inventor Leviticus Blue creates the machine, but on its first test run it malfunctions, decimating Seattle's banking district and uncovering a vein of Blight Gas that turns everyone who breathes it into the living dead. Sixteen years later Briar, Blue's widow, lives in the poor neighborhood outside the wall that's been built around the uninhabitable city. Life is tough with a ruined reputation, but she and her teenage son Ezekiel are surviving - until Zeke impetuously decides that he must reclaim his father's name from the clutches of history.

Hysteria by Megan Miranda

The synopsis on this one gave me goosebumps….I’m way overdue a must-hide-behind-the-couch book, so thought this might hit the spot!

Mallory's life is falling apart. Her boyfriend was stabbed. He bled to death in her kitchen. Mallory was the one who stabbed him. But she can't remember what happened that night. She only remembers the fear ...When Mallory's parents send her away to a boarding school, she thinks she can escape the gossip and the threats. But someone, or something, has followed her. There's the hand that touches her shoulder when she's drifting off to sleep. A voice whispering her name. And everyone knows what happened. So when a pupil is found dead, Mallory's name is on their lips. Her past can be forgotten but it's never gone. Can Mallory live with that?

Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep

This sounded like a good read, a girl with a mission – I’ve just started reading it and the opening is hilarious in omg how embarrassing kind of way!

Gwen should have known that her first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. She was prepared to get into a swordfight, or be ambushed by Reapers. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? She didn't see that one coming. Gwen is accused of purposely helping the Reapers free the evil god Loki from his prison - and the person leading the charge against her is Linus Quinn, Logan's dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks she's guilty. If she's going to get out of this mess alive, she'll have to do it herself...

From the library yesterday:

Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan

The heart-stopping, action-packed sequel to GLOW. Onboard the Empyrean - Seth is mysteriously released from his cell in the brig when an explosion rocks the ship. Kieran accuses Seth of causing the explosion but it has in fact been caused by a saboteur - a stowaway from the New Horizon - who is using Seth to cover his tracks. Waverly agrees to help Seth on his mission to find the stowaway, but is punished by Kieran for colluding with Seth. How will the thorny, passionate love triangle between Waverly, Seth and Kieran resolve itself?

I read Glow, and loved it, so wanted to catch up with the rest of the series.

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

I can’t remember the last time I read a vampire novel…well – actually maybe the last one I read was from the brilliant Alyxandra Harvey’s Drake Chronicles series, so as it’s fast approaching Twilight, Breaking Dawn Part 2 here at the cinemas, I thought I’d have a vampire book :)   I may or may not get round to reading it…

For 500 years Lenah Beaudonte has been a vampire. 500 years of seduction, blood and destruction. But she is sickened by her dark powers -- and longs to feel the sun on her skin, grass under her bare feet, and share the breath of a human kiss. She wants to be mortal again. But is she really capable of being human, after her long years of darkness? Waking up as a sixteen-year-old girl brings Lenah many things -- the life she has missed, taste, touch, love. But a vampire soul is not easily shed. And her coven -- the four vampires she led in decadence and thrilling destruction -- want their queen back ...

Magic in the Shadows by Devon Monk

Ok, so I noticed this on the library shelf and *think* I haven’t read it….problem is I’ve read a few of Monk’s Allie Breckstrom’s novels in sequence and so far I’ve only blogged about one of them, consequently I can’t remember if I’ve read this one or not <sigh>  that was the whole point of setting my blog up in the first place, as well as sharing my love for books, it’s also meant to be my reminders as to what I’ve read…D’oh!!

'Every time you use magic, it uses you back. Sure, you could magic yourself a photographic memory for that big test, for that big interview, for that big stock market job. And all it cost you was a nice case of liver failure. Or the memory of your lover's name'. Magic is Allie Beckstom's blessing and curse. As a Hound, she uses her gifts to track down practitioners who abuse their power, and then stops them from inflicting harm on unsuspecting innocents. Unfortunately her spells have taken a toll on her, physically marking her and erasing her memories - including those of the man she loves. But lost memories aren't the only things preying on Allie's thoughts. Her late father, a prominent businessman - and sorcerer - has somehow channeled himself into her mind. With the help of the Authority, a secret organization of magic users, she hopes to gain better control over her own abilities - and find a way to deal with her father...

Won:

Sleepyhead by Mark Billingham

I entered a competition and whilst I didn’t win, the host had a few copies spare so offered me one of them (thanks).  This ones gone on my tbr pile :)

A WOMAN UNLUCKY TO BE ALIVE Alison Willetts has survived a stroke, deliberately induced by a skilful manipulation of pressure points on the head and neck. She can see, hear and feel but she is completely unable to move or communicate. In leaving Alison Willetts alive, the police believe the killer's made his first mistake. A KILLER UNLIKE ANY OTHER Then DI Tom Thorne discovers the horrifying truth: it isn't Alison who is the mistake, it's the three women already dead. A COP'S WORST NIGHTMARE Thorne must find a killer whose agenda is disturbingly unique, and Alison, the one person who holds the key to the killer's identity, is unable to say anything ...

Tempting the Player by J.Lynn

I had a few books to choose from after winning a Spooktacular Giveaway Hop, so this was my choice as it’s something a little different to what I’ve currently got on my shelves :)

I’ve already read Boneshaker (awesome, loved it) Hysteria(you’ll have to wait!), and have just started Crimson Frost, both reviews on these latter two will be scheduled before their release date, as they are some way off yet.  My next reads are from last weeks mailbox.   

What’s in your mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox & Update

It’s been ages since I’ve participated in this meme, hosted by The Story Siren.  Things have been super hectic over the last few months with one of our children breaking his arm in two places, and the other not being well….hopefully the worst is behind us now! 

Anyway, I’d like to share what eye candy came this past week. 

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry  (Mira Ink)

This is one I bought on a wim, I loved the sound of it and had heard a bit about it on Twitter.  I bought it yesterday - I couldn’t wait to start it & stayed up really, really late to finish it in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down once I’d started!!  My review of this will be posted this Tuesday.  Go bag your copy – if you’re in the UK, Amazon have it for the Kindle for 20p currently!  It’s well worth full price, but an absolute steal at the promotional price.

For review:

Struck by Lightning by Chris Colfer 

This looks like it might be hilariously funny.  Carson Phillips considers himself on the bottom of the food chain at high school; but dreams of a career as a journalist.  His guidance councillor tells him he must create a literary magazine, so he goes all out to blackmail those around him to get the stories he needs.  This is also a movie.

The Infernal Devices Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

I happened upon the cover for this earlier this week when I was looking for future things to read.  Such cool steampunkery eye candy!  I *love* the mix of manga and steampunk on the cover…the only thing missing is a top hat & goggles or adornments on the manga character.  I’m *so* looking forward to reading this.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I absolutely love steampunk.  I make and sell my own designed and handmade steampunk accessories/jewellery, so to have steampunk books to read is bliss :)

Hidden by P.C & Kristin Cast

I like the cover on this – all the series is being given a cover facelift, and this is the first new one I’ve seen.  I’ve read the previous book (Destined), and have just started this one, and so far I’ve found it a lot more enjoyable than the last book.

Magic of Public Speaking: A Complete Systen to Becoming A World Class  Speaker by Andrii Sedniey

This one was a request from the author for a review.  Having read the book synopsis and the reviews for it on Amazon I thought I’d give it a go as I may be in need of tips like these in the future.  

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Tale of Two Treasures by Kristina Stephenson

This is a colourful book which we’ve had the delight in reading once so far.  Review to be posted asap on ReallyKidFriendly.

An update:

I’ve been really remiss lately and haven’t blogged/reviewed as many books as what I have read, so I have a lot of reviews which I am catching up on and posting.  I feel really bad that I’ve not reviewed books in what I consider to be a timely manner recently..sometimes life just gets in the way and procrastination is a bloggers worst enemy.  I am scheduling my way through the reviews I have, and also trying to strike a balance with new books coming in to give the blog a mix of interesting updates.  My apologies to all the authors and publishers who have been so generous in sending books for review.

I’m also taking part in memes and giveaway hops again. I’m really excited to be sharing that I’m also updating my blog.  I realise that the right hand side is really hard to navigate (long lists etc), so not only am I giving my blog a facelift, I’m also changing the layout, so please bear with me whilst all this is going on.

We’re currently taking part in the Dystopian Hop, which finishes on the 7^th November.  From the 12^th November we’re also taking part in the Clear Your Shelf giveaway hop, with multiple giveaways for UK and international followers!  Stay tuned & Happy Sunday!

In My Mailbox #24

Hosted by The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a meme where bloggers can share with you what they received in their mailbox/from library/bought/etc.


This is a catchup mailbox for me, as it's only the second one I've posted this month as things are really hectic here, which is exciting!


Many thanks to the publishers who have requested reviews for many of these, thanks to Kirsty at Overflowing Library for Ondine, and a special shout out to Caroline at A Portrait of a Woman for passing me Sweet Valley Confidential 10 Years on...Sweet Valley was one of my favourite series reads as a teen, so looking forward to seeing what Elizabeth and Jessica have been up to!

There's some gorgeous covers on these - I especially love Incubus as a cover.  Walk the Lines sounds really fascinating, as the author walks the whole of the London Underground overground! 


The weather is absolutely sizzling here today....so a day for reading in the shade or comfort of an arm chair possibly!

In My Mailbox #23

Hosted by The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a meme where bloggers can share with you what they received in their mailbox/from library/bought/etc.


I received some fab packages this week - one which really made me smile was Lula The Hula and Kisses for Lula by Samantha Mackintosh...it had a hula necklace (don't know if that's the correct term), some lip gloss....and chocolate!!  What more can a lady ask for??  Needless to say the chocolate didn't last long <cough>!!...Oh, and you can see my cosy slippers as well ;p

Hector looks really colourful, Empire of the Summer Moon looks exceptionally good, Starcrossed arrived (pre-order from Amazon), Burned looks creepily scary and the Hula ones sound like fantastic light hearted fun :)


Have a great week!

In My Mailbox #22

Hosted by The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a meme where bloggers can share with you what they received in their mailbox/from library/bought/etc.

This week is at least three weeks worth of books in one, so it's a rather large post.   Thanks to the publishers who have made this post what it is, and my thanks also to Emma at Book Monkey Scribbles where I won Divergent from.  I'm thoroughly looking forward to reading these :)

I missed the postman Saturday, so have a couple more packets yet to collect.

In My Mailbox #21

Hosted by The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a meme where bloggers can share with you what they received in their mailbox/from library/bought/etc.

This week has been a bumper filled one for books! 

Wish Me Dead by Helen Grant.  This is the third novel by Helen Grant, although a new author to me.  This comes out in paperback on 2nd June, published by Puffin.  It looks fairly dark and has a sinister atmosphere from the Grimm's fairytales without the happily ever after.....Should be an interesting yet chilling read!


Book synopsis:
The funny thing is I never even meant the first one.
Now I bitterly regret visiting the cursed witch’s house, deep in the middle of the forest. It’s where I made my wishes.

I wished Klara Klein dead.
It came true.

I wished for the most gorgeous boy in town to finally notice me.
It came true.

I wished to be rid of the poisonous busybody who destroyed my family.
It came true.

I didn’t mean for this to happen. Not me, Steffi Nett, the shy one who never says anything. But as the body count increases with every wish I make . . .who else could it be?

Devil's Consort by Anne O'Brien.  The cover on this is really detailed!  First impressions are that it's a whopper at over 500 pages.  This is published by MIRA in paperback and came out 21st April, according to The Bookseller, it is better than Phillipa Gregory's books. 

Book synopsis:
ENGLAND'S MOST RUTHLESS QUEEN. Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine, is a determined woman who plots and schemes an astonishing path between two equally powerful men in twelfth century Europe, a woman who can manoeuvre and manipulate to safeguard her own lands as effectively as any power-grasping lord. Eleanor is single-minded in her struggle to keep her inheritance intact, leading her to reject one husband and take another who will fulfil her desires. Eleanor intends to reign as Queen and is prepared to bring scandal down upon herself in pursuit of her ultimate prize. Hers is a story of power, political intrigue, passion and love.

Tenth Grade Bleeds by Heather Brewer.  I loved the dry humour and fast paced first book in this series, and need to get the second in the series before reading this one which is the third, as I don't want to jump...if it's anything like the first, then this will be fab and worth the wait!

Book synopsis:
It’s another dark year at Bathory High for Vladimir Tod . . .
The evil vampire D'Ablo is hunting for the ritual that could steal Vlad's powers. His best friend doesn't want to be his drudge anymoreand it’s getting harder for Vlad to resist feeding on those around him. But when D'Ablo shows up demanding his father's journal, Vlad realizes that having a normal high school year is the least of his concerns.

Vlad needs to act fast, and even his status as the Pravus won't save him this
time . . .

 One for the youngest review from Egmont, the review for this will go on ReallyKidFriendly.com 

Book synopsis:
Daisy is a very special cow. Like a chameleon, she can take on the colours of the things around her, which makes her extremely good at playing hide and seek. Will her friend Jake be able to find her? Will you?

Books bought:

  

Shade by Jeri Smith Ready.  I saw this on the Blogosphere and loved the synopsis...so jumped at the chance to buy it from Paperbacks when I saw it!!  I love the colours on the cover.  This is the first in a series, and I've read mixed reviews about it...so we'll see :-)


Book synopsis:
Like everyone born after The Shift, sixteen year-old Aura can see and talk to ghosts. She's always found this mysterious ability pretty annoying, wishing only that she could reverse it and have some peace. But when her boyfriend, Logan, dies unexpectedly, Aura is forced to reconsider her connections to the dead...Devastated by Logan's sudden death, Aura realises that her ability to see ghosts might actually be a blessing. Surely a violet-hued spirit Logan is better than no Logan at all? But just when Aura is coming to terms with having a ghost as a boyfriend, she starts developing feelings for her new friend Zachary, who is understanding, supportive and, most of all, alive. Each boy holds a piece of her heart - as well as vital cues to the secret of the Shift - and it's time for Aura to choose between loving the living, or embracing the dead...

All the Things We Didn't Say by Sara Shepard.  Ok...so I'm a cover slut!!  I love this cover, so simple yet...I love it, and that's what drew me to this one.  I've seen a movie similar to this, but can't for the life of me remember the title!

Book synopsis:
Emotional, issue-led fiction perfect for all fans of The Memory Keeper's Daughter and Jodi Picoult Tragedy came as if so often does: a teenage party, emotions running high, followed by a horrific car crash. A girl is left dead and a boy is forced to leave his home town, with a secret that he will carry with him forever! Years later, when Summer's mother disappears one summer, she is left with her father. Obsessed with an accident from years ago, he slowly descends into mental illness. And as he becomes more disorientated, he reveals small fragments of a secret that has been hidden since his youth, a secret that changes everything. Summer supports her father as much as she can but eventually realises that she has to escape. She finds refuge with her great-aunt, Stella. Feisty, fun-loving, and dying of cancer, Stella holds parts of the family secret. Slowly, things fall into place for Summer - or at least so she thinks! This is a story of the importance of family, of the damage a lie can do, and of how nothing is ever what it seems.

The Takeaway Secret by Kenny McGovern.  This one has been on my wishlist for ages, so I treated myself.  Most of our meals are cooked from scratch, so I aim to reduce the occasional takeaway we do have in favour of home cooked yummy food :())  It's very comprehensive in the recipes from what I've seen so far, and has covered all I wanted it to, and more!  Comes highly recommended from my fellow Money Saving Experts on the forum.

Book synopsis:
The Takeaway Secret is a book which will enable readers to cook their own tasty takeaway food at home. After over 5 years of research and investigation, the secret ingredients and cooking techniques used by takeaway and fast food restaurants can now finally be revealed. In today's increasingly health conscious and now financially cautious world, there's never been a better time to learn the secrets of cooking your own takeaway food at home. From now on, the takeaway menu will become an inspiration to cook, not an expensive option for dinner. Some of the recipes which can now be faithfully recreated at home include Lamb Donner and Chicken Kebabs, Chicken and Vegetable Pakora, Szechuan Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Chicken Wings, Spare Ribs, Triple-Decker Burgers, Chicken Burgers, Spiced Onions, Kebab Sauces, Sub Rolls, Wraps and many more. Many recipe books call for an extensive and expensive list of ingredients, often interesting to read but impractical for everyday cooking. The Takeaway Secret will stand out as the modern cookbook, ideal for a generation of people who desire delicious food, delivered quickly without the need to slave over a hot stove for hours on end. The recipes included make it possible for home cooks, both novice and professional, to recreate their favourite takeaway and fast food restaurant dishes in their own kitchen.

Magic Foods for Better Blood Sugar (Readers Digest).  

This has been a godsend.  We had it out of our library so many times I thought we better buy our own copy so others could get a look in!  Hubby was told he was borderline diabetic last year, so in our pursuit of the 'right' way to eat for all of us (DS is dairy intolerant also), this book came up.  Whilst it's not diary free, we used alternatives where possible, and also lost weight when using the recipes, as well as shrugging off our sluggish feelings which came with what we had been used to eating.  This is our favourite cook book ever.   We especially love the blueberry cheesecake and fruit crumble which is divine!




Phew!  Like I said, a packed week!  I've started reading on my Android as well, so making small dents in my ebook backlog finally, at least those that I didn't loose when my ereader went kaput!

 

In My Mailbox #20

Hosted by The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a meme where bloggers can share with you what they received in their mailbox/from library/bought/etc.

I adore Lee Child and a host of series such as 24, Dexter and NCIS, so it's no surprise The Hunter has already featured as a Waiting on Wednesday here, and I'm thrilled Sphere (Little, Brown) sent this for me...it's due out on the 12th May and is a first novel for Tom Wood :)  - **Really looking forward to reading it!**


Book synopsis:
Forget James Bond. Forget Jason Bourne. Forget Jack Bauer. Meet Victor. He's an assassin - a man with no past and no surname. But when a Paris job goes spectacularly wrong, Victor finds himself running for his life across four continents, accompanied by a woman too beautiful to trust, pursued by enemies too powerful to escape. 

Travelling Light is a story about human trafficking.  It's not a subject I've read anything about before, so I'm sure this will be an enlightening read.  This one is from Harvard Square Press and due out July 31st.


Book synopsis:
A novel on human trafficking by the author of the award-winning novel SAZZAE, whose work was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in 2011. TRAVELLING LIGHT presents slavery in the form of a thrilling suspense by welcoming readers to Styxos, the newest EU accession candidate, head over heels in modernization as investment pours in. Travelling light to this remote island 'paradise', Mac finds herself trapped on the lowest level of society with only the ghost of a call girl in her entourage. She befriends Farouk, a French businessman derailed from his ensuing marriage when he is implicated in the murder of a call girl at a highbrow investors' gala. Will Mac become one of the 27 million modern-day slaves (see UN web site) who fall victim to human trafficking rings? Can Farouk escape a journey into instinct and extend the benefits of civilization to this newest EU accession state? Watch Mac in the company of this charming connoisseur with more to lose than an infrastructure bid. 

For review also are two Good Books for Tough Times by Partnership for Children, which offer parents ideas for books to read on tough subjects such as bullying, alcoholism and explaining pregnancy to youngsters.  These look very informative, and are available free through the Partnership for Children website

In My Mailbox #19

Hosted by The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a meme where bloggers can share with you what they received in their mailbox/from library/bought/etc.

Very quiet week for books this week, so I'm also giving a sneak peek of what I'm reading ;)

In the post:

Angel's Fury by Bryony Pearce.  My thanks go to Egmont for this.  This is out in July, and sounds like a haunting and very different book in comparison to the books I've read this year so far.

Angel's Fury book synopsis:

Every atrocity. Every war. Every act of vengeance. One fallen angel walks the earth to bring mankind to its destruction...Turning love into hate, forgiveness into blame, hope into despair. Through the fires of hell he will come to haunt one girl's dreams. But what if everything she ever dreamed was true? Every time Cassie Smith tries to sleep, she is plagued by visions of a death: A little girl called Zillah. A victim of the holocaust. In desperation Cassie is sent for treatment in an old manor house. There she meets other children just like her. Including Seth...Seth who looks so familiar. Her dream becomes nightmare. And then reality.

Sneak peek:

I've got a backlog of reviews that I'm now scheduling as I've read a fair amount of books in the last month.  The most recent onces are:

The Woman He Loved Before by Dorothy Koomson

Wintercraft Blackwatch by Jenna Burtenshaw

Leaves from the Fig Tree by Diana Duff

Between the Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

and a few more...!!

I've just started reading The 13 Secrets by Michelle Harrison.

Shaun's still reading Gladiator, Harry is alternating reading Alison Jay books with using StoryWorld cards.
OH has just finished reading the Time Riders series (3 so far) by Alex Scarrow...I'm trying to get him to commit pen to paper to get a review out of him....writing is not his strong point!  He tried reading Sanctus by Simon Toyne after I'd reviewed it but couldn't get into it....so he's now reading I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore




That's it for this week...looking forward to reading Angel's Fury but have some other books to read first.

In My Mailbox #18

Hosted by The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a meme where bloggers can share with you what they received in their mailbox/from library/bought/etc.

I've missed a few IMMs recently, so here's an overview of my IMM for the last 3 weeks:
 


In addition were two Young Reviewer books, Clone Chaos by Simon Bartram, and Lewis and Clark Expedition Deluxe Game Set by Catherine Jaime.  The Game Set is earmarked for use during half term which is fast approaching.

I've also started getting a stream of ebook review requests again, although I'm still closed for additional ebooks.  I'm bringing myself up to speed with my Android phone and therefore will be reading the ebooks I have shortly alongside the other reads I have.

I hope that I've included them all!  A huge thank you to the publishers and authors that have sent books over the last 3 weeks, I'm looking forward to reading each and every one of them, and I know the Young Reviewers have been reading some of theirs already :)  Surprise packages of books are wonderful, and many of them produced squeals and shrieks of delight when they were opened!!

In My Mailbox #17

Hosted by The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a meme where bloggers can share with you what they received in their mailbox/from library/bought/etc.

This week has been productive...not only have I been to the library, I've also bought some fab books as well :)





Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting
Many thanks to Emma (ASAMUM) for loaning me this.  I'll be reading it and then returning it, along with some other books and The Body Finder ;)

Would-Be Witch by Kimberley Frost
This one is a library book, I love the cover on it, as well as the blurb on the back.

Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon
This is on my read list for the Story Siren's debut challenge, gorgeous cover.

The Secret by Rhonda Byran, The Power by Rhonda Byran
These were another recommendation must read, so I'm overjoyed that they're here....I'm currently reading The Secret and it's made a big shift in my thinking already :)

The Guardian Angel's Journal by Carolyn Jess-Cooke
With thanks to Piatkus, (Little Brown Book Group), This is due for publication on 14th April...similar to The Lovely Bones, it tells the story of Margot Delacriox who died and finds herself reliving and experiencing her life over again as she sees the mistakes and biggest regrets of her life and the impact they had.  This is a debut book from a Belfast born author who lives in the North East of England.  I was intrigues when I read about this in Little Brown's catalogue.

In My Mailbox #16

Hosted by The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a meme where bloggers can share with you what they received in their mailbox/from library/bought/etc.

A small mailbox this week, thankfully.  I've not been able to read much as the boys haven't been well.

 The E Myth Contractor by Michael E. Gerber


Recommended for virtual workers as well as contractors, this is from a series of books which inspires and is packed with ways to look at your business.  I've read this already as it's very compact, and scheduled its review :)

Random by Craig Robertson

A debut thriller from the Scottish seasoned journalist.  

Reading the synopsis on this one gives me enough reason to know I won't be reading this just before bedtime!!! The story is told through the eyes of the killer, who reveals his method and motives which drive him to repeatedly kill.  Sounds a little unusual, as the thrillers I read are mostly told from the detectives point of view.  I may need some extra undies for this one =O

In My Mailbox #15

Hosted by The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a meme where bloggers can share with you what they received in their mailbox/from library/bought/etc.

 Sanctus by Simon Toyne

This is a debut book by a British author, which I'm looking forward to reading.

The certainties of the modern world are about to be blown apart by a three thousand year-old conspiracy nurtured by blood and lies …

A man throws himself to his death from the oldest inhabited place on the face of the earth, a mountainous citadel in the historic Turkish city of Ruin. This is no ordinary suicide but a symbolic act. And thanks to the media, it is witnessed by the entire world.

But few understand it. For charity worker Kathryn Mann and a handful of others in the know, it is what they have been waiting for. The cowled and secretive fanatics that live in the Citadel suspect it could mean the end of everything they have built – and they will kill, torture and break every law to stop that. For Liv Adamsen, New York crime reporter, it begins the next stage of a journey into the heart of her own identity.

And at that journey's end lies a discovery that will change EVERYTHING …

SANCTUS is an apocalyptic conspiracy thriller like no other – it re-sets the bar for excitement and fascination, and marks the debut of a major talent in Simon Toyne.

 Funny Felt Farm Faces from Templar Publishing

This one is for our youngest reviewer, who's already had fun with it this week, both with help and without, so a review will be coming shortly.

I remember using Funny Felt on boards when I was younger!






I've bought a couple of books this week, although they haven't arrived yet so I'll include them in the relevant IMM when they arrive. 

This week I'll be having a dragon theme on my blog, as it's Dragon Festival time here in Norwich.  One of our city's mascots is Snap the dragon, who sits proudly in the Castle Museum.  He normally takes part in the Lord Mayor's Procession every year....I'm sure I have photos of Snap somewhere - anyway, dragons all week this week :)

 

In My Mailbox #15

 UK readers - Win a set of Jamie at Home DVDs (Ends 14th February)

Hosted by The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a meme where bloggers can share with you what they received in their mailbox/from library/bought/etc.

Some more exciting books this week :)  

Leaves From The Fug Tree by Diana Duff

Synopsis from the publisher:

Born in Africa but  Irish by descent, Diana  Duff went

to live, aged two, with her grandparents in a Georgian stately home, Annes Grove, set in world-renowned gardens.  Enveloped by this rich tapestry, her world seemed magical – the Judas tree reputed to flower only on Good Friday; rare rhododendrons from Tibet; a Chinese coffin tree and blue meconopsis poppies – with talk of horses and fishing juxtaposed with tales of banshees, ráths and the foxy-haired ghost, visits from Elizabeth Bowen, Vita Sackville-West, David Cecil and many others.

Aged 18, she returned to Africa to a father she scarcely knew; to Ruanda and Uganda; to crystal lakes and forest gorillas; to Kenya, where she met the legendary Grogan and Raymond Hook who raced cheetahs in Haringay, England; where she doubled for Grace Kelly in Mogambo; a transfer to Johannesburg, where she challenged the authorities at the height of apartheid – and emerged victorious.

With humour, eloquence, empathy and candour, Diana shares her adventures and her arrival at a place from her childhood, where family truths are learned, along with the realisation that Africa has real magic all of its own.

Leaves From the Fig Tree looks interesting.  I'm looking forward to reading about the rich sounding backdrops and adventures.

 The Woman He Loved Before by Dorothy Koomson

Libby has a nice life with a gorgeous husband and a big home by the sea. But over time she is becoming more unsure if Jack has ever loved her ? and if he is over the death of Eve, his first wife. When fate intervenes in their relationship, Libby decides to find out all she can about the man she hastily married and the seemingly perfect Eve. Eventually Libby stumbles across some startling truths about Eve, and is soon unearthing more and more devastating family secrets. Frightened by what she finds and the damage it could cause, Libby starts to worry that she too will end up like the first woman Jack loved...Tense and moving, The Woman He Loved Before explores if the love you want is always the love you need or deserve.  

The Woman he Loved Before sounds intriguing.  I enjoy relationship books and this looks quirky enough to be a fascinating read. 

In My Mailbox #14

Hosted by The Story Siren. In My Mailbox is a meme where bloggers can share with you what they received in their mailbox/from library/bought/etc.


A fairly quiet week for books this week, but I have also received some dvds for review as well as a spare set for a giveaway, which I'm really looking forward to hosting :)

 Entangled by Cat Clarke


Thanks to Jo at Once Upon a Bookcase and Quercus as I won this in a competition.  One I'm looking forward to reading after seeing so many positive reviews for it.  Also suitable for the British Book Challenge.




Jamie at Home set of dvds

These are a promotional item, thanks to the  The Sun Buzz.  Readers can receive the entire Jamie at Home series (12 episodes). 

The Sun is running a promotion 5-11th February; every day in the paper you can collect a token to receive a free DVD and there are 2 episodes on each DVD so across the week you can pick up the entire series. The tokens are instantly redeemable in Tesco, on the day of print. The promotion kicks off in Buzz magazine and will then be featured in the paper for the rest of the week.  I will be sharing my review for these over the coming days, and also giving a way a complete promotional set, so stay tuned!