Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

Wednesday, 15 July 2015

Summer Bingo Challenge 2nd Edition!









I was inspired last year to do my own Summer Bookish Bingo Challenge and I loved the extra challenge during the Summer months!
As I mentioned in my update post my reading and blogging time has been hugely increased yay! So I should get a full house!


Rules
  • One square per book! For example if I read a new release YA book it could go in either box so one square per book spreads it out!
  • This challenge will run 1st July until 1st October.


Let me know if you want to join in or if you have your own challenge!
Much love
Lettie
xxx

Monday, 29 September 2014

Mini Reviews: Summer Edition!








Two great books that just screamed summer read to me!

Biggest Flirts by Jennifer Echols
Tia and Will’s lives get flipped upside down when they’re voted Yearbook’s Biggest Flirts.Tia just wants to have fun. She’s worked hard to earn her reputation as the life of the party, and she’s ready for a carefree senior year of hanging out with friends and hooking up with cute boys. And her first order of business? New guy Will. She can’t get enough of his Midwestern accent and laidback swagger.
As the sparks start to fly, Will wants to get serious. Tia’s seen how caring too much has left her sisters heartbroken, and she isn’t interested in commitment. But pushing Will away drives him into the arms of another girl. Tia tells herself it’s no big deal…until the yearbook elections are announced. Getting voted Biggest Flirts with Will is, well, awkward. They may just be friends, but their chemistry is beginning to jeopardize Will’s new relationship—and causing Tia to reconsider her true feelings. What started as a light hearted fling is about to get very complicated…

Thoughts
I really enjoyed Dirty Little Secret so I was intrigued by this Superlative series. I loved this book actually started before they were named Biggest Flirts. Tia was loud, confident and quite flirty. I liked how she contacted with Will straight away even if she'd completely misread him. Tia's family backstory explored a lot of her more abrasive personality traits like her aversion to love and relationships and her intense dislike of responsibility. I would have loved to see more interaction with her Dad as he remained a mystery! I loved how everyone in her life was aware of her little tricks to avoid responsibility despite the fact she thought she was hiding it so well. Will was an exciting character from the start, I loved that Tia misread him so we learnt about him slowly. I felt for him moving for senior year especially as all the positions he wanted/needed for College applications were taken up. Will was however a little desperate to have a relationship as soon as he arrived in Florida and made some questionable choices! I absolutely loved the dynamic and chemistry between Tia and Will, it made the whole book for me. Their chemistry seemed effortless and they just feel quite naturally into an almost couple like state. Their responses to their titles was funny as they were so blatant all the time! I felt like Will's straitlaced and open personality went well with Tia's free and complex one. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!



Right of Way by Lauren Barnholdt
Here are Peyton and Jace, meeting on vacation. Click! It’s awesome, it’s easy, it’s romantic. This is the real deal.

Unless it isn’t. Because when you’re in love, you don’t just stop calling one day. And you don’t keep secrets. Or lie. And when your life starts falling apart, you’re supposed to have the other person to lean on.

Here are Peyton and Jace again, broken up but thrown together on a road trip. One of them is lying about the destination. One of them is pretending not to be leaving something behind. And neither of them is prepared for what’s coming on the road ahead…


Thoughts
Two Way Street was the first Lauren Barnholdt book I read so when I heard this was a vague companion book I knew I wanted to read it! I love a good road trip contemporary romance! Peyton surprised me, I usually dislike overly emotional leads but I loved Peyton. Sure she was whiny and dramatic but she was funny with it. Her family life had changed and when you're a teenager that is the worst thing that can happen to you especially what we learnt about her Mum. Peyton wasn't afraid to chase and commit to big abstract dreams even when they seemed to be falling apart, I admired that about her if it was a bit naïve. I loved the history between Jace and Peyton, it was realistic and sweet at the same time. I loved Jace especially the chapters from his point of view. He was witty and sharp. I liked how he begrudgingly took care of Peyton was necessary and pointed out her flawed plans. His best friend Evan was hilarious with his wild ideas, I would have loved to see more of him. It was great to get a look at how Courtney and Jordon were getting on and even BJ! I loved their side roles as advisers and examples. Right of Way was a great young adult contemporary summer book! I loved how the issues facing Jace and  Peyton were realistic and not too extreme. I always enjoy Lauren's books so looking forward to Through to You to come out in paperback next summer!
 
Do you feel these books are quintessentially summer books?
Let me know!
Much Love!
Colette
Xxx

Sunday, 28 September 2014

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick.

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.
As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?
A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.


Thoughts!
Why didn't I read this earlier?? It's been on my tbr since it released in 2012- it was so worth the wait!
     My Life Next Door is a layered traditional contemporary summer book with twists and well written characters. It wasn't cliché as I'd anticipated.
    Samantha Reid was a great lead. I found her sweet and hard working if a little naïve. I love how she slotted into her life next door as she seemed to be a bit neglected at home especially with her sister gone and her Mum otherwise occupied. Jase was such a welcoming and generous male lead. He wasn't a cliché good or bad guy he was simply a well rounded mature teenager. I loved how he took on responsibilities for his family but would occasionally complain. I liked how he treated Samantha and how easy going he was.
    My Life Next Door has a well written individual side cast with all their own issues and personalities. The Garretts were such a vibrant family with so many different personalities. It was easy to see how and why Samantha was attracted and intrigued by them as they were so different to her family. I loved how all of them had positive attitudes and were well adjusted enough to rise above other's prejudices. I could probably write a detailed profile of each of them so I'll curtail my love of the siblings. Dad was a steady and pragmatic man with his approach to providing for his family, I loved how he was honest with Tim but still trusted him as an employee.
    Which brings me to Nan and Tim. Nan was a more complex character than she seemed. Initially I took her for a good friend if a little snobby but as the book progressed it became clear that she was exceedingly rude, cruel and entitled. Her apparent concern for Tim masked a deep jealously and I defiantly think she's heading for a breakdown. Tim was my breakout character, I loved him. Tim really developed and grew over the course of the book. I liked how he flourished under the positive encourage of the Garretts and Sam. Sam and Tim's friendship was resurrected and it was clear to see how they had grown apart and refreshing to see a platonic strong friendship which developed. I also loved his interactions with the Garretts, how he stepped up when needed and his banter with Alice.

    Samantha's Mum was another surprisingly complex character. She projected the image of career driven and confident involved Mum but it became clear that she wasn't as confident in herself as she seemed. I couldn't believe how her plot twisted and turned especially her sudden disregard for Samantha despite her initial concerns over how and where she spent her summer.
    My Life Next Door was primarily character driven, the plot itself was a clever manipulation of prominent clichés such as boy next door, rich/poor divide.

I loved the summery setting the town was big enough for the whole story to largely stay in one place. I loved the positioning of the summer jobs, the country club etc. It was like a storybook American summer town which was the perfect setting for My Life Next Door.

Rating!

My Life Next Door is the perfect summer read full of well crafted unique characters and a interesting original plot.
 
Are you a long time fan of My Life Next Door?
Are you excited for Tim to get his own book?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Monday, 22 September 2014

Goodbye Summer!





Summer is slowly drawing to a close! We are currently experiencing the last of the summer sun here in the UK but I've no doubt that once September is over the rain will set in and cozy nights in reading will be back!

I've decided to dedicate the next 9 days to 'goodbye to Summer' mini feature to help myself transition into Autumn mode!

What to Expect?
  • Summer Bingo Wrap Up.
  • Summer reviews such as Nantucket Red
  • Autumn TBR
  • Travel post
  • and maybe an Autumn Bingo Challenge......
So I hope you enjoy the last of the summer days and my summery posts!
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Summer Bingo Wrap Up!









Way back in July I decided to do my own Summer bingo challenge! I was inspired by Bookish Bingo  hosted by Great Imaginations when I saw it on The Book Monsters.
How did I do?

Not too bad! I got a line at least. I did plan on reading Forever Summer as my Australia but the publication date got pushed back! I managed to read a great range of books over summer though.
I really enjoyed this challenge. I think because it was quite free and the parameters were simple. I was going to do an Autumn one but my course is pretty intense so I may try and do a mini one for Christmas instead!

Have you ever done a Bingo challenge?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Thursday, 7 August 2014

After The Storm by Marie Landry.

For most people, starting senior year at a new high school would be a nightmare, but for Ella O’Dell it’s the new beginning she desperately needs. Two months after her mother’s death, she’s ready to leave behind the rebellious, unhappy person she became when she found out her mom was dying.
When Ella meets River Maracle and Sadie Fitzgerald, she begins to learn it’s okay to be herself, even if that means being different. River and Sadie aren’t ashamed of their misfit status—River grew up on a reservation, and his mother is the school counselor; Sadie stands out with her funky homemade clothes, and is a master at ignoring the whispered rumors that have plagued her since the beginning of high school.
Ella finds a kindred spirit in Sadie, and something more in River. After almost a year of pretending to be someone she’s not, she finally embraces life and allows herself to have fun without constant guilt. But despite her budding happiness, something is off with her new life. She doesn’t want to dwell on the past, but Angel Island is a small place, and she soon realizes her demons are harder to outrun than she thought…

Thoughts!
Ella was very hard to like in Waiting for the Storm and actually she was the one thing I disliked so I was apprehensive of her being the lead character in this book. I was pleasantly surprised! Ella's point of view gave such a clear insight into how and why she behaved the way she did. I admired how she recognised she needed to change who she had become, although she was a overly critical of herself at times. I liked seeing Charlotte and Ezra's relationship in Ella's point of view and how she reconnected with Charlotte. I also loved how Ezra treated her like a sister, overlooking her previous behaviour and  looking out for her.
I absolutely loved the misfit trio, Sadie, River and Ella were quite different but united by their personal tragedies. Sadie was lovely and so welcoming to Ella, I loved how she encouraged Ella. Sadie's background was very harsh and confusing but she had remained upbeat and unique which I admired. River seemed so mysterious to begin with but actually was very open with Ella and very good at listening to her. I loved how their relationship developed slowly. It was great to see the Angel Island community again and I liked seeing how Charlotte, Ella and their Dad were slowly moving on with their lives positively.  

Rating!
Ella really surprised me and I loved the Angel Island community and life outside of summer.
Thank you to Marie Landry for gifting me a copy of After The Storm.

Have you read the Angel Island books?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Friday, 1 August 2014

Beach Reads Giveaway!


I absolutely love summer reads! I like my summer reads to be summery (of course) and easy to read. I prefer when they have a deeper issue but light is fine too!

My new Beach Read favourites
Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland.
Such a great blend of light sweet beach read and serious contemporary! Cricket
Nantucket Red by Leila Howland.
I wasn't sure Nantucket Blue needed a sequel but Nantucket Red was so much more than a sequel. It built on all the personal growth aspects of NB and added that much needed resolution.
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick.
This has been on my summer tbr for years and it had everything I love about American summer reads.
Torn Away by Jennifer Brown.
This isn't as 'light' as the others but it's still a good summer read.

Enter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the rest of the Giveaways!

Thanks to Valerie from Stuck in Books for organising this giveaway! Check out her post and the other giveaways here.

Good Luck!
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxxx

Monday, 28 July 2014

Summer Sign Ups!


I wasn't going to sign up to any read-a-thons as I have my Summer Bingo Challenge to keep up with but then these three challenges popped up in my news feed...

Arc August
 
ARC August is a month long challenge Octavia hosts as a way to help motivate people to tackle their huge (and small) ARC piles.
Sign up here.

Why?
I've gotten majorly behind with NetGalley so I thought this would be the best motivation!
Aim?
I'm aiming to read 10 ARCs this August which should get be back on course!


The Monster Thons.
The Monster Read and Review-a-thons are a great chance for us all to get together, read some fabulous reads, and get to those reviews that we know have been sitting there waiting to be done for a little too long. Sign Up here.
I've chosen Reviewathon!

Why?
I had a bit of a reading spree so I need to do some hard core reviewing!
Aim?
I'm aiming to write a total of 14 reviews, two a day!

 
Beat the Heat Readathon
The Beat the Heat Readathon runs from August 11th to September 1st. What does this readathon entail, you ask? Well, read as much or as little as you want – the main point is to READ! You set your own goal, and for three weeks you read as many books as you can/want to reach your goal!
Sign Up here.
Why?
I just love readathons and this one sounds fun!
Aim?
I'm aiming to read about 15 books, so five more than Arc August!

Have you signed up for any readathons??
I'm really looking forward to these!

Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Summer Bingo Challenge.

 
I've decided to do my own Summer bingo challenge! I was inspired by Bookish Bingo  hosted by Great Imaginations when I saw it on The Book Monsters. After realising I wouldn't read a few of the categories I decided to make my own!
 
Rules
  • One square per book! For example if I read a new release YA book it could go in either box so one square per book spreads it out!
  • This challenge will run 1st July until 1st September.
Let me know if you want to join in!
Much love
Lettie
xxx

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer TBR!

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish.
This week's topic: My Summer TBR

The Summer TBR Top Ten Tuesday is one of my favourites! This is my third one, here's 2012 and 2013.
 
Contemporary.
The Distance between Us by Kasie West~ This seems like a great summer read!
Right of Way by Lauren Barnholdt~ I love Lauren Barnholdt and I'm waiting on my pre-order to arrive.
Take Me On by Katie McGarry~ Big fan of this series, it's a long time resident of my TBRs :)

Summer Releases.
Forever Summer by C.J. Duggan~ Finally Adam and Ellie’s Story!
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover~ Something new from Colleen!
Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson~ I have adored both of Morgan's books so I'm looking forward to this!

Series Books. 
Earth Flight by Janet Edwards~ The conclusion of Earth Girl! Will Jarra leave Earth?
The One by Kiera Cass~ Who will America chose??
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas~  Hoping this answers more questions than it asks!

What are you looking forward to reading this summer?
I'm hoping to pack in a lot of reading as I'm starting my teacher training in September!

Much Love!
Lettie
Xxxx

Tuesday, 24 September 2013

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer TBR Update

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish.
This week's topic: Summer TBR Update!
 
Now I've posted my Autumn TBR it's time to see how well I've done with my Summer TBR!

Read!
Near and Far by Nicole Williams. - Loved catching up with Jesse and Rowan
Throne of Glass by Sarah L. Maas.-  Just as amazing as I'd hoped!
Façade by Nyrae Dawn.- Definitely a fan of the Games series!
The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy.- Not quite what I imagined but still a nice read.

Didn't Buy Yet!
About a Girl by Lindsey Kelk.~ I just haven't got around to buying it!
Right of Way by Lauren Barholdt.- Unfortunately this one is a bit pricey atm.

Whoops~ No Excuses!
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin.- No excuses here I just need to pick it up! Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan.- I just didn't get around to this one!
Insurgent by Veronica Roth.- I'm trying to hold this one off until Allegiant is available.

Four Summers by Nyrae Dawn.- Not sure why I skipped over this perfect summer read?

How did you do with your Summer TBR?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer TBR!

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish.
This week's topic: Top Ten Books At The Top Of My Summer TBR List. 
 The Top Ten Tuesday Summer TBR was my very first Top Ten post almost a year ago! Cannot believe it's time for the 2013 version!
This year I've divided into 'easy' beachy reads and then series books that you need a good amount of time to get in to. 
 
Summer Books!
Four Summers by Nyrae Dawn.
Charlotte Gates is tired of being Charlie Rae. She loves the lake she was raised on, their rental cabins, and spending her nights under the stars…but inside she yearns for more.
After his freshman year, Nathaniel Chase’s family spends their first summer at The Village. From the beginning Charlotte intrigues him. She’s the girl who always says what’s on her mind, wins at night games, and each time she looks through her telescope, gets lost in the sky.
Over the course of four summers together, Charlotte and Nathaniel become best friends, share firsts, mend broken hearts, protect each other’s secrets, overcome tragedies…fall in love. And say goodbye…
Charlie wants out of The Village. Nate wants her to have her stars. And they dream of being able to do it all together. But life isn’t as easy as their summers.
Each summer is told in alternating points of view between Charlie and Nate. Journey with the pair, and their friends, as they share their story about growing up, discovering who they are, making tough choices, and falling in love again and again.
Status: Waiting on my Tablet to be read!
This sounds like the perfect summer read so I've been holding out for sunny weather to read it!
 
The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy.
This isn't a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I'd be happy to recommend one, but I don't have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions and finding out that your dream guy is bad in bed. It's the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it's also the story of my freshman year of college and realising Mr. Right might have been there all along.
Status: Another one waiting on my tablet!
Again I'm holding this one back for summer!
 
Façade by Nyrae Dawn.
 Can love save them?
After her father commits a crime that shatters her family, eighteen-year-old Delaney Cross is tired of pretending everything is all right. Packing up her car, she sets out to find the people her father hurt. Her search leads her to places she’s never been—and into the arms of Adrian Westfall.
To the outside world, Adrian is a sexy, charming ladies’ man. But his playboy persona is just an act. Secretly his soul is tortured by a memory too painful to share. Only Delaney seems to see through his façade to the real man underneath. And for the first time in his life, Adrian feels he can begin to open up about his past.
Together, Adrian and Delaney share a passionate love they never expected to find. Yet both still harbour their own secrets. When the dark truth is finally revealed, will it bring them closer together—or tear them apart forever?
Status: Released 2nd July!
I loved Charade so I cannot wait to read about Adrian!
 
Near and Far by Nicole Williams.
There’s optimistic. And there’s Jesse Walker.
If he wasn’t so charming, his sunny disposition and incessant grin would get annoying. Fast.
Falling in love with the girl who had at first seemed immune to it, was the best thing to happen to Jesse since the Walkers adopted him into their family when he was five. But loving the girl who has her fair share of secrets is about as easy as that same girl loving the boy who seems to have none.
As Jesse’s life continues at the ranch, and Rowen begins making her mark in the Seattle art community, they begin to wonder where the middle ground is. Or if there even is one.
As push comes to shove and choices aren’t only needing to be made, but forced to be made, Jesse and Rowen have to face what their lives might look like without the other.
Can two people with such tragic pasts and different presents, go on to expect a promising future? Whatever the answer, they’ll need a lot more than love to make it.
Status: Released 30th July.
I loved Lost and Found so this is another sequel I cannot wait for!
 
Right of Way by Lauren Barholdt.
Can a road trip repair a romance gone wrong? Find out in this standalone companion to Lauren Barnholdt’s Two-way Street.
Here are Peyton and Jace, meeting on vacation. Click! It’s awesome, it’s easy, it’s romantic. This is the real deal.
Unless it isn’t. Because when you’re in love, you don’t just stop calling one day. And you don’t keep secrets. Or lie. And when your life starts falling apart, you’re supposed to have the other person to lean on.
Here are Peyton and Jace again, broken up but thrown together on a road trip. One of them is lying about the destination. One of them is pretending not to be leaving something behind. And neither of them is prepared for what’s coming on the road ahead…
Status: Released 9th July.
Lauren Barnholdt has been one of my summer staple authors for years so I'm super excited for this one!
About a Girl by Lindsey Kelk.
I’d lost my job. I’d lost the love of my life. My mum wasn’t talking to me. My best friend was epically pissed off. And my flatmate probably had a hit out on me by now. I never meant for things to get so out of hand…
Tess Brookes has always been a Girl with a Plan. But when her carefully constructed Plan goes belly up, she’s forced to reconsider.
After accidentally answering her flatmate Vanessa’s phone, she decides that since being Tess isn’t going so well, why shouldn’t she try out being Vanessa? With nothing left to lose, she accepts Vanessa’s photography assignment to Hawaii – she used to be an amateur snapper, how hard can it be? Right?
But Tess is soon in big trouble – she isn’t a photographer, she isn’t Vanessa, and the gorgeous journalist on the shoot with her, who is making it very clear he’d like to get into her pants, is an egotistical monster.
Far from home and in someone else’s shoes, Tess must decide whether to fight on through, or ‘fess up and run…
Status: Released 16th July.
Lindsey Kelk is one of my favourite authors so I'm glad her new stand alone comes out in time for Summer!
 
Series Books.
Throne of Glass by Sarah L. Maas.
Meet Celaena Sardothien.
Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for greatness.

In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake: she got caught.
Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament—fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin’s heart be melted?
Status: Sitting on my bookshelf.
I've got the next one downloaded so I'm going to make a start on this series this summer!
 
Insurgent by Veronica Roth.
 I HAVE DONE BAD THINGS.
I CAN'T TAKE THEM BACK,
AND THEY ARE PART OF WHO I AM.

Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family, but she has paid a terrible price. Wracked by grief and guilt, she becomes ever more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future.
Yet if Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger than ever... because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead.
Status: I just added this one to my bookshelf.
I loved Divergent so I tried to hold out until Allegiant comes out because I know Insurgent will be a cliff-hanger!
Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan.
 Stephen has been invisible for practically his whole life — because of a curse his grandfather, a powerful cursecaster, bestowed on Stephen’s mother before Stephen was born. So when Elizabeth moves to Stephen’s NYC apartment building from Minnesota, no one is more surprised than he is that she can see him. A budding romance ensues, and when Stephen confides in Elizabeth about his predicament, the two of them decide to dive headfirst into the secret world of cursecasters and spellseekers to figure out a way to break the curse. But things don’t go as planned, especially when Stephen’s grandfather arrives in town, taking his anger out on everyone he sees. In the end, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how big of a sacrifice they’re willing to make for Stephen to become visible — because the answer could mean the difference between life and death. At least for Elizabeth.
Status: Finally found this one in a bookshop!
This one was on my Spring TBR but I couldn't find it in any bookshop until this week!
 
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin.
 Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger. She wakes from a coma in hospital with no memory of how she got there or of the bizarre accident that caused the deaths of her best friends and her boyfriend, yet left her mysteriously unharmed. The doctors suggest that starting over in a new city, a new school, would be good for her and just to let the memories gradually come back on their own.
But Mara’s new start is anything but comforting. She sees the faces of her dead friends everywhere, and when she suddenly begins to see other people’s deaths right before they happen, Mara wonders whether she’s going crazy! And if dealing with all this wasn’t enough, Noah Shaw, the most beautiful boy she has ever seen can’t seem to leave her alone… but as her life unravels around her, Mara can’t help but wonder if Noah has another agenda altogether…
Status: Sitting on my bookshelf.
I've been meaning to read this one for months but it seems pretty 'heavy' so I saved it for summer!
 
What do you hope to read this summer?
Is it actually sunny where you are?
Much Love!
Lettie.
Xxx 

Friday, 10 May 2013

Blog Tour: Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

 
For Cricket Thompson, a summer like this one will change everything. A summer spent on Nantucket with her best friend, Jules Clayton, and the indomitable Clayton family. A summer when she’ll make the almost unattainable Jay Logan hers. A summer to surpass all dreams.
Some of this turns out to be true. Some of it doesn’t. 
When Jules and her family suffer a devastating tragedy that forces the girls apart, Jules becomes a stranger whom Cricket wonders whether she ever really knew. And instead of lying on the beach working on her caramel-coloured tan, Cricket is making beds and cleaning bathrooms to support herself in paradise for the summer.
But it’s the things Cricket hadn’t counted on--most of all, falling hard for someone who should be completely off-limits--that turn her dreams into an exhilarating, bittersweet reality.
A beautiful future is within her grasp, and Cricket must find the grace to embrace it. If she does, her life could be the perfect shade of Nantucket blue.
Why?
Nantucket Blue was on my 2013 radar for ages so when I caught wind of this blog tour I was so excited!

First Impressions!
The first chapter brilliantly set up the cast of characters and Cricket's world view through a game of lacrosse. It felt unique and I was instantly drawn in.

What I loved:
Cricket- I loved Cricket! I really felt for her with her divorced parents and the ending of her surrogate family. I loved how she grew so much during one summer. She started out as a girl who had dealing with her parent's divorce by immersing herself in her best friend's family and believed heavily in her ideals of people, but she ended as a girl secure in her own worth, independent and self sufficient.
Diary feel- The whole book felt like Cricket's personal diary with all her thoughts and feelings laid bare. This increased with the addition of her mum's actual diary entries that popped up. It made Cricket's emotions and issues much more real and authentic.
Side Cast- I loved the side cast. Jules, I felt for her but she was at times unfairly harsh to Cricket especially with Jay. I loved Zack he really owned who he was and showed Cricket true friendship despite his own situation. I loved how brash Liz was and how she was so friendly towards Cricket. George, I liked how his project really connected Cricket to the Nantucket and opened up a surprising plot line. The whole Nantucket community had such a feel of community and all the different personalities even the horrible ones added to the feel of the book.
Twists- I loved all the little twists and turns! I guessed a few and a few shocked me! They all really added to the plot, the flow of the story and kept me guessing
Setting- The setting was what initially drew me in and I really enjoyed it! It was removed from Cricket's comfort zone forcing her to adapt to the situation. I loved the small community feel and the isolation.
Timeframe- I loved how summer framed the book from beginning to end. Summer is always a magical time and this book explores that time through so many different avenues. I liked that the book ended at the end of summer, even though I do want to read more I think it was the best ending point for such a summery read.


What I didn't love as much:
Resolution- The book did end at the end of summer which was appropriate but I wanted more resolution! Especially between Cricket and her Dad and with Jules!
Cricket's Dad- I was appalled by her father's lack of enthusiasm in his own daughter! He'd divorced his wife not his children. He put more thought, effort and expense into his new wife's son's 6th birthday than his own daughter's 18th and was surprised that she was upset! Cricket's mum may have been abit vacant but she clearly adored her daughter the same could not be said for her Dad!

 

I really enjoyed this book and I know I'll be dipping in and out of it for ages it was the perfect combination of light sweet beach read and serious contemporary!
 
Will you be giving Nantucket Blue a try?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx


Tuesday, 28 August 2012

Top Ten Tuesday: Update!

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish.
Next week's topic is Autumn TBRs so I thought I would  go back and see how many of my Anticipated Summer Reads I actually got round to reading :)

My Summer TBR was my very first Top Ten Tuesday here. I managed seven out of ten which isn't too bad!

Read

I Heart London by Lindsey Kelk- Such a good end to the series although I hope it's not the permanent end!
Matched by Ally Condie- A great read! I loved the society set up and the characters, looking forward to reading Crossed and Reached.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman and Where She Went by Gayle Forman- These books will stay with me forever- they were so emotional!
Love of The Party by Lauren Barnholdt- I loved the fact this was a combination of different yet related stories, good quick read!
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry-Better than Perfect Chemistry, it had such an intriguing plot and characters
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson- Lived up to my expectations of Morgan Matson, I'm already looking forward to her next book!

Not Read


Divergent by Veronica Roth
This one is sat patiently on my library pile! I will be taking it away with me next month so it just misses out on being a summer read :)
In Honor by Jessi Kirby/The Thing about the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt
These two haven't been read for the same reason. I don't like buying contemporary books as hardbacks and unfortunately these two are only available in hardback!
I don't want them as ebooks as I'm still not a fan of ebooks... These two will get read as soon as they are paperbacks!

All seven were great picks and really good reads so I'm glad I stuck to the majority of this list!
I'm excited to pick out my Autumn TBR next Tuesday!

How did you do with your summer TBR?

Much Love
Lettie
xxx