tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55630349551864102582024-03-16T01:11:37.201+00:00What Makes A Good BookAbigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.comBlogger701125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-34177224636047216622024-03-14T22:47:00.000+00:002024-03-14T22:47:53.721+00:00The Seven Sisters' Series Pt. 2<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And even though it's been a while since I've finished this series, I still want to post this, as I still have a fair few thoughts. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I know a lot of you won't want to read this, because you haven't read the books, but those that do, I hope you enjoy this. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Moon Sister</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bGJsPJQ2Ohb0yLL7KLGKbpw97UEhX9XHc3cLvJn_uFLDOrcbNKlEM_6623J-KHr0Qg4IU3gFHAMihX90Fbz_3VXCzDoRbMEplzpTO4Rhie9OQuSc0AiL27WGsL2Y8oMnmRR4fkDaHMXpnVXRq0t-SiVQIaqoQmb_mbhBq_zhqIyAs0eQhpownkdKPV0Q/s500/the%20moon%20sister.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="330" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bGJsPJQ2Ohb0yLL7KLGKbpw97UEhX9XHc3cLvJn_uFLDOrcbNKlEM_6623J-KHr0Qg4IU3gFHAMihX90Fbz_3VXCzDoRbMEplzpTO4Rhie9OQuSc0AiL27WGsL2Y8oMnmRR4fkDaHMXpnVXRq0t-SiVQIaqoQmb_mbhBq_zhqIyAs0eQhpownkdKPV0Q/w138-h209/the%20moon%20sister.jpg" width="138" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The Moon Sister- From the past four books, a lot of the time, the POV that I was anticipating the most, was the ancestor. Surprisingly, it was the opposite with The Moon Sister. </p><p style="text-align: center;">In the fifth book in the series, we follow Tiggy, who spends her days experiencing the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands, taking care of the wildcats that roam in the exhibit. But when the sanctuary is forced to close, she takes a position of a wildlife consultant in the isolated estate of doctor and laird, Charlie Kinnaird. When she takes this whirldwind position that will be changing her life for the forseeable future, she has no idea how much it'll help her to understand her past. At the estate she meets Chilly, a gypsy that fleed Spain no less than seventy years ago. He tells her that not only does Tiggy possess the gift that has lived in her family for generations, but that he know her grandmother. With this he begins to tell Tiggy the tale of her origin. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Now, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy hearing about the lifestyle of the flamenco dancers, which is what Lucia (her grandmother) was- it was wondering to read about the events that took place in the 1950s in Spain, I just didn't particularly love Tiggy's grandmother a huge amount. Tiggy's POV, bringing the estate back to working order, and getting the animals to interact, protecting the wildlife, as well as reading about her relationships with the new characters that were introduced, were where I enjoyed the book the most. Tiggy was one of my favourite sisters to read about, with her intelligence, her curiousity, her kindness, and her instinct were enough to fall in love with her character every time I picked the book up. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Sun Sister</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDcG6-8D5Sg1EShtdYqRR5B_rnst5XG-hjKE6szEE27mWUIR-J0Y1Mfu1GUiDro8YQpCMRaiIPuF2JpKj1INJxpD2h2RjMIsXEuAKYufo9zN-iQVqmTz4oF0ZCxMOUM341XGiFtcjxOG4pRS4S394xqmzj7r2S8Xz3BXCCIBoQUeXtapJ0Bpd5vaW7BBw/s500/sun%20sister.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="330" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDcG6-8D5Sg1EShtdYqRR5B_rnst5XG-hjKE6szEE27mWUIR-J0Y1Mfu1GUiDro8YQpCMRaiIPuF2JpKj1INJxpD2h2RjMIsXEuAKYufo9zN-iQVqmTz4oF0ZCxMOUM341XGiFtcjxOG4pRS4S394xqmzj7r2S8Xz3BXCCIBoQUeXtapJ0Bpd5vaW7BBw/w131-h199/sun%20sister.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Electra's book is very different from the others. She faces challenges none of the others ever have a possibility of encountering. A lot of this is because she is a figure in the public eye- she's a global supermodel- known to most people in the world- which can bring about a certain amount of pressure. She feels very much like she could fit in today's world, with everyone obsessed with social media, and being noticed, where it's really easy to become addicted to bad habits, (if you've read the book you'll know what I'm talking about), and because of that, it's very easy to relate to her as a character. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If anything, the fact that she's easy to relate to almost makes you want to root for her recovery, and for her to use her platform to make a difference. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the amount of that I've talked about Electra, you can probably tell how much I enjoyed her POV. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I haven't even mentioned her ancestor, Cecily either. With her, it isn't actually the case of Tiggy's ancestor- I <u>really</u> like reading about Cecily. I did like reading Electra's POV more, but I'm not taking away from Cecily, for sure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cecily wants a life of exploring, a life of adventure and learning- not a life of being married to a rich husband. So when the chance to escape to Africa with her godmother arrives, she grasps it with two hands. Cecily's story covers several decades, and takes her to africa, to marrying in unusual circumstances, to even more unexpected circumstances. This happens in all of them, and I've been surprised and overjoyed at the events that take place, but I found myself becoming sad during this one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Because I knew this would be the last time I read a book in this series that was set in this manner), but still, I was eager and excited to see what happens next. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I won't say that this one was my favourite, they all won me over in different ways. But this honestly felt like the end of the series. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Missing Sister</i></div></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JYdE6DzvDO4pYYkLYHdMyHY2sRCt0aVBEY6kA8Z5U1SUTvFAwUXlv2EfF-oZAlOFd1U6ayZvRJH1K7IZVEL1ee9ZgvJ9aPwhbw222wlQBQpd9YU59OZRlgfIb10bJOvwMVKlspb0NzYif4alJl76WCDD-AAj2ssTECiE8OUZnDVW996PZg0v6Od3igl8/s499/the%20missing%20sister.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JYdE6DzvDO4pYYkLYHdMyHY2sRCt0aVBEY6kA8Z5U1SUTvFAwUXlv2EfF-oZAlOFd1U6ayZvRJH1K7IZVEL1ee9ZgvJ9aPwhbw222wlQBQpd9YU59OZRlgfIb10bJOvwMVKlspb0NzYif4alJl76WCDD-AAj2ssTECiE8OUZnDVW996PZg0v6Od3igl8/w131-h198/the%20missing%20sister.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then I picked up this one. I'd sneaked a peak at some of the feelings that some of my fellow readers were expressing over this book, and although I don't think their thoughts coloured my own, I shouldn't have been surprised to find that my review mirrored theirs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In <i>The Missing Sister</i>, all six sisters come together and try, each in their own individual way of trying to contact the seventh and final sister- based on a piece of jewellery that Georg has been trying to find since before Maia was adopted that he believes was the seventh sister. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not saying this book was unnecessary, but I wish it had played out differently. I enjoyed Mary Kate's parts, as she told the story of her past and found out things about herself, but after following these sisters for six books, I just feel like their parts could have been better. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Atlas</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2Fw6zBiO6XBdG29zYNdWYDzwGnSvN4_v8u9DnX-WZwidsRBhKnNqEttJMCQUXHGrx0cqS8BY7rM8DYHwKIp4TdhwFvA6q0pv4ebKDkER6IborRFOYVheSB6naSnyJTf6TXh3idxMbkGCAKI8A1VxJy2VOdQKoKKQscOiFVYvnS2Dkz6Ec_iUrNCDWbkc/s500/atlas%20the%20story%20of%20pa%20salt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="336" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2Fw6zBiO6XBdG29zYNdWYDzwGnSvN4_v8u9DnX-WZwidsRBhKnNqEttJMCQUXHGrx0cqS8BY7rM8DYHwKIp4TdhwFvA6q0pv4ebKDkER6IborRFOYVheSB6naSnyJTf6TXh3idxMbkGCAKI8A1VxJy2VOdQKoKKQscOiFVYvnS2Dkz6Ec_iUrNCDWbkc/w136-h203/atlas%20the%20story%20of%20pa%20salt.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Such a great end to the series. It didn't matter that this was a co-written book between Lucinda Riley and her son Harry, the ending was perfect. Finally, we got to find out how Pa Salt came to meet all of the girls' ancestors, and why he decided to adopt them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also loved reading about him as a young boy, going from homeless, penniless, to the man determined to make a life for himself and his girlfriend. He was such a wonderful character to read about, like all of the sisters before him. All in all, I'm glad I managed to get through <i>The Missing Sister</i> so I had the pleasure of meeting Pa Salt as more than just a father & a mentor to the sister. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thankyou Lucinda Riley, for writing such a wonderful series, that had me gripped from beginning to end. It's been a pleasure. Rest in peace. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! So that is my review of the second part of the Seven Sisters series. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed it, (and if you stuck with it through to the end), thankyou. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon (hopefully for my anticipared releases for the next three months). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxxx</div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-47206762146178003092024-03-04T23:00:00.001+00:002024-03-04T23:00:57.739+00:00February Wrap Up & March TBR (2024)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here,</p><p style="text-align: center;">And I can finally find the time to post! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Sorting house took priority of course, but I can't tell you how much I missed doing this! </p><p style="text-align: center;">So happy to be back! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Without further ado, I hope you enjoy my February Wrap Up & March TBR (2024)!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>~February Wrap Up (2024)~</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">I ACTUALLY READ EVERYTHING I SET OUT TO READ THIS MONTH! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I genuinely can't remeber the last time that happened. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I read: </p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <i>The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1)</i>, by R.F. Kuang</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LU3JXxnVt6YCR-NTkh5WBMouWnyYtqKODTwIjElcIhS57yuknSMxN6gqaC6ozH_LPPWNv5njW2BKYfcpIK6DW-sXclZ6_rWrwWr9RYsAFOzlAMEnaiU8GjdbG0jnAkZcAGRRB6zy3YjobIEJiLABAzNaANlpALuGSNypvQlWn3a9j_vjSEN7uvL1_yhl/s1024/the%20poppy%20war.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LU3JXxnVt6YCR-NTkh5WBMouWnyYtqKODTwIjElcIhS57yuknSMxN6gqaC6ozH_LPPWNv5njW2BKYfcpIK6DW-sXclZ6_rWrwWr9RYsAFOzlAMEnaiU8GjdbG0jnAkZcAGRRB6zy3YjobIEJiLABAzNaANlpALuGSNypvQlWn3a9j_vjSEN7uvL1_yhl/w136-h205/the%20poppy%20war.webp" width="136" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After I failed to finish this for the end of January, I gave myself the kick up the butt that I needed, so I could finish this quickly. I am absolutely amazed at how well this book was written, and how much happens in it. Rin goes from being a lowly girl, about to be married off, to getting into Sinnegard, the most elite school in the country, to a valued member of a crazy powerful clan. I of course, can't really share what happens more than that, but I'm so glad I finally managed to finish this book and make a dent on what promises to be a phenomenal series. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. <i>Good for a girl: A Woman Running in a Man's World</i>, by Lauren Fleshman </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sit_cr6pgGdRo85AcfdK7b6XOT03xXCCfAclmOS968a5uNZ2LhzL4o_rMiVCDrApTkX5EZFOYfPXsi1j0dWypcrxaHo0sOVicBXmORUvn-Hbq6_auWnHPXF9OPeAwkAzS6IGdiSImRKLQ5qHNxIXWlM97bZgnkZDdJnZOTGAmYqQqzBbwITM3US2aNzJ/s2850/good%20for%20a%20girl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="1875" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sit_cr6pgGdRo85AcfdK7b6XOT03xXCCfAclmOS968a5uNZ2LhzL4o_rMiVCDrApTkX5EZFOYfPXsi1j0dWypcrxaHo0sOVicBXmORUvn-Hbq6_auWnHPXF9OPeAwkAzS6IGdiSImRKLQ5qHNxIXWlM97bZgnkZDdJnZOTGAmYqQqzBbwITM3US2aNzJ/w144-h218/good%20for%20a%20girl.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After struggling with <i>The Poppy War</i>, I really needed a change of pace. And because all my books were still in a million boxes, my choices were limited. Thus, I turned to audiobooks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Despite having had <i>The Nobleman's Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks </i>on my audible shelf for about 3 years, I knew I didn't want to start reading a book from a series (planning a full series re-read soon, I promise) so I picked <i>Good For A Girl </i>up, full of intrigue. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you didn't know, Lauren Fleshman is a retired track athlete, coach, spokesperson, and now author of <i>Good for a girl</i>. This book discusses her journey from a child, dreaming of being an olympian, collegiate athlete, her struggles with eating disorders, the lack of research and courses for women's health in sport, amongst a whole load of other things that take place in the competitive enviroment that is track. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, if you're interested in that sort of thing, I would definitely give this a read. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. <i>Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing</i>, by Matthew Perry </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6AfiYR4OaXZd41bCj763HcLBgNmOb84WsmeR2RWhdH79O9FttlRiAxzx1fyWQcYt2nZv-QD3ugQh-rswI3X7eAO3dMWIqMiByhCRR2xi-L4oFg3FwFuGrjSwreMz9w2RjnBGYoOhGq83lez95xiaqjhpCucytZbPcOcDmWnU6fF1EcWJMKwTWQLqL2-o/s1368/friends,%20lovers%20and%20the%20big%20terrible%20thing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="900" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6AfiYR4OaXZd41bCj763HcLBgNmOb84WsmeR2RWhdH79O9FttlRiAxzx1fyWQcYt2nZv-QD3ugQh-rswI3X7eAO3dMWIqMiByhCRR2xi-L4oFg3FwFuGrjSwreMz9w2RjnBGYoOhGq83lez95xiaqjhpCucytZbPcOcDmWnU6fF1EcWJMKwTWQLqL2-o/w145-h219/friends,%20lovers%20and%20the%20big%20terrible%20thing.jpg" width="145" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know what to say about this. I feel I know Matthew a little better now, and I commemorate him on his candor, his honesty, when writing this memoir. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even writing this now, some of the things he said are swimming around my brain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was not expecting this to be what it was. I knew he had a drug issue, but I had idea how extensive. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Honestly, now that I've read this, I just want to give him a hug. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're at all interested, come and get it, or read the audiobook, which is narrated by Matthew himself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. <i>Icebreaker (Maple Hills #1), </i>Hannah Grace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81SKIv2Z4S4aaybCkyzf3PPsU8wpLUaVrWOiuyIDdn69e_u9_v5BUfg9bYBdt5JcB9Z3I9c-Zoq1hNwmU7rcudpuy94lLVHX7-9OaXgki_XginTHzbtZmpdPBaMyXuzOmfGtHaUnnltiSOFCB6o80ULuG4faKvGpRDLGyUca38f5lJX_mlY4baCfvXs4I/s2000/icebreaer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1243" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81SKIv2Z4S4aaybCkyzf3PPsU8wpLUaVrWOiuyIDdn69e_u9_v5BUfg9bYBdt5JcB9Z3I9c-Zoq1hNwmU7rcudpuy94lLVHX7-9OaXgki_XginTHzbtZmpdPBaMyXuzOmfGtHaUnnltiSOFCB6o80ULuG4faKvGpRDLGyUca38f5lJX_mlY4baCfvXs4I/w134-h215/icebreaer.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been wanting to get to this for the longest time, and I'm so happy I finally got to it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was just what I needed. There was plenty of sport, plenty of romance, hate to love romance, feminism, character development, and smut by the bucketload (maybe a tad too much for my liking, but that's just my preference). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I loved both POV's, I never got bored, I was hooked from the get go, and I'm already thinking about when I'll be picking up book 2. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you don't know what this is about, it's about Anastasia and Nate, a figure skater that has her heart set on an olympic medal, and the captain of the Maple Hills hockey team. They're thrown together after a prank makes the team's ice rink unavailable- for the forseeable future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What exactly can go wrong? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Extremely lovable, fleshed out characters and a funny, lighthearted (yet handles some serious subjects) and an engaging read. I loved it. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. <i>The Dragon Repiblic (The Poppy War #2)</i>, by R.F. Kuang</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBLDMjkXas8Vszg3sBu-R6KJyyTuIhfBUsOj_c0A5jVL28cRJ0VhWCObKwuFMv7Gl7iC61bc4fcDVGsl4xsA5wHFBNNnKdWTAbZnT7dzYRqdcJodKjz0xDt1KiwMOM-r150I3dGvBV8QIDUken1iKqyQaHg9dcUQy73yhA1tN6yc-2FcHH7le-YPidXwN/s1024/the%20dragon%20republic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="678" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBLDMjkXas8Vszg3sBu-R6KJyyTuIhfBUsOj_c0A5jVL28cRJ0VhWCObKwuFMv7Gl7iC61bc4fcDVGsl4xsA5wHFBNNnKdWTAbZnT7dzYRqdcJodKjz0xDt1KiwMOM-r150I3dGvBV8QIDUken1iKqyQaHg9dcUQy73yhA1tN6yc-2FcHH7le-YPidXwN/w127-h192/the%20dragon%20republic.jpg" width="127" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The drive was most definitely there with this book. I did not want my reading progress with this to be the same as <i>The Poppy War</i>. I had 8 days to read a 650 page book and I was determined to finish in time for the end of february. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've always boded well with novels that have a clear goal, an endgame that they wanted to achieve, and this was no exception. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In <i>The Dragon Republic</i>, Rin has one goal: to destroy the one person that brought about everything she held dear. But people and armies are manipulating her, her fellow soldiers look to her for guidance, and everybody has secrets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know whether I enjoyed this more than the first book. What I do know is that I am ready for the third and final book. (But of course, not emotionally ready at all.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>~March TBR (2024)~</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. <i>The Grasmere and Alfoxden Journals</i>, by Dorothy Wordsworth </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2M3OA-3-J9yloaCLJXRQQceWagm3Z64f6Y1OtIlFBtr-MaVMb0Wv4hXabxZGayXAjWP82eiPKNDyRZUlRMJ1oax8gDx1UlqQ7mMrit3n08eMEe3nNRjaIBgldzgL6dKR2ALZvB61BB0Ibpbwo1BB_gZrINlfiTyJ2shu91T5x2PSlAqY6BwUcgTnMkMD6/s400/the%20grasmere%20and%20alfoxden%20journals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="264" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2M3OA-3-J9yloaCLJXRQQceWagm3Z64f6Y1OtIlFBtr-MaVMb0Wv4hXabxZGayXAjWP82eiPKNDyRZUlRMJ1oax8gDx1UlqQ7mMrit3n08eMEe3nNRjaIBgldzgL6dKR2ALZvB61BB0Ibpbwo1BB_gZrINlfiTyJ2shu91T5x2PSlAqY6BwUcgTnMkMD6/w129-h196/the%20grasmere%20and%20alfoxden%20journals.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know why I decided to put this book forward as an option for my next read. All I knew was that I needed a change of pacing from <i>The Dragon Republic</i>, so as not to dive headlong into a reading slump with <i>The Burning God</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This definitely isn't my typical reading taste, much like with <i>Lyrical Ballds</i>, but I'm hoping a journal will be more acquited to my liking, especially as they've been written by Dorothy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. <i>I Invited Her In</i>, by Adele Parks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfqf1SrDNJrE6VFVsAFlglfYwNwdjEq3YB354XXxl_5A9EOrmbW_hVcqbo-iKUFrqNEhSHfeOIKo_3Y8qVExP2DYWHFgdO2QrPJrEzmPY7AbYMITvOKgmO8WS3ePFKQuoi9Mv84jiYXibgxhyHXU_CvrZ8UL3nQ_iBCCBdtqQt_CjkBk4AfGE-NfF3hVn/s397/I%20invited%20her%20in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="255" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfqf1SrDNJrE6VFVsAFlglfYwNwdjEq3YB354XXxl_5A9EOrmbW_hVcqbo-iKUFrqNEhSHfeOIKo_3Y8qVExP2DYWHFgdO2QrPJrEzmPY7AbYMITvOKgmO8WS3ePFKQuoi9Mv84jiYXibgxhyHXU_CvrZ8UL3nQ_iBCCBdtqQt_CjkBk4AfGE-NfF3hVn/w137-h213/I%20invited%20her%20in.jpg" width="137" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, it's on another TBR. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I <u style="font-weight: bold;">will</u> get to it this month or I'm giving it back to my auntie. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mum has even recommended it this evening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. <i>Sheltering Rain</i>, by JoJo Moyes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvCrAatT480fyUvqiyVDyQhBXpGGOPfzeuaY43r6zYMl1EXLXN3dPY27JHo6_9s5xlhBnx7obJUVc3dGSqsUZ5rccPtUmNnx8GkRSH0xUU86vJBJFMA5JZFKs11uRUgmMnEpQJPQipGQCfLqBdLzVfpoexY2phXEoGi43bRm4J2Da-HguAvdyTb06Gcxb/s500/sheltering%20rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvCrAatT480fyUvqiyVDyQhBXpGGOPfzeuaY43r6zYMl1EXLXN3dPY27JHo6_9s5xlhBnx7obJUVc3dGSqsUZ5rccPtUmNnx8GkRSH0xUU86vJBJFMA5JZFKs11uRUgmMnEpQJPQipGQCfLqBdLzVfpoexY2phXEoGi43bRm4J2Da-HguAvdyTb06Gcxb/w137-h209/sheltering%20rain.jpg" width="137" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since putting off <i>I Invited Her In</i>, I haven't really even thought about picking this up (got it at the same time). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reading the synopsis, this doesn't sound a lot like the type of JoJo Moyes book I'm used to reading. But that's not to say it isn't at all. I always love a story that revolves around family drama, and this one spans over several decades. It tells the story of of twenty-one-year-old Joy, as she unexpectantly falls in love with a handsome naval officer in Honk-Kong in the 1950s. They quickly wed, but she soon discovers that married life isn't quite what it seems. Fast forward to 1980, their daughter Kate mysteriously flees their home to find her grandparents. When she locates them, secrets that have remained hidden threaten to surface... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Sheltering Rain </i>sounds dark and intriguing, and based on how much I love JoJo Moyes' writing, I know I'm bound to love this. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. <i>The Burning God (The Poppy War #3)</i>, by R.F. Kuang</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6zKEf0DuDe1s8WCQD3njS-GtAKYlihe-g6ymakGr6EvYF4Gvc5ODsuFvfUh2vj9vF0a-NHUkxj6W4_C4Y3dzcjwuStVRvCgVDL_Ghzj4ytAd6OfSsBumcKsxsNJ5MIOphpHADQsBDKQULcthoVYhEg58YB3lX2I6U1-D4czzHVX8bXLglu1y9gwsLmi-/s2048/the%20burning%20god.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1336" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6zKEf0DuDe1s8WCQD3njS-GtAKYlihe-g6ymakGr6EvYF4Gvc5ODsuFvfUh2vj9vF0a-NHUkxj6W4_C4Y3dzcjwuStVRvCgVDL_Ghzj4ytAd6OfSsBumcKsxsNJ5MIOphpHADQsBDKQULcthoVYhEg58YB3lX2I6U1-D4czzHVX8bXLglu1y9gwsLmi-/w138-h212/the%20burning%20god.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The third and final book in <i>The Poppy War </i>series! I have no idea what I'm in for, but I'm so excited to see what happens! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Honestly, I've seen mixed reviews (most love, but there are a few that felt let down). I have no doubt that I'm going to love this last book, but I'm so very nervous for the ending. If you've read this, let me know in the comments what you thought (but no spoilers please). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really hope I love this (and none of my favourite characters die). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! That is my February Wrap Up & March TBR (2024)! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope my reading is as succesful this month as it was last month. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As always, feel free to comment below what you all are planning on picking up this month! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful day and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-60256373918564064282024-02-04T18:43:00.000+00:002024-02-04T18:43:03.383+00:00January Wrap Up & February TBR (2024)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">I know I haven't been prioritising blog posts (or reading, come to that), but honestly, moving out is taking priority, and I'm really not sorry. </p><p style="text-align: center;">So, I'm quenching my wrap up and TBR into one- because there really isn't much on the wrap up side. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>~January Wrap Up~</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Read a total of two books. So that went well. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Rest assured, I have now finished <i>The Poppy War</i>. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Yesterday. So that'll be on my February Wrap Up at least. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1. <i>Clementine: Book Two (Clementine #2)</i>, by Tillie Walden </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9Yl7hWpxmRMLknhe1mTYEMoiAPGgLTp519fwE_o-4Fs5Mpu7UxGe-fqLwAddYFCKJEAUCrZ37cT9zB594nCzzAZJEpPwNvF8RJWYhdZZHlVJepigv3Lug5cI2XO0sYP4e0A3y__Z66jLuTQqT75KWOJ9pfw_p6b2HgXtL3BUVMNSdKpKXuQpdtdMUaSM/s1350/clementine%20book%20two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9Yl7hWpxmRMLknhe1mTYEMoiAPGgLTp519fwE_o-4Fs5Mpu7UxGe-fqLwAddYFCKJEAUCrZ37cT9zB594nCzzAZJEpPwNvF8RJWYhdZZHlVJepigv3Lug5cI2XO0sYP4e0A3y__Z66jLuTQqT75KWOJ9pfw_p6b2HgXtL3BUVMNSdKpKXuQpdtdMUaSM/w139-h209/clementine%20book%20two.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This novel changed my opinion of this series for me. After the first volume, I was liking it, but not completely in love with the continuation of the legendary game series. But volume 2 brought intense moments, emotional moments, moments of clarity. I loved it, and I cannot wait for the third and final graphic novel to be released so I can read all three novels again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>2. <i>The Deal of A Lifetime</i>, by Fredrik Backman </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1OT-IK0mghn74yi-2qQl81vvZtX0tBH4WUeXjqUY1uX2bp6037Ld1A44alASoM-cPZl9TTJrPwDgFE7YzinY1NKaUyjXRNAPqC_gwStI432Uhz0NywqS9yG5iQX3JhKRC-P8y8Fbb5p-kURnRdwNz5u6-DObkdQxUuldPBYkpyK2JUcuVKyssknJC6Sv/s1948/deal%20of%20a%20lifetime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1948" data-original-width="1399" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1OT-IK0mghn74yi-2qQl81vvZtX0tBH4WUeXjqUY1uX2bp6037Ld1A44alASoM-cPZl9TTJrPwDgFE7YzinY1NKaUyjXRNAPqC_gwStI432Uhz0NywqS9yG5iQX3JhKRC-P8y8Fbb5p-kURnRdwNz5u6-DObkdQxUuldPBYkpyK2JUcuVKyssknJC6Sv/w156-h217/deal%20of%20a%20lifetime.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I read this in the space of a morning- I nearly wept upon finishing this. It's a 65 page story about a man that receives terrible news. He can change fate, but it would mean being fogotten by all who knows him- even his son, who thinks he's been a disappointment to his dad. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Devastatingly heartbreaking, wonderfully written, I loved this short story with all my heart- even though it took me an hour to read. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>~February TBR~</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>1. <i>Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man's World</i>, by Lauren Fleshman </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUOvKm6pQ-jBfhoUFQqYDf4lUVOIsKoo3W7JEDd3F08-O2gZXi07eVWFX9MWRpfG9ZSbyqbrYoje0m-ASNlyJjUf3DucwYbhCFMqySqNJ13hKoNo7-ivakrr3A8vhtj7zQfnK6wwcjlh2xHZIva7byuaGjb7KL4mK-fZKdf6ofEthskDEIUQ4M6zzBrF-/s2850/good%20for%20a%20girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="1875" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUOvKm6pQ-jBfhoUFQqYDf4lUVOIsKoo3W7JEDd3F08-O2gZXi07eVWFX9MWRpfG9ZSbyqbrYoje0m-ASNlyJjUf3DucwYbhCFMqySqNJ13hKoNo7-ivakrr3A8vhtj7zQfnK6wwcjlh2xHZIva7byuaGjb7KL4mK-fZKdf6ofEthskDEIUQ4M6zzBrF-/w140-h212/good%20for%20a%20girl.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm so invested in this. Started this morning, reckon I'll be finished on tuesday, the amount I've been listening to the audiobook. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For those that don't know, Lauren Fleshman is an running athlete turned coach, that has written this part memoir, part menifesto novel about her love of running growing up, the pressures she was put under, injuries in unhealthy environments, everything to do with body dismorphia and eating disorders. Just everything to do with track and field, growing up as a woman in that industry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really do love this book already. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>2. <i>Icebreaker (Maple Hills #1)</i>, by Hannah Grace</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEpqszqDiqbhceY2O4GjR2Jmp3jxp4mz0UVTsLjdhoNqNP3cqXldrF-ihcdx85zMYQow2N4ZbI_hxfhy0PiuSpoJkhXJNLqBdP-R0-KVgC9e0le4L5zYi0XlocmVBwD3qEAlDTAKCF8EeIErER_2jsL60lHxZzRd2tViZWjYm2wN86SodAtUbnv9SOL9Z/s2000/icebreaer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1243" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEpqszqDiqbhceY2O4GjR2Jmp3jxp4mz0UVTsLjdhoNqNP3cqXldrF-ihcdx85zMYQow2N4ZbI_hxfhy0PiuSpoJkhXJNLqBdP-R0-KVgC9e0le4L5zYi0XlocmVBwD3qEAlDTAKCF8EeIErER_2jsL60lHxZzRd2tViZWjYm2wN86SodAtUbnv9SOL9Z/w152-h244/icebreaer.jpg" width="152" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sportish romance! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's more detail on last month's TBR about this book, but long summary short, <i>Icebreaker </i>is a hate to love romance about an olympic hopeful ice skater and an ice hockey player that are forced to share a rink after a double booking. I was drawn in by this because there are so few ice-skating books, much less with potential olympic try-outs, so of course I had to have it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>3. <i>The Dragon Republic (The Poppy War #2)</i>, by R.F. Kuang</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu4lOM3w3txfbids0eMxERUsJpiiBwDSO-QeOxEOTJj2YSmQfQKOZ3q7iGRKEcivOL6nv9Y8EKqaRJtgDkSs6LzjJcnBWQm-evAKXG_cxlDSZq83qPeabXUWnM904fbRxk-pr-uML2flaoutvAD-6w0rMFokmTcYUWbdOnZTpTMmcX2NvPPNrDdakr_D2/s1024/the%20dragon%20republic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="678" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu4lOM3w3txfbids0eMxERUsJpiiBwDSO-QeOxEOTJj2YSmQfQKOZ3q7iGRKEcivOL6nv9Y8EKqaRJtgDkSs6LzjJcnBWQm-evAKXG_cxlDSZq83qPeabXUWnM904fbRxk-pr-uML2flaoutvAD-6w0rMFokmTcYUWbdOnZTpTMmcX2NvPPNrDdakr_D2/w129-h194/the%20dragon%20republic.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm adding this to the list because I genuinely want to get to this sometime in February (and I really hope it doesn't take me a month to read it, despite it being a bit larger). As much as it might seem unlikely, I really did enjoy <i>The Poppy War</i>, and I can't wait to see what happens next. I've seen nothing but five stars reviews for this book, so I can't wait to join the masses and experience the 2nd book in this trilogy, for what it is: a well-written, dramatic, epic fantasy book that has the world crying tears of vengence. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>4. <i>Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing</i>, by Matthew Perry </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaae93YnNlKkguOPrDoSNRubswSRZD7DozIyhk8JQFC0kDMhHgJ6djbiuutfKp1XmlezlDJqaL3zkh1-R_cVOrxSllsbkBgfz4hnXvvMPMTLbZsm8N9Z0PlvZqjzEieU40x0krzAEYNZs_J6TYf-bvwa9_YLmhL8zigyiDx960zX3GtVCWVUWaiUC8Wqi/s1368/friends,%20lovers%20and%20the%20big%20terrible%20thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="900" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaae93YnNlKkguOPrDoSNRubswSRZD7DozIyhk8JQFC0kDMhHgJ6djbiuutfKp1XmlezlDJqaL3zkh1-R_cVOrxSllsbkBgfz4hnXvvMPMTLbZsm8N9Z0PlvZqjzEieU40x0krzAEYNZs_J6TYf-bvwa9_YLmhL8zigyiDx960zX3GtVCWVUWaiUC8Wqi/w124-h187/friends,%20lovers%20and%20the%20big%20terrible%20thing.jpg" width="124" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm putting this on the list because... well, I'm putting it on the list. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It'll be handy to have another audiobook on the plan to get to this month, in case I want to read when organising the hole that is my house this month, and it's this one that I was most drawn to on audible. This might change, dependant on if I get my spare room into a more organised area, and I find I have the free time to pick up a paperback. But right now, it's Matthew Perry's voice I want to hear from an audiobook. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! That's my January Wrap Up & February TBR! I hope you enjoyed it and, as always, feel free to comment what you read in January, or want to pick up in February! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will try and get a post or two to you guys this month, but since my broadband isn't installed until mid February- don't hold your breath. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-49605912368490968062024-01-18T10:52:00.001+00:002024-01-18T10:52:38.990+00:00Anticipated Releases (January-March 2024)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm aware I'm a little late with this post, I usually plan to post these the month before the first month (in this case January) is due to start, but I can genuinely say I forgot about it until it was too late. </p><p style="text-align: center;">So, better late than never I guess. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>January</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <i>Womb City</i>, by Tlotlo Tsamaase</p><p style="text-align: center;">Release date: 23/1/24</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjpB_-MAZD2NZWkCcIgSu2RRvZrQW32NLINGvIOC01Ab5_b4r_EnAxNWJFx_eX8Xunlig7iEmP75U9QtLnQZgAtgD0aXHaDI4QbjdXX9aJu9bET_43yapaVYKC4cFNzqFF5MRNFrP-gXAhEDLC2XRP2pukWb76nw6SchUPQF3LfZLJmwjN2X01sz20nsj/s2550/womb%20city.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1688" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjpB_-MAZD2NZWkCcIgSu2RRvZrQW32NLINGvIOC01Ab5_b4r_EnAxNWJFx_eX8Xunlig7iEmP75U9QtLnQZgAtgD0aXHaDI4QbjdXX9aJu9bET_43yapaVYKC4cFNzqFF5MRNFrP-gXAhEDLC2XRP2pukWb76nw6SchUPQF3LfZLJmwjN2X01sz20nsj/w139-h210/womb%20city.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In a world where men control the one thing that women should have a say in, how much will a woman risk to save both herself and her unborn child?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nelah seems to have it all: wealth, fame, a child on the way. But languishing in a loveless marriage with a suspicious policeman, drives Nelah's hopes and dreams to a hopeless stop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a drug-fueled night of celebrations ends in a hit-and-run scenario, Nelah buries the body, with her accomplish, Janith Koshal and leaves, hoping to leave behind a sentencing, and society, that favours men. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But the body is nowhere near dead. When it threatens to hurt everyone Nelah holds dear, she knows she must uncover her society's terrible secrets to stop those in power, and become a monster unlike any other to quench the ghost's violent thirsts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I kind of like the mix of science, mixed with the motherhood theme in this book, which is what drew me to it in the first place. Aside from that, the cover is just amazing- it stands out. I'm expecting big things from this novel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>February</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <i>The Women</i>, by Kristin Hannah</p><p style="text-align: center;">Release date: 6/2/24</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnyEvp4qQ2HVsj01yBFcuhr74lhrA8OwCZRRouB6zA1qRPptYIfXNWBRA1WLDGso6oSrrfVfRUGc7SE4rpUYizwEW6k62_xhzhZg88SxYq1tevmyX6W_L6I_ODQQMPUvg6rsnhi-Fi1GOkpp8j54em6019xIQncd-sXOVO1ai9nf4nWCvwgmVftKxH_Ow/s2560/the%20women.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1684" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnyEvp4qQ2HVsj01yBFcuhr74lhrA8OwCZRRouB6zA1qRPptYIfXNWBRA1WLDGso6oSrrfVfRUGc7SE4rpUYizwEW6k62_xhzhZg88SxYq1tevmyX6W_L6I_ODQQMPUvg6rsnhi-Fi1GOkpp8j54em6019xIQncd-sXOVO1ai9nf4nWCvwgmVftKxH_Ow/w143-h216/the%20women.jpg" width="143" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really shouldn't be putting this on the list of Anticipated Releases when I've never even read <i>The Nightingale</i> yet, but I couldn't help it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With how much everyone loved Kristin Hannah's writing, and given how much I love reading about a new time period, I just know I'll love this when I pick it up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I won't go into a huge amount of detail of what it's about, but it's about twenty-year-old nurse Frankie following her brother to the Vietnam War to assist the wounded soldiers. Once there, she's overwhelmed by the amount of bloodshed and loss that surrounds her and the rest of the Army Nurse Corps. But through hard work and luck, Frankie becomes one of the brave- the lucky, the broken, the lost.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But the battle isn't over for Frankie and the rest of the nurses. The real struggle begins when they return home, to a changed and divided America, to angry protestors, and a country that wants to forget Vietnam.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <i>The Women </i>is about one woman going to war, but it also shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm's way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has often been forgotten. </div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>March</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <i>Dear Younger Me: What 35 Trailblazing Wish They'd Known as Girls</i>, by Elisa Boxer</p><p style="text-align: center;">Release date: 5/3/24</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_VMUmouHAyECiKfK4vUxN3VEu7kTlR9VlJ4W3RSWhzIsxx3UsKh4Ym7l2-ZL5H60SGmyvApuUwNCV54zYFk9Mrz0hfutZBdKBLlTgjZptJI-IwHR4Oa9AW7o3LgaDo6U2sSL7uGF4P4_u8fySGoMIUlgJ7sFSdUbptgDvW_9TVMjUqAasmL1cLZwqdfu/s1500/dear%20younger%20me.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="911" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_VMUmouHAyECiKfK4vUxN3VEu7kTlR9VlJ4W3RSWhzIsxx3UsKh4Ym7l2-ZL5H60SGmyvApuUwNCV54zYFk9Mrz0hfutZBdKBLlTgjZptJI-IwHR4Oa9AW7o3LgaDo6U2sSL7uGF4P4_u8fySGoMIUlgJ7sFSdUbptgDvW_9TVMjUqAasmL1cLZwqdfu/w126-h207/dear%20younger%20me.jpg" width="126" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is an account of 35 different women (ahletes, authors, a WWII code breaker, an activist, so many different women) writing an account of what they wish they knew as girls. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have no idea what's in here, what people think (there's one review on Goodreads for this book) but Kirkus Reviews has sung it's praises, so I'll give it a try. It's only 238 pages too, so I should be able to knock this out in a weekend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. <i>Promchanted</i>, by MORGAN MATSON</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Release date: 5/3/24</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKDc3j2eOfP-dBYKZN3JwyYGhjwDRn8aqwbBXzfyoCuy9_Q54g907bGMcODRd0XEEaslA4MZ6fZs4-nFWShptOGJxOvcmB-v7j2QSFjWwOB_35O5x-6tJ8Pvrtpm6sHgFRsa16Q_uNneCGpw7waon2oChjLNr2bYsdct2Ld7gMfqi6Isq1CsJ_tfJ5ATI/s2550/promchanted.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1688" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKDc3j2eOfP-dBYKZN3JwyYGhjwDRn8aqwbBXzfyoCuy9_Q54g907bGMcODRd0XEEaslA4MZ6fZs4-nFWShptOGJxOvcmB-v7j2QSFjWwOB_35O5x-6tJ8Pvrtpm6sHgFRsa16Q_uNneCGpw7waon2oChjLNr2bYsdct2Ld7gMfqi6Isq1CsJ_tfJ5ATI/w138-h209/promchanted.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Morgan Matson has a book coming out! I can't remember the last time she had one out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Checks*.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oops. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, it's fine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Promchanted </i>is (I'm assuming) a hate to love romance where two people, Stella and Reece (Stella has recently been broken up with and has lost all faith in love) and Reece who hates her guts, stumble through a hidden door at Disneyland and actually end up in Sleeping Beauty's story. (Always loved Sleeping Beauty- mostly because of the dragons, but whatever.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But the minute Stella and Reece arrive, the story starts to go a bit awry- Phillip and Aurora meet too early, the fairies are suspicious of their presence- even Malificent gets wind of them! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can Stella and Reece put aside their differences and work together to get the story back on track, or will they be stuck in the fairytale forever? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. <i>Breathing Underwater</i>, by Abbey Nash </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Release date: 5/3/24</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuae1gRzZ15zUmHMGG5PHy5jjEYD60jcLsix6BrjG47e4PONqK_VV78KydIvxWoyxnY2Bt9SnRLCAI9hG0bW7VOj-SucNWKkNyN3w6tQLW4Bee6X68ygZyrBz0r1aNvTIvjpjTZM8WGMePPMH_tTz-qyKu5qRctsGBQrFErn720RNmA1KcQXpA5WOfuNPm/s2476/breathing%20underwater.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2476" data-original-width="1576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuae1gRzZ15zUmHMGG5PHy5jjEYD60jcLsix6BrjG47e4PONqK_VV78KydIvxWoyxnY2Bt9SnRLCAI9hG0bW7VOj-SucNWKkNyN3w6tQLW4Bee6X68ygZyrBz0r1aNvTIvjpjTZM8WGMePPMH_tTz-qyKu5qRctsGBQrFErn720RNmA1KcQXpA5WOfuNPm/w137-h215/breathing%20underwater.jpg" width="137" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As always, I will always give a story that has a sport in it a chance, if I like the look of it. And the fact that it has representation makes me want to read it all the more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tess has always had one passion in life- swimming. She lives and breaths it- if she's not in the pool, she's thinking about it. It's her one shot at a career, at getting into a good college with a scholarship- and it's all she's ever wanted. But all of that gets put on hold when she has a seizure underwater. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her life suddenly becomes one of doctor visits, missed practises, and a summer job behind the counter- not sitting in a lifeguard chair like every year before. New kid Charlie- whose cute, but isn't the priority right now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The question is, will Tess ever get back to where she was before?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4.<i>The Other Lola</i>, by Ripley Jones</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Release date: 12/3/24</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSS6QPLEgflXKw-c7n5quwgUPylfr-RvQguFUoPiAdU05P_Uq6g7MwrN4B14IK58_32CXkkfsUBpG1Hzfmh-z_W2pXHbcuRPhuRBlVjmSmW_zEZEHFEwiOT_mlFTPy0l1tYcaDrkK7uzmB49Dx9oNW1NUYet8VlWZCQhyphenhyphenKobkqgfGKzseggIcNML583DC/s400/the%20other%20lola.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="258" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSS6QPLEgflXKw-c7n5quwgUPylfr-RvQguFUoPiAdU05P_Uq6g7MwrN4B14IK58_32CXkkfsUBpG1Hzfmh-z_W2pXHbcuRPhuRBlVjmSmW_zEZEHFEwiOT_mlFTPy0l1tYcaDrkK7uzmB49Dx9oNW1NUYet8VlWZCQhyphenhyphenKobkqgfGKzseggIcNML583DC/w129-h201/the%20other%20lola.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I won't lie, this drew me in because of my boyfriend's old cat was called Lola. Stupid reason, but I'm adding it on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wouldn't even call this the first book in the Saga. It's the second. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm thinking I might need to read the first book before this one (even though they're not linked together as a series). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Basically this is about a duo, Cam and Blair, that after solving the town's big murder mystery were catapulted to fame. They swore, no more mysteries, no more podcasts theorising, no more poking their noses where they shouldn't belong. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until Mattie Brosillard arrives on their doorstep, claiming that his sister has returned home after being missing for years- except he's convinced it isn't her. Nobody else believes him, but he's desperate for Cam and Blair to prove him right. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So of course, they take the case. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really should read the first one first though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. <i>Not Your Average Jo</i>, by Grace K. Shim</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Release date: 12/3/24</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYtVs0XCY7lKi9Se_oxXGJwyYudOBxyl7dYD-yDZmBplJP2J_DKkBscgdiuSQeEzW7DndNBuTF78NST7Z5YI_pGJdH3IF1-pJdkfoYfT_njSk5gWvPnvDqQuBziNxtb92ap7RsO5z4TvZJTqThHCseEzGwU9MMP8-avhGxjpXAIjr8WJ3CuXw6ewWt1Oq/s851/not%20your%20average%20jo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="563" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYtVs0XCY7lKi9Se_oxXGJwyYudOBxyl7dYD-yDZmBplJP2J_DKkBscgdiuSQeEzW7DndNBuTF78NST7Z5YI_pGJdH3IF1-pJdkfoYfT_njSk5gWvPnvDqQuBziNxtb92ap7RsO5z4TvZJTqThHCseEzGwU9MMP8-avhGxjpXAIjr8WJ3CuXw6ewWt1Oq/w141-h213/not%20your%20average%20jo.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>I honestly don't think I could explain this better than the blurb, so I think I'll quote it instead: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Riley Jo is a teenager who knows what she wants. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Born and raised in Bentonville, Arkansas, this Korean </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">American girl has her sights set on being a musician.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So when her parents are surprisingly cool about her </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">attending the prestigious Los Angeles-based arts-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">focused boarding school her senior year of high </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">school, she jumps at the chance. This is her moment </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to make her indue rock dreams a reality! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Things at Carlmont Academt start out strong: She</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">joins a band, and they set out to make plans to </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">perform at the annual sprintg concert- with a chance</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to land a record contract. Another student, Xander, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">decides his school project will be a documentary</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">about the band leading up to their first show. But not</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">everything goes how Riley Jo imagined. She is soon </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sidelined when other bandmates feel she is 'too</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Asian' to be their lead singer, and they choose her</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">classmate Bodhi Collins for the role instead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bodhi is rock music royalty, with a dad who is a</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">famous music exec. And he's got the 'all-American</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">rock star look.' Her classmates suggest she try</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">K-Pop, her heart is in indie rock. Riley Jo </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">decides to take matters into her own handsand writes </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">an original song to showcase her talent. But Bodhi </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">takes the credit... and given his connectiona, the band </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">lets him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Xander captures all of this in his film, which he leaks </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in order to show the truth behind the band. Riley Jo </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">decides to sign up for the spring concert and perform </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">on her own... but will she finally be able to take </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">center stage?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, very blong blurb, but honestly, I love the idea of all of this. Much like sport romance novels, I love books that centre around music, and it's been so long since I've read something like this. Genuinely looking forward to this being released. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are all my Anticipated Releases for the next few months! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you've enjoyed reading about my selected bunch, and feel free to comment what some of your Anticipated Releases are too! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful day and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-72883986183984120272024-01-09T22:24:00.004+00:002024-01-09T22:24:57.158+00:00January TBR (2024)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is me, Abi, back in 2024! </p><p style="text-align: center;">And this year is going to be better than ever! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Why? Because I say so, dammit! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm just joking. </p><p style="text-align: center;">But honestly, who knows what's in store for you, me or anybody, really? </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope good things befall you, my friend. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Anyway... kicking the year of is my usual January TBR, but with some absolutely amazing books on it! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I know you'll be excited to hear about them, as I am to hear about what you all plan to read below (comment if you wish). </p><p style="text-align: center;">Here are my reading plans for January, I hope you enjoy. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>Clementine Book Two (Clementine #2)</i>, by Tillie Walden </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmggDKS2AffrHRtgx_HMmkLDG46Hes-DVI8zw4dVll2XHHOXOMwHsENwQI0pT2Hb0xiusHnkHclWdobUZKvIxdPtkdkj4u_uDv5BTSA8Oykdc6Rxun_keC4SXp8sWGUaMq7lAH1vx6fOxS5y_7d6t2lsEFpOyh089XtUIttbfJMwv37pKhdxv9V_WBk8Hb/s1350/clementine%20book%20two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmggDKS2AffrHRtgx_HMmkLDG46Hes-DVI8zw4dVll2XHHOXOMwHsENwQI0pT2Hb0xiusHnkHclWdobUZKvIxdPtkdkj4u_uDv5BTSA8Oykdc6Rxun_keC4SXp8sWGUaMq7lAH1vx6fOxS5y_7d6t2lsEFpOyh089XtUIttbfJMwv37pKhdxv9V_WBk8Hb/w150-h225/clementine%20book%20two.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>I have already read this, but I'm including it anyway. This is, of course, the second installment of the Clementine graphic novel TRILOGY (sad face) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a bit slow going for the first chapter or so as the plotline took shape, but after that, I was tearing through the pages like anything, desperate to know what was going to happen next. Like with the first volume, it felt like the decisions Clementine made mirrored that of the videogame Clementine, which was nice to see. What I particularly loved about this volume was the balance between the face paced moments, when they're all fighting for their lives, compared with the peaceful moments, and moments of self discovery between characters. I loved this novel and I'm anxiously waiting for October, and the release of the final volume. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. <i>The Deal of A Lifetime</i>, by Fredrik Backman </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_3ZDFslCN8fljC1RXJSUVe-jQp2b0Q3PA7BGiPN6dqZkYqoxtl-JrHByKP20_TRtHRvAT8LSn3wLfgCnYNM5yGgGrXlY08OUUtJTyhY663LaVPFsk95SAf0u3S9NmJloTcRcqAwDmk-aDlA4WTiYCUg2EuxIr-mE4LjlwaTHGo6lsKdP0pUFK4_P_Xq_/s1948/deal%20of%20a%20lifetime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1948" data-original-width="1399" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_3ZDFslCN8fljC1RXJSUVe-jQp2b0Q3PA7BGiPN6dqZkYqoxtl-JrHByKP20_TRtHRvAT8LSn3wLfgCnYNM5yGgGrXlY08OUUtJTyhY663LaVPFsk95SAf0u3S9NmJloTcRcqAwDmk-aDlA4WTiYCUg2EuxIr-mE4LjlwaTHGo6lsKdP0pUFK4_P_Xq_/w141-h220/deal%20of%20a%20lifetime.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>An extremely quick read- under an hour, from start to finish. This book hit a nerve- I was close to tears within minutes. I won't tell you all what it's about- you should find out for yourself. All I'm saying is, this book is 65 pages. Even if you don't read a whole lot, you can find the time for this book. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">And you should. Because it's amazing. It feels effortless, the way this story is told. It's like you're handed the story, piece by piece. And then, you're looking at the full picture, without even knowing it. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Just, go out and buy a copy. You won't regret it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: large;">3. <i>The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1)</i>, by R.F. Kuang </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: large;">4. <i>The Dragon Republic (The Poppy War #2)</i>, by R.F. Kuang </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56XWpbyxUUXrP2UpFkI7y2IaXXavDMl7nI7GCoHb0LU2_MNMFBK-Hvf8Oo1Vz0vH-a136_RPPaXF-d0lOVQutw0tFzFdm-X37SHapfxymG0NSPm58Jd49t47nvMNHqIPm0JbPlbTLCqJ5N2R7m_s2BP7UXduXJpugnxDX3bbCky3zOMOcHxteZTYgiYSV/s1024/the%20poppy%20war.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56XWpbyxUUXrP2UpFkI7y2IaXXavDMl7nI7GCoHb0LU2_MNMFBK-Hvf8Oo1Vz0vH-a136_RPPaXF-d0lOVQutw0tFzFdm-X37SHapfxymG0NSPm58Jd49t47nvMNHqIPm0JbPlbTLCqJ5N2R7m_s2BP7UXduXJpugnxDX3bbCky3zOMOcHxteZTYgiYSV/w139-h209/the%20poppy%20war.webp" width="139" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidePjHDwrr-Soxv5Zqn6VayWJcDsdYE0umb8MkhNf82rLDZ0ixYzYjFzUc9hGk5xDsgghVt1EN0OhNnEUox8oR9_mmsBoMzWPUyjptb5-0_JpQU-cux5ghhliJZ6OYg83p67PFx6qTrmRZ2GcSJkIvPaa9vGNSs_a3ROah6PnHM6I116hE3uXce_OpaZ7I/s1024/the%20dragon%20republic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="678" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidePjHDwrr-Soxv5Zqn6VayWJcDsdYE0umb8MkhNf82rLDZ0ixYzYjFzUc9hGk5xDsgghVt1EN0OhNnEUox8oR9_mmsBoMzWPUyjptb5-0_JpQU-cux5ghhliJZ6OYg83p67PFx6qTrmRZ2GcSJkIvPaa9vGNSs_a3ROah6PnHM6I116hE3uXce_OpaZ7I/w134-h202/the%20dragon%20republic.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started <i>The Poppy War </i>a few days ago and although I'm apalled at how long it's taken me to get to this series, I'm so glad to finally be reading it. I'm about halfway through, and I have no idea what direction this series will take from this moment on (and I kind of love it). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By the way, I don't know if my fellow readers knew that poppies give out opium, but I sure didn't (so that was a surprise). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But if you didn't know what <i>The Poppy War </i>is in a nutshell, now you do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, there is more to it than that, like it discusses misuse of drugs, addiction, war, loyalty, and japanese history/ lore, but the bare bones of this book is literally in the title. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We may well have a favourite book of the year on our hands, and it's only January! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Excited to see what happens next. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. <i>Icebreaker (Maple Hills #1)</i>, by Hannah Grace</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJBdnbxbQ1YkIyHNoTRP65U7_lUlfwYh621gmVked_o10Py0sjeYCFGbEpkChvWfjOiTqFfHfaUL5h3nOEqrX6DTVbw-m9XpKn_Nt64b2aPc1mxxkFtL5NKqg5BdbIawg1b0Efzbi1V0qeBZYgDGNHn7jXPGYb3lzO7wtHyRpjjrNLiKBIkwXgy_a80NN/s2000/icebreaer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1243" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJBdnbxbQ1YkIyHNoTRP65U7_lUlfwYh621gmVked_o10Py0sjeYCFGbEpkChvWfjOiTqFfHfaUL5h3nOEqrX6DTVbw-m9XpKn_Nt64b2aPc1mxxkFtL5NKqg5BdbIawg1b0Efzbi1V0qeBZYgDGNHn7jXPGYb3lzO7wtHyRpjjrNLiKBIkwXgy_a80NN/w128-h205/icebreaer.jpg" width="128" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I rarely see any kind of sport in a romance, so when I heard about this, I bought it without a second thought. If I don't manage to get to this in January, I definitely will in February- it is a romance, after all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Icebreaker </i>tells the story of Stassie, skater from five years old, focused on Team USA at the Olympics; and Nathan, captain of the college hockey team, with the responsibility of keeping his team on the ice. After a misunderstanding results in the two of them sharing a rink, the pair find themselves butting heads more often then they'd like, with their unmistakable tension. But it's okay, because Stassie doesn't like hockey players, right? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just like with <i>As If On Cue</i>, I can never resist a book with two characters, from two opposite sides of the same rails, butting heads and trying (and failing) to fall in love. I'm sure I'm going to love this, no doubt about it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>6. <i>I Invited Her In</i>, by Adele Parks </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGn1iLdUxQiW6EzATeIWkx6NVPWBIkdn9RcSdrDZ5iqSINTDSHgoKKYZoNRXvzViAOQTbfsMXnLAfE9N8rMW-HW7ZYIiMDgVLG_Gm-a-ONiTAjL6lhMlE33PFi62DtI7MO61yIs1TeENKKXxzoDBjKx6_ZyqjcoDxryucOtKgylvdsL-Sa9Jzy8rtb_Zb/s397/I%20invited%20her%20in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="255" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGn1iLdUxQiW6EzATeIWkx6NVPWBIkdn9RcSdrDZ5iqSINTDSHgoKKYZoNRXvzViAOQTbfsMXnLAfE9N8rMW-HW7ZYIiMDgVLG_Gm-a-ONiTAjL6lhMlE33PFi62DtI7MO61yIs1TeENKKXxzoDBjKx6_ZyqjcoDxryucOtKgylvdsL-Sa9Jzy8rtb_Zb/w148-h230/I%20invited%20her%20in.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Sigh* </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm reading this after <i>Poppy War</i>- end of. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I Invited Her In</i>, is about Mel, who receives a message from her old friend Abi, asking for a place to stay. As old friends help each other, she agrees. What could go wrong? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, that's all I know. I've heard its a psychological thriller, and I am ready for it. (Apparently it's good). Anybody know if it is? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are all the books I want for read for the remainder of the month (three weeks- who thinks I can do it? Comment below haha). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon with my Seven Sisters pt. 2 review. (There- I've said it, so now it's out there- I have to post it next.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See you soon guys. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx</div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b><p></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-51258339049028727862023-12-28T15:41:00.001+00:002023-12-28T15:41:32.690+00:002023 Wrap Up <p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm back with what should be my last post of the year (not sure when I'll get my Anticipated Releases post out, cos I completely forgot about it until now, so bear with me on that). </p><p style="text-align: center;">This is the post where I look over the past year, what series I've finished and caught up on, and what I've achieved, as well as my usual wrap up, so I hope you enjoy it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>~Books Read in December~</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Not an amazing month of reading, I'll admit, but I'll definitely be finishing my CR this month- which is why I'll be including it today.(And hopefully one other? If there's no way it'll happen I'll switch to graphic novels in the last couple of days so I end on a high note). </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1. <i>The Missing Sister (The Seven Sisters #7)</i>, by Lucinda Riley </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8uCqwWvW2RCxkrNrJodw9buqfZ6tqOlXqxNMwhL8Asv0mfwmFOW4YaTlw3sl6UA6z1-JnZ-XFLsio2OASQPg8Fd0spEjGugzYWm2rCJsBgveC_BEA_7lgAPp-dSoVTJfWhzOplRjFNHHjFhErfpEpQMf7cCgsIzmaPDFC7Rs_p1KzD-F5_iuwArJq1Ba/s499/the%20missing%20sister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8uCqwWvW2RCxkrNrJodw9buqfZ6tqOlXqxNMwhL8Asv0mfwmFOW4YaTlw3sl6UA6z1-JnZ-XFLsio2OASQPg8Fd0spEjGugzYWm2rCJsBgveC_BEA_7lgAPp-dSoVTJfWhzOplRjFNHHjFhErfpEpQMf7cCgsIzmaPDFC7Rs_p1KzD-F5_iuwArJq1Ba/w140-h212/the%20missing%20sister.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After loving the first six books in the series, I was expecting to love this one just as much. I was aware that it was going to be a little different than it's predecessors, because the first six were about each sister finding out about their heritage and themselves, and in this, they were all banding together to find someone based on a name and a necklace, but I didn't expect it to be as different as it was. The sisters were led on a wild goose chase that had me quickly losing interest in certain sections. I found myself longing for Merry's chapters above characters I'd known and loved reading about. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was always going to finish <i>The Missing Sister</i>, I've come too far with this series to bow out now, but I just wish the turn of events had happened differently. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. <i>Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt (The Seven Sisters #8)</i>, by Lucinda Riley & Harry Whittaker </b></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEFOofAkqNaP-gAp5HKtV22FMNFHyjmA1b6yNnV0Q6jUhg3Gx0REXSCGeakASSLG56ltvpXIpKJVuCb6HhUg26Ql3yIZsBlHVpxDvPGbqJGvGCkEZwN5ZzYqDzasSR94KmEqkdf2rCehkctHwqe3KemYrvBPBSEOzqvG4XGF2Fn4RxqWhyFphhm88uZek/s500/atlas%20the%20story%20of%20pa%20salt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="336" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEFOofAkqNaP-gAp5HKtV22FMNFHyjmA1b6yNnV0Q6jUhg3Gx0REXSCGeakASSLG56ltvpXIpKJVuCb6HhUg26Ql3yIZsBlHVpxDvPGbqJGvGCkEZwN5ZzYqDzasSR94KmEqkdf2rCehkctHwqe3KemYrvBPBSEOzqvG4XGF2Fn4RxqWhyFphhm88uZek/w134-h200/atlas%20the%20story%20of%20pa%20salt.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm just over 3/4 of the way through this, and I know, without question, that I will be finishing this before the year is out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Atlas </i>is the eighth and final book of <i>The Seven Sisters </i>series that I have been reading over the past few months, and as I have known from the start, it holds all the answers as for how Maya, Ally, Star, CeCe, Tiggy and Electra all came to be adopted by Pa Salt, as well as to how he grew up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm extremely nervous about how it all wraps up, because I desperately want to find out, but also want it all to last just that little bit longer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've loved reading all of their individual stories (that have just gotten bigger and bigger with each book, to my delight) and I'm so glad I'm get to find out how it all ties together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Those are all the books I have read so far this month, which is fine (I keep telling myself this) but with the time remaining of the year, I will either be reading: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. <i>I Invited Her In</i>, by Adele Parks- psychological thriller that has been on my TBR for LITERAL MONTHS. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. <i>Heartstopper Vol.1-Vol.5</i>- due to book buying ban I have yet to read the most recent volume so will be prioritising it soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. <i>Clementime Vol. 2</i>- the same as the <i>Heartstopper</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>~<i>Series Completed in 2023~ </i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>1. The "<i>Life is Strange"</i> Graphic Novel series, by Emma Vieceli & Claudia Leonardi </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1-Dmetl6xNlGk60Lq7HVu4uvG-z9nKAdj2Wqcc6scdw-zWgK9Y9A5ewkRle660XrA5W4JZmObSJ1QbV9K6xLoTGmZcinWAuMK-7wCEoNjw2LwjDc2Dh_Lf6COgk3_hNyamz8hplu_I5Sjux1j2xFJdlI5vsWWtMcFuw_XwcHxcCkRVCZy6Eo8_ZdD2tg/s400/life%20is%20strange%20dust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="264" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1-Dmetl6xNlGk60Lq7HVu4uvG-z9nKAdj2Wqcc6scdw-zWgK9Y9A5ewkRle660XrA5W4JZmObSJ1QbV9K6xLoTGmZcinWAuMK-7wCEoNjw2LwjDc2Dh_Lf6COgk3_hNyamz8hplu_I5Sjux1j2xFJdlI5vsWWtMcFuw_XwcHxcCkRVCZy6Eo8_ZdD2tg/w141-h214/life%20is%20strange%20dust.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>I got this for Christmas last year from my boyfriend, and I jumped straight into it in January, souring through 6 volumes in about 5 days. The first novel takes place a year after the events of the game, when Chloe and Max make their first return back to Arcadia Bay for the official memorial, and follows a series of events that lead to Max being lost in alternate dimensions, trying to find her way back. Gripping and thought-provoking, thoroughly enjoyed. <b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>2. <i>"The Circle Trilogy"</i> Trilogy, by Teri Terry </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYmvP0Ht-5RTKKn1L2zu5HsEYmTk37g7LDHweTKSFSOtVqcSbDvwu582KK_BsEiBYjXg-IAKgTElG9y_zkeTaxjGrAtEuNaoZJeYkhpdY7KsOfsS9Zb34rIHiKMkkjGAwDzkSPZEsz5RCOvi9Svg-CMFF6CDqyzODLuumEJFoMshdTzEupBddRttyXsWJ/s475/dark%20blue%20rising.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYmvP0Ht-5RTKKn1L2zu5HsEYmTk37g7LDHweTKSFSOtVqcSbDvwu582KK_BsEiBYjXg-IAKgTElG9y_zkeTaxjGrAtEuNaoZJeYkhpdY7KsOfsS9Zb34rIHiKMkkjGAwDzkSPZEsz5RCOvi9Svg-CMFF6CDqyzODLuumEJFoMshdTzEupBddRttyXsWJ/w123-h189/dark%20blue%20rising.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every time I start a new Teri Terry book, I have no expectations as for what's going to happen in them, and this was no different. <i>The Circle </i>trilogy is basically a Sci-fi, environmentallist war between two sides, that might just end up destroying the world is Tabby and her friends don't stop a company called 'The Circle'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Extremely tense and exciting conclusion, which I have been anticipating since the first book came out, approximately three years prior. Glad it finally reached it's end, really enjoyed the way it all wrapped up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>3. <i>"The Brown Sisters" </i>Trilogy, by Talia Hibbert </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjVX8bq8pU0eRTe7WVkJqGIRLWBnMKWCIh6DXutH3F4ELC7pq-rQSMNOsj6Fa78ZiOnshxrbRTqiFYhvSq-rzj7QYU00DAlr1TqUk3nJdjgRLk_3mCTjZzHVXGgYZK3La2bV9MhuO8DdiHY5koLHs8U2-YsZGJxrbKlaByIpS3PNbMlY5JqmCiOmEg6H1/s1000/the%20brown%20sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjVX8bq8pU0eRTe7WVkJqGIRLWBnMKWCIh6DXutH3F4ELC7pq-rQSMNOsj6Fa78ZiOnshxrbRTqiFYhvSq-rzj7QYU00DAlr1TqUk3nJdjgRLk_3mCTjZzHVXGgYZK3La2bV9MhuO8DdiHY5koLHs8U2-YsZGJxrbKlaByIpS3PNbMlY5JqmCiOmEg6H1/s320/the%20brown%20sisters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been wanting to get to this trilogy since I first heard about it in, I think 2019. As expected, because I put <i>Get A Life, Chloe Brown </i>on my <a href="https://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/12/favourite-books-of-2023.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Favourite Books of 2023</a>, I really enjoyed these. Chloe Brown was definitely my favourite POV to read from, but I saw myself in a lot of Dani and Eve too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Going into these, I was expecting fun, well-written books that discussed issues with a light-hearted tone. That was what I wanted from these, and that's exactly what I got. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a pleasure to read about these characters and I very much hope I come across them in more Talia Hibbert books (like Morgan Matson does sometimes). </div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>4. <i>"The Seven Sisters</i>" series, by Lucinda Riley </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>*<i>Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt</i> also written by Harry Whittaker </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really don't think I need to talk about how much I love these books, when you can find out my thoughts about them in these posts:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. <a href="https://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/08/august-wrap-up-2023.html" target="_blank">August Wrap Up (2023)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. <a href="https://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/10/september-wrap-up-october-tbr-or-whats.html" target="_blank">September Wrap Up & October TBR (2023)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. <a href="https://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/10/october-wrap-up-2023.html" target="_blank">October Wrap Up (2023)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. <a href="https://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/11/november-wrap-up-2023.html" target="_blank">November Wrap Up (2023)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. <a href="https://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-seven-sisters-series-pt-1.html" target="_blank">Seven Sister Review Pt. 1</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not as many series' as I was hoping, but that's only because of a certain series of books below. *cough cough*. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, on to the series I've started and caught up on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>~Series I Started and Caught Up On~</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>1.<i>"Clementine" </i>Graphic Novel Series, by Tillie Walden </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>On 28/12/23- Finished Vol. 1</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lLb0b8IP-7MSWtBm8R92dnEfo8zpvxtKu0TsxvIJs0jJduZkSv0uU5ggqgMHyQtESJiUprsiuWQBb2P12vtUTYftLgEY6R-9kREpw8_0s0wvvY5Ui0zufsrQMYUx-KcGWiwxwxFNLxhAVeocX-Yj1dXNW0-OjdZ2D9n8R-fP6iP6PpNqrtokPceEfRlX/s1350/clementine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lLb0b8IP-7MSWtBm8R92dnEfo8zpvxtKu0TsxvIJs0jJduZkSv0uU5ggqgMHyQtESJiUprsiuWQBb2P12vtUTYftLgEY6R-9kREpw8_0s0wvvY5Ui0zufsrQMYUx-KcGWiwxwxFNLxhAVeocX-Yj1dXNW0-OjdZ2D9n8R-fP6iP6PpNqrtokPceEfRlX/w131-h197/clementine.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found out about this graphic novel series upon completing the <i>Life is Strange one </i>in January, and after that, there was no way I wasn't going to be picking this up as soon as it was released. I mean, come on! Another game turned graphic novel series, much less from a choice based game I had previously loved. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Honestly, it was better than average, your standard four star, but I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Will probably re-read this before picking up Vol. 2, cos I've forgotten half of it- but Vol. 2 is in my possession and I might even get to it before the end of the year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>2. "<i>Supernatural Investigations" </i>trilogy, by B.B. Alston </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Finished <i>Amari and the Great Game</i>. </b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKqacjifzObgDphyGWZLGxENoAe71b-HceRIbpQ3M41FxOdE0wIq9taPIwE0KNd1Y_rLCjNECvJqV9ZFaD9KiBxzwmYXKfVvE6uM8BhUHT5STMLdi5EGR8wYH62QpTiG6iMe7HUrR7thp2wZM199mODpjcmkh-VI-vOrZJdBt3dxujTD6puTD2ehBdh08/s2048/amari%20and%20the%20night%20brothers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1436" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKqacjifzObgDphyGWZLGxENoAe71b-HceRIbpQ3M41FxOdE0wIq9taPIwE0KNd1Y_rLCjNECvJqV9ZFaD9KiBxzwmYXKfVvE6uM8BhUHT5STMLdi5EGR8wYH62QpTiG6iMe7HUrR7thp2wZM199mODpjcmkh-VI-vOrZJdBt3dxujTD6puTD2ehBdh08/w151-h215/amari%20and%20the%20night%20brothers.jpg" width="151" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCriSt-3xckzC8tx17it5tJXACzB1zTQO8BJySjzQQk966t7Vp3xU4kiI2kt02cOPrvs_7f1_SV2IIbtmE1jHO1gFl-2OG9wd90s6bxgECDdk5cBZYcOZhe82-716ibLZAqSDGK_2KJyqqLda3QiwXOtPNbiKVfxg3YAXQqlcuGsqXY36aruoOyY51XsS/s2417/amari%20and%20the%20great%20game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2417" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCriSt-3xckzC8tx17it5tJXACzB1zTQO8BJySjzQQk966t7Vp3xU4kiI2kt02cOPrvs_7f1_SV2IIbtmE1jHO1gFl-2OG9wd90s6bxgECDdk5cBZYcOZhe82-716ibLZAqSDGK_2KJyqqLda3QiwXOtPNbiKVfxg3YAXQqlcuGsqXY36aruoOyY51XsS/w140-h214/amari%20and%20the%20great%20game.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>Okay, I'm glad I managed to keep up with ONE series this year, and I actually remember most of it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, I can't disclose that sort of information here because *spoilers* but I will tell you, the Amari series by B.B. Alston has a very Harry Potter-ish feel to it, so if you're looking for something that reminds you of HP, but something that holds it's own, and isn't as dark, then I'd recommend picking it up. They're also fast paced, don't feel rushed, with very likeable characters. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And honestly, if that hasn't sold you, I don't know what will. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>~What I Achieved in 2023~</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. Raised enough solicitor fees, though didn't actually move out (literally will be in the next month though). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. Walked 13.1 miles for Alzheimer's Society with my partner- and raised enough to get a t-shirt too! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Read at least one huge ass series this series- even if it wasn't fantasy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. Actually read a poetry book! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>~What I'm Looking Forward to in 2024~</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. Actually moving out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. Running more- eying up another marathon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Talking to you all! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! That is my wrap-up on the year! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm happy with everything I accomplished this year and I hope you are too! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let me know in the comments what you're proud of- even if that's just getting through the day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you all have a wonderful end to the year, and I'll see you on the flip side! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-36819195167446757752023-12-11T23:46:00.000+00:002023-12-11T23:46:53.866+00:00Favourite Books of 2023<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm back with a yearly tradition, which is talking about my Favourite Books of the year! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Some of these might be completely expected, but a couple others you might be surprised! </p><p style="text-align: center;">There's a whole lot to get through, so without further ado, let's get into it. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy this list. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow</i>, by Gabrielle Zevin </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqebqM0K3OneFoY2bv70j28QOVueZSWwTuMrkkqX-gss7AeH2bITvKeRt2SEFen8wFLfkYQo5dENKi3544fH4Uqt9CIDPmsK_vQiU5q2WzpeaA5xPlqhSMC6ZsldIM6GvR98VflHAhA0CjEHf325scw1NXBF_2rvBCnv43IFycLqUZ6NpmZDNByR9uudA/s400/tomorrow%20and%20tomorrow%20and%20tomorrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="263" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqebqM0K3OneFoY2bv70j28QOVueZSWwTuMrkkqX-gss7AeH2bITvKeRt2SEFen8wFLfkYQo5dENKi3544fH4Uqt9CIDPmsK_vQiU5q2WzpeaA5xPlqhSMC6ZsldIM6GvR98VflHAhA0CjEHf325scw1NXBF_2rvBCnv43IFycLqUZ6NpmZDNByR9uudA/w132-h201/tomorrow%20and%20tomorrow%20and%20tomorrow.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I always knew this was a book I was going to like, because it tells the story of two video game developers reuniting again, after years apart. I knew I was going to like it because it gave me a feel for a culture and lifestyle completely different to my own. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was not expecting to love it as much as I did- which was mostly due to the turmoil and heartache that I was feeling- due to two characters never being able to say what they were truly feeling. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was not expecting to cry whilst reading a book about video game developers- but cry I did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And now, several months later, to my delight, I see this book cropping up everywhere- because it's now available in paperback. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This book is so amazing, I wish everyone would go and read it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. <a href="http://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/03/grown-ups-by-marian-keyes.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Grown Ups</i></a>, by Marian Keyes</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N7l7DLEAkXCJyRf0J0yjwqZQ7ZgnLbhVy9K2Q8n839FAK6jU-atFNUNuCzcVPN-USKdf-hWSdk9ufPsDmIXu_Slt5QRN9sHTZTY6BKpdTIKAjDcEVzg66OeCl7xH5oyLTgos87kbyfonXEDRY3WTvHkYbN0O5_LX9NhsFk55c7V1XIWKeHNePAoPB3YW/s2339/grown%20ups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2339" data-original-width="1541" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N7l7DLEAkXCJyRf0J0yjwqZQ7ZgnLbhVy9K2Q8n839FAK6jU-atFNUNuCzcVPN-USKdf-hWSdk9ufPsDmIXu_Slt5QRN9sHTZTY6BKpdTIKAjDcEVzg66OeCl7xH5oyLTgos87kbyfonXEDRY3WTvHkYbN0O5_LX9NhsFk55c7V1XIWKeHNePAoPB3YW/w134-h204/grown%20ups.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Where do I find the words to describe this book? Where do I find the words to describe how I feel about this book?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was so good... all the main characters were engaging and fleshed-out- I loved most of them, hated a couple, and honestly, in a story this good, that just means that the character must have been extremely well-written for me to hate them as much as I did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So many nuances, so many plotlines, side-plots or main plots, they all felt equally as good. No chapter was boring, no relationship was badly written- this book was everything that I was looking for and more. I will definitely be picking up more of Marian Keyes in the future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. <a href="http://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/05/where-crawdads-sing-by-delia-owens.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Where the Crawdads Sing</i></a>, by Delia Owens</b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYlGc9aIDe3TzztYcZK-B7RcZWLCxf4yaguZgGvyfQhFLS9wkxdnTTy1WGgJDdDpHD6hZwThFyhX4NqWRKP_fgnSTd4TNZAmqgyCrtyaPIeR6fEcoOoaRogYj_0r7eQs2L-9US6WM9HdOw64hAWJuNPvyxNnP-kP2jxRZPHI04zWJdBFlM7Y9vGDITXyV/s700/where%20the%20crawdads%20sing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="465" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYlGc9aIDe3TzztYcZK-B7RcZWLCxf4yaguZgGvyfQhFLS9wkxdnTTy1WGgJDdDpHD6hZwThFyhX4NqWRKP_fgnSTd4TNZAmqgyCrtyaPIeR6fEcoOoaRogYj_0r7eQs2L-9US6WM9HdOw64hAWJuNPvyxNnP-kP2jxRZPHI04zWJdBFlM7Y9vGDITXyV/w142-h213/where%20the%20crawdads%20sing.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have all my in-depth thoughts on this book linked into the title, but long story short- I can see why this was winning all the bookish categories on Goodreads and online. It's so beautiful, descriptive but not too much, and the story is mysterious and compelling but oh, so gorgeous at the same time. The language is stunning, Kyla's character is the only one I want to read about. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just, an amazing story. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. <i>Get A Life, Chloe Brown (The Brown Sisters #1)</i>, by Talia Hibbert </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY55P85fyi8pYvwAzQoCxt8Tp0i8C9rEt4YeoJL6gXSgNUI6lv4xTfdITCwYo-RrdAtyAwcgtXbvHVJsr0caQR29YEBgSuGjGoKTDKD3AXb0hpXO7GZzLKc9jLnf5ARA11h04teukh1FvQ6xK6WequVY0NcZs3eCGYi5WB7rzlXxLR6enggkqVbG9CuDJb/s475/get%20a%20life,%20chloe%20brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY55P85fyi8pYvwAzQoCxt8Tp0i8C9rEt4YeoJL6gXSgNUI6lv4xTfdITCwYo-RrdAtyAwcgtXbvHVJsr0caQR29YEBgSuGjGoKTDKD3AXb0hpXO7GZzLKc9jLnf5ARA11h04teukh1FvQ6xK6WequVY0NcZs3eCGYi5WB7rzlXxLR6enggkqVbG9CuDJb/w143-h218/get%20a%20life,%20chloe%20brown.jpg" width="143" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have always been about reading books that give minority groups representation, and when I heard about <i>Get A Life, Chloe Brown</i>, I knew this was a book for me. There are so few books about young people living with a chronic pain disorder, so that was an interest point, but the main thing for me was this: it's a book about challenging yourself, about trying new things, even when scared to do so. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chloe Brown was the perfect protagonist: sensible, caring, but wanting to throw caution to the wind to try the things she wants, but also doesn't, want to do. I was gripped by her POV straight away, and all the way through as well. Thoroughly enjoyed this and so happy I managed to get to it (it had been on my Want to Read shelf for several years). </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. <i>Long Way Down</i>, by Jason Reynolds </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7waJGF_LXWKwDy46W_tFqlD3sbV0XUJLTU275pweax3UWKsuN-KJThcHOcQMORrNFWa387jn5Tavmnnx6cfoaj6a-q8FVmdCdcGyfikKuoTUS9YiDnSjAjhI8UfXJlfty9PPvi5DXR2m0gztm3T-Xtqmam3ds8UG039sb-vZAax84oe2IhjSURmbyPI9/s2114/long%20way%20down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2114" data-original-width="1399" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7waJGF_LXWKwDy46W_tFqlD3sbV0XUJLTU275pweax3UWKsuN-KJThcHOcQMORrNFWa387jn5Tavmnnx6cfoaj6a-q8FVmdCdcGyfikKuoTUS9YiDnSjAjhI8UfXJlfty9PPvi5DXR2m0gztm3T-Xtqmam3ds8UG039sb-vZAax84oe2IhjSURmbyPI9/w137-h207/long%20way%20down.jpg" width="137" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Basically, I bought this book in a "spur of a moment" moment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I walked into a local bookshop, saw the book, read the blurb, picked it up and bought it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not even a few pages in, and I was bawling my eyes out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Long Way Down </i>tells the story of Will, on his way to kill the man that killed his brother. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because where he's from, there are three rules:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No crying.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No snitching. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Revenge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But as each floor of the lift he's on descends, Will learns a part of the story he never knew. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The only question at the end is: will this turmoil ever end if Will doesn't get off the elevator?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bloody emotional, this book. Told in verse, perfectly written, absolutely heart-wrenching. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The most heart-breaking part is that this can and will still happen in parts of the UK, the US even. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wonderful read. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>6. <a href="http://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-man-called-ove-by-fredrik-backman.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Man Called Ove</a>, by Fredrik Backman </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghBf5RWuXNA7tvssEHdJ1_omh1jGyiw-NQ2mYUW6bz2VKlObzaC7pJknvYRvSNSFAagDNUDP5TA-JXzW5FsB4J8Jg7HxIutad775fTd1QPO8iHhQVvhM0vwp_SbFGBXgTyhnChJ5cnvYXUx3ThHgSDsVYdvgZjD4BPWN5FmUv0kkP6v8Vi3lslJ_bRei3g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghBf5RWuXNA7tvssEHdJ1_omh1jGyiw-NQ2mYUW6bz2VKlObzaC7pJknvYRvSNSFAagDNUDP5TA-JXzW5FsB4J8Jg7HxIutad775fTd1QPO8iHhQVvhM0vwp_SbFGBXgTyhnChJ5cnvYXUx3ThHgSDsVYdvgZjD4BPWN5FmUv0kkP6v8Vi3lslJ_bRei3g=w125-h192" width="125" /></a></div>Sad and uplifting are the words I would use to describe this. In depth thoughts linked into the title of course, but honestly, this book is perfection. I could be laughing at the start of one chapter and be crying in a single sentence. It's fair to say that this book tugged at my heart-strings A LOT. Arguably my favourite book of the year. How I wish I could go back and read it for the first time again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't really tell you anything about this book other than it's about a man called Ove but honestly, it's probably better you go into this book blind if you haven't read it yet. And you should. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, with these last two books, I want to say something first. It's not that I didn't like the other books, honestly I did. It's just that these are the stand-outs in my eyes, the books I still think about the most, even after finishing them a while back (especially with <i>The Storm Sister</i>, which I finished in August)!<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>7. <i>The Storm Sister (The Seven Sisters #2)</i>, by Lucinda Riley</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>8. <i>The Sun Sister (The Seven Sisters #6)</i>, by Lucinda Riley </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSkaMbWYViYDnGMRBEhlQlB0gvWMlOgTuB9OD6-JDwGvJV2XpamrNgxSFMTrvpWemdC_reH4u2mCvMK_2QlbIzvqA4haW5kr8f05EG7_W-_GZPuT5G9A3QyCWprZCyN3J1Ei38L0DvmkIyaiEDvFf4zzb2eGYrpjnECNeh6MBt7Yh3cwgB3ZLCvn-is67/s2326/the%20storm%20sister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2326" data-original-width="1535" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSkaMbWYViYDnGMRBEhlQlB0gvWMlOgTuB9OD6-JDwGvJV2XpamrNgxSFMTrvpWemdC_reH4u2mCvMK_2QlbIzvqA4haW5kr8f05EG7_W-_GZPuT5G9A3QyCWprZCyN3J1Ei38L0DvmkIyaiEDvFf4zzb2eGYrpjnECNeh6MBt7Yh3cwgB3ZLCvn-is67/w135-h204/the%20storm%20sister.jpg" width="135" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_-hj95p7zE2m6MvyOumPTOMIfO-8zp8UEMuNX0l3koxr8tsHo_AUNmdpiJiL6X3URYfHGCnUI75rVBDxj0VCHPh7cjXVGQb3ldNjGFCdmtl_nI0N48vmDuYOZ29ho3lgL8zIJzC70A6C-BiuwA6qeTRzlWDHI7FhZjjnI_7Ye02e8cFivdbJ3pRqaX59/s500/sun%20sister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="330" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_-hj95p7zE2m6MvyOumPTOMIfO-8zp8UEMuNX0l3koxr8tsHo_AUNmdpiJiL6X3URYfHGCnUI75rVBDxj0VCHPh7cjXVGQb3ldNjGFCdmtl_nI0N48vmDuYOZ29ho3lgL8zIJzC70A6C-BiuwA6qeTRzlWDHI7FhZjjnI_7Ye02e8cFivdbJ3pRqaX59/w131-h199/sun%20sister.jpg" width="131" /></a></div></div><br />So, when you're reading a series on and off for four months, it's easy to merge each novel into one very long story, and forget what parts came from what book. Not with this series. Each book had a new protagonist, a new journey, and a new heritage to seek. I loved every single book in this series, but these two are serious standouts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I chose <i>The Storm Sister </i>as a favourite because I just adore Ally as a character. She goes through so much, not only losing Pa Salt, but someone else close to her. But through the storm, she still manages to keep her head, even when everything she knows about herself is gone and make it through. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love her passion, her loyalty, and her kindness- she never makes the selfish decision, no matter what she might be going through. If there was one story I wish I could read again, with fresh eyes, it would hands down be this one- I was desperate to read the next book after finishing this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As for Electra, her story is so inspiring, I just had to include her. She's very much the modern sister, living with the same pressures that young people face on social media everyday- the need to be perfect, to not have imperfections- or they risk losing everything they've worked for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We meet her at a very low point, dealing with everyday stresses with the abuse of drugs and alcohol- and in need of help. But she eventually faces up to her issues and even though it isn't an easy road, you start to see the character you always know she is capable of being- but couldn't before. I love her character arc, and I wish I could read about her forever. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are my Favourite Books of 2023! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed reading about them, and feel free to let me know in the comments what your favourite books of the year are! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful evening, wherever in the world you are, and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-71724362364539714122023-12-03T17:17:00.000+00:002023-12-03T17:17:54.537+00:00December TBR (2023)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And we're officially going into the final month of 2023! I can hardly believe it! </p><p style="text-align: center;">And with it, comes the final TBR of the year! </p><p style="text-align: center;">No xmas books this month, but I do have a few books that I desperately want to finish, so fingers crossed I can! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy the TBR, before a new year! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>The Missing Sister (The Seven Sisters #7)</i>, by Lucinda Riley </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVAy5w67UeQaVf8jXAW3TuB7BjzoLwuLVVDkmb8KIDsSbeItiTYbdt-uQE4DwIJFOM3mea5m8ENHQPMLp8tPw0CszIIJOwTWiMvMTVP0OgPT-6HnBPuX8WDZI9mZUeDjC2CC5gtKCb-GkbUytHzjKD7wg8OGsq6wcf5b4v_QdrfhKW_wKi2NBFdiPd-WN/s499/the%20missing%20sister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVAy5w67UeQaVf8jXAW3TuB7BjzoLwuLVVDkmb8KIDsSbeItiTYbdt-uQE4DwIJFOM3mea5m8ENHQPMLp8tPw0CszIIJOwTWiMvMTVP0OgPT-6HnBPuX8WDZI9mZUeDjC2CC5gtKCb-GkbUytHzjKD7wg8OGsq6wcf5b4v_QdrfhKW_wKi2NBFdiPd-WN/w144-h217/the%20missing%20sister.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>I'm currently 300/800 pages into this, and I'm enjoying it. It's a different story compared to the previous six since those were all character focused, and on this one they're all working together to find something, but I'm liking it. I'm not sure where it'll lead, but it's not taking long to fall back into the story whenever I go to read more, which is a good sign. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">If you didn't know, <i>The Missing Sister </i>is about the six D' Ap<span style="font-family: inherit;">li<span style="text-align: left;">ése sisters pursuing a ring that will hopefully lead to the seven sister (from the seven star constellation that their names were formed from), but there are things they don't know about Pa Salt, what his relationship is with this missing sister, or why she's determined to stear well clear of it all. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: left;">I'm excited to find out where it all leads, what this girl is hiding, and whether the sisters will catch up to her before their trip together, a year after Pa Salt's death. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. <i>Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt (The Seven Sisters #8)</i>, by Lucinda Riley & Harry Whittaker</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcAJ_D9BKpm4RIGqZR1UCDIovfTsiaTcyJH5I-SGDg1HKBFKS3YYGHH-NMdAy73gJdgDTUUq8nFa2TTiDrKw7ZzMn6_WiiWAuojqS1DrnY6i32ZAjf16ys8Q12GFwhwtjJbg8JasuW_h3B4a38gxyZBJQvqlDkexd-vjRvybuETuGrbBO3uSsG4pL6wFZ/s500/atlas%20the%20story%20of%20pa%20salt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="336" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcAJ_D9BKpm4RIGqZR1UCDIovfTsiaTcyJH5I-SGDg1HKBFKS3YYGHH-NMdAy73gJdgDTUUq8nFa2TTiDrKw7ZzMn6_WiiWAuojqS1DrnY6i32ZAjf16ys8Q12GFwhwtjJbg8JasuW_h3B4a38gxyZBJQvqlDkexd-vjRvybuETuGrbBO3uSsG4pL6wFZ/w141-h210/atlas%20the%20story%20of%20pa%20salt.jpg" width="141" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been reading these on and off since August, if you can believe it, and honestly, I've loved every single one of them. I'm sad that the series is coming to an end (to be fair, I'm glad it's all getting wrapped up to be honest) but I'm relieved I get to find out all the answers concerning Pa Salt and what it was he was doing all those years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've thoroughly enjoyed these books, they've been a huge part of my life for a good portion of the year and I can't wait to see how it all wraps up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. <i>I Invited Her In</i>, by Adele Parks </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnrh7cjLyQhMfILJTM9RIZ0SG8Tggw-9n5tjujTQhXOfc0VHhMIrSKuzQmHXmMAXHj6rckEu1JNhG6n5ZOLS2rA6uLISNdh3zQGwWJTR2hkS1h2X-ha-rds2eQRaxjEBpK3x8panTgoGmFebmoinHnqy4ey8Ou-GrT8ATodSPAvK3vmmxBE0J5NfHc7cc/s397/I%20invited%20her%20in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="255" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnrh7cjLyQhMfILJTM9RIZ0SG8Tggw-9n5tjujTQhXOfc0VHhMIrSKuzQmHXmMAXHj6rckEu1JNhG6n5ZOLS2rA6uLISNdh3zQGwWJTR2hkS1h2X-ha-rds2eQRaxjEBpK3x8panTgoGmFebmoinHnqy4ey8Ou-GrT8ATodSPAvK3vmmxBE0J5NfHc7cc/w137-h213/I%20invited%20her%20in.jpg" width="137" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I swear, this has been on so many of my TBR's this year, it's beyond a joke. But I really do need to get to it as it isn't mine, and I want to read it before the year's out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I Invited Her In </i>is about Mel<i>, </i>a girl who, out of the blue, receives an email from her oldest friend Abi, telling her she's in trouble, and asking for a place to stay, while she sorts things out. Mel says yes of course, because, you know, it's the least she can do. After all, friends look out for eachother, don't they?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I honestly don't know anything else other than that, that's basically the gist of the blurb on the back. But I know it's good; because they made a film for it, and I've heard good things. I'm thinking they'll be some deceit and mystery, and I'm hoping I can be engrossed right from the start, the blurb is engaging enough. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. <i>The Alfoxden and Grasmere Journals</i>, by Dorothy Wordsworth</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPnrl06gWtlYMKVIcS7INsYI8wbSdj-vB7B9JJsCJO9_I8uhDXlNLuWmVRvBQBj2-EIEbPbSN3TbqJJXv_1k-ENL_DgBaDnX6WboZ1-uWXvGOweR342TV6WpyhepsAirAtHHTIHTr59fr1hdSqvaoR8wYPpnxaS97qoz-IHZ17xeud82B0Yq2947ZzQlM/s400/the%20grasmere%20and%20alfoxden%20journals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="264" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPnrl06gWtlYMKVIcS7INsYI8wbSdj-vB7B9JJsCJO9_I8uhDXlNLuWmVRvBQBj2-EIEbPbSN3TbqJJXv_1k-ENL_DgBaDnX6WboZ1-uWXvGOweR342TV6WpyhepsAirAtHHTIHTr59fr1hdSqvaoR8wYPpnxaS97qoz-IHZ17xeud82B0Yq2947ZzQlM/w139-h211/the%20grasmere%20and%20alfoxden%20journals.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't get to this last month, so it's being added on for my December TBR too. (I really do need to start finishing the books I plan to read, because I keep having to repeat what they're about.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From a glance through this, these are basically diary entries of her time in Alfoxden and Grasmere. There are ordinary days, days of leisure, of walks around the countryside, as well as usual cooking and cleaning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's just say I'm looking forward to finally picking it up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are all the books I'm hoping to pick up this month! As always, comment down below what you're hoping to read this month and we can chat about it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderday day and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx</div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b><p></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-86406067902082915222023-11-30T09:53:00.001+00:002023-11-30T09:53:22.871+00:00November Wrap Up (2023)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm back with my November Wrap Up (2023)! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Not read too many books this month, just haven't found the time. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm one more book through the <i>Seven Sisters</i> series and with just two more books remaining, I'm getting nervous as for how it's going to end! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy my wrap up. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>Lyrical Ballads</i>, by William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLht1iPqFlQA4PcQ_k7T6Fp-gAh1l7mXRQFrzgFKOMH9Uuk6Kh3JwfAfZKRhpmDZ0r660ObChT_qbD8EoUhgNFeCLuyj0ufkzecNjhqf_LmZ-MZJkGFhluXsYnXKtugE6MtwfcTYcNSHRH9CH55JiDAsjfVWnkqpdmi8vJ1Wnrih-Cwj_PTeawYC2KKbq7/s475/lyrical%20ballads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLht1iPqFlQA4PcQ_k7T6Fp-gAh1l7mXRQFrzgFKOMH9Uuk6Kh3JwfAfZKRhpmDZ0r660ObChT_qbD8EoUhgNFeCLuyj0ufkzecNjhqf_LmZ-MZJkGFhluXsYnXKtugE6MtwfcTYcNSHRH9CH55JiDAsjfVWnkqpdmi8vJ1Wnrih-Cwj_PTeawYC2KKbq7/w140-h212/lyrical%20ballads.jpg" width="140" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I finally finished this! After putting it down to read <i>The Moon Sister</i> I dug my heels in and refused to pick anything else up until I finished it! It's never taken me several hours to read 50 pages in my life before but I did it! I've never pretended to be someone who reads a lot of poetry, but it was exciting to delve into this unknown genre with such a well-loved book. Despite it not being a book that I was able to fall into straight away (like I had to push myself to pick it up) I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the language and the storytelling. On to the journals of Dorothy Wordsworth! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. <i>The Sun Sister (The Seven Sisters #6)</i>, by Lucinda Riley </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_h4aV_y8ZHXYzKkewBtpO1t9MlgCcfdb_p_24fbf-yJIiJf-dbw3TNq7ydzl0evy2ZuiuGl-T8C6qBE_6orW7ROzS-6d6cC5tlqVDd6aPL4a43JxN1sU8SSsMrMjZUmdhK0f3TSnEfUx9i4iqiYVBrEsFdF8D2j2P4wSSa6PccY9xYG6ewJbrje8jyEd/s500/sun%20sister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="330" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_h4aV_y8ZHXYzKkewBtpO1t9MlgCcfdb_p_24fbf-yJIiJf-dbw3TNq7ydzl0evy2ZuiuGl-T8C6qBE_6orW7ROzS-6d6cC5tlqVDd6aPL4a43JxN1sU8SSsMrMjZUmdhK0f3TSnEfUx9i4iqiYVBrEsFdF8D2j2P4wSSa6PccY9xYG6ewJbrje8jyEd/w125-h189/sun%20sister.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Out of all of the sisters, Electra is the sister most like general society, I think I'll say. She's extremely active on social media, she's into drink and drugs in a huge way, and she's a world renowned super-model (okay I know the last one isn't like a typical person, but you get my drift). So because of that, I found it extremely easy to fall into her life become engrossed in her story. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Basically when her "hobbies" become out of control, (largely due to losing Pa Salt and a mysterious woman that may or may not be her grandmother) she's admitted into a home for addicts. And this is where we see her grow from somebody that needs help, to a kind, compassionate human being that wants to help others. The character grown is amazing, I love Electra as a character, and I wish this book was longer (even though 830 pages is nothing to be sniffed at). </div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. <i>The Midwich Cuckoos</i>, by John Wyndham </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78xiKO_QKQyr1Mx15TugtuuSSIIENHrhjj6Abj4w0IElaW97y-3Du6xk9Kgf2Jf4DQZkOXYMcoi1lYQsr255Ms7zNOEKOct7BaxM7JBXKMb-_e31hI84UNPphxuQWnk3B5A_xTKEANUlPv-sqCOzlsOnHowdtk6dcyneAYq_RVNK84R_A-vP19evgr6BK/s475/the%20midwich%20cuckoos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78xiKO_QKQyr1Mx15TugtuuSSIIENHrhjj6Abj4w0IElaW97y-3Du6xk9Kgf2Jf4DQZkOXYMcoi1lYQsr255Ms7zNOEKOct7BaxM7JBXKMb-_e31hI84UNPphxuQWnk3B5A_xTKEANUlPv-sqCOzlsOnHowdtk6dcyneAYq_RVNK84R_A-vP19evgr6BK/w130-h198/the%20midwich%20cuckoos.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>This was a gift from my boyfriend, after we watched the film (remake) and the tv-show this year (which we both adored). I thought it would be a short, gripping book that I could read in a couple of days. Honestly, that it what it was, but I found I had a hard time concentrating with it. Could have been the language, or maybe my attention span wasn't there, but I often found that I'd missed a sentence and had to go back and read it again, even when switching to the audiobook. It was a very good story, I won't lie, but it wasn't my favourite horror book by any means. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Okay! Those are all the books I finished this month! Currently on to the <i>Missing Sister</i>, really want to finish it soon (but still have time for other books of course). </p><p style="text-align: center;">Let me know in the comments what you finished this month, and we can chat about them! </p><p style="text-align: center;">See you soon guys, hope you have a wonderful day! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Byeeeee! </p><p style="text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx<br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-24830894189000440622023-11-24T21:18:00.003+00:002023-11-24T21:18:55.162+00:00Favourite Audiobooks 2.0!<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I was scrolling through some of my old posts on Post Pandemonium, and I came across one listing my Favourite Audiobooks. And so I thought, why not do an update on that? It might be fun to see if some of my old favourites still make the list? </p><p style="text-align: center;">So, without further ado, let's jump right in! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">So, I tend to use Audiobooks as a method of convenience. If I'm struggling with the physical copy of a book, I'll download the audiobook. It helps me to see how long the next chapter or part is, especially if it's a chunky one. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Other than that, if a book's out of print, or just not accessable when I want it, or in my local bookshop, I'll download it. Other than that, I'll download the audiobook for a specific reason (which you'll see with some of these favourites). </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>Becoming</i>, by Michelle Obama </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibILxk6UX1hZl3qS2sSK7gljDuRGgS4tbG9F7PasLId6uRopJObpupJlk354kKb8WLOV2l4DUeZwihJJL1rglNnOXD0N8pQAE7JF6A5AtsI0beJ5Xs7U_bsJxaBEbG78HfMclxwWPCV4ruj4iWjye5_VNBZxeD5pS7lJm3ooBNAZucKzQMOGIkInad9jPE/s2560/becoming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1684" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibILxk6UX1hZl3qS2sSK7gljDuRGgS4tbG9F7PasLId6uRopJObpupJlk354kKb8WLOV2l4DUeZwihJJL1rglNnOXD0N8pQAE7JF6A5AtsI0beJ5Xs7U_bsJxaBEbG78HfMclxwWPCV4ruj4iWjye5_VNBZxeD5pS7lJm3ooBNAZucKzQMOGIkInad9jPE/w148-h225/becoming.jpg" width="148" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">This book is one of the specific reasons. The physical book was mega expensive at the time, but the main reason I got this was that Michelle herself had narrated the book. Still to this day I find that I connect with an autobiography a whole lot more when I'm hearing the words from the horse's mouth. It makes it so much easier to feel what the author is speaking about, through the emotion in their voice. </p><p style="text-align: center;">What's my reason for picking this up? To be honest, I was intrigued. I'd heard Michelle was a kind, caring and intelligent female, and an inspiration to black people everywhere. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Becoming </i>is a memoir about Michelle's successes and disappointments, both private and public, and it was wonderful to see inside her mind, even if it was several years ago. This one still shapes up as an absolute favourite! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. <i>Daisy Jones and the Six</i>, by Taylor Jenkins Reid </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjX6KvNzT2UimQ1CN03agRz78V7jreC-EDGFTlBE8b18Do2_C4jfxUznUknlTOdQuuCqHwP4Czmv-T7ffai24RcPqqM5lwkLp10TtXc4oRunfAefeniLZdwxyzrAKzUCypTk0GzAO4n_qsH9xG3WhDT-XTToirxZx0NHwVcR-tfbMQoPqwpmY-O3BZfvYk/s2560/daisy%20jones%20and%20the%20six.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1696" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjX6KvNzT2UimQ1CN03agRz78V7jreC-EDGFTlBE8b18Do2_C4jfxUznUknlTOdQuuCqHwP4Czmv-T7ffai24RcPqqM5lwkLp10TtXc4oRunfAefeniLZdwxyzrAKzUCypTk0GzAO4n_qsH9xG3WhDT-XTToirxZx0NHwVcR-tfbMQoPqwpmY-O3BZfvYk/w149-h225/daisy%20jones%20and%20the%20six.jpg" width="149" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Orchestrated with a number of narratives, this was the perfectly constructed audiobooks, because <i>Daisy Jones and the Six</i> is first and foremost, a series of interview accounts from the band members of Daisy Jones and the Six, as well as a few other token members surrounding the band. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Totally gripping story, sometimes with conflicting accounts, made for a hugely entertaining read. </p><p style="text-align: center;">It takes place in the swinging sixties, following Daisy as her voice gets noticed, and she goes on a journey of a lifetime with her band- it follows the highes and lowes, the sex, the drugs, and the times- all in black and white. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. <i>Salem's Lot</i>, by Stephen King</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoKDyrZ7Layvuc0hVYTzYrg3CViRLx-hFYANDj0RMZz0z1xUhl8kxUDvbEhK_Kv-XV1TRtFTvWorTHtQqdvz3K5IhGu2N3CFsCj0KlaLHh_FP2csVLxCBzw0YfruzGKopZLG50V74VBSCo3EA1cVCce0GvDS5bUoWLweyieZRt4ZbgQ2BeIxQAIBdeWF-/s1600/salem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1037" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoKDyrZ7Layvuc0hVYTzYrg3CViRLx-hFYANDj0RMZz0z1xUhl8kxUDvbEhK_Kv-XV1TRtFTvWorTHtQqdvz3K5IhGu2N3CFsCj0KlaLHh_FP2csVLxCBzw0YfruzGKopZLG50V74VBSCo3EA1cVCce0GvDS5bUoWLweyieZRt4ZbgQ2BeIxQAIBdeWF-/w123-h190/salem.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This book is for sure, one of the creepiest books I've ever read, purely because I listened to the audiobook. I don't think I would have been half as creeped out as I was if I'd read a paperback. <i>Salem's Lot </i>is the stuff of nightmares guys. If it was ever to come second to another horror book, the only one I would consider to even light a candle to it, is <i>It</i>, another of Stephen King's masterpieces. Just, if you're in the mood for a scare, then pick this up. It's not terribly long and drawn out, but it doesn't need to be. Loved this. </div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. <i>Where Am I Now?</i>, by Mara Wilson </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHsDIoBnIZm3d_RxeeoieTVbyrk8VdnQNYuXwqUWmZ61j4sXqd5Vwu8v04PnHe2FRcG6dJlTRrSKXW6pkk5FSCA-ck6uGFkmY0qt1x-nggaufOKWqGRbqx7nLW8qDoqw-O4mJUmFmCyn_MihQO7yd9JOgQX7Zfnax-5iGbt0O1xxECaQEq1KQ-AsMIxpA/s450/where%20am%20I%20now.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="299" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHsDIoBnIZm3d_RxeeoieTVbyrk8VdnQNYuXwqUWmZ61j4sXqd5Vwu8v04PnHe2FRcG6dJlTRrSKXW6pkk5FSCA-ck6uGFkmY0qt1x-nggaufOKWqGRbqx7nLW8qDoqw-O4mJUmFmCyn_MihQO7yd9JOgQX7Zfnax-5iGbt0O1xxECaQEq1KQ-AsMIxpA/w131-h216/where%20am%20I%20now.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>To say that I was inspired by a film that Mara Wilson starred in when I was young is what I would call a huge understatement. Of course, I'm talking about Matilda. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">But ever since a post on my Facebook Feed about the role Robert DeNiro played in that film, and what he did for Mara's family growing up appeared on my screen, I couldn't stop thinking about this autobiography. (I also wanted to see how Mara Wilson grew from a child actor to the inspirational speaker she is now.) Going into it, I thought I had an idea about what I would find within this book. And although I was right, this book was so much more. It deals with body issues, first kisses, the pressure of fame (amongst other things) with frankly, an extremely candid voice. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Such a poignant and honest book that I would love to re-read again. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. <i>The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (Montague Siblings #1)</i>, by Mackenzie Lee</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz4bSYBMwHEGVm8WWivlCHlz0KOeaL9t2h5hamTtxf9uVkiEyf930m4191AS3MDzOcYM1Cx5xryo-oaL_t0W0UT1GlP_CvFd4I7KSUepK6a2qVpbAQHJbP-9wtzXXmZnMhJ3GoFopv9usTZYzkO5ugTn-18KOiEZhwyR38bbRbRJ42jmTAh0wRnSwKG_J/s475/gentleman%20guide%20to%20vice%20and%20virtue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz4bSYBMwHEGVm8WWivlCHlz0KOeaL9t2h5hamTtxf9uVkiEyf930m4191AS3MDzOcYM1Cx5xryo-oaL_t0W0UT1GlP_CvFd4I7KSUepK6a2qVpbAQHJbP-9wtzXXmZnMhJ3GoFopv9usTZYzkO5ugTn-18KOiEZhwyR38bbRbRJ42jmTAh0wRnSwKG_J/w123-h207/gentleman%20guide%20to%20vice%20and%20virtue.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sick of never finding this book in any of my local bookshops, I finally opted for the audiobook. I was looking for a funny, historical fiction LGBT romance, and that's exactly what I got. <i>The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue </i>was an instant hit on booktube and I was a part of the hype from the very first chapter. It's been three years since I've read this, and I still think about it from time to time (and how I need to re-read it, because the third and final book in the trilogy has been sat on Audible for at least a year). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But honestly, what made this book stick out for me was the wonderful writing by Mackenzie Lee, Monty's character arc, and his relationnship with his best-friend Percy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't wait to re-read this soon and re-immerse myself in this amazing series, starcing with Monty's story. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are my current favourite audiobooks! I was hoping for some variety, but honestly, I know what I like, so I guess there's something to be said for that! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeee guys! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx</div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-63648469941972891872023-11-06T22:27:00.000+00:002023-11-06T22:27:15.240+00:00November TBR (2023)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm back with another TBR! The penultimate one for 2023, in fact. </p><p style="text-align: center;">With a mountain of books left in my unread books pile, I was blessed to have quite a choice. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I've got quite a combination of books to talk about, and I'm eager to get stuck in.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> I hope you enjoy it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>Lyrical Ballads</i>, by Samuel Coleridge and William Wordsworth</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3y4dnDY2HMyy8VLH_hTBBrbN6qtsdnDtUdeco3KLyFjqjjYxlmYL4iq6NdcQTwROOF9MRnDlf58eQYBPlWXQ57ZlsX5jYiXRtw_oRgaLrw35tPxL5rJGySno28-58JVPELfWog-9ChnQN-b05O11FU2UKjeBFySnvaB3n7Tnkga7RxNusU1dBrvqwyzqF/s475/lyrical%20ballads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3y4dnDY2HMyy8VLH_hTBBrbN6qtsdnDtUdeco3KLyFjqjjYxlmYL4iq6NdcQTwROOF9MRnDlf58eQYBPlWXQ57ZlsX5jYiXRtw_oRgaLrw35tPxL5rJGySno28-58JVPELfWog-9ChnQN-b05O11FU2UKjeBFySnvaB3n7Tnkga7RxNusU1dBrvqwyzqF/w128-h194/lyrical%20ballads.jpg" width="128" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started this on the 10th of October and, upon the arrival of the fifth and sixth books in the <i>Seven Sisters</i> series, promptly put the book down. That is actually what I was going to do today, with the next book in the series, but considering how much I still had left, I decided that I want to continue and finish this, before jumping into <i>The Sun Sister</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After such a long break from this, I think it'll take a while for me to become fully emerged back into this, but I like the writing, and I love the elegant style with which Coleridge and Wordsworth weave a story in their poems. I'm so excited to finally finish this book, that I haven't picked up in so long. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. <i>The Sun Sister (The Seven Sisters #6)</i>, by Lucinda Riley</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6h7dbwzPEqUSD6KaIYBeuSonTmFLCRfSCcqs_PsCWB6zHbocxqHV3rn4ekRogZ8X0By29faWae58IcD5-d7sY35CpANg7Td5RoP0T6niWSwlXIHBw3v63XrwHoWhTjAHSHTOqtbYIKvFR1WCP-olsFF-M3rQ14At4GmnmJjbeEnvRXDSKIRfalNY13hC/s500/sun%20sister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="330" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6h7dbwzPEqUSD6KaIYBeuSonTmFLCRfSCcqs_PsCWB6zHbocxqHV3rn4ekRogZ8X0By29faWae58IcD5-d7sY35CpANg7Td5RoP0T6niWSwlXIHBw3v63XrwHoWhTjAHSHTOqtbYIKvFR1WCP-olsFF-M3rQ14At4GmnmJjbeEnvRXDSKIRfalNY13hC/w139-h211/sun%20sister.jpg" width="139" /></a></div>The sixth and final shall we say 'autobiography' of the seven sisters series. In the sixth<span style="font-family: inherit;"> volume, we follow the infamous Electra, the youngest and certainly the most famous D'Apli<span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">èse sister. She's also the character we know the least about, and the sister I'm probably the most curious about. From what I know about her currently, she's very much a flawed character, one that I'm very much hoping will see the error of her ways and turn herself around. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Up to this book, I've always felt that the sisters have shared a likeness, despite their different heritage. But Electra seems to be very different to the others, and I'm very excited to see her story unfold. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; text-align: start;"><b>3. <i>The Grasmere and Alfoxden Journals</i>, by Dorothy Wordsworth</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1915; text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wvSzdcJsYNyRBVAQBCGheDf1tnWKJUSE89FhceYcX4LiqAZSBOFnv360FjH8e1E0P6ExjI5ro8FiPAdGCTpdXYOBjFNFqf-BCcDz5H2km-ZvcYyivOjxneCNlaVFaJ-9sjs5We_WwCwJGcoKBpAC7ZtvBQ_b5VEJna09gyYOwazVEUTRmMCFFUBcFNHt/s400/the%20grasmere%20and%20alfoxden%20journals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="264" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wvSzdcJsYNyRBVAQBCGheDf1tnWKJUSE89FhceYcX4LiqAZSBOFnv360FjH8e1E0P6ExjI5ro8FiPAdGCTpdXYOBjFNFqf-BCcDz5H2km-ZvcYyivOjxneCNlaVFaJ-9sjs5We_WwCwJGcoKBpAC7ZtvBQ_b5VEJna09gyYOwazVEUTRmMCFFUBcFNHt/w139-h211/the%20grasmere%20and%20alfoxden%20journals.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I decided I needed to pick up the novels I'd bought at Dove Cottage, my fingers were itching to pick this up first. For me, the most interesting part of Dove Cottage was the simple lifestyle that Dorothy and William led, scouring every inch of the Lake District, living off the land, wanting for nothing, living a life as free as a bird- this journal was my window into the Wordsworth's world. But I didn't, for the pure reason that if I did pick this up first, I had a feeling I would throw the book of poems into the fire the first chance I got. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you didn't know, this is very much an everyday journal of what Dorothy's life was like in Dove Cottage, from 1800-1803 (the Grasmere Journals) and 1797-8, (the Alfoxden Journals- when Dorothy and William were living in Somerset, near Coleridge). They capture their walks, their trips to the market, any common passersby, and just their general experience. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In short, I'm really looking forward to reading this and, as soon as I finish the books on top, you can bet I'll be picking this up as soon as I can.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><b>4. <i>The Midwich Cuckoos</i>, by John Wyndham </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmoUIsYmpAsdXwLvy3o2t2mHYN5rXpWR16diVz-AMx0t9d8lIbutZ1qn18qhu8tW0gfnxui4N5x0QP3xG8Q_AaRn9BjcmGtkTHtIFh25zzbysxOlk2iCAXtd_tldJeqXwYMkfOIXZaU22vsJfmhKmlc5-kWsPEdVSjjMlhcqFF9OjKZYqVd2JxFk3knhn/s475/the%20midwich%20cuckoos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmoUIsYmpAsdXwLvy3o2t2mHYN5rXpWR16diVz-AMx0t9d8lIbutZ1qn18qhu8tW0gfnxui4N5x0QP3xG8Q_AaRn9BjcmGtkTHtIFh25zzbysxOlk2iCAXtd_tldJeqXwYMkfOIXZaU22vsJfmhKmlc5-kWsPEdVSjjMlhcqFF9OjKZYqVd2JxFk3knhn/w140-h214/the%20midwich%20cuckoos.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After watching and loving <i>The Midwich Cuckoos </i>tv show, my wonderful boyfriend ordered me the book to read. At just 220 pages, this feels very much like <i>The Mist</i>, so a book I can knock out in a weekend if I want. If it's anything like the tv show, it'll be an easy book to get into, with twists in every chapter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Midwich Cuckoos </i>is about the residents in a town called, you guessed it, Midwich. The story starts when a strange storm results in a number of simultaneous pregnancies of the women of the town. But these pregnancies are anything but ordinary. The children that are born as a result all have blonde hair, and golden eyes. They grow up too fast and all have mind control abilities. And that's only the beginning... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like I said, I'm hoping this'll be a quick, engaging and intense read that I'll be able to knock out in a weekend. Really hope I like this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><b>5. <i>I Invited Her In</i>, by Adele Parks </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiZGEoeK0TyFXmLlhveu9Ig3jnHRiKgSTNnPuv0LZmybkLiJsoyWY7WKucU53FAcfClDaG64TYvRdzLW3xmjFLDIj2xJ2tGOpUGKkhaevtQkxl4aAUvPZjMEX_n_tjb_UxunZ7r_BFkzNbUaq10WhCA28DqJpnT3_3CAsMe6OvgvzkRn-Cq5G6aDK_7Ep/s397/I%20invited%20her%20in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="255" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiZGEoeK0TyFXmLlhveu9Ig3jnHRiKgSTNnPuv0LZmybkLiJsoyWY7WKucU53FAcfClDaG64TYvRdzLW3xmjFLDIj2xJ2tGOpUGKkhaevtQkxl4aAUvPZjMEX_n_tjb_UxunZ7r_BFkzNbUaq10WhCA28DqJpnT3_3CAsMe6OvgvzkRn-Cq5G6aDK_7Ep/w145-h225/I%20invited%20her%20in.jpg" width="145" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got this book a couple of months ago, from my auntie. (So I really should have read it by now, but the truth is I got side-tracked.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Really simple premise, this. Protagonist Mel, receives a message from an old friend, completely out of the blue. She's in a spot of trouble and needs a place to stay. It's the least Mel can do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After all, friends look out for each-other, don't they? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I noticed this book, I thought it looked familiar, but now I know why. Fantastic reviews, and a tv show to go with it. Not sure if I'll watch it, I'll see if I like the book first. Pretty sure I will though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><b>6. <i>The Missing Sister (The Seven Sisters #7)</i>, by Lucinda Riley </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvacahaLv9NFwG9FwQ5_iep-O0RRjjUexww-avxHnlJJhpQLTVh1gqCKciL-3L7zT6G817kcYfPnOJ3kwi4836mch9HJ8bXfSPhwa8dc_h6CR2bwy84cUmDYhKQz9W2wxXQbt41IUB731WEgUukEKWH9Khxvi3oxybZmsugbOVzhzNmoTzFC9Nrb8yUtE/s499/the%20missing%20sister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvacahaLv9NFwG9FwQ5_iep-O0RRjjUexww-avxHnlJJhpQLTVh1gqCKciL-3L7zT6G817kcYfPnOJ3kwi4836mch9HJ8bXfSPhwa8dc_h6CR2bwy84cUmDYhKQz9W2wxXQbt41IUB731WEgUukEKWH9Khxvi3oxybZmsugbOVzhzNmoTzFC9Nrb8yUtE/w136-h205/the%20missing%20sister.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And... the seventh book in the series (cry emoji). These books are so amazing I can't believe it's the penultime book ALREADY. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Never mind that I still need to read the sixth first.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, I have no idea how far into this TBR I'm going to get, but I'm sticking it on here anyway. This is the book that I've talked about cumulatively since starting the first book, back in August. It's the one where all six sisters join forces to uncover the mystery of why there wasn't a seventh sister, to make the full seven star constellation. I've heard mixed reviews on Goodreads a few times, but I'll be keeping an open mind considering how much I've loved this series so far. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Fingers crossed I enjoy this one as much as the rest.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are all the books I'm hoping to get to in the month of November! I hope you enjoyed, and as always, feel free to comment what you plan to read this month and we can chat about it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx</div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #1e1915;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #1e1915;"><br /></span></div><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-79752576515059617882023-10-29T18:15:00.002+00:002023-10-31T18:50:46.361+00:00October Wrap Up (2023)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm here with my October Wrap Up (2023)!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Due to the 24 readathon I took part in (just a personal one) at the start of October, I have a lot to talk about. So let's get started! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>Bad Magic</i>, by Derek Landy </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgg6lOfCS89J92P63thsGbDVbMlf7jEnvml21FhzX-WcMB7rQ2w-YmE_Qj8ROlpg1Nn6YuFT_M7vdp2wFP9xaeHjeOtyEf-WssqfjvaLuWdKscaJsFAi5xJqmf3pOUj52hCJlS_L0LcUd6RfJ-XCQjFPAZUYXc-rLnG8Ej0HI7eYl8FH3HLtGEQ_4USgY/s400/bad%20magic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgg6lOfCS89J92P63thsGbDVbMlf7jEnvml21FhzX-WcMB7rQ2w-YmE_Qj8ROlpg1Nn6YuFT_M7vdp2wFP9xaeHjeOtyEf-WssqfjvaLuWdKscaJsFAi5xJqmf3pOUj52hCJlS_L0LcUd6RfJ-XCQjFPAZUYXc-rLnG8Ej0HI7eYl8FH3HLtGEQ_4USgY/w140-h210/bad%20magic.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a short (obviously Abi, it's a graphic novel), fast-paced tale that takes place, I'm assuming now- after the events of <i>Until the End</i>, but before the new trilogy starts. Being a graphic novel, it was an absolutely perfect novel to start in the early hours of the morning for my 24 hour readathon, before my brain had woken up. It was a spooky story about possession, with Valkyrie and Skulduggery at the centre, working a case and being their usual awesomeness. I even had the pleasure of meeting Derek Landy on his tour and getting it signed so that was the cherry on top. </div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. <i>Coraline</i>, by Neil Gaiman (Illustrations/Adapter: P. Craig Russell)</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAZYxKeS_ysyrQ28bvsy-sWr9kQVMJPNVC40toZPiQp2LmC0-oEqz15cVKL9z9EYdNvBd3kj_sZ1_mDc9220lmilOekxz6jjKHyvpFxx0SSU9GuhPL3oRFM2B5Cx2-c5LdaYeb6oPHKztpX9yd-lMcqQ2f7XKJKi0mZBvPH32rv3c9YUbQNTyC2YtK0qA/s400/coraline.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="262" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAZYxKeS_ysyrQ28bvsy-sWr9kQVMJPNVC40toZPiQp2LmC0-oEqz15cVKL9z9EYdNvBd3kj_sZ1_mDc9220lmilOekxz6jjKHyvpFxx0SSU9GuhPL3oRFM2B5Cx2-c5LdaYeb6oPHKztpX9yd-lMcqQ2f7XKJKi0mZBvPH32rv3c9YUbQNTyC2YtK0qA/w137-h208/coraline.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>I'd been wanting to read <i>Coraline </i>for the longest time, and I'd heard about how creepy the graphic novel was. When I saw it in my local Waterstones, there was no doubt in my mind that I had to have it. Going into this, I honestly wasn't expecting anything more than the film I'd seen a number of times, but the graphic novel actually lended a lot more to Coraline's character than the films did. You could feel the fear she must have felt, going head to head with the other mother and possibility of losing everything if she didn't succeed. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Oh, and the illustrations for the other mother were just as creepy as everyone had said. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. <i>The Pearl Sister (The Seven Sisters #4)</i>, by Lucinda Riley </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVKooSN9qF7SIOFqWNP1tPo-35fqedtOc6QH06lRus3ZOnjX3Us8FwpTvHWr3xefYN5lOsuFbJqJL1yuRB6zdD5rcQJtvzskTAF-OrCX9IoISZo_B-a8EFTjLDrIth_ilrv51SIjNfdZt9Fu9Sc2xCxlzmxvnDCyFYVcD3kGWa0v5J3d9qBmN5X7ZJ2iB/s400/the%20pearl%20sister.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="260" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVKooSN9qF7SIOFqWNP1tPo-35fqedtOc6QH06lRus3ZOnjX3Us8FwpTvHWr3xefYN5lOsuFbJqJL1yuRB6zdD5rcQJtvzskTAF-OrCX9IoISZo_B-a8EFTjLDrIth_ilrv51SIjNfdZt9Fu9Sc2xCxlzmxvnDCyFYVcD3kGWa0v5J3d9qBmN5X7ZJ2iB/w134-h205/the%20pearl%20sister.jpg" width="134" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>I have a few more thoughts on this in my <a href="http://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-seven-sisters-series-pt-1.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seven Sisters Series' Review</a>, but in short, when I started this book, I wasn't terribly keen on CeCe, because of the other POV's I'd read in the first three books. But reading the book that was all about her, her journey and her growth, really changed my opinion about her. Looking forward to seeing her again in the later books. </span></div><span><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. <i>Trouble Girls</i>, by Julia Lynn Rubin </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0_srjQ2_a3Rfh1Vcb72LG_0Ph-_rOTSjAlYvwuixwZikg0FS6Bzjp72p_hnKUOUXQ_XPOmENxKMjau8PsLlHpqpAe-o2AOgKvUra0rVpjbxqHB1YdF3D6zZ3HRiQ0TslXI_WtLczIh64FFBJGyJse2lqnJ4qPvA3aW2ieuGiTddwiBcHyIzSEtimVHbk/s1000/trouble%20girls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="655" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0_srjQ2_a3Rfh1Vcb72LG_0Ph-_rOTSjAlYvwuixwZikg0FS6Bzjp72p_hnKUOUXQ_XPOmENxKMjau8PsLlHpqpAe-o2AOgKvUra0rVpjbxqHB1YdF3D6zZ3HRiQ0TslXI_WtLczIh64FFBJGyJse2lqnJ4qPvA3aW2ieuGiTddwiBcHyIzSEtimVHbk/w136-h207/trouble%20girls.jpg" width="136" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><i>Trouble Girls </i>is about two girls, Trixie and Lux that are off for the weekend on a roadtrip. They haven't seen eachother in months, and for the first time in ages, are free from responsibilities. That is, until one fateful night, something happens, that could honestly happen to anyone, that changes their life forever. What was once a carefree trip with a friend, turns into a desperate attempt to flee the police. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Honestly, this was such a wonderful book to read. All it took, when I heard about this was: "A queer YA #MeToo reimagining of Thelma & Louise", and I was sold. It's so easy to put yourself in the POV of Trixie and Lux. The anger and vulnerability you feel when viewed as nothing more than a body part, and the confusion about what to do when something unexpected happens. I have no idea what I would do if I were to experience what these two girls have happen to them, but that's just it. Nobody does until faced with it. Wonderful book, amazingly fleshed out characters with a clear voice. Thoroughly enjoyed this. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>6. <i>The Mist</i>, by Stephen King</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa0tbzr8WEEi7zErz7gWFLKZzEj1njuu1_Q7XzitMGKFZohgf_uDFQ20VmFETV3svhQRjaUETJQDcbOn3q9VGTkZKm6Yx0hP0Cdk_rIQb2YPLdYiujZcLPiqeJoaQ7Sz2qyolZci8nvGLhFHdzKh0JaO9rffao-BVoaLBrwfO7V_Pci383wpovIErSOoc/s1000/the%20mist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="652" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa0tbzr8WEEi7zErz7gWFLKZzEj1njuu1_Q7XzitMGKFZohgf_uDFQ20VmFETV3svhQRjaUETJQDcbOn3q9VGTkZKm6Yx0hP0Cdk_rIQb2YPLdYiujZcLPiqeJoaQ7Sz2qyolZci8nvGLhFHdzKh0JaO9rffao-BVoaLBrwfO7V_Pci383wpovIErSOoc/w138-h211/the%20mist.jpg" width="138" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bought this, with the idea in mind that I would read it during my 24-hour-readathon. With it being just 180 pages, I knew I'd be able to get through it relatively quickly. But then, with over half of <i>The Pearl Sister</i> still to finish, I decided to put this to one side for a rainy day (which happened to be the following saturday/sunday). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You guys, this is a short snappy, creepy book that is perfect for this time of year. I've been a fan of the film for several years, which is just as good as the book by the way, but what's impressive about the book is how much they manage to pack into it. I don't feel like it's rushed at all, I had no trouble remembering all the characters, it's really easy to follow if you want a, not nice, but good start to the genre that is horror. I genuinely think it's one of King's best, despite it's short length. Highly recommend. </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>7. <i>The Moon Sister (The Seven Sisters #5)</i>, by Lucinda Riley </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDzNPT-sr-4HgeBUGgjrbN_WOQwwyIpXIvvNMCAoaXsaZQjjC3_gxxlYBlbX6-iOF5IE3vyIUs2RNbdjCPUBLRioQd4bKtbUkQN3R7y9UJ9p7Wji0p0UxsJvLX3IKYkTXEbiEShec2onlcdwRmA8DgxM5cIJ6TKvUpYGaXvpEospfLGYH5YzXwjgaUE8_/s500/the%20moon%20sister.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="330" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDzNPT-sr-4HgeBUGgjrbN_WOQwwyIpXIvvNMCAoaXsaZQjjC3_gxxlYBlbX6-iOF5IE3vyIUs2RNbdjCPUBLRioQd4bKtbUkQN3R7y9UJ9p7Wji0p0UxsJvLX3IKYkTXEbiEShec2onlcdwRmA8DgxM5cIJ6TKvUpYGaXvpEospfLGYH5YzXwjgaUE8_/w117-h178/the%20moon%20sister.jpg" width="117" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Okay, I kind of have to include this on the list. I'm currently just shy of page 500/738 and although it's a high order that I finish this in two days, I'm going to try. I really love this book so far, I don't know what it is about Tiggy, but I just love her as a character. Lucia's awesome to read about too, her spirit, her talent as a flamenco dancer, and her passion is endearing, but for me, Tiggy is where it's at. Honestly, it doesn't matter whether I manage to finish this before midnight on tuesday, I just know it's going to be five stars, just like the rest of them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Update (31/10/23): I finished it! If I like a book, I will always do my damnest to finish it! Loved the ending, loved the ending of Tiggy's arc, and honestly, she's one of my favourite sisters! Can't wait to see what comes next for her!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Okay! Those are all the books I've read this month- so many more than recently! I have to say I'm proud of what I read, given the limited time I've had! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>As always, feel free to comment what you finished this month and we can talk about them in the comments! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Byeeeee! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>-Abi xxxxxxx</span></div><span><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></span><p></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-89937255557501945342023-10-23T22:02:00.001+01:002023-10-23T22:02:36.479+01:00The Seven Sisters Series Pt. 1<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I don't know if this is a smart idea or not, because I might be digging a hole too deep for myself here, but I'm back with a seven sisters series review for the first four books. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I've been obsessed with this series since August, and it's only gotten worse with each book. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Seven Sisters</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaj9DkbFPWiIFeOx5OeebZqS3dHrkhyKuVF-aeaoByauA-pSxpinOr2qUGEMYc9lq-lVkupVLWce5417zEz3Sv6jJ4Q_VhfFoC3H6cfZs2XAguTAdxftO3elehVeHuOZ0HNjuosVKG4L6xJFc9DGFMN6RTFwUVDYebeJxAA22Z8H75o-2kXuUB6pFcHLe9/s482/the%20seven%20sisters.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaj9DkbFPWiIFeOx5OeebZqS3dHrkhyKuVF-aeaoByauA-pSxpinOr2qUGEMYc9lq-lVkupVLWce5417zEz3Sv6jJ4Q_VhfFoC3H6cfZs2XAguTAdxftO3elehVeHuOZ0HNjuosVKG4L6xJFc9DGFMN6RTFwUVDYebeJxAA22Z8H75o-2kXuUB6pFcHLe9/w131-h200/the%20seven%20sisters.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This book was very much a realisation for me. I was nervous going into it, because I had just been handed the first book in a very long, very large series, which was something I hadn't attempted in a very long time. Then, when I got a little ways in, I knew that I had the potential to not only love this series, but possible adore it. Even now, when I'm just at the start of the fifth book, I know that this series is the best thing I'm going to read all year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maia was the best sister to enter the series on. The oldest, sensible, responsible, warm, caring, very much in her shell, comfortable at home with Pa Salt. I warmed to her immediately. Although there was a lot of plot to get through before what I knew was to be the main plotline of the book, I didn't feel bored or like I was waiting too long. If I have one critique of this book, it's that I wish, once you jump into the POV of Maia's ancestor, I could have spent a bit more time on Maia's journey, instead of 50-70 page snippets every 170 of her ancestor. But this was a wonderful start to the series, and I still find myself thinking of her, even when I'm reading her other sisters' stories. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Storm Sister</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mez2xQWZvLynKQ-ZQpX5oueKhmjbRD4bB1kYleWAp-RTNlSHWatyjd0t9h6pZr4fmlkznMops9ozdrQv_lbvfh4GSO_VSNNiolDAm61O6dZYzBs3bRZF7xv8RP75lb3D2dMvGATQYnG-bivRQEyvR4SykNcNahJPMhK0sZe7RG0hyphenhyphenWd2ZrtW-V39INfv/s2326/the%20storm%20sister.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2326" data-original-width="1535" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mez2xQWZvLynKQ-ZQpX5oueKhmjbRD4bB1kYleWAp-RTNlSHWatyjd0t9h6pZr4fmlkznMops9ozdrQv_lbvfh4GSO_VSNNiolDAm61O6dZYzBs3bRZF7xv8RP75lb3D2dMvGATQYnG-bivRQEyvR4SykNcNahJPMhK0sZe7RG0hyphenhyphenWd2ZrtW-V39INfv/w137-h209/the%20storm%20sister.jpg" width="137" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the moment, <i>The Storm Sister </i>is probably my favourite out of all of them (even though I relate to Star's character more). Ally is a headstrong, sailer of the sea, more comfortable on a boat than on land. When she loses someone close to her (other than Pa Salt) she discovers a few home truths that lead her on a journey to find out where she came from. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Basically I loved everything about this book. The ancestor we read about for a good portion (it felt more balanced this time around, even though it might not have been). I grew more in love with Ally's character the further on I got, I loved the landscape and the way music and the similarities between Ally and Anna were shown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anna, the ancestor, is basically a farm girl with a gift for music and singing, who is plucked from the place she knows and loves, to the landscape of Norway, to be made a star. I loved the way her story unfolded, the writing style, and the difference we see in Anna from the start of her parts to the end. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We see both Ally and Anna love, lose people, make decisions- for the better or worse, hurt and come out the other end. I loved every single word. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In a sentence, I don't think I've read a more perfect book. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i>The Shadow Sister</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIS85Mx6EXRAGNJ3T5PubHHrL7h2jWtijqq8Ia3RvzAMv91x_ZCc42NEgfn8ydDZySHic_koH3ZIWhdowR9gHPlkA512tX8B1FOqSsYmCrKLEX6hGW21svDNAgih79In4zZU5hXj1G1OmrtZTzWUqo0h2ydEqjeHRO5v32Xh8b_ipt8OofJ_wV95p7HPTp/s500/the%20shadow%20sister.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="335" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIS85Mx6EXRAGNJ3T5PubHHrL7h2jWtijqq8Ia3RvzAMv91x_ZCc42NEgfn8ydDZySHic_koH3ZIWhdowR9gHPlkA512tX8B1FOqSsYmCrKLEX6hGW21svDNAgih79In4zZU5hXj1G1OmrtZTzWUqo0h2ydEqjeHRO5v32Xh8b_ipt8OofJ_wV95p7HPTp/w156-h232/the%20shadow%20sister.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After reading <i>The Storm Sister</i>, I was anxious for the next book. Which, in hindsight, was probably a good thing when I had to wait a couple weeks to start reading it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In <i>The Shadow Sister</i>, we follow Star, a shy girl, who is very much under the thumb of her younger sister CeCe at the start, but over the course of the book, we see her begin to blossom into someone a lot more independant, yet the same sweet, caring person you instantly like upon picking up the book. The only critique I have of this volume is Star kind of gets lost in the story of her ancestor, Flora. Flora was such a wonderful character to read about. Reading from her POV reminded me of everything I loved about Lake District. Not to mention Beatrix Potter was in this! I just didn't want to stop with this one, and no wonder- I finished the 680 page brick in a week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Pearl Sister</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmkLrkV_gqqPDtuaFQur74bkZHoLFQ0dTJz5xFv_ZHHOdj__Z3pUN6b710YX99ib-bJhom5Z4dorITDURx9vWdqgyyPRoG3IecXhRLzCyjKQu4iLOaBlFI6FtZwXptH8JlXt9aolpzePMXmRGDP0IVOqvLKGrczmljaglXfbXalCpCTwVms3hyphenhyphengBdnbhB/s400/the%20pearl%20sister.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="260" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmkLrkV_gqqPDtuaFQur74bkZHoLFQ0dTJz5xFv_ZHHOdj__Z3pUN6b710YX99ib-bJhom5Z4dorITDURx9vWdqgyyPRoG3IecXhRLzCyjKQu4iLOaBlFI6FtZwXptH8JlXt9aolpzePMXmRGDP0IVOqvLKGrczmljaglXfbXalCpCTwVms3hyphenhyphengBdnbhB/w156-h232/the%20pearl%20sister.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Going into this, I wasn't so sure about how much I was going to like CeCe. She often speaks above Star, and comes off as quite brass. But, I was willing to keep an open mind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And honestly, CeCe surprised me. There was a lot more to her character, insecurities and fears that overall, made her more likable. I still didn't like the way she treated Star, but I was willing to give her a chance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a little trouble getting invested, like with the others, because it took a while before I got into the "meat" of the story, but once I was a little ways in, I was in it for the ride. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I liked the ancestor of CeCe, though I wasn't desperate to find out what was going to happen to Kitty, like with Flora, but I liked it well enough. I liked the fact that I never spent a really long time with either main character, it was pretty well balanced between the past and present. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Overall, certainly not my favourite book of the bunch, but I feel like I understand CeCe a lot more and I hope I get to read more of her POV with the final two books of the series. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are my main thoughts for the first four books of the Seven Sisters series guys! I really hope I love the last four books as much as I did these- currently on book 5! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-90785777491103918712023-10-13T18:29:00.001+01:002023-10-13T18:29:45.475+01:00September Wrap Up & October TBR (or what's left of it)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And due to lack of signal in Devon, I haven't been able to post in almost a month (I promise I was going to be posting my wrap up and TBR that week). </p><p style="text-align: center;">But better late than never I guess! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Here's an update on my readings past and future. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy it! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>September Wrap Up (2023)</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">I read a total of three books in September, for one reason or another, but they were all fairly large, and I'm happy with my consistency and my determination to read even a little bit each day. </p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <i>Happy Place</i>, by Emily Henry</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVDdJP4OX7-HkAN69Bh5oMyPQUwrjmjToPeHO3Es4BGaDsB8wjFx0IJTbnViRbBCOMkk7JAUt0kHhQjR_GzkaGpwu2HOVCIwE0jY1CVgAFB-TsY6gPzzU1-JHnC1VJkb6Ave58Q9y5qnlroIcZkvGJnakAys_Ba92G2GjtRWk2AukcsgCvX3oi1ROIvE0/s1500/happy%20place.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="993" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVDdJP4OX7-HkAN69Bh5oMyPQUwrjmjToPeHO3Es4BGaDsB8wjFx0IJTbnViRbBCOMkk7JAUt0kHhQjR_GzkaGpwu2HOVCIwE0jY1CVgAFB-TsY6gPzzU1-JHnC1VJkb6Ave58Q9y5qnlroIcZkvGJnakAys_Ba92G2GjtRWk2AukcsgCvX3oi1ROIvE0/w132-h200/happy%20place.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I was determined to get this read in September, so it wouldn't be left on my shelf collecting dust until February/ March time (much like my Beth O' Leary books are now, but hey- I can't get to everything)! I did enjoy this one, but honestly, I felt like some parts with Harriet and Wyn- and their famililes- were just a little rushed and crammed in all at once. It would have been nice to read more about them, but that's just my personal preference. All in all a solid read- very much looking forward to her next publication. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">2. <i>The Help</i>, by Kathryn Stockett </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPRj_LwB4fNJd5w8qp24u8Wgyw1t2D4gZWCOmJ6DsDku_5Td8cpiSmYtCGKKu4LEmt4jfgn9-5RgKxqZlY1HIap6Ydwy1NBxMZfA1j5bypceK6Jiba84Wa6Bnx9cB16FA9uJDUPrvD3RbV5pudrTQmyH6LsAqlDLfQWPrU21VU9o8lKKnb6C1SYPFtAqm/s2048/the%20help.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1278" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPRj_LwB4fNJd5w8qp24u8Wgyw1t2D4gZWCOmJ6DsDku_5Td8cpiSmYtCGKKu4LEmt4jfgn9-5RgKxqZlY1HIap6Ydwy1NBxMZfA1j5bypceK6Jiba84Wa6Bnx9cB16FA9uJDUPrvD3RbV5pudrTQmyH6LsAqlDLfQWPrU21VU9o8lKKnb6C1SYPFtAqm/w134-h215/the%20help.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">This has been on my re-read list since maybe the start of the year, and it was so fantastic to actually follow through and pick it up again. I enjoyed it so much I even watched the film too. This is a pretty well-known book/film so I know a lot of you have read or seen it, but if you haven't, <i>The Help </i>is about Jackson, Mississipi in the 1960s. It follows Aibileen and Minny, two black maids, in their professional lives, raising their employers' white children from the time that they've had their first poo, and their personal lives, running for their homes when a white man goes on a shooting rampage. When Mrs Skeeter approaches them with the idea to write a book about their lives, three ordinary women take their first extroadinary step to changing their lives for the better. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">3. <i>The Shadow Sister (The Seven Sisters #3)</i>, by Lucinda Riley </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbjVyw0_bWDn9hfuKTYkyJwNXIAOGwdk8jerSzJ59-M4Z_nRLkMRkm9yDb7SirXRj6JgSVsHGneg-XSxCdz9fKRYIPg8QSQGviS8_xsSDJhNgtbLfOWdBRXPUZnJkm8I_pqEvXPpl2QutgyzRKXerCMEj3PvuEghqG1vSMmDqR0zcQ6bNirWMBscz0iYr/s500/the%20shadow%20sister.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="335" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbjVyw0_bWDn9hfuKTYkyJwNXIAOGwdk8jerSzJ59-M4Z_nRLkMRkm9yDb7SirXRj6JgSVsHGneg-XSxCdz9fKRYIPg8QSQGviS8_xsSDJhNgtbLfOWdBRXPUZnJkm8I_pqEvXPpl2QutgyzRKXerCMEj3PvuEghqG1vSMmDqR0zcQ6bNirWMBscz0iYr/w141-h211/the%20shadow%20sister.jpg" width="141" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I can't even begin to explain how much I enjoyed this book. After <i>The Storm Sister </i>I was eager to start the third book straight away. Not only did I really like the character of Star, the protagonist of the third book, but I knew where she ended up. But as I'm borrowing these books from a friend, it was of course some time until I was able to pick it up. </p><p style="text-align: center;">But eventually I had it in my possession. Honestly, a bit slow starting, compared to the other two books, but in the other hand, it gave me a chance to fully come to understand what Star was all about, and once I got past a certain point, I genuinely couldn't put the book down. I flew through the substancial 660 pages in a week which for me, is no small feat. Once again, it helped that I was jumping from two protagonists/ time periods, and the sections were quite evenly spaced out, so I never felt like I was reading one character's story for too long. Honestly, at this point, I think I'll find it difficult to find a book in this series that I'll enjoy more. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>October TBR (2023)</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Although we're already 12 days into this month, I'm still going to write about the books I plan to read for the rest of it. There will of course be less books than usual, but the month just wouldn't be the same without my TBR, now would it?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <i>Lyrical Ballads</i>, by Wordsworth and Coleridge </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJQz-QZstgwiOZd34CaI3vxwmwA13ZFQOUpXSTSEBtFVPe-0v4vZP8v-mC1qFNsC9c3YV7ak8AjYO1vvqVzdYEbmDFmASwExzi7tHtvK6FntRbPCNRgOdSAEtp6PSAVZRBcaofKMO2JE1FKYXtVXx9xDIj9c2DAy2iE9PiPyqKISerIPSxvQf681hmAgM/s475/lyrical%20ballads.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJQz-QZstgwiOZd34CaI3vxwmwA13ZFQOUpXSTSEBtFVPe-0v4vZP8v-mC1qFNsC9c3YV7ak8AjYO1vvqVzdYEbmDFmASwExzi7tHtvK6FntRbPCNRgOdSAEtp6PSAVZRBcaofKMO2JE1FKYXtVXx9xDIj9c2DAy2iE9PiPyqKISerIPSxvQf681hmAgM/w154-h234/lyrical%20ballads.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After finishing <i>Trouble Girls</i>, by Julia Lynn Rubin (I'll talk about that on this month's wrap up) I was at a complete loss as for what to read next. Then I remembered a month ago, when I'd been reading <i>The Shadow Sister</i>, which takes place at Lake District, how eager I'd been to pick up some of the Wordsworth poems/books I'd accummilated back in July. And so, here I am, reading poetry for the first time in several years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not very far into it at the moment, just 35 pages in, but the beauty about this book is that if I like, if there's another book that I find myself drawn to, I can read that one and read maybe a poem or two a day, and slowly chip through them every so often, because I know I won't be in danger of losing the thread of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to admit, I'm not very practised in reading poetry, but so far I'm enjoying it, and I'm looking forward to reading more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. <i>The Grasmere and Alfoxden Journals</i>, by Dorothy Wordsworth </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXioQX4yLitEfcjDSCe42-_ASIST5k1VOP0-m5Q79WPErJBXgv73JFdd21LR_sNOb4uZao1gXyeoQQx-tb3y8UeJvF4QXPbTHJ7BUKdiOyXd7AsrZs2MkOGRQ9Lj7TK8oV-OZDmTv-1E_sz3xLKOgRYYSeCheux6chxKKxgx5nptawP41-rxDzBUUoYCH/s400/the%20grasmere%20and%20alfoxden%20journals.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="264" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXioQX4yLitEfcjDSCe42-_ASIST5k1VOP0-m5Q79WPErJBXgv73JFdd21LR_sNOb4uZao1gXyeoQQx-tb3y8UeJvF4QXPbTHJ7BUKdiOyXd7AsrZs2MkOGRQ9Lj7TK8oV-OZDmTv-1E_sz3xLKOgRYYSeCheux6chxKKxgx5nptawP41-rxDzBUUoYCH/w132-h211/the%20grasmere%20and%20alfoxden%20journals.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ever since my partner and I visited Dove Cottage in July, the life the Wordsworth siblings shared has fascinated me. Mostly made from wood, they lived what we would call "Simple living". Plain food like bread, milk, beans, cheese and meat, and simply walking, exploring the landscape and writing all day. To me, that sounds amazing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But one person that I was particularly interested was Dorothy Wordsworth, who wrote alongside William, was never published, actually contributed ideas and phrases to William's most known works. Which is why I bought this, as well as two other books. I'll be reading the poems first, because I have a feeling that I'll throw the poems on the ground and abandon it if I pick this up first, but I genuinely can't wait see inside Dorothy's genius brain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. <i>The Mist</i>, by Stephen King </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdc43iqHV1jzpcqnq9sY-h1CUBBDXWe3P5euLty26ymjI0oTQmxt8llU2SlxrKiWuz-AqY9kGVX-kMWcyzS0p2nUheKPKExGa9FeLoPZVHF3HxeZjSg4NNfXElkPbrql9ZTISjHFOLp-mLwRbjOX6B1yz1wI4Rn6KQJBPMX6sBueJqrvPtvE7cYlfUegk/s1000/the%20mist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="652" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdc43iqHV1jzpcqnq9sY-h1CUBBDXWe3P5euLty26ymjI0oTQmxt8llU2SlxrKiWuz-AqY9kGVX-kMWcyzS0p2nUheKPKExGa9FeLoPZVHF3HxeZjSg4NNfXElkPbrql9ZTISjHFOLp-mLwRbjOX6B1yz1wI4Rn6KQJBPMX6sBueJqrvPtvE7cYlfUegk/w146-h224/the%20mist.jpg" width="146" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was meant to be part of the TBR for the 24-hour-readathon that I did in Devon last week, but because I had not yet finished my current read, this got put aside for another day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since this book is just 180 pages, I'm thinking I'll just be able to soar through it in a couple of days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you didn't know, <i>The Mist</i>, is basically about a man and his son, trapped in a supermarket with several other people. A mist has descended on their town and every night, and with it brings mystery creatures that attack the villagers. The man's wife is out there, but of course leaving would risk their lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's all I know about it, which I know from the film that I saw many years ago, but it still remains a favourite. I'm very much eager to pick the book up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. <i>The Moon Sister (Seven Sisters #5)</i>, by Lucinda Riley </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJYpPVON4hq0vIuS0qv1ickQuVilHZlUh-mGXtA7f2kErkTI7arOCPfmExW5oTrHtzrDVdbWZJC6DSKf6tnDaThZKlvRSexrCO015Fg1mU1tB4mpp4gt5FYrQxrHCk9Oq5Kip0l_sLTHyhNFJNYyIzRxP_o_6FndC8Tw25jWYuypB4eQXLRngtYwTLKzX/s500/the%20moon%20sister.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="330" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJYpPVON4hq0vIuS0qv1ickQuVilHZlUh-mGXtA7f2kErkTI7arOCPfmExW5oTrHtzrDVdbWZJC6DSKf6tnDaThZKlvRSexrCO015Fg1mU1tB4mpp4gt5FYrQxrHCk9Oq5Kip0l_sLTHyhNFJNYyIzRxP_o_6FndC8Tw25jWYuypB4eQXLRngtYwTLKzX/w136-h207/the%20moon%20sister.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">`I can't believe how quickly I'm raking through these books! It feels like only last week I was picking the first one up and meeting all these amazing sisters. <i>The Moon Sister</i>, the fifth book in the series follows Tiggy, as she follows a job to the Scotland Highland, only to be led to her past in Spain, during the civil war. I know next to nothing about Tiggy, just that she's graceful and kind, but I just know I'm going to love her already. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, why is there only one more sister book after this? I really don't want this series to end! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! That's my Wrap Up for September & TBR for October! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed it, and feel free to comment what your current read is and what your thoughts are, I'd love to hear them! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-18986665890577624712023-09-21T20:30:00.000+01:002023-09-21T20:30:00.716+01:00Anticipated Releases (October- December 2023)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm back with the last anticipated releases post of 2023! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I can't believe we're nearly in the last quarter of 2023, the time has flown by! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I don't have a huge amount of anticipated releases today, I have enough books to read already, but I know I'll definitely be getting to some of these almost immediately. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>October</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <i>Clementine: Book Two (Clementime #2)</i>, by Tillie Walden </p><p style="text-align: center;">(Release date: 04/10/2023)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7KNIyV8-jbp53Crsf_n4dYtULxt0EFN6RrUwVP_9AGINhQLce-AO1-fIxcwFj4MOnG_67NbI0Bbuu5gL0HpBMC7bG1L_VJ7NbupWLooPUXj_Wvvs5xpT6CuspOshonS3-v-2on5yp7UyRT3i1HeoiHX6gpIQq2b_Krnpc9nZ9LUcWhI7mNAl8KRJbN5n/s1350/clementine%20book%20two.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7KNIyV8-jbp53Crsf_n4dYtULxt0EFN6RrUwVP_9AGINhQLce-AO1-fIxcwFj4MOnG_67NbI0Bbuu5gL0HpBMC7bG1L_VJ7NbupWLooPUXj_Wvvs5xpT6CuspOshonS3-v-2on5yp7UyRT3i1HeoiHX6gpIQq2b_Krnpc9nZ9LUcWhI7mNAl8KRJbN5n/w154-h231/clementine%20book%20two.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">After reading the first volume in june, I immediately started looking forward to the release date of the second graphic novel in the series. Tillie Walden's Clementine was extremely similar to the videogame character I'd grown to cherish over the years and it was the easiest thing in the world to fall into this series. Perfect for the Halloween season, I expect I'll be reaching for this as soon as I obtain a copy. </p><p style="text-align: center;">2. <i>Run and Hide: How Jewish Youth Escaped the Holocaust</i>, by Don Brown </p><p style="text-align: center;">(Release date: 10/10/2023)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70vaAKxCR5Lfr9mVQKNGwPs6orS7zW5q97w2UgjAFtEYiKSM1Bn4l0aJDw_ag6CH8oCokEUNdy6Jl60TYBOVLZVhulvt8ZlOpBbPCkKe2lPKFQTWva6V2ISmiE3Mh_stkTIXnjiC1gBnJgu11VU71oapHMe_Tylgb4XAFL2FtMKqpAigX2dz6r0dTaiqu/s400/run%20and%20hide.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="262" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70vaAKxCR5Lfr9mVQKNGwPs6orS7zW5q97w2UgjAFtEYiKSM1Bn4l0aJDw_ag6CH8oCokEUNdy6Jl60TYBOVLZVhulvt8ZlOpBbPCkKe2lPKFQTWva6V2ISmiE3Mh_stkTIXnjiC1gBnJgu11VU71oapHMe_Tylgb4XAFL2FtMKqpAigX2dz6r0dTaiqu/w148-h225/run%20and%20hide.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Over the past few months I've found myself drawn to graphic novels like this, though none of them were non-fiction- this was no exception. I don't want to say that I'm eager to read this, because of the difficult subject matter, but for me it's about understanding the horrific events the jews had to endure before, during and after WWII. This promises to be a hard-hitting graphic novel and I hope to read it soon. </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>November</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <i>Defiant (Skyward #4)</i>, by Brandon Sanderson </p><p style="text-align: center;">(Release date: 21/11/2023)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VkDUWDwsfxYy6IysBvsdLLtvlvgs8AYojsNUKVodheiWJghQYGlPgiQgB4xvOkbQCTJiV55qnoZqP76gG_5NJ8RSc7OLerXZUGqBgnJx0jqKN349nJMYzDz8bW6t4XP1d2QR_uRsFtPXtfhFSGjm16rMLcHC993ZqzeMQR1oWT6UhJ9DlXxXg7XKUn-6/s767/defiant.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VkDUWDwsfxYy6IysBvsdLLtvlvgs8AYojsNUKVodheiWJghQYGlPgiQgB4xvOkbQCTJiV55qnoZqP76gG_5NJ8RSc7OLerXZUGqBgnJx0jqKN349nJMYzDz8bW6t4XP1d2QR_uRsFtPXtfhFSGjm16rMLcHC993ZqzeMQR1oWT6UhJ9DlXxXg7XKUn-6/w140-h214/defiant.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The fourth and final novel in the <i>Skyward </i>series- I've yet to read <i>Cytonic</i>, and <i>Skyward Flight</i>- the series of novellas that take place before and after- but there was no doubt I'm going to put this on my list. Because you never know! I might read the others and immediately want to prioritise <i>Defiant</i>, and be damned on waiting for the paperback! Then maybe I can move on to some of Brandon Sanderson's other works that I've been neglecting! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>December</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <i>Every Time You Go Away</i>, by Abigail Johnson </p><p style="text-align: center;">(Release date: 05/12/2023) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_1tLqIQw6mIo_KLTHeCNqg65hat2uUQw7UeuT3WmrPH2HEitf1wrWtU5QB5UH_iGxp8_R76GbVvwr1ugAmKTlPcuA-FtMfNN1AZhofuwz7Ajk03uXCdJIqruI1ICWyrzbtN3wIEEyEDh-Z542_aJyoSFymF_CtLlenIEz58XM_jICcd1OCa0TknJ_tJs/s1823/every%20time%20you%20go%20away.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1823" data-original-width="1200" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_1tLqIQw6mIo_KLTHeCNqg65hat2uUQw7UeuT3WmrPH2HEitf1wrWtU5QB5UH_iGxp8_R76GbVvwr1ugAmKTlPcuA-FtMfNN1AZhofuwz7Ajk03uXCdJIqruI1ICWyrzbtN3wIEEyEDh-Z542_aJyoSFymF_CtLlenIEz58XM_jICcd1OCa0TknJ_tJs/w130-h197/every%20time%20you%20go%20away.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't feel like I'll be able to explain this in my own words, so I'll just quote the blurb from Book Birds:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"After three years apart, can they find their way back to eachother?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since the moment Ethan first arrived at his grandparents' house, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rebecca and Ethan have been drawn to each other. But even as </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">children, they knew their time together was limited. Time and time </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">again, Ethan's mom would sober up and take him away- only to bring </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">him back when she relapsed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Three years have passed since Ethan last lived with his grandparents, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and Ethan and Rebecca are no longer the same people they once </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">were. Ethan embraced his role as his mother's caretaker long ago and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">blames his grandparents for tearing him away from her. Meanwhile, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rebecca is racked with survivor's guilt after a car accident killed her </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">father. She's been learning to navigate life as a wheelchair user ever</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">since. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that fate has brought them together, they'll have to learn if the time </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">apart has created too much distance between them- or if they can finally find happiness together." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I haven't read a standalone like this in the longest time, and it sounds like it'll be perfect for February/ March time, when it's starting to get warmer. Consider it added to my TBR. </div><p style="text-align: center;">2. <i>Make Me A Liar</i>, by Melissa Landers</p><p style="text-align: center;">(Release date: 05/12/2023)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLD2eJksKjpkei_eVzEReRNFIP9Cb-xOfip8Ja6phewB3wgz4XRaVr_KKkb8xQTvysw9H5UVPtiP3FCg6KLwmMrEbXZerGzzmwyxyIqdE_AfVpzcm5L77-58cRfpjr3T-nj0_76jRhNFp05LfYw6JG14_kzDTcAJFXhezANfWcHPC-XPYl4BUOgfAjhJve/s346/make%20me%20a%20liar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLD2eJksKjpkei_eVzEReRNFIP9Cb-xOfip8Ja6phewB3wgz4XRaVr_KKkb8xQTvysw9H5UVPtiP3FCg6KLwmMrEbXZerGzzmwyxyIqdE_AfVpzcm5L77-58cRfpjr3T-nj0_76jRhNFp05LfYw6JG14_kzDTcAJFXhezANfWcHPC-XPYl4BUOgfAjhJve/w132-h198/make%20me%20a%20liar.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Within the walls of Harvey Davis High School, Tia Dante is the one the talk to if you want something dirty done. Using her unique ability to transfer to others' consciousness, she can do pretty much anything: get revenge on a cheating ex, bring a bully to their knees, tell a boss where to stick it. But when she's caught red handed for a crime she didn't commit, Tia is forced to work with her ex-boyfriend, Nash Brock, if she wants to get out of this unscathed. The heat is on- in more ways than one- and Tia and Nash need to stay one step ahead of the killer before they find themselves dead themselves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to say, this sounds so gripping. I had this towards the bottom in terms of urgency, but I might have to re-evaluate the order after writing that blurb up. It very much reminds me of Karen M. McManus' and Diana Urban's novel, both of which are auto-buy authors for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">3. <i>Heartstopper Volume Five (Heartstopper #5)</i>, by Alice Oseman </p><p style="text-align: center;">(Release date: 07/12/2023)</p><p style="text-align: center;">Finally! I've been waiting for the release of this for the longest time, and I have no doubt that I will be re-reading the first four volumes and then this as soon as I can. There's no information as for what the fifth book will be about on Goodreads, but on other sources it's indicated that it'll be largely about Nick leaving for Uni the next year and how things will change for him and Charlie. I know I'm not alone in feeling excited for this release. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">4. <i>Where There's Smoke</i>, by E.B. Vickers </p><p style="text-align: center;">(Release date: 19/12/2023) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B1M6SzwFel6U2Duu3D92CqwtqDWlWRpREnwcLEG7FV8Gp7VuRA31KsDoPjGL2uSswesrddhCGaYkpkU-tBtnvNDMkrVQVvlVFP8br4k7XAl7di69ePqmbzx0pMHPe9TqGaZ6s3Zyj4aMO0oDFqEvSuL5yDNE0fVgYKQbJ0m2_73akDZedWnqRtB7QFEz/s400/where%20there's%20smoke.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B1M6SzwFel6U2Duu3D92CqwtqDWlWRpREnwcLEG7FV8Gp7VuRA31KsDoPjGL2uSswesrddhCGaYkpkU-tBtnvNDMkrVQVvlVFP8br4k7XAl7di69ePqmbzx0pMHPe9TqGaZ6s3Zyj4aMO0oDFqEvSuL5yDNE0fVgYKQbJ0m2_73akDZedWnqRtB7QFEz/w129-h194/where%20there's%20smoke.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another book that I think would be better articulated if I just quoted the blurb from Goodreads. Just read the blurb. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"In this fast-paced thriller, eighteen-year-old Calli finds herself alone after the loss of her father- until </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a bruised and broken girl shows up on her property, forcing her to face the present, rethink her</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">future, and unearth the skeleton of her own past. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Life has never been easy in the small desert town of Harmony, but even on the day Calli Christopher </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">buries her father, she knows she is surrounded by people that care about her. But after the funeral, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">when everyone has finally gone home, Calli discovers a girl on her property. A girl who's dirty and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">bruised and unable to speak. And petrified. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Calli keeps the girl secret- well, almost secret. She calls her Ash and begins to nurture her back to </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">health. But word spreads in a small town, and soon a detective comes round asking questions</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">about a missing girl from another town. But these only raise more questions- about Ash and about </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the people Calli knows well. Still, she must is Ash in danger... or is she the danger?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't know what's up with that last setence, but something just grips me about this premise. The cover's enough to grab my attention, plus it would look absolutely gorgeous on my bookshelf. I'm wondering when I'll be able to get to it, but I'll still be adding it to my TBR. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are all of my Anticipated Releases for the next few months! As always, you're free to comment what it is that you're looking forward to as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a lovely evening and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bye guys! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-38852239417552228632023-09-04T21:09:00.001+01:002023-09-04T21:09:32.817+01:00September TBR (2023)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm back! With none other but my September TBR for 2023! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm including just five books for this because most of them are over 400 pages, and two are 500+. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I like big books and I cannot lie! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Let's get on. I hope you enjoy. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>Happy Place</i>, by Emily Henry </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFQWHAXmGPyMM_ugAgvbgYT9u8T7lNaXXHTj5Wj158ZLxU3KTwUnBUW_L1AVO6UBxOC3ZwQBCJqlbUpC2DpRvJFNTQujIJvur4oOazgfZXNYKq9Rq70HXx4U-41V8ct5ZLyDg04-n5EJGDRUV6ut7OYL998szZg4owF9gFaI6vxSN22pRDcCgUqTSK2rk/s1500/happy%20place.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="993" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFQWHAXmGPyMM_ugAgvbgYT9u8T7lNaXXHTj5Wj158ZLxU3KTwUnBUW_L1AVO6UBxOC3ZwQBCJqlbUpC2DpRvJFNTQujIJvur4oOazgfZXNYKq9Rq70HXx4U-41V8ct5ZLyDg04-n5EJGDRUV6ut7OYL998szZg4owF9gFaI6vxSN22pRDcCgUqTSK2rk/w135-h203/happy%20place.jpg" width="135" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm currently about 100 pages into this and although I haven't prioritised it like I wanted to, it never takes much for me to become invested in the story at a moment's notice. As always with Emily Henry's books, there are funny moments, heartfelt moments and thoroughly cute moments that make my heart skip. Another solid Emily Henry book to add to the ranks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Side note: If you want to know what this is about, I tell you in my <a href="http://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/08/august-tbr-2023.html" target="_blank">August TBR</a> and this <a href="http://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/04/anticipated-releases-april-june-2023.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anticipated Releases</a> post.)</div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. <i>The Shadow Sister (Seven Sisters #3)</i>, by Lucinda Riley </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6bNlc1M3pGOOqdxH5n2IAXXPwqiuWKhdXdJ6TE0S28Ikzd3ro6xoXs5O58mASid1UKMCQ0B_azMWR6AMDHejkVAHFvFtKLU8W1xXVfimDK4DU9NMLNeMMjxmujzrBRhtR-eCO3wfoVqSoGeJyGfOE1Jb5uCrQUOiMYgS8Whtf4f3Q6s4_I64AOXqxLUR/s500/the%20shadow%20sister.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="335" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6bNlc1M3pGOOqdxH5n2IAXXPwqiuWKhdXdJ6TE0S28Ikzd3ro6xoXs5O58mASid1UKMCQ0B_azMWR6AMDHejkVAHFvFtKLU8W1xXVfimDK4DU9NMLNeMMjxmujzrBRhtR-eCO3wfoVqSoGeJyGfOE1Jb5uCrQUOiMYgS8Whtf4f3Q6s4_I64AOXqxLUR/w138-h207/the%20shadow%20sister.jpg" width="138" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am so excited to continue on with this series, you don't understand. This is fast becoming one of my favourite series' of all time and I never want to stop reading it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This time around, we're following Star, the third sister, whose life is very closesly intertwined with her sister CeCe, seeing that they're only a few months apart. Star is currently at crossroads in her life when Pa Salt, her adopted father suddenly passes away. When she nervously decides to pursue the co-ordinates left for her from her father, she finds herself at a bookshop in the Lake District. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Honestly, that's all I know or need to know. I love Lake District, having just been, and bookshops of course, and I know I'm going to love reading from Star's POV. </div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. <i>The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1)</i>, by R.F. Kuang </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBpqARwXgzLQuOGY_x20NWw-kt6V7BdXVyOcsfupNUDPORoqmLvHv4BXt2ihQ5FXFoipJDmwuEcY7eoMrCNdqIXrq0LNxwM8hAT0HMH2PLJp3768nSxt9Dt2sXebTJ-nOnxBibGUSYMWrbINMgRfNn9UFi-QMxVAHDOGk5D94axXGRpbq7fTA6g1wn5YB/s1096/the%20poppy%20war.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="743" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBpqARwXgzLQuOGY_x20NWw-kt6V7BdXVyOcsfupNUDPORoqmLvHv4BXt2ihQ5FXFoipJDmwuEcY7eoMrCNdqIXrq0LNxwM8hAT0HMH2PLJp3768nSxt9Dt2sXebTJ-nOnxBibGUSYMWrbINMgRfNn9UFi-QMxVAHDOGk5D94axXGRpbq7fTA6g1wn5YB/w124-h183/the%20poppy%20war.webp" width="124" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the last book on my "Want to Read" shelf on Goodreads, I was gifted the entire series several months ago. It's time I start this. I don't usually start a second series when I'm already reading one, especially one as vast and long as the <i>Seven Sisters</i>, but being how I'm not marathoning that, and coming back to the series every so often, I reckon I can handle this too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Very much the dark and nitty gritty book that fantasy readers gravitate to, <i>The Poppy War </i>follows Rin- a warrior from the slums of Rooster Providence- fighting her way through the Academies and Sinegard- to earn respect from her classmates and teachers- to the very depth of war, where she discovers a dark and terrifying power that just might end the war. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Discussing themes such as death and addiction- this is one book that I can't wait to pick up this month. </div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. <i>I Invited Her In</i>, by Adele Parks </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98I4LzjtxlFK9w5Izb-99ZVyTtJhVP78Xh6SubZqnn--p9EdFtaU-rNKtKuVecMyceZ00pAvwNvr-vyf7Y9OmDfmNPCffL7IYtwXE6QOL-jAgzeoTUSFsY7joJxQQAqa-FiIa7v7KhkEW9AOZ9W3NGU9tEeNCK6hzVwDlleNTGvpEfMiAbZlxKHefelS3/s397/I%20invited%20her%20in.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="255" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98I4LzjtxlFK9w5Izb-99ZVyTtJhVP78Xh6SubZqnn--p9EdFtaU-rNKtKuVecMyceZ00pAvwNvr-vyf7Y9OmDfmNPCffL7IYtwXE6QOL-jAgzeoTUSFsY7joJxQQAqa-FiIa7v7KhkEW9AOZ9W3NGU9tEeNCK6hzVwDlleNTGvpEfMiAbZlxKHefelS3/w140-h217/I%20invited%20her%20in.jpg" width="140" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This book looked intriguing after I read the blurb. Kind of all the decision making that came into picking this up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a very simple premise, so I'm just going to quote it:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Imagine the worst thing a friend could ever do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THIS IS WORSE.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When Mel receives an unexpected email from her oldest </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">friend Abi, it brings back memories she thought she had</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">buried forever. Their friendship belonged in the past. To </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">those carefree days at University. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But Abi is in trouble and needs Mel's help, and she wants</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a place to stay. Just for a few days, while she sorts things</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">out. It's the least Mel can do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After all, friends look out for each other, don't they?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think this'll be a nice change in book, so I've stuck it on this TBR in the hope that I'm in the mood for it when it's next on the list. </div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. Open re-read </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggREHOROS3YYz7dUNQ-CJPUN82uMzhdAzpDm7dZ9R5hVcXljymcGyrYU7MEjkPJGZz8v3S8pwh-J-AUEtGbuPVKFeLHP8Q_n3f92DMRfluh6uP3yruKfqdK2QAYJQpl1KotoXQ7HdSCydi3KXGQyHLLr4ljK7AFajEQpYMr8gUtZUEQej5xGlzeL4_t08l/s560/The%20Book%20Thief.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="356" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggREHOROS3YYz7dUNQ-CJPUN82uMzhdAzpDm7dZ9R5hVcXljymcGyrYU7MEjkPJGZz8v3S8pwh-J-AUEtGbuPVKFeLHP8Q_n3f92DMRfluh6uP3yruKfqdK2QAYJQpl1KotoXQ7HdSCydi3KXGQyHLLr4ljK7AFajEQpYMr8gUtZUEQej5xGlzeL4_t08l/w128-h202/The%20Book%20Thief.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r52oqapFvikJVV2P1Gccz6Ena2JDMQU3Pd4Q6Pm_WoDaoLjcxtOEEfyYV3Ry-_Vy5OYUL2StdCq7Jil6wTOM9lIx-0KVK00go-s3JmLPyQAbQi5hZ7jBcc_W4g2wTV1Co9IdZqSpsUH_f8f2nwRXhLbLvSASdfsnGglJylQml_1ZNMgSEQemAJNZo3Dt/s2048/the%20help.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1278" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r52oqapFvikJVV2P1Gccz6Ena2JDMQU3Pd4Q6Pm_WoDaoLjcxtOEEfyYV3Ry-_Vy5OYUL2StdCq7Jil6wTOM9lIx-0KVK00go-s3JmLPyQAbQi5hZ7jBcc_W4g2wTV1Co9IdZqSpsUH_f8f2nwRXhLbLvSASdfsnGglJylQml_1ZNMgSEQemAJNZo3Dt/w127-h203/the%20help.jpg" width="127" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course I have to have this option at the end. Four books for an entire month just wasn't enough? (Even if I am being a tad ambitious adding a fifth book with the length of some others.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But right now, I have no idea what that fifth book will be- so I'm holding it open to a re-read. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After finishing THUG, I was basically reaching for <i>The Help </i>almost straightaway. But with the constant advertisements for <i>The Book Thief </i>musical popping up on my facebook, I'm also considering re-reading the book (no I'm not seeing the musical, for some reason it doesn't sit right with me). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, we'll see which one I go with. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are the books I'm hoping to read in September! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As always, feel free to comment down below what you're planning to read this month, or if you like to read a specific type of book, now that Autumn is looming! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxx</div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-30338317579888832322023-08-31T14:09:00.001+01:002023-08-31T14:09:45.006+01:00August Wrap Up (2023)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm back with my August Wrap Up (2023)! I read a total of 4 books and even though it's the same number as last month, they were definitely a lot larger. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Makes me think I might actually do okay at reading all the huge fantasy series' I'm thinking of reading in the next few months. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Without further ado, I hope you enjoy. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>Amari and the Great Game (Supernatural Investigations #2)</i>,by R.B. Alston</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnWmIYj9phUfX_Web32NxNWnAp149xcXbE6Wqzb77DqMKudzBImiiPa60ohH14z0lL9D9NlLeEBWdIhM_yh_5rxGl_2aHLGyY9GtS2BbpZXv3Es37t1RWzHfQ-BOOWlVfyP6Ngafx5gEhpJfKK51qd_Y4lIx3uCGpewYBgkUfDwbZrgglsX2lfh-Z9SSu/s2417/amari%20and%20the%20great%20game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2417" data-original-width="1600" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnWmIYj9phUfX_Web32NxNWnAp149xcXbE6Wqzb77DqMKudzBImiiPa60ohH14z0lL9D9NlLeEBWdIhM_yh_5rxGl_2aHLGyY9GtS2BbpZXv3Es37t1RWzHfQ-BOOWlVfyP6Ngafx5gEhpJfKK51qd_Y4lIx3uCGpewYBgkUfDwbZrgglsX2lfh-Z9SSu/w136-h205/amari%20and%20the%20great%20game.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After re-reading and re-inversing myself back into the story, I had no idea as for what direction the second book would take, given it all wrapped up quite neatly at the end. I knew Amari's childhood friend would be joining her at the academy, and that Quinton would be a part of it, but nothing more than that. As I often find is the case, I found I didn't enjoy this <i>The Great Game </i>as much as the first one, but that's down to enjoying stories that have a clear premise- a clear goal. If I was to describe this book, I'd use the words organised chaos because I never felt like I had a hand on where the story was going, I was always waiting to be tripped up with a plot twist. Very different feel to the first book, different characters were developed in this and I found myself rooting for a couple that I previously disliked. Very solid sequel, eagerly awaiting the third and final book. </div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. <i>The Seven Sisters (The Seven Sisters #1)</i>, by Lucinda Riley </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X04bufegTmUlCByHz5yPZyiPBHoB97u-uDs27-K7G3cA04FPYmPD4qx8Pr0zhSjpxz_5KAMZhPScqZ1kG_V0id9mR4D-mfkLC9rV482gFFKWklxGiUVUrSL7JfuyMuo2mUSB0kh1uCKpsq6wghydrkaRPhhawyKw9ZvoZk8SfRUTG33Ws7svL3wmHUXZ/s482/the%20seven%20sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="317" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X04bufegTmUlCByHz5yPZyiPBHoB97u-uDs27-K7G3cA04FPYmPD4qx8Pr0zhSjpxz_5KAMZhPScqZ1kG_V0id9mR4D-mfkLC9rV482gFFKWklxGiUVUrSL7JfuyMuo2mUSB0kh1uCKpsq6wghydrkaRPhhawyKw9ZvoZk8SfRUTG33Ws7svL3wmHUXZ/w140-h214/the%20seven%20sisters.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I came across this series from my colleague Liz at work, and although it seemed interesting, I never dreamed she'd lend it to me- or that I'd love it as much as I did! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Seven Sisters </i>is the first book in an eight book series following six adopted daughters- named after the famous constellations- after their father, Pa Salt, passes away. They are each given a letter, and co-ordinates as for where he adopted them- which they can pursue if they wish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The protagonist of the first book is Maia, who decides to travel to Rio de Janeiro, after a familiar face sends her a message. Having lived in Geneva with Pa Salt all her life, Maia starts off shaken up to her very core, but as the book progresses, it's lovely to see her blossom into the independant woman who is eager to find her family and her heritage. Extremely likeable, she was an excellent protagonist that made me eager to continue on with this amazingly written- eight book series. </div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. <i>The Hate U Give (The Hate U Give #1)</i>, by Angie Thomas </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgsC4WHM5pyP5E8HcR1Ry8zNv3CNkt6kyqIDoubTHly0AI3B9XMW07gDM11K6sWZRoOvesjbTg1ByTPI8B-xXOi5txfAKccqJCzjzJ8GdWcrG3T4eCfh_SW9OufyDt3M9jFzmWcodgkRQrx0TsSWkv5EXYSA4FxaS-lgO9FgUB8kxb2KfPXaUfDf_lsJ9/s499/thug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="326" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgsC4WHM5pyP5E8HcR1Ry8zNv3CNkt6kyqIDoubTHly0AI3B9XMW07gDM11K6sWZRoOvesjbTg1ByTPI8B-xXOi5txfAKccqJCzjzJ8GdWcrG3T4eCfh_SW9OufyDt3M9jFzmWcodgkRQrx0TsSWkv5EXYSA4FxaS-lgO9FgUB8kxb2KfPXaUfDf_lsJ9/w133-h204/thug.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Finally, I got to one of my re-reads! I chose <i>The Hate U Give </i>as my 'open space' book because well, I'd been putting the list off for long enough. For those that don't know, I have a select list of re-reads I want to get to this year, that I'm reading as and when I feel like. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">As always, <i>The Hate U Give </i>is still a hard-hitting, very real book about Starr, a seventeen year old that witness her friend Khalil, shot and killed by a white cop, and all the repercussions of that. It's a truly moving and powerful story, and one that you should check out if you haven't yet. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. <i>The Storm Sister (The Seven Sisters #2)</i>, by Lucinda Riley </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpzC-H3nxFs7_Finums3-VkhfP3Y_G18vCfe1yBPCDCTJdmlnMxUnJ-xFXbAm_lYH6s_7zCQHIJ5PJJk-rwjdZVXiUQtrl2iL_b0s6QxJvk92gic5-_6RaXX9ZZigf36aXOSN_CD4KhijFTkUUQmK6mwjOSW3np07gLZuBl90bgE1-cSUztw4WRr_naN1/s2326/the%20storm%20sister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2326" data-original-width="1535" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpzC-H3nxFs7_Finums3-VkhfP3Y_G18vCfe1yBPCDCTJdmlnMxUnJ-xFXbAm_lYH6s_7zCQHIJ5PJJk-rwjdZVXiUQtrl2iL_b0s6QxJvk92gic5-_6RaXX9ZZigf36aXOSN_CD4KhijFTkUUQmK6mwjOSW3np07gLZuBl90bgE1-cSUztw4WRr_naN1/w140-h212/the%20storm%20sister.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't think it was possible to love a book as much as I loved <i>The Seven Sisters</i>, following Maia, but then I read this. I love Maia, and the way she slowly came out of her shell, but Ally (Alycone) was just a wonderful character to read about. Headstrong, a sailor, yet warm and passionate; but with no direction when a traggic accident occurs, she makes the journey to Norway to find out where she came from. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Despite <i>The Storm Sister</i>'s many a page, I never felt like I was bored or wanted to put the book down, which I'm finding more and more these days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course I still have a great many books to read in this series, but I think this book might have solidified this series as one of my favourites of all time. </div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Okay! Those are the books I read this month! I am extremely proud of myself for finishing these, especially the <i>Seven Sisters</i> books, and I'm hoping I'll get to read even more in the coming months. </p><p style="text-align: center;">As always, feel free to comment down below what you picked up this month and we can talk about it! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful afternoon and I'll see you all soon! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Byeeee! </p><p style="text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-72892893974737068822023-08-18T22:39:00.001+01:002023-08-18T22:46:12.339+01:00Heathers the Musical UK Tour<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, <br />And yesterday I went to go and see the Heathers the Musical UK Tour at The Curve- and basically, I've decided, the only way for me to truly purge everything I experienced, is to write a review about it (and to listen to it on repeat in my car but mainly this). </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLfkiryCUtH8IixrTFx4dAEMAS9S2YcK-XiJ9cqM3dapVIP3RuXpN5I-2QBOc2AFa2TLrF_IDNV8NnbGrFLsPRRZEwcL0KeAYwwBRUkoEbpRr0OzUJgYd_7UO4KLh7LwPI6H11PtHdDUHrE2Kin2RUqhBBrKv7Wt3Yywd_Rc2KHcgYvfOu54mw3aMZ0fQ/s600/heathers%20poster.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLfkiryCUtH8IixrTFx4dAEMAS9S2YcK-XiJ9cqM3dapVIP3RuXpN5I-2QBOc2AFa2TLrF_IDNV8NnbGrFLsPRRZEwcL0KeAYwwBRUkoEbpRr0OzUJgYd_7UO4KLh7LwPI6H11PtHdDUHrE2Kin2RUqhBBrKv7Wt3Yywd_Rc2KHcgYvfOu54mw3aMZ0fQ/s320/heathers%20poster.webp" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Now, before I start, I'm just going to state a little disclaimer. This is not a professional review, this is me just attempting to put my thoughts in some kind of order. So, I'll just start and see how it goes: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Of course, there is no other place I want to start, but with the leading lady: Jenna Innes (like in Guinness). </p><p style="text-align: center;">She was the constant throughout the show, we follow her as she becomes part of the legendary Heathers' clique: Heather Macnamera: head cheerleader; Heather Duke, no discernible personality, has implants; and Heather Chandler, mythic bitch. After throwing up on Heather's shoes we watch Veronica make some questionable decisions that send us on a whilewind the audience does not expect. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Frankly, it takes a lot to be Veronica in Heathers. Vocally especially, but also, she very rarely leaves the stage, meaning you need someone special to be able to handle her. But honestly, you wouldn't think they'd done 200 shows and still sound the way she did. Powerful belting, no straining, and also somehow clear. Made the role her own, but was everything I was expecting Veronica to be. When I say she made it her own, what I mean is, I'm still thinking about her performance, the way she delivered certain lines- over 24 hours later. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Up next- Kingsley Morton. Plays the best friend of Veronica, Martha Dunnstock. A side character that crops up every so often, but is never really the centre of the story. Until her solo "Kindergarten Boyfriend"- the song that really makes people sit up and take notice of her. And what a performance. Such clarity in Kingsley's vocal, such innocence. The way she performs this solo makes me want to get up onto the stage and hug her. When I'm listening to the UK album in my car, I always tend to overlook this song over "Shine A Light" or "I Say No" but this was one of my favourites live. You could hear every syllable when Kingsley Morton was singing this. A standout song for me. So beautiful. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Now, on a different note: in terms of comedic timing, Alex Woodward (Kurt Kelly), Morgan Jackson (Ram Sweeney) and Katie Payne (Ms Fleming/ Veronica's Mom) were amazing. Alex and Morgan were full of energy, the chemistry between those two was off the charts. They were the assholes you hate to love. </p><p style="text-align: center;">And then there's Katie Payne, who played Ms Fleming/ Veronica's mom. what a performance with shine a light. Didn't matter that her rendition was a little different- she performed the hell out of it. It takes a heck of a lot of confidence to flirt with a man in the audience but she pulled it off. Also probably had the quickest quick change in the history of the world towards the end, so props for that. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Up next, Billie Bowman, who played Heather Macnamera. Bowman's lifeboat was heartbreaking. My heart was crying for Macnamera because out of all of the shit that takes place in Heathers- she was the one that was suffering the most throughout. I mean, they all are in their way, and of course Veronica goes a bit round the bend mentally with her hand in it all, but at least she knows what's going on. All Mcnamara knows is that her best friend and boyfriend aren't here anymore. Honestly, Bowman's "Lifeboat" and Morton's "Kindergarten Boyfriend" are the most emotional I've felt watching a piece of theatre since the "<i>Rent</i>" UK tour a few years previously. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Jacob Fowler- having read the programme before the show and finding out that he played JD at The Other Palace, I knew I was in for a treat. Voice of an angel, and no I'm not exaggerating. His gorgeous voice, coupled with the disturbing personality of JD made for an amazing performance. If I close my face for a second I can see his meloncholy expression- it gives me chills. </p><p style="text-align: center;">And finally, I can't post this without mentioning the groundbreaking Heather Chandler- Verity Thompson. Commands attention as soon as she walkes on stage- which is exactly what Heather Chandler does. I would go as far to say that Verity Thompson IS Heather Chandler. The main antagonist at the start, you can feel the audience turn on her almost instantly. Even when she isn't the main antagonist anymore, she never loses that grace, sophistication or presence of Heather Chandler. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I will also mention that, even though this isn't a dance heavy show, (it's not that type of show), they still manage to have some phenomenal cast choreography in there. It all looked extremely polished and together- My Dead Gay Son was an absolute banger- even though you could tell they weren't all dancers. Every movement was precise and energetic. Choreography- nailed. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Also, for those wondering how much the musical version will co-exist against the iconic film of the 80s, the answer is very much. It is very much the same dark humour, the same storyline, to a tea, same characters, you just get to know more about them with these AMAZING SOLOS- I'd argue at least. </p><p style="text-align: center;">You can see the musical, even if you've never seen the film in your life- in truth, I watched the film, so I could have a comparison to the musical- I became excited about the musical way before I started getting interested in the film. </p><p style="text-align: center;">You can also see it if you've watched the film a million times- but the musical is just a separate beast. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Overall, Heathers in itself is a hard show. Everybody dances at least once, none of the songs are easy, and of course there's the difficult subject matter. Not to mention there are only 12 cast members, so you really have to be high energy constantly with a show like this. But honestly, it was absolutely seamless. High energy all the way through, no hint of anything but pure exhilaration. I love this cast, I love this musical, I would 100% go and see it again if given the chance. </p><div style="text-align: center;">Go and see it- they're touring the UK until October. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay! That is my review of Heathers the Musical UK Tour- very different from my usual reviews, but I needed to write this down- and I'm glad I did. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful and I'll see you all soon! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Byeeeee! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx</div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-28219575403045234202023-08-05T21:35:00.002+01:002023-08-05T21:35:46.713+01:00August TBR (2023)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm back with (a rather late) August TBR! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I've already finished 2/6 of the books I planned on picking up this month (one of which was this evening- which enabled me to start (and hopefully finish) this TBR). </p><p style="text-align: center;">But nevertheless, here is my August TBR. I hope you enjoy it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>The Seven Sisters</i>, by Lucinda Riley </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPREKkV_svFM8BKkZHkkw32AK5QA1E8ycx4XHOEtcSTRu5q4UKOed3aYOZUdIAyd46mGrF-nab3brIxoGQKlqLmOdmKocjhxYSn2OHrSR5zDrx7N2svOfGrTzEx-pV_P1wSEoH4D2gNLU4T-xJN6ZBzvsOmhLB3TVrrbnCm5kFfRo2U_IrIU8Xum1nSeq9/s482/the%20seven%20sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="317" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPREKkV_svFM8BKkZHkkw32AK5QA1E8ycx4XHOEtcSTRu5q4UKOed3aYOZUdIAyd46mGrF-nab3brIxoGQKlqLmOdmKocjhxYSn2OHrSR5zDrx7N2svOfGrTzEx-pV_P1wSEoH4D2gNLU4T-xJN6ZBzvsOmhLB3TVrrbnCm5kFfRo2U_IrIU8Xum1nSeq9/w132-h201/the%20seven%20sisters.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My work colleague gave this to me to read, because I was interested in it. It's the first in, I think an eight book series, and it's about seven adopted sisters, that were born all across the world, and upon their pa's death are each given a clue- a clue that leads them to their heritage, their past. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eighty years earlier, in the Belle Epoque of Rio, 1927, Izabela Bonifacio's father has aspirations for his daughter to marry into aristocracy. Before she is married, she convinces her father to allow her to accompany him to on his trip to Europe. In the lively, vibrant café of Montparnasse, she meets ambitious young sculptor Laurent Brouilly, and knows her life will never be the same again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's 622 pages long, and I'm so excited to sink my teeth into this huge novel. </div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: large;">2. <i>Happy Place</i>, by Emily Henry </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVP4JpZqGTn7RnjpT73m0nsJtlX4a4ngTIxA68G0aWkRDmqkeY18YcB5d0lRo0sDaa8T2bnNEzq3przJXQJ394arDeJ9wnzx7m0f4kQv0YIY9_Yl7uIQhKZe2OkrK6mQhWueqNGP6MfAQJI6sQmiTmHKflV54WdkPA_SYzQz_Z9MHa4uHbGXCrQpSr_Ng/s1500/happy%20place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="993" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVP4JpZqGTn7RnjpT73m0nsJtlX4a4ngTIxA68G0aWkRDmqkeY18YcB5d0lRo0sDaa8T2bnNEzq3przJXQJ394arDeJ9wnzx7m0f4kQv0YIY9_Yl7uIQhKZe2OkrK6mQhWueqNGP6MfAQJI6sQmiTmHKflV54WdkPA_SYzQz_Z9MHa4uHbGXCrQpSr_Ng/w133-h201/happy%20place.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's September next month, which means I'll be thinking about the spooky reads and the thick fantasies to sink into. And honestly, it's about time I picked this up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Happy Place </i>is about Harriet and Wyn-who are considered 100% right for eachother- going on a trip with their best friends for the last time- as the cottage is closing after this holiday year. There's only one problem- they've been broken up for the last six months, and they haven't told their friends. They decide, for this last trip, they'll just pretend- just for one week- to be a couple once more to protect their friends' feelings. Besides, what's the worst that could happen? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking forward to loving another one of Emily Henry's books. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. Open slot</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTNQflpR_96k3AA7vIW73aWmsGqD4EFq1IHjkXuSZZm7fDLa857-2IwdOnnYcp5rXTNUS-c1Vs9mu-x4JyN7pjPBzjWBA9VR_rU2RaA7LdT-BDuq2pLR2eUcmYiV5fXgOp_ffmLyYxyPrTCWBLgKb5fOzTBay3joyYMHvu0PrSc2LZBprCNANd2FQHwQG/s475/The%20Hate%20U%20Give.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTNQflpR_96k3AA7vIW73aWmsGqD4EFq1IHjkXuSZZm7fDLa857-2IwdOnnYcp5rXTNUS-c1Vs9mu-x4JyN7pjPBzjWBA9VR_rU2RaA7LdT-BDuq2pLR2eUcmYiV5fXgOp_ffmLyYxyPrTCWBLgKb5fOzTBay3joyYMHvu0PrSc2LZBprCNANd2FQHwQG/w134-h213/The%20Hate%20U%20Give.jpg" width="134" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cpH6B35PzviQq5AV7uGdd-DZL5q8eKBjYpkY77rfk7pw0W3CPOHocSPpNQtKRIsxiFXKWO4pUz_ChtS1olDvzWbbI5XSon3RRoQ1hg6eB63b84dqP6HsGhw6FZlK3v-YK4_ZOUcewzeUGX-qbGA0xE9mEnZYwx0NdaIb5JBmMO46FHb06Oqc0QWbxXmt/s500/theatrical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="328" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cpH6B35PzviQq5AV7uGdd-DZL5q8eKBjYpkY77rfk7pw0W3CPOHocSPpNQtKRIsxiFXKWO4pUz_ChtS1olDvzWbbI5XSon3RRoQ1hg6eB63b84dqP6HsGhw6FZlK3v-YK4_ZOUcewzeUGX-qbGA0xE9mEnZYwx0NdaIb5JBmMO46FHb06Oqc0QWbxXmt/w140-h213/theatrical.jpg" width="140" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwZEpGIh79I4_wxFb48Pv1Ksx5XqXXtHFHOZfDwXCbJZnUUwGaMij3PaQ_gdaMPSOgc-p5P4rZPTFceZYuiuArNXcrlWHmT1vX0klZm-7I1dkvV8ydxKHuREOArfxvnNaaqBuLAduOMAdPzyaeI1ckRaXMiBsN2P9Tqaq4wTVC7QiUN-vhJRHRdv_qwHm/s2850/good%20for%20a%20girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="1875" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwZEpGIh79I4_wxFb48Pv1Ksx5XqXXtHFHOZfDwXCbJZnUUwGaMij3PaQ_gdaMPSOgc-p5P4rZPTFceZYuiuArNXcrlWHmT1vX0klZm-7I1dkvV8ydxKHuREOArfxvnNaaqBuLAduOMAdPzyaeI1ckRaXMiBsN2P9Tqaq4wTVC7QiUN-vhJRHRdv_qwHm/w125-h212/good%20for%20a%20girl.jpg" width="125" /></a><br />I'm just going to leave this for when the time comes. Originally it was going to be <i>Good For A Girl</i>, an autobiography by Lauren Fleshman, an american runner, but now I'm in the mood to pick up <i>THUG </i>for a re-read. Last month it was <i>Theatrical</i>. Honestly have no idea which one I'll be picking up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. <i>The Miniaturist (The Miniaturist #1)</i>, by Jessie Burton </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRa6_j6n3uhRH66xvYsHWU2ZJ9jtHLKQoxFyIrTPjBw6d4YI8j544x8Md25vG7i31AAVC0mNQIuogmdiRnAyzJopRO8ms9qLlgUKSu-pRC0tQj9QC_HeKNlJRJuBnb2_cPHN2fhfTDgqlocUSkG_yxMpQu58l00X_DL7A2ovcN2_FBZL4z0ggiozp04PF/s2048/the%20miniaturist%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1345" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRa6_j6n3uhRH66xvYsHWU2ZJ9jtHLKQoxFyIrTPjBw6d4YI8j544x8Md25vG7i31AAVC0mNQIuogmdiRnAyzJopRO8ms9qLlgUKSu-pRC0tQj9QC_HeKNlJRJuBnb2_cPHN2fhfTDgqlocUSkG_yxMpQu58l00X_DL7A2ovcN2_FBZL4z0ggiozp04PF/w132-h201/the%20miniaturist%20.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've had <i>The House of Fortune </i>(sequel) for several months now and because it's been several years since I read the first, I feel I'm due a re-read. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm going to list the blurb in bullet points now: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. Nella is sort to a wealthy but distant merchant. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. He gifts her a miniaturist house, exactly the same as the house they live in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. As Nella uncovers hidden secrets within the house she realises the depth of the danger they are all in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. The Miniaturist seems to hold their fate in her hands- but will she save or destroy them?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It seems this is the month for historical fiction books! Not gonna lie, I'm genuinely looking forward to it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are all the books I plan to read in the month of August! If you have any thoughts on any of the books listed, then don't hesitate to comment! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxxx</div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b><p></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-59157948035605233972023-08-02T21:13:00.001+01:002023-08-02T21:13:55.377+01:00July Wrap Up (2023)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm back with my July Wrap Up (2023)!</p><p style="text-align: center;">I think I did slightly better this month in terms of finishing books. I read a total of 4 books and they all took round about the same amount of time- there isn't a book that took 14 days at all! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Slowly getting there. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Here's what I read. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>Little Girls Tell Tales</i>, by Rachel Bennett</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mWe5k89SO5uQlfqOGD0G_Y08bHmJF2GaIK_4emW1vxVTnWGZ6HjVAMz-K5ebqkhOgFoNdVqDVplgjAaqExo5ibQoJHfZR6uPco9aLdmzB9G_4tIQ5t5HrbweO4PNwRlf5CfP4jSHtRmNc0nVCaDi940RRGVi5aPtMViRhBX-f5v7vA1m0P0FooaHgIA0/s499/little%20girls%20tell%20tales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="327" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mWe5k89SO5uQlfqOGD0G_Y08bHmJF2GaIK_4emW1vxVTnWGZ6HjVAMz-K5ebqkhOgFoNdVqDVplgjAaqExo5ibQoJHfZR6uPco9aLdmzB9G_4tIQ5t5HrbweO4PNwRlf5CfP4jSHtRmNc0nVCaDi940RRGVi5aPtMViRhBX-f5v7vA1m0P0FooaHgIA0/w138-h211/little%20girls%20tell%20tales.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm trying to actually read some books that people have mentioned to me recently, and this was one of them, from my mother. <i>Little Girls Tell Tales </i>follows Rosalie, a girl trying her best to stay on her feet after her wife passed away, when her brother and a girl knocks on her door. The girl claims that the skeleton Rosalie found in the marsh when she was a young girl (which noboby believed her about) might have been her sister. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rosalie, along with Dallin and Cora, start to scour the marsh for clues, or anything the town folk can give that might stear them in the right direction. But the further they delve into the marsh, the more strange happenings occur. Who doesn't want them looking for Cora's sister? And what's hidden in the depths of the marsh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was a very easy book to get into, and every time I picked it up again, I was always able to remember exactly I'd got up to previously. Well written characters, compelling plot. I'm starting to think I should give the crime/ thriller genre more of a chance than I have been. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not an absolute masterpiece but I'm very glad I followed through and picked <i>Little Girls Tell Tales</i> up. </div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2.<i> </i><a href="http://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-man-called-ove-by-fredrik-backman.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">A Man Called Ove</a>, by Fredrik Backman </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMSXQTU4YF0HYCaozKGrnEsSjbevciGdYp0UcGZ33L8FSWFE3FrdR1ygTMEnyaJs3Z9qJ3vbh67Hu_Q4xkNoOlbcuxqyNyOpGPFI_pAlmgFSbjojyynPA-YenpzdJiBrpjMCzTnFKr-VT1Qzp8v98EbzCaMlCh_g7sYii7kFYZrY9a86KYNPZ2K003M3w/s475/a%20man%20called%20ove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMSXQTU4YF0HYCaozKGrnEsSjbevciGdYp0UcGZ33L8FSWFE3FrdR1ygTMEnyaJs3Z9qJ3vbh67Hu_Q4xkNoOlbcuxqyNyOpGPFI_pAlmgFSbjojyynPA-YenpzdJiBrpjMCzTnFKr-VT1Qzp8v98EbzCaMlCh_g7sYii7kFYZrY9a86KYNPZ2K003M3w/w144-h221/a%20man%20called%20ove.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've recently posted a review of this book so if you want to read some of my most in-depth thoughts, you can click the link in the title. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All my thoughts rolled into one paragraph: I loved this book. Less than 300 pages long, but it sure packs a punch. I laugh, I smiled, I nearly cried on a train, I went through a range of emotions because of this book and I would do so again. The film is decent too, so after sobbing your heart out on this book, go and watch that. This is my favourite book of the year before and I challenge every other book to make me feel even a tiny amount of what I feel when reading this book. I dare you. </div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. <i>The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo</i>, by Taylor Jenkins Reid </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPzxr-1cA8_c3H6iBP24u02AhH7xknTQMQfTWaDcn5v2bTmC6CC8KHb39x4cfabKlhmtxsPUMmJIlyCl7UnqawxXd-UxsGfIsakqyD7qVG48zNYhd5RtFGCT1coR8gk6EH2Y4ihJOXze8_3EXZlVBYn36jzJqozOiuSyZ1qTWMhy8DK1wN0j2Cl7GG3X2/s400/the%20seven%20husbands%20of%20evelyn%20hugo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="263" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPzxr-1cA8_c3H6iBP24u02AhH7xknTQMQfTWaDcn5v2bTmC6CC8KHb39x4cfabKlhmtxsPUMmJIlyCl7UnqawxXd-UxsGfIsakqyD7qVG48zNYhd5RtFGCT1coR8gk6EH2Y4ihJOXze8_3EXZlVBYn36jzJqozOiuSyZ1qTWMhy8DK1wN0j2Cl7GG3X2/w139-h212/the%20seven%20husbands%20of%20evelyn%20hugo.jpg" width="139" /></a></div>As soon as I post this and my August TBR, I'll be back with my review of THIS. That's right, I'm posting another review! To be fair, <i>The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo </i>very much needs one, because I have thoughts. And I'm thinking I'll fit in as many as I can, providing I have thoughts and I'm in the mood. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">This has been my third Taylor Jenkins Reid book, and even though the two other books I've read by her, <i>Carrie Soto is Back </i>and <i>Daisy Jones and the Six </i>have subject matters that I care about a bit more, I found this just as amazing. Maybe even more actually- every time I put this down, I was almost anxious to find out what was going to happen next. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I so very much want to say more but I should probably hold off until writing this review I've promised myself I'll write- otherwise I might just end up posting it now. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. <i>Amari and the Night Brothers (Supernatural Investigations #1)</i>, by B.B. Alston </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-09S3XuBik3AJoT4IeTxpvH4IxVJF3nLKdVZXIcxnHMW5Dh7iap6GtkoSadlg_0x_wUWPB4Gxtbya8CoOVUDL2Y3XOZQxAfkeWX4bI9bUwMM7i08ZaGTN9Z2vXTU97LcQk_RGLSimynSaF6NDUE5ZySo2VXK2Xd-Q6LcMCI53yXu9Dx-p5RtKxrNbep9/s2485/amari%20and%20the%20night%20brothers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2485" data-original-width="1742" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-09S3XuBik3AJoT4IeTxpvH4IxVJF3nLKdVZXIcxnHMW5Dh7iap6GtkoSadlg_0x_wUWPB4Gxtbya8CoOVUDL2Y3XOZQxAfkeWX4bI9bUwMM7i08ZaGTN9Z2vXTU97LcQk_RGLSimynSaF6NDUE5ZySo2VXK2Xd-Q6LcMCI53yXu9Dx-p5RtKxrNbep9/w151-h217/amari%20and%20the%20night%20brothers.jpg" width="151" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finally got to this! Enjoyed it just as much the second time around- and am currently reading <i>Amari and the Great Game</i> and thoroughly enjoying what I've read so far! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Amari and the Night Brothers </i>follows Amari who, after being expelled from school, is nominated to a summer camp by her brother Quinton- who has been missing for several months- which turns out to be a magical summer camp! Amari's only goal is to find out what happened to her brother, but after finding out what her own magical power is, must contend with all sorts of challenges- not least her only classmates- but the question is- will she ever find out what happened to her brother?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's difficult not to see the similarities this book shares with <i>Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone</i>- but I really do love this- great start to the trilogy (I think it's a trilogy)- very excited to see where this series is headed! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are all the books I read in the month of July! I'm hoping I'll get to heaps more in August, but of course, I'll be taking it steady so as not to fall into a reading slump. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-32754609651907642962023-07-27T16:38:00.002+01:002023-07-27T16:38:25.103+01:00A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman <p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">I bought <i>A Man Called Ove</i> on holiday in Lake District, and the fact that I've already finished it is something in itself. </p><p style="text-align: center;">It took me completely by surprise, and I found I had a lot of thoughts on it. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Without further ado, I hope you enjoy the review. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg--35Ws0sU0ycVL291zIpBP7VGD0nrpaEHZyWazdKjW6swBCobxIjxcXYzkAhbJC9VkANBW4c4ntNH6W7YODYukKPOwmGg6JDpi0u17VziQQvPMPMFw3uIob59BE5EoaGkN1oRn309RfzRulFMI_P6jqta1RydC1LSouCjq0aloA77GjlYWJWlQRRkMp7a/s475/a%20man%20called%20ove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg--35Ws0sU0ycVL291zIpBP7VGD0nrpaEHZyWazdKjW6swBCobxIjxcXYzkAhbJC9VkANBW4c4ntNH6W7YODYukKPOwmGg6JDpi0u17VziQQvPMPMFw3uIob59BE5EoaGkN1oRn309RfzRulFMI_P6jqta1RydC1LSouCjq0aloA77GjlYWJWlQRRkMp7a/w143-h220/a%20man%20called%20ove.jpg" width="143" /></a>Title: A Man Called Ove</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Author: Fredrik Backman </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Genre: Fiction </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Release date: 27/08/2012</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Status: Standalone </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pages: 294</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blurb: "Ove is almost certainly the grumpiest man you will </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ever meet. He thinks himself surrounded by idiots</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-joggers, neighbours who can't reverse a trailer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">properly and shop assisstants who talk in code. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But isn't it rare, these days, to find such </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">old-fashioned clarity of belief and deed?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Such unswerving conviction about what </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the world should be, and lifelong dedication </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to making it just so?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the end, you will see, there is something </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">about Ove that is quite irresistable..." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My Thoughts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, I don't mean this in a bad way, far from it. I'll explain. But the first few chapters, and then less so, thoroughout the book (but still getting that same impression), but Ove very much reminds me of Jordan, my boyfriend. There are certain quotes I have in my notes that just make me think of him. I just couldn't help but chuckle to myself when I was able to find such resembelence between this fifty-eight-year-old widow and him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It says it in the blurb- Ove is probably the grumpiest man you will ever meet- and I'm not saying Jordan is- but it's just the way he has a routine, he has things that need to be finished and stuck to, and Jordan is exactly the same. Which I must say, I love that quality in both of them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, enough about Jordan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On to the book. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ove's temperament never really changes throughout the book. He always has that sour look on his face, as begrudgingly helps out his neighbours. And you always get the impression that if he wanted to be screaming bloody murder at some irresponsible twat, then he would be doing so. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In fact, he sometimes does! At the asshole driver blaring music, or the girl with the pissy dog. Or the clown. It might have been the fact that I don't read many books where the protagonist is a fifty-eight-year-old man, but some of the funniest parts for me was reading about Ove giving some deserving sod what for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And in this is where the magic lies. Fredrik Backman has the ability to have you clutching your side, laughing one minute, and have you crying the next. I've never read a book that's ever changed my mood so quickly as this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But what I love about this book is that, even though he always has that grim and grouchy look on his face, you see him start to care about his pushy neighbours and cat- who at the start- barely prefers to the flea-ridded dog and it's owner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The thing is, <i>A Man Called Ove </i>isn't about anything that happens in a person's life that isn't completely ordinary. But it's so much more than that. You see loss, new beginnings, mental illness, family, love, heartbreak, happiness, pain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I am extremely happy that I had the pleasure of reading it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! That is my review of <i>A Man Called Ove</i>! I won't lie, I absolutely loved it, and it is the front runner for my favourite book of the year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a wonderful afternoon and I'll see you all soon with my Wrap Up (2023)! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx</div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-53734559299451692232023-07-19T21:19:00.001+01:002023-07-19T21:19:58.368+01:00Lake District Book Haul <p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And from the 1st-8th July I was off venturing in Cumbria- trekking and exploring the Lake District! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Over the many places we visited, I accumilated quite a variety of books- which I'm about to share with you! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I bought 8 in total, and a couple you might expect- but a lot you won't! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~DARLINGTON~</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>A Day of Fallen Night (The Roots of Chaos #0)</i>, by Samantha Shannon </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0HTXY9qXTMZmDf2bfdqoqIkK5lrRsiq6CafJ-WTw6098sVjRM1BPvsX2QUQsiFyRUaeyg0Zhy7b95qwXnaY3c1yHpl8cUMDL6miQiUlcq8lQDMuPuB9b5AdbVKHdi16EgcW4Se60BhCXvOzkvIvGx-w58oLM5urlZd_Dif3XdXHSjZT4ShsXvz7IMAzR/s600/A%20Day%20of%20Fallen%20Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="398" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0HTXY9qXTMZmDf2bfdqoqIkK5lrRsiq6CafJ-WTw6098sVjRM1BPvsX2QUQsiFyRUaeyg0Zhy7b95qwXnaY3c1yHpl8cUMDL6miQiUlcq8lQDMuPuB9b5AdbVKHdi16EgcW4Se60BhCXvOzkvIvGx-w58oLM5urlZd_Dif3XdXHSjZT4ShsXvz7IMAzR/w127-h191/A%20Day%20of%20Fallen%20Night.jpg" width="127" /></a></div><br />It was an Anticipated Release at the start of the year (click <a href="http://whatmakesagoodbook.blogspot.com/2023/01/ancitipated-releases-january-march-2023.html" target="_blank">here</a> for that post) and every, time I've walked into my local Waterstones, there's always been some other book that's been more of a priority. But finally, the book is in my possession and I can devour it! <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I probably should prioritise <i>The Poppy War </i>trilogy first because you know, that trilogy has been on my TBR for forever, but something tells me that I'll be picking this up soon enough. </p><p style="text-align: center;">(If anyone doesn't know, this is a prequel to <i>The Priory of the Orange Tree</i>, a multiple POV, epic fantasy standalone that was released in 2019.) </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~CARLISLE~</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. <i>A Man Called Ove</i>, by Fredrik Backman </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS78ZTzIZTrtun6KLecpHFwnBnODpUqCGSEGTae5AHlk6BwTgby8bMhgC9U2ltwJ4bQkjpQc77d-KfLQk8yrZhY3YWTYGpXEVtJcLZUE27E-LlFjweUFWZnLkCkAzLFj0MhwSR9YL1Ckll4yeuMrD1dKr7rS0NRlfgb8facMmxrgsAKyKuB5C5QPFdG2cx/s475/a%20man%20called%20ove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS78ZTzIZTrtun6KLecpHFwnBnODpUqCGSEGTae5AHlk6BwTgby8bMhgC9U2ltwJ4bQkjpQc77d-KfLQk8yrZhY3YWTYGpXEVtJcLZUE27E-LlFjweUFWZnLkCkAzLFj0MhwSR9YL1Ckll4yeuMrD1dKr7rS0NRlfgb8facMmxrgsAKyKuB5C5QPFdG2cx/w121-h186/a%20man%20called%20ove.jpg" width="121" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have already read and loved this book- finished it just yesterday. <i>A Man Called Ove</i> is just shy of 300 pages, but it had the ability to make me laugh out loud- and then be fighting tears five minutes later. Stinkingly good writing, the pacing changes with a single sentence. I will be bold enough to say that this is my favourite book of the year and that there will definitely be a review to come. </div><p style="text-align: center;">I will withhold all detail until then. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. <i>Birdsong</i>, by Sebastian Faulks </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xnKceS5j-tzfb3Og42ykXnnB1vS_23zOD-CR64KhUgp2AYdZeswYkrpN7_qEj0XFHwXxja5OvaAJ6xROevQcSm2F4ll_1QupLolca8Co1x-ZAIR7j-cY-cxvtmUVZxZjer8xXQv6oe3CdNxBwRzkYt6Xwn4OfAqR0572j_xwYmK79fPsUKngcno_4Xg9/s500/birdsong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="309" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xnKceS5j-tzfb3Og42ykXnnB1vS_23zOD-CR64KhUgp2AYdZeswYkrpN7_qEj0XFHwXxja5OvaAJ6xROevQcSm2F4ll_1QupLolca8Co1x-ZAIR7j-cY-cxvtmUVZxZjer8xXQv6oe3CdNxBwRzkYt6Xwn4OfAqR0572j_xwYmK79fPsUKngcno_4Xg9/w113-h183/birdsong.jpg" width="113" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I attempted this book about a decade a go because it was on the GCSE summer reading list- yes I was the kid that tried to read as much of the suggested reading as I could- which I still wouldn't change today by the way- but I think it was either too large or too outside my usual comfort zone- so I DNF'ed it about 100 pages in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But when I came across this in a new/old shared space bookshop in Carlisle (seriously it was like a maze in there) I knew I had to give it another shot. </div><br />Birdsong pans over three generations, <i>Birdsong </i>takes place between the years 1910-1918, telling the tale of Stephen Wraysford as he passes through an affair with Isabelle Azaire and takes the first treachorous steps into the trenches. I don't know any more than that, but I really hope I manage to finish it this time around. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~CARTMEL~</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">So, we went to Cartmel for one reason only: to consume the Sticky Toffee Pudding that had put this village on the map (Cartmel was where it originated). But walking in and seeing that there really wasn't much else to do, I saw a sign on the door of a building that was quite obviously a bookshop. The sign said that they were only open on saturdays, but if you wanted entry, just ring the number below. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Having rang the number, the owner's son was willing to make a 20 minute drive to Cartmel, so I could see the books. Of course I had to buy some. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. <i>Nicholas Nickleby</i>, by Charles Dickins </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjEDYnxazvQV21H3GumANaXAn_73-B_9HsZpRYgQ1qw5mtTIuYq6IEkOlhb1WSPxSUOWLg9KdPMQH_kfYDBShaXKPemGGRVKlBvbBcmVwBe63oNxYpkfEsh79nr6v2e7gjZw4tZpJGw3RxeidBoFAw-sQyn5cbY0nVsnJFTAf_bWbh-oB1bgmLUq825Q_/s293/nicholas%20nickleby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="180" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjEDYnxazvQV21H3GumANaXAn_73-B_9HsZpRYgQ1qw5mtTIuYq6IEkOlhb1WSPxSUOWLg9KdPMQH_kfYDBShaXKPemGGRVKlBvbBcmVwBe63oNxYpkfEsh79nr6v2e7gjZw4tZpJGw3RxeidBoFAw-sQyn5cbY0nVsnJFTAf_bWbh-oB1bgmLUq825Q_/w110-h195/nicholas%20nickleby.jpg" width="110" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To be honest, I was hesitant about getting this. I knew absolutely nothing about this, it had been a while since I'd read a classic, much less a Charles Dickins novel, and I don't think I've ever read anything this large. But from what I now know of the story, I'm extremely happy I decided to purchase this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The premise reminds me of Oliver Twist and Great Expectations to be honest, so I'm wondering how similar they'll be to this (I'm hoping very much, because I haven't read any)! Maybe they'll be the next books I pick up if I enjoy this one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. <i>The Scarlet Letter</i>, by Nathaniel Hawthorne </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3s8gJwwcHUgMkWIFIcvnP2s7BKR4h8Db8LP3lTnSwIBLvirv49GmuTVQEfyLgxZ2Yqh-xBPNFk2aZasfTOnqWjrBhoKiAVzbm7sDNiYV6th0i9BkZrq_GfrJgmI6rULOzo4rgspiGaLWtiJsiAPT1xGs3fy8_WUNZl1uqEsPtnFiwdx1HzcIfe95h0Jyx/s332/the%20scarlet%20letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="200" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3s8gJwwcHUgMkWIFIcvnP2s7BKR4h8Db8LP3lTnSwIBLvirv49GmuTVQEfyLgxZ2Yqh-xBPNFk2aZasfTOnqWjrBhoKiAVzbm7sDNiYV6th0i9BkZrq_GfrJgmI6rULOzo4rgspiGaLWtiJsiAPT1xGs3fy8_WUNZl1uqEsPtnFiwdx1HzcIfe95h0Jyx/w123-h204/the%20scarlet%20letter.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a strong urge to buy this book as soon as I layed eyes on it. Even among the Classic genre dummies like myself, this book is famous. Even I know about the infamous red A painted on Hester Prynne after committing adultery- that she's shamed by the town, forced into isolation- and honestly, that's all I need to know. </div><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~GRASMERE~</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">I got these last few books in the Wordsworth Museum, where I learned about William Wordsworth, his sister Dorothy, his wife Mary and their many children, while they wrote their, arguably, most well known works in the years between 1799-1808. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I was most interested in Dorothy's journals of the land, their many walks and experiences- particularly as she was never published, which I really hope is reflected in the fact that I bought three books from that museum. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>6. <i>Lyrical Ballads</i>, by Wordsworth and Coleridge</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-5wTrby8hcJUU4KwFejZ-PFEZm62ruwCiLLUI2k8djOw0B758dtQkcD_Z4d7ZJ-komOmM_qD71fy3UAkszpO5zRSGN0eTDghY_GlonzT77yji05AgPEZ1TQ-40FBVbLr6Sma6bYFPQkXxcXnlo5V_to6S5MjK4-X3lackY8h7hJlGI5RIQhNTDXMLwZw/s475/lyrical%20ballads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-5wTrby8hcJUU4KwFejZ-PFEZm62ruwCiLLUI2k8djOw0B758dtQkcD_Z4d7ZJ-komOmM_qD71fy3UAkszpO5zRSGN0eTDghY_GlonzT77yji05AgPEZ1TQ-40FBVbLr6Sma6bYFPQkXxcXnlo5V_to6S5MjK4-X3lackY8h7hJlGI5RIQhNTDXMLwZw/w136-h207/lyrical%20ballads.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, there was no way I was going to visit the Wordsworth Museum and not pick up some poetry. I know it's not my forte, I tend to gravitate (pretty much all the time) towards novels, but I'm hoping I'll be able to feel more connection to these, because I've wandered round some of the places that they'll be describing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having read some of his poetry inside the cottage is enough to have me pumped and ready to see the world as the Wordsworth siblings did. </div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>7. <i>The Grasmere and Alfoxden Journals</i>, by Dorothy Wordsworth</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQIcN0QjaP7b1kgORyjgNnkkf_HVwjnhI8LGkh30eJl7_BW_FyF3ldVyjN-XLt6M652SOGr59Cm_b_dhTc4BT_U0aXRK5qSWvkOtews5XcupP5qWrALVllqxkZbVAtP5JZ0iKn6KvksdV9gEVk8eL7JYaRfG6_ycGOiD6bwNEEvKFUQf9NNsd4B4ssEbN/s400/the%20grasmere%20and%20alfoxden%20journals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="264" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQIcN0QjaP7b1kgORyjgNnkkf_HVwjnhI8LGkh30eJl7_BW_FyF3ldVyjN-XLt6M652SOGr59Cm_b_dhTc4BT_U0aXRK5qSWvkOtews5XcupP5qWrALVllqxkZbVAtP5JZ0iKn6KvksdV9gEVk8eL7JYaRfG6_ycGOiD6bwNEEvKFUQf9NNsd4B4ssEbN/w137-h208/the%20grasmere%20and%20alfoxden%20journals.jpg" width="137" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This might just be the book I'm looking forward to reading the most. It isn't William's eyes that I'm reading from- it's his sister's. I'm not quite sure what fascinates me the most, but it definitely won't be long til my eyes are racing down the page. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">According to the Museum, it wasn't so much as William writing the stories himself from scratch, more Dorothy writing his thoughts and words down, and then offering ideas to make it better. I loved the idea that it was more of a collaberative experience than people knew. </div>(Can you tell that I really really enjoyed visiting the museum.) <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>8. <i>The Ballad of Dorothy Wordsworth</i>, by Frances Wilson </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrIuy5uuBWpskAmKffGu1m4np3NCPfqmZhyro6lBO-sFxw7fENRSZD5imt7FX0yxUG2e2Sb-4ByJsVaaIQyz_jVBuTWMa_DrgOCsTli0TieP_M7_sjrTfV8Pkxj6vD9Q9WICBkUmiIe68d0MStkO8vnW3zH5xtfjeL8vK60V7muY7glV_CvnPd5Ngvjtb/s2339/the%20ballad%20of%20dorothy%20wordsworth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2339" data-original-width="1524" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrIuy5uuBWpskAmKffGu1m4np3NCPfqmZhyro6lBO-sFxw7fENRSZD5imt7FX0yxUG2e2Sb-4ByJsVaaIQyz_jVBuTWMa_DrgOCsTli0TieP_M7_sjrTfV8Pkxj6vD9Q9WICBkUmiIe68d0MStkO8vnW3zH5xtfjeL8vK60V7muY7glV_CvnPd5Ngvjtb/w141-h217/the%20ballad%20of%20dorothy%20wordsworth.jpg" width="141" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This biography by Frances Wilson starts on the day of William and Mary's wedding, the day Dorothy took a fall that put an end to her day long walks. Her journals take you to the year 1803- and this biography takes place for the rest of her time at Dove Cottage, I do believe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They tell of the last three decades of her life inside the Cottage, mostly diary entries and the occasional poetry verses- but they're from the POV of a woman who has chosen to leave society to live in a world of William's words, and on her terms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are all the books I bought in my week within the Lake District! No doubt it'll take me months to get through them all, as my reading pace is like a snail at the moment, but maybe that means I'll enjoy them all the more? Who knows? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, as always, anyone is free to comment what books you might have bought/ received recently! (Or maybe you could say what you thought about these books if you've read them?) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, I hope you have a lovely evening and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx</div><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-31625516356613850102023-07-07T22:26:00.001+01:002023-07-07T22:26:43.008+01:00July TBR (2023)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm back with my July TBR for 2023! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Since I didn't get to a lot of books last month that I wanted to, a fair few are being brought over to July. So if you don't want to read about that, then turn off here. </p><p style="text-align: center;">For the rest of you, thankyou for continuing. There are some new books on here, just not a great many. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>Theatrical</i>, by Maggie Harcourt</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7_ZCNCjCRYC6WCPKLtR0C5m8FwFHDrJB7P0ddY3XIGZAmr2uHVr6IY6ovBFkSvDxp9xKAOMyKQL4X7xTBrYsVFjam4H5nj5bQd5wDT-TBE_YuDjjTJGvbMWhJ37Rl7C0B5gd7ZkO5qSlmJ7nfInzyL3EQO58OeNrBNyBgBjjY6q-ikfoQd6svD9-feYs/s500/theatrical.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="328" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7_ZCNCjCRYC6WCPKLtR0C5m8FwFHDrJB7P0ddY3XIGZAmr2uHVr6IY6ovBFkSvDxp9xKAOMyKQL4X7xTBrYsVFjam4H5nj5bQd5wDT-TBE_YuDjjTJGvbMWhJ37Rl7C0B5gd7ZkO5qSlmJ7nfInzyL3EQO58OeNrBNyBgBjjY6q-ikfoQd6svD9-feYs/w131-h200/theatrical.jpg" width="131" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having realisted how behind I was on my reading last month, I completely abandoned an idea of a re-read last month, and realising I needed to choose one, I went with the light-hearted theatre romance that I read and loved a few years back. It's always nice to read a book that takes place in a theatre (that isn't a dramatic murder mystery), especially when the protagonist is stationed behind the scenes. Looking forward to reading this again (cos I can't remember most of it, so it'll be like I'm reading it fresh, for the first time again). </div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. <i>The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo</i>, by Taylor Jenkins-Reid </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSp_89tNxkl4UjRq6_WNXFTm0vk_fWxfSSwsUyjWmtveE1ljgJ8h71wgLf3SzpT-EF2Xue16UCBBpRUGgwvhGHLMXAUdqJonESRh21Kb_eZU1_EtSO_R18pXwUMjKFlQHg0P_Zm-WLWq5mNBqXp8ver4FdhPrjCZQrZIJNGb1jglcSIzXGmHF-YRaqkFe/s400/the%20seven%20husbands%20of%20evelyn%20hugo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="263" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSp_89tNxkl4UjRq6_WNXFTm0vk_fWxfSSwsUyjWmtveE1ljgJ8h71wgLf3SzpT-EF2Xue16UCBBpRUGgwvhGHLMXAUdqJonESRh21Kb_eZU1_EtSO_R18pXwUMjKFlQHg0P_Zm-WLWq5mNBqXp8ver4FdhPrjCZQrZIJNGb1jglcSIzXGmHF-YRaqkFe/w131-h200/the%20seven%20husbands%20of%20evelyn%20hugo.jpg" width="131" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The book that I never seem to get to! This is the month! I will read this after my CR, you see if I don't! This is basically about a (more-or-less) unknown journalist, writing the entire life-story of Evelyn Hugo, the shenanigans, the rise and fall of her tremendous career, and of course, her husbands! Most of the world that have picked this book up (and there's a great many that have) have absolutely loved it, and I'm curious as for why. Can't wait to start. </div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. <i>Amari and the Night Brothers (Supernatural Investigations #1)</i>, by B.B. Alston </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. <i>Amari and the Great Game (Supernatural Investigations #2)</i>, B.B. Alston</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjktmcGUfYJAmA4s4qFlJ2ducDD5kF_v7qyJW-dJ-twaCiY0ZRPgUxPne4o1XRdwNTrtO9_6gYc70rkmBv0-NZAqPk1-OkTekzlAcNQvSQ60Q91AvXh0KEdnxeixcL4taz4OIKgtI8glKNG-KVy5yySHv1KorFSYAhQ15AWmZTpcU66EAwjSm0G_i3fkO/s2485/amari%20and%20the%20night%20brothers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2485" data-original-width="1742" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjktmcGUfYJAmA4s4qFlJ2ducDD5kF_v7qyJW-dJ-twaCiY0ZRPgUxPne4o1XRdwNTrtO9_6gYc70rkmBv0-NZAqPk1-OkTekzlAcNQvSQ60Q91AvXh0KEdnxeixcL4taz4OIKgtI8glKNG-KVy5yySHv1KorFSYAhQ15AWmZTpcU66EAwjSm0G_i3fkO/w146-h232/amari%20and%20the%20night%20brothers.jpg" width="146" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUawfEbcv8ZhSF2Ni8iB6pP7m7wKCfDpLLmGbi3f661IrBBdreONhQMN33dgn6KRLGHyIvmO3XykgPIpHrD1Sn4R1448ve_2p6xbkixwACL9BOUlAxNTDnsNY4jxFNZwYhhPTCiwS2EYHacgriOw2WLCUZwyq5igPAOiFteCk6cFIBRwqf9ruW8PFCBNH/s2417/amari%20and%20the%20great%20game.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2417" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUawfEbcv8ZhSF2Ni8iB6pP7m7wKCfDpLLmGbi3f661IrBBdreONhQMN33dgn6KRLGHyIvmO3XykgPIpHrD1Sn4R1448ve_2p6xbkixwACL9BOUlAxNTDnsNY4jxFNZwYhhPTCiwS2EYHacgriOw2WLCUZwyq5igPAOiFteCk6cFIBRwqf9ruW8PFCBNH/w142-h233/amari%20and%20the%20great%20game.jpg" width="142" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last month, I was meant to have read <i>Amari and the Night Brothers </i>in preparation for book two, but this month I'll be reading both. I thoroughly enjoyed book one a few years past upon release, it was a light-hearted yet gripping, entertaining read and I can't wait to re-emmerge myself into this amazing world and see what happens next in the second book!</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. <i>A Man Called Ove</i>, by Fredrik Backman </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc1QdcW4SZyOWQD2OmcU0Jyg9uBM6xkoNPpvWqYzfB2rqzRV-tNl-dWAqsxE6AUavk4vSaATc5OHokrfRg6-8Ue2ycUA5lTb41TDey27aqUF3AVkUiGACrhz6ywPbKrQkFFxmBM7vKobKram72Dn5gUdRwHPK6a8wwBd6vFcsK9sLBVjc4LP8joqsstWO/s475/a%20man%20called%20ove.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc1QdcW4SZyOWQD2OmcU0Jyg9uBM6xkoNPpvWqYzfB2rqzRV-tNl-dWAqsxE6AUavk4vSaATc5OHokrfRg6-8Ue2ycUA5lTb41TDey27aqUF3AVkUiGACrhz6ywPbKrQkFFxmBM7vKobKram72Dn5gUdRwHPK6a8wwBd6vFcsK9sLBVjc4LP8joqsstWO/w120-h185/a%20man%20called%20ove.jpg" width="120" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to skip everything onto this because it's short and snappy, and I could probably get a lot read on a train journey (I've been on a train for just under three hours today). Right now, on day 1, I've read just over 100 pages. I can't remember the last time I did that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've already got some notes because I KNOW it's going to be a favourite of the year (and a review- haven't decided on whether to make it a non-spoiler review or not). But I'm extremely happy to have picked this book up and I can't wait to share my thoughts on it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are all the books I plan to read- I would have added another one if it wasn't already a week into the month- but who knows, maybe I'll finish them all in record time?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful evening, be sure to comment your TBRs down below, and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxx</div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-29079752889455206682023-07-02T22:42:00.002+01:002023-07-02T22:42:58.506+01:00June Wrap Up (2023)<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm back with my June Wrap Up for 2023! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Admittedly, I didn't get to a lot last month, so this will be a very short post. But hopefully that means I'll make short work of it. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. <i>The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle</i>, by Stuart Turton </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusBXfvEU3cgu1Kv2gefbFnTHGq2fZvKNBqDZx_2sFj6cZA0626VrR_l0QYikY3Xw5ftOXM4aYqz5ulWlCxpottRComm0fqoZxmbRk7wNIcDrn9BEtZ5FcvA1cra21wjKepaAr_leMEWgUlULYCZ_frMoDR4VkB_4qWiYEmBU0nl8-QeuCUdgM9JCAhDKU/s499/the%20seven%20deaths%20of%20evelyn%20harcastle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="323" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusBXfvEU3cgu1Kv2gefbFnTHGq2fZvKNBqDZx_2sFj6cZA0626VrR_l0QYikY3Xw5ftOXM4aYqz5ulWlCxpottRComm0fqoZxmbRk7wNIcDrn9BEtZ5FcvA1cra21wjKepaAr_leMEWgUlULYCZ_frMoDR4VkB_4qWiYEmBU0nl8-QeuCUdgM9JCAhDKU/w143-h221/the%20seven%20deaths%20of%20evelyn%20harcastle.jpg" width="143" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>I read this for the first time a few years ago, and a few months ago, it came into the back of my head and stayed there. So, unable to ignore it any longer, I picked it up again, knowing I was going to really enjoy it, but hoping I could finish it a little quicker this time around (re-reads usually take me less time- it took me ten days on attempt one). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>That's not what happened. 18 days in, I finally finished, and that's only because I managed nearly 140 pages with an extra special effort. The funny thing is, I still managed to enjoy it. But I think it'll be at least another couple of years before I attempt this again. </span></div><span><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. <i>Clementine, Book One</i>, by Tillie Walden </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfvfo4LuqH9hay5v6iuqS6gO_RhorYAP6SGOvQmjW_EBPx2GFhNdI-6Eeph3E9OGTbU-syH-tNb_Q58oyPHOjyEIw72Z9OdXXLFDU9BjNbqGGhlCFBPWMyz6gzBEDFddqH-IED3VEdsqTnWoqttEChBQAgSnAiKSTLpPKuzPi7Et0yL0SsVGWgcQJ_Kmb/s1350/clementine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfvfo4LuqH9hay5v6iuqS6gO_RhorYAP6SGOvQmjW_EBPx2GFhNdI-6Eeph3E9OGTbU-syH-tNb_Q58oyPHOjyEIw72Z9OdXXLFDU9BjNbqGGhlCFBPWMyz6gzBEDFddqH-IED3VEdsqTnWoqttEChBQAgSnAiKSTLpPKuzPi7Et0yL0SsVGWgcQJ_Kmb/w145-h218/clementine.jpg" width="145" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>This wasn't on my original TBR for the month, but I bought this in early June, and I needed something quick and easy after the long slog that was <i>The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle</i>. Also, I couldn't resist starting another videogame turned graphic novel series, especially since I finished the <i>Life is Strange </i>graphic novel series at the start of the year. In Book One, we follow Clementime once more, alone, trying to navigate north with a prosthetic leg. It's a solid start, and I'm excited to continue with the second volume upon it's release in October, but it wasn't especially ground-breaking, if I'm being honest. Solid start to the series though. </span></div><span><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. <i>Scrappy Little Nobody</i>, by Anna Kendrick </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtSCsojeDOk0ZygaZ9Q83sgbXyPUhC7NUNtNkbV990kawgCljqiCPO1aaO-MKCavbQWpKzO_91MSNpxQL3kzciLD5xFu2lgRu01taZz84yoKHjLG2u4oBx1g8if3UIe8WvuxnXvTucSt8O3GoooI5uW1OH-shkfvnnBKQf-SKzYsu78JknoTN7gDVdpl8/s2579/scrappy%20little%20nobody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2579" data-original-width="1686" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtSCsojeDOk0ZygaZ9Q83sgbXyPUhC7NUNtNkbV990kawgCljqiCPO1aaO-MKCavbQWpKzO_91MSNpxQL3kzciLD5xFu2lgRu01taZz84yoKHjLG2u4oBx1g8if3UIe8WvuxnXvTucSt8O3GoooI5uW1OH-shkfvnnBKQf-SKzYsu78JknoTN7gDVdpl8/w150-h229/scrappy%20little%20nobody.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>I've had three audiobooks just sat, waiting to be read on my audible app, ranging from a few weeks to a couple of years, and I decided I'd start listening to them every couple of months. <i>Scrappy Little Nobody </i>was up first. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>I've always loved how well-rounded Anna Kendrick is- with her background in Musical Theatre, her comedic timing, the way she just stands out in every film I've ever seen her in, I knew this was a book I wanted to pick up soon. Extremely honest and witty, I thoroughly enjoyed the way Anna Kendrick talked tales from her childhood, getting into the acting world through theatre, breaking into the industry and stay afloat financially, and everything that came afterwards. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>It was amazing to get to listen to her narrate her story, if anything I think it's made me an even bigger fan than I was before (if that's possible). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Now, I think I'm going to go and watch the <i>Pitch Perfect</i>s, <i>Into the Woods</i>, <i>What to Expect</i>, <i>A Simple Plan</i> and <i>Up in the Air</i>. Again. I hope you all have a good night. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Okay! Those are all the books I've read this month! I'm hoping that July will be a lot better but who knows? I guess we'll see! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>I hope you have a wonderful night and I'll see you all soon! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Byeeee! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>-Abi xxxx</span></div><span><br /><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></span><p></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563034955186410258.post-26975422373854104362023-06-25T20:28:00.001+01:002023-06-25T20:28:16.265+01:00Anticipated Releases (July-September 2023) <p style="text-align: center;"> Hey guys, this is Abi here, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm back with my Anticipated Releases post for July, through to September! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I have 10 books to talk about today, so we're looking quite consistent over the next few months. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy it, and feel free to comment your anticipated releases down below (I know one of these is going to be on everyone's list). </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>July</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <i>Business or Pleasure</i>, by Rachel Lynn Soloman </p><p style="text-align: center;">Release date: 04/07/2023</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDQHL9sCo2wzjWm7p4Eo0bfLi-M-qLYlJfMHHu1_5HZeCOplW_UFqoxQMtBel-q1KMwhO4xVuXapwFAVZMxMZvC9YbVEp5PIbRzx4c-eCGU9PzHFIC_EqbZ7uy26I5HcyX--GcZzwT2MNsDTDmjx0UzChlYZvCEDn5M5WUQZuGaBL6fV8n6Tmt7Po3kGz/s1157/business%20or%20pleasure.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="750" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDQHL9sCo2wzjWm7p4Eo0bfLi-M-qLYlJfMHHu1_5HZeCOplW_UFqoxQMtBel-q1KMwhO4xVuXapwFAVZMxMZvC9YbVEp5PIbRzx4c-eCGU9PzHFIC_EqbZ7uy26I5HcyX--GcZzwT2MNsDTDmjx0UzChlYZvCEDn5M5WUQZuGaBL6fV8n6Tmt7Po3kGz/w126-h195/business%20or%20pleasure.jpg" width="126" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After reading and loving <i>You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone</i>, I've been eager to pick up another of Rachel Lynn Soloman's books, and this release is right around the corner. Not quite hate to love, more awkwardness to love. Basically, it's a story of two people, named Chandler and Finn, that sleep together, regret it, and then have meet daily in a work setting. Slightly more light-hearted than <i>You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone</i>, but I'm looking forward to this. </div><p style="text-align: center;">2. <i>Penance</i>, by Eliza Clark </p><p style="text-align: center;">Release date: 06/07/2023</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsEj9aphs8gtsszhx0YPYVS9Z3_orzxwBr0ed5NeR95KuqJvLx5iq5RWceMfe0iEU0sSulpxDCRvex8B_oJfPz25NJQ_PaGo1-y2R40SicjDKyPq2pEnZBJTNEgIMbPDLrcC7akHNY5vaZY6cePIEAhh9MdlKtxhi67UKiuB7XcER4giD1g5nitDSyyDH/s2622/penance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2622" data-original-width="1630" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsEj9aphs8gtsszhx0YPYVS9Z3_orzxwBr0ed5NeR95KuqJvLx5iq5RWceMfe0iEU0sSulpxDCRvex8B_oJfPz25NJQ_PaGo1-y2R40SicjDKyPq2pEnZBJTNEgIMbPDLrcC7akHNY5vaZY6cePIEAhh9MdlKtxhi67UKiuB7XcER4giD1g5nitDSyyDH/w123-h198/penance.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taking place ten years after the brutal (fictional) murder of sicteen-year-old Joan Wilson, <i>Penance </i>is a story constructed by social media posts in tumblr, chats, emails, podcasts, articles and interviews, which makes this book stand out a mile! I can 100% picture me picking this up in October/ November, when the weather matches the feel of this book. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">3. <i>All That's Left to Say</i>, by Emery Lord</p><p style="text-align: center;">Release date: 18/07/2023</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzBS0mjcQ882W6TT24gaPPR4wjHj8_S9lKnJhLzzTK42XbpsXN0y2WUpAx_ToWw9B_5Qe19CbDdPiR8F9FIkCRpY5niusWkk_OnSyFb2zVIH3jiemQ8Nu-G4WJ5ZzIc7YUpX9Tyx6nhQHyFk4wW6Yy6vfx5zf_nEhIrgFV3QcLPAfABrqSl9-in_ZnEPa/s1511/all%20thats%20left%20to%20say.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="1000" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzBS0mjcQ882W6TT24gaPPR4wjHj8_S9lKnJhLzzTK42XbpsXN0y2WUpAx_ToWw9B_5Qe19CbDdPiR8F9FIkCRpY5niusWkk_OnSyFb2zVIH3jiemQ8Nu-G4WJ5ZzIc7YUpX9Tyx6nhQHyFk4wW6Yy6vfx5zf_nEhIrgFV3QcLPAfABrqSl9-in_ZnEPa/w135-h203/all%20thats%20left%20to%20say.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You know, I didn't actually read the blurb for this before adding it to the list- I just say that Emery Lord was releasing it and I stuck it straight on. <i>All That's Left to Say </i>is about a girl Hannah MacLaren who is in trouble at her school for pulling the fire alarm right before prom queen was due to be announced. But Hannah had her reasons because, one year ago, her cousin and best friend Sophie, died of a drug overdose. Now, Hannah has enrolled at the same school, to try and find out why. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The only book of Emery Lord that I have read is a tale of is of a grieving girl, learning to face her fears and get back to normality. Obviously, this book is very different and I'm intrigued as for how this story will unfold. </div><p style="text-align: center;">4. <i>One of Us Is Back (One of Us is Lying #3)</i>, by Karen M. McManus</p><p style="text-align: center;">Release date: 25/07/2023</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU10TsW2Jh1ESI5RWLIPQ4ftsmU1Pno8BL3fEzYdpGVbfQU6EGoX9dpLGcAyzr_rlCjnjpATU2QcrUq3a5a4sv4NPtZfuAMfd7vbFQPZNx2CPOHvf2OTRs0qNBjo63WEvVIZVMVrsGsDdlVlBnBUfLyDHqRMWJzDrUmw9LEZ5vQP9Qm7tp4tKt1P1G4D8L/s1480/one%20of%20us%20is%20back.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="980" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU10TsW2Jh1ESI5RWLIPQ4ftsmU1Pno8BL3fEzYdpGVbfQU6EGoX9dpLGcAyzr_rlCjnjpATU2QcrUq3a5a4sv4NPtZfuAMfd7vbFQPZNx2CPOHvf2OTRs0qNBjo63WEvVIZVMVrsGsDdlVlBnBUfLyDHqRMWJzDrUmw9LEZ5vQP9Qm7tp4tKt1P1G4D8L/w148-h224/one%20of%20us%20is%20back.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The third and final book in the <i>One of Us Is Lying </i>trilogy, and I am ready for it! I can't imagine what else is going to happen in this final book, but consider I've read every single Karen M. McManus book that is currently out, I get the feeling that I'm going to love it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I think I'm going to have to re-read the first two, as it's been a while, but I'm looking forward to going back to the start, reading the whole series and wrapping it all up in one full swing! </div><u style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><br /></u><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>August</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <i>The Connells of County Down</i>, by Tracey Lange</p><p style="text-align: center;">Release date: 01/08/2023</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uZpa5rxTqn8SGFAlsbiuA6bBJuABoVADPYhvB23ya8iQ3GTiyE8omwMqByBX722o0eMjDQvnxiSWVBQw2cmFY6nfB8Qm1oVQxWkqMLyvA2PAAx0l_9DpLplTSArqYLOnME60dxXt1504LOrlTkvQTuByOHTpX4xAWtZPPsbzZOnIms2OBF9f7ODosEzU/s400/the%20connells%20of%20county%20down.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="263" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uZpa5rxTqn8SGFAlsbiuA6bBJuABoVADPYhvB23ya8iQ3GTiyE8omwMqByBX722o0eMjDQvnxiSWVBQw2cmFY6nfB8Qm1oVQxWkqMLyvA2PAAx0l_9DpLplTSArqYLOnME60dxXt1504LOrlTkvQTuByOHTpX4xAWtZPPsbzZOnIms2OBF9f7ODosEzU/w135-h206/the%20connells%20of%20county%20down.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are two reasons why I added this book to my list. The first one is, the book starts off in prison. I've only once read a book that takes place in prison and it was a detail that didn't escape my notice. The other reason is that this is very much a family-based book. It discusses single parenthood, struggling with the after-effects of a brain injury, family secrets, snapping from stress, and that's only one part of the book. The rest of it is about Tara, the protagonist piecing her life together with her family once she leaves prison. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">2. <i>Family Lore</i>, by Elizabeth Acevedo</p><p style="text-align: center;">Release date: 01/08/2023</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7oE5-4d7OP9v68MbGoWck85yQa9CRZV1Yt6e5oxnyQiOJP-cJDOOCeYQsbkpYSppQg2gU-reUnPqOWWA3yXVJ2_HyXxN6hPVYyPUnelZ5iaNDEYg6XatpeOZOLwIRBsz5UXRtdxdogdHW4enbMyk01N7FT95jhrcxW0xSpYwI8xcPCOnxx1MCYSwoBTD/s2400/family%20lore.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1590" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7oE5-4d7OP9v68MbGoWck85yQa9CRZV1Yt6e5oxnyQiOJP-cJDOOCeYQsbkpYSppQg2gU-reUnPqOWWA3yXVJ2_HyXxN6hPVYyPUnelZ5iaNDEYg6XatpeOZOLwIRBsz5UXRtdxdogdHW4enbMyk01N7FT95jhrcxW0xSpYwI8xcPCOnxx1MCYSwoBTD/w125-h188/family%20lore.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've only read one of Elizabeth Acevedo's works, but this particularly book piqued my interest a fair bit. From the looks of the Goodreads' blurb, Family Lore follows Flor, who has a mystic gift: she can predict, to the day, when someone will die. But she requests a wake, it throws generations of her family off in ways she can't imagine. Has Flor forseen her own death, or someone else's? These are the questions that plague her sisters, for she refuses to tell them anything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spanning three days prior to the wake, <i>Family Lore</i> traces the lives of each of the Marte women, weaving together past and present, and honestly, I'm so excited to see each layer intertwines. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">3. <i>The Bookbinder</i>, by Pip Williams </p><p style="text-align: center;">Release date: 01/08/2023</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUimYaKjm535U17cg6XMOalKX8RKwLbeNf3fywSy8mqYRzT1sLFxOX_uPLIrf4zwpGBHLspPQWS5JkIWz5Ebh-YVgODXMmRFz8-aEINniEGzYlA4LJ3WB4sMywWI82uNz2jdk3tYyfA13_YwfH7sV1BSVx0td0ixmES4WWmoVL3ItPmllr9FYrrwVQa4w8/s2560/the%20bookbinder.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1685" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUimYaKjm535U17cg6XMOalKX8RKwLbeNf3fywSy8mqYRzT1sLFxOX_uPLIrf4zwpGBHLspPQWS5JkIWz5Ebh-YVgODXMmRFz8-aEINniEGzYlA4LJ3WB4sMywWI82uNz2jdk3tYyfA13_YwfH7sV1BSVx0td0ixmES4WWmoVL3ItPmllr9FYrrwVQa4w8/w131-h199/the%20bookbinder.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Okay. This one hits hard. Set in 1914, <i>Bookbinder </i>tells the story of sisters Peggy and Maude, two women who work in the bindery at the university press in Oxford. Peggy dreams of more than bookbinding, of joining the library across the street, and reading the words, not just binding the books, a luxury she isn't allowed where she is. What's stopping her is Maude, who is quite content with using her hands, and not her brain. She feels compelled to watch over her. But when refugees arrive from worn-down cities of Belgium, Maude begins to see what Peggy means about the library across the street. But as war and illness begin to shape her world, her love for a Belgium soldier- and all the responsibility that comes with it- threaten to hold her back. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I can already tell I'm going to absolutely love this book, and it's not even out yet. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>September</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. <i>The Long Game</i>, by Elena Armas</p><p style="text-align: center;">Release date: 05/09/2023</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hCkJvFYsfAOjlkkhE4QPDgDhEkxvpMWMukV8dFrrtEdLxxTtFVHzNxh-T8h9l5LxdB1kc9bK7L0w-4dqZHm5x1WHsHUHllu8Qk1KbH0Eem1MBhjWJMCsDtYrT0HEeda0ytI-yoEVS5Ct5KKD3fQb8t2Dm5lGBt3OKe8-FZn17aKucVs8p7olBoNG27vd/s2173/the%20long%20game.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2173" data-original-width="1399" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hCkJvFYsfAOjlkkhE4QPDgDhEkxvpMWMukV8dFrrtEdLxxTtFVHzNxh-T8h9l5LxdB1kc9bK7L0w-4dqZHm5x1WHsHUHllu8Qk1KbH0Eem1MBhjWJMCsDtYrT0HEeda0ytI-yoEVS5Ct5KKD3fQb8t2Dm5lGBt3OKe8-FZn17aKucVs8p7olBoNG27vd/w123-h191/the%20long%20game.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Okay, I'm really looking forward to this. Mainly because it's the only football book I've ever come across. <i>The Long Game </i>is basically following Adalyn Reyes, who has had the same routine for the longest time: wake up at dawn, drive to the Miami Flames FC offices, try her hardest to leave a mark, go home, repeat. But when a video goes live of her in altercations with the team's mascot, the team's owner, who happens to be her father, sends Adalyn to the middle-of-nowhere North Carolina, where she's tasked with turning around </p><p style="text-align: center;">2. <i>The Wake-Up Call</i>, by Beth O' Leary </p><p style="text-align: center;">Release date: 26/09/2023 </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiuJ-Fz2GEvq6Ydld3idRfoNxhnYB5xW1feZmXSjbsk-JCpzpaZpQ13LYmMVYiFf56LmG4FmG908tD3kpA4lELbrBVzgTndp-znYUW0WEz57EaKxS2KfJtlf70gx1bOEePixemUW9lkomaPRikLRHmtwC3O68bZGouJ9Ytbtcf0FVY5WwUGAZzDKMRIKv/s1000/the%20wake-up%20call.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="670" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiuJ-Fz2GEvq6Ydld3idRfoNxhnYB5xW1feZmXSjbsk-JCpzpaZpQ13LYmMVYiFf56LmG4FmG908tD3kpA4lELbrBVzgTndp-znYUW0WEz57EaKxS2KfJtlf70gx1bOEePixemUW9lkomaPRikLRHmtwC3O68bZGouJ9Ytbtcf0FVY5WwUGAZzDKMRIKv/w129-h193/the%20wake-up%20call.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another book by Beth O' Leary! This one promises to be read, because I have thoroughly enjoyed every book she has released! Anothr hate to love story, which frankly I never get tired of, this time two people that can't stand the sight of eachother, forced to work together to save the hotel that's crumbling around them. Having recently finished <i>Act Your Age, Eve Brown </i>by Talia Hibbert, which is also set in a hotel, I'm looking forward to getting to another book that's set in one. </div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">3. <i>The Fragile Threads of Power (Threads of Power #1)</i>, by V.E. Schwab </p><p style="text-align: center;">Release date: 26/09/2023</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEml4gZlPGCRjzdEG-G8XRBQ9lSPSdfKTJqzq-3qJn8k7lPD4sK6XS8_uCNjrBPStErS6msKrrt2Ft-TNiEMFV3jt_aWWr4NGKcWWcUx9CuKZeqjh1DNL93adYcvwN1abR-7OOIuE5vo4rgGfMB3jLqWPYbLhiczK_NwFElOZpdqPP3noLjUbWgYkfAGW7/s499/the%20fragile%20threads%20of%20power.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEml4gZlPGCRjzdEG-G8XRBQ9lSPSdfKTJqzq-3qJn8k7lPD4sK6XS8_uCNjrBPStErS6msKrrt2Ft-TNiEMFV3jt_aWWr4NGKcWWcUx9CuKZeqjh1DNL93adYcvwN1abR-7OOIuE5vo4rgGfMB3jLqWPYbLhiczK_NwFElOZpdqPP3noLjUbWgYkfAGW7/w130-h200/the%20fragile%20threads%20of%20power.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And finally, the book I've probably been anticipating the most! I, like most of the booktube community, was a HUGE fan of the <i>Darker Shade of Magic </i>trilogy when they were released. And now V.E. Schwab is releasing another series set in the same world and I am all kinds of excited! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been a while since I read the last book, so I'm thinking I might need to re-read the first trilogy as a fresher (which I have absolutely no problem about) but I have no doubt that I will be purchasing a copy as soon as they're out in the world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay! Those are all the books that I am anticipating during the next three months! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As always, feel free to comment what you're looking forward to being released, down below! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you have a lovely evening and I'll see you all soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Byeeeee! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Abi xxxxxx</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></p>Abigail Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04838666285279571565noreply@blogger.com2