Bookish Christmas Gift Guide 2016

Buying books for book lovers is really hard because we already have ALL OF THE BOOKS! My family notoriously never know what books to buy me for Christmases and Birthdays unless I specifically ask for them because they never know what I already own, some even flat out refuse to buy me any books because I already have "too many" (as if there is such a thing!) So today I wanted to put together a list of alternative bookish gift ideas that aren't books for anyone wanting to buy something for the reader in their lives. There are always so many book blogger Secret Santa's going on at this time of year and the gifts in this guide would make perfect bookish presents with something to offer every reader.

Bookbandz

 
I absolutely love a good bookmark and these handmade Bookbandz have to be some of the prettiest bookmarks out there. The bandz are made to order with different charms and beads to suit any taste. There are some beautiful Christmas charms available at the moment including gingerbread men, Christmas trees, angels and more. The owner Karen can also make bookmarks in the style of your favourite book with a charm of the books cover taking pride of place in the center surrounded by matching beads. For a unique, handmade, bookish gift you really can't go wrong here. The bandz are priced at £5 each or 3 for £12 so they're perfect if you've got a few people to buy for. To see the full range visit Karen here.

 Klevercase

If the reader in your life prefers e-readers to psychical books then a gorgeous new e-reader case may be the way to go and Klevercase offers some of the best in my opinion. Their cases are designed to look like books and are made using traditional bookbinding techniques. There is a design to suit any reader although my personal favourite has to be the Book of Spells design inspired by Harry Potter. The cases are made to fit all of the popular e-readers and a really nice touch is that they can be personalized with a message for an extra cost. To see the whole Klevercase range visit them here. Prices vary depending on the e-reader.

Stack of Books Earrings

Another gift that I am absolutely loving are these bookish earrings. I think that they are so cute and make a really lovely gift if you'd like to give the reader in your life something other than books this year. There is so much bookish jewellery out there so it's worth shopping around to find the right style for the person you are buying for but for me personally it doesn't come much cuter than this. The earrings retail at £16.00 and can be bought at The Literary Gift Company.

 Bookish Mug

Another brilliant gift from The Literary Gift Company are their bookish mugs. I've given these as a gift before and they always go down a storm. Again there are many different mugs to choose from in this style ranging from reading, writing, blogging, tweeting etc so you can choose the best fit for the gift recipient. This mug costs £9.95 and is the perfect choice for anyone who doesn't like to be disturbed when they're reading (aka all of us!)

Bookstore Scented Candle

We all have that friend who can not get enough of the smell of books and at last that smell has been captured in candle form so that your room can smell like your favourite bookstore. Frostbeard are an Etsy seller that ship worldwide and some of their candle fragrances include Winterfell, Sherlock's Study and Pemberley Garden's to name a few. This would make the perfect gift for anyone who loves to burn candles whilst reading. To check out the full range visit Frostbeard's Etsy store here.

 Reading Journal

Another option that would be particularly perfect for book bloggers is a reading journal. I've kept a reading journal ever since I started blogging and I would be lost without it. They're a great way of keeping a record of what you've read and are great for jotting down thoughts about a book before reviewing. I particularly like this one from The Literary Gift Company selling at £9.95 I think this would make a nice, thoughtful gift for anyone who likes to keep track of their reading.

 Evie Seo Designs

My biggest recommendation for bookish gifts is for Evie Seo's designs over on Society6. Evie's artwork is so beautiful with a focus on books. Her designs can be printed on to t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, tote bags and pillows to name a few. Her range is extensive covering many different fandoms so if you're struggling to find the perfect gift you are guaranteed to find something here. I recently received the tote bag pictured as a gift and it's such good quality with thick handles and plenty of room inside. I can't see anyone disliking something by Evie and there are so many options depending on your budget. To view the complete range visit Evie here.

 I hope this gift guide helps make your Christmas shopping a little easier 

and that you find the perfect gift for your favourite book lover!

Letterbox Love (36) Birthday Book Haul!

Letterbox Love is a meme hosted by Lynsey @ Narratively Speaking for UK based book bloggers to showcase the books that they’ve received each week.

Thursday marked my 24th birthday and I had so many nice messages from you guys on Twitter! Thank you so much for that, they were coming in all day long! I had a really relaxed day of eating cake, reading my book, and catching up on some TV. I received make-up, PJ's, lovely smelling things from The Body Shop, chocolates, a gorgeous handmade Twiss pen, perfume and books. More books than I was expecting actually! I'm guessing you guys are here for the books so here's what I got for my birthday as well as the books I got for review this week. Needless to say I am feeling very lucky and spoilt! On a side note sorry about the quality of these photos - I took them whilst it was dark and storming outside.

 Birthday Books

Mother, Mother by Koren Zailckas
It's been ages since I read an adult thriller but I really felt like picking one up recently so after reading some good reviews from my blogger friends I bought this with some birthday money. I've been reading it this weekend whilst it's been stormy and I'm loving it!
How to Fall in Love by Cecelia Ahern
This one was a gift from my brother. I used to love Cecelia Ahern and read her books religiously but I haven't read any of her new books in recent years. This ones synopsis really caught my attention and I'm looking forward to rediscovering this author soon.
Kiss Me First by Lottie Moggach
This is another book a little out of my comfort zone but I think it sounds fantastic and I've seen so many good reviews for it! Maybe this will be the year I rediscover my love for adult thrillers?
Vicious by V. E. Schwab
This one has been on my wishlist since it was first released in the US but I've been holding out for the UK edition and was so happy to receive this from my mum and dad. I love Victoria Schwab's YA novels and I can't wait to read this!

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
This book has been on my wishlist for ages but there are so many gorgeous editions of it that I wasn't sure which one to get! I was really pleased to receive this edition which has the girl in the dress from the UK cover and the lovely design of the US hardback. Basically it's the best of both from the two covers I was torn between! I've heard great things for this series and can't wait to see what the fuss is about.
Golden by Jessi Kirby
Jessi Kirby is an author I've been meaning to check out for a while. I've read so many rave reviews for Golden and I'm so glad I have a hardback copy - it's absolutely beautiful!
The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
Laurie is one of my favourite authors from when I was a teen so I was all over this one when I opened it! It's also about PTSD which I've been diagnosed with so I can't wait to see how she handles it. 

For Review

Far From You by Tess Sharpe (Proof Copy)
I was so excited when this came in the post! It sounds like a fantastic YA thriller and has been on my radar for a while now. I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing this soon.
The One Plus One by Jojo Moyes
This book arrived as a total surprise and I couldn't be happier! I've only read one book by the author before and that was the beautiful Me Before You which is actually one of my all time favourite books so I'm really excited to read something new from Jojo.
If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch
This one I've actually already read and reviewed (check out my review here) but it arrived as a surprise along with Far From You from the publishers. This is the new paperback edition and I'm completely in love with this cover! I only had the proof copy until now so I'm so happy to replace it with this beautiful edition.

 From Netgalley 

Netgalley got me again this week! Simon and Schuster UK have recently joined and have been tempting me with their upcoming titles. I just finished reading The Wish List by Jane Costello which I read for my birthday and I absolutely loved it! I just had to snatch up The Time of Our Lives when I saw it on there! The Year of the Rat is one that I've heard exciting things about for months now and it sounds absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful. Then there's the new J.A Redmerski who is one of my favourite NA authors. The publishers emailed me about The Memory Book which sounds right up my street and like another beautiful and moving read. It also has a comparison to Me Before You which completely sold me. I have so many exciting books on my Kindle right now that I'm like a kid in a sweetshop - spoiled for choice and not sure where to begin first!

 As always thank you to the lovely publishing folk for the review copies. If you decided to do a Letterbox Love, Book Haul, IMM, Showcase Sunday, Mailbox Monday or whatever else featuring the books you got this week leave me a link as I’d love to check out your books too! ^_^ 

 Happy reading till next time!

All I Want For Christmas Is...Books!

The nights are drawing in, the jumpers are coming out, the Christmas adverts are on the telly and I'm starting to hear the same question over and over again "What do you want for Christmas?" So to help any friends or family looking for the perfect gift (and also for my inner child who gets nostalgic to write those letters to Santa!) I decided to create a bookish Christmas wishlist post! In no way do I expect to get all of these things for Christmas but I wanted to put some ideas out there so that I can direct anyone who asks to this list. I’d love to know if you have read and enjoyed any of these, maybe your comments could persuade someone to choose one book over the other? ;) Here's what I'm wishing for this Christmas...

Dear Santa's Helpers,

I'd really, really, really love any of the following for Christmas...

All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry

Legend Trilogy Boxed Set by Marie Lu

Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

Mr Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Past Perfect by Leila Sales
Jasprit from The Readers Den has snatched up this one! Thank you lovely!

Premeditated by Josin L. McQuein

3:59 by Gretchen McNeil 

Any of the above will be received with much love and thanks! Or a good old Amazon Giftcard to go towards some of these beauties would be perfect! I've been very good this year.

Love, Jess x

Letterbox Love (34) A Rambling and Lengthy Catch-Up!

Letterbox Love is a meme hosted by Lynsey @ Narratively Speaking for UK based book bloggers to showcase the books that they’ve received each week.

Wow, it has been almost a month since I last did one of these! I honestly don't know where that time has gone and why I'm only just getting around to posting a Letterbox Love now except that my weekends have been pretty busy lately and I'm trying to spend less money on books to save for Christmas. Yes I said the C word. Yes it's only October. You're going to have to deal with it because I am a huge fangirl for Christmas time! I started buying presents this week and the general anticipation of it all has started to kick in for me which reflects in this haul because I have some very exciting Christmas books to share with you. The C word aside with all the time that's passed it is entirely possible that I'm missing some books out. I have a sneaking suspicion that this is the case but I can't for the life of me remember what I've left out. Alas, these are the books that I REMEMBER acquiring over the past month. Let us begin.

 For Review

Panic by Lauren Oliver (Proof Copy)
A thousand happy dances for your new book Ms Oliver! I seriously want to read it RIGHT THIS SECOND however it's not out until March and so I'm going to try and resist until at least January. Maybe.
Crash into You by Katie McGarry (ARC)
Oh, Isaiah. I just want you to be happy! I need you to be happy in this book or else me and you are going to have words young man. WORDS! *Stares at book in a firm manner*
Impostor by Susanne Winnacker (Proof Copy)
I had no idea that this one was being published in the UK and had the US version on my wishlist and so when the publisher asked me if I wanted a review copy I was all "hell yeah!" and now I have one, and now I have to wait until January to read it because yeah, again, 2014 titles *sighs.*
The Dark Inside by Rupert Wallis (Proof Copy)
Another 2014 title that is going to be sitting staring at me on my shelf until next year. I'll put my hands up and say that I don't know too much about this one but I do know that the publishers are pretty excited about it and that Rupert's writing has been compared to the beauty that is Patrick Ness' so I have high hopes!

 More For Review...

A Gift to Remember by Melissa Hill
And here we start with the pretty Christmas books! And what better book to start with than with Melissa Hill and her story of Christmas and Books and New York and Bookshops? This sounds like my dream story and I love Melissa Hill so I'm hugely looking forward to reading this one next month!
Calling Mrs Christmas by Carole Matthews
Another Christmas book, another gorgeous cover! I read my first Carole Matthews this summer and really enjoyed it so I'm looking forward to trying out another one of her books. This one is about an unemployed woman who sets up her own Christmas business for wrapping presents, writing cards, decorating trees and the like. Sounds like a festive treat!
It Felt Like a Kiss by Sarra Manning (Proof Copy)
I'm a huge fan of Sarra's YA Contemporary books but have yet to read one of her Chick-lit novels so I'm really excited to give 'It Felt Like a Kiss' a go. Although this is another 2014 proof copy that I want to read NOW but which I'm going to have to save until January. Also the cover is GORGEOUS!
Finding It by Cora Carmack
This is irksome because I REALLY want to start this series and have been sent the first and now the third book for review BUT I HAS NO SECOND BOOK!!! Looks like this series is going to have to wait until I can hunt me down a copy of Faking It.

 Bought/Gifted

Christmas at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan
Ellie! Ellie! I found it! Ellie found this one in her The Works a couple of weeks ago and I was mega jealous because I love me some Jenny Colgan and I couldn't find one in my store! Then I was in there on Tuesday and found this ONE copy and I snatched it up and hugged it tight. Okay, so I haven't actually read the first Cupcake Cafe book yet - but I own it! And I love Jenny Colgan! And this hardback was only £2.99 when the new paperback is more expensive and so it just made sense for me to buy it.
Sweetly by Jackson Pearce
Whilst I was in The Works I found this copy of Sweetly. I have a proof copy and was mulling over replacing it for the bargain £1.99 that the paperback was. The big deal breaker was when I noticed whilst I was flicking through it that I had been quoted inside! I didn't know this! Of course I couldn't leave without a copy after that.
Ashfall by Mike Mullin
I have had my eye on this one for years and so was really eager to see what Ellie thought when she was reading it to determine whether it should go on or off my wishlist for good. Turns out she loved it (check out her review here) and very kindly sent me her copy. I think this might make a good Halloween read so it's on the pile and I'm hoping to get around to it.
The Killing Woods by Lucy Christopher (Proof Copy)
I have a confession. I wasn't the biggest fan of Stolen *ducks and hides.* Still, this one sounded really interesting to me and like it would make a good Halloween read. I think I might have read somewhere that it deals with PTSD as well which has piked my interest further as I've been diagnosed with that myself. Anyway I wanted to read it but was reluctant to actually buy a copy and so my day was made when the lovely Amber sent me her proof copy! I'm hoping that I'll get around to this one for Halloween and that I'll enjoy it more than I did Stolen.

 That's all from me! And I apologise for the rather long ramblyness of this post. If you read it all and didn't skim read then a big "Aww shucks!" and a hearty hug to you. Needless to say it looks like there will be some brilliant reading in store for me! As always thank you to the lovely publishing folk for the review copies. If you decided to do a Letterbox Love, Book Haul, IMM, Showcase Sunday, Mailbox Monday or whatever else featuring the books you got this week leave me a link as I’d love to check out your books too! ^_^

 Happy reading till next time!

The Booking by Numbers Q&A

Today it’s time for something a little bit different... 

Randomly the other day an idea for a fun Q&A came to me. I love doing bookish surveys and tags and have been seeing different ones around the blogosphere lately so I decided it would be fun to share my own! It’s a book Q&A about the books on your bookshelves with a bit of a fun twist! Here’s how it works.

Put the number of books on your bookshelf (or if like me you have hundreds of books break it down to 50, 70, 100 - however many books you’d like to play with) into a random number generator this could be via Random Org or simply by pulling numbers out of a hat. For each question draw a number and apply that question to the selected book from your shelf (or wherever you like to store your books.) For example if you pulled the number 11 you’d count across your shelf to the 11th book. It’s as simple as that!

I figured this would be a fun way to get a sneak peak at people’s bookshelves and learn more about the stories behind the books. I’d love to be nosy at what you guys have on your bookshelves so feel free to take part on your own blogs!

Booking by Numbers Q&A 

Book Number: 48 Book: Dead Silence by Kimberly Derting
Q1.) Have you read this book? If so what did you think of it?
Not yet. I will hopefully be reading it soon though as part of my Halloween TBR. I love this series and I recently learned that this is the last book. A few people have said that the ending isn’t really satisfying so I think that’s why I’ve been nervous to pick it up!

Book Number: 3 Book: Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
Q2.) Why did you buy this book? Were you recommended it? Was it a random purchase?

This book was actually a Christmas present from my Nan. Peter Pan is probably my favourite Children’s Classic and I’d been pining for this edition for ages so it was a really nice present. Definitely something I’ll have on my bookshelf for the rest of my life.

Book Number: 23 Book: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Q3.) Based on what you know about this book which other book blogger would you recommend it to? 
EVERYBODY!!! I recently finished this book and I loved it so, so, much! To answer the question though I would recommend it to two bloggers Samantha from The Secret Life of a Bookworm because she recently read and loved Eleanor and Park and I think she’d love this one too. And Ellie from Musings of a Bookshop Girl because she really needs to read some Rainbow Rowell!

Book Number: 55 Book: The Essence by Kimberly Derting
Q4.) Who’s this books bookshelf neighbour?

Another Kimberly Derting book! The Essence is getting cosy with Everbound by Brodi Ashton and Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder. These books are on my TBR Sequel Shelf I really need to read them!

Book Number: 34 Book: Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
Q5.) How many books have you read by this book’s author?
I have all of Sarah’s books but I have only read Unspoken and Untold. I really love this series so I want to get on to The Demon’s Lexicon series one day. I’ve also read The Bane Chronicles: What Really Happened in Peru by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare so including that my grand total is at three.

Book Number: 16 Book: Angel Fire by L.A. Weatherly
Q6.) Do you have any special memories attached to this book?

This is actually a very special book to me! Not only is it my favourite book from one of my favourite series but it was also the first book I was quoted in as a book blogger. It’s also signed and personalised by the author. I have all of these special memories with this book and every time I look at it I feel happy.

Book Number: 12 Book: The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling)
 Q7.) Is this book part of a series? If it is are you up to date with the series?
It will be eventually when the next book comes out. Am I up to date with it? No, seems as I haven’t read this one although it is on my Halloween TBR so all in good time!

Book Number: 1 Book: Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops by Jen Campbell
Q8.) Is this book something you’d typically read or is it out of your comfort zone?

This book is the first book on my bookshelf because it’s something that I like to dip in and out of every now and again. I’d say this is pretty out of my comfort zone, as the title suggests this is a collection of weird things that people have asked in bookshops and I don’t have anything else quite like it on my shelf!

Book Number: 26 Book: Dare You To by Katie McGarry
Q9.) Have you reviewed this book? If yes then share a link to it.
My review.

Book Number: 63 Book: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Q10.) Where did you buy this book from?
Okay, this is kind of creepy. I bought it from an independent book shop whilst I was on holiday in Cornwall. The creepy part is that it was roughly this time last year that I bought it! I also bought the sequel today. Weird.

Book Number: 76 Book: Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
Q11.) Roughly how long have you owned this book for?
Years! Before I started book blogging, so it’s been sitting on my shelf for at least three years and I still haven’t read it! I read and loved The Darkest Minds earlier this year so I’ll have to get on to this one soon.

Book Number: 40 Book: Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay
Q12.) Share the first sentence of this book.
“In the beginning was the darkness, and in the darkness was a girl, and in the girl was a secret.” Okay this definitely has me intrigued! Will have to pick this up soon!

Book Number: 60 Book: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Q13.) What’s your opinion on this book’s cover?

*Sighs deeply.* It’s… okay. The dress is weird but I like the striked out lines. HOWEVER the new cover designs for this series with the eyes are gorgeous! I’d really like to replace this one at some point but it’s such a shame that the publishers released the new cover in paperback not hardcover.

Book Number: 87 Book: More Than This by Patrick Ness
Q14.) In a few sentences describe this book in your own words.
I haven’t read this one yet so this is going to be hard.

This guy dies, he remembers dying, yet he is still here. Is he a ghost? Is he really dead? Is he in the afterlife? The guy doesn’t have a clue what is going on. You probably won’t have a clue what’s going on. But in the end you will be amazed and in awe as one always is upon finishing a Patrick Ness book.

END

I hope you guys had fun reading this and don’t mind that I wanted to try something different today. It was so much fun to do!

The Fault in Our Stars Tour Live: Meeting John and Hank Green

Despite being a book blogger and getting invited to a lot of cool events I’ve never been able to actually attend one with them all being based in London and more importantly me having anxiety and panic attacks over traveling alone. I’ve always said that if I could meet any three authors they would be J.K Rowling, John Green or Richelle Mead, heck meeting any admired author would be fantastic, but these guys would be a dream come true. So when my best friend and fellow Nerdfighter Rachel text me all of a quiver because John Green and his brother Hank were touring the UK and did I want to go? My excitement and the prospect of traveling with a trusted friend far outweighed the anxiety and so we got straight onto booking tickets praying we’d get through to a busy box office and we did! The tickets were booked, the time and place Cadogan Hall, London, February 3rd 2013, 12pm.

The day came around and on the train to London Rach gave me some amazing Nerdfighter birthday presents (it was my birthday the week before) a ‘This Star Won’t Go Out’ bracelet, Nerdfighter Pin and Let it Snow the only John Green book I didn’t own as well as paying for my ticket to the event, needless to say I was spoiled! As our luck would have it our train was delayed by 1 hour so we we’re really worried we’d arrive late and wouldn’t be allowed in. It was a proper Cinderella moment as we flanked a cab and rushed to the other side of London before the clock literally hit 12 o’clock we got there just in time and sat down with moments to spare before John came on stage.

Maureen, Hank and John on Stage

The event itself lasted about an hour or so and was a mixture of John talking about The Fault in Our Stars, Hank singing his wonderfully dorky songs, the brothers teasing each other, answering questions and goofing around like in their Youtube videos. There was also a guest appearance from the wonderful Maureen Johnson who happened to be in London and is an author friend of John’s – as if this day wasn’t perfect enough already! I pretty much stalk John so knew a lot of the answers to the questions he was asked and I found myself mouthing the answers along with him but it was so brilliant to see him talking in the flesh about his incredible book which I already read when it was released in the US last year and loved. Hank sounded amazing live and I had his songs in my head for days after particularly “Accio Deathly Hallows” which is one of my favourites. It was so funny to see John mouthing along to “The Anglerfish Song” in the background; he knew all of the words! Maureen was so much fun and I loved how all of them were just as quick, intelligent, brilliant and funny in real life as how they appear online.    

Meeting John Green

The show ended with us all singing “The Proclaimers- 500 miles” which was an amazing experience. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to listen to that song again without being reminded of that day. I knew from following the Twitter feed from the Swindon event that waiting to meet them could take hours but Rachel and I were determined not to leave the building without meeting our heroes and I think we waited for about an hour and a half which wasn’t all that bad. We passed the time talking with nerdfighters in the toilets and squeeing over what we’d just seen. Up until that point I was feeling pretty calm, I think because it felt familiar to me, it was kind of like watching another one of their vlogs but without the screen between us. When our row got called up and I edged closer to John and Hank and could hear them talking that’s when it really hit me that they were there right in front of me and I was about to meet two people I greatly admire and that’s when I started to get the sweaty palms, can’t stop shaking, is this actually real life? Feelings of nervousness and anticipation.

Meeting John Green went as follows…

Me: It’s nice to meet you Sir (why did I call him Sir!? *headdesk*)
Him: *Shakes hand* Hey thanks for coming along and waiting *noticing me wearing Esther bracelet* I like your Esther bracelet.
Me: Thanks *nods at Rach* my friend got it me for my birthday.
Him: Pretty awesome birthday present right?
Me: Yeah.
Him: *Hands books back signed* thank you.
Me: Thanks it was nice to meet you. *Shuffles off*

I then went on to meet Hank who I didn’t end up saying that much to which I regret because all that was buzzing through my head was I JUST MEET JOHN GREEN AND HE SHOOK MY HAND!!! I was also watching Rachel’s reaction to meeting him. With Hank it went a little like this…

Waiting to Meet Hank

Me: Can I get these Hanklerfished please?
Him: Of course! *takes books*
Me: Thank you it was great meeting you.
Him: You too sweetheart, thanks for coming.

After that me and Rach moved off to the side and fawned over our books and compared our signatures and what our hanklerfishes looked like. Then on the way out I bought one of the tour t-shirts which I wanted to get before but the line was MAHOOSIVE there wasn’t anybody there by the time we came out so I decided to snatch one up and also found some tattoos of Maureen Johnson which she randomly dispersed around the venue because she is awesome.

J-Scribble and Hanklerfish

We came out at half three and had enough time before our train to get some dinner in London and go to Foyles - a bookshop I’ve always wanted to visit. I was pretty sad that Maureen wasn’t available to sign books so you can imagine my glee when I found a signed copy of The Name of the Star in Foyles which I happily purchased along with some other bookish goodies.

Maureen Tattoo and Signature 

With achy feet, full tums, and happy hearts we caught our train home and the next day I woke up sad that today was just a normal day and every day couldn’t be like yesterday, I couldn’t hang out in one of my favourite cities with my best friend, oodles of Nerdfighters and our nerdy rockstars every day. Then later on I signed into Youtube and found videos of the day and new vlogs from John and Hank, and then I realised that the beauty of what John and Hank have created is that I *can* hang out with these awesome people who share the same interests as me and the same morals. Even with time and space between us the Vlogbrothers have created a safe and happy place for us nerds to talk and create and inspire one another to do awesome things and be true to ourselves and that was the beauty of it, of us, of them. I clicked on a video, and re-lived one of the best days of my life all over again.

Goodies from the Day!

Letterbox Love (20) J-Scribble, Hanklerfish, Belated Birthday Gifts and More!

Letterbox Love is a meme hosted by Lynsey @ Narratively Speaking for UK based book bloggers to showcase the books that they’ve received each week.

This time last weekend I was on a train to London to meet John and Hank Green. That sentence right there still feels crazy to me. I'm not going to go into all of that here though because I plan to do a write up on the event very soon, but this weeks book haul is extra special as it's full of signed books, the last incoming of my birthday books, and some books that I bought from Foyles - a bookshop I've always wanted to visit and finally did as well as the usual review copies. So here are the goodies from the last two weeks and if you're interested in the event write up I'm hoping to have that up for you next week so stay tuned!

 For Review

Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter - I read this on the train and loved it!
Fractured by Teri Terry
A Witch Alone by Ruth Warburton

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith (Proof Copy, I did a little jig of happiness when this arrived!)
Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian - Another one I can't wait to read
Boy Nobody by Allen Zadoff (Proof Copy)
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

 Bought From Foyles

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion - Currently reading and LOVING this!
Dead Romantic by C.J. Skuse - SO excited, I love C.J and can't wait to read this also my bestie is quoted in the back! You should watch her video about this and also subscribe to her on Youtube because she is awesome.
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson - I had a proof copy of this but after seeing her at the TFIOS event and noticing that this is signed I just had to get it especially because she wasn't available to sign books and I wanted a Maureen scribble!

 Last of the Birthday Presents

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - I've already read the hardback US edition of this but the UK paperback was free at the event and seems as the bestie bought my ticket for my birthday I'm counting this as a gift.
Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle - This was the only John Green book I didn't own so was another nerdfightastic gift from Rach, I'm so happy to now have them all!
The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken - This sounds AMAZE
Splintered by A. G. Howard - I've heard mixed things about this one but I love the sound of it so I'm going to give it a go, plus the actual book itself is stunning and the ink is purple!

 The Scribbles

That’s it from me for another week and if you made it to the end of this post I salute you! If any of these beauties have caught your eye and you’d like to find out more about them simply click on the title and the link will take you to goodreads for a full synopsis, reviews, and to add them to your wishlists. As always thank you to the lovely publishing folk for the review copies. If you’re looking forward to a certain book in particular and want to request a review feel free to in the comments and I’ll do my best to get around to the book sooner rather than later. And if you decided to do a Letterbox Love, Book Haul, IMM, Showcase Sunday, Mailbox Monday or whatever else featuring the books you got this week leave me a link as I’d love to check out your books too! ^_^

 Happy reading till next time!

Letterbox Love (19)

Letterbox Love is a meme hosted by Lynsey @ Narratively Speaking for UK based book bloggers to showcase the books that they’ve received each week.

This week was my birthday week but because of the dumb snow a few of my books haven't arrived yet and NONE of them arrived in time for my birthday but they did show up later on in the week when the snow started to thaw. I also got a nice bundle of review books when the snow had melted enough for the postman to trudge to my door, and they were epic so it totally made up for the silence earlier on this week. I do love the snow but when it interferes with birthday plans and books I do wish it would go. It's nearly all melted now which I'm thrilled about because for a while there I was worried it would interfere with me meeting John and Hank Green next weekend. SAY WHAT!? Yep this time next week I'll be on my way to London to meet them so I hope that's the last of the snow for now. ANYWAY let's get on to the books...

 For Review

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead (I know, I know! Eeek!)
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (I have no idea why my copy doesn't have the title filled in, it is a finished copy. Printing mistake perhaps? Either way it's slightly annoying)
Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick (Teacher/Student relationships fascinate me and this one sounds really good)
Gilt by Katherine Longshore (I have heard great things about this one from US bloggers, excited!)
Anthem for Jackson Dawes by Celia Bryce (This sounds sad but wonderful)

 Birthday Presents

The Archived by Victoria Schwab (Squeals!)
The Essence by Kimberly Derting (Even more squealing. Also the US covers for this series are so pretty!)  
Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher (this sounds really good and has an interesting premise)
Altered by Jennifer Rush (ALL of the hot boys! Or so I'm told)
The Valentine's Card by Juliet Ashton (Valentines read 2013)

That’s it from me for another week! If any of these beauties have caught your eye and you’d like to find out more about them simply click on the title and the link will take you to goodreads for a full synopsis, reviews, and to add them to your wishlists. As always thank you to the lovely publishing folk for the review copies and various family members for my pressies! If you’re looking forward to a certain book in particular and want to request a review feel free to in the comments and I’ll do my best to get around to the book sooner rather than later. And if you decided to do a Letterbox Love, Book Haul, IMM, Showcase Sunday, Mailbox Monday or whatever else featuring the books you got this week leave me a link as I’d love to check out your books too! ^_^

 Happy reading till next time!

Letterbox Love (18)

Letterbox Love is a meme hosted by Lynsey @ Narratively Speaking for UK based book bloggers to showcase the books that they’ve received each week.

 For Review

Cupcakes at Carrington's by Alexandra Brown
The Last Time I Saw You by Eleanor Moran
Unremembered by Jessica Brody (Proof Copy)
The Last Minute by Eleanor Updale

 Early Birthday Gifts

Shades of Earth by Beth Revis (Already read and LOVED!)
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Gorgeous Clothbound Classics Edition)

Another bookmark for the collection! I love owls and this one has been on my wishlist for ages now so I'm so glad to finally have it!

 Bought For Kindle

The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski

That’s it from me for another week! If any of these beauties have caught your eye and you’d like to find out more about them simply click on the title and the link will take you to goodreads for a full synopsis, reviews, and to add them to your wishlists. As always thank you to the lovely publishing folk for the review copies and my mum and Ellie @ Musings of a Bookshop Girl for my pressies! If you’re looking forward to a certain book in particular and want to request a review feel free to in the comments and I’ll do my best to get around to the book sooner rather than later. And if you decided to do a Letterbox Love, Book Haul, IMM, Showcase Sunday, Mailbox Monday or whatever else featuring the books you got this week leave me a link as I’d love to check out your books too! ^_^

 Happy reading till next time!