Showing posts with label 2017 Blog Post. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2017 Blog Post. Show all posts
YOU HAVE SIX SECONDS TO READ THIS MESSAGE…
The body of a 15-year-old is found hours after she sends a desperate message to her friends. It looks like suicide, until a second girl disappears.
This time, the message is sent directly to the Metropolitan Police – and an officer’s younger sister is missing.
DS Nasreen Cudmore and journalist Freddie Venton will stop at nothing to find her. But whoever’s behind the notes is playing a deadly game of hide and seek – and the clock is ticking.
YOU HAVE 24 HOURS TO SAVE THE GIRL’S LIFE.
MAKE THEM COUNT.
MAKE THEM COUNT.
When this book landed through my door before christmas with a note saying I had 6 weeks to read this - and only 24 hours to save this girl's life... I admit it felt really creepy (in a good way in a bookbloggers life I might add).
Angela has written such an important book here because she has broached the topic that so many women young and younger are unfortunately falling victim to - SOCIAL MEDIA CRIME. And the disgustingly scary fact is, that teenage girls are a huge target. We see it in the news, we see it on our screens and sadly some of us may know someone who has had it happen to them.
This book really shows just how social media has a huge impact upon not only our lives but on crime today. Whilst I urge you all to read this book - because set out in time increments set out over 24 hours you will find yourself racing through the pages eager to get to the end - I'm here to follow up on what should have been my blog tour spot (sorry! Unfortunately a family emergency occurred so everything stopped and my focus was there).
Angela has created a wonderful video for me to share with you here. It's a writer's tip video "How To Write Dialogue" so please sit back and enjoy - and don't forget to buy your copy of Watch Me
Angela has created a wonderful video for me to share with you here. It's a writer's tip video "How To Write Dialogue" so please sit back and enjoy - and don't forget to buy your copy of Watch Me
Woohoo! We Made It! We Got Through January!! *High Fives!*
I cannot believe seriously how quickly the first month of the year has gone! I thought it would be a really cool thing to do if each month I did a round up of what happened, what I blogged about and mark them against my goals. So let's kick it off because January has been one really busy month!
First off I've blogged ... 17 times this month! That's huge for me haha.
And I've actually grown my readership by nearly 2000 people!!!!! OMG YOU ARE AMAZING! THANK YOU!!!
I've taken part in ... 4 (5) blog tours!!! I've found that the hardest if I'm honest because for me I usually host 1 or 2 a month max, so 4 - 5 really pushed my boundaries - and alas I'm going to perhaps cut it down a bit until I feel ready to up the ante again. I'd rather do a brill job than a half-assed one!
I've reviewed a book outside my usual genre - Gardening!
My reading genre focus this month has been between ...Romance/Chick Lit & Young Adult and to be honest I've loved that balance perfectly this month with a couple of crime books! I've found my love of YA fiction grow every month since last summer when I began devouring a dystopian trilogy - I'm hooked and will definitely be bringing more YA to A Page of Fictional Love this year and beyond.
I've actually become much more dedicated to my Crochet and have learnt a ton of new stitches which I will be showing you over the coming weeks and months.
I've been ... running 4 times this month which given my nerves in my leg and back (sciatica & Peripheral neuropathy) is a HUGE accomplishment for me - It's definitely made a positive difference on my body especially my waist, hips and thighs not to mention my mindset and anxiety.
I've gotten myself a brand new job! Yay!!!
Oh and I've travelled somewhere new for the first time on my own which I'm proud of because my anxiety sometimes stops me from doing things like that!
OK so now - let's round up the reviews;
Blog Tours
The Legacy of Lucy Harte - by Emma Heatherington
Secrets and Fries at the Starlight Diner - by Helen Cox
From Rome with Love - by Jules Wake
The Silk Weaver - by Liz Trenow
Young Adult Reviews
The Selection - by Kiera Cass
Kindred Spirits - by Rainbow Powell
The One Memory of Flora Banks - By Emily Barr
Before The Snow - by Danielle Paige
The Memory Book - by Lara Avery
Crochet / Craft
Crochet Mood Blanket
Reviews
Review - Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay by Jill Mansell
Review - Succulents by Robin Stockwell
Review - Lost Girls by Angela Marsons
Misc.
Blogging Goals for 2017
Blogging Tag - Book Reading Habits
Cover Reveal - The Woman Who Met Her Match by Fiona Gibson
Phew! That was a lot! I'd love to hear what you're favourite post of the month was here and also what book did you really enjoy this month?
If I had to choose a favourite book of the month it would be a tie between these two...
The reason I chose these two is because they both touch the issue of memory loss, they both come from the Teen/YA genre, and they both discuss memory loss in unique ways; one resulting from trauma, the other a disease attacking the mind (dementia).
Today on A Page of Fictional Love, I am delighted to be sharing with you a cover reveal of Fiona Gibson's latest book "The Woman Who Met Her Match".
After yet another disaster, Lorrie is calling time on online dating. She might be single in her forties, but she’s got a good job, wonderful children and she’s happy. This, Lorrie decides, is going to have to be enough.
That is, until she receives a very unexpected request from France. Antoine Rousseau, who had once turned a lonely French exchange trip into a summer of romance, wants to see her – after thirty years.
But Lorrie is a responsible woman. She can’t exactly run off to Nice with the man who broke her teenage heart . . . can she?
You can get your copy this Easter 13th April (eBook), 20th April (paperback) - Pre-order The Woman Who Met Her Match now
Hi there!
I want to shake things up a little here on A Page of Fictional Love this year and what better way than to start blogging more about books in a way that isn't always book reviews?!
Today I thought it would be really fun to do a book blogging tag -I've seen a few around and my mission is to do at least one a month this year (but will probably - maybe do more). So, today I'm doing the Reading Habits Book Tag that I saw over at The Bibliophile Girl who by the way has a gorgeous blog that you should definitely be checking out.
Let's get started!
We all have our own way of reading and whilst we can share many pinterest worthy bookisms they do differ depending on the person. I'm going to share with you the habits I have when reading a book giving you an insight to how I read.
Do You Have A Certain Place For Reading At Home?
Not really if i'm honest. I can most definitely park my bottom almost anywhere to read. But my main reading spots include; Bathtub - there is nothing better than lying back and relaxing with a good book amongst the bubbles!, Lounge/Living Room - cosy arm chair!, Garden - but only in the warmer weather - I don't sit out dressed as a snowman in the cold weather :) , and of course the bedroom.
Bookmark or Random Piece of Paper?
Bookmark or a sticky note are my choice. I love a good book mark and have a fair few to be honest, but sometimes it's easier to move a sticky note especially when in the bathtub - I do not want to risk dropping my gorgeous bookmarks in the bathtub so sticky notes are a must to prevent damaging them.
Can You Just Stop Reading or Do You Have To Stop After A Chapter/Certain Amount of Pages?
Ahhh this one is easy. I have to stop at the end of a chapter. I cannot stop halfway down a page, or at the end of the page when a sentence carries on, or halfway into the chapter. It has to most definitely be at the end of the chapter. But that's what everyone does... right?
Do You Eat or Drink Whilst Reading?
Hmmm depends. I can eat whilst reading but I don't do that to be honest - I like to focus properly and eat mindfully. However saying that I do drink whilst reading... it's my fuel!
Multitasking: Music of TV Whilst Reading?
Oh this drives me up the wall. If i had to have one of them (and I really don't like any background noise whilst reading) it would have to be music - and when I say music I mean relaxing, serene, classical music. Like I said, I don't want to be distracted.
One Book At A Time or Several?
Erm... Several! I rarely find myself simply reading one book at a time. I know I should probably just read one at a time, but I can't... I am a tad hyperactive so I find reading a couple (OK-Several) of books keeps me going.
Reading At Home or Everywhere?
I have to say, reading at home. I tend to read if I'm in a waiting room using my Kindle App on my phone - this is why I try to read one paperback and one ebook at the same time - always have something to read. But I do read more at home, it's my way of relaxing. And I can't read whilst travelling - I get travel sick and I doubt anyone would want me throwing up in their car.
Read Out Loud or Silently In Your Head?
In my head - although occasionally I'll read out loud if there's a funny bit I just can't wait to share with someone. I have also read (funnily enough) that reading out loud is good for you health wise - why exactly I can't remember - but knowing my luck it will probably be to do with memory haha.
Do You Read Ahead or Skip Pages?
No No No. Just No. Like...NO!!! What's the point? If you're going to read... do it properly.
Breaking The Spine or Keeping it Like New?
OMG why would anyone break the spine of a book???!! Seriously?? Don't do that! I have to keep the spine in perfect condition. I try so hard and mostly succeed unless there are those monsters of books that are just impossible to read without breaking the spine and then I feel like I've failed. :( It's like when the covers get damaged and someone flippantly says "Oh well shows it's been read" I'm like OMG NO!!! Just don't spoil the book.
Do You Write In Your Books?
Textbooks for studying... yes. I never used to but now I've realised how much time it saves from taking all those notes when I can simply underline, highlight and margin doodle! But as for precious book? Nope. Absolutely not. I take pics of the parts of books I like, or I write them down in a notebook. So, textbooks - Yes, Booky Books... NOOOO!
And that's the end of the Book Reading Habits Tag, I hope you've enjoyed it and now know some of my book habits. I now tag YOU to do it on your blog BUT there's a condition... Link back to this blog saying where you found the tag (c'mon let's be nice!), and then when you've posted, pop back and share your link below so we can all read your book habits too! (It'll grow your readership too!)
Author | Jules Wake
Publisher | HarperImpulse
Publication Date | 13th January 2017
Source | Review Copy
Purchase | Amazon
My Rating | 5/5
About The Book
Rome is the city of love and seduction, right? Not if you find yourself staying in a beautiful apartment with your childhood-friend-turned-arch-
Romance is the last thing on Lisa’s mind. She’s got more important things to focus on, like hunting down her estranged father. Except when her search falls at the first hurdle, Will doesn’t just help her get back on track, he also shares the romantic sights – and exquisite tastes – of the Eternal City, and Lisa starts to wonder if it’s not just Rome seducing her.
Only, as Lisa and Will dig into the past, neither of them is prepared for the long-buried secrets they reveal. Secrets that will turn both their world’s upside down…
Rome is a city that I have always dreamed of visiting - in fact any part of Italy is right there on my bucket list, so when Harper Impulse invited me to read an advanced proof copy of Jules Wake's new book and take part in the blog tour - I jumped at the chance!
Jules has this ability to captivate the reader and reel you in within the first few pages. I was drinking up every delicious word from the sarcasm which made me laugh out loud to the beautiful description of Rome through Lisa's eyes.
We meet Lisa right on the first page where she is having what can only be described as a hilariously loving relationship with her Nan who is so funny I couldn't help but adore her. Nan has never really been fond of Lisa's father who upped and left when lisa was only small. Add to that the fact that he didn't stick around following her Mother's passing - even though he attended the funeral. Lisa felt heart pangs at the thought that her own dad left behind his little girl who was grieving for her mother. So Nan brought her up.
Lisa decides to travel to Rome - alone - which I have to say is really brave in my opinion. My other half travels all the time but for me - well I'd be too scared! I know - but that's me. So, Lisa was like my shero! The airport scenes and the take off of the plane really had me grinning from ear to ear.
Jules has written a clever piece of romantic fiction that has my heart longing for Rome even more than I thought it already was. The twists and turns along with the heart-warming scenes to come throughout the book will just have you falling in love all over again.
In this gloomy dull weather in the UK right now - the beautiful Rome will transport you to one of the most gorgeous places in the world and you won't even have to weigh your suitcase!
A deliciously lovable read that has warmed my heart on these cold evenings.
Title | The One Memory of Flora Banks
Author | Emily Barr
Publisher | Penguin Random House Children's
Genre | Teen / YA
Source | Review Copy
Pages | 320 Pages
Purchase | Amazon
My Rating | 5/5
You always remember your first kiss.
Flora remembers nothing else...
"I look at my hands. One of them says 'Flora, be brave'. I am Flora."
Flora has anterograde amnesia. She can't remember anything day-to-day: the joke her friend made, the instructions her parents gave her, how old she is.
Then she kisses someone she shouldn't have kissed - and the next day she remembers it. The first time she's remembered anything since she was ten.
But the boy is gone.
Desperate to hold onto the memory, she sets off to the Arctic to find him.
Why can she remember Drake? Could he be the key to everything else she's forgotten?
Flora has anterograde amnesia. She can't remember anything day-to-day: the joke her friend made, the instructions her parents gave her, how old she is.
Then she kisses someone she shouldn't have kissed - and the next day she remembers it. The first time she's remembered anything since she was ten.
But the boy is gone.
Desperate to hold onto the memory, she sets off to the Arctic to find him.
Why can she remember Drake? Could he be the key to everything else she's forgotten?
This book without a doubt is definitely the one to watch for 2017, it will undoubtedly be BIG in the world of YA. I wouldn't be surprised if Zoella picked it up and added it to her book club collection.
I can't remember the last time that I cried at the ending of a book so hard. The One Memory of Flora Banks touches issues of illness, survival, heartache, the quest of true love all wrapped up with one girl with memory loss.
Flora Banks is seventeen years old and she has memory loss. She has been told by her parents that she had a tumor when she was ten years old and has memory loss due to the operation that took part of her brain away. She fails to remember anything beyond a couple of hours. So when her memory resets itself multiple times a day she has only the words to explain who she is and what she must do.
Flora is the girl who writes on her hand - "Flora - Be Brave". She takes medicine every day. She has anterograde amnesia. She has failed to remember anything since she was ten years old. She has all her memories from before the operation, but nothing since.
Until she kissed Drake. On the beach. She remembers that.
Until she kissed Drake. On the beach. She remembers that.
But he has gone to the Arctic - a place he has longed to live. But Flora must stay here - in Penzance. Her parents have gone to France to be with Jacob; her brother and Flora is staying at home with Paige. But Drake was Paige's boyfriend and she knows about the kiss, so they are not friends anymore.
Flora, despite her memory loss and the restrictions everyone has placed on her decides to go to the Arctic to find Drake. And so begins Flora Banks' adventure.
Each page was compelling, and although repetitive through the voice of Flora's narration, you really find yourself immersed deeply into the mind of Flora in a way I haven't seen an author do before. As I turned each page I did with an earnest to travel further with Flora and discover what becomes of her.
Flora, despite her memory loss and the restrictions everyone has placed on her decides to go to the Arctic to find Drake. And so begins Flora Banks' adventure.
Each page was compelling, and although repetitive through the voice of Flora's narration, you really find yourself immersed deeply into the mind of Flora in a way I haven't seen an author do before. As I turned each page I did with an earnest to travel further with Flora and discover what becomes of her.
What I wasn't quite expecting was the ending which had me reaching for tissues and sobbing my heart out. I adore Flora Banks, and I think she is a superb role model to showcase that you really can do anything you put your mind to.
If one thing is for sure is that as a reader, you fall undeniably in love with Flora's story. You will not only cheer her on and want the very best for her but you will feel a fierce protective nature towards her. Just reminiscing now as I write this has had a flurry of tears run from my eyes as this book has etched its name and the memory of it upon my heart.
Well done and congratulations Emily Barr on your young adult novel. It is simply outstanding.
Title | Secrets & Fries at the Starlight Diner
Author | Helen Cox
Publisher | HarperCollins
Purchase | Amazon UK
Pages | 270 Pages
About The Book
What brings Bonnie Brooks to The Starlight Diner? And why is she on the run?
As the front-woman in a band, Bonnie is used to being in the spotlight, but now she must hide in the shadows.
Bonnie only has one person who she can turn to: her friend Esther Knight, who waitresses at the Fifties-themed diner. There, retro songs play on the jukebox as fries and sundaes are served to satisfied customers. But where has Esther gone?
Alone in New York City, Bonnie breaks down in front of arrogant news reporter, and diner regular, Jimmy Boyle. Jimmy offers to help her. Can she trust him?
When the kindly owner of the Starlight Diner offers Bonnie work, and she meets charming security officer Nick Moloney, she dares to hope that her luck has changed. Is there a blossoming romance on the cards? And can Bonnie rebuild her life with the help of her Starlight Diner friends?
Guest Post - Author Take Over
Today, as part of the blog tour I am handing it over to Helen Cox who has a great guest post for you all. I hope you enjoy!
Who
doesn’t love a good writing metaphor? To most people who put pen to paper, New
Year is a time where the year ahead feels much like a blank page. We can almost
smell the freshness of the paper, like when your teacher used to give you a new
exercise book at school.
It’s
that sense of possibility that ignites a passion in us. The blank page is an
adventure that hasn’t yet happened, and that idea is insanely inspiring.
The fact
that we’ll have doodled and scrawled all over the cover in an unsightly fashion
by the time term ends is irrelevant. The fact that there’ll be crossings out
and spelling errors and prose that is so pretentious you want to poke your eyes
out with your own pen when you read it back… who cares?
Because
right now, anything can happen on that untouched blank page.
My New
Year’s Writing Resolution is to embrace that sense of possibility not just at
the beginning of January, but for 365 days of the year. To imbue my daily life
with the magic of the written word as much as is humanly possible (told you –
pretentious prose and I’m not even half way through January yet).
I’ve
chosen this particular resolution because, to be honest, I’m a firm believer in
living in the moment. Living by this principle means that it’s not just the
next year that’s a blank page, but every day, every hour, every minute. Every
sunrise can be a fresh start. Every chime of the clock, a bell heralding an
unexpected and delightful plot twist.
Let’s
face it, you have no idea what I’m going to write in the next few seconds. You
could make some guesses but I could write any word in the entirety of the
English language. Or I could make one up just to confuse you.
My
giraffe is wearing a top hat.
See.
You
didn’t know that was coming.
Which
means it might have made you smile and if it did I’m chalking that up as a win.
For me,
it’s important to keep a sense of excitement about what I’m writing. If the
author is, in any way, weary or disgruntled I’m fairly sure the reader will
sense it somehow. That kind of feeling is more contagious than any of us would
like.
Treating
each day like a blank page also helps us overleap one of the biggest obstacles
we face with major writing projects: how daunting they seem at the beginning.
When writing a novel, eighty thousand usable words seems a long way away when
I’ve only written ten words in total. Seven of which will probably be edited
out of the final draft.
Taking
writing projects minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, is a prudent way
of managing the self-doubt that can so easily creep in. It will also ensure
that writing becomes a daily practise. And it doesn’t matter whether you only
add a line of poetry to your body of work today, or whether you write a five
thousand word short story in less than two hours. Every word you write is a
triumph. Every word you write is filling the void before you with meaning of
some kind.
Title | The Legacy of Lucy Harte
Author | Emma Heatherington
Publisher | HarperImpulse
Purchase | Amazon
'Sometimes time is all we have with the people we love the most. I ask you to slow down in life. To take your time, but don’t waste it….’
Maggie O'Hara knows better than most that life can change in a heartbeat. Eighteen years ago she was given the most precious gift- a second-hand heart, and a second chance at life.
Always thankful, Maggie has never forgotten Lucy Harte – the little girl that saved her life. But as Maggie's own life begins to fall apart, and her heart is broken in love, she loses sight of everything she has to live for…
Until an unexpected letter changes everything and brings Maggie back into the life of Lucy Harte – and a chance for Maggie to get her life back on track once more.
Lucy's final gift to Maggie is much more than the heart that beats inside her. It's a legacy that Maggie must learn to live by. A chance to make her heart skip a beat with every new discovery she makes; a promise to live, laugh, fall in love and heal her broken heart for good.
Because as the keeper of a borrowed heart, Maggie's time is more precious than most and she must make every cherished second count…
Today's post is part of the first blog tour of 2017 for A Page of Fictional Love, and rather than simply review the book (which I will do of course at a later date), with it being right at the start of January we lovely bloggers are each hosting with the theme; New Year, New You. So, each of us are going to share something personal for this year, our New Year New Me plan or resolutions.
New Year, New Me by Dawn-Tracy
Last year was one of the toughest I've ever faced, and was quite an emotional journey. Luckily I had the support of my Mum and my wonderful Partner whom without their support, I'm not sure I would have come out of it quite as happy as I have done.
This year, I feel that I finally have the chance to make an impact with my life. It's the year for a deeper transformation. Of course there are lots of little things I want to change or improve upon in my life, but I guess the main big resolutions this year include;
- Expanding my reading genres more - I already read most genres, but there is always room for more.
- Blogging more often - Last year I feel like I had to literally drag myself to my blog to get a post written, it felt like hard work, so this year I'm making a commitment to blog much more.
- Reach a healthy weight & strong body/mind - I had to take medication for my sciatica, peripheral neuropathy and trapped nerves last year and one of the side effects was that it can cause swelling in the legs, and boy did my thighs take the punishment! So, I'm hoping to trim down my tree-trunk thighs this year and get my body back to the slimmer curvier shape it used to be before my illness. Also, with anxiety and grief taking control of last year, this year I want to ensure I keep my mind calm and manage my emotions better.
- New Job - I'd love to get a better job this year and increase my happiness at work levels. I'm still fully undecided whether I'd like a completely new challenge and go for an accountancy based role, or whether to stick to my primary teaching roles. It will probably be the latter for the first half of the year at first before progressing into something else.
- Travel more - I promised my Auntie years ago that i'd go on Safari in Kenya with her, but sadly this will no longer be able to happen now, but one thing I do want to do this year is travel with my partner more. We're talking about going to Prague, and I quite fancy Amsterdam & Paris too - even if Thailand is more his thing... I'm sure we'll come to a compromise
- Pursue Happiness - I want to become a more happier person than I already am. So, I'm going to focus on doing what makes me happy this year. It might mean ruffling a few feathers by not doing what others want or expect of me a few times, but it's my happiness that matters.
That's it really, of course I have other goals and plans, but they branch out from those key ones I've mentioned. I've learnt that life can be sadly short, so I know the value of making your life count and matter.
What's your legacy going to be?
Please be sure to pop over and visit the other blogs taking part in the tour and show your support, I know everyone would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for stopping by here today, it's really nice to see you. If I haven't said it to you already, Happy New Year xx
With Love + Happiness,
Dawn-Tracy xxx
Dawn-Tracy xxx
Title | The Selection
Author | Kiera Cass
Publisher | HarperCollins Children's Fiction
Source | Review Copy & Purchased Copy
My Rating | 5/5
Thirty-five beautiful girls. Thirty-five beautiful rivals…
It’s the chance of a lifetime and 17-year-old America Singer should feel lucky. She has been chosen for The Selection, a reality TV lottery in which the special few compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon’s love.
Swept up in a world of elaborate gowns, glittering jewels and decadent feasts, America is living a new and glamorous life. And the prince takes a special interest in her, much to the outrage of the others.
Rivalry within The Selection is fierce and not all of the girls are prepared to play by the rules. But what they don’t know is that America has a secret – one which could throw the whole competition… and change her life forever.
Dawn-Tracy says;
I don't think I have EVER read a book in such a short amount of time as this one. Many people who read claim to have been sucked into the storyline but I can honestly say that I was well and truly swallowed whole by this book. It captured me so intensely that when I woke up the following day from reading it I just 'felt' like I was actually living in this dystopian world - and I admit, when I came to, I was disappointed that I was not living in this dystopian world and was in fact a human on Earth. In 2016.
This is one of the books of my summer in 2016 and I can't believe that I am still so hyped up about this book that I am reviewing it again. Read my first review of The Selection that I wrote back in August 2016 here . It was my most popular read (according to goodreads with well over 750,000 other readers having enjoyed this book last year).
I'd never read a fantasy novel or in fact a dystopian novel before this one, and wow - what a welcome to the genre I got! I devoured each page within a single day before desperately purchasing books 2, 3, 4, + 5 at around 1am in the morning when I finished reading this one! I became hungry and addicted. And it had nothing to do with The Hunger Games ;)
So what got me so captured, hungry and addicted?
The storyline! The characters are living in a world and society where everyone is assigned a number depending upon their class in society - Ones are the Royal Family, and Seven's and Eights are the lowest class. Prince Maxon is obviously a One, and America Singer is a Seven. America is dating an Eight (Aspen) when the competition to find Prince Maxon's bride, wife and future queen is announced. America enters - not willingly - as her heart is firmly with her Eight even if it does mean lowering herself class wise in society.
When America discovers that she has been selected, she realises that she will have to live at the palace and compete for Prince Maxon's love and hand with 34 other selected. But America has a plan to lose and is so far from caring about the competition she lets Prince Maxon know of her plan to lose.
When America discovers that she has been selected, she realises that she will have to live at the palace and compete for Prince Maxon's love and hand with 34 other selected. But America has a plan to lose and is so far from caring about the competition she lets Prince Maxon know of her plan to lose.
The competition between the girls is fun, yet intense and I loved the drama and girly sisterhood of it all. It was so compelling and addictive I could not put it down. I had a few favourites and didn't care for many of the girls being evicted out of the competition. I loved the glitz and glamour of the ball gowns and the private maids each girl had. It reminded me of the old tv show I used to watch; Ladette to Lady, mixed with Cinderella + the UK's own Royal Love Story with Prince William and Kate with it's own perfectly fantastical twist and take on it all.
The Selection was a perfect read for me, even as a 28 year old (I was 27 when I read it - you know that makes such a HUGE difference ;) ), and any Young Adult you know would love this book especially if they want a hip version of romance.
We can safely say that America doesn't get booted out of the competition - "hello - there are 4 further books!" but the twists and turns in the plot made for very exciting reading, which is why I immediately started book 2 The Elite which I will review in the coming days.
Books are written for entertainment and enjoyment, a way of escaping and relaxing and this book did ALL of those things for me and more. I now have fond memories of Summer 2016 through reading this amazing series of books.
If there was ever going to be a series of books that I re-read time and again, it will most definitely be these ones.
Thank you Kiera Cass for writing such a spectacular series of books that made me question which reality I was living in, that gave me the happiest summer memories ever, and please ... don't stop writing... ever... I can't wait to read more from you. You rescued my love of reading and books at a time in my life when I felt like giving it up.
We can safely say that America doesn't get booted out of the competition - "hello - there are 4 further books!" but the twists and turns in the plot made for very exciting reading, which is why I immediately started book 2 The Elite which I will review in the coming days.
Books are written for entertainment and enjoyment, a way of escaping and relaxing and this book did ALL of those things for me and more. I now have fond memories of Summer 2016 through reading this amazing series of books.
If there was ever going to be a series of books that I re-read time and again, it will most definitely be these ones.
Thank you Kiera Cass for writing such a spectacular series of books that made me question which reality I was living in, that gave me the happiest summer memories ever, and please ... don't stop writing... ever... I can't wait to read more from you. You rescued my love of reading and books at a time in my life when I felt like giving it up.
Happy New Year my lovelies!
Everyone is talking about goals right now, and whilst it can be so annoying when endless social media feeds are full of goals and #goaldigger hashtags, I kind of LOVE goals. See "Woman On A Mission - Make Dreams Happen" for more goaldigger, happiness, and success posts!
Today, I thought I'd jump back into my blog that got awfully neglected last year due to many personal reasons. Onwards and Upwards as they say.
So, as you can see from my banner that's been in place for a while now, I am expanding the content here at A Page of Fictional Love from just books (and the whole range of genres I now cover), to lifestyle AND Crafts. The crafts will largely be crochet related. But it's the goals we're interested in so let's jump into those;
Books
- Read 70+ books in 2017
- Review at least 4 books a month
- Expand my reading genres
- Have Author's Guest Post & Q&A sessions Monthly
- Regular Book Post posts
Lifestyle
- Blog at least 4 posts a month in this topic area
- Share my Steps to Happiness Journey to promote Happiness & Positivity
- Include posts on; Home Making, Gardening, DIY, Life In General, Hauls
Crafts
- Share my latest Crochet projects
- Share my Crochet Mood Blanket Journey
- Document the new crochet skills & patterns I learn
- Learn new Crafts by expanding my creativity
- Post at least 1x a month on this topic
Blog Goals In General
I also have some general goals in mind for this blog but I'm not ready to share those yet as I like to keep some goals in my inner incubator until they are manifesting in their fullness (and to be honest it keeps my blog from becoming cloned).
I can say that the goals I have in general do include getting my blog reach up and more popular. I'm so proud to have reached over 20,000 views, and I want to double this at least this year, and with your help I know it can be done!
Goals is a topic I'll revisit and review over the year, so be ready for things to change, adapt and grow as the year goes by. I am so excited for the coming year in terms of this blog, and where I know it is going, and the books I'm going to read and share with you all, the lifestyle updates and tips I'll share, and finally the crochet and craft projects that I will be sharing for the first time on this blog!
What goals have you set yourself this year?
Here's to an amazing 2017, for you and I,
With love + happiness,
Dawn-Tracy
Dawn-Tracy
xxx
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