Brand New Books to Read

I have been going book-acquisition mad lately. I currently have more new novels to read than I have since I became a full time writer (i.e. dirt poor). I cannot wait to sink my teeth into these beauties. I am so spoiled for choice I don't even know where to start! I suspect it will be Anne Bishop's 'Murder of Crows'. I have waited for the release of this book for what feels like forever.

Expect some reviews for these books soon!

Happy reading!

Books on the list:

Cross Stitch, by Diana Gabaldon
Dragon Quest, by Anne McCaffrey
The Armageddon Rag, by George RR Martin
Fevre Dreams, by George RR Martin
Tuf Voyaging, by George RR Martin
Murder of Crows, by Anne Bishop
The Cuckoo's Calling, by Robert Galbraith
Other Stories, and Other Stories, by Adam Browne
I Wrote This For You

Reviews of the Future

There is to be no review posted for this week. Instead I went to the book launch of super talented Australian author, Adam Browne. I bought a copy of his short story collection, '"Other Stories" and Other Stories'. The two stories I have read so far have been ah may zing. He's also a super nice guy. Expect a review once I'm done. 

Stay tuned for the following book reviews:

- Making History, by Stephen Fry
- Reaper's Rhythm, by Claire Davidson
- Cross Stitch (Outlander), by Diana Gabaldon

UPDATE: Reviews will now be posted once a fortnight, and my '10 Reasons Why' segment will be a once-in-a-while thing. This is because I am making a commitment to my novel, which I hope to submit to publishers soon. I still enjoy writing the reviews, and even more I love being able to find books that you might enjoy too. I just can't spend two days out of every week reading. I'm cutting back to every second morning.

Thanks for your support. Hugs to you all. oxo

What Is On My Bookshelf

It is just about that amazingly, wonderful, terrific time of the year. No, not Christmas! I am talking about a much more important time in my life - summer holidays. I have been very lucky to have been invited away for a week at the beach with my very beautiful friends. That is a whole week, people, of being able to lie on a beach and read. And if it's raining, which is can sometimes do, I won't be disheartened. A book is just as easily read on the couch or a bed as it is on the beach.

As so, what is on my reading list for this week long break?

- The Casual Vacancy, by J.K. Rowling: I bought this book for myself for Christmas this year. Cheeky, I know, but I really, really wanted it. I didn't initially want to read it when it was released a couple of years ago, but I recently saw an interview with Ms. Rowling. Hearing her passionate description of the book made me want to give it a go. I bought the book a month ago, so I am very proud of my resolve to not open it until it is officially my book after Christmas. I wrapped it in Christmas paper when I bought it so I wouldn't be tempted.

- The Gifts of the Peramangk by Dean Mayes: Dean Mayes is such a talented author. His first novel, 'The Hambledown Dream' left me in fits of tears (but in a good way) because the story was so beautifully woven. I have already read The Gifts of the Peramangk, but I was in such a rush to finish it that I don't feel I got the full effect. And it was hard to read clearly through all the crying I did. Therefore I am taking some time over the week to re-read this amazing book so that I can write a proper review for it. I feel bad that I haven't reviewed this book so far because I feel this book is a must-read for everyone, but I didn't feel I could do it justice until I had the time to invest properly in the book.

- Anne of the Island, by L.M. Montgomery: Okay, you got me. Guilty as charged. I am reading the Anne books AGAIN. I just love them so, so very much. Anne is such a delight, and such a wonderful role model for young women. She is comfortable being herself, and I can't help but love her for it. I just came off the back of the flu, where I read the first two books ('Anne of Green Gables' and 'Anne of Avonlea'). I can't wait to re-read the third. I managed to get my hands on the Emily series recently, so I will probably read them once I have finished with Anne. I haven't read the Emily series since I was about ten so I am interested to see how I like them.

Oh boy, I can't wait. This is going to be the best summer ever! And then it's my birthday in January so I might be able to get some more books *grins evilly to herself*.

I'm sure there will be some time left over to interact with my friends. Perhaps.