Book Review - Where Rainbows End

Title: Where Rainbows End
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: 8 Nov 2004
ISBN-13: 978-0007730254

Synopsis
Childhood friends Rosie and Alex whose relationship must survive many trials and tribulations, not least the discovery of their true feelings for one another. From naughty children to rebellious teenagers, Rosie and Alex have stuck by each other through thick and thin. But just as they're discovering the joys of teenage nights on the town and dating disasters, they're separated. Alex's family moves from Dublin to America -- and Alex goes with them. For good. Rosie's lost without her best friend. But on the eve of her departure to join Alex in Boston, Rosie gets news that will change her life forever -- and keep her at home in Ireland. Their magical connection sees them through the ups and downs of each other's lives but neither of them knows whether their friendship can really survive the years and miles -- as well as new relationships. And at the back of Rosie's mind is whether they were meant to be more than just good friends all along. Misunderstandings, circumstances and sheer bad luck have kept them out of each others' arms, but when presented with the ultimate opportunity, will they gamble everything -- including their friendship -- for true love? Destiny, Alex and Rosie discover, is a funny thing and fate isn't quite done with them yet...

My Review
I have read every book by Cecelia Ahern, this was the only one I hadn't read. It's been in my tray at work for about a year but I finally got round to reading it. 
Rosie and Alex are the best of friends,  always in trouble but inseparable. This book follows them as they go from being 5 years old through to teens and into their fifties. It's different from other books as it's written completely as letters. It's a mix of letters, texts, cards, emails, notes etc. It's not set out as a novel, following them day from day. In fact there are great time chunks missing, but it doesn't detract from the book at all. You still get a complete feel for all the characters. The letters aren't just between Alex and Rosie, but also teachers to parents, parents to their children, friends, etc.
As they get into their teen years Rosie and Alex are split up, Alex's dad gets a job and moves the family away, but their friendship still remains as strong as ever. As they grow up and go in seperate directions they still remain in touch, keeping tabs on each other, offering advice and sometimes sticking their noses in. As they go through marriages, having children, job changes, graduation, and all other everyday occurrences they stick together, of course they have their arguments but surely friendship can stand the test of time.
I loved Alex as a character, he seemed so strong and independent, yet vulnerable and sweet at the same time. Rosie is feisty and fun loving, but life isn't easy, yet she never gives up. She is a great female role model and I felt my heart go out to her.
Katie is lovely - Rosie's daughter, often the tie that holds Alex and Rosie's friendship together, yet very strong willed and independent too. 
I loved the uniqueness of this book, It was like getting an inside look at their lives and being taken along through up and down.
It was one of those books that from the first page you knew what the outcome would be but still enjoyed getting there.
Ahern has a real captivating magic in her writing that sweeps you into the book.
This is one of my favourites by her and I am glad I read it. I'm looking forward to any future books coming out.

My Rating
I would give this book 9.5/10. A heart-warming, captivating read that will leave you breathless and wishing for that kind of true love.      

1 Year Blogoversary Giveaway Winner Announced

So my 1 Year Blogoversary Giveaway has come to an end and I would like to thank all of you who entered.
I had 38 entries in total, so thanks everyone.

So let's get on with it and announce the winner.

The winner was picked using Random.Org number generator.

The lucky number picked was: 25

 

 

 This means the Winner is  

Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic

Alexis has been emailed and has 3 days to respond. Big Congrats and Thanks go to Alexis

She has won her choice of one of these:

:

For those of you who didn't win or missed it entirely don't worry there will be more Giveaways soon so check back for more chances to win.

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Happy Blogging. :D

Book Review - Forbidden Embrace

Title: Forbidden Embrace
Author: Charlotte Blackwell
Series: Embrace (book 2)
Publisher: World Castle Publishing
Release Date: 1st September  2011

ISBN13: 9781937085520

Synopsis
Just when Sophia Pierce thinks her eternal life will be happy and peaceful, something else happens to turn it upside down. With rogue vampire approaching the town she has learned to call home, the Pierce family must prepare for battle. With some magickal help will they be able to save Wenham?

Even more trouble arises when Danika, the newest vampire of the family decides this might not be the right place for her. The Pierce family has already lost one love, Caspian, when he felt he was no longer worthy of their family name. Will Danika follow his footsteps and will he be able to save her from a fate far worse than his own?
  
My Review
I was given book 1 to review by the author back in May and I loved it, since then I have followed Charlotte on her blog and pestered her about book 2. (thanks for putting up with my hinting Charlotte) Therefore I was so excited when I got an email from Charlotte with book 2. I could not wait to get stuck into this series again and literally squealed when I opened the email.
The book follows on from the first, and I was immediately back into the world. It was like meeting up with old friends.
This book is really fast paced and exciting. Sophia and Danika are still having issues and things go from bad to worse. Danika runs away and causes all sorts of problems. There is also a massive battle looming from a rival vampire clan the Cerberus and a character makes a reappearance.
I read this really quickly and couldn't stop. I even stayed up late tonight to finish it. The characters develop more in this book and you also learn more about their history and origins. I love the vampire lore and magic study.
You see a whole new side to Danika and Sophia opens up more too. She was quite guarded in the first book but she is learning to trust her friends and family more.
Nathaniel is such a sweetheart, so understanding and accepting of Sophia. If only all boys were like that. 
It was good to see more of Ebony and Eliza too, the young witches are really coming into their own and I hope we see more of them in the next book.
This really is a series that I would recommend you check out.

My Rating
I would give this book 9/10. Fun, thrilling, breath taking and original.   

Book Review - Eliza Rose

Title: The Remarkable Life & Times of Eliza Rose
Author: Mary Hooper
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Release Date: 4 Sep 2006
ISBN-13: 978-0747575825

Synopsis
Ousted from her family by her new stepmother, Eliza Rose makes her way to London--only to be thrown straight into prison for stealing a bite to eat. Her life takes a remarkable twist when she is rescued and befriended by the infamous actress Nelly Gwyn. Nelly introduces her to the courtly intrigue, politics, and glamour of the court of King Charles II, as well as to a handsome young man known as Valentine Howard. Eliza is smitten, yet their love cannot be, as she is only a lowly maid and he is an aristocrat.
From orange seller to mermaid and to a lady about town, Eliza will take on many remarkable guises, but will she ever find what she yearns to know--a place where she truly belongs?
 
My Review
This was another one I have had in my locker for a long time. I kept picking it up then choosing something else instead, but this time I determined to read it.
Eliza Rose grew up in Somersetshire with her family. But things change quickly. Her step-mother kicks her out of the house with no real explanation so Eliza makes her way to London to find her father who is there working as a mason. On the way Eliza meets some trouble and ends up in jail for stealing a pastry. Not used to the rough conditions in the prison or the tough way of London living she has to fight to survive. Ma Gwyn passes the jail one day and spots Eliza in the courtyard, she passes herself of as her aunt and gets her out, but Ma Gwyn has other plans for Eliza, and makes her work for her keep, it's harmless at the moment, the worst she must do is dress up as a Mermaid, but Ma owns a 'bawdy house' and Eliza does not want that future, she then meets Nelly, a young girl who works in the King's theatre. Nelly takes her and they become friends. but Eliza still needs to find her place in the world, somewhere she can really belong.
Set in the 1670's the book has an authentic feel to it. It takes you back in time to another period. Eliza is lovely, lost, lonely, but determined and fierce. She comes up against a lot of hardship but doesn't break down, sure she has the odd crying moment, but she pulls through and carries on. She trusts easily and the friends she makes she becomes very close to and she is loyal.
It is written sort of like a journal. It starts from Eliza waking up in the cell and goes through her life from there. The host of characters are great. Nelly is so vibrant and full of life and I could really picture her in my head. 
I love anything like this, that has that authentic old day feel. It's like being taken to a whole new world, a new world that still feels familiar. 
The ending was predictable, by about a quarter of the way through the book I figured out who her family was, but I was surprised by how she found out.
Overall I really enjoyed it and would definitely read other books by this author.




My Rating
I would give this book 9.5/10. This is a lovely well written book that will capture your heart and mind.

Teaser Tuesday: Where Rainbows End

Teaser Tuesday

TEAser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others!

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles!

My Teasers: Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern

"I don't want to go to a stupid American High School, I don't want to leave you."

Page 25

 "Write to me, ring me, email me or fly over and visit me. Or you could do all of those things. Just do anything to let me know that you're still walking the earth."

 Page 172


What are your teasers?





Don't forget to enter my 1 Year Blogoversary Giveaway. Ends tonight (16th Aug) at 12pm GMT. International

Book Review - 6X

Title: 6X - The Uncensored Confessions
Author: Nina Malkin
Series: 6X (book 1)
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Release Date: 2 Mar 2006
ISBN-13: 978-0340911501

Synopsis
Sex. Fame. Rock 'n' Roll.
Four kids on the fast track to pop-rock superstardom reveal the uncensored truth about the glamorous, backstabbing world of sudden celebrity.
Introducing...
The Voice: Sweet, trusting Kendall sings like an angel--and is about to discover her devilish side.
The Body: Rich, spoiled Wynn can't keep a beat to save her life. But with curves like that...who cares?
The Boss: No-nonsense Stella is all confidence, attitude, style, and smarts. But her relationship with the band's manager makes her more vulnerable than she thinks.
The Boy: A/B has got real talent. Now if only he can keep his mind on the music...instead of on the girls.
6X: Idolize THIS! 


My Review
I was told this book was excellent by one of the teenagers that comes to our library book group. She told me I had to read it, so I took a copy. That was about a year ago! It has sat in my locker for ages, but I finally decided to get it out and give it a go.
6X is told from 4 perspectives. It is the story of a band and their rise to fame. You have 'The Body' - Wynn, a spoilt rich girl with a body most girls would kill for. But it doesn't go to her head, she is actually quite quiet and reserved, until she picks up her drumsticks that is then she can rock it out. 
Then it's 'The Voice' - Kendall, a nice Christian girl, strict up bringing but the voice of an angel, not used to rock star living, but willing to adapt. Quiet and a bit chubby but mostly happy with who she is. 
The it's 'The Boss' - Stella, a sassy black girl who knows what life is all about. You've got to work for what you want and not take no as an answer. She is fierce so watch out.
Then lastly 'The Boy' - A/B the only natural musician, gone through many bands with no success but taking off now mixed with the girls, if only he could keep his mind on the music.
The book is split so each character has a chapter, they take it in turns and it's written in first person. It is supposed to be that they are doing a video diary of their journey to stardom. You have to remember who is narrating each chapter but I found that quite easy (it does tell you at the start of each chapter) and the characters are so different personality wise that you can keep track quite well.
I liked Stella best - she is so upfront and no nonsense. The sort of person that will turn to you and say 'stop moaning, get on with it!' which I have been known to do. It's no insensitive just practical!
Kendall is the most surprising and changes the most throughout the book. 
I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book, but I ended up really hooked. It is a great idea and really works. It's quite an easy read, I read it in about 3 hours. It really does read like they are talking to you so makes it flow better and read quicker. 
I m curious about book 2 but this one does come to a fairly good end so I'm desperate to get the next one. 
This book is great as a beach / lazy summer read. Witty and funny in places, it deals with al sorts of things but doesn't shove it in your face, you've got body image, first love, sex, friendship, trust, loyalty, family issues. But it is all dealt with honestly and just as part of the plot, like a normal life story. Because it has a couple of references to sex I would recommend for over 15's but there isn't anything graphic so I wouldn't worry too much. 


My Rating
I would give this book 8/10. A nice chilled out summer read.

Winners Announced for 'Ted Saves The World' by Bryan Cohen Blog Tour

You may have seen my post on the 29th July. It was a guest post by a new author Bryan Cohen. He talked about his book 'Ted Saves The World' and did a post on Break-Ups.
At the bottom of the post was a giveaway for a $25 amazon gift card.

Anyway he has now announced the winners. This is what he had to say:

"Dear All

Thank you so much for commenting on the posts for my "Ted Saves the World" blog tour. There were over 100 entrants with many entrants posting on multiple blogs (giving themselves multiple chances to win). Here is a log of all 28 blog posts I wrote for the tour: http://www.build-creative-writing-ideas.com/blog-tour-for-ted.html

Before I reveal the winners, I want to give everybody one more chance to win and to win big.

I had planned on giving a 5th $25 Amazon gift card if my book "Ted Saves the World" made it into the Top 100 Kindle sales on Amazon by August 15th. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.

Since I REALLY want that to happen :), I am going to do a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card on Friday, August 19th if the book gets into the Top 100 at any point between now and the end of the day on Friday (I will check frequently). Yes, that means one of you will win a $100 Amazon gift card if it sells like hotcakes. Since all the entries are in, the only way to improve the chances of winning a $100 gift card is to buy the book and to spread the word to all your friends and family!
Here is the "Ted Saves the World" sales page: http://www.amazon.com/Ted-Saves-World-Novella-ebook/dp/B0058EUSCI

The winners of the $25 Amazon gift cards (as selected by Random.org) are:
Reviews By Abby
Tweety B99
Dead Tossed Waves
Abby Dillon 16
Congratulations! I will be contacting you all individually so that I can get you your prize!

Thanks again to everybody who entered. Your words touched my heart and made me feel validated for all the hard work I put in during the tour. Feel free to keep in touch whenever you'd like by dropping me an e-mail at this address. I hope to be e-mailing all of you again on Saturday morning with a $100 winner! Have a fantastic week!

Sincerely,
Bryan Cohen
Author of Ted Saves the Worldhttp://www.amazon.com/Ted-Saves-World-Novella-ebook/dp/B0058EUSCI "


Thanks again to Bryan for a great Blog Tour and awesome giveaway. Was great to have him as a guest.

Book Review - Honey, Baby, Sweetheart

Title: Honey, Baby, Sweetheart
Author: Deb Caletti
Publisher: Point
Release Date: 15 July 2005
ISBN-13: 978-0439962971

Synopsis
Ruby McQueen, despite her showgirl name, is the quiet one at high school. So why does she find the dangerous Travis Becker so attactive? He's arrogant, he lies and he steals, and when he asks Ruby to help him steal from her mom's best friend she realizes things have got way out of control. The fallout's pretty nasty, and Ruby's mom thinks it'll help her to hang out with her book group for a while. Ruby's more than surprised to find it a hot-bed of humour, fun and passionate age-old love affairs - culminating in a daring rescue and high-speed road trip to California...

My Review
I have had this one in my locker at work for about two years. I have the next week off work so I bought a pile of books home to get through them all. This sounded like a nice easy summer read, similar to books I've enjoyed like Louise Rennison etc, so thought I would enjoy it.
Ruby McQueen is labelled as the 'quiet girl' - mostly invisible, never one to stand out in the crowd. But now it's summer, a chance to escape the labels and become who she wants to be so when she meets bad boy Travis she discovers a whole new side to herself. But things start to go too far when Travis gets her to help him break in and steal. Ruby's mum decides she needs to be pulled away from Travis and distracted so she brings her along to her book group- "The Casserole Queens" a group of fairly old women who come along to discuss literature, life, love and really just have fun. Ruby is surprised to find herself feeling at home with the group, and soon they embark on a road trip to California to fight for true love for one member of the group.
This book is an easy read, the writing flows well and is what I would call 'light and fluffy' but I didn't particularly enjoy it.
The story felt like it was two separate books sandwiched together- one of Ruby and Travis and the change in Ruby's life, the two of them being reckless and maybe falling in love. Then another about reuniting two old people and discovering what true love is all about. The two didn't really have any connection other than Ruby realising that Travis isn't right for her - now she has seen what real love is all about she doesn't need him anymore. Apart from that there was no real link.
I liked Travis as a character at first, he was the hot dark dangerous guy, but then I just found him so arrogant and stuck up and controlling that I just wanted to slap him. I also didn't completely believe that Ruby would go along with him for so long. I didn't believe she would do some of the things he made her do.
I did enjoy the road trip part, the old ladies were really funny and full of life. I could really picture them trying to break out one of their friends from a nursing home so she could re-capture her true love. This actually made me laugh and redeemed the book for me.
So overall the book felt a bit disconnected and not completely believable. The Travis - Ruby thing could have been expanded and gone all sorts of ways but felt like it just got cut off. But to be honest i would have been happy if it hadn't been there at all. the road-trip with old ladies would have been great by itself!
If you are looking for a light summer read with no real plot or thought then this would be perfect.   

My Rating
I would give this book 4.5/10 - disappointing and disjointed but with some laugh out loud moments that make it worth a lazy day read!
     

Book Review - Betrayed

Title: Betrayed
Author: Morgan Rice
Series: The Vampire Journals (book 3)

ISBN: 9780982953747

 

Synopsis

Caitlin Paine awakes from a deep coma to discover she has been turned. Now a true, full-bred vampire, she marvels at her new powers, including her ability to fly, and her superhuman strength. She finds that her true love, Caleb, is still by her side, waiting patiently for her to recover. She has everything she could dream of.
Until it all, suddenly, goes terribly wrong.
A major vampire war is looming, and her brother Sam is still out there, kidnapped by Samantha. The evil Kyle, too, now wielding the mythical Sword, is still on the warpath, and he will stop at nothing to wipe out New York. Caitlin, despite her new home, and despite her finding a new love interest in the elusive vampire Blake, knows that she can only stay on this island for so long before her destiny calls. After all, she is still the One, and all eyes still look to her to find her father and the other weapon that might save them all.
Torn between her new friends and her lingering feelings for Caleb, she must come to decide where her true loyalties lie, and whether she is willing to risk it all to try to find Caleb and have him in her life once again….

 

My Review

Again I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I am still in love with this series. It is so exciting and gripping it makes my heart race, I can't leave, I always sit down to read a chapter or two but end up reading a lot more.

Caitlin is ow a fully fledged Vampire and is learning how to control her powers. She gets in a fight with Caleb and orders him to leave, but her heart is torn, can she really let go that easily.

Caleb goes to fight against the black tide coven in a massive vampire war, he struggles to leave Cailtin behind, but knows what needs to be done.

Sam is out there with vampire Samantha still, but things are changing for him too.

Kyle is closer in his quest to take over the world and now has the sword. This could be it for Caitlin and Caleb.

This one carries on right where book 2 left off and instantly hooked me back in. The writing is fast paced and easy to read. The characters come to life off the page/screen. I love Polly, a new vampire girl we are introduced to, and you see a whole other side of Sera. I love the growth of characters in this book.

This book has a lot more action and a lot of deaths. There are also a number of plot twists that I did not see coming but made me gasp and turn the pages quicker.

I cannot wait for the next part. This one ends on a real cliff=hanger. 

My Rating

I would give this book 9/10 fast paced and exciting, you'll be biting your nails in anticipation.

 

Quote Love (21)

Quote Love is a new meme hosted by 'Midnight Twilight'. It's kind of like Teaser Tuesday from Should Be Reading, but with this one you can choose any quote from any book, not just the one you're currently reading. The quote can be thought provoking, or funny, or just really powerful, it's all up to you which kind of quote you choose.


Here is what you have to do to participate:
1) Choose one of your favorite quotes.
2) Post the quote, and write what you like about it.
3) Make sure to put the title and author so if someone else likes the quote they can check out the book.
4) Post your link on Midnight Twilight's Post.

So here is my quote for the week:

"Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people. For those few months you are not required to be who everyone thinks you are, and that cut grass smell in the air and the chance to dive in the deep end of the pool give you a courage you don't have the rest of the year. You can be graceful and easy, with no eyes on you, and no past. Summer just opens the door and lets you out."

Page 6 - "Honey, Baby, Sweetheart" by Deb Caletti. 


I chose this because I think it gives a lovely image of what summer can be. I have got the next week off work so I'm feeling very summery at the moment and this just seemed to fit my mood perfectly. 


Happy Summer everyone!!!
Now I just need some good weather so I can have a day at the beach! :D


Enjoy your weekend!

Don't forget to enter my Blogoversary Giveaway Hop - Open until 16th August) International.