Over at Lancashire Life {11} - The Magic of Writing Courses

I've never been keen on writing groups. That was until I signed up for the one provided by Lancashire Writing Hub and They Eat Culture. Read the whole article at Lancashire Life by clicking here - including the poem written by the lovely Victoria Lockhart during the course.

New on My Kindle {2}

As I'm sure you have noticed, I'm running terribly behind on my reading. *smack hand* So I thought I'd give you a little heads up on the books I have awaiting review. 

To all the authors out there waiting for my review of their book, I'm really really sorry for the delay! I am getting on top of it, I promise. 

Something for children... Henrietta Sharp: The Lunch Box Files by Jan Welborn-Nichols is a cute little story about eating healthy and accepting who you are. 

"Twelve-year-old Henrietta Sharp is smart, funny and likes to read the dictionary. But all she really wants is to be normal, a normal size that is, like her fashion-minded best friend Taffeta Bloom. That’s life before a magic lunch box (LB) mysteriously appears and tells Henri that she is a Traveler, someone who can summon portals and travel the universe." (Goodreads)

For thriller lovers...The Heritage by Johnny Ray.

"This story is based in New York City where socialite Kristina learns she’s pregnant, but how? She couldn’t remember sleeping with anyone for a long time. Her only explanation—a date rape drug. And now, someone wants her to have an abortion or die before giving birth. Her bodyguard, Shawn Davis offers her the best chance in surviving and discovering the truth, but has his own deep secrets."

For oriental culture and action lovers... Dragon's Pupils #1: The Sword Guest by Martin Chu Shui

"Liz is born of half Australian and of half Chinese descent. Growing up in Australia, she isn't very interested in her father's ancient Chinese stories. She is concerned with problems that are far more contemporary such as environmental issues, and particularly her friend's handsome brother who is an environmental activist. But her disinterest in Chinese culture changes when her two worlds collide after a catastrophic accident sets thousands of ancient monsters loose near her home." (Goodreads)

And something to inspire you... Butterfly Tears - Stories of Entrapment & Empowerment

The real life story of 9 women who conquered their most inner darkness to rise to triumph.

As you can see, a varied collection so hopefully you should find something interesting. Watch this space! 

Out & About - Bodhi Tree Therapies

In the current climate things like massages and relaxing therapies are luxuries, right? 

Wrong.

I have never been into massages. Like most of the population, I always considered holistic therapies and things like a gym membership something of a treat - to only be done when I had time and money to waste. Here is where I must thank my husband for teaching me different (savour the moment, Hubby, I won't say it again ^_^). 

Music Mondays - Call My Name by Cheryl

As I start the countdown to my "girl's holiday" later this week, I could only think of the songs I want to dance the night away to and Call My Name by Cheryl most certainly qualifies.

If you never heard of her (where have you been hiding?), Cheryl is a British singer who rose to fame as a member of girl band Girls Aloud after winning reality TV programme Popstars: The Rivals. The band split in 2009 and Cheryl went on to become England's little darling as a fashion icon and solo artist amongst other things. And let's agree - the girl is drop-dead-gorgeous!!! 

Call My Name is part of Cheryl's new and third album, A Million Lights, which released this month. 

So without any further ado, let's get those bones shaking. Why not? Who cares if it's Monday? ^_^

LYRICS...

In The Mail {15} - New Books from OUP

This week I have been on work placement at OUP (Oxford University Press) and I have some exciting firsthand news to tell you!

It has been an amazing week and I have been spoiled with ARCs (Advanced Reader's Copy), first view of book covers, and manuscripts before they even become finalized books. Needless to say, I'm having a ball!

Ok, so these didn't necessarily come in the mail, but I have just received them so...

Melissa Nathan Award Winner Announced

Earlier this year I was chosen to be one of the readers for the Melissa Nathan Award (read about it here) and one of the books I recommended was short listed (read the blog post here).

Well... The verdict is out! The winner of this year's Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance is...

Book Giveaway Winner {6}

Hi everyone!

I'm running a little late for this... Sorry! *_* Rather late than never, hey! ^_^

Without further ado... The winner of the California Girl: Brea and the City of Plastic copy is...

Amelia Frazier!!!

I will be in touch via email soon.

Thanks Amelia and all the other guys for taking part on this giveaway. I wish I could give you all a copy!

Read my review of this book here.

Venus Transit Special

Venus Transit by NASA SDO

Early this morning Venus' crossing of the sun (Venus Transit) was visible from the UK. Now I know this is not quite about books, but bear with me.

When I was 4 years old my family had an evening barbecue. The atmosphere was electric. All the grown-ups were looking at the sky and talking about Halley's Comet. I have very few early memories from my childhood but this is one of them. The next time Halley's Comet comes by I will be 79 and, hopefully, I'll do the same with my grandchildren, who unlike my daughter, might be blessed to see it twice in their lifetime like me. 

Book Giveaway {6} - California Girl Chronicles by Michelle Gamble-Risley

It has been awhile since I hosted a giveaway so I thought we should have one to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee!

Brea & The City of Plastic (published by 3L) is the first book in the California Girl Chronicles series by Michelle Gamble-Risley and it's quite an interesting read. But be warned! Brea is a bit of a wild child, so prepare to hyperventilate. ^_^ You can read my review of it here.

For a chance to win a copy, all you need to do is to pop your name and email on the form below and hit the SUBMIT button. This giveaway is international and the deadline is Saturday 9th June at midnight (London GMT). The winner will be announced on Sunday 10th June. Because California Girl Chronicles is really an erotic romance, you must be 16 and over to take part in this giveaway. Sorry! :-?

Good luck everyone!

In The Mail {14} - Crimson Groves by Ashley Robertson

After a shower of ebooks I have received this beauty in the post and it's amazing how excited I was! I know... I'm really easy to please. ^_^ I love books of all shapes and formats, but paper is still my favourite. 

Here is a little something about Crimson Groves by Ashley Robertson for you! 

"My eyes open shot open wide, instantly seeing what my new body craved. A disturbing thirst grew inside me as I watched tiny droplets of  blood trickle down the middle-aged woman's neck. I stared at the crimson rivulets, mouthwatering, my fangs struggling to stay confined inside. My tongue stroked across my new canines - sharp and hungry. My refusal to bite her and drink her blood had been much easier before I saw it, smelled it, felt it sticking to my taste buds like honey. Sweet, scrumptious honey made of blood."

Yeap! Crimson Groves is a vampire novel. And I'm looking forward to it. It's been awhile since I read anything with vampires in it! Read more about Ashley and her novels over at her website www.ashleyrobertsonbooks.com

Received with thanks, Ashley.