Wednesday 28 December 2016

Book Review: Girl Online Going Solo

Girl Online Going Solo



Author: Zoe Sugg
Genre:  YA, Coming of Age? 
Published:  Penguin Books Ltd
Pages: 352
Rating: 4.5/5
Read: December 2016


Blurb:
As Penny starts the school year she's ready to face the world - alone. Noah has gone off the radar after ending his world tour early and no one, including Penny, knows where he is. So when she accepts Megan's invitation to visit her performing arts school it seems like an opportunity to make some new friends.

Helping everyone else seems to be the right remedy - Elliot needs her friendship more than ever, and she meets Posey, who she can really help with her stage fright. But is charming Scottish boy Callum the right kind of distraction? And can Penny truly move on when Noah's shadow seems to haunt her round every corner?


SPOILERS**

Review:

Okay, so anyone who knows me well knows that I adore Zoe Sugg, and her YouTube channels.  If I wasn't a follower of her online then I don't think I would have been as crazy interested in her Novels as I have been.  Also, I haven't done a review on the first two novels in the series yet so if you would like one please let me know in the comments.

Zoe's main character Penny Porter is a sixteen year old girl with auburn hair, whose main "flaw" is her anxiety.  One thing that does bother me about this is that its not realistic.  I sort of wish she had a mole on her face or something so there would be something else that is a character flaw, even a bad habit she had to break.  I do however believe that Penny's character would help a lot of the readers who suffer with anxiety as she offers up lots of tips like thinking of yourself as a grounded tree, having a alias name which makes you feel stronger etc.

Zoe portrayed Penny as a very forgiving character, especially since in all three of her books the character Megan is repeatedly not a friend and then forgiven again.  I hoped that we would only see the back of her head by the end of the novel.  
I enjoyed how Zoe's writing made me feel included in the story.  Her use of first person ensured that I could see in my minds eye the words playing out, but also feel like I was in the room with Posey during her performance, it made me feel as though I was a part of something - which is a very rare and special gift to have as a writer.

Overall, the novel was quite cliched, and had many words to fill each page.  But those are it's only main faults.  It is a beautiful read which would have been finished quicker if it hadn't been christmas at the same time.  I adored the story, the plot and all the characters other than Callum and Megan.  Zoe and the team made this novel so interesting that I couldn't put it down unless I had to.

I'm awarding it 4.5 stars, removing the .5 due to the use of many words and the cliche's.

What did you guys think of the novel?  Have you read it read?


Laura xo

Sunday 9 October 2016

Dream Catchers are not real!

Okay, so everyone and anyone who knows me personally would know that I have slept with a dream catcher above my bed since my first was given to me on my twelfth birthday!  I had a faith in my dream catcher like none I can explain.  Believing it warded away demons, negative thoughts, and especially bad dreams, of which I have had my fair share.

My bad dreams are so vivid and real that I wake up needing to cry, call the person I dreamt about or just lay there thinking of all the horrible things that happened to me.  Today I decided I needed a nap, and I was peaceful as I lay on my bed, cuddled amongst the blankets, at least until I fell asleep.  I had a horrible dream, from which I felt on awakening, that my soul was crushed and my heart was broken into a thousand pieces.  I messaged the person I love most, I looked up a prayer to reduce them and it feels as though you will fade away if these things are not done.

Once these things were completed I felt better, but still quite shaken.  God gave me a realisation during my prayer.  Dream Catchers are not real, at least they look nice, but they're not doing their job, at least not my current one.  Dream Catchers may work for some people, but for me they've become an object which can do more harm than good if a bad dream does manage to leak through.  I need to put my faith in mightier hands.

I choose instead to let God guard my dreams.  May He fill them with all of the things He intends for me.  May He use them so I can know Him more.  I don't want to be downcast and shaken the moment I awaken from a nightmare.  So I can't put my trust and faith in an inanimate object which doesn't work for me.  God knows.  God sees.  And God will watch over you if you ask Him to! <3  Below I'll link the prayer that got me through my latest mind attack, I pray it will bring you peace.

Photo found through searching 'bad dream' on Pinterest,
Unveiledwife.com
Thank you very much for reading my post, let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.  God Bless and Goodnight! <3


Friday 12 August 2016

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child


Author: John Tiffany and Jack Thorne
Genre:  Fantasy
Published:  Arthur A. Levine Books
Pages: 328
Rating: 3/5
Read: August 2016

Blurb:
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

SPOILERS*

Review:

Okay, so as many of you may know the Harry Potter series is my favourite series of all time.  It's a series I find myself fondly going over time and time again.

This 8th installment I felt rather let me down.  I had no need to remind myself that this piece of work was not by J.K. Rowling, but rather her world written in someone else's words.  In someone else's handwriting.  It did give me an in to finding out how the lives of the characters in Harry Potter became after the final battle of Hogwarts, but it didn't let me live and breathe it.
In the previous books, Hogwarts was home.  The boys Albus and Scorpius didn't like Hogwarts during the play and this did not resonate well with me.  I would love to be at Hogwarts, this would be the ultimate dream!  But enough about that.  My main problem was the fact that the story was written as a play.  A play that could have been watched, but should never have been put into print.  Reading it slightly opened my heart more to the Harry Potter world, but my heart and mind absolutely blossomed under J.K. Rowlings care throughout her books.
I found the series was being meddled with when things ought not to be meddled with.  It's dangerous (Hagrid would say!)  I am grateful that I fell in love with the series so long ago, it will always remind me of my childhood.  The book was based more on conflicts between family members, and conflicts and problems which rose during the book.  
The finality of the seventh book gave me all I needed.  Harry's scar hadn't hurt in 19 years, all was well.  The continuation, in my opinion, was unnecessary, and though I read it fast, I often read it to find out more about the characters.
I enjoyed how the plot was organised, but there were a few holes here and there.  I wonder if J.K. Rowling had edited it at all.  I wish she had, we may have wound up with an exceptional piece of art to read.  The Cursed Child was different, and because it was so different it unfortunately, felt like a money spinner rather than something us Potterheads really need.

I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't quite right.  Those people who have read the book already probably know what I'm talking about!  What were your thoughts on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?

Laura xo
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Monday 18 July 2016

Book Review: Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers

Bridge to Haven

Author: Francine Rivers
Genre:  Christian Fiction
Published:  Tyndale House Publisher 2014
Pages: 468
Rating: 5/5
Read: July 2016

Blurb:
She's burned every bridge to get exactly what she thought she wanted.  Now all she wants is a way back home.  To those who matter in Hollywood, Lena Scott us the hottest rising star to hit the silver screen since Marilyn Monroe.  Few know her real name is Abra.  Even fewer know the price she's paid to finally feel like she's somebody.  To Paster Ezekiel Freeman, Abra will always be the little girl who stole his heart the night he found her, a wailing newborn abandoned under a bridge on the outskirts of Haven.  Zeke and his son, Joshua--Abra's closest friend--watch her grow into an exotic beauty.  But Zeke knows the circumstances surrounding Abra's birth have etched scars deep in her heart, scars that leave her vulnerable to a fast-talking charmer who lures her to Tinseltown.  Hollywood feels like a million miles from Haven, and naive Abra quickly learns what's expected of an ambitious girl with stars in her eyes.  She disvoers too late that fame comes at a devastating price.  In this riveting saga of temptation, grace, and unconditional love, the beloved author of Redeeming Love delivers big-canvas storytelling at its very best. 
SPOILERS*

Review:

Goodness me, this was a fantastic read.  I finished it in just over two days, whilst working a full Sunday.  I may have quite possibly neglected everything in life other than this book, and the joy God brought to me through reading it.

Abra is a young naive girl; she, like many young girls wants to be somebody.  Francine Rivers gives all of the characters flaws.  These flaws are the reason behind each character's success within the story, they're relatable and readers love them.  Joshua was my personal favourite character.  I love the way he approached the woman he loves, I love the gentleman manners and kind heart he possesses however he does not know how to let go.  When Abra leaves with Dylan he is so desperate for her return that he tries to seek her, ignoring the Lord telling him to let go.


Abra's character was interesting because she played two parts, Lena Scott and Abra Matthews.  Rivers showcased through the use of Abra's celebrity alter ego, that the easy option is not always the right option.  Sometimes we need to fight through the hard times, we need to turn to God instead of other people and ask Him what He has planned.  I enjoyed this revelation within myself.

If you're a Christian, this book will make your heart flutter.  The situations Abra finds herself will make you angry, scared, annoyed, happy, joyous and more.  The book showcased real joy, and how this incredible joy does not come from things, or even people.  Real joy comes from having a relationship with Christ, the most beautiful relationship of all.

If you're not a Christian and have come across this blog post, I hope this spoke out to you.  Know we have all been in pain, we have all had struggles.  I hope you allow God to help you to overcome yours.

May God Bless You!

Favourite Line:


She gave a soft, broken laugh of joy.  "You love me, Lord.  In spite of my stubborn and rebellious heart."
I knew you before you were born.  I've counted the hairs on your head.  I have written your name on the palms of My hands (p. 430).

Friday 8 April 2016

Book Review: Love, Rosie (Where Rainbow's End) by Cecelia Ahern

Love, Rosie (Where Rainbow's End)

Author: Cecelia Ahern
Genre:  YA Romance
Published:  Harper 2014
Pages: 558
Rating: 3/5
Read: April 2016

Blurb:
Best friends since forever, Rosie and Alex have shared their hopes, dreams - and firsts. But one awkward moment at eighteen, one missed opportunity, and life sends them hurtling in different directions. Although they stay in touch, misunderstandings, circumstances and sheer bad luck seem to be conspiring to keep them apart. Can they gamble everything - even their friendship - on true love?
SPOILERS*

Review:
Okay, so this review might be a smidgen bias... only because Love, Rosie is one of my all time favourite movies and I did see this before I read the book.  And I'm glad that I watched the movie first!

I enjoyed the book, and was able to finish it in a couple of days.  However, I did find it hard to get into as the whole thing consisted of letters, emails and text messages.  Ahern seemed to make these very detailed.
There were many time jumps within the novel, which I personally found to be quite disorientating.  Sometimes I want to be whisked away, in fact all the time, I want to be whisked away to where the author has created their own fictional world.  I didn't have that experience with Love, Rosie.  I actually felt that reading this books felt more like work than it did a hobby or simply my love for reading.

I enjoyed the characters immensely.  But, this is one of those books that is quite cliche'd and actually irritating because really how hard is it for two in love people to just decide to be together.  I couldn't wrap my head around the insanity! Haha!  And it took the main characters until they were fifty years old to finally decide! Ugh!

Life definitely got in the way of the two main characters, Rosie and Alex... I found myself rolling my eyes whenever they would say that it wasn't meant to be.  I mean I've seen the movie... I know what happens.  But I can't imagine readers not knowing what happens...

Ahern seemed to use the mistakes each main character had made in order to prolong the story.  I wished it would have been a shorter novel, because they could have decided to get together within a few pages.  There was a big twist in the book (it's the same as in the movie) the kiss that happens at Rosie's 16th Birthday Party.  And this is what makes them both realise they could have been together from the very beginning!

Overall the novel is about missed opportunities, and that true love will withstand all... and you will find your soulmate, if you have enough guts to go out and chase them!
I still prefer the movie, but what do you think?  Many people rated this novel 5 stars, however I just couldn't justify it honestly.  Sometimes I had to put the book down to give my eyes and head a break from all the drama and emails.  I felt as though I was working at an office whilst reading it.  My favourite thing about it is the friendships I read about, especially between Rosie and Ruby.  I loved the characterisation and setting, and I enjoyed how detailed Cecelia Ahern was throughout the emailed messages.  However, all of this could have been written in a much smaller novel.  Just because Ahern did so well with her first novel, P.S. I love you (review here) doesn't mean the next needs to be prolonged to be just as good.  A shorter novel with a earlier stage in life ending would have pushed all the buttons for me... unfortunately this novel wasn't quite there for me.

Favourite Line:
“Our life is made up of time; our days are measured in hours, our pay measured by those hours, our knowledge is measured by years. We grab a few quick minutes in our busy day to have a coffee break. We rush back to our desks, we watch the clock, we live by appointments. And yet your time eventually runs out and you wonder in your heart of hearts if those seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years and decades were being spent the best way they possibly could. In other words, if you could change anything, would you?” (page # unknown)

Let me know your thoughts?  Did you enjoy the book or the movie?  Did you not enjoy either?
Leave me a comment and I'll get back to you! x

Book Review: Love by Lacey Weatherford

Crush Series - Love (#3)

Author: Lacey Weatherford
Genre:  YA Romance
Published:  Smashwords 2014
Pages: 223
Rating: 3/5
Read: March 2016

Blurb:
Living happily ever after has always been part of the plan for Cami and Dylan, but when strange things begin happening around the Wilcock household, Cami simply believes she’s becoming forgetful. 

However, when the incidents begin to escalate, both are left feeling vulnerable. Unable to figure out what’s going on, Dylan delves deeper into the mysterious happenings. But when the truth comes out, he finds himself faced with the biggest decision of his life—how far will he go to protect the one he loves?
SPOILERS*

Review:
The third instalment of the Crush Series, I thought was really well written and kept me gripped to the pages.  However this book broke my heart in many ways.  I felt as though I was going through the torment which was occurring to the young family.

Normally I believe that books should make you feel these feelings, however all I wanted to do was close the Kindle Cover, and crawl into a ball in the corner whilst rocking back and forth.  Cami and Hunter have to go into hiding and are sent to witness protection all while they are expecting their first child.

There is someone from Hunter and Cami's past who is out for blood... someone who had not bothered them since Hunter's drug bust in Cami's old high school.  I won't write exactly who it is because it was a little shock to me... I honestly thought Ripper had gotten out of gaol or something!

The book was much darker than the first two combined.  There were definitely dark characters, and neither protagonist knew how to be fully safe.  They would be continuously looking over their shoulder just to try and see if they were being stalked again.  People who are important to both Cami and Hunter get hurt in this book.  Animals get slaughtered and worst of all - everyone thinks Cami is responsible.
Don't get me wrong, everything in the book makes sense... it's just much darker than I'm personally used to from Lacey Weatherford.

Overall I enjoyed the third book - but it has left me unsure if I want to pursue the fourth book which is Hunter's Best Friend Russ' Story...



How did you find this book? x

Tuesday 1 March 2016

Book Review: Smitten by Lacey Weatherford

Crush Series - Smitten (#2)

Author: Lacey Weatherford
Genre:  YA Romance
Published:  Moonstruck Media 2013
Pages: 352
Rating: 4/5
Read: February 2016

Blurb:
Life is good. Cami is away at her dream college with her dream man by her side. She thinks if she can just get through with meeting Hunter’s family that everything will be perfect. Little does she know that life’s about to turn upside down again when Hunter is called to infiltrate a gang whose specialty is chopping and racing cars. His contact happens to be a beautiful curvy girl who is the gang leader’s sister and he has to pose as her boyfriend. Communication with Cami is basically forbidden to help keep his cover.

Hunter, however, can’t stand being away from the girl he really loves, and he sneaks away one night to meet her across town. He doesn’t know the gang leader, Ripper, has suspicions about him already and he’s following him to see where he goes. He surprises Hunter and Cami, and Hunter quickly introduces her as his foster sister who is having some car trouble. He thinks all is well until he discovers he has one serious problem. Ripper likes Cami and decides to pursue her, drawing her into the same dangerous world he’s supposed to bring down.

Can he keep his cover without having Cami get caught in the crossfire? Will the two of them survive having to watch each other fake it in the arms of another? Or will their hot stolen kisses destroy everything?

SPOILERS*

Review:
I really enjoyed this novel!  The second book to the Crush Series was full of action and several plot twists, from Cami getting caught up again in another undercover adventure, to the very end of the book.  One of the biggest twists was right near the end but Lacey Weatherford kept the reader on their toes throughout the whole thing!  In the end Roberta was the biggest enemy... but you will work that out as you read it... I don't want to give everything away!

For me I'm amazed that Ripper cannot see right away that the foster brother and sister are into each other.  But I think his character was meant to see only what he wanted to see, which in his case was Cami.  How awful!  I loved how Hunter and Cami's relationship had to change but they continued to steal moments away together to pursue each other!

It was a very lovey dovey novel, where Hunter/Dylan felt a huge amount of Love and lust for his girlfriend.  The novel when it is written through the hero's eyes made me think about how our own partner's might view us in such a nice light.

I enjoyed a lot of things from this novel.  I got the romance side of things just by reading about the interactions between Cami and Hunter... I got the adventure through the undercover mission and through the many stolen kisses.
Crazy things happen in this book, however I did feel that the ending closed the series quite well... it could have only been a two book series... but I am still looking forward to reading book three, Love... and I'm not going to lie... I'm already 100 pages in! <3

The line below is my favourite because even though Hunter is supposed to not to anything to jeopardise the operation, he still watches over Cami by whacking the person who has been holding her for a couple of weeks.  It probably helped get out a lot of frustrations due to Hunter not being allowed to hold his girlfriend, and Hunter having to put on a show with Rippers sister.

Favourite Line:
Hunter didn't reply to my remark, instead quickly jumping out of the door and striding towards Ripper.  I sat there, dumbfounded as I watched him swing back and punch Ripper in the face. (Ch. 22)

How did you find this book? x

Sunday 28 February 2016

Book Review: Crush by Lacey Weatherford

Crush Series - Crush (#1)

Author: Lacey Weatherford
Genre:  YA Romance
Published:  Moonstruck Media 2014
Pages: 332
Rating: 5/5
Read: February 2016

Blurb:
Cami Wimberley has a plan, and that plan includes no room for boys—especially the big time party animal, Hunter Wilder, no matter how handsome and charismatic he is. She’s beautiful, a senior, extremely talented, gets good grades, and is working her way toward her dream college to be a musical theater major. Everything is perfect.

Hunter Wilder does not want a girlfriend—that would complicate his life way too much right now. He especially doesn’t want this girl, Miss-Goody-Two-Shoes, so how come he can’t keep his eyes off her? He tries to keep her at arms length, but fate seems to keep pushing them together. Before long, it’s obvious to everyone they’re crushing on each other. 

As sparks begin to fly, Hunter finds himself sinking deeper and deeper into hot water. Soon he’s scrambling to keep Cami from discovering his dark secret—one that can destroy their entire relationship.

SPOILERS*

Review:
Okay, we can establish that I am an absolute sucker for a good romance novel.  They leave me feeling all gushy inside!

Even though the book was quite cliche, it's important to remember that many people read romance for exactly that reason... we know it will make us feel good.

I enjoyed Cami's character, but I thought Hunter or Dylan had a lot of depth to him.  I enjoyed reading about his unknown struggles and really just wanted to know why he couldn't just be honest with Cami.  Why was the age such a problem?

I loved that the novel had plot twists, and a creepy best friend/bad guy.  I enjoyed the use of a Prologue for further understanding of the plot.  Jordan Henley dies in the Prologue seemingly due to an overdose of meth, however all is not as they seem.  The experience changes Cami for life and she struggles trying to understand whether or not she could have saved Jordan's life.  An example would be simply Cami's lack of enthusiasm when it came to Hunters drug use.  Cami witnessing Jordan's death has changed and cemented her views on using drugs and the murder/or suicide... or overdose served as a sort of mystery for the reader to be included in - at least for me.

Overall I enjoyed the book immensely.  It contained everything to be a very good romance novel, and Crush had sound characters throughout.  I personally will award it the five out of five stars, because it entranced me... the storyline was flawless and even though it was cliche in the terms of a romance novel it still kept myself as the reader on my toes.  This was a great read and I can't wait to get stuck into book two, Smitten.

Favourite Line:
He grinned.  "Just telling it like I see it.  I think even inanimate objects were getting turned on by the intensity rolling off you two.  There are cars in the parking lot that are probably pregnant now." (Ch. 28)

How did you find this book? x

Saturday 27 February 2016

Book Review: Heaven by Alexandra Adornetto

Halo Series- Heaven (#3)

Author: Alexandra Adornetto
Genre:  Romance
Published:  Fiewel and Friends 2011
Pages: 417
Rating: 3/5
Read: February 2016

SPOILERS*

The final book in the Halo Series, I found to be my least favourite.  Yes it ended with cliche as most romance genre novels do, obviously we know as readers how the story will end.  I felt that even though it was a wonderful book, the plot lines didn't quite meet up for me in the end to the trilogy.

MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW!



Xavier suddenly being a half angel... there were no signs, I don't know if it was planned from the beginning to end the way it did but it frustrated me a lot.  Why did Xavier's awesomeness suddenly depend on whether or not he had a supernatural power.  What I loved about his character was that even though he was human and flawed, it didn't matter.  Xavier's character had guts and he strived through the whole series to protect the ones he loved, and after learning and loving him - finding out he was an angel kind of made me feel like the only special people were those with powers.  He could suddenly move the elements but never before had there been any hints.  If anyone can point out some hints in the first two novels I would appreciate that heaps.

I also felt that the final book didn't need to include a college scene... not only was this scene the most boring for me personally but it was unnecessary.  I think they should have stayed with Gabriel and Ivy and protected each other, but not in the middle of a school setting - I don't think the series needed this, but that's just my own opinion.

There were, like Hades, many holes and gaps left unexplained.  Something I personally and I'm sure other high raters of this book would love, is the use of an Epilogue at the end of the novel... I was left wanting to know more about Beth and Xavier's lives together.  Did they manage to have children?  Was Beth pregnant while she was in Heaven?  Did Molly find a man?  Did Gabriel change?  Unfortunately the last novel of the series left a hole in my bookaholic heart which could only be filled by Adornetto filling in the gaps somehow...

Overall I was slightly satisfied with the ending of the series, and left wanting to know more which is not a good thing for a reader to feel.  Hence, I am awarding the final instalment to the Halo Series a three out of five.  The final novel seemed rushed and somewhat unstructured.  There were many things which did not make sense, and were not needed to be included.  

I would read the series again, but only after a couple of years where I may forget some of the series.  I enjoy reading new books because they give my mind a new experience.  I think Adornetto did a really good job with her writing, however the plot especially in the final novel needed to be refined.  Beth's character should be 100% stronger than she started out with and she should have learnt a lesson.  I didn't get that impression from this novel, but I would still read it again for a pleasant read.

My favourite line:
"That is when you need faith the most," Gabriel said.  "Not when everything is going your way, not when you have much to be thankful for, but when there is darkness all around.  He is always there, He is always watching, and one way or another, He will set you on the right path." (Ch. 18)

Friday 26 February 2016

Book review: Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

Halo Series- Hades (#2)

Author: Alexandra Adornetto
Genre:  Romance
Published:  Feiwel and Friends 2011
Pages: 424
Rating: 4/5
Read: February 2016

Blurb:
What will happen to an angel in Hell?  Jake Thorn and his demons have been banished and Xavier and Bethany settle down to resume a normal life.  But on the night of Halloween, a childish prank goes terribly wrong and Jake is summoned back to the sleepy town of Venus Cove.  Bethany is deceived and like the mythical Persephone she finds herself dragged into the nightmarish underworld of Hades.  While the angels call on higher powers to help rescue Bethany, Jake decides to play dirty and goes after the one thing she loves more than anything.  But to spare Xavier's life, Bethany must make the ultimate sacrifice.  Will she make a deal with the Devil?  And what will happen to an angel in Hell?
SPOILERS*

The second novel of the Halo Series was finally released and published eight years after the first novel.  And I enjoyed this novel probably even more than the first one, though it left my mind reeling with unanswered questions.  Beth had spunk, she got sassier and she was determined... not the way God intended though... I don't think...

The same amount of detail Adornetto used to describe Bethany's surroundings in the first novel, Halo, was used throughout this novel to describe the nightmarish underworld of Hades.

Firstly, Hades is a Greek God, not a place in my understanding but please correct me if I'm wrong.  It's hard for anyone to get across their ideas when it comes to Religion, and Adornetto is no different.  Everyone will have a different idea of what the supernatural look like... everyone will have a different idea of what Heaven and Hell would really be like.  I agree with Adornetto's depiction of Hell, mainly with the idea of the Pit.  This "hell" is exactly what I imagine it would be like.  Living everyday as a soul who is tortured, only to be fixed while the soul sleeps, to awaken and start all over again.  A nightmare!

Now I did absolutely love this book, I thought there were some things that should have changed.  My main issue is that Jake Thorn is a DEMON!  He is almost as low as the Devil himself, yet Bethany thinks in order to save her man she must sleep with him.  Sorry but if I was Beth, I would pray!  I mean she's an Angel!  God would listen to her plea, He has the ability to do anything - that's what the Father is!  Someone to love you unconditionally and for us to turn to not just in everyday life but especially in our time of need.  Angels are flawless, they are designed to be full of faith and to protect human life, according to the book...  Though Bethany did achieve this by giving away her body (maybe) I felt let down by the way the heroine would bend over and allow someone so low to manipulate and change her.  The story needed Beth to be stronger.  I didn't like how Jake Thorns character got me to like him, when he's meant to be scum...  He only wants Beth to love him and even though she can't because it's forbidden... He defied the Devil himself to keep her...  I find it sort of hard to swallow when her love for Xavier is also forbidden...

She did however, definitely grow less susceptible to the Devil's power, but at the same time she changed so much she forgot about her duty to Heaven and to her Father.

For these things I'm giving the book a four out of five, only because it was my favourite, by the use of descriptive words and Beth doing anything to get back to the one's she loves.  The message was to never give up - however it could have been clearer, and should have reflected Beth's purpose as an Angel...  I don't really understand the lack of substance Beth was sometimes given...  Adornetto likely could have given Beth  more substance just by writing in some prayers, or things that Beth as an Angel would do...

I didn't highlight my favourite line from this novel, but overall it was a pleasant read.  Once I sat down to think about it though, some holes unfortunately appeared.


Thursday 25 February 2016

Book Review: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Halo Series- Halo (#1)

Author: Alexandra Adornetto
Genre:  Romance
Published:  Hachette Books 2003
Pages: 470 
Rating: 5/5
Read: February 2016

Blurb:
Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove.  But everything changes when three angels, Ivy, Bethany and Gabriel are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness.  They work hard to conceal their true identity and - most of all - their wings.  But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls for the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods.  Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him?  Things come to a head when the angels realise they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove.  There's a new kid in town and he's charming, seductive and deadly.  Worst of all, he's after Beth.  The agents and Xavier must work together to overcome the dark forces - but will Beth survive the battle?

SPOILERS*

Firstly I'd like to point out that I have previously read this series in 2012, and I enjoyed it probably more the second time around as I could understand more of what was going on.

I loved this novel!  I adored the opening chapter, the senses that Beth could feel and notice were very prominent here.  It was interesting to read in a way that made you think about what the air around you might feel like.  I enjoyed how this opened my mind to different senses in my own life - it made me want to look around my own environment in wonder.

I had one issue with Beth's character in this novel...  When the going got tough and Xavier turned away from her she decided to become recluse and hide instead of being the fighter we know her as in the final books.  I believe though that this shows development of her character.

Overall I thought the book was fantastic which is why I want to give it a 5 out of 5 review! I enjoyed it immensely and think most things were addressed and thought through in this first novel of the Halo Series.  I would definitely read this novel again.

My Favourite Line:
"I'm not ready to take you home yet." (Ch. 10)

January Favourites 2016 & We're Engaged? | xoLaashi

Friday 15 January 2016

We're Engaged! (02/01/2016)

Oh My Goodness!


Ladies (and gentlemen), I want to announce to you all that on the 2nd of January 2016, Scott proposed to me and we are officially engaged to be married!  I honestly don't think I've ever been more excited in my whole life - realising that I am only 20 years old and my life hasn't been going for that long, however there has been plenty of moments (and years) where I have known I was and am with the person God created especially for me.

I know Scott and I are meant to be together (corny - but I don't care right now) because when we first met finding my potential partner was not on my agenda.  I believe that I met Scott because I wasn't looking for the relationship.  I introduced myself to Scott because I was trying to be friendly... did my flirtatious side come out randomly over the next hour at work? Yes, but not because I was necessarily interested in the idea of a relationship but because I was drawn to Scott as a person.

We all meet those people in our lives who we just click with.  It might be your best girl friend or the crush you're trying to "lock down" or the person you're seeing... Scott is that person for me.

And I'm absolutely thrilled that my "not" looking for a man, meant that I would find the right one at the right time.  Nothing forced.  I can't wait to start planning the wedding and sharing it with you here on my blog!

I'll be sharing loads more such as our engagement story, planning our engagement party and wedding bits and pieces under my new tab: The One! Enjoy!

I hope that wherever you are in life, that you're happy!  And if you're not happy as of yet, I hope you will be ♡

Laura xo

How I met The One

This morning I was going through some planners which are sold online, and I hence came across a blog titled: 'Kayla's Blogs'.  From reading her blog post: 'Are You The One? | How I met the One' I have been inspired to try my luck at my own lovely, sentimental version.

To start, I want to remind any of you who may not have read my 'Date Day - Moana Beach' blog post, please do - it includes one of Scott and my dates and a bit of a recount for a four year anniversary earlier in 2015.

Also - I've decided to start a Blog Series called 'The One' with different topics every post, I have this one and another lined up so keep an eye out for those!

How did we meet?


Scott and I - July 2011

Scott and I met in January 2011.  We were working together at McDonalds at the time, both of us being only fifteen years old.  I saw Scott first, and I thought he was a new employee.  I had worked at this McDonalds for two years by this time and had become a crew trainer.  Anyway, I thought he was a new employee so I did what any crew trainer would do.  I walked right up and introduced myself and our conversation went a little like this:

Me: "Hi, I'm Laura - I haven't seen you here before... Are you new?"
Scott: "Scott, and no I've worked here for seven months."

Seven months? I remember feeling so embarrassed.  I tried hard to be smooth, and just said "Oh, okay, nice to meet you anyway" and waddled away awkwardly.

This wasn't the thing that got us together, but it does make us laugh a lot nowadays.  What brought the two of us together was actually due to a late pick up from work on Scott's behalf, and a half an hour early finish for me.  So there was half an hour in which we were stuck together waiting to be picked up from work in the crew room.

I'm going to be entirely honest here, I've never been much of a flirt, but for some reason when I was talking to Scott... I was shocking!  He was a good looking guy, and I don't think he'd ever been hit on so bad!

After flirting shamelessly for 25 minutes, I actually did something I never ever thought I would do.
I asked for his phone number.  I asked in such a silly way though:

Me: "So do you have a phone?"
Scott: "Yes"
Me: "Oh good, well can I have your number?"

I know I was the classic guy off the youtube video: Can I have your number?!
And the worst part was Scott jokingly said no... afterwards he laughed but I tell you what, I nearly died of shame, especially after my vicious flirting attempt!  But it paid off, because after Scott laughed he gave me his number and two weeks later asked me on a date and then to be his girlfriend!

Ladies, don't let anyone ever tell you not to go after the one you want (unless he's taken - be moral please) but you're within your rights to hit on, flirt and shamelessly for that matter ask a man for his number.  He doesn't have to do all the work and being entirely honest (at least with what I've read on other blogs and things) men find confidence in women very attractive.  Go get em' tiger!

What's your love story? I would love to know!  And what is your opinion on the girl asking the boy rather than the traditional boy ask girl?  Let me know in the comments below!

Laura xo


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