Category: Uncategorized

I’d like to start off this review by giving a huge thank you to the publisher for allowing me to have the opportunity to review an eBook copy of this book. I am a huge fan of Jack Monroe and have all of her other books, so I’m incredibly happy and thankful for this opportunity.

So far, I have made two of the dishes featured in this book. I love how simple Jack’s recipes are, and it’s a huge bonus that they are good for you and don’t cost huge amounts. As a single parent I like to be able to feed my children well, and for a low cost. – which often doesn’t happen with other cookbooks.

We have currently made Cheese and Oregano Rusks and Orange and Blueberry Oat Bars from the book, and are really looking forwards to trying the Five-a-Day Couscous and the Jaffa Cake Mug Pudding.

Another fantastic family, budget and health friendly read from Jack!

It’s 1:07am and I can’t sleep, I’ve been quite distracted this evening. I’ll be honest, I’ve been pretty terrible at reading since lockdown started. There is just something about being pushed out of my daily routine that has pushed me into doing sod all. Things have been picking up the last week or so though, I think I’m now starting adjust.

I currently have three books on the go at the moment Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley. It’s taken me a few chapters to get in to, but it has me hooked now. I need some romance. – PULP was one of my favourite reads in 2019, it introduced me to lesbian pulp fiction, and now I’m never looking back.

I’m also currently reading Gears For Queers, which is a review book. I went in blind simply just because it’s LGBTQ+ but I’m really enjoying it.

The third book is right up my street because the protagonist is a geek. The books is The Frame-up and I’m listening to it on audible while I’m doing housework and what have you. Not enjoying it as much as I thought I would, but that’s just because there seems to be a heterosexual relationship brewing, and I often struggle with those now. It’s not the book’s fault.

As a way of signing off, I’m going to pimp my jacket out. I’m upcycling a charity shop jacket and people are giving me words/quotes for me to stitch on the back. They can be absolutely bonkers! – as long as it isn’t too offensive! Ha! If you would like to contribute ping me on Twitter or comment here.

Last night I finally read Heartstopper by Alice Oseman. It was one of those books that I’d had my eye on for a while but kept getting pushed back for whatever reason. Now everyone around the world is finding themselves in lockdown and with some extra time, I thought it would be the perfect time. – Plus that fact that it’s only 99p on kindle currently, helped.

Charlie and Nick are at the same school, but they’ve never met … until one day when they’re made to sit together. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance.

Heartstopper is about love, friendship, loyalty and mental illness. It encompasses all the small stories of Nick and Charlie’s lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.

But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is more interested in Charlie than either of them realised.

– Description taken from Amazon

I’m new to Alice Oseman. Although I had heard her name before, I wouldn’t have been able to put any books to it. I loved the build up of Charlie and Nick’s friendship, and then watching it blossom into something else. I also love how normal sexuality is in this book. Just as it should be. I love how there is no “big shock” when someone slips into a conversation that they are gay. It’s normalised and doesn’t faze anyone. I devoured this book from cover to cover VERY quickly, and I absolutely cannot wait to read Volume 2.

Rated 5*s

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Sticks & Stones
Dianne Beck
Published by: Acorn Publishing
Publication date: March 18th 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

When fifteen-year-old Emily Greene wakes up to police banging on her door, she is shocked to see her mother arrested on drug charges.

Uprooted and in disbelief, Emily moves to a new town to stay with her grandmother, known as Crazy Carol for her outspoken faith and quirky behaviors. As if the arrest isn’t enough, kids at her new school immediately begin to stereotype and judge her based on the news they’ve heard about her mom.

Emily is sure her mother’s fiancé is to blame for the crime. He has conveniently disappeared since the day of the arrest. She’s determined to find him, and prove he’s at fault. But something awful happens, shaking her world yet again.

After this string of tragedies, Emily starts to question God, but is gently and consistently reminded by her grandmother, through stories she tells of all the sticks, leaves, and stones she collects, that God is her good and faithful parent.

Emily must learn that the words others say about her don’t matter, that her mom’s mistakes don’t define her, and she is always deeply loved by her heavenly father. If only she can learn to forgive herself.

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Author Bio:

Dianne Beck has spent the majority of her career teaching students ranging from Kindergarten through adult. No matter what age, her biggest goal is to encourage her students to be their own unique selves, to have confidence in who they are, and to follow their passions.

Dianne’s debut young adult novel, Sticks and Stones, was inspired by her years of teaching, where she saw so many students struggle with varying issues, and also experienced how an understanding ear and relevant literature could make a significant impact on their lives. She hopes young people as well as adults can find faith and strength, like her main character Emily does, even when things seem to be falling apart.

Dianne is motivated daily by her faith in God, her husband, and her four adult children. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading, sipping coffee, browsing a bookstore, or pursuing a part-time faith and fitness ministry at www,ofcommonground.com.

Website

I’m really loving this month’s box. The first item I have is the Dracula’s Castle Pouch by Iron & Ink. It’s a beautiful soft pouch that has already made it’s way into my work bag, now filled with chewing gum, lipstick and pens. The second item is a promo bookmark for an upcoming release called The Unforgetting. Third item, is a Blackcurrant & Clove scented candle by Amelia’s Kitchen. It reminds me of a winter berry candle that you get around Christmas time. Forth Item, Deadly Bath Skull by Pretty Suds. I’ve not used this yet, but I’m seriously hoping it turns my bath blue.

Fifth item, is a Lord Voldermort bookmark by Magic Bookmarks. Can you see how adorable the art work is? Beautiful.

The Books

There are TWO books in the box, the first is The Good Hawk by Josepth Elliott. – released in February.

Agatha patrols the sea wall with pride, despite those in her clan who question her right to be there, because of the condition she was born with.

Jaime is a reluctant Angler, full of oubt and afraid of the sea.

When disaster strikes, the pair must embark on a terrifying journey to a land where forgotten magic and dark secrets lurk in every shadow…

The second book is The Pure Heart by Trudy Tweedie again, released in February.

When Iseabail is employed by a wealthy merchant to be his daughter’s companion, her life changes forever. Transported from her remote island home to the Scottish borderlands, Iseabail is unnerved both by her precocious young charge and the house’s secrets: a hidden chapel, servants who speak in a foreign tongue, a mute stableboy. And then the merchant returns with a mysterious cargo. Why has Iseabail really been summoned here? And will she ever make it back home?

As already stated, I am loving this month’s box and can’t wait for next month’s. You can subscribe to Book Box at http://www.bookboxclub.com – not sponsored, I just love them