Audrey Hepburn by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

‘Meet Audrey Hepburn, the iconic Hollywood movie star.

This inspiring and informative little biography follows the colourful life of iconic actress Audrey Hepburn. Audrey Hepburn grew up in Arnhem in the Netherlands. After living through the hardships of World War Two, she moved to study ballet in London. She went on to star in plays and films, eventually becoming one of the most iconic actresses of all time, before becoming a UNICEF Ambassador. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the actress’s life.’

I loved this book.

I have read a few books from the Little People, Big Dreams series, so I knew I was going to enjoy this book, but I hadn’t expected how much I was going to love this book or how much I was going to actually learn from it, given that I am not this series intended audience.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was learning about the hardships that Audrey Hepburn encountered as a child and young adult and how she didn’t let them stop her, she just picked herself up and focused her energy in new directions and towards new dreams.

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara has done a great job with this book. The information provided was educational and entertaining. The writing was simple and easy to follow and the pacing was perfect for young readers to keep up with.

Adding to Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara’s writing are the beautiful illustrations by Amelia Arrazola. These illustrations fill every page, highlighting important moments in Audrey Hepburn’s life, taking this wonderful little book to a whole next level.

I am very happy to add this book to my Little People, Big Dreams collection, and I look forward to re-reading many times in the future.

Audrey Hepburn by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is a must-have for all young readers and their families.

Coco Chanel by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

‘In this new series, discover the lives of outstanding people from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. The first book follows Coco Chanel.

Following the death of her mother, Coco spent her early life in an orphanage, where she was taught how to use a needle and thread. From there, she became a cabaret singer, seamstress, hat maker, and, eventually, the world’s most famous fashion designer. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the designer’s life.’

I loved this book.

I have read a few of the Little People Big Dreams books, so I went into this knowing what to expect, and thankfully, I was everything I thought it would be.

While I knew who Coco Chanel was before I picked up this book, I knew nothing about her life and journey so this book was really informative for me. If you already know a lot about Coco Chanel then this book won’t teach you anything, but for me, and for the young readers that this book is aimed at, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Coco Chanel and her life.

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara has done a great job with this book. The writing was easy to read, and the information provided was entertaining and educational, which I really loved. I also loved that there are real photographs of Coco Chanel at the back of this book along with some extra information.

Adding to Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara’s wonderful writing were the beautiful Illustrations by Ana Albero. The illustrations perfectly complimented the journey readers go on learning about Coco Chanel, and take this little book to a whole new level.

Coco Chanel by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is a great little book for young readers and their families.

Autumn Time Cozy Book Tag…

Welcome one and all to another Wacky Wednesday post. Today I am partaking in Autumn Time Cozy Book Tag. I hope you all enjoy this quick little tag.

So without further ado, let’s jump straight in:

CRUNCHING LEAVES:

THE WORLD IS FULL OF COLOR – BOOK THAT HAS A RED/ORANGE/YELLOW COVER.

Tell Her She’s Dreamin’ by Simone Amelia Jordan

COZY SWEATER:

BOOK THAT GIVES YOU THE WARM FUZZIES.

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

FALL STORM:

FAVORITE BOOK OR GENRE FOR A RAINY DAY.

Historical Fiction

COOL CRISP AIR:

THE COOLEST CHARACTER THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO TRADE PLACES WITH.

Myf Warhurst – Time of My Life by Myf Warhurst

HOT APPLE CIDER:

AN UNDERHYPED BOOK THAT SHOULD BECOME THE NEXT BEST THING.

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

COAT, SCARVES, AND MITTENS:

FALL IS THE TIME TO COVER UP – BOOK THAT HAS AN EMBARRASSING COVER THAT YOU WOULD KEEP HIDDEN IN PUBLIC.

Umm, maybe How To Write A Love Story by Katy Cannon, the cover comes across as young and lazy.

PUMPKIN SPICE:

FAVORITE FALL TIME COMFORT FOOD/ DRINK?

Hot Chocolate and Tim Tams

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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

Possessing Morgan by Bonnie Edwards

‘Repo woman Morgan Swan can hardly believe it. She’s been hopelessly infatuated with headline-stealing heartthrob Kingston “Mac” McRae for most of her life Now she’s in his driveway, about to repossess his fancy car. If only she could pick up the rest of him so easily… Mac can’t believe it, either. His car is being stolen…but all he can think about is getting the sexy-as-hell Morgan into the backseat. And their engines only rev hotter once she shows him how easily her Daisy Duke shorts come off.

It’s a sweaty, fast ride–the ultimate thrill. Until Morgan realizes she wants not only the fantasy but the key to Mac’s heart as well….’

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

This is the second book of this genre that I have read so I didn’t go into it with expectations that were too high. I knew that I would be getting romance and sauciness when I picked up this book, and I did, I had also hoped to get some interesting characters and a good plot, and I am happy to say that I got both of these things too.

One of the things that I loved and was surprised by when reading this book was that the characters had their own personalities and voices and it felt that a lot of effort had gone into creating and then describing these characters and their flaws and behaviours rather than just focusing on their physical descriptions.

I also really enjoyed the banter and dialog between the characters. While some of it was flirtations and written and spoken for one reason only, when this wasn’t the goal of the dialog it was really fun and relatable, which is something that I hadn’t expected to get when I picked this book up.

Bonnie Edwards has done a good job with this book. It was everything I had expected it to be while also being surprising with its depth and character creation and development. On top of that, it had a well-written and entertaining plot and was a quick and easy read.

Possessing Morgan by Bonnie Edwards is well worth the read.

Hot Westmoreland Nights by Brenda Jackson

‘He knew better than to lust after the hired help. But Ramsey Westmoreland’s new cook was just so delectable… it was enough to make the Denver rancher rethink his rules. When temptation got the best of him, he discovered Chloe Burton was just as hot in the bedroom as she was in the kitchen.
Though their affair was growing steamier by the minute, Ramsey couldn’t help but question Chloe’s true motives. And when he discovered her ultimate betrayal, he was set to satisfy himself with cold showers.
Until he realized his fatal mistake: never underestimate the power of the human heart, especially a Westmoreland’s.’

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

This is not the sort of book I would usually pick up but I was on holiday and I had run out of books to read. This book had been left at a free little library so I picked it up, and I am happy to say I am very glad that I did.

Going into this book I was not expecting much of a plot; I thought it would be all about lust and romance, so I was surprised that the story was actually really well-rounded and written. While there were a lot of saucy scenes, the story itself would have worked with or without these elements which was something that I really enjoyed about this book.

Another thing about this book that surprised me was that the characters were really well-written and relatable. Yes, a lot of time was spent describing and focusing on their appearances; which I had expected, but there was also a fair amount of focus on their backstories and personalities. Each of the main characters in this book had their own voice and feel which made for a really nice reading experience.

Brenda Jackson has done a great job with this little book. It was well-written, easy to read, and had everything you hope it will have and so much more. I am very glad that I decided to read this book and I will not hesitate to read it again in the future.

Hot Westmoreland Nights by Brenda Jackson is a quick and surprising read.

What Makes Me Pick Up A Book…

Welcome one and all to another Wacky Wednesday post. Today I am partaking in the What Makes Me Pick Up A Book tag. I hope you all enjoy this quick little tag.

So without further ado, let’s jump straight in:

DO YOU JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER?

Initially yes, but I also make sure I read the synopsis before I decide whether or not to pick up a book.

FOCUSING JUST ON THE COVER, WHAT ATTRACTS YOU TO PICK IT UP?

Anything with books, bookshops, or libraries on them. I also like creepy and old-fashioned-looking covers.

DO YOU READ THE SYNOPSIS FIRST, OR PREFER TO GO IN WITHOUT KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT THE BOOK?

If the book has been recommended to me I don’t read the synopsis, but other than that I always read the synopsis.

DO YOU HAVE ANY AUTO-BUY AUTHORS — AUTHORS WHOSE BOOKS YOU WILL ALWAYS BUY, EVEN WITHOUT KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT THEM?

Yes, I have a few. Fiona Palmer, Kelly Rimmer, Esther Campion, David Walliams, Chris Colfer, and Graham Norton come to mind.

ARE YOU MORE LIKELY TO PICK UP A BOOK IF IT INCLUDES SPECIFIC ELEMENTS/THEMES (E.G., LGBTQ+, MENTAL HEALTH REP., DISABILITY REP.)?

Yes. I am always on the lookout for books that have a wide range of themes and representation.

DO YOU EVER READ A BOOK THAT HAS GENERALLY NEGATIVE REVIEWS JUST TO FORM YOUR OWN OPINION OF IT?

Sometimes. I won’t seek out a book that has bad reviews but I also won’t not read a book that I like the synopsis of because it has bad reviews.

DO YOU EVER BUY A BOOK JUST BECAUSE ANOTHER BOOKTUBER OR BOOK BLOGGER HAS REVIEWED IT OR TALKED ABOUT IT A LOT?

Sometimes. It depends on if the book is something I would usually look at anyway.

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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 Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

‘Rule #1: The poison must never be used to harm another woman.
Rule #2: The names of the murderer and her victim must be recorded in the apothecary’s register.

One cold February evening in 1791, at the back of a dark London alley in a hidden apothecary shop, Nella awaits her newest customer. Once a respected healer, Nella now uses her knowledge for a darker purpose – selling well-disguised poisons to desperate women who would kill to be free of the men in their lives. But when her new patron turns out to be a precocious twelve-year-old named Eliza Fanning, an unexpected friendship sets in motion a string of events that jeopardizes Nella’s world and threatens to expose the many women whose names are written in her register.

In present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, reeling from the discovery of her husband’s infidelity. When she finds an old apothecary vial near the river Thames, she can’t resist investigating, only to realize she’s found a link to the unsolved “apothecary murders” that haunted London over two centuries ago. As she deepens her search, Caroline’s life collides with Nella’s and Eliza’s in a stunning twist of fate – and not everyone will survive.’

I loved this book.

As soon as I read the synopsis for this book I knew I had to read it, but I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. I was completely engrossed in the story and the characters from the very first page to the very last, and I am sad that I can’t read it for the very first time ever again.

I am not usually a fan of books that have multiple points of view and multiple timelines, but I completely understand that this was necessary for this book to work. I also found that the characters were so well developed and had their own voices and feel that jumping from time and character didn’t bother me at all.

Sarah Penner has done a fantastic job with this book. The story was intriguing and captivating, the characters were real, flawed, and completely relatable, and her writing was stunningly beautiful; lyrical, and packed full of heart and emotion. I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this wonderful book.

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner is a must-read for everyone.

Hamlet by Timothy Knapman

‘Hamlet is miserable after the death of his father, but when the ghost of his father appears and reveals that he was murdered, Hamlet decides to seek his revenge… Will he succeed? A tragic tale of deceit and revenge. Combining modern-day English with stunning illustrations, QEB’s Tales from Shakespeare bring the Bard’s popular plays to life. Lively and easy-to-read, they are sure to capture your imagination!’

I loved this book.

This modern English retelling of Hamlet is part of the Tales From Shakespeare series. I found this book easy to read and I wished it had been around when I was younger as I can easily see this book being a starting place for young readers to discover and fall in love with Shakespeare in a way that is more accessible than trying to jump right into a Shakespeare play.

This is the second Tales From Shakespeare book that I have read and as this play is in modern English, it was a fast and enjoyable read for me. I truly loved the addition of the illustrations and I also loved the fact that important quotes from the original version were kept in this version as I felt like these quotes added to the magic of this book.

Speaking of magic, the bright and bold illustrations by Yaniv Shimony fill the pages of this book; highlighting important scenes and characters, and perfectly compliment Timothy Knapman’s writing. This is one of those books that work because the writing and illustrations combine to make a truly wonderful reading experience.

Timothy Knapman has done a fantastic job with this book. I was astounded by how he was able to keep the magic of Shakespeare’s play while changing the language element. This book is a perfect example of Shakepeare’s brilliance, while also being a stunning display of Timothy Knapman’s amazing talent. I know for a fact that I will be re-reading this book many times in the future.

Hamlet by Timothy Knapman is a must-read for all Shakespeare fans and all readers looking to dip their toes in the world of Shakespeare.

May TBR…

It’s that time again… TBR… I had a good reading month in April, reading 7 books (1 book from my TBR). I hope to have another good reading month in May. I am aiming to read 4 or 5 books in May.

As usual, this TBR is bound to change but this is just what my TBR looks like at the moment.

The Ministry Of Time by Kaliane Bradley

The Library Thief by Kuchenga Shenjé

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams

The Archive Of The Forgotten by A.J. Hackwith

The God Of Lost Words by A.J. Hackwith

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

The Bookseller’s Apprentice by Amelia Mellor

So This Is Love by Elizabeth Lim

The Desolations Of Devil’s Acre by Ransom Riggs

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That’s it. I guess we will see how I did in my May Wrap-Up. I hope you all have a great reading month. As usual, keep your eye out for reviews.

Until next time…

Happy Reading!

GEM

April Wrap Up…

Welcome to my April Wrap-Up. I had a good reading month in April, finishing 7 books (1 book off my TBR). I also received ARCs this month. I have reviews up or coming up for these books so as usual this is just going to be a brief rundown on the books I read.

Without further ado, let’s get into my April Wrap Up:

Tell Her She’s Dreamin’ by Simone Amelia Jordan: This book was really interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Simone Amelia Jordan’s journey and all of the amazing things she achieved through hard work and passion. I also loved reading about places that I know and love through her eyes at a slightly different time than I experienced these places and events. This book is well worth the read.

Twelfth Night by Timothy Knapman: This modern English retelling of Twelfth Night is part of the Tales From Shakespeare series. I found this book easy to read and I wished it had been around when I was younger as I can easily see this book being a starting place for young readers to discover and fall in love with Shakespeare in a way that is more accessible than trying to jump right into a Shakespeare play.

Easter Re-reads:

As I have read these books before and have reviews for them, I will just include the links to the reviews if you would like to check them out.

The Golden Egg Book by Margaret Wise Brown:

The Golden Egg Book by Margaret Wise Brown

Little Wombat’s Easter Surprise by Charles Fuge:

Little Wombat’s Easter Surprise by Charles Fuge

Easter Hunt In The Hundred-Acre Wood:

Easter Hunt In The Hundred Acre Wood by Amy Freund

The Great Aussie Easter Egg-and-Spoon Race by Sophie Sayle:

The Great Aussie Easter Egg-and-Spoon Race by Sophie Sayle

Aussie Easter Hat Parade by Colin Buchanan:

Aussie Easter Hat Parade by Colin Buchanan

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That’s it for my April Wrap Up. I hope you all had a great reading month. Let me know what you guys read this month in the comments section.

Happy Reading…

GEM