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World Book Day: Spread the Word & Win!

Hello book lovers! 

It’s almost World Book Day, aka THE BEST DAY EVER. I am so excited that I get to share something incredible with you all today! I’ll be telling you all about the fantastic ins and outs of World Book Day and how you can win a Book Bundle of the five chosen books this year, thanks to The Corner Shop and World Book Day!



This year something very different is happening. One week before World Book Day, (today!) is the launch of a brand new film trailer featuring some very familiar people! It’s presented by the lovley Grace Victory, featuring some well known book lovers and authors including Muhammad Khan, Gemma Cairney, Camilla Thurlow, Penny Joelson, Afrikan Boy, Connie Glynn (Noodlerella), Slay in Your Lane (Yomi and Elizabeth), Laura Dockrill, Greg James and Chris Smith, E. Lockhart, Sara Barnard, Yas Necati, Maya Jama and Nikesh Shukla. It’s the start of a new movement called “BookClubbing” – no, not that kind of clubbing. A book clubbing movement. And you (yes, you reading this!) can get involved! Ways teens and young adults can get involved is by:


  • Sharing your favourite stories with friends and family and online under #ShareAStory
  • Picking up one of five special edition full-length YA titles by bestselling authors at an exclusive price with a World Book Day book token
  • GET BOOKCLUBBING, setting up your own book club to talk about your latest and favourite reads with classmates and friends.


It’s the start of a new initative that means young people can get one of five full-length books for £1.50 with a book token (or £2.50 without). The special edition books included in this years event are:

  1. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green (Penguin)
  2. Fly by Night by Frances Hardinge (Macmillan)
  3. I Have No Secrets by Penny Joelson (Egmont)
  4. Summoner: The Novice by Taran Matharu (Hachette)
  5. Gangsta Rap by Benjamin Zephaniah (Bloomsbury)


*Available in participating retailers only


Don’t forget what World Book Day is all about. It’s the biggest celebration of reading in the UK and Ireland. Last year 1.2 million £1 book tokens were redeemed, meaning 1 in 4 children (1 in 3 for those having free school meals) could “purchase” their first ever book. So from late this month, children in the UK and Ireland will be given their book tokens in schools which they can then claim/put towards reading one of these awesome special editions in participating bookshops and supermarkets from 26th February to 25th March 2018.
You can find out everything you need to know about World Book Day on their website!
GIVEAWAY TIME! (CONTEST CLOSED)
sponsored by the event

To celebrate World Book Day, we are offering one lucky winner the chance to win 5 of the books on offer this year from the World Book Day Teen & Young Adult book collection!

How To Enter:

For your chance to win just answer the question below and fill in this form with your name and address!


How many years has World Book Day been running?


12 years

19 years

21 years

Closing date: Midnight Thursday 1 March. See my Review Policy for competition rules.
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Good luck, book lovers! Don’t forget to get involved any way you can, by following the event:
Twitter | Facebook | Website | #WorldBookDay #ShareAStory


happy reading!

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DIY Bookmarks!

If you’re
thinking of ways to brighten up your reading time, there’s nothing better than
a cute bookmark to slip between the pages when it’s time to take a break. Of
course, there’s always Etsy, Waterstones and Barnes and Noble for your bookmark
needs, but if you’re feeling creative but you’re not the best artist in the
world, DIY Bookmarks are easier than you think.
I wanted
this tutorial to be something that anyone with any skill level or budget can
achieve. That’s why I’ve loaded this tutorial with alternatives to some of the
items I’ve used and I will link all the products that I own too. I bought most
of these items at either Hobbycraft (for the paper) and Amazon (for the
sharpies) but for countries that don’t have these stores, feel free to comment
below and I will do my best to find you some substitutes where you’re from.
So let’s get
started!
All you’ll
need for this tutorial is:
–     Sharpies (or colouring pencils,
felt-tip pens or crayon)
–     Thick card or paper (craft store
card over 180gsm works best)
–     Scissors (please be responsible)
–     Laminator (totally optional, but
adds a professional touch)

First you’ll
need to find out what kind of size you’d like your bookmarks to be. I chose
bookmarks to be 2 inches to sit nicely in the book. I’m making these with A4
paper. Feel free to customise this part of the tutorial to suit your bookish
needs! In this picture below, you can see the blank piece of coloured card. If
your card is white, you can colour in your card with the sharpie, or leave it
it’s original colour. I feel like the coloured card gives the bookmark a bit
more quirkiness, but I like to play up the shade using metallics (which I’ll be
using as a POP of colour – but if you haven’t got metallic sharpies, gel pens
are a cheaper and great alternative).

Second,
after you’ve cut your card into a bookmark size using steady, precise lines to
make sure it’s nice and straight, you’ll want to get that pen on paper! I like
to start by adding a background. For this tutorial, I’ll be making a floral
design that’s perfect for reading a cute YA book in the sunshine. I’ll add the
colours one by one (as shown below in step 3) and fade the different shades of pinks,
purples and reds into an ombré. Be sure to add something behind the paper as
you do this to make sure that the colour doesn’t bleed through too much, as
this can happen sometimes with wet colours.


Third,
DECORATE IT! This step is my favourite, when you get to add some pretty touches
to your design. I’ve opted to draw some flowers and metallic dots around the edges,
but this is totally up to you. If you’re not that great at drawing flowers,
swirls are your new best friend. They can take up those little free spaces that
you don’t want to leave blank. If you want to add quirky little sketches, those
can look so adorable, too!


Fourth is
where the magic happens. You’re ready to add your text! Personally, I love
making bookmarks that feature a nice scripted message or title, like above. Below are some bookmarks that I made as a beginner at bookmark DIY. If like me,
you’re a huge fan of big and bold letters, go ahead and write what you want to
make a statement about. For those of you who are looking for a sentence or mini
message to write, you can use alternating scripts and styles to create your
masterpiece. When you’ve written your fabulous text on your bookmark, feel free
to let it dry for a little while to make sure that your design doesn’t smudge
if you’re using felt-tips or any sort of Sharpie calligraphy.


Your final
and fifth step is totally optional: to laminate your design! I’m using a TEXET laminator for this tutorial, and some A4 pouches of the same brand. All you’ve
got to do is follow the instructions for your laminator settings and then you’re
done: you’ve made your own bookmark! Now that wasn’t too bad, right?!
If you’re
skipping the laminator step, make sure to let your design dry fully before
using it in your book pages because of the risk of smudging. If you’re
laminating, also wait a small while before putting them through the laminator
because the heat might make your design bleed and smudge.
Thank you so
much for reading my DIY Bookmark tutorial! Stay tuned for another bookish
tutorial coming very soon that will feature even more ways to get creative
while you read. This post was in no way sponsored and everything was bought
myself!

happy reading!

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Divergent Thinking GIVEAWAY!

Title: Divergent Thinking 
Author: Various (listed below)
Release Date: March 4th, 2014
Genre: Non-Fiction 

Published by: BenBella Books / Smart Pop

Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy (Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant) has captured the hearts and thoughts of millions of readers. In Divergent Thinking, YA authors explore even more of Tris and Tobias’ world, including:

– What Divergent’s factions have in common with one of psychology’s most prominent personality models

– The biology of fear: where it comes from and how Tris and the other Dauntless are able to overcome it
– Full-page maps locating all five faction headquarters and other series landmarks in today’s Chicago, based on clues from the books
– Plus a whole lot more, from why we love identity shorthand like factions to Tris’ trouble with honesty to the importance of choice, family, and being brave

With a dozen smart, surprising, mind-expanding essays on all three books in the trilogy, Divergent Thinking provides a companion fit for even the most Erudite Divergent fan.

Contributor list: Elizabeth Wein, Maria V. Snyder and Jenna Snyder, V. Arrow, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Mary Borsellino, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Debra Driza, Julia Karr, Dan Krokos, Elizabeth Norris, Janine K. Spendlove and Blythe Woolston.


Thanks to the lovely people at BenBella Books, I get to give away some pretty amazing prizes for my Pretty Little Memoirs readers! It’s just for the United Kingdom (excluding Ireland) for a change, but I’ll be running tons of prizes for the rest of the world soon. 

Two Prizes! A copy of the amazing “Divergent Thinking” (reviewed here on Pretty Little Memoirs next week!) and a set of Five faction pins!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you read Divergent Thinking yet? 


Let me know what you think in the comments & don’t forget to enter, UK residents! 


happy reading!

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*Sale Alert* until Monday! (closed)

Anytime there is mention of books, sale or not, I’m in. So I was excited to find out that there was a 12 Days of Kindle Sale on Amazon until Monday!



The titles include some of my favourite Mira Ink books; The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, Here Lies Bridget and Confessions of an Angry Girl. Not mention several other incredible Young Adult and Adult reads including books by Cassandra Clare and Sara Zarr!

So, if you’re an avid Kindle/eBook reader, Amazon is the place to be this weekend! 

Just click here to be taken to the wonderland of amazing books!


happy reading!

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Start of the Year: Book Survey 2014

Welcome to 2014…and to a ton more reads this year! I thought I’d kick off the year with a little book survey on Pretty Little Memoirs to set the mood for my anticipations for the year of books! 

Feel free to take part by copying the picture (or making your own) and don’t forget to leave your link in the comments so I can stop by! 



1. My most highly anticipated read of 2014

It’s most definetely got to be Isla and the Happily Ever After. I’ve been dying to read this for soooo long. It’s release date was changed a few times so I’m praying it’s going to be released in March like Goodreads says, because I just love Stephanie’s books. *fingers crossed*


2. The top three books I’m looking forward to this year that I’ve featured on my blog (either in saying or in a Waiting on Wednesday post, etc)

Isn’t it obvious that these are just all going to be AMAZING?! Jenny Han, Veronica Roth and Amy Plum? Incredible x3.

3. Anticipated 2014 Contemporary

I am beyond excited for Huntley Fitzpatrick’s What I Thought Was True. My Life Next Door set a very high bar, so I’m in high anticipation for this one.


4. Anticipated 2014 Dystopian

I just started this series (with the reviews to come soon this month!) so I’m going to race to get this when it’s out. Tahereh Mafi has just become one of my top favourites so quickly.


5. Most anticipated new (to me or completely new) author of 2014

I’ve seen this one around for so long, and I just need to find out what it’s like already!


6. The last in a series I’m reading this year

AHH. I am counting the days!

7. Looking back on 2013; favourite author I’m looking forward to reading more of

I read Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour in Summer 13′, and I got Second Chance Summer recently, too, and ultimately fell for Morgan’s writing style and addictive characters.

8. A series (new or old) that I must start this year

I totally missed this series while everyone was loving it, so feeling Christmas-y, I got myself the six-series pack and am planning something in the challenge-ish side of things for Vampire Academy. Oh, and that film trailer! I will be in line so fast for it.


9. A standalone book that I missed out on / haven’t read (and everyone loves)

How did I not read this?! 


10. Book that set a high level for being amazing, that I’m looking for a book to outdo

Katie is up there with my very favourite authors, and I’ve been addicted to the Pushing The Limits series ever since book one. Crash Into You just blew me away, and I can’t wait for the series to continue with Take Me On this year!


11. Three things I hope happen on my blog this year (book-related or not)

1. Lots of challenges – like I said up with my Vampire Academy feature, I want to take more reading risks! That’s how favourites are found, when I’m least looking for them.

2. All the anticipated releases knock the others off the shelf – I love it when a series is constantly trumped with every new addition, so with a lot of series coming to an end or expanding this year, I’m hoping they’ll all blow the competition away.

3. Newfound everything – I’m just looking forward to finding new blog’s that I love, new music, new books, new everything. 

12. Best thing I learnt about books from 2013

The best thing I learnt was that there is no limit to how creative and imaginative a novel can be and that you can’t know when a book is going to sneak up on you and be like I’m your new favourite! Sky’s the limit.


So, if you feel like picking your anticipations for 2014 or just joining in for fun, post your link in the comments so I can visit your blog!


happy reading!

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Top Ten Favorite Beginnings/Endings In Books

 

 

 

Beginnings

 

1. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

This beginning, in the biology class, was just the perfect start to a novel. I loved how the characters were introduced and how the romance blossomed between Nora and Patch, though started so sourly.

2. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

I adored this series, but book one will always be my favourite. The start to this was just a lovely beginning to a sweet, summer read.

3. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

It all began with the summer those few years back that Alison DiLaurentis disappeared…then there’s that first text from -A. This beginning really got me interested in the series since watching the show.

4. Ink by Amanda Sun

It was an interesting start to the Japanese-based book, a start like no other, that delved straight into the storyworld. Loved it.

 

Endings

 

5. Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti

I just finished this a day or so back, and loved the ending. It tied everything up so neatly and the way I would’ve hoped for. Perfect book with a perfect ending.

6. Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

I longed for Claire to find somewhere she belonged, and in the end of the first novel, she has sort of found a place she can relate and belong with her new friends. Yay.

7.The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I loved the beginning and sort of the ending with this one. It was an all round amazing book, filled with action and adventure.

8. The Struggle by L J Smith

I know L J Smith doesn’t write the Vampire Diaries series anymore, and that it’s a ghost writer, but when she wrote them, she ruled.

9. Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Everything was summed up perfectly and tied with a bow. It was such a powerful book, with immense characters. Adored it.

10. The Camp by Karice Bolton

One of my favourite YA reads of this year, with an amazing plot and incredible characters. The ending fitted like a jigsaw puzzle complete.

 

 

 

I hope you loved my TTT list, and please do post your links below and tell me what you think of my list and I’ll stop by your posts, too! I also follow back on  bloglovin!
Follow on Bloglovin  

 

 

happy reading,

 

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Top Ten Tuesday: Words/Topics That Will Make You NOT Pick Up a Book

 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish, where bloggers come up with their TTT Lists on different questions.


This week we’re talking Topics or Words that make us NOT want to pick up a book. This was a bittersweet TTT post for me this week because I generally don’t judge a book by the outside, but these are some words/topics that I try to avoid…
 
 

1. Unrealistic

I really prefer to be able to relate to a book and if it’s unrealistic, I just can’t imagine it happening, (unless it’s fantasy, of course) so therefore, I can’t connect to it and don’t end up enjoying the novel.

2. The main character is unlikeable

Usually, you find this out in the first chapter, because they’ll start to get underneath your skin. This rarely happens for me, though.

3. By authors I didn’t like the previous book of

It would most probably be a fluke that I didn’t like their previous book, so I would still give it a shot, only if it was as enthralling, though.

4. If the main character is childish

I really hate it when a teenager is REALLY childish, because it can come across really unrealistic and not “real” for me.

5. A book that is SUPER long

Unless it’s, like, a Harry Potter-Great-And-Powerful-Book, then I may fall asleep. If there’s hype and anticipation, I may pick it up!

6. Major drama

Unless it’s a High School book, or there’s family drama, life drama, SERIOUS drama, then I can’t take books seriously that have unrealistic and not-drama, drama. It’s confusing even typing that…haha.

7. Historical

I just don’t like them, and I don’t know why! If it’s a flashback in a novel to the 1800’s, 1900’s, then it’s okay, but if it were a full, historical book, I just don’t know if I would find it addictive enough to read…if there any suggestions, though?…

8. About Characters younger than me

I’m 17, so unless it’s not a main character, I’m fine with it. But if there’s a lead character who’s a lot younger like below fifteen…I just don’t know if I could connect. But it all depends! I believe in giving every book a chance, so maybe!

9. Tons of POV’s

They give me headaches! Two is probably my max…three at a push.

10. Slow paced

I like books that are in a steady movement, or fast paced, so when I feel like a novel isn’t moving forward enough, I feel awkward reading for some reason.

 

*I give all books a chance, so this topic was difficult because there isn’t really a topic I will avoid completely.*


 

I hope you loved my TTT list, and please do post your links below and tell me what you think of my list and I’ll stop by your posts, too! I also follow back on  bloglovin!

Follow on Bloglovin  

happy reading,

 

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Top Ten Tuesday: Featuring Travel In Some Way (road trips, airplanes, etc)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish; a weekly theme I love to get involved in!





As much as I’d like to think I have a lot of ‘travel’ books on my shelf, but…I had trouble with this list! I tried to get as many YA books as possible on to my list, but some really amazing Adult Fiction got thrown in there too! Onwards with the list!….


1. ‘Level 2’ by Lenore Appelhans
Travelling/going to the world between Earth and Heaven counts as travel, right? Felicia does this in ‘Level 2’, the book I just couldn’t resist when I placed one of my everlasting book orders.

2. ‘Tempest’ by Julie Cross
Time travel really is the best travel of all. I have tons of time travel books but I just put a few of my favourite on this list. Tempest is just one of those books you devour in a day or two just because it’s better than real life, ha.

3. ‘Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour’ by Morgan Matson
Of course this is on my list! It’s one of the sweetest, most powerful YA Road Trip Books of all. A sweet romance and a trip around America. What more could you ask for in a book?

4. ‘Twilight’ by Stephenie Meyer
I was 50/50 on putting this on my list. One; there’s not really “travel”, only for a second of the first chapter when Bella moves from Phoenix to Forks, but I’m counting that. Hehe.

5. ‘Fall of Night’ by Rachel Caine
Claire, lead character of the Morganville Series, leaves the town in the latest addition and penultimate in the series, for an opportunity at MIT. If you read the book, you’ll understand how it was kind of bittersweet at that moment.

6. ‘The Time Traveller’s Wife’ by Audrey Niffenger
I stole this book from my sister because I just loved it so much. There is the depth and sadness of the characters, and although the jumps in reality could be confusing, Audrey made it romantic and touching. I want to review it so bad!

7. ‘Kitty Goes to Washington’ by Carrie Vaughn
If you’ve ever read the series by Ms. Vaughn, you know they are phenomenal and I could real them for hours. I bought the first three in the series on a whim and ended up really loving them. A supernatural spin and travel. Yay.

8. ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ by Elizabeth Gilbert
Another Adult book? Come on, Becca, where’s your YA list going? Okay, seriously…this book wasn’t “YA-Amazing” but it was travel related and super interesting. I really did love it, though. Ms Gilbert really painted a picture with her words.

9. ‘Where She Went’ by Gayle Forman
In the sequel to “If I Stay”, it’s implied that Mia “goes somewhere”, given the title. Yes, it involves travel and some emotional, incredible moments…but I’m not giving too much away…because I’ll be reviewing it real soon (just after my review of ‘If I Stay’ of course).

10. ‘I Heart Vegas’ by Lindsay Kelk
I feel like in all Lindsay Kelk books, there is travel?! I mean, there’s ‘I heart; Vegas, Hollywood, Paris, London…’ so, I could have based my whole list around them! Super incredible series by an amazing author!

So, that’s my TTT list this week! I was really happy with all the comments I had last week on my post and I’m glad everyone loved my picks! As always, I adore comments and reply ASAP/will comment on your TTT post, too! 🙂 Please take a look at my page ‘my original meme’ and join in every Sunday for ‘Pretty Pick’ of the Week!

happy reading,
xo Becca

Book Review: “The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls” by Anton DiSclafani {with thanks to Headline}

Southern-feel, buried secrets and suspense to keep you on your toes, The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls is a peak into a time Thea Atwell will never forget…

Publisher: Tinder Press
Release Date: 6th June 2013
Source: Publisher

A little bit about “The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls”…
 
1930s America, southern high society: Part love story, part coming-of-age novel, this is the moving, raw and exquisitely vivid story of an uncommon girl navigating a treacherous road to womanhood.

Thea Atwell is fifteen years old in 1930, when, following a scandal for which she has been held responsible, she is ‘exiled’ from her wealthy and isolated Florida family to a debutante boarding school in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. As Thea grapples with the truth about her role in the tragic events of 1929, she finds herself enmeshed in the world of the Yonahlossee Riding Camp, with its complex social strata ordered by money, beauty and equestrienne prowess; where young women are indoctrinated in the importance of ‘female education’ yet expected to be married by twenty-one; a world so rarified as to be rendered immune (at least on the surface) to the Depression looming at the periphery, all overseen by a young headmaster who has paid a high price for abandoning his own privileged roots…

 
My Review:
 
The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls was mesmerising; I felt as if I were reading something like a diary from another place in time. The descriptive scenes were so vividly displayed that I could picture it clearly. The novel is set in North Carolina in 1930, after Thea; the main character, is exiled from her home in Florida.
The new world that Thea entered change her as a girl growing up in a different setting to what she was used to. I felt Thea’s voice echoed a true experience as I know the author had also had a childhood love for horse-riding.
Thea has to forgive and forget, for the most of it, and learn to take away something optimistic from her mistakes that she made in Florida and at the Riding Camp. In a setting of education, growth and complexity, The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls was a hit in my mind–something perfect for those nights when you want something passionate and youthful, something relatable and deep.
I thoroughly loved this book and recommend it highly. This book will definitely have praise and accomplishment and has the potential to be a huge bestseller. A massive 5 stars!

You can buy The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls from June 6th at all major bookstores! To find out more about the book, click here or join the conversation on twitter and hash tag #Yonahlossee!
 
 
 
Many thanks to Headline for the gorgeous ARC. I adored this book and I’m positive everyone will too.
 
happy reading,
 
xo Becca


10 Books to Read This Summer! ♥ {2013}

It’s almost Summer and you’re looking for that *one* perfect read. So, here’s some of my favourites for getting lost in those story worlds…and getting some sun!

1. Starting off the Summer with something light and fun, The Twitter Diaries by Imogen Lloyd Webber will have you laughing at the awful truth of our addictions to the social networking site. Following the characters Tuesday and Stella; you’ll wonder why you hadn’t snatched this up sooner, because after all…140 characters can change everything!













2. If friendship is something you’re after this Summer, ditch Facebook and pick up Danielle Steel’s Friends Forever instead. A loveable journey of five friends, surviving love and other challenges, it’s a must for any of her fans. Gabby, Billy, Izzie, Andy and Sean are each bursting with their own fiery personality, and are quite inseparable through their childhoods/adult life, known to everyone as “the big five”. But despite life’s ups and downs, together they face the challenges knowing that they are all bound by a bond and a friendship that will last a lifetime. It’s an old-y, but a good-y!







3 & 4. Want something with a little extra bite this Summer? Why not read about the Young, Fabulous and Fanged in Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz…it’s all about ruling Manhattan in fangs this year, after all. Possibly one of the most 50/50 Vampire books of all, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is something we all need to re-visit! Think back to the days when you hadn’t seen the adaption of the screenplay and back to when your eyes first read the romance of book Edward and book Bella…

5. ROAD TRIP! Nothing is more exciting than going on a road trip with friends or family and having an amazing time. So, if you’re stuck indoors this Summer and want that “Road Trip” feel, then look no further than Morgan Matson’s Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour. It’s sincere, hopeful and adorably cute. Amy Curry’s year has sucked and it didn’t get better after her mother decided to move. Throw in emotions, romance & the ultimate Road Trip book, and your Summer is sorted.










6. The hit-TV Show is back this Summer, so get your book fix with Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard. The book is a tad different to the show, but has twists and horrors that will take the crown of YA fiction. Everyone has something to hide–especially high school juniors; Spencer, Aria, Emily and Hanna. But their ex-best friend Alison? She’s dead. And whoever killed her…knows all their secrets. Some pretty big stuff goes down in this series so don’t miss it!











7. I reviewed it earlier this year and gave it my best 5 stars. Now, it’s almost everyone’s favourite read this year! The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is just the perfect romance to get sucked into, only with quirky character; Don, and fiery character; Rosie, to read about. Think quirks like New Girl and an intriguing story as gripping as a tabloid, The Rosie Project cannot be missed. 















8. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han is seriously the best Summer book. Of course, Summer is in the title, but don’t think it’s just a pretty cover…it’s much, much more. Every year, Isabel spends a perfect Summer at her family friends’ house. There’s a swimming pool at night, the private beach–and the two boys she just might be in love with. Conrad; unavailable and aloof. She’s been in love with him forever. Jeremiah; friendly and relaxed–the only one who has ever really paid her attention. But this year, something is different. They both notice her. It’s going to be a Summer she won’t–and you won’t forget.

9. Staying on the sweet side…Sweethearts by Sara Zarr is creative, enthralling and realistic at it’s best. Jennifer and Cameron were both social outcasts, and underneath it all, each other’s only friend. So when Cameron disappeared without any warning, Jennifer thought she’d lost the one person who ever understood her. Now, she’s in high school. She’s different. She’s now Jenna; popular, happy and dating–everything “Jennifer” wasn’t. But she can’t shake Cameron’s memory. So when he re-appears, they are both confronted with memories of their pasts and new paths their lives have taken. The novel will shake every realistic moment from our own lives and echo them with a feeling that Sara Zarr knows exactly how to make her characters have those lifelike moments and lines. Addictive, or what?
Plus, have you seen the cover? It’s reason alone to buy this just for the adorable heart-sharped cookie! It will definitely go down as one of my favourite books; inside and out.

10. A gorgeous friend. A shared crush. Big problem. All the main aspects of Flawless by Lara Chapman are explained like that. The story is about Sarah, who’s life is complicated–but the hard parts aren’t going to get easier. Her mother begs her to get a nose job, and she’s just agreed to help her best friend, Kirsten, catch the eye of the new guy, but he’s actually-kinda-definitely perfect for her! Matchmaking at it’s most misguided, hilarious lines and possibly a perfect romance…hide the remote to the TV this Summer because this is your new high school romcom.




So..here are my ultimate favourites to read this Summer! Missed any of your favourites, or got a suggestion for my list of Summer reads? Comment below to share your perfect read-in-the-sun books!

   happy reading,
xo Becca
                                
 
 
                                          


  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Schroder: a Book Review (with thanks to lovereading.co.uk)

Schroder by Amity Gaige

Being on the lovereading.co.uk Review Panel is something I would’ve never thought of having the privilege of being a part of. Reading books and getting lost in worlds that didn’t exist beyond those pages was something I had always loved, and I am beyond thrilled to get to do this on a regular occasion with lovereading. This book: “Schroder”, was not my typical kind of genre that I would normally read, but I was surprised at how much I couldn’t take my eyes of the pages–and that stepping out of that comfort zone was a breath of fresh air. So, here’s my review for Schroder by Amity Gaige. I really hope you can all pick up a copy and love it for yourselves.

When I first began reading Schroder, it was clear that the main
character, Erik, had wanted to and had erased his whole back story and created a
new life for himself under the name Erik Kennedy. Though his story was
intriguing and beautifully written, someone who kidnapped their daughter would
seem to be unlikeable. Still, I found myself not disliking him for those things
because of sympathy. Schroder was moving and made for a page-turner,
and I definitely found myself wondering why I hadn’t read any of Amity Gaige’s
novels before. Gaige had written in a male perspective and still carried the
identity of Erik to the point that I had forgotten a woman had written those
words. There were confessions after confessions and heartbreak through a messy
and bitter divorce between Erik and his estranged wife Laura, but underneath was
the father of Meadow, which truly showed Erik’s heartfelt side. I thoroughly
loved this brilliantly and beautifully written novel, which would make perfect
for any book club; there would be great conversation and debate over the
dynamics of Schroder.

happy reading,
 
xo Becca

Lovereading Competition Week! (Closed)

A competition worth entering…have you seen the prizes?

As you may know, lovereading.co.uk have reached 10,000 followers on their Twitter page, and have launched a competition that gives their followers on Twitter and Facebook a chance to win prizes everyday this week when there is a “prize alert”. I’m also such a big fan of their website, and recently got to review a copy of Where’d You Go, Bernadette? for them.

Here’s how you can enter:
When you see the “prize alert” on their Facebook or Twitter, simply “share” with friends on Facebook, or “re-tweet” on Twitter. This will successfully give you an entry into the competition. But don’t wait all day! The “prize alert” is for one hour only!

You could win:
‘The Summer of Secrets’ by Alison Lucy, or ‘Alice Bliss’ by Laura Harrington. Plus, ONE lucky winner will win a copy of both books and a sparkling new Kindle! How amazing is that?!

So, don’t forget to “like” Lovereading’s facebook page, and “follow” their twitter account, and keep your eyes pealed for when the prize alert is taking place!

Wishing you all luck!

xo Becca Jayne

P.S. Join me for my review on Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour VERY soon! 🙂

Join me for my review soon!

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