Never Look Back by A.L. Gaylin

‘When website columnist Robin Diamond is contacted by true crime podcast producer Quentin Garrison, she assumes it’s a business matter. It’s not. Quentin’s podcast, Closure, focuses on a series of murders in the 1970s, committed by teen couple April Cooper and Gabriel LeRoy. It seems that Quentin has reason to believe Robin’s own mother may be intimately connected with the killings.

Robin thinks Quentin’s claim is absurd. But is it? The more she researches the Cooper/LeRoy murders herself, the more disturbed she becomes by what she finds. Living just a few blocks from her, Robin’s beloved parents are the one absolute she’s always been able to rely upon, especially now amid rising doubts about her husband and frequent threats from internet trolls. Robin knows her mother better than anyone.

But then her parents are brutally attacked, and Robin realizes she doesn’t know the truth at all…’

I really enjoyed this book.

I honesty didn’t think I was going to enjoy this book as much as I did. This is by far one of the best crime books I have read in a long time.

I loved getting to see the story unfold through the letters and articles rather than jumping between time periods.

The characters in this story were so well developed, I had no problem relating to and feeling for them. The individual stories and journeys were the heart of this book.

This book really does show you how small the world is. Seeing how these characters intertwined and how their actions affected the other characters was really interesting to watch play out.

My favourite thing about this book was the emotion. There were some genuinely emotional moments in this book, and they were completely believable and heartbreaking.

A.L. Gaylin has done a fantastic job with this book. It has so many different and perfectly crafted elements that work perfectly together to created an amazing story.

Never Look Back by A.L. Gaylin will keep you wanting until the very last page.

Required Reading!

Ah, Required Reading. I can remember in school absolutely hating required reading books. I genuinely think the only one i ever actually like was The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.

Now required reading is back in my life. I was nervous as I waited for to receive my required reading list from uni, I honestly had know idea what I was going to have to read.

As it turns out, I was worrying about nothing. My three required reading books for this semester are actually books I am interested in.

In fact I already owned two of the books. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley; which I have previously read, and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

I was excited to see that I not only owned two of the books but that I had already read one of them. Knowing that has made me feel better about my required reading. At least I already have an interest in two of the books.

As for the third book: Heart Of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. I just bought myself a copy and after reading the synopsis I am actually looking forward to reading it.

Maybe this is the start of me not hating Required Reading. I guess we will see how I feel after I have finished reading all three of the books.

~>GEM<~

Outrages by Naomi Wolf

‘That law was the Obscene Publications Act and it was a crucial turning point. Why? Because dissent and morality; ‘deviancy’ and ‘normalcy’; unprintable and printable were suddenly lawful concepts in the modern sense. This new law effectively invented modern obscenity. Before 1857 it wasn’t ‘homosexuality’ – a term that didn’t yet exist – that was a crime, but simply the act of sodomy. But in a single stroke, not only was love between men illegal, but anything referring to this love also became obscene, unprintable, unspeakable. And writers, editors and printers became the gatekeepers with a responsibility to uphold the morals of the society – followed by serious criminal penalties if they didn’t. And as the act evolved, joined by other laws against sexual representation and speech, making their way to courts, the authors’ or artists’ intentions were deemed immaterial. What mattered was if the work in question had a ‘tendency . . . to deprave and corrupt those whose minds are open to such immoral influences, and into whose hands a publication of this sort may fall’.’

This book was fascinating.

I am honestly surprised by how much I learnt whilst reading this book. Seeing how the laws changed in regard to homosexuality and why was really quite astonishing.

Not only was this book eye opening, it was completely heartbreaking. I was genuinely moved whilst reading some of the poems and letters that feature throughout this book.

It was hard for me to imagine the rhetoric and damage that was being spread throughout this time period. After reading this book, I was overwhelmed by how easy I found it to understand how these situations came to be.

Whilst we are definitely living in a better time, I isn’t hard to imagine this sort of thing happening again.

I am so glad that I read this book and I truly believe everybody could learn a thing or two from it.

Outrages by Naomi Wolf is a must read for everyone.

The Fictional Boyfriend Tag…

Welcome one and all to another Wacky Wednesday post. Today I am partaking in The Fictional Boyfriend Tag. I hope you all enjoy this quick little tag.

So without further ado, lets jump straight in:

The Most Romantic Boyfriend

Beast – Beauty and the Beast

The Dark & Moody Bad Boy with a Good Side

Christian Grey – 50 Shades

The Paranormal Boyfriend

Eric Northman – Southern Vampire series

The Boyfriend you Want to Tame

Remus Lupin – Harry Potter

The Boy you Friend-Zoned

Louis Delarue – Paris Lights

Your Soulmate

Landon Carter – A Walk To Remember

The Boyfriend you would Elope with

Dimitri Belikov – Vampire Academy

The Boyfriend you would Venture Anywhere with

Logan Thibault – The Lucky One

The Boyfriend you want to be Stranded on a Deserted Island with

Dale ‘Barbie’ Barbara – Under The Dome

Bad Ass Boyfriend

Jasper Hale – Twilight

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Well that’s it for me. I hope you guys enjoyed this tag. As usual, hit me up with your answers in the comment section.

Until next time…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

 

The Forgotten Letters Of Esther Durrant by Kayte Nunn

‘1951. Esther Durrant, a young mother, is committed to an isolated mental asylum by her husband. Run by a pioneering psychiatrist, the hospital is at first Esther’s prison but soon becomes her refuge.

2018. Free-spirited marine scientist Rachel Parker embarks on a research posting in the Isles of Scilly, off the Cornish coast. When a violent storm forces her to take shelter on a far-flung island, she discovers a collection of hidden love letters. Captivated by their passion and tenderness, Rachel determines to track down the intended recipient.

Meanwhile, in London, Eve is helping her grandmother, a renowned mountaineer, write her memoirs. When she is contacted by Rachel, it sets in motion a chain of events that threatens to reveal secrets kept buried for more than sixty years.’

This book was wonderful.

I honestly don’t know if I can describe how wonderful this book truly was.

The scope of it alone was amazing. Add in the fantastic  characters, and the way in which their stories intersect and you have a utterly beautiful story.

The characters in this book were so well developed that I was instantly drawn to all of them. Their journeys were my journeys and their emotions radiated off the pages.

Even though we were experiencing different stories set in wildly different era’s, this book didn’t feel stunted on at all jumpy. In fact, Kayte Nunn wove these wonderful story-lines together absolutely perfectly.

I loved getting to know each of the characters individually and then watching them evolve and their stories intertwine as this epic tale went on. Each of the individual story-lines were relatable, emotional and expertly written.

Speaking of the writing; Kayte Nunn has done a fabulous job with the writing in this book. It is expertly paced, with a flowing lyrical quality to it that just carries the reader through the story.

Its been a long time since I have had a reading experience like the one I got whilst reading this book.

If you are looking for a book that will completely transport you and leave you thoroughly entertained then this is the book for you.

The Forgotten Letters Of Esther Durrant by Kayte Nunn is a sweeping novel that you wont want to end.

New TV Shows!

Well as it has turned out my frustration over the US TV Off-Season has been slightly unnecessary.

While I am not watching nearly as much TV as I usually do, I have found some really great new shows and mini-series to watch this winter.

The down side with the mini-series is that they are of course mini, so they won’t take me through the entire Off-Season but beggars can’t be choosers.

So far I have really enjoyed the new shows I have found and I haven’t had too many nights where I wasn’t able to find something to watch.

I have also been able to catch up on some Movies I have wanted to see. I am glad I have had the time to catch up on some movies, as I was starting to get annoyed with the amount of them I had saved on my IQ2.

I guess have a bit of a break from regular TV viewing has actually been a blessing. I have been more productive with my blog and I have been getting a lot more reading done.

I still like to watch TV at the end of the night, but for now I am quite happy with the smaller amount of shows I am recording and watching.

On that note, I think I will go and watch some TV.

~>GEM<~

The Sharp Edge Of A Snowflake by Sif Sigmarsdottir

‘Hannah Eiriksdottir has been banished from her home in London to a place of eternal punishment for the wicked. No, not Hell, but close: Iceland. There, she faces a new life working as a journalist for her father’s newspaper – a man she barely knows.

Imogen Collins has the perfect life as a social media influencer, showing off her glamorous London existence to adoring fans. But behind the filters lies a dark secret. She thought she’d buried it: But the Beast is back – a ghost from her past who’s threatening to ruin her future.

When a man is found murdered at the edge of the road in snowy Iceland the girls’ lives collide. Imogen had the motive. Can Hannah find out the truth, and discover the reality of the girl beneath the filters?’

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I didn’t want this book to end.  I honestly didn’t know what to expect going into this book but it was wonderful.

I loved the writing in this book. I was well paced and filled with suspense. I loved all of the twists and turns in this book, and I was genuinely surprised by the ending.

I really enjoyed the addition of the Instagram posts throughout this book. I really helped to differentiate between the different character point of views.

The story itself was really interesting and actually kept me engaged and interested. Having such wonderfully written characters made for a fully rounded story.

I loved the different characters and what they brought to the story.  The characters each had their own strengths and weaknesses and watching them work together made for a really interesting reading experience.

This was the first time I had read anything by Sif Sigmarsdottir but it definitely wont be the last.

The Sharp Edge Of A Snowflake by Sif Sigmarsdottir will take you on a surprising journey and leave you wanting more.

2019 Mid-Year Freakout

I can’t believe how fast 2019 is going, I blinked and it was July. I’m a little late with this post but better late than never right? Now I know some of these book weren’t released in 2019, I just read them this year so that’s why they are included in this post.

Without further ado, here is my 2019 Mid-Year Freakout:

Best book you have read so far in 2019?

Mama’s Boy by Dustin Lance Black

Best sequel you have read in 2019?

Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass

Sequel that came out this year that you still havent read?

Finale by Stephanie Garber

Most anticipated release for the remainder of 2019?

Capturing The Devil by Kerri Maniscalco

Biggest disappointment of 2019?

Cape May by Chip Cheek

Biggest surprise so far in 2019? 

Natives by Akala

Favourite debut Author?

Marieke Nijkamp

Newest fictional crush?

Aidan O’Shea The House of Second Chances

Newest favourite character?

Faith Montgomery – The Crossroads

A book that made you happy?

Think Big by Kes Gray and Nathan Reed

A book that made you cry?

Mama’s Boy by Dustin Lance Black

Favourite book to film adaptation this year?

Wonder. I finally watched it.

Favourite post you have done this year?

Taylor Swift Book Tag

Most beautiful book you have gotten this year?

Think Big by Kes Gray and Nathan Reed

What books do you have to read by the end of the year?

I don’t really have a specific book I need to read by the end of the year. As long as I get through all of the ARC’s I receive I will be a happy camper.

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Well that’s it from me. I hope you enjoyed this post. As usual hit me up with your answers in the comment section.

Untill next time…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

All That Impossible Space by Anna Morgan

’15-year-old Lara Laylor feels like supporting character in her own life. She’s Ashley’s best friend, she’s Hannah’s sister-she’s never just Lara.

When new history teacher Mr. Grant gives her an unusual assignment: investigating the mystery of the Somerton Man. Found dead in on an Adelaide beach in 1948, a half-smoked cigarette still in his mouth and the labels cut out of his clothes, the Somerton Man has intrigued people for years. Was he a spy? A criminal? Year 10 has plenty of mysteries of its own: boys, drama queen friends, and enigmatic new students. When they seem just as unsolvable as a 60-year-old cold case, Lara finds herself spending more and more time on the assignment. But Mr Grant himself may be the biggest mystery of all…’

This book really surprised me.

I was pulled into this story from the very start and I didn’t want it to end. I loved the characters, the writing and the plot.

The characters in this story were solid and relatable. I loved watching friendship dynamics change when new characters were introduced and I love seeing the character grow individually and with each other.

The characters were so well developed that I truly felt their emotions and understood where each of them were coming from on different occasions throughout the book.

I was captivated by the writing in this book. It had a lyrical and almost cinematic quality about it. I can easily see this story becoming a movie. The writing sweeps you away on this journey and makes feel like you are living it instead of reading read it.

As for the story, it was awesome. I loved the different elements of the story. The teen angst, bullying and high school drama really added an extra layer to this story. As for the mystery, or mysteries, they were perfectly woven into the story.

I loved getting the bits and pieces of information about the mystery throughout the story. it really keeps the reader engaged and excited about what we may learn next.

I am so glad that I read this book and I recommend it to everyone and anyone.

All That Impossible Space by Anna Morgan is one book you don’t want to miss.

Feeling Proud!

I am feeling very proud of myself at the moment. Over the past year and a half I have been doing a TAFE course and I am happy to say that I have finished it.

I proud about completing the course but I am more proud about completing it early. I wasn’t due to finish for another four months. I knew I was ahead of schedule but I never dreamed I was four months ahead.

I enjoyed most of the course. I say most as some of the topics were boring. I understand why they chose the topics but it doesn’t change the fact that I was bored.

Towards the end of the course I got to study topics that I was interested in so that was fun. Studying the topics that I was interested in helped with how quickly I got through the course.

Now that I have complete the course ahead of schedule I have more time to focus on my blog before deciding what my next move is.

Hopefully I can use my newly free time wisely and carry on my productivity over the next few months.

For right now, i’m going to celebrate my course completion.

~>GEM<~