Two Books From Now On!

Usually I only read one book at a time, but after reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I became restless and couldn't choose a book. I was having headaches and was becoming stressed because I wasn't enjoying my books. It was like after all the hype and that brilliant book, I came back down to earth with a bump!

I had to hide a majority of my books, as they've become 'just' books now. I've begun to take them for granted. Sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. I've got bored looking at them. I'm not a fast reader, if I try to be I end up skimming the pages without taking the story in. Then I ask myself why am I trying to read fast? It doesn't matter if I don't complete the 50 book challenge, it doesn't matter if it takes me 3, 4, 5 days or a week or more to read, even though I get impatient at times as I just want to read read read!!!!

What matters is that I am 'enjoying' reading. I love my books and I love reading, and this is how I want to keep it, as when you read, you build a relationship with the book, it's like you go through so many emotions and on a journey together. Some books you get on with, others you don't, it's a bit like people lol.

So, I did something different, I chose two books to read this time, and I'm really enjoying them. When I feel like I've read enough of one book, I pick the other one up. It may take me longer to finish a book this way but, I don't care. I finally have my inspiration for books back, yay!

The Magic Shop by H. G. Wells (Audio Book)

Thought Audio.com

"This is a charming tale from H.G. Wells about a young boy named Gip who visits a magic shop for his birthday with his father. But this is not just any magic shop – the shopkeeper insists that this is a genuine magic shop. The story is an entertaining adventure as Gip, like any young boy of his age, experiences the pure enjoyment of true magic while his skeptical father grapples with having to draw the line between slight of hand and genuine magic"


I listened to my first Audio Book, today. I searched on the net for some 'free' ones and found a few sites with them. So I downloaded The Magic Shop by H.G. Wells, narrated by Michael Scott.

I wasn't sure what sort of book it was and realised it was a child's book, this didn't put me off as I like reading Young authors books anyway. It was really quite charming. It's about how Gip goes to a magic shop with his father for his birthday, and strange magical things happen. It's a short story and only last half an hour. So it's not the sort of book I would be drawn into, with it being so short and also aimed at young children. I'm glad I listened to it though, it was good cooking dinner and being told a story at the same time. The narrator is American and I enjoyed listening to him tell this story. I wouldn't say it was the best but being my first I am sure to find better ones. I want to look out for some English ones, and audio books that I can get gripped with, ones that have emotion and that can make you feel as though you are there.


It is my first H.G. Wells book and I would look for some more. I think if my 11year old son Joe, would like to listen to this.

Bit of a Pickle!

I've been in a bit of a Pickle today. I ended up putting IT by Stephen King away. The text is so small it strains my eyes and I'm finding it hard to get 'into' the book. So I've put it away for when I am in the mood to read it. I hate forcing myself to read a book, so rarely do.

Then I went and picked up To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee, and ended up putting that back on the shelf, and then picked up and put back Little Women by Louisa M Alcott. Both are part of the 'Something About Me Challenge', but I don't feel drawn to reading them atm.

So I've decided to read Two books, which I'll take my time with, Garth Nix - Mister Monday, after Marg from Reading Adventures gave it a good review & Joanne Harris - Holy Fools. So far I'm enjoying them. I don't usually read two books at the same time, but feel like doing something different.

I'm Rockin!

Tanzanite, awarded me the Rocking Girl award. I haven't won an award before. So thank you hun!
I liked what she said about my blog and it's true I didn't read much as a child. As an adult my sister would lend me the odd book (as I wasn't into reading like she was) and I read a couple (The Magic Cottage by James Herbert & Dirty weekend Can't remember the author), then as my kids grew they were into reading big time! I often wished I enjoyed reading like they did. I started off with Spiritual and self help books until I met some friends online who often chatted about fiction, they sounded like they were having loads of fun and felt like I was missing out. So I decided to have a go, and I picked up Flowers in the Attic by Virginia Andrews and it went from there. Since then I've been addicted to reading fiction, and I'm so enjoying myself.

OK now I'm supposed to award four people the Rockin Girl Award. They go to:

Tanzanite's Shelf and stuff
I know I'm handing one back to her and the reason for this is, I visit her blog a lot. I'm always interested in what she has to say in her reviews. It's one of my main favourites.

Confessions of a Book Addict
I love this blog and it's one of the first I always check. Clare reads pretty fast (so I know I can come here for good recommendations before I set out to find a book) and she is into genre's I like too. We both love Tudor fiction. Also she's a lovely person so these are the reasons why have awarded her.

My Front Room
This one goes to my my sis Jess, she is fairly new to blogging but is having loads of fun. I love reading her posts on her blog about her life and her daughter Sophie. She has also put some beautiful pic's on her blog of nature. I love that she takes photo's and hopes she shares more.

Things Mean A Lot
This seems to be a very popular blog and I have to admit, I love going there myself. I'm always interested to read the reviews this person has done. I also love the way the blog is set out. it looks so calming and pretty. It's one of my favourites.

Harry Potter and the Deathy Hallows by J.K Rowling

Author: J.K Rowling
ISBN: 978-0-7475-9105-4
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Pages:607
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Bloomsbury

"'His hand closed automatically around the fake Horcrux, but in spite of everything, in spite of the dark and twisting path he saw stretching ahead for himself, in spite of the final meeting with Voldemort he knew must come, whether in a month, in a year, or in ten, he felt his heart lift at the thought that there was still one last golden day of peace left to enjoy with Ron and Hermione.' With these words "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" draws to a close."

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book, but I was not one of the many that was at the shops at 12am to get it! LOL. I got mine at 8:30am Saturday morning.

Having read most of the other books (I just have Chamber of secrets to read, but have seen all the movies) I was so excited to read this book, I wanted to know: Was Snape really bad? Did Dumbledore really die? Was Harry going to die?

Well all was answered in this book, as I was half way through I was making lots of guesses and had guessed the correct answer about Harry, although at the time I wasn't sure? Hubby had cheated by looking up on the net the morning it came out; the plot of the book, and loved knowing that he knew and I didn't! LOL. Men really! doh!

Anyway, I can say that I totally enjoyed this book! I loved every minute of it. I never found a dull moment and found it was fast paced. It was easy to read and I love J.K Rowling!!!
I've seen some reviews slating the book, I'm wondering why? I guess some people really wanted the worst to happen in the book and evil to prevail!! Hmm?

I have loved the Harry potter books, J.K Rowling gave us Harry Potter Hermione & Ron, Dumbledore, Snape, Sirius, amongst other great characters.
This book I felt tied everything up nicely, as I read the book I once again fell in love with the characters. I felt like I was there with them, it was easy to visualize the surroundings and people and events that were taking place. There are some surprises in the book, people who die, events that take place etc.. I won't go on about that as I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it yet. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I was laughing, I was totally drawn in and three quarters through the book I was in tears! I found the last quarter of the book very emotional.
I so felt for Harry in this book, I wanted to reach out to him.

I can't say there was anything in this book I didn't like. Because I loved all of it. I think J.K Rowling is an amazing writer, she has given children and adults the story of Harry Potter (which will be passed down for generations to come), and I can't wait to read her next project.

Fantastic!

Something About Me Challenge

I've chosen my books to read for the Something About Me Challenge
It was really hard choosing!



Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Alyson's) This is a book I've wanted to read for a while now. I've not seen the movie, so I'm not sure what to expect?

To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee (Janet's) I tried to read this a couple of years ago, but gave up. I wasn't enjoying it but have decided to give this another go. I've been known to hate books and then like them when I re-read them.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (from a few peoples lists) This is a book which has had mixed reviews, I'm kind of worried about reading this as some people say it's hard going. But I like Historical and Vampire novels so I'm going to try this one.

Anne Frank: Diary of a young girl (Pattie's) This book I've always wanted to read, I heard much about it due to history in the news etc. I'd be honoured to read this book by such a brave and inspiring little girl.

I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles (Soleil's) I've chosen this one because I love historical novels and anything to do with the Tudors.

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz (JMC's) This book has some good reviews on Amazon. I've never tried anything from this author, so have decided to give it ago.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (Becky's) This is a book I've seen recommended on some blogs, so this is why I chose this book. I like the title of this book.

Magical Unicorns Oracle cards and Book by Doreen Virtue

Author: Doreen Virtue
ISBN: 6-56629-00311-5
Genre: Self help
Pages:85
cards: 44
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Hay House

"With the Magical Unicorn Oracle Cards deck, you can receive messages and guidance related to your present life, your future, and your spiritual path. Suitable for adults and children of all ages, each card features a beautiful unicorn painting and a life-affirming message. The enclosed easy to follow guidebook allows you to instantly give accurate readings to yourself and others. Let these cards by Doreen Virtue, the creator of the Healing with the Angels Oracle cards deck as well as many others, take you to the magical and enchanting world of the unicorns."

Being someone who loves Oracle decks and tarot, I got this deck for my birthday. This is a really stunning set of Unicorns images. This deck also comes with a guide book on how to read the cards and each card comes with an illustrated message within the book. Each message is inspirational and easy to read. It's meant for both adults and children.

I love this deck of cards, even if you don't want to do yourself a reading or read the book, just looking at the stunning pictures is wonderful. They really are beautiful. I've added some pictures of my favourites so you can see.

For anyone who likes fantasy, unicorns and oracle cards I recommend these.

The Power of Kabbalah by Yehuda Berg

Author: Yehuda Berg
ISBN: 0-340-82668-1
Genre: Non Fiction
Pages:255
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Hodder Mobius

"Previously shrouded in secrecy, its teachings were passed down orally from generation to generation to only an elite few. Now, Rabbi Yehuda Berg has created a user's manual for today's world, in which its wisdom is conveyed in a practical form. In this book, these secret teachings are brought to bear on the real world issues faced by us every day - in our careers, with family and friends and in our innermost personal thoughts. Rabbi Yehuda Berg sets out a practical collection of principles and instructions for improving our lives, helping us to get where we really want to be emotionally, spiritually, financially and creatively in all aspects of life."


I got this book a few years ago, as I became interested in the teachings of Kabbalah. Being someone who doesn't follow any specific religion, I wanted to find out what it's all about, and I'm open to all beliefs. I found this book really interesting and it did answer some questions for me. Some parts I found a bit heavy, but it was very enjoyable to read and mind provoking. It's one of those books you go back to for inspiration. It has helped me on my 'spiritual' path, and I do go along with some of it's beliefs. This little book however, cannot tell you everything about Kabbalah, but it does give you a good idea. So I will be on search for more books of this subject.

I sum this book up as a good spiritual read for those in search of some answers, and those interested in this religion.

The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory

Author: Philippa Gregory
ISBN: 978-0-00-719033-1
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 518
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Harper.


"The year is 1539 and the court of Henry VIII is increasingly fearful at the moods of the ageing sick king. With only a baby in the cradle for an heir, Henry has to take another wife and the dangerous prize of the crown of England is won by Anne of Cleves. She has her own good reasons for agreeing to marry a man old enough to be her father, in a country where to her both language and habits are foreign. Although fascinated by the glamour of her new surroundings, she senses a trap closing around her. Katherine is confident that she can follow in the steps of her cousin Anne Boleyn to dazzle her way to the throne but her kinswoman Jane Boleyn, haunted by the past, knows that Anne's path led to Tower Green and to an adulterer's death"

Being a fan of Philippa Gregory's novels, I was really looking forward to reading this book. I always find her Tudor novels a treat to read, and know I'm in for something special.
I enjoyed reading about Anne of Cleaves and Katherine Howard, I hadn't read a novel with them in it before. Another thing I liked about this book, was we got to see another side to Jane Boleyn. I actually felt sorry for her in this book, while in The Other Boleyn Girl I hated her.
Kathrine Howard in this novel I did find a little irritating, as her immaturity got to me, but I know the author was trying to show how young she was and her immaturity compared to the grown up court.

As I've read Philippa's Tudor novels, I've learnt more about history by going on the true historical facts. Henry VIII was not a nice man at all, he was to be feared and thank god those times are past.

So, here I get to sum the book up and I have to say I did enjoy it, although I was irritated a little by Katherine Howard. It's not my favourite novel in the Tudor series, it comes third to The Other Boleyn Girl and The Constant Princess. The Virgins Lover and The Queens Fool, follow.