Reading Roundup | June-July Book Reviews

Hi, I failed at blogging last month and I realised early on I wasn't going to get much reading done in July so I've combine the past two months reads together. In total I have five book and I'm currently still two books ahead of my target so I don't need to worry too much. It's a while since I read some of these books so I hope my reviews are still helpful.

June-July Reading Roundup - Year Book Count 22

The Crooked House

Author - Christobel Kent
Page Count - 401
First Published - 2015

Alison was once Esme, one night when she was a child evil came into her home and killed her family. Years later she returns with her boyfriend to attend a wedding and she is forced to deal with truths she has been hiding from.

This book took a grueling three weeks to finish (because it made me fall asleep), I wish I could say it was worth it but it really wasn’t. I’m not the biggest fan of suspense novels as a genre favoring more light hearted themes but I’d like to think I’d know a good example of such writing and this really wasn’t that. I expect to be gripped by revelations and itching to read on with the suspense but I didn't experience either. The plot was flaured and drawn out, the time period and location was confusing jumping around all the time. The ending was a sham, I feel cheated for investing so much time in this book.

Shiver | The Wolves of Mercy Falls

Author - Maggie Stiefvater
Page Count - 434
First Published - 2009

On a more positive note the Wolves of Mercy Falls series was much more my kind of story. A bitter sweet teenage romance series between Sam and Grace, they didn't meet in the most conventional way as Sam is a Werewolf. This series doesn't have the deepest plot and I was grateful for that, it's an easy book to pick up and read a few chapters. Written in my favourite style of split perspectives it gives a great insight into how both characters feel.

The first book in the series sees Grace finally meet Sam as a boy and they instantly fall for each other, she's always know him as the wolf that saved her the day she was dragged into the woods by the pack many years before. Now the wolf pack is provoked and attacks a boy, he's pronounced dead and things start to go badly for the pack as his father is a possessed hunter out for revenge.
 

Linger | The Wolves of Mercy Falls

Author - Maggie Stiefvater
Page Count - 416
First Published - 2010

Following on for the first book the second sees Grace slowly becoming more and more ill. Her need to be with Sam starts to pull her family apart as they can't understand the depth of the feelings of such a young couple. Sam continues to battle with his need to remain human so he and grace can be together.

The book see added characters of Isabel (sister of the boy bitten) and Cole (a newly recruited Werewolf). This gave the book a whole new dynamic and more personality and teenage worries to cover. I personally loved that extra characters where added for a different perceptive. It gave the story more depth and took the focus away from the young romance, which I feared would become a little bit repetitive.

Forever | The Wolves of Mercy Falls

Author - Maggie Stiefvater
Page Count - 489
First Published - 2011

This book sees the continued friendships and relationships of the characters. Conflicting emotions of wanting to remain themselves and the freedom of the forest. I honestly wanted to love these books because I've heard really good things about Maggie Stiefvater but I wasn't blown away. I personally think there are much better book series out there. I think this is down to the fact that teenage romances seem like a distant memory to me. I loved Sam and Graces relationship, it was well written and illustrated just how linked they where but I preferred the sexual tension between Isabel and Cole.

My overall opinion of this book ending was that there was still more of a story to tell. Maggie has written information in the back of the book which eludes to it being the last book of the series but since the books release a fourth book 'Sinner' has been released. As I can’t get a cover to match the books I already have I’m going to borrow it from the library. 

Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel

Author -  Jane Costello
Page Count - 453
First Published - 2016

The moonlight hotel is a forgotten relic located on the edge of lake Windermere. The location of the new Salsa class where Lauren and her friends meet lots of new and interesting people. The hotel becomes the cause of much gossip as it's sold and closed for refurbishment. This in Laurens opinion is an attack on her childhood memories of her late Father.

Lauren is the main character and story teller, she has many mishaps which are funny but felt a little forced at times. She had one true goal in life to visit Australia, a mixture of events makes her rethink her long time desire. There was a nice amount of silliness with embarrassing situations and seriousness with the story touching on revenge porn. Even though the story is only told from the perspective of Lauren there are a few different plot lines which all join up to complete the story at the end. It’s a nice easy read and one I’d recommend for reading on a beach holiday. It's your classic holiday romance book.

Have you read The Wolves of Mercy Falls? Any good reads to suggest?
Sam

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Monthly Mini Goals - August

Hi, Happy Yorkshire Day! This month for me is all about getting back into blogging and keeping my little piece of the internet active. I'm finally feeling motivated and inspired to create content and I hope it's an enjoyable read for you, when I do post. I haven’t got anything planned for the month ahead but I do know I want to keep spending to a minimum.

Mini goals for August

• Reach level 15 in PokémonGo
• Have a big clear out
• Get ahead of my Goodreads target
  
• Post at least ten times
• See Finding Dory
• Do some baking
• Spending Ban
• Keep working on my Pinterest boards
• Have a day out with friends
• Get outdoors

I’m so happy with my reading progress so far this year, I’m currently at 22 books out of my 35 target which leaves 13 books to read in 5 months. Once my monthly internet renews I’m going to go find a hotspot for Pokémon and try to level up as much as possible, because why not. I’ve got an insane amount of Pidgeys waiting to be evolved with a lucky egg.

I want to make time to see friends as I’ve just been so busy lately, it’s been ages since I’ve seen anyone properly. I’m really looking forward to heading to the cinemas to see Finding Dory, I knew it was a film I needed to see as soon as I heard about it. It’s totally cool to be going to watch Disney films without a child at 27 right?

I’ve set myself the goal of posting at least ten times this month which gives me some focus and motivation to get back into blogging. I’d also like to make some more progress on my Pinterest boards and find some nice DIY’s to try or even a super fun looking bake. I need to have a clear out as I just have way too much stuff I don’t use. With that in mind I’m applying a spending ban to limit my spending and stop myself buying yet more stuff I don’t need.

Have a great month! Will you be going to see any films this month?

Sam

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Monthly Highlights | July

Hi, You might have noticed that the blog has been very quiet over the last month. This month I travel to York, Barcelona and London. That much traveling is not relaxing and it didn't help that they where all city breaks as you're always busy. I've been feeling very cultured but lacking any sort of schedule and as such blogging has fallen off my radar. I apologies for the lack of posts and hope to get back into some sort of rhythm again very soon.

Mini goals for July 6/10

• Eat an Instagram worthy ice cream
• Find a new cruelty free favourite
• Document my travels
• Read at least 5 books
• Buy a new board game
• Successfully pack hand luggage
• Plan lots of blog ideas
• Find a happy balance
• Have a cocktail
• Eat Sushi

This month has been amazing for so many reasons and while I might not have completed my monthly goals I've been crossing things off my Summer goals instead. Blog related goals obviously failed as I haven’t blogged. I’m still planning on doing a travel diary post, I just need to sit down and get writing. I’m yet to have a proper brain storm for blog post ideas but this is high on my list of things to do.

While in Barcelona I bought the nicest ice-cream which was chocolate and raspberry, so yummy. No photograph as it was so hot once scooped it started melting everywhere. I managed to cope with just hand luggage and turns out I still packed way more than I needed, it was nice to have options. I’ll feel more confident about packing light next time.

Confession I didn’t buy a board game but my friend did, we’ve been playing King of Tokyo which is so simple but really fun. I’ve totally failed at reading this month having just finished the one book, I totally underestimated how busy I’d be this month. I ate some Sushi and enjoyed a lot of Long Island ice teas, not my favourite cocktail but dam they’re strong.

Hope you're having a lovely summer so far, what have you been up to?

Sam

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10 Tips For Hosting An Outdoor Summer Gathering

Hi, One of my favourite things about the summer months is eating and socialising in the outdoors. I've helped organise a few family BBQ's in the past so I have some helpful tips to share which will hopefully help make it a great day everyone can enjoy including the hosts.

Tips For Hosting An Outdoor Summer Gathering

Dietary Requirements
Not everyone is into the carnivore side of a summer BBQ so it's good practice to have plenty of vegetarian alternative and to ask guested about any special needs they have (these could be health based or life choices but you'll make your guess feel amazing for making sure they are catered for).

Keep it comfortable
Make sure you've got plenty of seating, weather that be picnic blankets or deck chairs. Making guests feel comfortable can only be a good thing right!

Repel the bugs
I live by a river so I know how annoying bugs get. You can set up wasp catchers with old pop bottles and something sugary. In the evening burn Citronella Candles to get rid of midges and other bugs.

Prep as much as possible
Prep food and drinks as much as you can or buy pre-made so you don't spend all day cooking and you can enjoy the party too.

Don't be afraid to ask to BYOB
Organising a gathering can get costly so it's only fair for guest to bring something to contribute to the festivities. It doesn't have to be alcohol, someone could bring their famous secret recipe sauce past down through the generations.

Be weather proof
I'm writing this post in Britain and well you can't totally rule out rain so it's a good idea to have some space that is under cover. Gazebos are great and not that expensive for a standard one, if you're a bit more flush with cash you might consider a party shed (can only dream right?).

Have alcohol replacements
Some people might be driving or others just not wanting to over do it, having a choice of soft drinks or mocktails is a great way to keep everyone happy and ultimately more healthy.

Have some entertainment
In the past we've played games and always had a backing track of the radio playing quietly in the background. Keeping guests entertained means they are going to remember your gathering as great. You could invest in an outdoor board game, twisters always fun.

Parting into the night
If you plan on parting into the small hours make sure you've got plenty of lighting to keep things safe and sociable. Fairy lights make lovely mood lighting, pick up outdoor solar powered ones and you get free energy.

Have taxi numbers at the ready
Not everyone is organised or they don't know the area, having taxi numbers ready for anyone who needs a ride home will save time trying to find one online and you'll be guest free and in bed relaxing a lot quicker.

Have you hosted a summer outdoor gathering? any tips to add?

Sam

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Monthly Mini Goals - July

Hi, It's holiday time! I should already be traveling on my way to York as this post goes live. Hopefully the sun is shining and if it really must rain it will wait until we have pitched the tent (please!). So after last month not being so great I'm all inspired by my travel plans and just the general freedom from my working life (love it but nothing beats a holiday).

Mini goals for July

• Eat an Instagram worthy ice cream
• Find a new cruelty free favourite
• Document my travels
• Read at least 5 books
• Buy a new board game
• Successfully pack hand luggage
• Plan lots of blog ideas
• Find a happy balance
• Have a cocktail
• Eat Sushi

So I couldn't help but have very summer holiday based goals and I was having to reference my 25 summer goals post so I didn't have duplicates because that's just silly. I would love to make a photo diary of my travels but that involves taking photos and I'm just the worst at that because I forget, (traveling is blog post gold right?) I must try really hard or I'll be annoyed with myself.

Time off work means more time for things I really want to do like reading, I need to get ahead with my Goodreads challenge and now's the perfect time. I also want to use my digital detox to inspire me with blog post ideas I'm excited to write. I'm starting to run out of products so I need to find cruelty free alternatives, I plan on checking out what's available in Superdrug.

It's summer so I obviously want ice cream and weirdly I really fancy a trip to Yo!Sushi. There's a really great comic book store in York which sells board games so I want to go check them out and hopefully find something to add to our growing collection.

Do you have anything planed for the summer?

Sam

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Monthly Highlights | June

Hi, This month has flown by, I'm not complaining because that means my holiday starts tomorrow. It's been crazy busy at work so then sitting on my computer at home to blog just seemed like torture, (I love blogging but that's too much screen time) problem of blogging when working full time. June has left me feeling worn out and I can't wait to have some time to relax and rethink things.

Mini goals for June 5/10

• Vote in the EU Referendum
• Go for a walk/Get outdoors
• Get my blog organisation together
• Buy birthday presents
• Eat healthy
• Get everything sorted for my camping trip
• Do an outfit post
• Have a date night
• Do something creative
• Set my Summer goals

I feel like I failed a little this month, time just went by too fast and I wasn’t even the tiniest bit organised. I think the added pressure of creating extra content to cover my travel plans stopped me from blogging at all so I’m sorry about the lack of posts. I’m thinking that the digital detox which is inevitable with camping will clear my mind and hopefully give me loads of inspiration for future posts. I wanted to be super healthy this month and I think I did the opposite, oops. I'm yet to even consider doing an outfit post and adding it to my goals really isn't motivating me. I really want to do a DIY project but I haven't had the time, maybe soon.

So the EU Referendum happened, I voted to stay. I was honestly worried about the outcome, when I woke in the morning to find that the UK had voted to leave my worried where confirmed. I guess the question now is what happens next. I hope our nation can unite and make the changes as smoothly as possible, everything seems so messed up at the moment.

I did manage to get my act together and order some birthday presents so that's one less thing to worry about. We tested fitting the camping gear in the car and to my shock it all fit (it's a different car from last years trip and the boot is tiny). I set my summer goals and I'm already crossing things off. I wish this post was more positive.

Recap/Highlights

• I set myself 25 summer goals to make the most of the summer months
• I did my most favourite Lush review yet when I wrote about the Sea Monster Fun
• I decided to go cruelty free and listed some helpful tips for making the switch

How did you do with your monthly goals?

Sam

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Summer Travel Plans | York, London And Barcelona

Hi, I wanted to share my holiday plans with you, I’m not much of a traveler but it seems that's going to change over the next three weeks. It feels like forever since I had some proper time off work and it's years since I last went abroad so I'm going to make the most of it.

Summer Travel Plans

First I’m off camping on the edge of lovely city of York for four nights. This has become a bit of an annual trip and one that I look forward too as York is such an amazing place to visit. If you haven’t been you really should, you can see what I got up to last year in this post.

July is a month full of birthdays, it's a big birthday for my mum this year so the family decided to jump on a plane and celebrate in a warmer climate. We're going to Barcelona for a four night stay. We've pre-booked some really exciting things to do so I’m super looking forward to all the fun to come but a little worried about getting on a plane again, it’s been years.

After I get back from Barcelona I’ve got a few days back at work before I pack my bags yet again for a long weekend down in London to take in the sights at Hyper Japan. I’ve had it booked for so long now, I can’t wait. While in London I plan to make a trip to the Oxford Lush store and any other London treats that haven’t quite made their way north of the UK.

So there you have it three weeks of almost nonstop holidaying, I want to apologise now because there is going to be a lack of posts during this time but I hope on my return I will have some extra special posts to share with you.

Are you going anywhere nice on holiday?

Sam

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