Bookmas 2018 Day 7…

On the seventh day of Bookmas gemsbooknook gave to you…

2018’s 7 Quick Reads:

The Selection by Kiera Cass: I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, I didn’t think I was going to like it. Luckily I was wrong; I loved it. It was fun, easy to read and thoroughly entertaining. I honestly can’t wait to dive into the rest of this series. So glad I picked this book up.

Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely: This book surprised me. I didn’t know if I was going to like it. It was a little slow at the begin but once it picked up I was completely invested. It was such a new sort of book for me to read and I really enjoyed it. I hope this isn’t the last we see of these amazing characters. I want more.

The Mercy Seat by Elizabeth H. Winthrop: This book is an absolute masterpiece. The writing is superb, the story is captivating, and the characters are real. I couldn’t put this book down. It is one of the best books I have ever read. All I can really say is that everyone needs to read this book.

We Are Young by Cat Clarke: I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the first page. I was able to related to so many of the characters which made this story really captivating for me. I loved the story and the was it developed. I will definitely be reading this book again in the future.

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon: This book was amazing. I am so glad I finally picked it up. I loved the plot, the characters, the writing. I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. I will definitely be re reading this one many times in the future.

Geekerella by Ashley Poston: This was a quick cute read. I really enjoyed the characters and the plot of this story. I loved seen elements of Cinderella make their way into this story, it was really creative. I am really glad I read this book and I know I will be reading it again in the future.

Sleep Affirmations by Jennifer Williamson: This book was beautiful. I really enjoyed these wonderful affirmations and I felt really calm and relaxed the more I read. The layout of this book was great and the illustrations that accompanied the affirmations really added an extra layer to this book.

Well that’s it from me. Let me know your quick reads for 2018 in the comment section.

Until next time…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

 

Bookmas 2018 Day 6…

On the 6th Day of Bookmas gemsbooknook gave to you…

The 6 Best Covers of 2018:

The Key by Kathryn Hughes:

This book started really slow. I was having trouble staying interested in it at the beginning. Just before the half way point it really picked up speed and I couldn’t put it down. I am so glad I stuck with it, because it was so worth it in the end. This book is definitely worth the read.

Sleeping Beauties by Stephen and Owen King:

I honestly don’t have the words to describe how amazing this book is. Masterpiece is the only word I can think of. I am a massive King fan and this book is the reason why. It was perfectly woven, with amazing characters and a really wacky plot line. If you havent read this book yet, do it now.

Happiness For Humans by P.Z. Reizin:

This book was such a pleasure to read. It was joyful, funny and really interesting. I loved the concept of this book and I found myself really engaged with the story and the characters. I truly believe this is a book that everyone will get something out of.

The Other Sister by Elle Croft:

This book took me by surprise. It took a few chapters for me to get into it but once I did I was hooked. I don’t love books that are told from multiple points of view but I got use to it in this book and by the end I wasnt really bothered by it. This book was creepy, intriguing and will stay with my for a long time.

Diagon Alley: A Movie Scrapbook by Jody Revenson:

I adored this book. It was over flowing with fantastic information and behind the scenes secrets, as well as leaflets, stickers and really awesome fold out posters. This is another must have for all Harry Potter fans. I am totally in love with this book.

The Elite by Kiera Cass:

 

This book was amazing. After loving The Selection so much I was both excited and apprehensive about this book. Thankful it not only lived up to its predecessor but exceeded it. I loved getting a deeper insight it this world and these amazing characters and I am so excited to dive into book three.

Well that’s it from me, let me know your favourite covers of 2018 in the comment section.

Until next time…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

 

Bookmas 2018 Day 5…

On the 5th day of Bookmas gemsbooknook gave to you…

The 5 Best Sequels of 2018:

Escaping From Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco: I absolutely loved this book. I love the two previous books in this series and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Thankfully it didn’t disappoint. I loved getting to catch up with Audrey Rose and Thomas and I thought the idea of a floating carnival as the back drop was brilliant. I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book.

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff: This book was mind-blowing. I honestly can’t describe just how amazing this book was. This whole series was an absolute joy. This book was everything I had hoped it would be and more. I laughed, I cried and I spent the entire book on the edge of my seat. I absolutely loved this series and I am genuinely sad that this is the final book.

Darker by E.L. James: I really enjoyed this book. After reading Grey, I was actually excited to read this book. I really enjoy reading this story from Christian’s point of view. I think I may prefer reading from Christian’s point of view over Ana’s. I also loved getting to see what was happening with Christian and his family whilst we were reading about Ana’s life. I looking forward to reading the next installment soon.

The One by Kiera Cass: They say ‘third times the charm’, in this case they are completely right. This book was amazing, I loved getting to learn more about the characters and palace life, and I really loved the darker and more emotional moments that were in this book. This series is fast becoming a favourite of mine and I can’t wait to read more.

Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein: This book was an absolute roller coaster read. I laughed, I cried, and I held my breath. I went into this book will high expectations and this book well and truly surpassed them. It was equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. Everyone should read this book. I wont be forgetting it anytime soon.

Well that’s it for Bookmas Day 5. Let me know if you have read any of these books or what your favourite sequel of 2018 was.

Until next time…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

 

Bookmas 2018 Day 4…

On the 4th day of Bookmas gemsbooknook gave to you…

My 4 Most Anticipated Releases of 2019:

The Everlasting Rose (The Belles, #2) by Dhonielle Clayton: I was hesitant going into The Belles but it absolutly blew me away. I honestly didn’t want the first book to end so I am over the moon that I will soon have a second book to devour. I am so excited to see what Camille and the rest of the Belles do next.

Untitled (Stalking Jack the Ripper #4)by Kerri Maniscalco: I honestly can’t wait to get my hands on this book. I have loved every second of this series and I cant wait to see what trouble Audrey Rose and Thomas get up to next. I will be sad to see this series end but I am so glad that I get to read one more book before I have to say goodbye.

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas: After finally reading The Hate U Give not that long ago, I was very excited to see that Angie Thomas has a new book coming out. I know I am a bit late to the party but that hasn’t dampened my excitement about reading this book. I honestly can’t wait.

Sherwood by Meagan Spooner: I was really excited when I heard about this book. I read Hunter by Meagan Spooner last year and I absolutly loved it. It was honestly one of the best retellings I have ever read. I am so excited to see how she puts a fresh twist on the tale of Robin Hood. Looking forward to getting lost in this book.

Well that’s it from me. Let me know what books you are looking forward to most in 2019.

Until next time…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

Bookmas 2018 Day 3…

On the 3rd day of Bookmas gemsbooknook gave to you…

My 3 least favourite books of 2018:

Queens Of Geek by Jen Wilde: Even though I ended up enjoying this book, I kind of wish it was two individuals books. I didn’t like switching between narrators and I felt that both of these characters and their stories were strong enough on their own. I would love to see more stories on both Taylor and Charlie, even if they are only novellas. Great characters like these young women deserve to shine.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer: I didn’t really like this book. I went into it with high hopes, thinking that I may have a new series to read, but it wasnt really for me. While I enjoyed certain aspects of this book, overall I just didn’t love it. I just couldn’t get into the whole cyborg, hovers and AI aspects. I don’t think I will be continuing with this series.

Dude! by Aaron Reynolds: I didn’t love this book. The illustrations by Dan Santat’s were amazing and really made this book. There wasnt really much of a story so to speak, so if it wasnt for the illustrations there really wouldn’t have been a book to read.

Well that’s it for Bookmas day 3. Let me know if you have read any of these book or which books disappointed you in 2018.

Until tomorrow…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

Bookmas 2018 Day 2…

On the 2nd day of Bookmas gemsbooknook gave to you…

My 2 Favourite Memoirs of 2018:

Love Wins by Debbie Cenziper: This book was amazing. I knew it would be good but I was overwhelmed by how emotional it was. This is a moment in history that I wont forget and getting to read about it from the perspective of the people who were involved in it was truly wonderful. A must read for everyone.

Best Foot Forward by Adam Hills. This book was awesome. It has been a while since a book has made me laugh out loud, yet I couldn’t stop laughing whilst reading this book. Not only was it funny and insightful it really warmed my heart. This is one of those books that everyone can enjoy.

Well that’s it for Bookmas Day 2. Let me know if you have read either of these books or what memoirs you have read this year.

Untill tomorrow…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

Bookmas 2018 Day 1…

On the first day of Bookmas gemsbooknook gave to you…

1 Bookmas Tree.

Yes, it’s that time again; Bookmas!!!

Over the next twelve days I will be posting daily, counting down to Christmas. Each post will have a different theme to enjoy.

I am going to try my best not to repeat any books. If a book is included in the first eleven days then it may be repeated on day twelve when I choose my twelve favourite book of the year. Apart from my top 12, the rest of the books will only appear in one Bookmas post, regardless of how much I loved it.

These lists includes books I have read this year even if they weren’t 2018 New Releases. If I read it this year it is eligible for my Bookmas countdown.

As it is day 1, I am kicking off Bookmas with a Bookmas Tree.

Drum roll please….

2018’s Bookmas Tree…

Well that’s it for Bookmas day 1.

Until Tomorrow…

Happy Reading…

Merry Bookmas….

❤ Gem

Christmas Reads…

It’s that time again; Wacky Wednesday. I though today we would get into the Holiday Spirit by going through my picks for Christmas Reads. This list has books suitable for both young and old readers. If you are looking for a Christmas read for yourself or for someone else then this is the list for you.

So without further ado, lets jump into my Christmas Reads:

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: This is in my opinion the pinnacle of Christmas stories. I read this book every year during the Holiday season and it never fails to fill me with Holiday cheer. I honestly can’t think of a better book to read at Christmas time. If you havent read this book, read it this Christmas. You wont regret it.

Aussie Jingle Bells by Colin Buchanan: This beautiful book is perfect for both young and old. Aussie Jingle Bells is a well-known christmas song in Australia and it has been brought to life in this beautiful book. With amazing illustrations by Nick Bland, this book is a must have for all Aussie households this festive season.

Rory The Dinosaur Needs A Christmas Tree by Liz Climo: I adored this beautiful book. It was one of the first Christmas book I read this year and it really put my in the festive mood. The story was sweet and the illustrations were fantastic. I was so happy to find out the author was Australian. This is one book that I will re read many times in the future.

The Christmas Spirit Is Born by Perry Johnson: This book was so beautiful. I loved every second of it. I got so enthralled in the story, it felt like I was only reading for a few minutes. I have re read this book many times this year and I will be picking it up again this Holiday Season.

Dashing Through The Snow by Mary Higgins Clark: I think I have found my newest Christmas book obsession; Mary and Carol Higgins Clark. This book was the perfect read. A quick fun read, with great characters and plot and a sprinkling of Christmas. I will definitely be reading this book again in the future.

Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark: This book was amazing. I went into this book with high hopes and thankfully it lived up to my expectations. I love that this book was a cozy mystery with a dash of Christmas instead of an all out Christmas book. Another perfect read for a nice dose of Christmas.

The Christmas Thief by Mary Higgins Clark: I loved this book. A cozy mystery with a nice dose of Christmas. I wasnt sure what to expect from this book, but I really enjoyed it. It was the perfect mix of excitement and heart. A great, quick read that is perfect for the holiday season.

Santa Is Coming To Sydney by Steve Smallman: I adored this book. I love a Christmas story set in Australia, so when I saw a book set in Sydney I just had to have it. This awesome book features many Sydney suburbs and landmarks to enjoy whilst getting a healthy dose of Christmas magic. This book has been released for many State, Countries and suburbs, make sure you check if there is one available for where you live.

My Special Christmas Adventure by Julia Wilson: This beautiful book has been apart of my life and my Christmas’s since my first Christmas. This personalised book contains a magical Christmas story with myself, my sister and my cousins as the characters. This book was a gift from my Nan and Pop for my first Christmas and I read it every year.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss: I couldn’t do a Christmas Reads list without including this amazing little book. I adore Dr Seuss and The Grinch is one of my all time favourites. Filled with Christmas spirit and heart, told with Dr Seuss unique writing and charm, How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a must read this Holiday Season.

Well that’s it from me. I hope you guys enjoyed this post. As usual if you have read any of these books or you have any recommendations for me, hit me up in the comments section.

Until next time…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

Dear Santa by Samuel Johnson

‘If you could ask Santa for absolutely anything, what would you ask for?

Samuel Johnson OAM, Australia’s favourite skylarker, brother and determined cancer vanquisher, has asked his friends and supporters (who just happen to be some of Australia’s best writers, comics, actors, artists, musicians and personalities) to share their letters to Santa.

Some letters are naughty.
Some letters are nice.
Some echo a favourite childhood memory.
Some beg forgiveness.
Some are angry.
Some just want something sweet.
Some want to change their own world, others want to change the whole world.

Contributors include Helen Garner, Adam Hills, Deborah Mailman, Rove McManus, Leigh Sales, Grant Denyer, John Williamson, Myf Warhurst, John Paul Young, Mia Freedman, Shaun Micallef, Missy Higgins, and many more.’

This book was wonderful.

Victorian of the Year Samuel Johnson OAM has put together an entertaining, witty and heartwarming collection of letters to Santa written by some of Australia’s most loved personalities.

I was so excited to get my hand on this book and it didn’t disappoint. I was surprised by how mush some of the letters resonated with me. I laughed, I cried and I laughed again whilst reading this book.

This book contains the perfect mix of naughty and nice. Some letter will make you think, some will make you feel and others will make you laugh out loud. I started and finished this book with a smile on my face and a warm and fuzzy feeling in my heart.

The weird and wacky Illustrations by Shaun Tan add an extra layer of awesomeness to this amazing book.

This beautiful little book of letters is the perfect gift this Christmas and with every copy sold contributing to cancer research, there really is no reason not to purchase this book.

Dear Santa by Samuel Johnson is an absolute must have for all Australian households.

How I Celebrate Christmas!

I know a lot of people have a lot of different traditions at Christmas, so I thought today I would go through my Families Christmas celebration with you.

It all starts with the decorations. They go up in November and stay up until January. My mum goes all out, every room in the house gets decorated. From the tree in the living room to the Santa Toilet outfit in the bathroom.

The tree is something we decorate together. It is filled with decorations we made throughout our childhoods, as well as personalised baubles, remembrance baubles and our first shoes.

Mum fills up the house with lights, in the windows, hanging in rooms, on the tree and of course outside. We also how outside decorations and signs that fill up our front yard.

From the first of December there are trays of lollies, chocolate, cookies and a gingerbread house on the kitchen table for everyone to enjoy. As well as an advent calender for each us.

Once the tree is up gifts just seem to materialise under it. By the time christmas rolls around there is never any room left under the tree. On Christmas Eve our ‘santa’ presents get put in our childhood Christmas sack and we put our Christmas stockings on our door and in the morning there is a present in it.

In the lead up to Christmas we go out Christmas Light looking around areas close to our house. We also watch every Christmas movie that is shown on TV. In Australia we have two televised Christmas Carols shows; one airing on Channel 7 and one on Channel 9, which we of course watch.

Now as for Christmas Day we do our ‘santa’ gifts and our family gifts in the morning. After gifts are done we clean up and get ready for Christmas Lunch. We change houses each year and split up the food we need to bring.

We go all out with the food; Ham, chicken, turkey, corned beef, eggs, salads, pasta salads, prawns, bread rolls, cookies, pudding, cake, lollies, chocolate, soft drink and or course alcohol. We do Christmas crackers before lunch and wear the party hates for the rest of the day.

After we have recovered from all of the food we do presents. We do a Secret Santa with our extended family so it doesn’t take nearly as long t get through presents as you would think.

In the afternoon people drink, swim, sun bake and eat. It is Australia of course.

The celebrations usually end sometime in the early evening. After an early night we all back up again to celebrate Boxing Day,

We as an extended family go out for lunch on Boxing Day. We are usually all there although sometimes people have to attend their partners families Christmas Celebration. We choose to do this so that everyone can enjoy themselves and no one has to worry about cooking or cleaning.

One of the things I love most about Christmas is the traditions. I know everyone has their own traditions, and I hope you guys enjoyed hearing about mine.

~>GEM<~