iPhone 7 Case, AnsTOP Impact Resistant Hybrid Wallet Case Protective Shell Shockproof [Gold] Hard Cover with Skin Card Holder for iPhone 7 4.7-Inch

From Amazon:

£7.99

• For Regular iPhone 7 (2016 new release) ,100% fit. Card slot for 2 cards, (ID/credit card/cash)
• Hybrid Case-[impact resistant/scratch-proof] rubber case + shockproof hard PC cover
• Solid hard PC Cover, smooth touch feeling, elegant appearence, and quite easy to clean
• Precise cutting for all ports, camera and speaker, side button with Full cover protection
• Best material ever to provide iPhone 7 stylish looking and comfortable holding

This case is well made and I really like the slide back, however I am not sure this will always be secure. In the description the product states that the slide could be a bit stiff initially but after a few times being opened this will loosen. So far I haven't had any issues with the product, however if keeping a card in the slit make sure you keep an eye on it.
This fits well and is of high quality, it is very sturdy and looks very professional. The edges of the case protect the screen well and I would be confident that this would protect my phone well if dropped. The gold part is very strong while the black part of the case is rubber.

I was sent this item in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my personal opinion. I am sharing my own experience upon trying out the product.

100 Places to Go Before They Disappear by Patrick Drew

100 Places to Go Before They Disappear by Patrick Drew
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

What would our world look like if the planet's average temperature were to rise by only a few degrees? Cities including Venice, Bangkok, London, Chicago, and New York would experience severe flooding. The tea fields of Sri Lanka and the vineyards of France would suffer under heat and drought. Beijing and Timbuktu would be transformed into deserts, and the Great Barrier Reef's coral colonies would die. The entire nation of Tuvalu would sink into the Pacific Ocean as water levels rise. As plants and animals vital to local ecosystems continue to perish due to climate change, the face of our planet is already being transformed. 100 Places to Go Before They Disappear features locations on all seven continents that are in the greatest danger of disappearing within our lifetime. With an essay by Desmond Tutu, this stunning book will inspire travellers and environmentalists to help save the gorgeous places that might soon be only a memory.



I love travel and visiting interesting places that are off the beaten track. I spend hours browsing travel photography and information books looking for inspiration on my next adventures. This is what I was expecting from this, a little gem, hopefully that would become one of my favourites in my collection. I was, however very disappointed in it.

When reading it, it turned into a nag basically at how the human race has damaged the world we live in and things like Global Warming and other things are making the world change and as a consequence a lot of wonderful places will soon no longer exist. I found the book was a little heavy at times and not really what I was looking forward to at all.

The photography is hit and miss also in the book I found, some of the photographs are beautiful, while others look like they could have been taken by an amateur and didn't really feel that they 'fit' in the book.

Some of the places highlighted in the book were unexpected such as 'Chicago' that perhaps initially you wouldn't have thought would be vulnerable. So the book did have an element of surprise for me, but unfortunately I found most of it was just a moan at how awful people are.

There are many very good 'coffee table' books out there and this is not one of them. It is smaller than expected and for me too deep. This will sit on my bookshelves, but I don't think I will be picking it up for some time. Perhaps I misinterpreted the book before I started reading it, but it was not what I expected at all and was just so disappointed it didn't live up to my expectations. Saying this, this book might be exactly what someone is looking for and love it. Don't get me wrong, this is very well researched and includes some background information on places. But it's not for me.

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

iPhone 7 Case, SHIELDON® Genuine Leather Case, [Slim Fit] Flip Wallet Cover, Money Pouch with [Card Slots] [Kickstand Feature] Magnetic Flap Book Case for iPhone 7, Brown

£53.99

Taken from Amazon:

• SHIELDON iPhone 7 leather case is made of top cattle hide which is durable and flexible. The leather remains the fiber's strength and the natural surface with the 'grain', i.e. visible pores, scars etc. of the original cow's skin structure. Its grain also has breathability, rather than wearing out, it develops a patina during its expected useful lifetime. What may seem like imperfect is what makes it beautiful and retro
• Comes with a popular pocket-sized wallet which has 3 compartments and a money slot. This iPhone 7 wallet case holds your everyday carrying of iPhone 7, credit cards, cash in one place, it simplifies your life without taking a bulky wallet
• The magnetic flap of our iPhone 7 flip case is specially designed to make you look fashion everywhere as well as keep your valuables in place safely even when shocks or impacts. Magnetic flip book designed is functional and practical in daily frequent use
• Features a built-in kickstand, this iPhone 7 folio case provides you full screen by folding it back as a stand such as when eating breakfast to watching movies on long flights or to showing recipes while you're in the kitchen etc.
• Installation will be so easy since our iPhone 7 card case is perfectly fit your iPhone 7 and every cut out is open design with precision made, all ports and buttons are also fully accessible with this design.

My Review:

This phone case is excellent. When it arrives it came stunningly presented in a draw type presentation case, which had been sealed with a label as shown in the pictures. 

When I opened the draw the case was secured in a protective case, underneath this there was a small envelope as shown in a picture, which included all the information and 1 year warranty, which comes with the item. 

Initially I was unsure of the brown as I would have preferred the black version.Saying that I think the case looks really smart and is a lovely tan colour, I was was very pleased with the effect. There is a slight Shieldon Logo on the front of the case, this is not offence at all, again the brand is written on the back of it. 

The magnetic clasp is very strong and secure, which I was really pleased with. The cover is slightly loose on the phone. I couldn't understand why to begin with but then I saw the card slots on the inside and now it make perfect sense for it to be a little loose to fit these in. There is also a slit in order for you to put some notes to carry when out. 

The back of the case is solid, which protects the phone. I tested out the stand, this was quite stiff, this is understandable though as it is brand new and I am expecting it to loosen after a while. 


The small of the case is genuine leather. The case is made well and of good quality. 

Although quite expensive, so far I think it is worth the price, it is a sturdy case that will last a long time. I would recommend this if you're looking for a case to store some cash and cards. 

I would like to thank the company for sending this in exchange for an honest review. I was provided with a sample product at a complimentary or discounted rate in exchange for a fair, unbiased, and honest review

The Genie's Curse by Tom Percival

The Genie's Curse by Tom Percival
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A brilliant new highly illustrated series featuring all the fairy-tale characters you know and love having brand-new adventures!


This book takes you to a land where popular fairy tale characters live, there are problems and they need to solve them.


This was the first book in the Little Legend series I read to my children at school and to be honest I found it difficult to get into it. After reading it to them I realised that it is one of a series and I think you may have to read them in order. When reading it there was little introduction to who was who and I think this was down to it being in the middle of a series. This was a shame as I feel the children who I read it to didn't enjoy it as much as they could have.

This is a book I would recommend you read to a child if they are under 7, there is some tricky language in the story and they may find it hard to decode the words and their understanding may not be there. We read this together as a class so I regularly stopped and we discussed what had happened and what they thought may happen next.

The story is action packed and keeps you interested all the way, I am glad the children had the opportunity to listen to this, it is just a shame I didn't realise there were others in the series. I do have the next one and it maybe better as they will have a little bit of background info on the characters now.

There are nice illustrations throughout the book, which help bring the story to life. IT was a quick read, I only had time to read for 10 minutes a day to the children so it took me a few weeks to get through, however if you are reading this to a child at night you could probably get through it in a week.

I have rated this book on the enjoyment from the children, from my previous comment, the children may have enjoyed it better had we begun at the beginning of the series and if you were to purchase this, that is what I would recommend you do.

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

We Were On A Break by Lindsey Kelk blog tour

We Were On a Break by Lindsey Kelk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Is it a break? Or is it a blip?

‘You’ve just had a holiday,’ I pointed out, trying not to yawn. ‘Wasn’t that enough of a break?’
‘I don’t mean that kind of break.’

There’s nothing worse than the last day of holiday. Oh wait, there is. When what should have been a proposal turns into a break, Liv and Adam find themselves on opposite sides of the life they had mapped out.

Friends and family all think they’re crazy; Liv throws herself into work – animals are so much simpler than humans – and Adam tries to get himself out of the hole he’s dug.

But as the short break becomes a chasm, can they find a way back to each other? Most importantly, do they want to?


I love Lindsey Kelk books and have all of them on my bookshelf for me to return too when I need something humourous. We Were On a Break is a stand alone, which I really loved the idea of. Personally the cover of this one doesn't do it for me, but at they say never judge a book by it's cover!

This book has the trademarks that make a Kelk book, the humour, the romance and the story line.

Adam and Liv are on holiday in Mexico and are having an amazing time, Liv has been told by her best friend Cassie, (who is married to Adam's brother) that Adam is going to propose, so all holiday Liz has been waiting in anticipation. Finally it gets to the final night and it never happens. They end up having a massive row on the plane and once home go their separate ways for what Adam calls 'a break'.

The story is continue to be told through both Liv and Adam's perspective interchanging with the chapters. Initially I found this a little difficult to follow as I had to work out which perspective I was reading, but I actually really enjoyed the story being told in this way. Both the characters go through so many emotions in this book and there are times when you just want to bash their heads together. Although the whole story is them 'breaking up' the story seemed to whiz by and I couldn't believe I had almost finished.

I loved all the characters in this book and there are quite a few of them. I especially loved Daniel Craig, can I have him please??

Personally this is not my favourite book by Lindsey but it is still a great read and one that I will be adding to my collection. I recommend you to get yourself a copy if you love Lindsey's writing as this will not disappoint.

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

Gorsun Overhead Foldable Stereo Wired Headphones with Detachable Cable Black

£29.90

From Amazon:

• Foldable Lightweight stylish design and foldable headband makes it convenient for use and storage, with metal switch, is durable in use
• Stereo sound:With 40 mm neodymium magnets drivers, delivers high-quality stereo clear dynamic sound.
• Soft earmuff: soft earmuff and headband material is comfortable on your ear and head even after several hours of wearing.
• In line microphone:Line controller built-in microphone , a key switch from music to calls, make the operation more convenient, with detachable cable
• Strong compatibility:MP3, MP4, Tablet PC and most smart phones, etc with 3.5mm interface

My Review:

These headphones are really impressive, when they arrived they came in a sturdy storage box along with a bag and box.

Normally I use the small earphones what come with mobiles etc so these are my first substantial pair. The main reason for this is that they are normally too big for my head and when I wear them they end up slipping down, this is something that I didn't experience with these. The material on these are super soft and don't hurt when they are on your ears for a long time. If your head is slightly larger they have an extendable part so they will fit most people.

I thought that the sound quality of these is excellent, like I have previously said I don't normally go for larger headphones so I cannot compare to others of this size, however the sound is brilliant. After I had tried these I let my mother borrow them, she wears 2 hearing aids so struggles to have headphones on as she needs something that covers her ears completely. She was very impressed with these, they covered her ears and the hearing aids completely, allowing her to hear clearly, she also was impressed with the comfort of these, they didn't make her feel like her ears were being squashed and could keep these on for a long time.

They have a feature to be able to skip tracks, answer your phone and pause without touching your device, they are compatible with all Apple products, they only thing I think they could improve (and is why I haven't given 5*) would be a volume control as you would still need to touch your device in order to alter this. It would have also been great if they were wireless, but hey, you can't have everything for £30 and what you do get for this money personally I think is a bargain.

I would recommend these to anyone looking for a comfortable, lightweight and compact pair of headphones.

I would like to thank the company for sending this in exchange for an honest review. I was provided with a sample product at a complimentary or discounted rate in exchange for a fair, unbiased, and honest review

Legacy by Hannah Fielding with guest post

Blurb:

A troubled young journalist goes undercover in Spain, and finds her loyalties tested when love and desire unearth secrets she hadn’t bargained for. When Luna Ward, a beautiful ice-blonde graduate, is commissioned by a leading New York science journal to investigate the head of a Spanish alternative health clinic, she jumps at the chance. But her life becomes far more complicated once she meets the man she has been tasked to expose. Luna finds Rodrigo de Rueda Calderon to be a brilliant, outspoken oncology specialist with irresistible, dark gypsy looks and a devilish sense of humour. 

The pair are irrevocably drawn to each other, but how can she give herself up to a passion that threatens to topple all reason? And how could he ever learn to trust the person who has kept her identity from him, even though he has a terrible secret of his own? The lovers unearth dark and brooding dramas in their family histories, binding them together in a web of intrigue that threatens to bring their lives toppling down.

Hannah has stopped by at The Book Corner today to share immersing herself in the novel's setting. Thanks so much, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have. Legacy is out now!

Immersing myself in the novel’s setting

In my home in Kent, I write in a wood-panelled room, surrounded by books – we call it the library. In France, I write overlooking the most fabulous view of the Mediterranean from a large picture window in my bedroom, or if it is not too hot, outside in our gazebo. Both are fantastic, inspirational settings in which to write. But it is not sufficient to be in those spaces when I am writing; I must simultaneously have one foot in the setting in which my novel is set.

Whatever the setting of my novel, during the research phase I work hard to learn all about the time and place. I travel, where possible, to the locations that will feature in the book, and wear through a pair of walking shoes as I explore and make lots of notes and take photographs. Back home, I read extensively on the setting’s history, architecture, legends and culture, from literature and dance to music and art, and on the customs of the local people.

Once the novel is planned and I am ready to write, it is important that I keep hold of the ‘feel’ of the place, which always features prominently in the story: my aim is to transport the reader to the setting, so that they are really drawn into the story world. During the months I am writing the story, therefore, I immerse myself in the setting so far as possible.

My Andalucían Nights series spans three books, and so I spent a wonderful couple of years living and breathing the Spanish way of life. I watched Spanish films (The Pleasure Seekers is my favourite); I wore out flamenco dance DVDs; I listened to all manner of Spanish music (especially Legends of Gypsy Flamenco). I spoke Spanish around the house, here and there, to keep ‘in the zone’ – a peppering of gracias and de nada and por favour and amor. I adopted a beautiful fringed shawl as my ‘writing shawl’ and a lace fan for keeping cool in the heat of summer.

For me, the most fun part is exploring the cuisine and eating customs of another country. I love the classic Spanish desayuno (breakfast), a small and simple meal of café con leche (milky coffee) and magdalenas, little fluffy, lemony cakes. While in Spain, I loved to tapear – hop from tapas bar to tapas bar for little nibbles, like patatas bravas (potatoes in spicy sauce) and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp). But of course this doesn’t quite work at home, so instead I have focused on the Spanish-style comida – the mid-afternoon meal – which has multiple courses and a strong emphasis on eating in good company. My family and I have loved adopting this Spanish custom, and I have tried out plenty of new recipes on them.

My absolute favourite recipe is this paella, which has fuelled so many days of writing Andalucían Nights. I hope you may try it at home; it’s super-easy, and fantastically tasty.

Hannah Fielding’s Authentic Spanish Paella (to serve 6)

Ingredients:

2 cups short grain rice

1 1/2 cups mixed green, red, yellow and orange peppers chopped

1 cup green peas

24 prawns

24 scrubbed muscles

1 kilo monk fish

3 large Spanish onions chopped

6 large garlic cloves chopped

4 large pinches of saffron quickly boiled up in ¼ cup hot fish broth

3 large tomatoes chopped

6 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

6 cups of fish broth (you can use a Knorr cube)

1 cup white wine (optional)

Parsley



1. In a large pot, bring about 2 cups of water to the boil. Add the fish cube and the prawns and boil until pink. Turn the heat off. Remove the prawns with a pair of tongs. Add the monk fish to the broth and cook on a medium heat until the fish is no longer transparent and is cooked through.

2. Heat the oil in a large and deep pan over a medium heat. Add the onion, peppers and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are transparent and the vegetables are softened. Stir in the tomatoes and the peas. Add the rice, and fry for another minute or so, then add the fish and saffron broth, white wine, salt and pepper. Bring to the boil. Don’t stir the rice or you’ll break it. Cover and cook until the rice is done. (You can add some water if the rice isn’t done and the water has evaporated.)

3. Uncover the pan and spread the prawns, muscles and monk fish over the rice, pushing them into the rice slightly. Add a little water if needed. Cover and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes to heat everything through.

4. Garnish with parsley and serve. 

Legacy by Hannah Fielding is out on 29th September (£7.99) http://hannahfielding.net/

I loved that recipe and think I may give it a go Hannah, thank you for sharing.