tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30690041052148011172024-03-28T05:00:28.317-07:00Book Reviews & Bookish ChatA blog by an academic who has a passion for visual art and the written word. Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-73613032785610897122023-09-12T02:55:00.001-07:002023-09-12T02:55:15.664-07:00Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - Book Review <h2 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjRADSjnX3UxviEOcDsxKV6JGajn2H7-zTScYjI2JaPwXLpq04zwrLq-LZVQza2bf9asJIQ96w265T-w3fi7jWHNVaxESXxLiUpQ08BDS9JPejoKRE3x_A2ZFWIsb1GnngRnv-jD-iF1OlnjlC8E9nDtSrnUSj49QHpkoz8baGmUmPMq_N5EdzkX6MSe2/s2048/IMG_6519.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjRADSjnX3UxviEOcDsxKV6JGajn2H7-zTScYjI2JaPwXLpq04zwrLq-LZVQza2bf9asJIQ96w265T-w3fi7jWHNVaxESXxLiUpQ08BDS9JPejoKRE3x_A2ZFWIsb1GnngRnv-jD-iF1OlnjlC8E9nDtSrnUSj49QHpkoz8baGmUmPMq_N5EdzkX6MSe2/s320/IMG_6519.jpeg" width="240" /></a></h2><br /><h2 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/shatter-me-tahereh-mafi/3251573?aid=8685&ean=9781405291750"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Shatter Me by <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial;">Tahereh Mafi</span> </span></a></h2><p>It's been a while since I've written a review, it's been a while since I've read a complete book in all honesty. Last year i was in full flow of reading my usual amount when i finally got to this book in my 'to be read' pile. A book that so many people have recommend i read because I'm a big fan of Dystopian tales. I started reading it and i realised i was really not getting into it, i wasn't enjoying the writing style or the pace of the book. I was disappointed and then i started feeling like a bad reader. I thought that there must be something wrong with me if i couldn't enjoy a book so many people loved and recommended. <br /><br />I stopped reading it, i stopped reading fiction altogether for a while if i'm honest. I found myself stuck, i couldn't focus on any of my usual favourite fiction, everything i picked up to try and start just didn't grab me, i came to the conclusion i needed a break from reading. So instead of reading my usual amount i read a smaller amount and mostly non-fiction, learning about different subjects and the odd magazine too. <br /><br />It wasn't until the start of September this year, 2023 (nearly a year later) that i felt ready to try reading this book again, i felt like it wasn't fair to give up on it and that it probably wasn't the book, it was probably just me and my brain. I was right! <br /><br />Once i got past the fact that i wasn't a fan of the reading style (esp repeating words and crossing out of words, something I've not really experienced before and it bugged me a little) or the slow pace and once i got past the halfway mark the book started to grab me and i finished it in just a couple of sittings. Once the pace picked up and there was more happening i began to understand why so many people enjoyed it. The ending was good too, good enough to get me interested in reading the next in the series. <br /><br />If i'm honest this is certainly not one of my 'top reads' but it is a good young adult dystopian and i'm glad i read it. I'm going to read the next in the series and hope that i'm able to enjoy it much more and not give up on it like i did the first. <br /><br /><br />If you think you'd like to read this book, here are some links to places you'll find it:</p><p><a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/shoponline/prod_7680134-Shatter-Me-by-Tahereh-Mafi.html">Available at Betty's Books 30 Queen Street, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2RB and here on the website. </a><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/recently-reviewed-by-kerri-ann"><br /><br />Available here via Bookshop.org </a><br /><br /><a href="https://amzn.to/48eqJjR">Available here by the big A, please only use this as a last resort. Support small independent bookshops when you can! </a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/shatter-me-tahereh-mafi/3251573?aid=8685&ean=9781405291750" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwEcp-ElwO_RGFTJm-4jG1SN1H3_edYGRBadubmg8va8kZILiP7TkPj6xbSgO1DkQl88Aro000l6QPHy7zAqRMcdp4fvwcviVqm2mGECnVi2GYcTkGm7QECacdlokezaZFFxUHOh6M5eoYbi3327lF4JyyWSHj1tSDLpwIPCgXzzueCg-K0_Nev1EruiX/s320/9781405291750.jpg" width="208" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i>Description from Gardners: <br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">"A fragile young teenage girl is held captive. Locked in a cell by The Reestablishment - a harsh dictatorship in charge of a crumbling world. This is no ordinary teenager.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Juliette is a threat to The Reestablishment's power. A touch from her can kill - one touch is all it takes. But not only is she a threat, she is potentially the most powerful weapon they could have.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Juliette has never fought for herself before but when she's reunited with the one person who ever cared about her, the depth of the emotion and the power within her become explosive ..."</span></i></span><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm now going to start the next in the series, Unravel Me. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/unravel-me-tahereh-mafi/3251582?aid=8685&ean=9781405291767" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iTNJRjnANOWgBg6iNibcZ_7epE6KkOD5DK7YhUHKuxqO_bXIyzBuPoqS7GNfM-V1jD5EOcvtDAoghMRDK2F86QjLRnD4Hf6pb9IsXYCAzKuw2m2mt4bdjdhGDjALnD_eAOK1OqADLOf6ey1usz1YuMiq9k1tzB17iPwqUomke-Dn0tFEAUBS3a-baGKm/s320/IMG_6523.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br />Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-32461666789043868822023-09-01T06:03:00.002-07:002023-09-01T06:03:56.829-07:00Painting Happiness - Creativity with Watercolour <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EEfnYn7YD34" width="320" youtube-src-id="EEfnYn7YD34"></iframe></div><p><br /></p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A quick video flip through of this book Painting Hapiness by Terry Runyan is available now on my YouTube channel.
This book is available to purchase here at Devon Art Supplies, 30 Queen Street, Seaton, Devon
</span><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); border: 0px; color: #065fd4; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--display-type yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" force-new-state="true" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbW04SkVpYzhSaWg4UE5mMGh5cHd5WEhweUkwQXxBQ3Jtc0trNUFLOUV1RUlPNnd4SE1neG01WFpjWnI1NTF6SFlWUWNpY3ppNW1JVVVjMkhjZ1BfZUNidG12MS11UUx1VnMyT2ctYWFGNVJtU0Iyb3N0TXFYZnNVTjM5VGpudVJlLURLeUxVZzJzWTJPVnNhMUlmYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fuk.bookshop.org%2Fshop%2FBettysbooks&v=EEfnYn7YD34" rel="nofollow" style="display: inline; text-decoration-line: none;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/Bettysbooks</a></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); border: 0px; color: #065fd4; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--display-type yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" force-new-state="true" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJ5LUF6S1M2SEtpeG9hNFAtVlJfMXg5ZTBHQXxBQ3Jtc0tsdlBwVWI2RW9MRmdHZjdkckhFdUJ0alp4WEVmZGdHMFdidTFMRU9uYjNjclBQODE3U19ueTQtbkprMXc2b3BPeEhyM2JlaEtlVFE3eVZTeDNWOXJoOHBaQ0hCSjBvOW1YekN5X3I3c3lPd3h5aDRTaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3lFmrhz&v=EEfnYn7YD34" rel="nofollow" style="display: inline; text-decoration-line: none;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3lFmrhz</a></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
If you enjoy watching please click the thumbs up button and subscribe to support me and my journey with this channel. . If you have any questions let me know in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them in an upcoming studio vlog. Thanks for watching, Kerri-Ann x </span><br /> <p></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-55194259127600944452023-02-16T04:24:00.003-08:002023-02-16T04:24:48.254-08:00Watercolour for the Soul by Sharone Stevens | Book Flip Through <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1PafjOaiZmaxTzNxA0P1-fybzPiT4BNILEIDJeTU_x3pdE8RgVad3q9ZHlD5G6NZVkSG_fy7Bo8XUnSO0LqMsQ5auOKjH0gEeLXz0l8JaPm7hvcZ-YnUH36sZrg616aIN2WIirnenyGNCf8VQBrnkdaw0J1B3hvIQaX0sLh5kNkEMFj-KDihi84s8w/s1280/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20what%20we%20eat%20in%20a%20week%20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1PafjOaiZmaxTzNxA0P1-fybzPiT4BNILEIDJeTU_x3pdE8RgVad3q9ZHlD5G6NZVkSG_fy7Bo8XUnSO0LqMsQ5auOKjH0gEeLXz0l8JaPm7hvcZ-YnUH36sZrg616aIN2WIirnenyGNCf8VQBrnkdaw0J1B3hvIQaX0sLh5kNkEMFj-KDihi84s8w/w400-h225/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20what%20we%20eat%20in%20a%20week%20.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you know me you'll know i love books about arts and crafts. I've recently been filming book flip throughs for my Youtube channel, mostly of arty books, to help people get a feel for the book before they buy it. I often find that buying books online can be difficult as i like to have a quick look through it to see if it is going to contain the sorts of information and inspiration i'm looking for. Hopefully these book flip throughs will help people to make informed choices about the books and they will then go on to purchase the books supporting the authors and publishers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EQlVyT-HAKI" width="320" youtube-src-id="EQlVyT-HAKI"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The book flip through video above is of Watercolour for the soul by Sharone Stevens. It is available to purchase <a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/shoponline/cat_949439-Bettys-Books-Bookshop.html">here, at Betty's Books</a> and also <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-art-of-watercolour">here at Bookshop.org. </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you have any requests for books you'd like me to do book flip through videos of please let me know and i'll do my best to film them and get them up on the channel as soon as possible. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-3386110731835816472022-10-26T06:07:00.004-07:002022-10-26T06:07:41.746-07:0015 Spooktacular books you should read this Halloween <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XtB7dJa8uWdQQhEPZY8TxDqLalh9p2XCxU_1_AKVPsQv5WPfUWM6zybCvyF2bQ78RZMR1XPCwZkRcsJjsZ1Xml_3JzjmJH4Qop8OvcbZaafYbJwddU3EUtyJcwobVpnKBv4J1SbfOKkolDo6Oj5FbEJiqS6WAUF5eDEmOBczP3z8OLopzcqMo3s6JQ/s1080/www.bettysbooks.co.uk%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XtB7dJa8uWdQQhEPZY8TxDqLalh9p2XCxU_1_AKVPsQv5WPfUWM6zybCvyF2bQ78RZMR1XPCwZkRcsJjsZ1Xml_3JzjmJH4Qop8OvcbZaafYbJwddU3EUtyJcwobVpnKBv4J1SbfOKkolDo6Oj5FbEJiqS6WAUF5eDEmOBczP3z8OLopzcqMo3s6JQ/s320/www.bettysbooks.co.uk%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />If you are looking for a spooky read for this halloween take a look at this great selection of books sure to give you a fright! This list is made up of books that I've read myself and that others have recommended to me. <br /><br /><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/spooktacular-books-for-halloween" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Click here to see the <br />15 Spooktacular Books you should read this Halloween</a><br /><br />There is nothing better than curling up with a good book and reading by candle light on Halloween. Well unless you include chocolate and sweets, that is likely to make it even better! I'm not sure which book I'll be reading this Halloween as I've already finished a couple of the ones I had planned to read, i just couldn't resist them sat there on the shelf looking at me. A particular favourite this spooky season was 'The Toll House' and last year i really enjoyed 'The Whistling' and 'The Spirit Engineer' <br /><br />There are so many other books I would love to add list but wanted to keep it short. I'll be putting together some other lists soon including a Thriller list, crime fiction list and at some point in November a festive list too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have you read any of this spooky books? If you have, which was your favourite? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you like to read horror and ghost stories? Is there are particular time of you you prefer to read them? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-60147723887428012732022-10-25T03:39:00.004-07:002022-10-25T03:39:59.851-07:00Top 15 Ecofiction books you should read | Climate Fiction you should read <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQ3GJLvya6HEI45EGOHLyvFo2EO019XHZQeAThDzsoDcINgxdVkXJXVDbvIxQIEPb7TUuffjiOuQQ_Qh31oiWtHQHYidbIBy0IynqDhAgntnzbgghCYeSz-A2MHX_vaPy1Brzb6EpMpl1F-pZcDVvdO4GHF0vI8dyHX-o9gqcxjbG30eD5GYW5nmr9w/s1080/Top%20Eco-Fiction%20Books%20you%20should%20read.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQ3GJLvya6HEI45EGOHLyvFo2EO019XHZQeAThDzsoDcINgxdVkXJXVDbvIxQIEPb7TUuffjiOuQQ_Qh31oiWtHQHYidbIBy0IynqDhAgntnzbgghCYeSz-A2MHX_vaPy1Brzb6EpMpl1F-pZcDVvdO4GHF0vI8dyHX-o9gqcxjbG30eD5GYW5nmr9w/s320/Top%20Eco-Fiction%20Books%20you%20should%20read.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Have you heard of the genre Ecofiction or Cli-Fi (Climate Fiction) <br /><br />In the 1970’s a new type of fiction was said to have been born, one that linked with
the developing environmental movement. In recent years there has been an
increased interest in this area of fiction now named ‘Ecofiction’ (also referred to as
climate fiction and ‘Cli-Fi’) a branch of literature that encompasses nature-oriented
(non-human) and/or environment-oriented (human impacts on nature) works of
fiction. Ecologically orientated writing has been increasing not only in the area of
fiction but also in poetry, travel writing, life writing, nonfiction and academic writing.
There are dedicated awards now which focus on books that feature nature and
conservation writing including the Wainwright Prize, this highlights further that
there is not only a growing interest in this area of literature but also an increasing
amount of work being published<br /><br /><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/ecofiction-cli-fi ">Take a look here at a selection of 15 highly recommended Ecofiction books </a><br /><br />One of my favourite authors has written two books, as part of a trilogy, which are eco-fiction / fantasy. Earthlings: The Beginning (book 1 ) and Dominion (book 2) are two books that I personally highly recommend reading. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvpA2pZBBqVZGOO_uFBm0AQjoLOhCXhZr-fqyOV_9DBxwYt7gZSMdXQ1jhidH3hzTjj0PETGx3tv2vI2D13tYcJEawRNE2RThiAg2kz-YOKiOLi1NwJ5MMIy3UUDQMV2pHm5Gu9I1YYVS6GXlDxLTM2aaze0YE9xMrIWe01wogkQ41VhQO5VkhcWz3g/s500/9781914529320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvpA2pZBBqVZGOO_uFBm0AQjoLOhCXhZr-fqyOV_9DBxwYt7gZSMdXQ1jhidH3hzTjj0PETGx3tv2vI2D13tYcJEawRNE2RThiAg2kz-YOKiOLi1NwJ5MMIy3UUDQMV2pHm5Gu9I1YYVS6GXlDxLTM2aaze0YE9xMrIWe01wogkQ41VhQO5VkhcWz3g/s320/9781914529320.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-384543157226167452022-10-19T03:42:00.000-07:002022-10-19T03:42:00.306-07:00What time of year do you read the most books in? | Are you a seasonal reader? <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURZI5biDevERNV3VeaCJDzz1jYtGYtTCJXNKB0FNYdLICoLRJDQw1gNwOBlH55kz4n1lxZX5pX69yRyBUh2Sxi335hjtVfNjwod2IuBuuXAwoAdF-8qYKPyOHZKryfoQJkO4NLYOn_KntDMN-BaPbAqJKmkupGcYW9uY8FP1Q0tZI5Rz5-oet4WMxLg/s4032/PXL_20221018_062459241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURZI5biDevERNV3VeaCJDzz1jYtGYtTCJXNKB0FNYdLICoLRJDQw1gNwOBlH55kz4n1lxZX5pX69yRyBUh2Sxi335hjtVfNjwod2IuBuuXAwoAdF-8qYKPyOHZKryfoQJkO4NLYOn_KntDMN-BaPbAqJKmkupGcYW9uY8FP1Q0tZI5Rz5-oet4WMxLg/s320/PXL_20221018_062459241.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I write this it is Autumn. The evenings are cooler and darker now and it is the time of year that i get to read most, i say get, rather than choose because I tend to have more free time in the autumn and winter to read than i do in the warmer months of spring and summer. Though i do read all year round i would consider myself a slightly seasonal reader in that i find I'm able to read a lot more books in the autumn and winter months. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">During the spring and summer i tend to spend more time in the garden growing fruits, vegetables and salads. The books i read mostly in these months are either gardening related, non fiction in a current area of interest (this year i was really into learning about mythology) as i can pick them up and read bits and pieces as and when or fictional books that I have planned to write up reviews on so i make time during my work hours for them (i work as a bookseller in my own bookshop so i can allow myself to do this). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The only issue i have reading during the autumn and winter is lighting. Having no natural light to read in really does strain my eyes. I've tried reading with the main room light on and i find that can be too harsh, on occasion giving me a headache. I've tried reading by candle light which isn't enough and again with sometimes result in a headache or making me sleepy. Now I'm looking into getting a dedicated lamp or small tableside light to use for reading. The <a href="https://amzn.to/3CNalHR">battery operated candles</a> you see in the photos are not good for using as light to read by but they do look beautiful on my bookshelves in the corner of the room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-4ycHBrKlWJpvciO5wg3tFaE_3wdSaWqRFb0f-IxUkIyt6cKvzB5JUkmT5tuyfZKWRdVSRuJE-JIdF8rjvdNgTDMfoJyn8HRaSBZ_Poouvj3iZHZO68TGRzo5FM5e5u7cTYVxbWxCp6m3dTqTegXfApVPKZaMNg4MX67ykEycT55ZtPS0aIJr4MlSQ/s4032/PXL_20221018_062451208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-4ycHBrKlWJpvciO5wg3tFaE_3wdSaWqRFb0f-IxUkIyt6cKvzB5JUkmT5tuyfZKWRdVSRuJE-JIdF8rjvdNgTDMfoJyn8HRaSBZ_Poouvj3iZHZO68TGRzo5FM5e5u7cTYVxbWxCp6m3dTqTegXfApVPKZaMNg4MX67ykEycT55ZtPS0aIJr4MlSQ/s320/PXL_20221018_062451208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was recently told about these <a href="https://amzn.to/3eOA0Ih">neck reading lights</a>, they appear to sit around your neck with little torch type lights that shine on the book, they look interesting but I'm not too sure if they would be powerful enough to light up the book. I'd love to hear feedback from anyone who has experience using them, if you've got one would you recommend it? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Those who read more in the summer and spring are unlikely to have to think about lighting, the longer hours of natural light are a real benefit. The warmer weather is lovely too and those that have the opportunity could enjoy reading outside through the day or even warm evenings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'd be interested to hear what months you read most in, let me know in the comments. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-37262014280602417022022-10-18T04:01:00.002-07:002022-10-18T04:01:26.883-07:00Bookshop Day 2022 - Here's how it went for Betty's Books in Seaton <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylQnLFtmbU7B25Ju_kVEVx57pk0al1TN33S8miy8_jDf5-P3aHM6FZVnkeVRzCw_9lD21cjB6j5ID1-G5n6g9JU8JwPJUHD60Pf-Adn9mC_yfATAgF34OPI_LqoBPwN5MKlhOpvq1BAHCUYfSjUZw4iEYU-dudJHlcBRCEBPmYHhTSQNE_MQAweIW1A/s4032/PXL_20221006_090749909.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylQnLFtmbU7B25Ju_kVEVx57pk0al1TN33S8miy8_jDf5-P3aHM6FZVnkeVRzCw_9lD21cjB6j5ID1-G5n6g9JU8JwPJUHD60Pf-Adn9mC_yfATAgF34OPI_LqoBPwN5MKlhOpvq1BAHCUYfSjUZw4iEYU-dudJHlcBRCEBPmYHhTSQNE_MQAweIW1A/s320/PXL_20221006_090749909.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bookshop Day 2022 has been and gone, if you didn't get chance to visit Betty's Books in Seaton, Devon, here is a glimpse as to how it looked. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n1BKNbxozfWdOVKuXWRD3NijdFu-AdPV9nNVoc2RlLtisHpGjnK3KwhHx-iqRjsNLXcE-nPz_ELH9IHHck5RT-c9q3T_ifdkSTN8iZg1zhaLQGdF_GARLrXqZHgC7OK-qY4Z6VOlmqWdUbWRrODjiM69VNWQ_cLwzdQ5Q_mrOOUZ9g2gQZOjs7kiqw/s4032/PXL_20221006_090807681.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n1BKNbxozfWdOVKuXWRD3NijdFu-AdPV9nNVoc2RlLtisHpGjnK3KwhHx-iqRjsNLXcE-nPz_ELH9IHHck5RT-c9q3T_ifdkSTN8iZg1zhaLQGdF_GARLrXqZHgC7OK-qY4Z6VOlmqWdUbWRrODjiM69VNWQ_cLwzdQ5Q_mrOOUZ9g2gQZOjs7kiqw/s320/PXL_20221006_090807681.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shop was packed full of special offers, freebies and book loving people enjoying a bookish chat. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_aNLZxB0bgmZKJCwMq0qdaTkMe0nfGwKNmvq-uxYiPVrAO8ELtMnbFH9eUADbhGsWB42J2lRPl9jgkKs9f9l8Dqb2Dh_IlTy-nF6HoZNkLj0oUtyn4BXLUk4cOeVgutQEWeRnUMug66ubD9LmlSXjbdaXMCj2HFI4GbN4Lqz6U-ZdZcUwrzqQzrftw/s4032/PXL_20221006_090753517.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_aNLZxB0bgmZKJCwMq0qdaTkMe0nfGwKNmvq-uxYiPVrAO8ELtMnbFH9eUADbhGsWB42J2lRPl9jgkKs9f9l8Dqb2Dh_IlTy-nF6HoZNkLj0oUtyn4BXLUk4cOeVgutQEWeRnUMug66ubD9LmlSXjbdaXMCj2HFI4GbN4Lqz6U-ZdZcUwrzqQzrftw/s320/PXL_20221006_090753517.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were some new releases on display with beautiful coordinating bookmarks, pin badges and other merch. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGh8fkwzUh3WTW-eUdGiimQfgoYixBkfbBiFjTHauZlKcJMkDc5eU4r8yO-K4ELTSBznin0EYgfRUMDiqpJG0QlkiSv4W3KhdS1iFRhqOx_7mToq0xMWCdbIDbxiQsMgGex0zkhYyzBkJpxi2GeAlKHwckcFsYuTy-jnHN5LP4HJL-FDgFn0dZWsRbDA/s4032/PXL_20221006_103027868.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGh8fkwzUh3WTW-eUdGiimQfgoYixBkfbBiFjTHauZlKcJMkDc5eU4r8yO-K4ELTSBznin0EYgfRUMDiqpJG0QlkiSv4W3KhdS1iFRhqOx_7mToq0xMWCdbIDbxiQsMgGex0zkhYyzBkJpxi2GeAlKHwckcFsYuTy-jnHN5LP4HJL-FDgFn0dZWsRbDA/s320/PXL_20221006_103027868.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first 3 customers who spent over 30 pounds were treated to a gift bag of goodies. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDZif-kWywNOEiS4rTrUNQ5mFEo7x5Q_uzbRw8t3Blkpik6cLgYvE0AQlY9uuuA09mV2BtHTRSayC5wJMr2xEYB8JksomlIEF3GpVT7HNJF4mz4e8AmybzueSit0y73O4_V1dgUh7KSe8DyPHLe7YtHkd0jS5HUuthBkqnzS_maYUApEqOxQ70LgdbQ/s4032/PXL_20221006_113653763.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDZif-kWywNOEiS4rTrUNQ5mFEo7x5Q_uzbRw8t3Blkpik6cLgYvE0AQlY9uuuA09mV2BtHTRSayC5wJMr2xEYB8JksomlIEF3GpVT7HNJF4mz4e8AmybzueSit0y73O4_V1dgUh7KSe8DyPHLe7YtHkd0jS5HUuthBkqnzS_maYUApEqOxQ70LgdbQ/s320/PXL_20221006_113653763.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was (and still is) an array of bookmarks that coordinated with books. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q0gbjAIOuHPtmAmmZeRysgZADsSyVoIfLYr5TsYEHzfhdlCG2QExZGyxqtbd5J4aTw5CH0qRwVcjuZJvKbZXNnx5kk35M-2GDNjU68L2u4z-nq_ZGyPlqEYzqF5nzYvkN7Zs8A6PXbwPPIZP1SXHG4D3PtVvpvm7Rm0WW-WWgbKql-yGM2Lsfc7Nbg/s4032/PXL_20221006_142905494.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q0gbjAIOuHPtmAmmZeRysgZADsSyVoIfLYr5TsYEHzfhdlCG2QExZGyxqtbd5J4aTw5CH0qRwVcjuZJvKbZXNnx5kk35M-2GDNjU68L2u4z-nq_ZGyPlqEYzqF5nzYvkN7Zs8A6PXbwPPIZP1SXHG4D3PtVvpvm7Rm0WW-WWgbKql-yGM2Lsfc7Nbg/s320/PXL_20221006_142905494.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mystery books were purchased as gifts for friends and family, people said they were shopping early for the big C this year. Mystery books make a great gift. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXf_0uymBwxfPMj5i2Qwt2lsw52vf7ehzXi-c1rNAiwd15tkloF-Ywfz-f_NhtjwomJs2Y0k41q73Ys5a_B8m2AE1uz504e4_sw5HA3ML9jcOVsxzXBHDpwEKmcwdH0gW47BFlRr-tPjkoRdJ2Vn5cyV38dzehr6ARRHoUtWu0StFtbpx24FnPox8C4Q/s4032/PXL_20221006_142919787.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXf_0uymBwxfPMj5i2Qwt2lsw52vf7ehzXi-c1rNAiwd15tkloF-Ywfz-f_NhtjwomJs2Y0k41q73Ys5a_B8m2AE1uz504e4_sw5HA3ML9jcOVsxzXBHDpwEKmcwdH0gW47BFlRr-tPjkoRdJ2Vn5cyV38dzehr6ARRHoUtWu0StFtbpx24FnPox8C4Q/s320/PXL_20221006_142919787.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shelves were full and the buzz was electric. The selection of YA (Young Adult) books available in store has certainly grown over the past year. There are some brilliant titles, many TikTok fav's too. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuT-pqdTYuY-Fybt0YfdwK12VFSi1UFZvejm6XW8hJVzd57YX28KIE-1oqi-Qyg7qRLcTfWfI4q9VbgCVO03u7eatJWSyJzQhoK5JoD7X6gKK7ry9s5-zdmNmpr5ePYbnMIyz_qOI9CkQ3wEqWWYYue_7X8mYfRr6c_fpyw1V1lypQTAJULTRoA4z4A/s4032/PXL_20221006_142912647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuT-pqdTYuY-Fybt0YfdwK12VFSi1UFZvejm6XW8hJVzd57YX28KIE-1oqi-Qyg7qRLcTfWfI4q9VbgCVO03u7eatJWSyJzQhoK5JoD7X6gKK7ry9s5-zdmNmpr5ePYbnMIyz_qOI9CkQ3wEqWWYYue_7X8mYfRr6c_fpyw1V1lypQTAJULTRoA4z4A/s320/PXL_20221006_142912647.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you didn't get chance to visit on Bookshop day this year be sure to pop in soon. It is well worth a visit and you may find there are some freebies left that you might get treated too. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaE6PWrugyP5tLiXiqufcb76euB9kv24a7cWj2xKi5pz7i7IEdCJ0m5LTaJBnis9aSGz7dC3rOChixEOrwmwhE4TJMHxBvRCGctOLFRTP6rjlNXfkkyABciLM2OEuGUPADurvM0e_l38czpXgY105SJJjZJU35e8kNhT0tz9SWG0CnTpYNBubt1IeSkw/s4032/PXL_20221006_142729981.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaE6PWrugyP5tLiXiqufcb76euB9kv24a7cWj2xKi5pz7i7IEdCJ0m5LTaJBnis9aSGz7dC3rOChixEOrwmwhE4TJMHxBvRCGctOLFRTP6rjlNXfkkyABciLM2OEuGUPADurvM0e_l38czpXgY105SJJjZJU35e8kNhT0tz9SWG0CnTpYNBubt1IeSkw/s320/PXL_20221006_142729981.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Betty's Books is at 30 Queen Street, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2RB. </div><br /><p></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-50996642826306318602022-10-14T07:13:00.002-07:002022-10-14T07:13:13.906-07:00The Whistling by Rebecca Netley now available in paperback <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WbTVSY3hvraHlOtPhYiaGXQbYVbTky0ls1QxVLQO9wtQcRGoixO4QokoJ76dz1aDScDz-K3BDa31MpWNKoHdzUt4D5xt768BKH5AfBPTtfEPo3cGuZoIt3n3qD05tP9JIr4knRNbdMMp7Z0mCuwHTD8HioX4423C8YqG4lo2GY371qWAH1Mh7ZiTBQ/s4032/PXL_20221014_100650993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WbTVSY3hvraHlOtPhYiaGXQbYVbTky0ls1QxVLQO9wtQcRGoixO4QokoJ76dz1aDScDz-K3BDa31MpWNKoHdzUt4D5xt768BKH5AfBPTtfEPo3cGuZoIt3n3qD05tP9JIr4knRNbdMMp7Z0mCuwHTD8HioX4423C8YqG4lo2GY371qWAH1Mh7ZiTBQ/w400-h300/PXL_20221014_100650993.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In September last year (2021) you may remember I wrote a <a href="https://www.kabriggs.co.uk/2021/09/the-whistling-by-rebecca-netley-book.html">review</a> on <a href="https://www.kabriggs.co.uk/2021/09/the-whistling-by-rebecca-netley-book.html">The Whistling by Rebecca Netley. </a>If you haven't read it already you can read it <a href="https://www.kabriggs.co.uk/2021/09/the-whistling-by-rebecca-netley-book.html">here. </a>At the time the book was only available as a hardback edition, I'm pleased to say the paperback edition has now been released and is available in store at Betty's Books, 30 Queen Street, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2RB. <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/books-i-ve-blogged-about-ec9faf06-369a-469e-96d9-97e784ac6478">Online here on Bookshop.org</a> and online here at<a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/shoponline/cat_949439-Bettys-Books-Bookshop.html"> Betty's Books. </a><br /><u><b><br />The Whistling by Rebecca Netley </b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">When Elspeth arrives on a remote Scottish island to become nanny to a young child, she hopes to bond with her. Until she learns that, for reasons no one will explain, Mary has not spoken for months. And the girl's silence is not the only mystery.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Hypnotic lullabies drift down empty corridors. Strange dolls appear in abandoned rooms. And as the nights draw in, darker questions arise .<br /></span></i></b><br />If you are looking for a spooktacular read to enjoy this autumn I would highly recommend getting yourself a copy of this book. </div><br /><p></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-84619045652054935672022-10-06T02:19:00.001-07:002022-10-06T04:16:33.355-07:00Books Are My Bag Readers Awards 2022 | VOTE NOW! <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d337d; font-family: GlyphaLT-Bold; font-size: 30px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">Books Are My Bag Readers Awards 2022 - Voting Now Open! </h2><h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.nationalbooktokens.com/vote">BAMB Awards</a> are the only book awards curated by bookshops and chosen by readers. Not only that you but get entered into a prize draw just for casting your vote. </span></h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2wChhNryNugtOCML2cqSpHHWiS6u10GJsyvcr4tA4rxMH4mz8njNahF7np-CNkTn_HNhT4RzkdfoA6ieeiLGk8Iim3Z35FV09SpJcv9a_66uKjHhdHN1eiCgGAioHfNV5cUA7H_G-tgCrzwZHZeQts_aoNOgBSaAoKMDGtHUagB3UvaGTY_aJDheXA/s307/2022_logo_small.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="307" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2wChhNryNugtOCML2cqSpHHWiS6u10GJsyvcr4tA4rxMH4mz8njNahF7np-CNkTn_HNhT4RzkdfoA6ieeiLGk8Iim3Z35FV09SpJcv9a_66uKjHhdHN1eiCgGAioHfNV5cUA7H_G-tgCrzwZHZeQts_aoNOgBSaAoKMDGtHUagB3UvaGTY_aJDheXA/s1600/2022_logo_small.png" width="307" /></a></div></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span class="big" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">National Book Tokens are proud to sponsor the only book awards that reflect the truly diverse tastes of real booklovers and the bookshops they love to visit. The shortlists for this year's awards, now in their seventh year, include six categories curated by a panel of booksellers and voted on by the public, with the Readers' Choice award – decided entirely by booklovers – completing the set.<br /><br /><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/books-are-my-bag-readers-awards-2022-shortlist">You can browse and buy the shortlisted books on the list by clicking here, you'll be taken to Bookshop.Org a website that supports independent bookshops </a></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.nationalbooktokens.com/vote">Cast your votes</a> and you'll be entered into a prize draw to </span><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">win one of five £100/€120 National Book Tokens</strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">. PLUS after you've voted, use your unique link to refer your book loving friends; for every referral they receive, they'll give you a bonus entry into the draw!</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UHcV78dvhGRXRbl2L3pqMpZGiie5QXOkAd5NCGnFszHxquBwbOHP1d8gA2oZrSdZZKv5Gj7X7uEJuRJf7Q3pLNlSknji4eqN2CayDrR6Q7N-RjwX5hBi0_HmCLMVKoJbGExc5fp6AUiuS4X9VHhIzkmOo2KyI2CvfQyyWa2hDX3gfi4xGu6bNctmdg/s1800/Facebook%20Cover%20Photo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1800" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UHcV78dvhGRXRbl2L3pqMpZGiie5QXOkAd5NCGnFszHxquBwbOHP1d8gA2oZrSdZZKv5Gj7X7uEJuRJf7Q3pLNlSknji4eqN2CayDrR6Q7N-RjwX5hBi0_HmCLMVKoJbGExc5fp6AUiuS4X9VHhIzkmOo2KyI2CvfQyyWa2hDX3gfi4xGu6bNctmdg/w400-h156/Facebook%20Cover%20Photo.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><p><a href="https://www.nationalbooktokens.com/vote"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> CLICK HERE to find out more and vote. </span></a></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-79508665985916103822022-09-26T10:52:00.002-07:002022-09-26T10:52:41.166-07:00The Toll House by Carly Reagon | Book Review <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzaOQchorfwudsLq2OU_Bk8va_TPOo0wN6B1LL5ahK5owkVsiZsudxX_0Tf2_HVYZ9HB0JnFens3punMKUt2Jhwf7Yquy3GsHC78RxmhqxYg3uootOyhCPtBAVES_M_JiuRDEfaJpn-bpRoqIUOTu_P41nTxTbIQFdX4miCbSrRiWlKN_sG7xSFITFw/s1080/Book%20Review%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzaOQchorfwudsLq2OU_Bk8va_TPOo0wN6B1LL5ahK5owkVsiZsudxX_0Tf2_HVYZ9HB0JnFens3punMKUt2Jhwf7Yquy3GsHC78RxmhqxYg3uootOyhCPtBAVES_M_JiuRDEfaJpn-bpRoqIUOTu_P41nTxTbIQFdX4miCbSrRiWlKN_sG7xSFITFw/s320/Book%20Review%20.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><u>The Toll House by <a href="https://www.gardners.com/Search?Author=Carly%20Reagon&fq=14120" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Carly Reagon</a></u></i></b><br /><br />Thank you to the author Carly for sending me a copy to read and review before release date. It was great to have the opportunity to read this before it arrived in store so that I would be able to talk to customers about it. </span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>Description </b></u><br /><i>(From Gardners) </i></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">The spine-tingling ghost story everyone is raving about: 'If you like a good ghost story put this chilling thriller to the very top of your reading list' Sarah Pearse author of THE SANATORIUM'Will keep you up long after the witching hour' Rebecca Netley author of THE WHISTLING'A satisfyingly good old-fashioned ghost story'Susan Stokes-Chapman author of PANDORA'I hoovered this up in one go.' Natasha Pulley author of THE WATCHMAKER OF FILIGREE STREET'A book that feels like it's watching you . . .</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">unsettling and gripping' Cari Thomas author of THREADNEEDLE________The past isn't always dead and buried. A house with history. That's how the estate agent described the old toll house on the edge of the town.</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">For Kelda it's the perfect rural home for her young son Dylan after a difficult few years. But when Kelda finds a death mask concealed behind one of the walls, everything changes. Inexplicable things happen in the house, Kelda cannot shake the feeling of being watched and Dylan is plagued by nightmares, convinced he can see figures in his room.</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">As Dylan's behaviour becomes increasingly challenging, Kelda seeks answers in the house's mysterious past. But she's running out of time. Because something has awoken.</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">And now it won't rest . . .</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">________'Beautifully written. Carly Reagon is one to watch.' C.J. Cooke author of THE LIGHTHOUSE WITCHES'Had me turning pages late into the night' Anita Frank author of THE LOST ONES'An edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting read.</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><i style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit;">I loved it.' Kate Hamer author of THE GIRL IN THE RED COAT</i><br /><br /><b style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: underline;">Review</b></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b><i>You'll be sleeping with the light on after reading this...</i><br /></b></span><br /><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The book beings 'Twelve months ago'' where we meet Kelda and her young son Dylan who are about to view a house, the first chapter </span>doesn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> reveal much about what lies ahead but it certainly had me </span>intrigued<span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The next chapter takes us to 1863 and a devastating turn of events. </span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chapter 3 brings us to the present, back with Kelda and from there we alternate between the present and the long ago past. In essence it is like reading two stories that merge together later in the book. Through both we learn about the main focus of the story, not a character, but a building. The Toll House. </span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The author does a brilliant job controlling the pace, a nice slow burn to begin with that picks up pace and from there you won't want to break away from the pages. </span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was clever how the author used a combination of past and present to help us learn about the house and try to understand the strange things that were happening to Kelda at the Toll House. </span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The end of chapter 37 is just, I don't know what to say without giving anything away, pulse rising. As the chapters go on you feel more and more unsettled. </span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There were some great twists and turns and unexpected revelations. It was a great combination of historical crime and old-fashioned ghost story in a modern setting. O</span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit;">verall I found It a really great read. </span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are looking for a spooky read, perfect for autumn I highly recommend giving The Toll House by Carly Reason a go. </span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><u>Star Rating </u></b></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">4.5* </p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">The Toll House is available to purchase <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/recently-reviewed-by-kerri-ann">here on Bookshop.org </a> or <a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/shoponline/cat_949439-Bettys-Books-Bookshop.html">here on the Betty's Books website. </a></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-65509224318500464582022-09-20T03:48:00.001-07:002022-09-20T03:48:15.973-07:00The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean | Book Review <p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-A89FfLzs3DBqZRKdOBVNvN8wSfYGHPEsxpHBhpjfEnNun1BfPrCHExXeI9aTf-j1R_LNcNgJQ7D2EUA_ecwWmE5CQ8PT9p-AwhXwfscmsr2eS-crVdxCaitBTZkFW5qQegjfv8j83nsxx7dAsk-7o-Z_NUguKp0Rt1LeFmyrrkx0O1DqcQQ0cdzQA/s1080/Book%20Review%20%20(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-A89FfLzs3DBqZRKdOBVNvN8wSfYGHPEsxpHBhpjfEnNun1BfPrCHExXeI9aTf-j1R_LNcNgJQ7D2EUA_ecwWmE5CQ8PT9p-AwhXwfscmsr2eS-crVdxCaitBTZkFW5qQegjfv8j83nsxx7dAsk-7o-Z_NUguKp0Rt1LeFmyrrkx0O1DqcQQ0cdzQA/s320/Book%20Review%20%20(5).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b><br /><br />The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean </b></span><p></p><p>Thank you to Indie Thinking for sending me a proof copy to read. <br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NxzCyZImthh_ODDOkv6hsNSpt4B3hSym5liDNg7Hh8sAmx1dL5-Qoe0TauVlQ_mhqSpmXY_KHKnBxh2KBxkPOu6f7aC3zYlpADMYFa-CAg93INVzplMWql_2p3jW6wa2qS3_hFrvVYDQ5Exib42srSofIWg0HEXPQeGQA6Jxk2ArPqrr-kjRmFNQ3g/s4032/PXL_20220918_100821566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NxzCyZImthh_ODDOkv6hsNSpt4B3hSym5liDNg7Hh8sAmx1dL5-Qoe0TauVlQ_mhqSpmXY_KHKnBxh2KBxkPOu6f7aC3zYlpADMYFa-CAg93INVzplMWql_2p3jW6wa2qS3_hFrvVYDQ5Exib42srSofIWg0HEXPQeGQA6Jxk2ArPqrr-kjRmFNQ3g/s320/PXL_20220918_100821566.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Description</b><br />(from Gardners) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">THE NO. 2 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'I devoured this' V.E. Schwab 'A vampire-themed Handmaid's Tale, with effective thrills that are intensified by social commentary' Guardian A gorgeous new fantasy horror - a book about stories and fairy tales with family and love at its dark heart...</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">A gorgeous new fantasy horror - a book about stories and fairy tales with family and love at its dark heart... Hidden across England and Scotland live six old Book Eater families. The last of their lines, they exist on the fringes of society and subsist on a diet of stories and legends.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">Children are rare and their numbers have dwindled, so when Devon Fairweather's second child is born a dreaded Mind Eater - a perversion of her own kind, who consumes not stories but the minds and souls of humans - she flees before he can be turned into a weapon for the family... or worse. Living among humans and finding prey for her son, Devon seeks a cure for his hunger.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">But time is running out - for her family want her back, and with every soul her son consumes he loses a little more of himself... This is a story of escape, a mother's savage devotion and a queer love that will electrify readers looking for something beguiling, thrilling, strange and new. Perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman, Susanna Clarke, and Let the Right One In </span> <br /><br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQrhpumooNYFuZFQM5svvf_paYs3Y3xaWkfo7C0yhDBt0ATD7MflaMFRUNWmtrVTnp7u3ULG5SlqZUl1kmPcrnMlPjszxfOlwA9JScMH4Ln1rSA7rwEbJOW0VjUyXJ-0VXW70yegl3nSl8HEOA4JyxsxXhD9g7aZddkdnj0jwI4QVNIropvURRzMilQ/s4032/PXL_20220916_203003912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQrhpumooNYFuZFQM5svvf_paYs3Y3xaWkfo7C0yhDBt0ATD7MflaMFRUNWmtrVTnp7u3ULG5SlqZUl1kmPcrnMlPjszxfOlwA9JScMH4Ln1rSA7rwEbJOW0VjUyXJ-0VXW70yegl3nSl8HEOA4JyxsxXhD9g7aZddkdnj0jwI4QVNIropvURRzMilQ/s320/PXL_20220916_203003912.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Review<br /><br /></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>A dark and fantastical tale of family complexities, betrayal and love; one you'll want to devour.</i><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I was pleased to receive a copy of this from Indie Thinking as I'd been hearing about it online and it sounded like something I would enjoy. It certainly didn't disappoint. </span></span></span></p><p>The author does a great job with building up the main character, Devon, a female book eater, living in a human world but experiencing it very differently to how we do today. Raised in a Book Eater household, a rural manor house, away from humans. After just a few chapters you feel connected to her, even if she isn't human you get a sense of her strength and the pain that she carries in the present day. The chapters though all focusing on Devon, alternate between present day and the past, a clever way of helping us to understand what Devon went through as a child, as she grows up and becomes a mother; how she became the women she is in the present. What she goes through had me feeling a range of emotions and had me questioning what it is that makes a monster. The story though fantastical and based in a world where there are creatures such as book eaters and mind eaters, deals with some very human and real life issues, especially those faced by women. The complexities within families, oppression, betrayal, love between mother and child, to name just a few. <br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">"That's what fairy tales do to us. If we grow up thinking that we're princesses and someone else will rescue us, then we spend our lives waiting for that rescue and never trying to escape ourselves."</span></i></span></p><p>The book wraps up well at the end, though I was left with a few questions. It leaves off in a place that could potentially (hopefully) leave room for a sequel... I for one would welcome book 2! A prequel would be great too, I'd love more backstory on Book Eaters and Mind Eaters as a species. I feel like the world the author has built has so much more to give. </p><p>The author, Sunyi Dean, does a fantastic job of combining fantasy and gothic horror with real life struggles that humans face. I believe this is her debut, if so I think it is a brilliant one. I would be happy recommending this book to friends and customers who like dark fantastical tales. It will make a wonderful autumnal read. </p><p><b>Rating</b> <br />4 out of 5 stars. <br /><br />The Book Eaters is available to purchase <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/recently-reviewed-by-kerri-ann">here, via Bookshop.org </a> or <a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/shoponline/cat_949439-Bettys-Books-Bookshop.html">here, via Betty's Books independent bookshop. </a></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-5551555543003199052022-09-17T04:21:00.001-07:002022-09-17T04:21:00.158-07:00The Eclectic Witch's Book of Shadows : Witchy Wisdom at Your Fingertips by Deborah Blake | Book Review <p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkf_eWT_B_A9MOoOz_6Nr0RAIg5IYPigeXvmh08Q7DgDcZeI7rIHWqd9-0cU2o1TaG1InpoVaR8yPfFwlniqNllareYITSZrL9JwMgFbSewAFVEmHOIpsdazF4o5fo0N3AEg6lTGMr_6AxUyOaCj2VHO52vKIys30Sm2N0R3gmcomBpFk3bjiHg5L0Q/s1080/book%20review%208%20(6).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkf_eWT_B_A9MOoOz_6Nr0RAIg5IYPigeXvmh08Q7DgDcZeI7rIHWqd9-0cU2o1TaG1InpoVaR8yPfFwlniqNllareYITSZrL9JwMgFbSewAFVEmHOIpsdazF4o5fo0N3AEg6lTGMr_6AxUyOaCj2VHO52vKIys30Sm2N0R3gmcomBpFk3bjiHg5L0Q/s320/book%20review%208%20(6).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><h1 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Eclectic Witch's Book of Shadows : Witchy Wisdom at Your Fingertips</span></h1><h2 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">by Deborah Blake </span></h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">Description (from Gardners) <br />An abundant source of magical information, The Eclectic Witch's Book of Shadows is perfect for both Wiccans and eclectic Witches interested in building their own practice from the ground up. This beginner-friendly guide is modeled on a traditional Book of Shadows but is flexible enough to be personalized. With helpful sections on herbs, stones, spells, rituals, and more, this beautiful hardcover book makes practicing Witchcraft easier, simpler, and more fun.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">Popular author and eclectic Witch Deborah Blake shares her wisdom on a variety of topics, including candle magic, divination, correspondences, and magical recipes. You ll meet the gods and goddesses, discover powerful invocations, and explore ways to celebration Pagan festivals and holidays. Extensive color illustrations by well-known artist Mickie Mueller enhance your magical journey, inspiring you to achieve your goals.</span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Review </u><br /><br />I've been a collector of books about witchcraft and wicca for quite a few years now and when I saw that there was a book specifically for Eclectic Witches being released I knew I needed to get a copy. There are many books available for Green Witches, Sea Witches, Kitchen Witches and various others but not many specifically written about life as an eclectic witch, I assume because it is a relatively new term used. The term hasn't been widely used for many years but essentially cover those who like to work in a variety of ways. <br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><i>What is an Eclectic witch? <br /><span style="color: black;">''Eclectic witches tend to cherry-pick whatever practices, rituals, beliefs, or ideas feel natural and good to them in the moment. After all, witchcraft is a very personal and unique pursuit. If you don’t want to be tied down to any one practice or area, maybe you’re an eclectic witch.''</span></i></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This book covers pretty much everything you could want to know so would be perfect for anyone just starting out or wanting to learn about witchcraft in general. This book would also be great for anyone already on a journey with witchcraft, it has space within the book for you to write notes and information. You could use it as a grimoire, or if you have already started one this would be good to write notes in specific to different areas of your witchcraft. That way the book becomes personal to you, a keepsake and </span>reference<span style="font-family: inherit;"> book rather than simply another book on the shelf. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">It would also make a lovely present as it is </span>beautifully<span style="font-family: inherit;"> bound and has stunning illustrations throughout.</span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is certainly a book that once you own you will want to keep and regularly </span>refer<span style="font-family: inherit;"> back to. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWvNIoDLiL7zV_U_1Cgof2cYZvoV9A3ERGjPiIbQjmkRY4qR-EgG9ZorP5xzM99BnkdXsjNQSe-C1-Rc3cAPsWsbBqerdT3kiiiNvTsefHBUALDNCmKep69ZDKytiizvhZYsqPnc2jAqq1ScshpRebK0gci-7h8vIIOsIuiZ9hq0obpyw5n4i9xd5Ow/s329/9780738765327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWvNIoDLiL7zV_U_1Cgof2cYZvoV9A3ERGjPiIbQjmkRY4qR-EgG9ZorP5xzM99BnkdXsjNQSe-C1-Rc3cAPsWsbBqerdT3kiiiNvTsefHBUALDNCmKep69ZDKytiizvhZYsqPnc2jAqq1ScshpRebK0gci-7h8vIIOsIuiZ9hq0obpyw5n4i9xd5Ow/s320/9780738765327.jpg" width="214" /></a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;"><b><u>Rating</u></b><i> <br /><br />5 out of 5* </i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">This book is available to purchase <a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/shoponline/prod_7780971-The-Eclectic-Witchs-Book-of-Shadows-Witchy-Wisdom-at-Your-Fingertips-by-Deborah-Blake.html">here from Betty's Books</a> and <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/recently-reviewed-by-kerri-ann">here from Bookshop.org </a></span></span></div>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-28007702892720937562022-09-14T04:25:00.000-07:002022-09-14T04:25:04.527-07:00A Writer's Journal Workbook : Creating space for writers to be inspired by Lucy van Smit | Book Review <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4wuMFl48i5eonOt6Iw91V15mtWIQjzmnQSmHi4cK1CSiZJYu9fkZiAuKf1hMIC1yz0QfNf6Ej3XMvDLs6-oF_mDc1U3nUGr63rK5ZSkFsQBr9yi5koMt9uFGlFrvJhat5EDdzVFBzcjCViqtffdtlBI2RnZrP8TBb-PcV6z8kryLkM1HmTEIv6VkVQ/s1080/book%20review%208%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4wuMFl48i5eonOt6Iw91V15mtWIQjzmnQSmHi4cK1CSiZJYu9fkZiAuKf1hMIC1yz0QfNf6Ej3XMvDLs6-oF_mDc1U3nUGr63rK5ZSkFsQBr9yi5koMt9uFGlFrvJhat5EDdzVFBzcjCViqtffdtlBI2RnZrP8TBb-PcV6z8kryLkM1HmTEIv6VkVQ/s320/book%20review%208%20(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h1 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A Writer's Journal Workbook : Creating space for writers to be inspired</span></h1><h2 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">by Lucy van Smit <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Description (from Gardners) <br />A writer will change and grow many times in their writing life. This Journal Workbook aims to champion this journey. It answers those tricky questions writers long to ask, shares secret practices to inspire their writing confidence, and free their unique gifts from common obstacles and writing worries.<br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">In this Journal Workbook you will discover surprising new techniques from acting, neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and spirituality to re-wild your creativity and empower your writing craft. Writing can seem overwhelming. You long to be a writer, but where do you start?And how do you bridge the gap between where you are right now and where you want to go? How do you discover your voice? What does that even mean? And what can you do to improve your writing? Or discover what you want to write about? This is not a book about getting published or finding an agent.</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">This is a book about finding you. Finding your voice. Trusting your talent. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Your creativity. It is about putting your heart and soul into your writing practice. Do the prompts and exercises. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Reflect. This Journal Workbook will help you find that spark. This is your writing life, write it your way.</span></i></span></h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b><u>Review <br /><br /></u></b></span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I've always loved writing, I did a writing course as part of my open degree and I now write part time for a living. I write both fiction and non-fiction, often related to nature and environmentalism. I've had articles and blog posts published over the years but I'm not yet a published author. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit;">I purchased this book with high hopes that it would be packed full of inspiration that would give my writing mojo a real boost. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Unfortunately</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> it didn't, it just sort of made me feel like I was never going to </span>succeed<span style="font-family: inherit;"> at being a full time writer. The book made me feel somewhat inferior. </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit;">I was </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">surprised</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit;"> to react to the book in this way because the reviews </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I've</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit;"> read were all 5*. Everyone else seems to be saying it was really helpful. I felt like maybe </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I'd missed something or maybe I'm just not a writer? </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">OK, so since writing that first initial review (which I didn't publish because I didn't feel it would be any help to potential readers) I've had a break from the book and gone back to give it another go. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">One of the things that this book has taught me is that different writers write in different ways and that is OK. Different things inspire us, prompt us and assist us in our writing. 'Variety is the spice of life' as I so often hear people say. I no longer feel that I'm not a good enough writer, just that I write for a different reason and in a different way. That doesn't make me any less of a writer it just makes me different. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">After further reading of the book and giving myself time to digest it I've decided there are some useful parts in it but overall it just isn't for me. It will be fantastic for many, I am sure, who write for other reasons and in a different way that I do. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Star Rating </u><br />3 out of 5* </span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">This book is available to purchase <a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/shoponline/prod_7727443-A-Writers-Journal-Workbook-Creating-Space-for-Writers-to-Be-Inspired-by-Lucy-van-Smit.html">here at Betty's Books in Seaton, Devon</a> or <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/recently-reviewed-by-kerri-ann">here at Bookshop.org online. </a></span></div>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-79245711064446596652022-09-09T03:16:00.006-07:002022-09-14T02:09:07.089-07:00Dominion: Earthlings Book 2 | Book Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZm7ZKVA3U4J6kif5Y3lMq7o3vNdi-GkvocGX7kmPrvB4TVt9jeQ9zZGLE4QHeGTGmaRYJIqNLOaXCPZGw8A4iHZZLwKzDlVSdltRASHj7lcmi9Q0IUARq58tarVUKVifxc16ze4Btdi_syI87htDiqzOpiY08AYWtYhvR1TjT9A3rdKLb80FQ9HDVVA/s1080/Book%20Review%20%20(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZm7ZKVA3U4J6kif5Y3lMq7o3vNdi-GkvocGX7kmPrvB4TVt9jeQ9zZGLE4QHeGTGmaRYJIqNLOaXCPZGw8A4iHZZLwKzDlVSdltRASHj7lcmi9Q0IUARq58tarVUKVifxc16ze4Btdi_syI87htDiqzOpiY08AYWtYhvR1TjT9A3rdKLb80FQ9HDVVA/s320/Book%20Review%20%20(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>***Spoiler warning - If you haven't read <i>Earthlings: The Beginning,</i> Book 1 of this trilogy I highly recommend you read it before reading my review below of book 2<i> 'Dominion' Book 2</i>***</p><p><b><i>I was given the chance to read an early Beta copy of Dominion by the author Ray Star. I jumped at the chance as I was looking forward to it so much. Here is my honest review of the book that is due to be published later this year </i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89q6hDP0AQhOyx2hJUthQlmIOb4ES5Edjfay8eQRTdG-ZOdY4k8Z0OILMSbbcllhxaadB_DtSOLWP_4b5O0gaZPMiKRc7pNiLRkV2NHj3-A6dBqbJvqx0lF_71IZ-4MXHdd0CLSFZ9UFDi2qtbKQBAYT0AqXOyQ_lXKp6dvYUT3cx1VdarZUiahJhug/s3508/IMG_0299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3508" data-original-width="2480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89q6hDP0AQhOyx2hJUthQlmIOb4ES5Edjfay8eQRTdG-ZOdY4k8Z0OILMSbbcllhxaadB_DtSOLWP_4b5O0gaZPMiKRc7pNiLRkV2NHj3-A6dBqbJvqx0lF_71IZ-4MXHdd0CLSFZ9UFDi2qtbKQBAYT0AqXOyQ_lXKp6dvYUT3cx1VdarZUiahJhug/s320/IMG_0299.JPG" width="226" /></a><br />(Image: Fan art of Peridot by Kerri-Ann Betty) </div><p>Having read book 1, <i>'Earthlings: The beginning'</i> last year and absolutely loving it (so much so it was my book of the year in 2021) I was concerned that Dominion wouldn't live up to my high expectations as the second book in the trilogy... I needn't have worried! Dominion surpassed my expectations and left me wanting more. </p><p>Dominion takes hold right from the first page, you are instantly transported back into Peridot's world and once there you just don't want to leave. It was hard for me to put the book down at any point, every page I read had me enthralled and I felt compelled to keep reading. Ray's writing is so powerful and immersive, Dominion was a rollercoaster of emotions to read. I was so connect to the characters that I felt what they felt. </p><p>I've read a few reviews of book 1 that mentioned they couldn't wrap their head around the idea of the flipped world Earthlings is based on, one with animals at the top of the food chain. As a fiction and fantasy fan myself I had no problem using my imagination to picture this and author Ray does such a fantastic job with world building throughout book 1 and 2 you feel like you are there, battling alongside Peridot for a fairer, safer earth for all. <br /><br />I loved Peridot's character development in Dominion, she's come along a long way from the naïve young girl she was in the first chapters of book 1. She is now a strong, determined young lady with her mind set on helping the resistance win and making the world a safe place for all, humans and animals. <br /><br />Book 2 not only features some of my favourite characters from book 1, it also introduces us to some new characters. Ray cleverly uses first person narrative with some of the important new characters allowing us to step into their mind, I feel like it helps us as readers get to know them quicker and begin to care about them like we do Peridot, Euan and the other core characters. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEsdaOYF6nIg7CrLSAR3D7HODrgJ_MFtFuJvOUYoizpKUDQ35huniSdKDHEK6uK4jUslmn8XWz_a9zx6ygyYyQUoQG9tAHLVuL3H0Xg8XxQtCM0Kq0LwhL1yPofhhHx8j0Ju0n0gdpbxlrIM9LF4fwEke5nFiBO5iqWTD40Ob-kIzdrd5PCKcisUxgQ/s500/9781914529320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEsdaOYF6nIg7CrLSAR3D7HODrgJ_MFtFuJvOUYoizpKUDQ35huniSdKDHEK6uK4jUslmn8XWz_a9zx6ygyYyQUoQG9tAHLVuL3H0Xg8XxQtCM0Kq0LwhL1yPofhhHx8j0Ju0n0gdpbxlrIM9LF4fwEke5nFiBO5iqWTD40Ob-kIzdrd5PCKcisUxgQ/s320/9781914529320.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p>Dominion contains some interesting revelations and many of the questions I was left with after reading book 2 were answered. It does a great job too of leaving me with enough questions that I want to read book 3 too. <br /></p><p>Dominion ends powerfully with one of those 'Wait what?!' moments. I literally cannot wait for the third and final book in the series. Though I know it will be bittersweet, as much as I want the next book I feel there is so much scope for more from Earthlings. It is such a well built fantastical world that I would love to keep going back to it. <br /><br /><b>Star Rating: </b><br />5 Stars ***** <br /><br />Highly recommend this book to both young adults and adults. There are some graphic details that some parents may wish to read for themselves first to ensure they are happy but I would be happy with my child reading this from age 12 + <br /><br />Ray's books fit perfectly into the upcoming genre of Eco-Fiction or Climate fiction as it is also known but will also be loved by anyone who likes to read books with a fantasy, magical or adventure theme. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/shoponline/prod_7856778-Dominion-Earthlings-2-by-Ray-Star-PREORDER.html">You can Pre-Order this title here on the Betty's Books website </a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc0osF05FzQGm3JM2v699mpMdagSg0y4UMJM8b97nq046VpogiZIW_kAu7yX4t3rRcgTiwlKdVZBFH3xPGAHft5vWnlSPfuQstYc7A5mvAuDLOO9622QQHCAaAEOhUrGm2doPT1j9ducpGGjT5HXpTWfhrs67rjbcNDxyvjJ1Odq6jfWxjJ3YzGWBuA/s1080/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20www.bettysbooks.co.uk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc0osF05FzQGm3JM2v699mpMdagSg0y4UMJM8b97nq046VpogiZIW_kAu7yX4t3rRcgTiwlKdVZBFH3xPGAHft5vWnlSPfuQstYc7A5mvAuDLOO9622QQHCAaAEOhUrGm2doPT1j9ducpGGjT5HXpTWfhrs67rjbcNDxyvjJ1Odq6jfWxjJ3YzGWBuA/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20www.bettysbooks.co.uk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>More about the author, Ray Star. </p><p>Ray does a fantastic job of raising awareness of animal cruelty issues with both books 1 and 2. They really get you thinking about our own world. There are many lessons worth learning from Peridot and I've learnt them in such a clever way. When reading I was captivated by the fictional world and I was enjoying the story for what it was, a fantastical fictional story. When I finished though, it left me with questions about the world I live in. How are we treating animals. What is happening to the animals farmed to be eaten here in our world? I think it is just so clever how Ray has managed to do that. To write a fictional tale that you can both enjoy whilst you read it but also leaves you with questions about your own world, makes you want to do some research and learn for yourself about animal treatment and agricultural farming. It just goes to show you how powerful stories can really be. Thank you Ray Star for yet another fantastic book. <br /><br /></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-16372869010210684612022-08-20T06:22:00.000-07:002022-08-20T06:22:12.471-07:00Betty's Books Seaton has a NEW online home <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpOGgQSSjHjds7YrwTKw90MjYFALJWKdJG_4sf64SKH5SH0lEat7vaepTMNteUoDKCi9tUZ6J0lYKX86-HNYbzlA-qkBSJUYlglkVxQbU062HpAgZKldpW6OkILOM9gIlzqdRETpPq7VcfYchYOMuvWvjHCHJV4Frc_rjjicS1Qz_Rr8zUCuKKoZd2Q/s1530/logo%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1515" data-original-width="1530" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpOGgQSSjHjds7YrwTKw90MjYFALJWKdJG_4sf64SKH5SH0lEat7vaepTMNteUoDKCi9tUZ6J0lYKX86-HNYbzlA-qkBSJUYlglkVxQbU062HpAgZKldpW6OkILOM9gIlzqdRETpPq7VcfYchYOMuvWvjHCHJV4Frc_rjjicS1Qz_Rr8zUCuKKoZd2Q/s320/logo%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Betty's Books a bookshop in Seaton, Devon now has a new online home. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiUMQhGJFRjDWi5zRvfyJHQ">YouTube! </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The channel has just been launched and so there are not many videos on it yet but there are big plans for it including hosting author interviews, book reviews, bookish chat and more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiUMQhGJFRjDWi5zRvfyJHQ">Click here to be taken to YouTube</a> so you can subscribe to the channel and keep up to date with all things bookish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can also watch the new shop trailer video below. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dcx2GPQXduI" width="320" youtube-src-id="dcx2GPQXduI"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/bettys-books.html">If you don't know about Betty's Books in Seaton yet click here to take a look at the website and learn more about the shop. </a> It is well worth a visit if you are in the Seaton, Devon area. There are books for children through to adults with an especially great selection for Young Adults. There are some interesting and maybe slightly unusual genre themed shelves too including 'Eco-fiction' and 'Dystopian'<br /><br />You can find the bookshop at<br />30 Queen Street, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2RB </div><br /><p></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-52104529814599550052022-08-04T04:09:00.000-07:002022-08-04T04:09:29.108-07:00Draw Yourself Calm by Amy Maricle | Book Review <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDEBZwEiCOQ3mma24z3SWsy_kVoHQ4EuJ4Vq9hOAHXAQICZMggHPHAVvq8f_AOrUpueYA5KeQFNd3zjT8x0bOw6KKL1rPPETSCiLxR5Dh1PKgqnP-dwOIFofrYF2DOqGJE0nOlJv8FmxdKgXVXv8oEBjMJgmOS9fbbxQapWmuj--LaJ0mse22v5fxsg/s1080/book%20review%208%20(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDEBZwEiCOQ3mma24z3SWsy_kVoHQ4EuJ4Vq9hOAHXAQICZMggHPHAVvq8f_AOrUpueYA5KeQFNd3zjT8x0bOw6KKL1rPPETSCiLxR5Dh1PKgqnP-dwOIFofrYF2DOqGJE0nOlJv8FmxdKgXVXv8oEBjMJgmOS9fbbxQapWmuj--LaJ0mse22v5fxsg/s320/book%20review%208%20(7).jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">As the owner of a book and art shop when I was contacted by Kate from Search Press with the opportunity of reviewing some new art & craft books I of course said yes. Here at Betty's Books and Devon Art Supplies we stock a large range of arts and crafts related titles. I would go so far as to say one of the largest selections available in the South West (for an indie store) so i'm always on the look out for interesting titles to add to the collection. <br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6JKYnZruZxlgF7IwEL5K5aKGJIE7PN7MLNhuxut9T36NKDQetmXAszhGhlE4qaRJBIGTjw_fhM13VS4BpXk4vR3YQWzRX7Fw15yWpFLMhbz-4bVU6gbGSpjy3HOrq_UolZfqJaRdoSeU1sySfEP4_TKL_RbXvdvBmE0tS6Kkmq3Rij8sUt4X5rz5sA/s4032/PXL_20220804_101155471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6JKYnZruZxlgF7IwEL5K5aKGJIE7PN7MLNhuxut9T36NKDQetmXAszhGhlE4qaRJBIGTjw_fhM13VS4BpXk4vR3YQWzRX7Fw15yWpFLMhbz-4bVU6gbGSpjy3HOrq_UolZfqJaRdoSeU1sySfEP4_TKL_RbXvdvBmE0tS6Kkmq3Rij8sUt4X5rz5sA/s320/PXL_20220804_101155471.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was really excited to receive this particular book <i><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/recently-reviewed-by-kerri-ann">'Draw yourself calm by Amy Maricle'</a></i> because it encourages everyone to get creative, you don't need any prior experience. I often speak with people in store who want to try something creative but don't feel confident enough and worry that what they create won't be 'good enough'. This particular style of art is a great place to start. Though this book is called 'Draw yourself calm' it is not about drawing detailed pictures, it is instead encouraging you to take part in what the author calls <i>'Slow drawing'</i> which I would say is like mark making, similar to doodling or Zen tangling in a way. Mark Making is one of the most basic forms of art, which we are encouraged to do from a very young age, as soon as our little hands can hold a pencil we begin the journey. Unfortunately a lot of us as we get older forget that mark making can be fun, and as this book points out, therapeutic, and so we don't do it enough. It is something that all ages can do and enjoy. I love that this book is encouraging us to get back into it in a new mindful way. <br /><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS780gVmvb93v62UuJNLq4BVkpnstBaEnHaDCkI84waDs06i3mY89swuTALOB1-9Sx_7HWZFblG-3cBQQ7AKzNOgjTiHe5yfOAbtnDnaRpo8t_r4xQSkGNeoqTDXaWWGE9U9rNgVGcGh1n-hxLrbbQc7U6p-paJjsKhfLjbWoXbmK-sAPNXbSbSnfgcg/s4032/PXL_20220804_110327966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS780gVmvb93v62UuJNLq4BVkpnstBaEnHaDCkI84waDs06i3mY89swuTALOB1-9Sx_7HWZFblG-3cBQQ7AKzNOgjTiHe5yfOAbtnDnaRpo8t_r4xQSkGNeoqTDXaWWGE9U9rNgVGcGh1n-hxLrbbQc7U6p-paJjsKhfLjbWoXbmK-sAPNXbSbSnfgcg/s320/PXL_20220804_110327966.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a go on some scrap paper whist on my work break, it is so true that this form of drawing is calming and relaxing. I used inspiration from two different patterns <i>Exhale</i> on page 58 & <i>Wander</i> on page 132</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Another great thing about the activities included in this book is that they require a limited number of materials, so even those on a tight budget can have a go at them. If you have a pen and some scraps of paper you can give them a go. If you want to take your artwork up a notch then you could choose to invest in some of the recommended art materials detailed in the book. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwy86dw3MzTizt9SkOv7TKoI-nQw78T23ccD87VJQiBClzyWGNvruJ_5H0o4YbE_YFL7WszcLKErKB9zikemLCB4bTmIrZZB7U8uSmjCf6Ww97rJBsV5BHp7md6_InKlNh6FxqCQgtPdHkvcIrHf7JAONITFq7euvx43Y6EYYyJO9P_q4SnuT3cRoTA/s4032/PXL_20220804_101145613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwy86dw3MzTizt9SkOv7TKoI-nQw78T23ccD87VJQiBClzyWGNvruJ_5H0o4YbE_YFL7WszcLKErKB9zikemLCB4bTmIrZZB7U8uSmjCf6Ww97rJBsV5BHp7md6_InKlNh6FxqCQgtPdHkvcIrHf7JAONITFq7euvx43Y6EYYyJO9P_q4SnuT3cRoTA/s320/PXL_20220804_101145613.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The author, Amy Maricle, is a qualified art therapist who is keen to promote mindfulness throughout the book so it has some great information on how taking part in the activities will help you de-stress and keep calm. There is a combination of full step by step activities and some guided suggested patterns to have a go at. There are plenty of photos and example pieces to inspire you too. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">At the end of the book the author even gives you some tips and ideas on what you could do with your finished 'Slow Drawings' artwork which I think is fantastic.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are totally new to art but want to give it a go, especially drawing of any kind, then </span>I<span style="font-family: inherit;"> would </span>recommend<span style="font-family: inherit;"> this book as a great starting point. You can take the skills you learn from it and progress on to more detailed drawings from these great basic skills. If you are looking for a book that will reignite your creative spark then again </span>I<span style="font-family: inherit;"> think this book would be good. It takes you right back to basics and gets you to open up your mind and be free with your mark making which essentially the start of all art.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you to Kate Luxton of Search Press for sending me this copy of Draw Yourself Calm in exchange for an honest review. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/recently-reviewed-by-kerri-ann">You can order this book here from Bookshop.org</a> or here at <a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/">Betty's Books. </a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I will be filming a You Tube review of this book next week and so will add a link here to it once it goes live. </span></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-54854713746921258262022-08-02T03:24:00.004-07:002022-08-02T03:24:31.088-07:00Is Booktok making reading cool? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO561Ypl4901rD4equ8b-VxwcEG98UOMUO83yUoQXY0eW_vgzrS_SqAOu9s4M3JBLNMPUYVXxhQbPffdIfVxHjY6q9cgDx3D6DhsE1shY_F4hzzDQnp4InNQDSzUp7aycso_LMk-TqDkDxkkSPvjyjevCq57G3z0msdAV_WHl8Gg_hTC4IObIxqOmekw/s2000/Booktok%20made%20me%20buy%20it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1414" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO561Ypl4901rD4equ8b-VxwcEG98UOMUO83yUoQXY0eW_vgzrS_SqAOu9s4M3JBLNMPUYVXxhQbPffdIfVxHjY6q9cgDx3D6DhsE1shY_F4hzzDQnp4InNQDSzUp7aycso_LMk-TqDkDxkkSPvjyjevCq57G3z0msdAV_WHl8Gg_hTC4IObIxqOmekw/s320/Booktok%20made%20me%20buy%20it.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b>What is Booktok? </b></p><p>Booktok is the name given to those who use TIKTOK to talk about books, follow authors, share book reviews, essentially for anything bookish. The way to fall into Booktok is to 'like' or comment on book related content when it appears on Tiktok. When you start interacting with content related to books on Tiktok you'll start to see more and more of it. At which point you'd say you were in 'Booktok'. It isn't a different app and there is no specific part of Tiktok you need to access. Booktok is just the pet name given to the large amount of people who use Tiktok to connect with others who enjoy books. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM5AqWFC8oKtiA43eG3dTjmgeeYV7wIFM1vbXwtyu1gQ5PD7j-G5kzhyvuJlAWLAw5SGTJHjFXwRKkQ8EUNbNc16D33nS9Mv_9WooZXpOwo5-5sTO6OP93cmC-5g8gfxZld5Dq25eGENTe88hwvJZHBRb8oiDW6RuUGYa4MD_dTHzVoLL0H2t1UnKOg/s4032/PXL_20220730_150735073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM5AqWFC8oKtiA43eG3dTjmgeeYV7wIFM1vbXwtyu1gQ5PD7j-G5kzhyvuJlAWLAw5SGTJHjFXwRKkQ8EUNbNc16D33nS9Mv_9WooZXpOwo5-5sTO6OP93cmC-5g8gfxZld5Dq25eGENTe88hwvJZHBRb8oiDW6RuUGYa4MD_dTHzVoLL0H2t1UnKOg/s320/PXL_20220730_150735073.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p><b>Is Booktok making reading cool again? </b></p><p>I've loved books all my life, fiction and non-fiction. I've not always had the time to read, there have been times in my life where I haven't read a book for a month due to being busy with other things but I've always been drawn to books. When I was a teenager others my age would call me and anyone else who regularly read books 'book nerds' and it wouldn't be considered a cute or cool thing like it is now. It was used in a negative way, to be unkind about the hobby I enjoyed. Not that I cared what other people thought. </p><p>Since the dawn of Booktok it seems that reading and the ownership of books has become much more 'cool' and socially acceptable for teenagers and young adults. It is no longer something people hide or keep quiet about. Being a 'book nerd' is no longer seen as a negative to the majority of teenagers and young adults. The term book nerd is now one that people give themselves, it can often be found on merchandise like T-shirts and mugs. It seems to be just another hobby that is accepted and enjoyed by people of all ages. There is a lot more confidence in those who enjoy reading, they are happy to share their love of reading with the friends and publicly on social media. They discuss books, recommend books and review them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sb64n8FIUdEjph-H2ROY1yAHD_cNiNizFYokZ1F__Ofa1En2FG4JhxJq9oo9rzkKjiKFV-0Y22vo9qyHHxbnQkSA5UoafZCaOQ_TXhlnFZHRoVtvmYF61CMicAUDroo0IZr8dRwS7ov2crP4ElszVRNMwArSsRtVrS7oArTVnHyZ7iHq61k0SEQAMA/s4032/PXL_20220730_150728270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sb64n8FIUdEjph-H2ROY1yAHD_cNiNizFYokZ1F__Ofa1En2FG4JhxJq9oo9rzkKjiKFV-0Y22vo9qyHHxbnQkSA5UoafZCaOQ_TXhlnFZHRoVtvmYF61CMicAUDroo0IZr8dRwS7ov2crP4ElszVRNMwArSsRtVrS7oArTVnHyZ7iHq61k0SEQAMA/s320/PXL_20220730_150728270.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b>How is a social media app making books cool? </b></p><p>Books being openly discussed, reviewed and recommended on social media, like Booktok, is making the hobby more and more popular. Celebrities and social media influencers are also getting involved, they are certainly having an impact on the book market. When an influencer recommends a book it instantly becomes a hit, just like anything else they might promote; make up, food, drink, clothes. People, especially young people, are heavily influenced by social media marketing, influencers and celebrities. They want to be seen as following the trends and keeping up with what is popular. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJUdVy4hkPMGUqrQbU068fM5y6NlQFl2t2wsVIGDP3cKkbYZD4Q6irElMVZGw3JG-aW5g2ZCFezgBH0ShlN_isqdN116k-VIZjKiqbvkIQvx2_WCzQu4S8XnXSSUyAHlrPISwi74xCo0zmEMYXri2wJRC4HKN0LHAQYC2bjXHjMlkQr5tjWd3b8y9Xw/s4032/PXL_20220730_150703829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJUdVy4hkPMGUqrQbU068fM5y6NlQFl2t2wsVIGDP3cKkbYZD4Q6irElMVZGw3JG-aW5g2ZCFezgBH0ShlN_isqdN116k-VIZjKiqbvkIQvx2_WCzQu4S8XnXSSUyAHlrPISwi74xCo0zmEMYXri2wJRC4HKN0LHAQYC2bjXHjMlkQr5tjWd3b8y9Xw/s320/PXL_20220730_150703829.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b>Does Booktok support indie bookshops? </b></p><p>As a bookseller I've noticed a lot more teens and young adults coming into the shop confidently talking to be about books, asking for specific books, ordering books and buying books. I've got a few things with 'Booktok' around the store so they know that we are a shop are on there and I try to watch for what is 'trending' so I can make sure the books they are likely to see advertised and recommended on there are available in the shop. Booktok has certainly helped to make books popular but not necessarily make indie bookshops the place to get them, unfortunately. </p><p>A lot of those on Booktok are promoting the cheapest places to get books, which usually ends up being chain stores because they have more buying power. Its a sad fact of the book market, one which is very frustrating for bookshop owners like myself. There is a relatively new site called <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/bettysbooks">Bookshop.org </a>which has been set up to support indie bookshops which benefits from having books at great prices, ones that can rival chain stores, but that still supports indie bookshops. </p><p>There are those on Booktok who promote indie bookshops, which is a really positive thing and I love coming across those who do bookshop crawls or talk about the importance of supporting indie bookshops. After all, if you don't support small indie bookshops in high streets they won't be able to afford to stay open. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKja7i-B0jYYIJw8Bw_zRIybjMSK4DBinUTIqPlqyQG4VCoxYrkqgPyFkKH5d_xDJQGDaZ8KTUhijyDSvmTm6BfFSv05rvHYDPh0c3tewf0wUMa5vun7QjW24sNoUmPSjcV3VHUHKZdQX_m8cWS1-pxWLfJITiIkX4kRay3_ZBhJmvBXea2VyzVOjWug/s4032/PXL_20220730_150657413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKja7i-B0jYYIJw8Bw_zRIybjMSK4DBinUTIqPlqyQG4VCoxYrkqgPyFkKH5d_xDJQGDaZ8KTUhijyDSvmTm6BfFSv05rvHYDPh0c3tewf0wUMa5vun7QjW24sNoUmPSjcV3VHUHKZdQX_m8cWS1-pxWLfJITiIkX4kRay3_ZBhJmvBXea2VyzVOjWug/s320/PXL_20220730_150657413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Am I too old for Booktok? </b></p><p>No, you are not. Not matter how old you are you are not too old for Booktok. It is fair to say that a large portion of Booktok is young adults sharing their love of new releases and well know classics but there are older people on there too. It doesn't matter about your age, you don't even have to show yourself on there to get involved. You could simply set up an account to watch other Tiktok users showcase books, you don't have to make Tiktoks yourself. If you want to make Tiktoks you could make them without showing yourself too. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Find & follow us on Booktok as 'Bettysbooksseaton' </b></p><p><b><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/bettysbooks">Support indie bookshops by shopping via Bookshop.org - Click here to take a look </a></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-32090977721408675542022-07-27T03:21:00.004-07:002022-07-27T03:21:54.058-07:00Home-Grown Harvest : The grow-your-own guide to sustainability and self-sufficiency by Eve McLaughlin & Terence McLaughlin | Book Review <p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaccLvtNVZfQwoYOPKm8XYsO8lQE1grQgVFF409_07RT__KluKlPLEXn6iAwfF0GvsppwD42_38gz9bC0n4BdgRJsILG5qWrOjBeOcvrL5XFSZCnf7fIhS7Ew7-Kj6tMORhUGhuGVAbp43f-g8UwDcWjXAJKp42FT0pfyxEuFIc9IASuLjqQ1LVf3mw/s1080/book%20review%208%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaccLvtNVZfQwoYOPKm8XYsO8lQE1grQgVFF409_07RT__KluKlPLEXn6iAwfF0GvsppwD42_38gz9bC0n4BdgRJsILG5qWrOjBeOcvrL5XFSZCnf7fIhS7Ew7-Kj6tMORhUGhuGVAbp43f-g8UwDcWjXAJKp42FT0pfyxEuFIc9IASuLjqQ1LVf3mw/s320/book%20review%208%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><h1 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Home-Grown Harvest : The grow-your-own guide to sustainability and self-sufficiency</span></h1><h2 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">by Eve McLaughlin & Terence McLaughlin<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Description (from Gardners) <br />Grow your way to happiness with this practical handbook for a more sustainable life. Whether you have a large country garden or a small backyard in the city, this essential guide to the 'Good Life' will help you on your journey to becoming more self-sufficient - which is something we all need to be thinking about. Climate change, industrial farming with its reliance on chemicals, rising food prices, fears over food security or just a desire to spend more time outdoors - there are many reasons driving people towards homegrown food and self-sufficiency.<br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Growing your own fruit and vegetables, preserving your produce and generating your own energy are all covered in this thrifty guide by the original 'Tom and Barbara', Eve and Terence McLaughlin, who wrote the first edition of this book in 1979. This information-packed book has expert advice on growing, harvesting, storing and preserving your produce. You can brew your own beer and learn how to bottle, cure, smoke and pickle your produce to make it last longer.</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">The book features easy-to-follow instructions for DIY tools and equipment to save money, reduce energy consumption and cut back on waste. Learn how to plan your site, explore the best planting times and methods, discover how to grow a variety of vegetables, fruit and nuts, and how to deal with pests and diseases. As well as growing your own food, the book also covers the basics of keeping livestock - including chickens, ducks, goats and pigs - and how to harness alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power.</span><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Putting your own food on the table and playing your part in creating a more sustainable future is hugely rewarding and also has health benefits - the physical exercise of planting and harvesting, the mental wellness that comes with spending time in nature, and the reduction in chemicals in the food you eat - there is so much in this activity that fosters greater wellbeing. Whether you're planning a move to full-blown self-sufficiency or are just curious about what's involved and want to take your first steps to growing your own food, this essential guide has everything you need to know.</span></i></span><br style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /></h2><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b><u>Review </u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">This is one of those non-fiction books that you will want to read and then keep somewhere to hand so you can refer back to it now and then. You could read it cover to cover or you could pick and choose sections to read to help you learn what it is you need to. </span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I would say it is helpful to most level of gardener and homesteader, from those just starting out to those experienced and interested in learning more. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">The book guides you right from planting seeds through to harvesting</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">, storing and preserving. There isn't anything I can think of that the book has missed, it covers everything there is to know from what I can tell. </span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I'm a keen gardener and very interested in the idea of living a self sufficient lifestyle, I run a blog called <a href="https://www.tomatoesandtulips.co.uk/">'Tomatoes and Tulips'</a> where I talk about my experiences of growing food, storing and preserving it. This book has given me new ideas and is one I will be keeping and looking back through. I'll be recommending it to my fellow homesteading friends too. </span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">It is very wordy but it is accompanied by some beautiful illustrations. Most books on this topic that I own are accompanied by photos but I like how this one uses illustrations, it gives the book a very homely traditional feel. Modern, up to date information yet with a traditional feel. </span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I'll be stocking this at Betty's Books and I'll be recommending it to. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Star Rating </u><br />5 out of 5*</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">This book is available to purchase <a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/shoponline/prod_7780990-HomeGrown-Harvest-The-growyourown-guide-to-sustainability-and-selfsufficiency-by-Eve-McLaughlin-Terence-McLaughlin.html">here at Betty's Books in Seaton</a> and <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/home-grown-harvest-the-grow-your-own-guide-to-sustainability-and-self-sufficiency/9781446309124?aid=8685">here on Bookshop.org.</a> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-47315833884907310702022-07-26T07:01:00.003-07:002022-07-27T02:54:39.677-07:00The Girls Are Good by Ilaria Bernardini | Book Review <p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fgtIW19a6V7NIfJe-O7Tc1S-QfzFWFxBeesED85ZZxz4h85Cb2Uk_TdYytCoFJOkJHR_3hXmKu1GbD1XvBroRf5kQscfAba0vfgF9LCBocoswfmHKAHuduQU88rQbiUKS9xGVJmu_BhgdlStaKsBMbv8QhDf-AXNnyaiNKJyjLXBp0g7YtEWwUUUPg/s1080/book%20review%208%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fgtIW19a6V7NIfJe-O7Tc1S-QfzFWFxBeesED85ZZxz4h85Cb2Uk_TdYytCoFJOkJHR_3hXmKu1GbD1XvBroRf5kQscfAba0vfgF9LCBocoswfmHKAHuduQU88rQbiUKS9xGVJmu_BhgdlStaKsBMbv8QhDf-AXNnyaiNKJyjLXBp0g7YtEWwUUUPg/s320/book%20review%208%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><p></p><h1 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Girls Are Good by<span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span>Ilaria Bernardini</span></h1><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you to Indie </span>Thinking<span style="font-family: inherit;"> at Harper Collings and the Author for sending me a proof copy of this. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQRhUIohOG2vD61Sy1wBZxBs0zDoy_WB-Q-eSqwT3xBxlf9mCdGyqzRfzZGp3Jv2zGXrrN1_tmGPUrC9EPvg-GmiFnQWohOJxDkI7xrTxhSOIzZJwqwEszvd4SkAxbwWjh_h8GF8etYROoc2uLFepa8Mg791fg7hB5_6cuixaPEQdpNczyjKfRhUqxg/s4032/PXL_20220724_173734297.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQRhUIohOG2vD61Sy1wBZxBs0zDoy_WB-Q-eSqwT3xBxlf9mCdGyqzRfzZGp3Jv2zGXrrN1_tmGPUrC9EPvg-GmiFnQWohOJxDkI7xrTxhSOIzZJwqwEszvd4SkAxbwWjh_h8GF8etYROoc2uLFepa8Mg791fg7hB5_6cuixaPEQdpNczyjKfRhUqxg/s320/PXL_20220724_173734297.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Description (from Gardners) <br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">In the tradition of My Dark Vanessa and The Divines, a bold coming-of-age novel set in the competitive, high stakes and controversial world of elite gymnastics...Martina wants to be the best gymnast in the world. But so does everyone around her. During one week of intense competition, Martina and her teammates are tested to the limit. Any sign of weakness can quickly spell the end.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">And within seven days, an intense obsession will lead to murder. Every girl will do anything to win... but at what cost? "Compelling, harrowing, and ultimately devastating - it's quite simply unforgettable." ALEX MICHAELIDES, author of THE SILENT PATIENT"A tight, frightening story of friendship, rivalry and obsession." ABIGAIL DEAN, Sunday Times bestselling author of GIRL A"Brutal and brilliant - I read it in one sitting." HARRIET TYCE, author of BLOOD ORANGE"A glimpse into a wonderfully dangerous, screwed up world. I couldn't put it down." CESCA MAJOR, author of THE OTHER GIRL</span></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrvZZjAI805CRbk3Mi7ApX0bNyXPhyxyPpJBC4Yf-ha7HhiZ90xf4oUMdOFZF3yU_penU_4zSm7mRFlZKazJRET0IWv6BY4Kyciy_1Ub0Ag5EAImKgV0HYieFg4cWVLwvw-Y9UKxvvrI-sd2s7HcdWmCueJgKoF1fVmjHRRDC_b_glna9025KCFhndQ/s4032/PXL_20220628_152846830.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrvZZjAI805CRbk3Mi7ApX0bNyXPhyxyPpJBC4Yf-ha7HhiZ90xf4oUMdOFZF3yU_penU_4zSm7mRFlZKazJRET0IWv6BY4Kyciy_1Ub0Ag5EAImKgV0HYieFg4cWVLwvw-Y9UKxvvrI-sd2s7HcdWmCueJgKoF1fVmjHRRDC_b_glna9025KCFhndQ/s320/PXL_20220628_152846830.jpg" width="240" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></i></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit;"><u>Review </u></span><br /><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit;">After just a few pages </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> could tell this book would be triggering and uncomfortable for me to read. That being said </span>I<span style="font-family: inherit;"> just couldn't stop reading it. Once I looked past the </span>disturbing<span style="font-family: inherit;"> elements </span>I<span style="font-family: inherit;"> was able to appreciate the writing, the characters and the plot to the story. I was hooked and I needed to keep reading. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pace wise it was quite slow burning, it didn't really pick up pace until the last few chapters. This was not necessarily a bad thing though because the writing style was captivating. There was quite a lot of repetition and flash backs that felt initially like they were interrupting the story a little too much until I realised that the author was trying to get us to feel like the characters felt. To make our minds experience a little of what the characters were. It was very clever. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall I enjoyed the book, it was quite different to what I've read before and opened my eyes to a totally different world. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I really hope that the majority of this story was fictional and not based on truth, that not all young gymnasts go through these terrible things or feel the way the characters in this book did. Though from the reading the acknowledgements it sounds like maybe it was based on some truth, which it terrifying. </span></span></span></p><p>As a bookseller this is going to be a challenging one to recommend with quite so many trigger warnings and uncomfortable elements. I'm not too sure yet how I will go about recommending it verbally but I will be stocking and and I'll be putting my review and comments from other reviewers on a display beside it to help potential readers identify if it is for them. </p><p>*TRIGGER WARNINGS - Violence, Sexual Abuse, Mental Health </p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">Star Rating: 4 out of 5* </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">The Hardback of this book will be available from August 2022 and the Paperback will be available in January 2023 </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;">This book is available to pre-order / purchase here from <a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/shoponline/cat_949439-Bettys-Books-Bookshop.html">Betty's Books</a> and<a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/recently-reviewed-by-kerri-ann"> here via Bookshop.org </a></span></span></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-4169757444256936872022-07-22T02:20:00.001-07:002022-07-22T02:27:33.909-07:00Rooms of their own by Alex Johnson | Book Review <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gFyM6e5iODJs9bxQp7Wp6OPg3qwk0R-jxuCRhslna_6ZaYpkDFYFo2RJBzhjL5tbUZO_Jil298Lypoo6Yu3kD4yPuMy3WmtiX61qfakOUPcSWMIJ_dz4JaOl1mwM_-XySoKTuzsf9mdjCkeyDoPAAeSUXFv6xS8ZrdRYEWl52HTbmGTM8aXmdBj_4g/s1080/Book%20Review%20%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gFyM6e5iODJs9bxQp7Wp6OPg3qwk0R-jxuCRhslna_6ZaYpkDFYFo2RJBzhjL5tbUZO_Jil298Lypoo6Yu3kD4yPuMy3WmtiX61qfakOUPcSWMIJ_dz4JaOl1mwM_-XySoKTuzsf9mdjCkeyDoPAAeSUXFv6xS8ZrdRYEWl52HTbmGTM8aXmdBj_4g/s320/Book%20Review%20%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>Rooms of their own<br />written by Alex Johnson and illustrated by James Oses</b><br /><br />I recently purchased this book after reading the blurb and quickly flipping through it to find stunning illustrations. I was drawn in by the promise of learning about where writers write and the beauty of the illustrations that accompany the text. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WorW0pziSEVna_1G9pLHjRCWeOsvKD8mHHPrrJyitFH6DutFWfNvZVi3Wry8nqIheZcxTvKKg4lKKgWGeDe6AmYBApAsk799-vUduLwPQ-iFpC7gbGvuQyKRZTCMu2dHoh_1DsjNDfXbhpkBu8F9wrN7-tizTFsm7tzw06PQERQJBriyS2pMQMkIrg/s1342/bronte.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="994" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WorW0pziSEVna_1G9pLHjRCWeOsvKD8mHHPrrJyitFH6DutFWfNvZVi3Wry8nqIheZcxTvKKg4lKKgWGeDe6AmYBApAsk799-vUduLwPQ-iFpC7gbGvuQyKRZTCMu2dHoh_1DsjNDfXbhpkBu8F9wrN7-tizTFsm7tzw06PQERQJBriyS2pMQMkIrg/s320/bronte.jpg" width="237" /></a><br />Illustration by James Oses<br />Permission to use given by Alex Johnson </div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really love the writing style within this book, it is informative without feeling like you are reading a text book, almost like you are listening to a friend talk about a subject they are passionate about. There is a real variety of authors featured, all well known and most well loved. I will admit to not knowing all of them but even reading about those I found interesting. It was great to read about authors famous for their work many years ago, some who have since passed on, but also authors who are still writing and publishing their work to this day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdZbaORACY0DeurTBQSZQDpcT3vAZwSqqyj4MjsgcCYWxiD2SqmD5843zzScKuJQcXI8TTZrrkcs5aHE9QGriv0WQhKsTeE9W1hI54uvnhiQcf9tpfqx56YhJFaUNf4c1B62cE7z2zwUSDqhehi4qhzZW6EAdbYhGAN058baz5rblcBqP5SJuWKbxbg/s1328/dickensgadshill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="974" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdZbaORACY0DeurTBQSZQDpcT3vAZwSqqyj4MjsgcCYWxiD2SqmD5843zzScKuJQcXI8TTZrrkcs5aHE9QGriv0WQhKsTeE9W1hI54uvnhiQcf9tpfqx56YhJFaUNf4c1B62cE7z2zwUSDqhehi4qhzZW6EAdbYhGAN058baz5rblcBqP5SJuWKbxbg/s320/dickensgadshill.jpg" width="235" /></a><br />Illustration by James Oses<br />Permission to use given by Alex Johnson </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The layout of the book is brilliant too, mixed in with the information about specific authors are pages of interesting quotes and snippets of information about topical subjects like rejection letters and word counts. <span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a book you can either read from cover to cover or flip through the sections as and when you have time to. You could also use the index to find and read about the authors you are most interested in. I really love how this book has been put together with illustrations, rather than photographs, of the authors spaces. Such a clever thing to do, it makes the book one you want to keep on display, maybe on the coffee table to spark up conversation with friends and family who visit. <br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQQXXm5GK8WUyjjLsguRBvayRW37eBg0RLnPguPId0YSbfN34-m_Wui1qinGpV18CwkUvvrw78vRd__8-gYwWcVJcJJJbfaetyzcx6Noo8niLdPd2APy5eICcfGL7pWnE6M1J4AguhGyiKxsDVmvXRIyyOr_lViBMnUr7Q8azmtbXJllwyKtEi_Jv8w/s1366/hemingwaybed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1008" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQQXXm5GK8WUyjjLsguRBvayRW37eBg0RLnPguPId0YSbfN34-m_Wui1qinGpV18CwkUvvrw78vRd__8-gYwWcVJcJJJbfaetyzcx6Noo8niLdPd2APy5eICcfGL7pWnE6M1J4AguhGyiKxsDVmvXRIyyOr_lViBMnUr7Q8azmtbXJllwyKtEi_Jv8w/s320/hemingwaybed.jpg" width="236" /></a><br />Illustration by James Oses<br />Permission to use given by Alex Johnson </div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><i><br /><b>Description (from Gardners)</b><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: start;">Rooms of Their Own travels around the world examining the unique spaces, habits and rituals in which famous writers created their most notable works. The perennial question asked of all authors is, 'How do you write?'. What do they require of their room or desk? Do they have favourite pens, paper or typewriters? And have they found the perfect daily routine to channel their creativity? Crossing centuries, continents and genres, Alex Johnson has pooled 50 of the best writers and transports you to the heart of their writing rooms - from attics and studies to billiard rooms and bathtubs.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: start;">Discover the ins and outs of how each great writer penned their famous texts, and the routines and habits they perfected. Meet authors who rely on silence and seclusion and those who need people, music and whisky. Meet novelists who travel half-way across the world to a luxury writing retreat, and others who just need an empty shed at the bottom of the garden.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: start;">Some are particular about pencils, inks, paper and typewriters, and some will scribble on anything - including the furniture. But whether they write in the library or in cars, under trees, private islands, hotel rooms or towers - each of these stories confirms that there is no 'best way' to write. From James Baldwin, writing in the small hours of the morning in his Paris apartment, to DH Lawrence writing at the foot of a towering Ponderosa pine tree, to the Bronte sisters managing in a crowded co-working space, this book takes us into the lives of some of history's greatest ever writers, with each writing space illustrated in evocative watercolour by James Oses.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: start;">In looking at the working lives of our favourite authors, bibliophiles will be transported to other worlds, aspiring writers will find inspiration and literature fans will gain deeper insight into their most-loved authors.</span><br /></i><br />Star rating: <br />5 stars *****<br />Highly recommend this book. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This book is available to purchase <a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/shoponline/prod_7812454-Rooms-of-Their-Own-Where-Great-Writers-Write-by-Alex-Johnson.html">here on the Betty's Books website</a> or here on <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/books-i-ve-blogged-about-ec9faf06-369a-469e-96d9-97e784ac6478">Bookshop.org. </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Reading this book inspired me to write a blog post <a href="https://www.writtenbykb.co.uk/2022/07/do-you-need-study-or-writing-room-to-be.html">'Do you need a writing room or study to be a successful writer' which you can read by clicking here. </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0FF_7yW_wIkQiLkkPlr23gS-p_uRbGQUPJxr6yb7I4LX-Ki840cPJEIUmxQkkRE4bJ5HCTSzvj1R3OfEOanU0pEeD0yPzF9ytJapWKboIeu7mmxTbSE8Oyi2XyaCrWzIdUfv0OvmZnxtkgGpafjswC1Jca5taz4utyVYbrzO7GrFNSyexEdVVsKODg/s1080/Do%20you%20need%20a%20writing%20room%20or%20study%20to%20be%20a%20successful%20writer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0FF_7yW_wIkQiLkkPlr23gS-p_uRbGQUPJxr6yb7I4LX-Ki840cPJEIUmxQkkRE4bJ5HCTSzvj1R3OfEOanU0pEeD0yPzF9ytJapWKboIeu7mmxTbSE8Oyi2XyaCrWzIdUfv0OvmZnxtkgGpafjswC1Jca5taz4utyVYbrzO7GrFNSyexEdVVsKODg/s320/Do%20you%20need%20a%20writing%20room%20or%20study%20to%20be%20a%20successful%20writer.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-31836740304803732192022-07-19T04:48:00.002-07:002022-07-19T07:00:52.682-07:00Monster hunting for beginners by Ian Mark | Book Review <p>My little bookshop predominantly sells books aimed at adults and teenagers (YA) however I also stock some books for older children. I have two sons, age 10 and nearly 12, and when proof copies of books are available I always reach out for a copy so that I can ask my boys to read them and let me know if they think other children their age will enjoy them. My boys have very different tastes in books so it is really helpful to hear both their opinions on the books before I invest in them for the shop. </p><p><br />A big thank to Indie thinking at Harper Collins and the author, Ian Mark, for sending me this proof copy of Monster hunting for beginners. My son Finley has now finished this one and told me that I must stock it in the shop. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWsKDprNfrVWvXZchHtSVwk0ITOrwiRY3SuHs-9wcTyLDMGHDt9kRybUFraM0jzzdC8dbMiJsGh8olIE8o-mMgXPzLneUQ0JAOeAFqntgDgtb8bTyOS95ADWELy8u_6IhQHRL6mSkmCG9rZhD7jwKwF0ok3FLvqV84qLhbuvuuXw7BiTW9GsYQZxylA/s2754/PXL_20220719_065028551~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2616" data-original-width="2754" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWsKDprNfrVWvXZchHtSVwk0ITOrwiRY3SuHs-9wcTyLDMGHDt9kRybUFraM0jzzdC8dbMiJsGh8olIE8o-mMgXPzLneUQ0JAOeAFqntgDgtb8bTyOS95ADWELy8u_6IhQHRL6mSkmCG9rZhD7jwKwF0ok3FLvqV84qLhbuvuuXw7BiTW9GsYQZxylA/s320/PXL_20220719_065028551~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Finley, age 10, read this book and gave me the feedback to write this short review. <br /><br />Finley has said that this was one of his favourite books so far this year, he enjoyed the style of the book mentioning how he liked the comedy mixed in with the adventure. He would often come and show me parts of the book he particular enjoyed and even asked to read chapters to me which was really lovely. The book is recommended for readers of age 8+ which I would say is about right. Finley read it fluently, only asking for help with reading a couple of words. Stoop and Humbert were Finley's favourite characters. He also mentioned that he loved all the different names of the monsters and characters. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRZ4ZRqdrTahLEpihjXvkERzIzpFXc1dy6I9U0KLDdq6frulBQKB6m2a9bJmy899wYcR9iBYaE_t8Gr_OT3OyZtOE8prvS3CA8JuXURxNqVoRZP51tnZUTqRhjfOoIIs_RPHZGobE06HoQ3jVNKAJ5x4RPDWCBoSRJfMAxNQlAtwrTDiioz9sBeqshA/s337/9780755504367.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRZ4ZRqdrTahLEpihjXvkERzIzpFXc1dy6I9U0KLDdq6frulBQKB6m2a9bJmy899wYcR9iBYaE_t8Gr_OT3OyZtOE8prvS3CA8JuXURxNqVoRZP51tnZUTqRhjfOoIIs_RPHZGobE06HoQ3jVNKAJ5x4RPDWCBoSRJfMAxNQlAtwrTDiioz9sBeqshA/s320/9780755504367.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Finley said that he hopes this book will turn into a series, he'd love to read a 2nd, 3rd and 4th. No pressure then Ian! <p></p><p>Having taken a look through myself and listening to Finley read a few chapters to me I am happy to recommend this book to fellow parents. We now stock it in store at Betty's Books and<a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/shoponline/cat_1752039-Childrens.html"> on our website. </a><br /><br /><u>Finley' s rating: </u><br /><br />***** 5 Stars! <br /><br /><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/recently-reviewed-by-kerri-ann">Monster Hunting for Beginners is available to purchase here on our Bookshop.org link too. </a></p><br />Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-44024838041602200062022-07-08T04:51:00.004-07:002022-07-08T04:51:26.470-07:00Recommended reading for children starting secondary school in September 2022 <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GSCieqe_NgSBaMZw05id9X8Ewa3G-i4iXG8wf9EU_UieAGolau0tEQtfubUS6DiLyMpKtIihB2r5noZBvlYsQEilpl6Y5zhYYLoRzGnh54nFpjTj5-OE0ukNlismuXx4CK32e8J3yiSsMwcfJfhevLBkXWnMmUtbYYXa9OyKen91nSE3dptBAqOgZQ/s335/9780007545612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GSCieqe_NgSBaMZw05id9X8Ewa3G-i4iXG8wf9EU_UieAGolau0tEQtfubUS6DiLyMpKtIihB2r5noZBvlYsQEilpl6Y5zhYYLoRzGnh54nFpjTj5-OE0ukNlismuXx4CK32e8J3yiSsMwcfJfhevLBkXWnMmUtbYYXa9OyKen91nSE3dptBAqOgZQ/s320/9780007545612.jpg" width="210" /></a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: inherit; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">My son starts secondary school </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0f1419; font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">in September. We recently went to a parents evening there to hear about the school and meet the teachers. It looks fantastic, </span></span><span style="color: #0f1419;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I</span></span><span style="color: #0f1419;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> was very impressed. They sent a booklet home for us, and him, with lots of information in it about the school and the process of transitioning into it. In the booklet I found a <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/recommended-reading-for-students-starting-secondary-school-in-2022">'recommended reading' list</a>, which of course </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> had to take a close look at. I thought the recommendations were brilliant, a really good variety of genres. The booklet also mentioned about how important reading is to students and how they will be encouraging them to read at every opportunity. Which as a booklover and bookshop owner is great to hear! </span></span></span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTUvoCkS79dvI5J3-QOIcBmKC9fe2K41Ru1XLwcSWXGuUq2hArmKNlRccksviEVWEMg3YF__1wkmU5rrysSe60EQ7vdtlkz1QBPPf6LFKSQNrkfhJJALZmqLzckF-RJsz1jgzNaTVd6Y04aivrdRBClmG0KxmDVLG_WeZ6a2chty_fuviMVmHI0hs6w/s339/9780552568111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTUvoCkS79dvI5J3-QOIcBmKC9fe2K41Ru1XLwcSWXGuUq2hArmKNlRccksviEVWEMg3YF__1wkmU5rrysSe60EQ7vdtlkz1QBPPf6LFKSQNrkfhJJALZmqLzckF-RJsz1jgzNaTVd6Y04aivrdRBClmG0KxmDVLG_WeZ6a2chty_fuviMVmHI0hs6w/s320/9780552568111.jpg" width="208" /></a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0f1419;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I've turned the </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">recommended</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> reading list they provided into a <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/recommended-reading-for-students-starting-secondary-school-in-2022">Bookshop.org </a></span></span></span></span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/recommended-reading-for-students-starting-secondary-school-in-2022">list</a> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1419; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">so fellow parents can easily order them for their Yr7 starters and support independent bookshops like mine in the process.
Click <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/recommended-reading-for-students-starting-secondary-school-in-2022">here to read the full list. </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whilst I'm on the topic of recommended reading I came across this book, which recommended books, for YA genre fans. This book is available <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/books-i-ve-blogged-about-ec9faf06-369a-469e-96d9-97e784ac6478">here on Bookshop.org</a> and here on <a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/shoponline/prod_7812439-52-YA-Books-Every-Book-Lover-Should-Read-A-One-Year-Journal-and-Recommended-Reading-List-from-the-American-Library-Association-by-American-Library-A.html">the Betty's Books website. </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLCMUvTFTxKPBWOFbT82OXCsRwDHrd0gaVCk4hQk8PU4njJzSsCHHsVUlB9Jxl2-QXZ0uUvWf3HWe730BWY7xSoAdwTRalnYBkmthaeOho5UujMooMVYMZHkQf6__SMflrd3b7T0k4Zz30Z5GEuSqLqwPfKuFLcKb70Ncnc_okK2ZeqToQf79bZeZRg/s329/9781728239620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLCMUvTFTxKPBWOFbT82OXCsRwDHrd0gaVCk4hQk8PU4njJzSsCHHsVUlB9Jxl2-QXZ0uUvWf3HWe730BWY7xSoAdwTRalnYBkmthaeOho5UujMooMVYMZHkQf6__SMflrd3b7T0k4Zz30Z5GEuSqLqwPfKuFLcKb70Ncnc_okK2ZeqToQf79bZeZRg/s320/9781728239620.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-19575259652410179842022-06-28T05:49:00.003-07:002022-06-28T06:17:33.413-07:00Certified by Roger Wilson-Crane | Book Review <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrYtb_7PTtAw_LtTN3vPsiOUfRwk0Lq2fgtE8NbwVhZabUVBhMFtgiY6LQxjCi3jLBg5rnXOWS-jRHylMtqqPy2nz5Cen_ps6OB0RwgBvBA1zUybinUS50ABIuZH0PklOWHpE1m7qX02j_iHVpoNG89MOs_chbSTPmf3Gr5njKHQ5y_AJSDrGZvqAZQ/s1080/book%20review%208%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrYtb_7PTtAw_LtTN3vPsiOUfRwk0Lq2fgtE8NbwVhZabUVBhMFtgiY6LQxjCi3jLBg5rnXOWS-jRHylMtqqPy2nz5Cen_ps6OB0RwgBvBA1zUybinUS50ABIuZH0PklOWHpE1m7qX02j_iHVpoNG89MOs_chbSTPmf3Gr5njKHQ5y_AJSDrGZvqAZQ/s320/book%20review%208%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h1 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #0085ca; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Certified : One Unexpected Birth... One Hapless Wedding... One Bizarre Death</h1><h2 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-weight: 400; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face="Source Sans Pro, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 18px;">by </span><a href="https://www.gardners.com/Search?Author=Roger%20Wilson-Crane&fq=14120" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0085ca; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Roger Wilson-Crane</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Description: <em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Certified</em><span style="letter-spacing: -0.666667px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.666667px;">is a fictional memoir following one man through birth, marriage, and death. Inspired by real life events, the book takes you on a journey of joy, loss, and heartache, through life’s three certificates.</span></span></h2><span class="p" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.666667px; line-height: inherit; margin: 1rem 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is, ultimately, a love story.</span></span><span class="p" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.666667px; line-height: inherit; margin: 1rem 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span color="inherit" style="-webkit-text-fill-color: currentcolor; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bolder; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">One Unexpected Birth</span>: The long road to fatherhood. Missed opportunities, poor choices, a car ride with Bet Lynch, and finally the shock of becoming a Dad. A story of heartache, elation, and Peter Beardsley.</span></span><span class="p" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.666667px; line-height: inherit; margin: 1rem 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span color="inherit" style="-webkit-text-fill-color: currentcolor; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bolder; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">One Hapless Wedding</span>: The pressures of matrimony. Inept friends, false promises, an encounter with armed police, and finally the relief of “I do.” A story of love, commitment, and a stranger, Wally, and his camper van.</span></span><span class="p" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.666667px; line-height: inherit; margin: 1rem 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span color="inherit" style="-webkit-text-fill-color: currentcolor; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bolder; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">One Bizarre Death</span>: The sadness of loss. Confused emotions, life re-evaluation, £25k in ceased bank notes, and finally saying goodbye. A story of regret, family reflection, and Morrisons, the supermarket.</span></span><span class="p" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 1rem 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.666667px;">A book to stir the memories in us all. The realisation we have all been certified.</span></span></span></span><span class="p" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 1rem 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.666667px;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbEjZmPfolh7cQ9f-OidoHJIecCaJUr3GrSt1_I-zEzKPwnmvQscRTXht8yQ5BXQ21Rmyu8CZAi-sI6gJm0ln60u6uen1TSxugYoJSWRplu_2TpDIXypSnZHuZRd61xc0KaLrUSv-INE_Ux9nqYx1CZk89Zehq3PqF6SNSYaWm4oqMbyfO2Lp9R5WYg/s4032/PXL_20220628_130403498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbEjZmPfolh7cQ9f-OidoHJIecCaJUr3GrSt1_I-zEzKPwnmvQscRTXht8yQ5BXQ21Rmyu8CZAi-sI6gJm0ln60u6uen1TSxugYoJSWRplu_2TpDIXypSnZHuZRd61xc0KaLrUSv-INE_Ux9nqYx1CZk89Zehq3PqF6SNSYaWm4oqMbyfO2Lp9R5WYg/s320/PXL_20220628_130403498.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span></span><br /><b style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.666667px; text-decoration-line: underline;">Review </b><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.666667px;">Firstly </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.666667px;">I</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.666667px;"> need to </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.666667px;">apologies</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.666667px;"> to Roger for the amount of time it has taken to get this book review typed up and posted. I received a copy of the book directly from Roger (thank you!) quite some time ago but life got in the way and </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.666667px;">I</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.666667px;"> only recently managed to fully finish the book and get my review sorted. </span></span></span><br /></span><span class="p" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.666667px; line-height: inherit; margin: 1rem 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">I will say straight off I really enjoyed this book. If I'm honest it isn't one I would have picked off of the shelf if not being sent to it read, I can't put my finger on why, maybe because of the genre. I'm going through a phase of nature non-fiction and crime fiction reading at the moment so probably just because it is a modern contemporary / comedy genre book. That being said I'm so glad I was sent it to read because it was such a brilliant read, funny in places and tear jerking in others. <br /><br />The writing style and structure of the book, being separated into three parts a Birth, a Wedding & Death was very clever. Each a time where certificates are issued, hence the title. Roger did well to blend them together in a way that made the story flow. I enjoyed the clever twists and surprises along the way. The way it was written felt a lot like you were being spoken to, rather than reading a book, which I thought fitted really well for novel. It was like someone was recounting their family history, telling you about themselves, being completely candor and leaving nothing out. <br /><br />I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a book that covers love, loss and new life in an entertaining way. It doesn't get too dark so even though I need to say there is a trigger warning of death it isn't too heavy on the heart as its handled really well. <br /><br /></span><span class="p" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.666667px; line-height: inherit; margin: 1rem 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Rating </b><br />4 stars </span><span class="p" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.666667px; line-height: inherit; margin: 1rem 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />You can purchase this book via Betty's Books, 30 Queen Street, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2RB <a href="https://amzn.to/3OuBu7b">or here online. </a><br /><br /><a href="https://rogerwilsoncrane.co.uk/#">You can find out more about this book and the author here, on Roger's website. </a><br /><br /></span></span>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-35033827285143281732022-06-28T04:25:00.004-07:002022-06-28T04:32:31.484-07:00Books being released on 30th June 2022 that I want to read<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmR7YYxkWI6BZ5oyNRkMI-MVc3G7wfOossirgE3cRDKRirMTAi4KVmFUBeBA3EY9oXn-BtoWudqq-n1L_77rJQKO7TvDwXxLB35NNdc6X4cjJX5jKOStCVUX-I-4vbtyU-LsHNy9q4Rn7gLwATAhsiFzv1ZMIp6SZ4j6xFz9ISjj5moOjV_Ba35mRDg/s1080/Currently%20reading%20Cursed%20Queen%20by%20Alfredo%20Torres%20and%20I'm%20loving%20it.%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmR7YYxkWI6BZ5oyNRkMI-MVc3G7wfOossirgE3cRDKRirMTAi4KVmFUBeBA3EY9oXn-BtoWudqq-n1L_77rJQKO7TvDwXxLB35NNdc6X4cjJX5jKOStCVUX-I-4vbtyU-LsHNy9q4Rn7gLwATAhsiFzv1ZMIp6SZ4j6xFz9ISjj5moOjV_Ba35mRDg/s320/Currently%20reading%20Cursed%20Queen%20by%20Alfredo%20Torres%20and%20I'm%20loving%20it.%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I went on to order some books for the shop and came across some books due to be published on 30th June that not only have I pre-ordered for the shop but I've added to my 'must read' list. It is constantly growing because there are just so many fantastic books being published every month. I know I won't be able to afford to buy them all for myself but they will go on my list and I tend to randomly select from the list every time I can afford one. <br /><br />I thought I would share with you these two that have caught my eye, they sound fantastic and I can't wait to get hold of them. </div><br /><p></p><h1 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #0085ca; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Fair Botanists : Could one rare plant hold the key to a thousand riches?</span></h1><h2 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-weight: 400; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">by <a href="https://www.gardners.com/Search?Author=Sara%20Sheridan&fq=14120" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0085ca; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sara Sheridan</a><br /><br />Due for release on 30th June 2022 <br /><br /><i>When newly widowed Elizabeth arrives in Edinburgh to live with her late husband's aunt Clementina, she's determined to put her unhappy past in London behind her. As she settles into her new home, she becomes fascinated by the beautiful Botanic Garden which borders the grand house and offers her services as an artist to record the rare plant's impending bloom. In this pursuit, she meets Belle Brodie, a vivacious young woman with a passion for botany and the lucrative, dark art of perfume creation.<br /><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolEpOusYwTQ_71qM-I7sj9dN8PwqxZ54TFnealKv9JYeoDcCXQb8rsBbp0FwhmjW-GnJcU-gBFTmNsd8_EnrLa0EDhj579vhdemK_T2_RMjgY_2H83o7HgW3ctj-dGDJXhIL7LGOMdrFOcdMdiuzStFnEl9AUDRkAQvgDik6QJWW17X_cCwMgDQ-ESw/s336/9781529336221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolEpOusYwTQ_71qM-I7sj9dN8PwqxZ54TFnealKv9JYeoDcCXQb8rsBbp0FwhmjW-GnJcU-gBFTmNsd8_EnrLa0EDhj579vhdemK_T2_RMjgY_2H83o7HgW3ctj-dGDJXhIL7LGOMdrFOcdMdiuzStFnEl9AUDRkAQvgDik6QJWW17X_cCwMgDQ-ESw/s320/9781529336221.jpg" width="210" /></a><br /></div><br /></span></h2><h1 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #0085ca; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">An Immense World : How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us</span></h1><h2 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; font-weight: 400; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">by <a href="https://www.gardners.com/Search?Author=Ed%20Yong&fq=14120" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0085ca; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ed Yong</a><br /><br />Due for release on 30th June 2022 <br /><br /><i>The Earth teems with sights and textures, sounds and vibrations, smells and tastes, electric and magnetic fields. But every animal is enclosed within its own unique sensory bubble, perceiving only a tiny sliver of an immense world. This book welcomes us into previously unfathomable dimensions - the world as it is truly perceived by other animals. We encounter beetles that are drawn to fires, turtles that can track the Earth's magnetic fields, fish that fill rivers with electrical messages, and humans that wield sonar like bats. We discover that a crocodile's scaly face is as sensitive as a lover's fingertips, that plants thrum with the inaudible songs of courting bugs, and that even simple scallops have complex vision. We learn what bees see in flowers, what songbirds hear in their tunes, and what dogs smell on the street. We listen to stories of pivotal discoveries in the field, while looking ahead at the many mysteries which lie unsolved.</i></span></h2><h2 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 22px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYX6zJZxCibg5D7iMyPFglKSooaQrkQrMS30S-pQNHk-Dxc6QJJNcGmL_BTK3c_gNNCNdY4rftCHchTUcbnzri1d3tHy12tp_hBdfEba5I5qTK7jP8Jt3PGBIFGos2y4C-t7AEKyyDe0YFaxE6FQIBNjKHk0QwL-JmnpI7DUnmjppSMUYeGmdcQfXyA/s338/9781847926081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYX6zJZxCibg5D7iMyPFglKSooaQrkQrMS30S-pQNHk-Dxc6QJJNcGmL_BTK3c_gNNCNdY4rftCHchTUcbnzri1d3tHy12tp_hBdfEba5I5qTK7jP8Jt3PGBIFGos2y4C-t7AEKyyDe0YFaxE6FQIBNjKHk0QwL-JmnpI7DUnmjppSMUYeGmdcQfXyA/s320/9781847926081.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not only do both books sound great, they also have beautiful covers! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br />If they sound good to you too, you can purchase / pre-order these books here: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/books-i-ve-blogged-about-ec9faf06-369a-469e-96d9-97e784ac6478">Via my bookshop.org link <br /></a><br />or at Betty's Books, 30 Queen Street, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2RB <br />www.bettysbooks.co.uk </span></div><br /><i style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></i></h2>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3069004105214801117.post-89297809729771720552022-06-24T04:03:00.003-07:002022-06-24T04:03:20.512-07:00FREE UK delivery on book orders until 26th June 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqLupAwlxiYC1obMmX3O_yBtS9eQ5-bHwlNYj7mZnJcH2KUGPmkcQccQjCEKlZOtwYAh4jGrBkRXf3DZST8SSgSRnOm52pKz4559kd2bPX3SAg-MUlr8ivUCXA9NaELLN79roYSem_suKzARmkL1JCbDFhB1-zC0GZVCal84fxjPo8svK7JJJx-Bg2g/s1080/24th%20-%2026th%20June%202022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqLupAwlxiYC1obMmX3O_yBtS9eQ5-bHwlNYj7mZnJcH2KUGPmkcQccQjCEKlZOtwYAh4jGrBkRXf3DZST8SSgSRnOm52pKz4559kd2bPX3SAg-MUlr8ivUCXA9NaELLN79roYSem_suKzARmkL1JCbDFhB1-zC0GZVCal84fxjPo8svK7JJJx-Bg2g/s320/24th%20-%2026th%20June%202022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Love books? Looking to order some more?<p></p><p>As a small indie bookshop we are not able to stock every book title we would like in our high street shop at 30 Queen Street, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2RB meaning that you won't find them on our <a href="https://www.devonartsupplies.co.uk/">website</a> for direct dispatch either. That doesn't mean we can't get them for you though. We can either order them in and they will usually arrive next day for us to dispatch to you (or for you to collect) or you can order via our <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/bettysbooks">Bookshop.org </a>link which is a great way to support us whilst being able to access a wider range of books quickly. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyh_RfiBE_JGrF4ik7_80FKJ8LLNC3oXK1-X9JDTqjc_7FHs4LmTedHUXtQK9sdNGwrVQ7rja9BS3A0ndxaL8JFWqWeut3xovptevueB0O1dT835MUdAQhGWXMxhadxa13VG8aW-Z15H7MlincJ7eDC_j8aWksJdY743ZZq4qjIy5w6Vlw9ZoeA4jttQ/s4032/PXL_20220624_095256684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyh_RfiBE_JGrF4ik7_80FKJ8LLNC3oXK1-X9JDTqjc_7FHs4LmTedHUXtQK9sdNGwrVQ7rja9BS3A0ndxaL8JFWqWeut3xovptevueB0O1dT835MUdAQhGWXMxhadxa13VG8aW-Z15H7MlincJ7eDC_j8aWksJdY743ZZq4qjIy5w6Vlw9ZoeA4jttQ/s320/PXL_20220624_095256684.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/bettysbooks">As a indie bookshop we love working with Bookshop.Org </a> </div><p>The other great thing about shopping via our <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/bettysbooks">Bookshop.org link</a> is that they often do special events with FREE UK delivery, like they are right now on 24th June 2022 through until the 26th June 2022. </p><p><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/bettysbooks">You can order now here, via out Bookshop.org link. </a></p><p>If you want some new books but are unsure what books to buy we have compiled a great selection of book lists with ideas and recommendations for example: <br /><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/ecofiction-cli-fi"><br />Ecofiction & Climate Fiction </a><br /></p><p><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/foraging-for-food">Foraging for food </a></p><p><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/herbs-and-their-uses">Herbs and their uses</a> </p><p><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/grow-your-own-food">Grow your own food </a></p><p>Thank you all for your continued support. Without you lovely readers we would not still be here today. </p>Kerri-Ann Briggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04648584085939101994noreply@blogger.com