Lost in a Book - the why, what , where and how's of how I read!

I saw Sarah from Saloca in Wonderland post this tag so here is my version!

Do you have a certain place at home for reading?

In bed or the bath are the best places. Even in the middle of the day i'll often get into bed just to read, much comfier than anywhere else!

Where do you like to read?

It's mainly at home but if I have a journey on public transport or know i'm going to be alone at lunch-time i'll take it with me.

Bookmark or random piece of paper?

As I use a kindle I don't need a bookmark however when I did read paperbacks i'd just fold the corner of the page over!

Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop at a chapter?

I always stop at the end of a chapter unless i'm tired and there is too much left. In that case i'll stop at the end of the section.

Do you eat or drink whilst reading?

Yes both. Although eating is bad because you do it without thinking or even really tasting it really.

E-reader or real book?

Kindle all the way now. I do have a lot of paperbacks because I can't bear to throw anything away and if I wan't to read them again but anything new that comes out i'll purchase it on the kindle. It's just so convenient and I can have the latest novel in my hands in an instant.

Music or TV while reading?

I can't listen or watching anything whilst reading and the same goes for doing anything else. I know many people blog and watch the telly but not me unfortunately.

One book at a time or several at once?

Always one at a time and I always wait a few days after finishing one to start another so I can think about the story and remember it. Because of the genre I read (chick-lit) a lot of the stories tend to merge into one after a while so I like to give them each a bit of breathing space!

Reading aloud or silently in your head?

Silently all the time. Apart from if i'm finding it hard to process an academic book (all the time!) I will read it out aloud. But apart from that I read in my head and I have to read every word too. I know many don't do this but I find I have to otherwise I don't absorb.

Fiction or non-fiction?

Fiction all the time. I'm all for escaping to a dream land where girl enters new situation, struggles, encounters boy and everything turns out great. I know it's not real but it gives me hope especially the books where the girl is starting over job wise!

Do you read ahead or skip pages?

Sort of. I never skip pages but if the part i'm reading is a little boring i'll flick forward and briefly look at the next few pages to see what is going to happen. I sometimes end up going quite far forward and it takes a while to get back!

Break the spine or keep a book like new?

Doesn't apply with a kindle but when I did read paperbacks I wouldn't intentionally break the spine, I just read with care and I guess it eventually broke itself!

Do you write in your books?

No not at all, I read for pleasure not to study or take notes! You can highlight and make notes on the kindle though and there was one book where a particular line struck a cord with me, that I 'highlighted'. You can also see what other people highlight. Though if I had a copy of Persuasion on the kindle I would likely highlight sections from the chapter where Captain Wentworth writes the letter to Anne when she is still in the room. I found that powerful and it really touched me.

Your favourite book?

One of my favourite books is Chasing Daisy by Paige Toon but I haven't read this a long while. It is set in the F1 world and with certain events in the book resonating with recent events in the real F1 world I would find it difficult.

I also love Lindsey Kelk books, in particular the series featuring Tess Brookes which i've reviewed: About a Girl and A Girl's Best Friend.

Lastly Sealed with a Kiss by Rachael Lucas is really beautiful. It is set on a remote Scottish Island and the community, scenery and the locals just pulled me into this new world that Kate was slowly learning to love.

A Girls Best Friend - Lindsey Kelk - Recommended Recent Reads # 5 Book Review

I love Tess. She's essentially me. Does she go back to her successful advertising career or jump on the unknown journey to establishing herself as a photographer? Just swap the professions and this is my dilemma. She's even the same age. Is this fate telling me what to do? Maybe. But apart from this similarity, A Girls Best Friend is the third book in a brilliant series by Lindsey Kelk. Have a look here to read about how the series started.

The Aubrey Rules by Aven Ellis - Recent Recommended Read #4

Can you believe the last book review I published was in January? I haven't read many since then, partly because of time and partly because I don't like to rush books. I did set a book reading goal at the beginning of the year but I soon came to realise this was silly. When I finish a book I like to wait a little while before moving onto the next, I like savouring the story and remembering the characters. This review is about The Aubrey Rules by Aven Ellis, number 1 in the Chicago on Ice series.

Do you like:

• Social media?
• America?
• Hot sports players?

I reckon you'll devour this book as fast as I did then.

Aubrey is a newly graduated social media professional with a rule for everything in her life, from what she eats, her work and even to dating. When she unknowingly bumps into one of the hottest ice hockey players around, she starts to question these strict rules she's made herself as she finds her work and personal life increasingly interlinked.

I'm a sucker for a romantic novel and when social media was thrown into the mix I couldn't resist. It was a brilliant idea to tie that into the book. It's something that most of us and certainly almost all of the books target audience use on a daily *ahem* hourly basis and is a very hot topic at the moment.

Recommended Recent Reads # 3 - Mistletoe Mansion

RRR#1 - About a Girl

RRR#2 - Sealed with a Kiss

I'm going to omit the description for this book as it is too long but click here if you wish to read it.

The gist of the story is this:

Kimmy finds herself  homeless after refusing to settle down with her boyfriend (and why should she, she's only 21!) and lands herself a job housesitting in a mansion next door to celebrity Melissa Winsford (like you do). The story involves cupcakes, ghosts and a fit handyman.

My opinion:

If I read my description i'd have bought this straight away but actually, the official blurb doesn't sound all that appealing to me. It was only the mention of mysterious ooccurrings that intrigued me. That and the 59p price tag.

In all honesty after starting this book I put it down (or whatever you call it when you're reading on a kindle) and didn't read again until a week later. The main character annoyed me. All this celebrity glitz, glamour and designer clothing she hankered for and the scenarios she imagined finding herself in with her celebrity neighbour. Eugh. 

BUT . . .

I did enjoy it once I got into the main story and it's always a good sign when you keep staying up longer for one more chapter . .  and one more chapter . . .

The ghostly happenings leave you wondering and the stuck-up witch (I don't swear but you can swap the W for another letter if you like) ;) living  next door does thaw and shows herself as a normal being in the end. Even Kimmy realises celebritydom is not all that.

A couple of mentions go to:

- Kimmy's a-ma-zing cake flavour combinations, Pina Colada surprises with Malibu flavoured buttercream and popping candy anyone?!

- Terry, a camp older golfing neighbour with eccentric outfits.

- Jess, Kimmy's best friend who has her head firmly out of the clouds and very much reminds me of her namesake in the Shopaholic books as Becky's sister.

- Lastly Luke, the token fit and mysterious male essential in any chick-lit, who provided this highlight-worthy quote:

'As long as you don't let your happiness become dependent on how much is in your bank account. Nothing wrong with aspirations as long as you're prepared to work hard for them and don't expect anyone else to hand them to you on a plate - that's what I reckon. Self-respect, a sense of achievement, everyone should aim for that.'

The price of this book is too good to turn down and despite my initial reservations, is a good Christmas or holiday (you don't need to wait until Christmas!) read to occupy yourself for a few days.

Anyone going to give this a go?

Recommended Recent Reads # 2 - Sealed with a Kiss

Since using a kindle, it's not necessary anymore to plan your reading. If I fancy something to read all I have to do is browse Amazon, select, checkout and TA-DA! I have a book to read on my kindle. Actually in reality it's not quite as easy. My kindle won't connect to the internet at home so I have to download onto my computer and transfer via a cable. Still, it takes less than five minutes.

The first book I reviewed in my RRR series was About A Girl by Lindsey Kelk, you can see that here.

Unless I am waiting for a new release by one of my favourite authors I always have a browse of the kindle deals. There is loads of chick-lit available for under £1 but this little gem stood out for me. 

Essentials:

Sealed with a Kiss by Rachael Lucas

Rated: 4.5/5

Cost: 59p (currently 98p)

Amazon description:

'Kate is dumped on her best friend's wedding day by the world's most boring boyfriend, Ian. She's mostly cross because he got in first - until she remembers she's now homeless as well as jobless. Rather than move back home to her ultra-bossy mother, Kate takes a job on the remote Scottish island of Auchenmor as an all-round Girl Friday. Her first day is pretty much a disaster: she falls over, smack bang at the feet of her grouchy new boss, Roddy, Laird of the Island. Unimpressed with her townie ways, he makes it clear she's got a lot to prove.

Island life has no room for secrets, but prickly Roddy's keeping something to himself. When his demanding ex girlfriend appears back on the island, Kate's budding friendship with her new boss comes to an abrupt end. What is Fiona planning - and can she be stopped before it's too late?

This funny, big-hearted novel is the perfect read for fans of Carole Matthews, Trisha Ashley and Katie Fforde.'

I've only read a couple of Katie Fforde's books but I would agree this is perfect for fans of hers.

My opinion

I was reminded very much of the TV show Monarch of the Glen during the first introduction to the island. Though with it being set in Scotland and with a Laird it would be very difficult for me not to associate it!

When Kate is taking her journey up to the Islands of Scotland I very much emphathised with her. Going through the familiar 'what the heck am I doing, am I crazy?!' motions is something I can relate to. I've been off on many adventures living and working abroad and I always get that feeling. Once you've been waved off and it's just you entering a completely unfamiliar environment far from anything you know these thoughts do enter your head making you question your decisions. Of course Kate, like I (90% of the time), had all these qualms squashed once she arrived and was made to feel very welcome by the other dwellers on the estate who would soon become her friends and confidantes. When I say estate I mean the estate in which Duntavie castle resides. Not thinking Monarch of the Glen here at all ;)

Susan, Morag and Jean almost adopt Kate as soon as she steps off the ferry and are essential in helping Kate get used to island life. I love Bruno's, the Scottish-Italian, coffee shop. It is described as very retro with the booth and jukebox, but this being Auchenmor it has actually just been there a long time and the decor has come back into fashion. One character I should mention is Finn. Let's just say he helps Kate let her hair down. Although very much a ladies man he comes across as someone you just want a big hug from.

From SeaDave

I plan on living in a small village/town when i'm a lot older so I really enjoyed the descriptions of the picturesque Auchenmor and the community. It's an island where everyone knows everyone else's secrets but with that comes a lovely community spirit that supports each other and celebrates together. The island is actually based on the Island of Bute, which is where the photos on this post are from.

Whilst in these types of books it is always obvious as to the outcome, I do love reading the journey they take to get there, the tension between the two that comes with thinking the other's not interested and all the stolen looks and glances. I would say that I would like to have seen a few more Kate/Roddy scenes, just day-to-day stuff and seeing them growing familiar and comfortable with each other and few more of the pointed looks. But that's just me being fussy.

Now you know when you reach the conclusion of a book and you just want to read more? Well aren't I a lucky girl! When I bought this I didn't have a clue when the book was published. Turns out it was earlier this year and the author has been so kind as to produce a mini sequel that came out last week called Sealed with a Christmas Kiss.YAY, happy Amy!!

This was a lovely, cute, heart-warming book to read. I laughed at times and even shed a couple of tears (whilst in the bath wearing a face mask!) Though after reading the book i'm still unsure as to what a Girl Friday is. A 'pitch in with anything' girl perhaps? Either way, does anyone know where I can get such a job? ;) 

PS. Writing this i've just twigged that the title could have a double meaning. 'Sealed' with a Kiss. Get it? Read the book and tell me if i'm right. :) 

PPS. Rachael is a blogger too, support a fellow blogger and give this a read! 

Seal photos from Kyle Evans 

Recommended Recent Reads - About a Girl by Lindsey Kelk

My favourite kind of books, apart from being of the chick-lit genre, are ones that are part of a series. I am incredibly lazy and it is very easy to get straight into these type of books, having previously got to know the characters. I tend to be a little slow on the uptake if an author has released a stand-alone book which is why it has taken me so long to read About a Girl – by Lindsey Kelk. Lindsey is the author of the popular I Heart . . series which I strongly recommend. They start off with a very impromptu flit to New York and is the story of her new life that builds there . . none of us want to go to NY do we girls? ;)


I finished About a Girl  last week, loved it and am eagerly awaiting the sequel being released next month. Tess has been giving everything to her job since university and so when she is made redundant she is understandably at a loss, job and life wise. When she picks up her horrible housemate Vanessa’s phone she ends up picking Vanessa’s job of a photography shoot in Hawaii. Pretending to be Vanessa comes with a few personality changes, a lovely (debatable at times!) leading man and breathtaking scenery.

I will leave the description there but needless to say secrets have to come out in the end. Although Tess was pretending to be Vanessa, her personality wasn't completely false in Hawaii and I kept finding it hard to connect this Tess with the Tess at the beginning of the book. However I have to remember that I myself am different when I am at home than when I am at work. I loved how when you just say yes you can have amazing experiences. It is something I need to do myself more. The book finished where I think I can guess what will happen but I have to wait until next month to find out in What a Girl Wants.

About a Girl can be purchased from all your regular shops and stores. If you want to have a read about the books visit lindseykelk.com

I got into the spirit of the book by reading it on the beach in Wales on holiday. Wales isn't quite the same as Hawaii though . . .

Has anyone read any of these books? What good books have you read recently?