REVIEW: Little White Lies by Katie Dale

Name: Little White Lies

Author: Katie Dale

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Date published: 1st August 2013

Pages: 384, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4.5 teacups

The first time Lou meets tall, dark, and handsome Christian, she knows he's hiding something. Why does he clam up every time she asks about his past? Why doesn't he have any family photos and why does he dye his blond hair black?
Then suddenly his terrible secret is unveiled to the world - and it seems everything he's ever told Lou is a lie. Can what the media are saying about him really be true? Should Lou trust him? Or is she in terrible danger? But Christian isn't the only one keeping secrets. For what if their chance meeting was no accident at all ...?
As lie follows lie, nothing is as it seems, and soon Lou finds herself ensnared in a web of deceit, her loyalties torn, her emotions in tatters as she faces a heart-wrenching dilemma: should she shatter the lives of those she holds dearest, or betray the guy who, against all odds, she's fallen in love with?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Review

Katie Dale rapidly became one of my favourite authors last year with her stunning debut, Someone Else's Life.  I obviously had high hopes for her next book, Little White Lies, and it didn't disappoint.

The premise and the storyline took centre stage.  It was so fast-paced, I was never bored; always kept on my toes, always wondering and contemplating what would come next. The beauty of it though was that my guesses were rarely correct.  Katie Dale threw in plot twists and surprises that you never see coming.  It was like sitting on a wave, my emotions rising and falling and being whipped around by the wind.

However, no matter how thrilling the premise, I knew I wanted the characters to be genuine and well-developed.  And they were definitely true to form.  Each with their own flaws, quirks and imperfections that made me instantly reach out and take them into my heart.  The anger and the hurt that Lou and Christian harboured within themselves felt so real and it was almost as if I was right there with them as the horrors and the answers they sought unfolded.  With Lou, I became a fiercely protective 'little sister' and hoped and wished she would receive her closure.

And then came the ending.  An ending so shocking and unexpected and in a way... fitting.  My emotions were thrown into turmoil and I just felt so conflicted.  It tore me apart as ache and joy met together and settled in my chest.  It was heart-wrenching and confusing and perfect all at the same time that I felt myself asking, 'Is there no other way?'

For me, Little White Lies turned out to be an incredibly emotionally charged read.  Katie Dale's writing style pulled me straight into the heart of the action and made me question everything.  This is a book you don't want to miss if you want real characters to relate to, a storyline that will take you on a fast-paced journey and an ending that will reduce you to an emotional wreck!

4.5 Teacups for Little White Lies!

*Thanks to Simon&Schuster for sending me this to review!*

Also, my review for Someone Else's Life for Chicklish is quoted on the back of the book! Squeee!!!!  First time ever *jumps around with glee*

Happy reading,

Beverley xxx

A Little Catch Up Post

Hello all!

It's me.

Beverley.

*waves*

Finally breaking the silence.

Here's a little update so that you know I'm still alive - a little worn out, but coping :D

What I've Been Up To
I'm pleased to say that my uni applications were sent off in early October!  Since then, I've been focusing on revising for an admissions test, general study and interview prep.  I'm studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths this year and they're challenging but enjoyable at the same time - my investigations in Bio and Chem are fun but frustrating too :P

This leaves little time for reading for the fun of it but I think I've been experiencing a bit of a blogging slump anyway.  I've been avoiding my blog lately, I'll admit.  I do miss the blogosphere and everyone in it but I guess a break was much needed!


Where I've Been
Regarding uni apps, some of you may already know that I want to study veterinary medicine.  Well, I've been lucky enough to be invited for interviews at Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cambridge.  I've already done my Glasgow and Cambridge ones and my Edinburgh one is next year (wow, next year is so soon!).  It's difficult to tell how they both went but I found them to be worthwhile experiences, especially the two interviews I had at Cambridge!  I loved seeing the cities as well even though my visits were short. 

The Cambridge college I applied to



What I've Been Reading
As I said, I've had little time for reading but I did start the various books below which still need to be finished! 

 

I'm loving the Asian protagonist in The Elites and How To Love is rather bittersweet and the storyline is interesting too. ASDFGHJKL INSURGENT.  All the feels. I'm about halfway through so no spoilers please :D  Luke Gamble's The Vet is also fantastic and one chapter had me crying - conveniently when I was on the train back from Glasgow!  And Why Animals Matter is intriguing too - animal welfare is an issue close to my heart.

 

 

So that's it really.  All that's left for me to say now is:  HAVE A FANTASTIC CHRISTMAS!!!  And if you don't celebrate it, enjoy the break from school/uni/work! 

 

Source: Chibird

 

 



I've missed you guys so do let me know in the Comments below how you've all been, what I've missed etc.  I'd love to hear from you!  Feel free to say hi on Twitter too!

Lots of love,
Beverley xxx



MINI-REVIEW: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Name: Speechless

Author: Hannah Harrington

Publisher: Mira Ink

Date published: February 2013

Pages: 263, Paperback ARC

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4.5 teacups

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can’t keep a secret
Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.
Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she’s ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.
But there’s strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she’s done. If only she can forgive herself.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Thoughts

It didn't take me long to request a copy of Speechless.  The fact that it was authored by Hannah Harrington, the oh-so-amazing-creator of Saving June, was enough to make me want to read it straight away.

When I first met Chelsea Knot, I knew she wasn't someone I'd want to be friends with in real life. She was gossipy and shallow and I wondered how I would ever come to warm to her.  However, by the end of the book, I really empathised her and felt truly protective of her.  Character development is such a key element in Speechless and is what made the book such a touching read for me.

The secondary characters also deserve a mention for adding their own quirkiness and warmth.  Asha was such a wonderful friend, soft-spoken and kind-hearted, and Sam was definitely a swoon-worthy love interest.  All of them were such unique figures with huge individuality.

Hannah Harrington has definitely not lost her touch for addressing deeper issues with such sensitivity and Speechless proved to be another heartbreaking, thought-provoking read with an important message which rings true for all its readers.  My words cannot do this book justice, so I'd like to finish with a quote from one of the characters that nicely sums everything up:

“Hate is... It's too easy. Love. Love takes courage.”

 4.5 Teacups for Speechless!

*Many thanks to Mira Ink for the review copy and apologies for the late review*

Happy reading,

Beverley

Waiting on Wednesday #14

Waiting on Wednesday is a fabulous meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine!  It's a wonderful chance to share the books we're eagerly anticipating and to find out what our fellow bloggers are looking forward to reading!

Trouble 

Non Pratt

10th June 2014 by Walker Childrens

Hannah’s smart and funny ... she’s also fifteen and pregnant. Aaron is new at school and doesn’t want to attract attention. So why does he offer to be the pretend dad to Hannah’s unborn baby? Growing up can be trouble but that’s how you find out what really matters.

[summary taken from Goodreads]    

The synopsis we've been given is short but I'm already hooked... I just adore the sound of this book and I'm guessing it will be one of those emotional reads I love to devour!  I'm currently reading How To Love by Katie Cotugno which is also about teenage pregnancy so I'm curious to see how Non Pratt will deal with this issue.  Also, I'm all for supporting UKYA authors so bring on 2014 (yeah, we have to wait until JUNE for this one)!



What are you waiting on today?  Don't forget to link me up!

Beverley xxx

Little White Lies Blog Tour: Guest Post!

Hiya!  Today, I'm so pleased to welcome Katie Dale for her Little White Lies blog tour.  I myself have read her new book and it's absolutely fantastic - get your hands on a copy if you don't already have one!  Today, I'd like to share a brilliant guest post she has written especially...

The first time Lou meets tall, dark, and handsome Christian, she knows he's hiding something. Why does he clam up every time she asks about his past? Why doesn't he have any family photos and why does he dye his blond hair black?
Then suddenly his terrible secret is unveiled to the world - and it seems everything he's ever told Lou is a lie. Can what the media are saying about him really be true? Should Lou trust him? Or is she in terrible danger? But Christian isn't the only one keeping secrets. For what if their chance meeting was no accident at all ...?
As lie follows lie, nothing is as it seems, and soon Lou finds herself ensnared in a web of deceit, her loyalties torn, her emotions in tatters as she faces a heart-wrenching dilemma: should she shatter the lives of those she holds dearest, or betray the guy who, against all odds, she's fallen in love with? Full of family secrets, surprising twists and unexpected revelations, Katie Dale's second novel will have readers on the edge of their seats.

Write what you know, so they say, so when it came to choosing the settings for various events in my new YA thriller LITTLE WHITE LIES, I decided to mine my own past for locations…

Boarding School

Like Lou, I too was a day girl at a boarding school for sixth form college, namely Lancing College in West Sussex. It’s an incredibly grand building (pictured is the chapel – the largest school chapel in the world) with fantastic architecture (it was nearly chosen to be Hogwarts in the films) draughty cloisters, pristine quads, (and in my day a ratio of 5:1 boys:girls! ) but, like Lou, I found that you can’t keep any secrets in a boarding school for long – gossip spreads like wildfire!

Sheffield University

So after sixth form, I went to Sheffield University to study English Literature – just like Lou in LITTLE WHITE LIES! I wanted Lou to go to the same halls of residence as I did too – Earnshaw Hall – but sadly it’s been knocked down now, and replaced with a rather swanky student village.

Park

Like Lou, I enjoyed visiting, picnicking and writing in  the many beautiful parks whilst in Sheffield (but unlike Lou I never jogged round any of them!) and the park in which Lou and Christian meet for the first time is a mixture of the exquisite Sheffield Botanical Gardens and Endcliffe Park, which is where the café they bump into is based.

The Flying Pig Pub

In LITTLE WHITE LIES Christian and Lou both work in a pub called The Flying Pig – but although no such pub exists in Sheffield, I based it on one of my local haunts, The Porter Brook (left). It was only after I finished writing the book that I realized I pass a pub called The Flying Pig every time I get the bus in Cambridge – so it’s a strange mix of the two!

Castleton

Lou and Christian travel to Castleton for a party – one of my favourite places to visit whilst I was a student. Nestled up in the hills, with its steep gorge and crumbling castle, it’s a beautiful quaint little village, far from the hustle of the city.

Travelodge

Not very glamorous, but at least I didn’t have to do any research about Travelodges because in my other life as an actress, I once spent a summer on an outdoor Shakespeare tour and every night we’d stay in a different Travelodge. They’re all pretty much identical inside, so every morning I’d wake up and have absolutely no idea whereabouts in the country I was! I got pretty fed up of Travelodges! But in a way the familiarity was kind of nice, too.

KATIE DALE

An actress as well as an author, Katie loves nothing more than creating characters - both 

on page and onstage. She kept her parents happy by getting a “proper degree” in English Literature at Sheffield University, before finally going to drama school, then whilst she was on a belated gap year travelling through South-East Asia she found out she’d been chosen as a winner of the SCBWI Undiscovered Voices competition with the her first novel, the emotional rollercoaster SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE, which launched her writing career, and is now published all over the world. LITTLE WHITE LIES, her second novel, has just as many twists and turns, but is more of a thriller...
Website: katiedaleuk.blogspot.com
Twitter: @katiedaleuk

So what did you guys think of that?  Let me know in the comments below and be sure to show your support for Katie!

Happy reading,

Beverley x 

A Very Late Update!

Hi guys!  It's me: Beverley... I hope you haven't forgotten me but I wouldn't blame you if you have, considering my rather lengthy, unannounced absence from blogging!  It goes without saying that I have missed you all terribly and it made me so sad that I couldn't join in with everything.  I truly feel like something is missing when I'm not blogging and there's nothing I'd like to do more than fully return immediately.  I would love to title this post: I'm Back!  However, I don't want to go breaking promises...

The main reasons I've been MIA these past few months are all school/university related.  I spent most of summer doing work experience to hopefully boost my veterinary medicine application and upon returning to school last month, I've been busy with study and preparing my university application (the deadline is fast approaching!) 

It doesn't look as if I'll be any less busy in the coming months, with prep for interviews and studying for tests etc.  But I am hoping to blog occasionally.  Now this might be once or twice a week or once a month.  I hope to get a handle on things and catch up on the reviews that still need to be written so please bear with me!

Before I go, I just want to thank you all for your support over the past year and half: I couldn't do this without you!

Beverley xxx 

REVIEW: The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Name: The Vincent Boys (The Vincent Boys #1)

Author: Abbi Glines

Publisher: Hot Key Books

Date published: 3rd January 2013

Pages: 257, Paperback 

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 2.5 teacups

Beau Vincent is rude, bad, and dangerous to know. So, why can’t good girl Ashton Gray keep away from him? She already has the perfect boyfriend – her town’s local Prince Charming, Sawyer Vincent. But Sawyer is away for the summer, and in the meantime Ashton is bored, and the head between her and Beau is undeniable – as well as irresistible. Ashton is about to unleash her bad girl – but what will she do when Sawyer comes home? And how will Sawyer react when he returns to find his girlfriend in the arms of his best friend – and cousin?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Review

The Vincent Boys proved to be a fitting summer read - a light, mindless break from the world.  But that was all it was.  It was a little disappointing yet strangely addictive...

Firstly, look at that cover.  I was sent the Australian version and I much prefer it to the UK and US ones.  It's promises drama and sunshine and hot boys and instantly catches the eye.

Unfortunately, everything just felt too cliche for me.  The whole good girl falls for the bad boy against everyone's approval.  I don't mind the idea but I prefer it when authors put their own twist on it.  Despite this, the major problem I had with The Vincent Boys was Ashton's betrayal of her boyfriend when he was away.  I just hated the fact that Ashton was cheating on Sawyer with his cousin.  His cousin.

Which leads me on to this 'bad' boy who was supposed to make me gasp and swoon and buckle at the knees.  I'm sad to say that was not the response Beau drew from me.  There was nothing about him that attracted me to him.  He was always complaining about how Ash should be his, how they were meant to be.  But all I could see was possessiveness and a purely sexual attraction.  I was constantly told how sexy she was, how important she was, how he loved her... but was never shown.  Or maybe the sex scenes were supposed to be an indicator of their 'love' for each other... I'm not so sure it's great for true love to be portrayed in that way to us teens.

On top of this, I just had no empathy for Ashton.  I found her unlikable and annoying and there were moments where I wanted to slap her in the face.  I understood that she wanted to live on the edge for once and embrace her wild side but the way she moaned about having to pretend with Sawyer irked me.  Cheating on him wasn't going to solve things!  And afterwards, the way she was all, 'I don't want to hurt them... I don't want to put a wedge between them' made me want to pull my hair out.  I also felt so sorry for Sawyer and I fell for him instead of Beau.

Thinking about it now, I think my problem with it must have been that it was purely centred around a love triangle.  And for me, love triangles either work or they don't.  It didn't in this case, if you haven't already figured it out.  Even so, I found myself eager to find out what was going to happen and I am curious to read the next book, The Vincent Brothers.

Overall The Vincent Boys is a steamy read for the summer, ideal for lazy days by the beach when you just want light entertainment to pass the time.

2.5 Teacups for The Vincent Boys!

*Thank you to Hot Key Books for the review copy and apologies for the late review*

REVIEW: Easy by Tammara Webber

Name: Easy

Author: Tammara Webber

Publisher: Penguin

Date published: 13rd Janurary 2013

Pages: 322, Paperback 

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4.5 teacups

I took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly before turning around. It was Lucas who stood there. His gaze was penetrating, not wavering for a moment, and my pulse hammered under his silent scrutiny. I couldn't remember the last time I'd been so full of pure, unqualified desire.
Lucas is the stranger who saved Jacqueline from an attack by a fellow student - she'd never noticed him before then, and now he's everywhere. But can Jacqueline trust him - or will the secrets he's hiding come between them?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Review

Easy was my first foray into the genre of NA and it made such an impression on me that it definitely won't be my last.  I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but I had heard nothing but praise for it so I wasn't too worried.

What I loved most about Easy was the characters.  Each of them had their own flaws, their own problems, their own secrets.  And that made them all the more raw, real, human.  I rooted for Jacqueline from the start and it was a pleasure to watch her flourish into a strong young woman who knows where she wants to go and how she's going to get there.  And Lucas played a key role in shaping her development and I fell for him instantly.  He was totally sweet and so gentle with Jacqueline.  I thought he'd turn out to be a bad boy but underneath the exterior, he was a true gentleman and always had the best intentions at heart.  Also, the emails exchanged with Landon were terribly swoon-worthy - he was such a charmer!

It seems natural for me to move on and talk about the romance.  I initially had worries that Easy would all be about love and making out and having sex (that was my impression of NA).  But I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was not.  It was much more than that and it gave the book a lot more substance.  Yes, there were some pretty hot scenes, but the way they truly cared for each other was evident.  Also, as a reader who can't decide whether I like love triangles or not, it was pleasing to see that there wasn't much of one after all (although I did figure things out pretty early one!).

Finally, Tammara Webber doesn't shy from darker, grittier themes and I applaud her for addressing them full on with a touch of sensitivity.  Subjects like rape and harassment are rarely incorporated but Webber did this with style and spread the message that you shouldn't keep quiet and hide away, instead you need to face the truth and take a stand for yourself.

Easy was a wonderful read and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't discovered the world of NA yet or is already a big fan of the genre.  It combines serious issues with characters you can't help but invest in and a romance that is very swoon-worthy indeed.

4.5 Teacups for Easy by Tammara Webber!

*Thanks to Penguin for the review copy and apologies for the late review!*

REVIEW: Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black

Name: Dance of Shadows

Author: Yelena Black

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Date published: 14th February 2013

Pages: 389, Paperback ARC

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 3 teacups

Vanessa doesn’t believe that her sister is a runaway. She wouldn’t leave her family behind without saying a word. The only way Vanessa can discover the truth behind her mysterious disappearance is to follow in Margaret’s footsteps, but to do so she risks her sanity and maybe even her life . . .
Vanessa Adler is one of the talented few to get a place at the acclaimed New York Ballet Academy. Between backbreaking rehearsals for the school’s production of The Firebird she desperately tries to find out what happened to her sister before she vanished. There are rumors that the pressure of performing the lead role, the same role Vanessa is now rehearsing for, drove her mad. Other girls have gone missing too. Can the role be cursed? Vanessa’s new relationship with leading-man Zep only seems to complicate things further. What is he hiding from her and can she really trust him?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Review 

Dance of Shadows has left me in a rather conflicted mood.  Stunning cover art aside, the book was not without flaws and unfortunately fell short of my expectations.

I was instantly drawn by the concept of ballet and mystery combined in a world of supernatural.  The dance aspects of the book were simply stunning: each step described in intricate detail.  I was completely engrossed as Vanessa - the protagonist - pirouetted and releved across the pages.  Unfortunately, the supernatural elements did not appear until later on.

Which brings me nicely on to the pacing of the mystery.  It was dragged out far too much, to the point that the tediousness of it made me ask myself if I wanted to carry on, and it doesn't really pick up until the last third of the book.  I found this rather frustrating as I was led to believe by its marketing that it was 'deliciously dark' but there were only supernatural hints here and there before that mind-blowing finale.

Before I tell you my thoughts on the ending, I must mention the characters.  I didn't instantly like Vanessa.  There's nothing about her that makes you really connect with her.  She was a little... flat.  And also quite stupid.  There were moments where I wanted to shake her in disbelief and shout at her how obvious some things were.  And that love triangle... Some I can handle but this one didn't convince me.  Zep was too cliched in a dark and mysterious way and Justin wasn't stretched to his full potential.

Now, on to the breath-taking finale.  It almost made up for the previous flaws.  Almost.  It was eerily atmospheric and enticingly evocative.  Yelena Black has a talent for conjuring the most stunning of images within a reader's mind and I was fascinated and gripped by the unfolding events.  If the whole book had been at this standard, I would be giving it 5 stars.

Dance of Shadows turned out to be an interesting book but unfortunately did not live up to the high expectations I had for it.  I only came to the realisation at the end that it is the first in a trilogy so despite being curious as to what happens next, I'm not sure if I can go through another instalment which only ticks all the boxes at the very end.  If you plan on picking up Dance of Shadows, I would advise that you don't expect it to be fully supernatural.

3 Teacups for Dance of Shadows

*Thanks to Bloomsbury for providing me with an ARC*

Sticky Note: I'm going to be away for a week (it was a very last minute thing!) so apart from this review, the blog is going to be pretty inactive!  Apologies about this but I hope you guys are having a lovely summer :)  Also, I think I'll have WiFi so you will probably find me on Twitter if you miss me too much :P

REVIEW: Ferryman by Claire McFall

Name: Ferryman

Author: Claire McFall

Publisher: Templar

Date published: April 2013

Pages: 336, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 3 teacups

When Dylan emerges from the wreckage of a train crash onto a bleak Scottish hillside, she meets a strange boy who seems to be waiting for her. But Tristan is no ordinary teenage boy, and the journey across the desolate, wraith infested wasteland is no ordinary journey.
Life, death, love-which will Dylan choose?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Review

A love story like no other.  Indeed.  The tale that Claire McFall has crafted is truly original, unique and at times, breathtaking.  The premise is fresh and wildly imaginative and I was immersed in the haunting world of McFall's vision of the 'afterlife.'  Ferryman stands out as a one-of-a-kind read but unfortunately, despite its potential, I did not fall for it as much as I anticipated.

While the premise is absolutely wonderful, I felt that the storyline was somewhat lacking.  The concept of Tristan being Dylan's 'ferryman' who guides her to the other side following her death is striking but I found that their journey failed to grab my attention.  I expected something breathlessly mind-blowing but it didn't deliver and I would read on hoping that something big would hit me.  The climax, I suppose, is reached near the end but by this time, I wasn't concerned for the outcome.

What usually makes up for a storyline that doesn't grip me is the cast of characters.  However, I didn't connect with Dylan at all and felt largely indifferent towards Tristan, the love interest, who are the main characters.  I wasn't convinced by their 'love' and I didn't understand how it could be as strong as they seem to claim it to be.  I didn't root for them as a couple and there was no emotional investment in them either.

Despite all this, Claire McFall showed that she has huge potential with her enticing way with words.  My only fault about her writing is that there were often large chunks of description that caused my impatient self to skim read and skip passages.  Other than that her prose has a hauntingly mesmerising tone to it.

Ferryman did fall short of my expectations but I appreciate that others may enjoy it more than me.  As a debut novel, it highlights the creativity and out-of-this-world imagination of Claire McFall and I am eager to see what she will offer us next.

3 Teacups for Ferryman!

*Thanks to Templar Publishing for the review copy!*

Beverley xx

Showcase Sunday #20

Showcase Sunday is hosted by the lovely Vicky over at Books, Biscuits, and Tea! It's a great way to share what you have received for the past week and to also gush over the wonderful books to other bloggers have added to their bookshelves!

Firstly, I'M BACK!!! I had a fabulous week on my school trip and it gave me some time to think about things.  Thank you for all your wonderfully supportive comments on my last post.  I've decided to take things in my own stride and work blogging around my life.  I also received a few emails about interest in co-blogging with me.  I haven't confirmed whether co-blogging is a route I will go down again but I will definitely have a call-out at an appropriate time.

Anyway... Wow... this is my first Showcase Sunday in AGES!!!!  Considering how long I've been away, I haven't received a lot of books as I've tried to cut back on what I accept/request. TOO MANY BOOKS TO READ O.O

For Review:

Coco Caramel by Cathy Cassidy: A delightfully sweet read!  I really enjoyed this one, check out my review HERE (it's feeling a little lonely :P) 

Forget You by Jennifer Echols:  I requested this one a while ago.  Jennifer Echols is big in the US and I can't wait to discover her awesomeness for myself!

You Don't Know Me by Sophia Bennett: A-MAZING. Loved this. SO. MUCH. Look out for my review which wil be coming to your screens shortly.  It also came with a cute little iPod sock - my iPod is now very cosy! 

The Drowning by Rachel Ward: A surprise from Chicken House! This one seems really chilling and I can't wait to devour it!

Thanks go to Penguin, Chicken House and Simon&Schuster!

Won: 

Undone by Cat Clarke: There is a reason why Cat Clarke is one of the best UKYA authors around. Undone was so shocking and beautiful and I absolutely adored it. Thanks to Lanna at Bloggers Heart Books!

Drummer Girl by Bridget Tyler:  Another book about a talent contest! Thanks to Nayu at Nayu's Reading Corner.

Bought:

Bad Science by Ben Goldacre: I'm planning to read some scientific books over the summer and this one was recommended to me.  I'm only 50 pages in and it's already a real eye-opener!  Thanks to my mum for the copy!

E-books

For review:

Addicted to You by Krista and Becca Ritchie: The synopsis of this book really caught my attention and I wanted to support a fellow blogger who wrote this with her sister.  Thanks to Krista for my review copy!

So, that's all the books I got. I'm looking forward to reading them over summer!

Feel free to link me up to your hauls!

Beverley xxx

The Post in Which I Ponder Over ARD's Future

Apologies for the rather grave title of this post but I thought I'd let you, my wonderful readers, get a quick run-down of what is going to happen with this little blog.

Firstly, I have some sad news to announce.  Jen has left A Reading Daydreamer to pursue a solo venture in blogging.  During my hiatus, she rediscovered her love for blogging alone and she has made the decision to start her own.  I am only sad that we didn't make it to the one-year mark but time called for a change.  I could not have asked for a better co-blogger and she will be sorely missed but I wish her luck in running her own blog - I'm sure it will be utterly fantastic!

With this sudden change, it has left me to think about the future, hence this post.  I initially thought summer would mean more time but I have weeks of work experience to do and I'll be preparing uni applications so I've decided I'm going to take it easy, maybe even just stop blogging (although I hope it doesn't come to this).  I hope you'll stick around but I can't promise to be a wonderful blogger with new posts for you to read every few days.

The departure of Jen also opens up a co-blogging space.  I'm still yet to decide whether I want to commit to taking on another co-blogger.  I'm just going to see how it goes but I'll be keeping an open mind so if anyone has any interest please feel free to shoot me an email introducing yourself, I'd be delighted to hear from you.

Finally, I'm going to be away for a school trip next week which explains why the blog will be quiet and you won't be finding me on Twitter but don't worry, I haven't disappeared forever!

Before I go, thank you so much for all your support over the past year and a half.  I seriously adore the book blogging community and I have enjoyed every single minute of being part of it.

Beverley xxx

Eileen's Birthday Bash!

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Eileen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  *throws confetti and hugs Eileen rather enthusiastically*  I hope you have a fabulous day, stuffing yourself with cake and Chinese food, with everyone spoiling you - you deserve it, girly!

So, you all MUST know Eileen, right?  You don't?  Where have you been??? Anyway she blogs over at ***Singing and Reading in the Rain*** which you really should check out because it's absolutely wonderful and colourful and truly reflects Eileen's bright nature!

Anyway, here's my post for the birthday girl's hunt!

When Asian Meets Asian

How did I have the pleasure of becoming friends with Eileen?  We met over a year ago when I was still a newbie blogger.  I remember coming across her cute blog and emailing her for blogging advice and then freaking out because she was Chinese too!  If you don't already know, I love meeting fellow Asians :D  I think everything followed on from there and I'm so glad we're friends!

Why I Love Eileen!

It's no secret that I adore Eileen!  She is such a lovely blogger: always friendly, always willing to lend a helping hand.  I seriously think the blogging community would not be as lively or as fun without her.

She's like my little Asian sis and I love talking to her on Twitter... whether it's about books, Chinese school, Chinese food or world domination.  She is probably one of the most approachable bloggers I know so don't hesitate to say hi to her.  Her enthusiasm and bubbliness never fails to bring a smile to my face, especially when I come online and there's a 'spazzy alligator' comment waiting for me (even that time when she threatened to hunt me down with her sparkly pink chainsaw and set up camp outside my house if I left blogging!)

She also runs the most amazing blog which is updated with new posts everyday - be it reviews, blog tour posts, giveaways or vlogs  No wonder she has achieved so much - she has a huge following which is greatly deserved!  Her reviews are always awesome, especially the ones she writes when she's on a sugar rush :D  And don't get me started on her Stacking the Shelves vlogs... Seriously, I smile every time I watch one because she has the most ADORABLE accent; she's absolutely hilarious (remember the time when she was figuring out how to say the author's name?) and her enthusiasm is REALLY infectious.  She is super talented too!  She posts really great covers of songs and I can't help but sing along when I hear them!  You should check them out :) Really, you should.  And I know you are going to make it to Broadway, Eileen!  We will make sure of it and then one day when you get the lead role in some amazing production, I can lean over to my friends and say with the proudest, smuggest smile ever: 'You see that girl over there?  I know her, she's a friend of mine.'

Finally, they say that 'a friend in need is a friend indeed.'  I interpret that as a true friend is one who will help you when you are in need.  And Eileen proved that to me last summer.  I won't go into all the details but she extended her help after my 'plea' on Twitter and she was utterly amazing...  I couldn't have got through it by myself and her support really meant a lot to me.  She made me realise that even though bad things can happen when you're blogging, the kindness of the community can make it all better.

Before I go, another massive HAPPY BIRTHDAY wish to Eileen for being the most amazing blogging friend I could ever ask for!  Thanks for being totally fantastic in all the time that I have known you!

***

Big thanks to Nikki over at Fiction Freak for inviting me to take part! She was the mastermind behind this Birthday Bash hunt and she deserves lots of hugs and cakes too!

Next post is by Shreya from Chocolate Coated Reviews... go, go, go Eileen!!!

REVIEW: Coco Caramel by Cathy Cassidy

Name: Coco Caramel (TCBG #4)

Author: Cathy Cassidy

Publisher: Puffin/Penguin

Date published: 6th June 2013

Pages: 263

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 5 teacups

Coco may be the youngest of the five Tanberry girls, but she can be as tough as her big sister Honey and as determined as either of the twins, Summer and Skye. Coco is always trying to save someone, whether it's the giant panda, a bullied boy or her favourite pony.
If only Lawrie, the moodiest guy in the school, would stop getting in her way, things would be fine. But has Coco bitten off more than she can chew this time?

Beverley's Review

I have a fervent belief that you can never grow too old for a Cathy Cassidy book.  Or maybe I just don't want to.  Either way, I'm sure you'll agree with me once you've read the latest instalment in her Chocolate Box Girls series.

There is something special about the way Cathy weaves in important issues to create a delightfully sweet concoction of adventure, young love, growing up and the unwavering idea that anything is possible.

Coco is the youngest of the Tanberry sisters and one of my favourites.  She's feisty and spirited and has a determination I can only dream of!  She has such passion for doing right by her family and and always at the best intentions at heart.  I especially enjoyed her naivete - it was a fresh reprieve from the pressures of real life.

The plot itself was delightfully spun and really showed off Coco at her best.  It was sweet and daring - everything Coco encompasses really.  There was a little romance swirled in to the mix too, which was very innocent and tentative.  I just love it when the secretive, moody guy reveals a different side: a kinder and softer one.

Overall, Coco Caramel is a wonderful, light read perfect for lazy days in the sun.  It explores the journey of growing up and encourages you to reach for the stars and that nothing is impossible as long as you put your heart to it.

5 Teacups for Coco Caramel!

*Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!*

Happy reading,
Beverley xxx

REVIEW: Dented Cans by Heather Walsh

Name: Dented Cans

Author: Heather Walsh

Publisher: Self

Release Date: Novemeber 2nd 2012

Pages: 148, Paperback

Source: For review (from author)
Rating: 2.5 Teacups

Sixteen-year-old Hannah Sampson knows her family is not what you would call normal. Her father compulsively buys dented cans and has a particular fondness for cans without labels, which are extremely discounted because their contents are a mystery. Her mother takes countless pictures of her family and then glues them down into the pages of her scrapbooks, but does not allow anyone to look at them. Ryan, Hannah’s mischievous fourteen-year-old brother, is headed straight for the remedial track at the local community college, if he’s lucky. Ben, her eight-year-old brother, is a walking sound effects machine, who prefers to communicate with noises rather than words. While Hannah is focused on escaping her working-class Connecticut suburb, she also finds herself being tugged back home as she worries about her brother Ben.
Hannah’s parents inflict one last family vacation on the Sampson children, a trip that goes comically wrong almost from the get-go. Hannah is forced to confront her family’s past in Disney World, of all places, when an emotional argument prompts her parents to disclose a secret they have been keeping from the children for sixteen years. Ultimately, she must decide whether to leave her hometown and not look back, or to focus on helping her family

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

I feel rather conflicted, in that during reading and after finishing Dented Cans I wasn't entirely sure how I felt about this book and its characters and its plot.  On one hand, I did seem to like it.  On the other hand, when I think about it, everything just seemed a bit.. flimsy.

We are introduced to Hannah who is desperate to break free from her strange family and make her own way in the world.  She is a snarky, sarcastic character and her voice highlighted the author's writing potential and I am curious to see what Walsh will come up with next.  However, her complaining got to a point where it became rather annoying and I just didn't like her attitude towards her family.  Yes, they seemed a little out of it with her mother's hoarding addiction and her father's fetish for collecting dented cans.  As a teenager myself, I can understand the whole 'getting away from parents' thing but in the end they are the ones who are always there for you.

What attracted me to this books in the first place is that it is about family and it's set in Disney World.  Not things that are common in YA fiction so obviously I had high hopes. Unfortunately, both were not really stretched to their potential which is a real shame.  I liked the Disney World setting but it was hard to appreciate it when all Hannah and her brother, Ryan, did was ungratefully moan about how they didn't want to be there and how awful spending time as a family was for them. I realise the author wanted to create a dysfunctional family but it all just seemed a bit sloppy, to be honest.

In the blurb, I got the impression that the 'secret' would perhaps be important in terms of character development.  I was thoroughly disappointed when the secret was revealed near the very end of the book.  I had a sort of, 'Is that it?' reaction.  It just kind of deflated from there and I felt that it was all very rushed and I didn't get the character growth I was hoping for.  The family secret was just too sudden as if it was just randomly placed in a convenient position - it didn't really tie up loose ends.

Despite being just short of 150 pages, I felt the book was almost too long.  There were moments when it just seemed to drag on and on with more complaining, more moaning, more ungratefulness and I was left wondering where on earth the book was heading.  But I still kept on reading and I must admit that Walsh has great writing potential and I liked her style.

Overall, Dented Cans by Heather Walsh was a quick, light read and did have lots of potential.  If you're looking for a snarky protagonist, look no further.  Even though it wasn't really my cup of tea, there are readers out there who would enjoy it more than me.

2.5 Teacups for Dented Cans

*Thanks to the author for the review copy*

Happy reading,
Beverley xxx

Beverley's Back!!!!

I'M BACK!!!!!!!  *waves enthusiastically* I can't believe I've been gone for two whole months but I'm delighted to be returning to the blogging world... I have missed it terribly!  The past month or so has been pretty tiring with exams and study leave, so much so that I haven't had time to read any books (textbooks and school notes do demand your full attention!)  And now there's that horrid, long wait for the results to come through the door in August...

But anyway, I'm just so happy to be back!  How have you all been?  Do let me know if I've missed out on anything!  Looking back, I've been pretty absent for most of the half year and haven't been very active in visiting all your lovely blogs - this will be changed soon, expect some rather overly-enthusiastic paragraphs in your Comments box :D

During my absence Jen has been absolutely wonderful (scrap that, she's wonderful all the time full stop) and she is some sort of supergirl, I tell you.  She has a busy life like any other teenager but she can still seem to juggle everything and I'm so glad I have such an amazing co-blogger - I am 100% certain she has kept you thoroughly entertained with her awesome reviews and posts!  On that note, Jen will be taking a short hiatus for two weeks as she herself sits her exams... 'cos even supergirls need to take a break, right?  Until then, you will have me all to yourself!

Before I finish, I must also thank the publishers for their patience: I am really behind on the reviewing front but I will be reading like a madwoman this summer to get back on top of everything so I can provide them and you lovely readers/bloggers/friends with reviews to read!

Happy reading,
Beverley xxx

REVIEW: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Jen's Review

Before I Fall
by Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: March 2, 2010

Having read this Before I Fall nearly two years ago, I was curious to see what I was going to think after reading it two years later, whether Oliver's book would evoke the same emotions it did for me in the past. While it started out extremely rough, it smoothed out towards the end and overall left me very satisfied with Before I Fall. I loved the book now just as much as I loved it two years ago.

The strongest point in Before I Fall is the character growth. I'm sure many other readers of this book can agree with me. The characters were my main problem for me at the same time though, too. Sam and her buddies started out as cruel, bratty, and just overly conceited girls. The immediate connection of these group of girls was to the movie Mean Girls. They were pretty much exactly like them. They started rumors, were slutty, and went to parties and drank their butts off. I disliked every one of them from the start. I must admit that I was really worried that the characters had ruined the entire book for me. But thank goodness, Sam really starts to grow and change as a character once she begins to learn and relive the same day every day. She becomes insightful and sees the real things in life that make in enjoyable and worth living for. She even begins to understand other people who she never noticed before. It was truly fascinating how Oliver transitioned Sam's character in every "new" day.

The concept, of course, was also entertaining, and also a clever way to go about telling the story. While some areas leave the reader to their own imagination, Oliver still tells us enough that we are not confused in any way. It's just enough that we ponder and make conclusions for ourselves.

To conclude, Lauren Oliver definitely has her own style in telling a unique contemporary story, with absolutely fantastic character growth. Even though this book started out really shaky, I eventually learned to love the main protagonist and fell in love with the story. This thought-provoking story will leave readers pondering for days after flipping the last page.

4 teacups for Before I Fall!

REVIEW: Transparent by Natalie Whipple

Jen's Review

Transparent
by Natalie Whipple
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: May 21, 2013

After reading the synopsis for Transparent, I was instantly intrigued. A girl who's invisible and works for her evil father? Yes please! Fortunately, Transparent turned out to be a fantastic read that kept me on the tip of my toes. First of all, I loved the plot. It's exciting and full of twists. It has intense moments, but there are a ton of fun scenes for the light-hearted. My one complaint is that some scenes are a bit cheesy, but I shrugged those off easily.

The characters in Transparent were definitely an enjoyable aspect of the novel. Fiona is a girl that readers can understand and connect with, and the feelings that she goes through as an invisible girl feel realistic. Not only did I love Fiona, but I loved her friends and family as well. Full of support and protection, these characters do not fail to put a heart-warming smile on your face. A seriously great cast of characters!

In all, I highly recommend Transparent, it's such a unique novel, and one of those where you can easily fly through. And I'm so glad that it's not a series! It's perfect as a standalone. Check this one out if you're looking for an adorable romance, contemporary/action filled story, and a character who's invisible!

4 teacups for Transparent!

*Much thanks to HarperTeen and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy to review!*