House of Echoes by Barbara Erskine

Author: Barbara Ersikine
ISBN: 0-58-351149-X
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 421
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Harper Collins


"When Joss, who is adopted, decides to trace her natural parents, she finds her deceased mother has left her a country mansion in her will. Joss and her family are thrilled to start a new life, but gradually they begin to understand the house's terrible past."

I was really looking forward to reading this book, after hearing that some people really enjoyed it but, sadly I hated it! I had to slug through the last pages and basically rushed through the book to finish it.

I thought I was in for a good horror story, but I didn't find it scary and I was sick to death of reading about the whining from the two sisters Joss & Lyn. Whine whine whine!!!! I couldn't connect with any of the characters either. This book just didn't keep me interested. I found that I didn't really like Joss. I'm not sure if it was her character or the way the author writes? As even some things Joss husband (Luke) said to her, just didn't seem right in the book to me? There was just too much whining going on and not enough action and there didn't seem to be any atmosphere to this book.

I wouldn't even compare this book to 'Jame Herbert's The Secret of Crickley Hall', which imo was 100 times more exciting and scarier than this book.

This was my first Barbara Erskine book, I have Sands of Time sitting on my shelf, but that will be going way down on the list! Sorry to all those who like her, I know this book has been highly recommended else where. But I just didn't like this book.

My Rating: Obviously disappointing.

Randomness

I found this over a Rhinoa's Blog , who is tagging anyone who wants to do it, and I'm doing the same too!

The rules are simple. In the following list of a hundred books, bold the ones you've read, mark in blue the ones you want to read, mark in red the ones you don't want to read , italicise the ones you've never heard of, and leave the rest alone.

1. The DaVinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. The Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens) - just over half way through this
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According to Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte's Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down(Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

Well, as you can see I need to be doing a lot more reading! I hadn't heard of a lot of those! Think I need to get my butt in gear! hehehe

Read Print

I'm not usually one for online books, but I came across this site a while back called 'Read Print' and book marked it. I've decided I'm going to have a go at reading some of the books on here. They're all Classics. My first I think will have to be Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.

Here's the link if anyone else is interested. My library is closed atm, so this is going to come in really handy.

Read Print

The Cosmic Ordering Service by Barbel Mohr.

Author: Barbel Mohr
ISBN: 0-340-93332-1
Genre: Self help - Non Fiction
Pages:102
Format: Paperback
Publisher: HODDER MOBIUS

" The Cosmic Ordering Service is the new self-help phenomenon. It is recognised as the book that turned TV presenter Noel Edmonds' life around. Bestselling author Barbel Mohr teaches you how to fulfil all your wishes -- just by placing an order with the universe. She has used the Cosmic Ordering Service to gain her dream job, the ideal man, money, health -- even a castle to live in! Mohr has taught hundreds and thousands of others how to listen to your inner voice, place your order, sit back, and let marvellous things happen."


I first heard about this book in the paper when Noel Edmond's show ' Deal or No Deal' first came onto our screens. He kept having these tattoo's on his hands, and in the paper he mentioned the book and said he followed the authors system. So, my sister went and bought the book, she loved it and then my mum got me a copy. I had picked it up a little while ago, but forgot about it until this weekend, when I picked it up and finished it. I seem to have forgotten about my spiritual books, after reading so much fiction. So have dug them all out.

This really is a little book all about positivity. It's about asking the universe for things you desire and the universe delivering them. It starts with explaining about the author and how she found herself arguing with her friend about ordering from the cosmos, and how she made a list of orders not expecting to get them at all, and then she's amazed when she did. She then goes on to show you, how you can make orders and gives some exercises for you to follow.
Barbel, also talks about the spirit world, and gives you an exercise to follow to get in contact with the 'other side'. I found this to be really peaceful and I enjoyed it.

I also loved all the positive quotes that are in the back of this book, they really make you feel good about yourself and help to put you into a positive mood, raising your self esteem.

Overall though, even though I enjoyed this book, I didn't think any of it was 'new' information. As asking the universe for things is something I've done all my life, we all do it in one way or another. It also reminded me of Prayer, Spells and Reiki. All these things are getting in touch with your higher self and spirit. It's the sort of book you keep by your bed at night and read for a little inspiration and confidence boost.

My Rating; Filled with Positive Energy.

The Little House by Philippa Gregory

Author: Philippa Gregory
ISBN: 058351149X
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 360
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Harper Collins



"It was easy for Elizabeth. She married the man she loved. It was harder for Ruth. She married Elizabeth's son and then found that, somehow, she could never quite measure up. This thriller examines what women want and what they fear, as Ruth confronts the shifting borders of her own sanity."


Philippa Gregory does it again, as she delivered this fantastic moving novel!
I was gripped from page one. After reading this book I have come to a conclusion that Philippa Gregory is my most favourite author, she's my number one. Not only can she write Tudor fiction, she can also write thrillers. This book had me wanting to jump into the story and help Ruth, and wanted me to open Patrick's eyes!

Basically the story is about how a daughter in-law cannot live up to her Mother in-laws expectations. Nothing she does is right, and when it comes to her having a baby, she can't even do that right. There is something sinister going on behind the scenes, the Mother In-law (Elizabeth) has other ideas for Thomas, her grandchild. She wants to bring him up and Ruth doesn't fit into her family. Ruth's in-laws threaten to have her put into a mental institution. But I can't tell you anymore, as you'll have to read it. I was so sure how this story was going to end but, I was surprised with a shock ending!

My rating: Totally gripping and very moving!!

BTT

Booking Through Thursday

1. Do you cheat and peek ahead at the end of your books? Or do you resolutely read in sequence, as the author intended? No I never peek. I always read the book as it is meant to be read. I think reading ahead would spoil the book, although I know some people who do read the last page first.
   
2. And, if you don’t peek, do you ever feel tempted? No I don't, I don't see the point as I want to enjoy the book, not spoil it for myself.
   

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Author: J.K Rowiling
ISBN: 0-7475-8108-8
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Pages: 607
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Bloomsbury


"In the sixth and most recent book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the last chapter, titled "The Second War Begins," started:
'In a brief statement Friday night, Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge confirmed that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned to this country and is active once more.
"It is with great regret that I must confirm that the wizard styling himself Lord - well, you know who I mean - is alive among us again," said Fudge.'
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince takes up the story of Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at this point in the midst of the storm of this battle of good and evil."


I decided to re-read this book so that I could refresh my memory for the new coming and last installment of Harry Potter. Having enjoyed this book the first time I read it, I enjoyed it much more the second time around. I have enjoyed reading the journey with Harry and the rest of the guys, it's like you get to be apart of what's going on. This book is much darker than the others but so enjoyable. I had tears in my eyes at the end. The only part I'm not convinced about is Harry and Ginny. The saddest part is no more of a certain lovable character :( .
Although I loved this book, my favorite HP book so far remains to be The Order of the Phoenix.

My Rating: Loved every minute of it.

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien.

Author: J. R. R. Tolkien.
ISBN: 0-00-675402-3
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Publisher: Collins

"The classic story of Bilbo Baggins and his adventures through Rivendell, Mirkwood, and Erebor; released in a new paperback format. Easily one of the most famous children's books of modern times, "The Hobbit" is a must read and this edition will bring it to life for a whole new generation of readers. Bilbo Baggins enjoys a quiet and contented life, with no desire to travel far from the comforts of home. Then, one day, the wizard Gandalf and a band of dwarves arrive unexpectedly and enlist his services - as a burglar - on a dangerous expedition to raid the treasure-hoard of Smaug the dragon. Bilbo's life is never to be the same again. "The Hobbit" became an instant success when it was first published in 1937, and nearly 70 years later, Tolkien's epic tale of elves, dwarves, trolls, goblins, myth, magic and adventure, with its reluctant hero Bilbo Baggins, has become a timeless classic. This new children's edition of "The Hobbit", with a refreshed cover, will bring this classic story to a whole new generation of readers."

This is a book I've been meaning to read for ages, especially after being a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies. As I was reading this, it made me wish I had loved to read as a child, as I would have totally loved this book back then too.
I'm currently trying to get my 10 year old son to read it, but sadly like I was at his age, he doesn't want to read. Hmmm.

Anyway, I totally loved this book, it was better than I thought it would be. It was an exciting read and very enjoyable. It wasn't long until I was lost within the pages and hooked. I've not read much in the way of fantasy fiction, and if I can find more books like this then I'd be hooked.

Now I have to read The Lord of the Rings series!

My Rating: An Exciting Fantasy Novel!

50 Book Challenge.

I've just joined up with the 50 Book Challenge at The Library Thing

I've never read 50 books in a year before, being a bit of a slow reader, but I'm going to give it a try. I love reading and want to try and read more this year anyway.

So I'll start tomorrow with Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, which I am going to re-read, as I'm getting ready for the new book in July! Yay!

The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Author: Audrey Niffenegger
ISBN: 0-099-46446-2
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Vintage.

"This extraordinary, magical novel is the story of Clare and Henry who have known each other since Clare was six and Henry was thirty-six, and were married when Clare was twenty-two and Henry thirty. Impossible but true, because Henry is one of the first people diagnosed with Chrono-Displacement Disorder: periodically his genetic clock resets and he finds himself pulled suddenly into his past or future. His disappearances are spontaneous and his experiences are alternately harrowing and amusing. The Time Traveler's Wife depicts the effects of time travel on Henry and Clare's passionate love for each other with grace and humour. Their struggle to lead normal lives in the face of a force they can neither prevent nor control is intensely moving and entirely unforgettable."

This is one of the books that I had wanted to read for ages. I'd read lots of good reviews about it and had to read it for myself.

The Story is about how Henry who has a genetic disorder, which makes him time travel. He meets his future wife when she is just 6 years old and from then on, visits her as she's growing up. Time traveling is not something he enjoys and wants it to stop, he finds a doctor who he hopes can help him, but can he? It's not easy convincing people he's a time traveler, especially when he time travels and ends up in a destination butt naked. I also liked reading Clare's side of how it was to live with Henry, and dealing with his absence when he time traveled.

There's so much to this book, it was very emotional. I really felt like I could connect with the characters, and I felt like I was there with them. I love books that do that to you. This is certainly a fabulous book, it was beautifully written and I enjoyed it so much
I loved how every detail of Henry and Clare's relationship went into this book, and I did enjoy reading about the love and passion they shared for each other.

I don't usually give my reviews scores, but if I was to, this one I'd give it 10/10.

My Verdict; One of the best books I've read.

BTT

Booking Through Thursday

• Do you read e-Books?
• f so, how? On your computer, or a PDA?
• Or are you a paper purist? Why?

No I don't. I have tried before but I always get bored with them quickly. There's nothing like getting stuck into a real paper book.

I've Been Tagged!!!

I've Been Tagged!!

Clare from http://bookreadingtales.blogspot.com/ has tagged me to answer these questions so here goes:

Name 3 Characters........
.............You wish were real so you could meet them:
Wow, let me think about this .......

Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife. We know she was real in another time, but I love to read about her. She was a strong and loving woman & wife.

Armande from Joanne Harris's novel; Chocolat. I just loved that book, this character just got to me and pulled at my heart strings.

John Coffey from Stephen Kings; The Green Mile. I wanted to step inside this book and hug this man, and tell him it was going to be alright.

..............You would like to be:

Dumbledore from the Harry potter series, he's just so wise, powerful and loving!

Vianne Rocher from Joanne Harris novel; Chocolate. I loved reading about her struggle to be accepted and her relationship with Armande was really moving.

Henry from The Time Travelers wife by Audrey Niffenegger. As I'd love to be able to time travel.

.................Who Scare Me:

Annie from Stephen Kings novel; Misery. She's just awful!!!

The Ghosts & father in Stephen Kings; The Shining.

The Ghost in James Herbert's; The Secret of Crickley Hall. He terrified me!!!

I'll tag Chrissy from; http://chrissysbookshelf.blogspot.com and Margo from http://margothinksit.blogspot.com