Reading challenge! Week number unknown...

I haven't read as many books as I wanted to this year, it went really well at the beginning and then I got busier and busier at work and it just went downhill from there!

My husband spent 3 whole months working in the Phillippines and our only contact for most that time was via Skype.  At the beginning of May I took 2 weeks off work and went out to visit him, he was working Monday to Friday so I had lots of time on my own - I split it between reading, sunning myself, learning to crochet and working (sad I know).  There was also a days worth of travelling in both directions so that helped too.

I managed to read books 8 to 13 whilst on my travels. By the way I had never been abroad on my own so was quite impressed with my successful journey :-)

I always try to vary my reading genre but when I'm travelling or on holiday I tend to read lots of romance novels (sorry in advance), so I will start with these!

Book 8 - Accidentally the Sheikhs Wife, Barbara McMahon
The story of a missing bride to be with a surprise turn for the the unsuspecting main character.  This book started off with an interesting twist and kept me wanting to continue to read it throughout, luckily i had plenty of time as I flew from the UK to Abu Dhabi and then on to Manila.  The first twist involved the main female character being a pilot for a company selling private jets - not just someone out to land a rich husband, and it developed well from there.

Book 9 - Mad Enough to Marry, Christie Ridgway
This one was a very easy read and told a nice story but you knew what was coming next, I think a bit of intrigue would have made it a better read.  The main characters were a bit too predictable.

Book 10 - Million Dollar Marriage Merger, Charlene Sands
Another nice story but in my mind limited to an on the beach read, I.e. something you can pick up and put down without losing any of the story.

Book 11 - Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love, Beth Pattillo
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, having just taught myself to crochet I thought it was worth a go and wasn't disappointed.  It let you into the lives of a number of women in very different places all helping each other.

I also read one fiction novel.

Book 12 - Killing Floor, Lee Child
I really enjoyed this book as it had everything going for it.  The characters had personalities, not too complicated that you couldn't follow the story but you never knew exactly what was going to happen next even when you think you have guessed it! It was a good length and once I picked it up I was enthralled.  Definitely a recommendation for anyone's reading list.

And one biography.

Book 13 - Beautiful, Katie Piper
This book nearly had me in tears by the pool.  It is such a moving story and shows the strength and determination it takes to get on with your life after something life changing happens to you.  Definitely worth a purchase.

Since I returned from my holiday I have only managed to read one book, but it was a really good one!

Book 14 - Die Trying, Lee Child
You will start to notice then when I find a genre/author/series of books that I like I will read them all.  This one was as good as the first, same main character, completely different situation and im sure I will keep reading these until there are no more!

Sorry the reviews aren't that insightful but I would hate to ruin any of the books for anyone.

Charl x

Claiming my blog!

Not exactly sure what i'm doing or why but I am claiming my blog:

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/7566561/?claim=puh4qbvca5k">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a> 

Claiming my blog!

Not exactly sure what i'm doing or why but I am claiming my blog:

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/7566561/?claim=puh4qbvca5k">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a> 

A Year of Reading - Week 11

So, I am a little behind with my reading...

Things have really taken off at work with a promotion that I have been dreaming of, but it has taken its toll on my reading and sewing time!

I have read a couple of books since my last post and will be making a conscious effort to catch up, I will make the time.

My 6th read was a short story, which I am counting as a book as it stands on its own within the memory of my ereader, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald.  To be honest I wasn't a massive fan of the film but was happy to give the short book a go! I enjoy the ridiculousness of the whole story, because I'm not sure my mind would be able to come up with something so far fetched.  Probably worth the short period of time it took to read.

My 7th book was another CSI novel, as I am trying to read them in order I went for CSI: Sin City by Max Allan Collins.  Just as interesting and detailed as the one previously, it really is like watching the show.  I really enjoyed trying to figure out the killers and the situation, some are easier than others but its nice when its someone you hadn't really considered.

So now I need to pick up the pace and move onto book 8, it is doable :-)

Sheepishly signing off, Charl x

A Year of Reading - Week 4

Okay, I'm starting to get the feeling that every blog post is going to look the same; I really enjoyed the book (because I love reading), everyone should read it (because I loved it), etc etc.  I think some research on how to write a witty review is necessary.  Unfortunately that won't be this week!

I have been crazy busy recently, I didn't quite finish the book in week 4 but I think I'll get away with it :-)

This week I unknowingly read the book that inspired one of my favourite films!  Asking for Trouble by Elizabeth Young, also known as The Wedding Date.

From the beginning this book had me laughing out loud, reading it on my lunch at work has lead to a few looks indicating I was 'crazy' but it was worth it!

The story starts with Sophy, the main character and her predicament, which results in an intricate web of lies that get her deeper and deeper in trouble as the book goes on.  You meet her love interests (past and present), her family and her friends.  Intertwined with the initial 'little white lie' the book takes on a journey that spirals out of control.

A definite chick flick must, especially if you enjoy the wedding date.

I'm not sure what week 5 will bring but it had better be a good book!

A Year of Reading - Week 3

Three weeks in and I'm really enjoying the reading challenge! Although I'm one book ahead I've decided to keep trying to read one book a week in case I fall behind at some point :-)

My husband and I have been watching CSI: Crime Scene Investigation from the beginning, we have just reached the end of season 7 and I can't wait for season 8 to arrive from LoveFilm.  So this week I thought I would give the first CSI novel a read, Double Dealer by Max Allan Collins.

This book is definitely as good as the TV show, having watched the show for a number of seasons it's easy to picture the characters as the story progresses.  The book is detailed, the story is well written and I would definitely recommend this book to CSI fans.  This story focused on murders over a lengthy period of time, and even someone with a limited imagination (I.e. me), could easily visualise the victims (although not in too much gross detail) to help piece the story together as the book progressed.

There are plenty more for me to read so expect a few more over the next few months!

The CSI novels get my vote.  I hope all of the books I choose are this easy to enjoy.

Charl x

A Year of Reading - Week 2

This week I went a little crazy....

I started the week with the intention of reading Catching Fire, the second in the Hunger Games trilogy, I finished the week having read Catching Fire and also Mockingjay!  Oops...

 

It's difficult to talk about the books without giving away what happens in the Hunger Games, so I will try and avoid ruining them for anyone else.

The books continue to tell the story of Panem, the Capitol and the Districts.  Suzanne Collins does an excellent job of explaining the characters, their feelings and their pasts, you get to know each and every one.  Both books have an endless number if twists and turns, some of which you won't expect.

The books are very descriptive and with a little imagination you can be right in the heart of it with the character.  I had been warned that once you start it's difficult to stop, and you were all right!

I thoroughly enjoyed these books, maybe even more than the first and would suggest that anyone with an open mind should give them ago.

Charl x

A Year of Reading - Week 1

Firstly, Happy New Year everyone!

I have only set myself one New Years resolution this year and that is to learn to crochet, yesterday I learnt the basic stitches, and feel pretty good about it :-)

Anyway, back to the task at hand! On the 1st January The Sewing Directory suggested that to increase the amount of reading we do let's take on 52 books in 52 weeks. As someone who loves reading I said a big YES to that!

My book for Week 1 was The Hunger Games by Susanne Collins.

This book, which is part of a trilogy, had been highly recommended to me by a number of people so I thought it was about time I gave it a go.  I was not disappointed!

Having avoided the film I didn't really know what to expect, children fighting - I wasn't sure that would be my thing.  However, the range of actions, emotions and unknowns in this book will keep you gripped.  The book is well written and can definitely be enjoyed by adults.  I would recommend this book to others.

I'm not sure what our reflections on the book are supposed to contain and I don't want to give too much away so I'll leave it there.

Now, what shall I read next? Do I carry on with the trilogy and go for Catching Fire or choose something else and come back to it in week 3? Decisions, decisions!

Let me know if you have any book suggestions.

Thanks for reading :-)

Charl x

Under utilised blog!

Having signed up for a challenge set by The Sewing Directory, to read 52 books in 52 weeks I thought I should dust the cobwebs off the blog....I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't realise it had been 12 months since I updated it last.  I'm surprised it wasn't removed!

I have been busy with lots of sewing in 2012, I have commandeered half of the spare room as an official sewing space and have taken a course on starting your own business - although the last one is unlikely at the moment it's nice to have thought about it.  I do also work full time so blogging hasn't figured on my list, that will now change!

I will post pictures of my 2012 makes and links to where I found the patterns if there were any.  I will then start blogging about my 52 reads, please let me know if you have any suggestions!  We are using #52books on twitter if anyone wants to find out more.

Oh, and Happy 2013 :-)

Char x