Weekly Wrap Up Week 28 30/11/14

So this is the last weekend in November eeeek! Not long to go until Christmas now! Have you done all your Christmas shopping? I have been doing little bits for the last few weeks, I hope to be finished by next weekend. (Fingers crossed!)

This week I have been sent: 

The first fifteen lives of Harry August by Claire North 

This week I have bought: 

Books I have read this week:

I hope you all had a great reading week and thanks for stopping by!

Jane Austen Cover to Cover: 200 Years of Classic Book Covers

Jane Austen Cover to Cover: 200 Years of Classic Book Covers by Margaret C. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jane Austen’s six novels are true classics, still immensely popular some 200 years after their first publication. But although the celebrated stories never change, the covers are always different. Jane Austen Cover to Cover compiles two centuries of design, from elegant Victorian hardcovers and the famed 1894 “Peacock” edition to 1950s pulp, movie tie-in editions, graphic novels, foreign-language translations, and many, many others. Filled with beautiful artwork and insightful commentary, this fascinating and visually intriguing collection is a must for Janeites, design geeks, and book lovers of every stripe.


When I was offered a copy of this beautiful book to review, I was only too happy to.

I have a dreadful literacy secret, that is that I have never read a Jane Austen; I know, I know how is this possible and where have I been? I felt that this book was a brilliant one to introduce me to Austen.

This book is simply stunning, it shows 200 years of Auten's covers with large photographs and very informative text. You don't have to be an Austen fan to appreciate this book, don't get me wrong, fans are going to love this and I would recommend this to any fan to enhance their collection. However this is perfect for anyone interested in history: publications and artwork.

I am not an Auten fan (due to the fact I have never read anything by her) but I am an art fan, having a degree in art makes me interested in seeing any art form. For me this is what captured my interest about the book. I just loved viewing all the different covers, there are some I am sure even if you are die hard fan you would not have known some of these editions existed.

I love that there is a timeline included and a complete description of the publisher, date of publication and other information you may find interesting. Personally I had no idea there were so many different variations of covers; from film tie ins, YA editions and in the modern world, ecopies!

This is going to be a book that takes pride of place on my coffee table and is a brilliant ice breaker. As I mentioned earlier in my review, I have never read any Austen books, this has certainly inspired me to begin reading her. The only question I have now is which edition do I choose? I will be returning to my book very shortly to pick my favourite and I will try to get hold of a copy!

I think I am going to be purchasing a second copy for a friend this Christmas, it is going to make a stunning present, one I know she will love!

I would like to thank Quirk for sending me this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.

Lagoon - Nnedi Okorafor

Lagoon by Nnedi Okorafor
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Three strangers, each isolated by his or her own problems: Adaora, the marine biologist. Anthony, the rapper famous throughout Africa. Agu, the troubled soldier. Wandering Bar Beach in Lagos, Nigeria's legendary mega-city, they're more alone than they've ever been before.

But when something like a meteorite plunges into the ocean and a tidal wave overcomes them, these three people will find themselves bound together in ways they could never imagine. Together with Ayodele, a visitor from beyond the stars, they must race through Lagos and against time itself in order to save the city, the world... and themselves.

'There was no time to flee. No time to turn. No time to shriek. And there was no pain. It was like being thrown into the stars.'

I am always happy to read most books, I am open to different genres I have not read, and always give them a go.

I have yet to find a Sci-fi book that I like, to be honest I think that maybe this is just a genre not for me. This book also unfortunately falls into this category.

This is a novel where aliens descend on Lagos. Aliens set up a camp under the sea and strange species appear in the water. Suddenly a huge wave crashes over the beach and three people are swept up into it. Then they are returned there are four...

The novel is told through many voices, this was a little confusing I found at times as some are only present for a chapter or so, where as others seem more permanent. I also found it hard to believe, some of the chapters were told through voices of creatures. This is probably the part of my brain that tells me this cannot be. Hence I am not a Sci-fi fan and struggle to believe it. For this reason I struggled with the book a lot, I eventually gave up with it and did not enjoy it.

I thought the story was well written and the author is very knowledgeable, however this book was not for me. I am sure Sci - Fi fans will love it though.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review. 

Until You're Mine - Samantha Hayes

Until You're Mine by Samantha Hayes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You're alone. You're vulnerable. And you have something that someone else wants. At any cost ... If you liked BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP, you'll love this gripping psychological thriller.


Claudia seems to have the perfect life.

She's heavily pregnant with a much wanted baby, she has a loving husband, and a beautiful home.

And then Zoe steps into her life. Zoe has come to help Claudia when her baby arrives.

But there's something about Zoe that Claudia doesn't like. Or trust.

And when she finds Zoe in her room going through her most personal possesions, Claudia's anxiety turns to real fear ...

This is a psychological thriller with some good characters that hold the plot together however the author does throw in a few random happenings which don't altogether fit with the flow of the novel.

For the best part it was a good thrilling read; I didn't guess the 'who dunnit' at the end and for me that was a bonus. All along the author is leading you to believe one person is responsible and then throws a curve ball and the last few lines of the book are genius.

Three main characters dominate this novel; Zoe the Nanny, Claudia pregnant with her first child and mother to James' (he's a naval officer and away a lot) two sons Oscar and Noah, and Lorraine a CID officer who is investigating some gruesome murders of pregnant women in the area. The author uses different narrative types - first person when she is being Claudia and Zoe and third person when she is being Lorraine.

The book has good pace and has enough tension and subtle clues to keep the reader moving along and guessing until the end.

I did feel that one part of the story didn't really fit in and that was when we learnt the naval officer husband has been involved in some shady goings on (I don't want to give anything away so won't reveal what). I just felt that this wasn't necessary to the story line and couldn't understand why Samantha Hayes felt it necessary to put it in. I also felt the introduction of the detectives' daughter was irrelevant and not necessary to the story in any way since the reader was not meant to connect with this character and was not vital to the plot.

As with most of these genres of novels it does stretch credibility but for all that it was entertaining and for the best part a gripping read.

It would be easy to retell the story in this review but if I told you I'd have to kill you (only joking); read it an enjoy it. If you liked Gone Girl then this will appeal. For me it just lacked totally bringing together in parts which is what let it down but even with that it was a good thrilling read and I would read this author again. I give this 4 stars because the last line of the book is brilliant, creepy and totally unexpected.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Weekly Wrap Up week 27 23/11/14

Wow another week has gone by! Here is my wrap up. 

This week I have been sent: 
The World of Post Secret by Frank Warren (comp winner)

Through the palace keyhole by Ann Hutchinson Sawalha

Beneath the Moon and the Stars by Amelia Thorne 

The Kiss Before Midnight by Sophie Pembroke

Secret Santa by Scarlett Bailey 

This week I have bought: 

None

Books I have read this week:

Currently reading The Snow Globe

I hope you all had a great reading week and thanks for stopping by!

Elizabeth is missing - Emma Heaey

Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Elizabeth is Missing, Emma Healey's stunning debut novel, introduces a mystery, an unsolved crime and one of the most unforgettable characters since Mark Haddon's Christopher. Meet Maud ...

'Elizabeth is missing', reads the note in Maud's pocket in her own handwriting.

Lately, Maud's been getting forgetful. She keeps buying peach slices when she has a cupboard full, forgets to drink the cups of tea she's made and writes notes to remind herself of things. But Maud is determined to discover what has happened to her friend, Elizabeth, and what it has to do with the unsolved disappearance of her sister Sukey, years back, just after the war.

A fast-paced mystery with a wonderful leading character: Maud will make you laugh and cry, but she certainly won't be forgotten.



Maud is 82, her best friend Elizabeth is missing but no one seems to care. The problem Maud has is that she can't remember, she doesn't know where Elizabeth is but she is going to get to the bottom of it.

Maud has to write things down, if she doesn't she will forget completely, Larry though, she can't seem to remember why she has written theses things. None of them make any sense. Maud has been trying to contact Elizabeth for weeks now, she has not been in contact about their weekly meetings and whenever she tires to contact her, she never gets to deal to her. Maud has a horrible feeling something has happened to Elizabeth and she needs to discover what.

This situation with Elizabeth provokes of memories for Maud, years ago her sister Suki disappeared and no one knew what happened to her. The story slips back and forth from th past to the present day. We read about Maud as a young girl and watch the story developed with her sister Suki.

As the story progresses, so does Maud' s dementia and it is a dreadfully sad story to hear. (I listened to the audio book.) There are really sad parts to the story, that had me in tears. From having a family member who had dementia, it bought it home to me how scared and confused they must have been.

I thought that this story was extremely clever and the way it was told was wonderful. Anna was a perfect narration choice, she really gave the characters depth.

This is not an easy read/listen but it makes you stop and think about those people with dementia and gives you a snapshot of how they could be feeling. I also could fee Helen's ain through the book, having to deal with her mother going through this. The story is certainly thought provoking and powerful.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audio book and would recommend it to others. The story itself crosses a few genres I feel and would appeal to a wide range of audiences.

I had like to thank Audible for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

eBook of the Year - Vote and be in with the chance to win £100 of eBooks!

Sainsbury's have announced their 2014 finalists for eBook of the year. Go ahead and vote and be in with the chance to win  £100 of ebooks!!!

eBook of the Year 2014 finalists announced

· eBooks by Sainsbury’s reveals finalists for its annual eBook of the Year awards

· Voting opens today and will end on 11 December

· Public vote offers chance to win £100 worth of eBooks

eBooks by Sainsbury’s has revealed the finalists for its annual eBook of the Year awards.

Some of the UK’s most treasured writers including Jojo Moyes and Lee Child have joined the long list of commercially and critically acclaimed authors nominated to receive the coveted prize of eBook of the Year 2014.

The winner will be decided by a public poll on the eBooks by Sainsbury’s website where voting will open today, and close on 11 December. The winning title will be chosen from over 150 eBooks with the winner to be announced on 15 December.

In its second consecutive year, the awards are a celebration of British book publishing and literary talent. From gripping thrillers to out of this world science fiction, the long list includes the nation’s favourite ebooks from the past 12 months, from John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars to the runaway word-of-mouth hit that was The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion.

To encourage participation, every visitor to the eBooks by Sainsbury’s website who votes for their favourite eBook of the Year will be entered into a prize draw to win £100 worth of eBooks. The full collection of eBooks up for nomination can be found onsainsburysebooks.co.uk where public voting is now open. To vote, simply visit the eBooks of the Year page, log in to your account and click ‘Recommend’ next to your favourite book.

Sharon Nightingale, Head of Commercial at eBooks by Sainsbury’s, said:

“These awards are unique in that they celebrate Britain’s most popular eBooks, the books that bring reading to a huge audience wherever they are. Our long list for 2014 is rich and varied, fully reflecting what a spectacular year it has been, particularly for debut authors. We are honoured to support the industry and authors alike by encouraging people to go out and discover the fantastic reads that have made this year so special.”

Highlights from the eBooks by Sainsbury’s eBook of the Year long list include:


Literary Fiction

- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (Penguin UK)

- The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce (Random House UK)

- The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair by Joël Dicker (Quercus Books)

- The Sunrise by Victoria Hislop (Headline)



Popular Fiction

-         The Lemon Grove by Helen Walsh (Headline)

- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (Penguin UK)

- Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (Orion)

- The One Plus One by Jojo Moyes (Penguin UK)



Science Fiction and Fantasy

- The Martian by Andy Weir (Random House UK)

- The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness (Headline)

- The Girl With All The Gifts by M. R. Carey (Little Brown)

- The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (Headline)



Historical Fiction

- The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters (Little Brown)

- The Blood Crows by Simon Scarrow (Headline)

- Lamentation by C.J. Sansom (Macmillan)

- Desert God by Wilbur Smith (Harper Collins UK)



Biography

- This Boy by Alan Johnson (Random House UK)

- There’s Something I’ve Been Dying to Tell You by Linda Bellingham (Hodder)

- So, Anyway by John Cleese (Random House UK)

- Guy Martin: My Autobiography by Guy Martin (Random House UK)

Crime and Thriller

- Cross My Heart by James Patterson (Random House UK)

- Want You Dead by Peter James (Macmillan)

- The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith (Little Brown)

- Personal by Lee Child (Random House UK)

Do not forget to enter to be in with a chance of winning £100! Good Luck

Anti Bullying Week with Giveaway!

From the 17th - 21st November it is anti-bullying week. 

Penguin at Random House has teamed up with The Anti-Bullying Alliance to launch a nationwide anti-bullying campaign inspired by the internationally bestselling novel Wonder by R.J Palacio.


Earlier this year Penguin launched the Choose Kind campaign earlier this year and so far have had over 700 schools in the UK sign up to take part. They are encouraging teachers and pupils to read Wonder, promote kindness in their schools and show us how they did this during Anti-Bullying Week this November. The Anti-Bullying Alliance found that nearly a quarter of 5-18 year olds have been bullied at school and 45% of parents state that they are concerned about their child being bullied.

This isn’t just a campaign for schools, through Wonder we’d like to inspire all people to be a little bit kinder to each other.

So about Wonder:

WONDER has sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide since its publication in February 2012, winning both the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 5 – 12 fiction category and the Independent Booksellers’ Book Award. It was a #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list and the UK’s biggest children’s debut hardback of 2012.

This incredible story was called ‘rich and memorable’ by The New York Times Book Review, and heralded as ‘the breakout publishing sensation of 2012, destined to go the way of Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and then some’ by The Times.

More praise for WONDER:

‘What a gem of a story. Moving and heart-warming. This book made me laugh, made me angry, made me cry’ - Malorie Blackman, Children’s Laureate

‘A beautiful, thought-provoking and very poignant story’ - Mel Giedroyc, presenter & broadcaster

‘Incredibly charming, brutal and brilliant’ - Laura Dockrill, children’s author

‘The breakout publishing sensation of 2012’ - The Times

‘Incredibly charming, brutal and brilliant’ - The Observer

‘Wreaks emotional havoc’ - The Independent

‘In its assured simplicity and boldness it also has the power to move hearts and change minds’ - The Guardian

‘August Pullman is one of the most engaging and lovable [characters] in recent fiction’ - The Telegraph

‘It’s one of those rare books with almost universal appeal: it will make you laugh, cry and break your heart’ - The Bookseller

The Blurb:

'My name is August. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.'

Auggie wants to be an ordinary ten-year-old. He does ordinary things - eating ice cream, playing on his Xbox. He feels ordinary - inside. But ordinary kids don’t make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. Ordinary kids aren’t stared at wherever they go.

Born with a facial anomoly, Auggie has been home-schooled by his parents his whole life. Now, for the first time, he’s being sent to a real school - and he’s dreading it. All he wants is to be accepted - but can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, underneath it all?

WONDER is a funny, frank, astonishingly moving debut to read in one sitting, pass on to others, and remember long after the final page.

I have been really luck to be able to offer a giveaway of this great book plus a copy of  365 days of Wonder. All you have to do is enter via the rafflecopter below. Good Luck! 

WONDER

Just one act of kindness can make an impact.

Read the book. Be inspired. Pass it on.

And always #choosekind.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Weekly Wrap up - Week 26 - 16/11/14

This week has been quiet on the reading front in lots of different ways. I have managed to get Laryngitis this week, which really sucks. I have been unable to go to work as I am expected to talk a lot in my job. So I have managed to catch up with doing some work from home and I have been looking forward to spending this week reading. 

Lately I have really struggled with my reading and been in a huge slump. I am hoping to read a few shorter stories to try and bring back my reading mojo. I have such a lot of brilliant Christmas books I want to read and I just don't have any motivation to read them at the moment. 

This week I have been sent: 
None. 

This week I have bought: 

None.

Books I have read this week:

Finished The Great Christmas knit off. - Review to come soon!

I hope you all had a great reading week and thanks for stopping by!

#loveatfirstwrite shortlist!

So a while ago you may have remembered I had a post about the #Loveatfirstwrite competition, this was hosted by Corvus at Atlantic Books and you have to send in your stories. 

I have just been contacted about who has been shortlisted and I really wanted to share this with you! 

So taken from their website:

Following an impressive number of entries to the Love At First Write competition, Corvus and Lovereading.co.uk are delighted to announce that they have selected six for the shortlist. Each of these entries stood out to the readers as having an original and interesting initial romantic encounter, as well a distinctive voice and compelling plot that made them all want to keep reading. The shortlisted authors are:

Cage the Minute by C R Harvey

Glitter Red Shoes and Sky Blue Gingham by Anna Mansell

How to Get Ahead in Television by Sophie Cousens

Millie in the Middle by Liz Eeles

The Salon by Rosie Lee

Who Does He Think He Is? by Emily Kerr

These entries are now with the panel of expert judges: Maddie West (Corvus Editorial Director & Chair of the Judges), Sarah Broadhurst (Lovereading Lead Reviewer), Elisabeth Gifford (author of The Secrets of the Sea House) and Lindsey Mooney (Kobo Vendor Manager, UK & Ireland) and the winner will be announced at the end of the month.

Corvus would like to thank all the writers who sent in such imaginative and entertaining entries and wish them all the best of luck with their future careers as novelists.

Please make sure you check back as I am sure you are going to want to know who the winner is. 

Thanks so much for stopping by to read this post. 

It must have been the Mistletoe - Judy Astley Blog Tour

Welcome to The Book Corner for the final stop on Judy Astley's tour. I have got a review for you today. 

It Must Have Been the Mistletoe by Judy Astley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thea’s parents decide to host a big family Christmas in a house by the sea… even though they are, in fact, about to split up. Thea herself is newly single - her sister and brother are both settled, with children, homes and a future. But Thea’s boyfriend has ditched her in favour of his pedigree dogs, and Thea can’t decide whether or not she minds.

There will be copious food and drink, holly and mistletoe, lots of bracing walks and a wintry barbecue on the beach. If it seems an odd way to celebrate the final break-up of a marriage and the Moving On to new partners, no- one is saying so. But then no-one had anticipated that the new partners might actually turn up to complicate the sleeping arrangements.

As Cornwall experiences the biggest snowstorm in living memory, the festive atmosphere comes under some strain. Will Thea manage to find some happiness for herself? Will the mistletoe work its magic on them all?





I was really excited to be able to be part of Judy Asltey's blog tour for this wonderful Christmas book.

This has been one of the first Christmas books I have read this year and it really got me into the festive mood, I didn't even mind if it was only October when I was reading it!

This story is about Thea and her family; they are staying in Cornwall for the Christmas period and I could imagine myself there. This for me had a personal touch to it, when I was growing up I spend a lot of time down in Cornwall as my grandparents loved there. We went for summers and Christmas's some year. I must admit that was my favourite time of year to visit. Although it was cold, it was also cosy and I miss the coal fire smell even today. I loved that this book transported me back to Cornwall and wish that I would be able to spend this year down by the sea for Christmas!

I loved this story, it wasn't too long which also I thought was nice, it wasn't rushed and I felt that I could lap it up, the setting, the plot and the characters I just loved it. This story really had the magical feeling with it.

Thea's parents are getting a divorce but have organised this festive holiday for the whole family. Thea's life has not been plane sailing, she is a school teacher and mourning the loss of a baby, who was expected this Christmas. All the characters in this story are believable and likable, which makes this a very quick read as I just wanted to know what was going to happen with them all.

The novel centres around the family and at Christmas time family is the most important thing. It is about adapting to situations and knowing your family is always there for you. I also loved the book boyfriend in this book, uhum, the surfer landlord... no more needs to be said!

This has been the first Judy Astley book I have read, however it will not be my last. This was a nice easy read, one which left me feeling warm inside and wishing Christmas would come early!

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Green Tea Peel Off Mask

Green Tea Peel Off Mask

Description:

Detox with our Green Tea Peel Off face masque for a deep cleansed, toned complexion. Experience the wellbeing of natural minerals, young Green Tea, root Ginger and reviving properties of squeezed Lemon to uplift and refresh skin.

Deep cleanse your pores, remove impurities and peel to reveal healthier, younger looking skin.

Review:

As you already know I love peel off masks as they are so convenient. This one  was no exception. It was really easy to apply and dried quite quick. 

I loved the smell of this mask it was to die for! Once I had removed the mask I could see my skin looking radiant , my skin was so smooth. 

Would I buy this product again?

YES, YES, YES!!!! I loved it so much it! 

Black Seaweed Peel Off Masque

Black Seaweed Peel Off Masque

Description:

Our chopped black Laver Seaweed (from the Welsh seaside) and crushed Sea Buckthorn berries are pressed together to make our black peel off mask. A seaside detox to cleanse deeply and peel off dirt and grease weekly.

Review:

I love face masques, there is nothing better than relaxing with a cup of tea and a book with a face masque on. I also love peel off masques as this allows me to concentrate on other things and just peel it off when I am done. 

This peel off masque I was really drawn to as I have heard that seaweed is really good for your skin, when I saw it was peel off too I had to have it! 

I found it was really easy to apply and dried relatively quick. The masque as like all peel off masques are really easy to take off. 

This face masque left my skin really clear and smooth, I was very happy with the result. One negative I have of this product is that I don't like the smell of it at all. Unfortunately I found this to be one of the worst that I have used to date. 

Would I buy this again?

I am in two minds about this product as I love the way it left my skin looking and feeling but I really did not like the smell of the product. Having this on your face for 20 minutes as well is actually quite a lot if it doesn't smell nice!

Weekly Wrap Up week 25 9/11/14

This week has been another manic one! I have tried to read a lot but since I have been at work, I have not been reading half the amount I had wanted. Oh well, roll on Christmas! 

This week I have been sent: 
Keep Quiet - Lisa Scottoline

Christmas Fireside Stories - Pan Mac

Jane Austen Cover to Cover - Margaret Sullivan 

The Snow Globe - Sheila Roberts

Nine Lives of Christmas - Sheila Roberts 

On Strike for Christmas - Sheila Roberts 

#ThereWillBeLies 

This week I have bought: 

The Last Anniversary - Liane Moriarty

Books I have read this week:

It must have been the mistletoe - Judy Astley 

All these books I have read I have reviewed, look out for the reviews on The Book Corner soon.

What have you received/bought this week?

How much reading have you managed to get done? Leave me a comment below to connect. 

I hope you all had a great reading week and thanks for stopping by!

KMS California Hair Play Dry Wax

KMS California Hair Play Dry Wax

From Birchbox website:

Looking like you’ve not tried too hard sometimes takes time – but this revolutionary new dry wax spray (yes, spray!) from KMS® California helps you achieve a “perfectly undone” look with tousled definition and a matte finish. The unique formula builds body and texture, giving a super cool piece-y texture. You’ll feel (and look!) naturally gorgeous. 150ml.

Review:

When this arrived in my Birchbox I was really excited. Recently I have had to have my hair cut really short; I have struggled with styling my hair as I have always had long hair and unsure what to do with it. 

This product really came at a great time for me. This product is perfect for short hair! This allows me to add texture and style my hair, without putting a lot of wax or mouse in it. Which in the past has left my hair greasy looking or made it rock solid and completely unnatural. 

This is really easy to use, a few sprays and your hair is transformed. What I love about this product is that although you are putting a product in your hair. It does not leave your hair sticky, greasy or hard. 

So would I purchase this when the sample runs out?

I have only used this product a couple of times so far, but what I have seen I like. If I continue to get these types of results with this product, I will certainly be purchasing this. 

It is a little expensive at £15.50, however I have yet to find a product this similar on the high street. I think this product is worth the money. 

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Lisa Dickenson

The Twelve Dates of Christmas - The Complete Novel by Lisa Dickenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At thirty, Claudia's life is stale and the romance with long-term boyfriend, Seth, has disappeared. Determined to inject some festive spark back into their love life, Claudia and Seth go on their first date in a very long time. But when the night ends in disaster, Claudia suddenly finds herself facing life - and Christmas - alone.

Life alone is exciting, scary and full of soon-forgotten exercise regimes and ill-advised attempts at crafting sexy underwear. It's also filling up with dates, surprisingly. With best friends Penny and Nick at her side, a surplus of festive markets, mulled wine and Christmas tunes, Claudia attempts to face all this change with gusto. One thing's for certain: this year, Christmas is going to be very different . . .

This is the story of Claudia and her twelve dates of Christmas. Hilarious, uplifting and romantic, it's a story about losing love, finding love, and discovering what's been there all along. Expect Christmas sparkle, butterflies-in-your-stomach romance and a lot of very funny moments in The Twelve Dates of Christmas.

I first discovered Dickenson earlier this year, when I had the opportunity to read You had me at Merlot. I absolutely loved it and so when I got asked if I would like to read The Twelve Dates of Christmas I jumped at the chance.

This story follows Claudia who is bored with her job and has had little luck in love. The story begins with her on a date her boyfriend Seth. In true Dickenson style the first few pages are a riot.it leaves Claudia realising Seth is no longer for her and she should move on. As the month of December progresses so does the number of dates Claudia goes on. Each one as entertaining as the one before.

The Twelve Dates of Christmas is certainly a Christmas tale that you need in your life this Christmas, it has everything out could want from a book. There is everything in a chick lit, romance, Christmas and humour. I raced through this book, just as I did with Dickenson' s previous story.

I loved how I didn't know what was going to hand and when I thought I finally knew. There was another twist in the tale. There was so much reference to Christmas in the book and the descriptions were perfect, this is something I loved! I was able to transport myself to December in October which I loved.

I have now read both f Dickenson' s novels and would like to read more from her. She is. Brilliant author and if hi have not yet discovered he yet, this is the time to now!

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm

Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm

From Birchbox website:

Cleansing your face feels like one of life's little luxuries when you use this divine face balm. The wondrously soft formula includes tiny grains of polishing oatmeal to gently slough away dead skin cells while shea and cocoa butter, softening rosehip, camellia, kuku'i nut and virgin coconut oils, rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and lipids, provide a layer of skin-boosting goodness. Perfect for removing daily grime and make-up, it also includes the brand's favoured anti-oxidant – rich Arctic cloudberry – gentle Roman chamomile and skin-brightening red mandarin. Great for all ages and all skin types, even normal to dry/sensitive skin. 125ml.

Review:

I had never heard of this product before it arrived in my birchbox this month. I could not wait to try it. As for a sample, this is a good size it can be easily transported on trips away in your hand luggage and fit in your make up bag. 

This product smells divine! I was so surprised with the smell as I could not believe a product could smell that good! Once applied onto the face, the product feels like it is tinging on the skin; something that I really loved.

When applied it does feel quite greasy, I was worried that it was going to leave my skin greasy once removed. I should not have been as I was left with wonderful smooth and silky skin. 

So would I purchase this when the sample runs out?

So far this is by far my favourite product I have been sent in my Birchbox and I would seriously consider purchasing this when my sample runs out. I have been very impressed with this product! 

This is £20 for a full size tube and that seems quite a bit, however I feel if I am using the product correctly I will really notice my skin improve with this. 

Weekly Wrap Up, Week 24 2.11.14

This week has been half term and it felt like a long time coming. I have had a really great week, it began with breakfast at a French restaurant which was really lovely. I then had a catch up with my friends and their babies, we went for lunch on Tuesday. On Thursday I went to get my hair sorted out, it was the first time I have been to the hairdressers for a year! So I was really looking forward to going back blonde, even if my hair is extremely short! Unfortunately I didn't have a great day. My hair was too short for foils to be put in it and I didn't want it to be completely blonde all over so I didn't have the whole lot bleached. I decided just to get it cut and I would have a think about it. 

On the Friday I was still really unhappy with my hair so I went to a different hairdressers and on the spur of the moment I decided to get it coloured all over. I choose a colour I have never been before but I figured that the hairstyle isn't what I liked so I may as well take a chance. I have nothing to loose! 

I went for a redy/brown and to be honest I love the colour! Maybe when it is longer I may consider staying this colour; then again I may go back blonde ha ha! We will see! So now I just have to get the length right, HURRY UP AND GROW!!!!

Anyway back to the most important stuff and the reason you visit my blog, the books! I have been very lazy this week and done little reading. I have been socialising with friends so reading has taken a back seat, I promise that I will get back on it. 

This week I have been sent: 
2 Non fiction screenwriting books

This week I have bought: 

My True Love Gave To Me by Stephanie Perkins 

Books I have read this week:

Currently reading The Great Christmas Knit Off by Alexandra Brown and My True Love Gave To Me by Stephanie Perkins. 

All these books I have read I have reviewed, look out for the reviews on The Book Corner soon.

What have you received/bought this week?

How much reading have you managed to get done? Leave me a comment below to connect. 

I hope you all had a great reading week and thanks for stopping by!