Book Review: A Vintage Guide to Love and Romance by

Title: The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance

Author: Kirsty Greenwood

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Date: April 9th, 2015

Pages: 400

Format: eARC

Source: Publisher for a review

Synopsis (from Goodreads): Jessica Beam is a girl who knows how to party. Only lately she’s been forgetting to turn up for work on time. Or in clean clothes. Down on her luck, out of a job and homeless, Jess seeks the help of her long-lost grandmother.

Things aren’t going well for Matilda Beam, either. Her 1950s Good Woman guide books are out of print, her mortgage repayments are staggering and her granddaughter wears neon Wonderbras!

When a lifeline from a London publisher arrives, the pair have an opportunity to secure the roof over their heads – by invigorating the Good Woman guides and transforming modern, rebellious Jess into a demure vintage lady.

The true test of their make-over will be to capture the heart of notorious London playboy Leo Frost and prove that Matilda’s guides still work. It’s going to take commitment, nerves of steel and one seriously pointy bra to pull this off…

Review:

It feels like it’s been months since I’ve read a chick-lit and I wasn’t even aware I missed it in my life.
This book reminded me how it feels to laugh out loud while just reading. It was good to be remembered.

In this book we follow Jessica, who is a party girl with not so much obligations or the work ethic in her life. All she wants to do is party, travel and not to take things seriously, until one day, the life slaps he. She has no job, no place to live and no money.

What I found in this novel is the fact that not one character in this book is likeable at the first apperience, but over the time, chapter by chapter, you start to get attached to them.

At first, I didn’t like Jessica. I tought she was selfish and deserved what came for her. Despise that, I wanted to know how she’s going to manage her new life. I also wondered if there’s going to be that typical character development where the character puts her old life behind her and becomes a different person.
I can gladely say this book is free of all those big cliches.

Peach was my favorite character. I can totally imagine that girl somewhere in the real world.
Summer was the one we should probably think about as a b*tch, but I actually understood her and I would probably act the same way she did, if I was her. Does that make me a b*tch too? Probably, but at least an honest one.
After all, Jessica’s leak of responsibilities and better judgement have put her in the position she found herself in.

Matilda, Jessica’s Grandmother, was my least favorite character. Although, I would like to read her books so I could try some of her advices.

Don’t let the cover and genre fool you! This book contains some serious topics, such as a suicide and depression, shattered loves and shettered personalities. That is what I like about this book the most.
And the fact that author knew how to present this story and touch those serious things in the book, but at the same time wrote a funny book without the dissrespect to people with simiral problems and in simiral situations, makes me appreciate her as an author.

If you seek for a new chick-lit, I warmly recommend this one.

Book Review: Hidden Huntress by Danielle L. Jensen

Title: Hidden Huntress

Author: Danielle L. Jensen

Series: The Malediction Triology

Publisher: Angry Robot

Date: June 2nd, 2015

Pages: 464

Format: eARC

Source: from Publisher for review

Synopsis (from Goodreads): Beneath the mountain, the king’s reign of tyranny is absolute; the one troll with the capacity to challenge him is imprisoned for treason. Cécile has escaped the darkness of Trollus, but she learns all too quickly that she is not beyond the reach of the king’s power. Or his manipulation.

Recovered from her injuries, she now lives with her mother in Trianon and graces the opera stage every night. But by day she searches for the witch who has eluded the trolls for five hundred years. Whether she succeeds or fails, the costs to those she cares about will be high.

To find Anushka, she must delve into magic that is both dark and deadly. But the witch is a clever creature. And Cécile might not just be the hunter. She might also be the hunted…

Review:

If you liked Stolen Songbird, Hidden Huntress will probably be on your list of enjoyable books as well.
Maybe it is not as excellent as Stolen Songbird was, but it is really, really, really, really good read.

In the next installment of The Malediction Triology Danielle L. Jensen is taking us outside of Trollus and the things we are about to witness are getting serious. We’ll get to see our dear Cecile in Opera as she works on her singing career and in her free time, she’ll take us on a little fun adventure called witch hunt.

Of course, the story would be empty without knowing what happens in the world of trolls so Jensen took a good care to inform us by writting Tristan’s POV.
In this book Tristan has way more chapters then he had in the first book and that makes sense because that is the only way for us to have the best reading experience as possible.

While reading, I was full of emotions. I didn’t swoon as much as I tought I would, but I was screaming in my mind a lot. At some point, I wanted to transfer myself into the story to shake some characters. Especially Cecile at one particular scene.

As for the other characters, I have to say my favorite was Sabine. I think she is the best friend anyone could ever have.

I still do like Chris but I have to admit I am not looking at him the same way I was in the first book. Then, I wanted for Cecile to fall in love with him and forget about Tristan. Now, I think Cecile is lucky to have him as a friend.

I am still not in love with Tristan.

I don’t know if I’m in minority here, but I am really fond of Anushka. I was kind of fond of her in the Stolen Songbird as well, but now, when we get to see more of her and get to know her reasons, I can say: if I was there, in that world, I would probably be the one who tries to help her achive her goal.

There’s only one thing to emphasise: The End.
Oh My God!
That End!
That end takes this story we’ve read about in two books to whole another level, and it leaves us desperate for the next book, the last one in the series.

There’s so many things I want to say, I even want to scream, but I would spoil everyone who haven’t read this book yet.
I am still emotional when I think about some character’s choices and I just want to scream at them “What have you done??!! Now eat what you cooked! I am still mad at you!”

Giveaway: Win Hardback Copy of Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

As you all know, Shadowhunters TV show premiered this Tuesday, January 12th.

In order to celebrate that, I decided to host a giveaway where you can win hardback copy of Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare.

lady midnight

I will pre-order it for you and it should be delieverd to you on it’s releasing day, March 8th.

International as long as The Book Depository ships to your country.

Giveaway will be open for 20 days.

Good Luck! 🙂

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLAIMER:

This giveaway is international as long as The Book Depository ships to your country.
You must be 18+ old to enter or have your parent’s permission to enter (because I’ll need to ask you to give me your adress so I could send the book to you).
I am not responsible for the shipment, but am responsible to order a book on time (The Book Depository is responsible to deliver you a book on time and in a good condition).
Once chosen, winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to replay, otherwise another person will be chosen as a winner
NO CHEATING! Cheaters will be disqualified

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Book Review: Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses by Jenny Hale

Title: Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses

Author: Jenny Hale

Publisher: Bookouture

Date: October 16th, 2015

Pages: 305

Format: eARC

Source: from Publisher for a review

Synopsis (from Goodreads): An uplifting, beautiful story about never letting go of your dreams, the special magic of a family Christmas… and the rush of falling in love under the mistletoe.

Single mother Abbey Fuller loves her family more than anything, and doesn’t regret for a moment having had to put her dreams of being an interior designer on hold. But with her son, Max, growing up, when a friend recommends her for a small design job she jumps at the chance. How hard can it be?

Nick Sinclair needs his house decorated in time for his family’s festive visit – and money is no object. What he doesn’t need is to be distracted from his multi-million dollar business – even if it is Christmas.

When Abbey pulls up to the huge Sinclair mansion, she has a feeling she might be out of her depth. And when she meets the gorgeous, brooding Nicholas Sinclair, she knows that she’s in real trouble…

With the snow falling all around, can Abbey take the chance to make her dreams of being a designer come true? And can she help Nick to finally enjoy the magic of Christmas?

Review:

On a beautiful cover of this beautiful book, it is written “A feel good Christmas romance”.
Let me tell you, they didn’t lie!
I felt really, really good while reading this novel.
I played myself soft Christmas music in the background and it was the best experience.

The story follows two main characters: Abbey and Nick.

Abbey is a single mother who works as nurse. She has a passion for interial design and she daydreams about becoming a full time designer. She wants to provide the best possible life for her son. She is unselfish and has a good heart.

Nick is a workoholic with a teriffic memory. Did I mention he is a multimillioner who hired Abbey to design his house? Plus, he is also a good person with a big heart.

Now when I think about it, every single character in this book is a good person.
I’m not too sure what to think about that…

Max is Abbey’s son. He has a great role in this novel and I appreciate it. He is not in the story just for sake of being, and yet he is not annoying with his presence.

And now, let me intoduce you my favorite character: Señor Freckles, who is so irrelevant for the plot but, at the same time, he is that special ingredient this story needed.

The novel is written in third person.
It is a clean romance and, in my opinion, it could fit perfectly in the family prose genre.

If you’re thinking about whether or not you should read it, I’d say: just do it!
Grab yourself a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, tea, boiled wine, boiled beer or whatever it is you like to drink when it’s cold outside, cover yourself with blanket and just… enjoy the ride.

Buy this book: Amazon US * Amazon UK * The Book Depository

Book Review: A Merry Mistletoe Wedding by Judy Astley

Title: A Merry Mistletoe Wedding

Author: Judy Astley

Publisher: Random House, UK

Date: October 22nd, 2015

Pages: 352

Format: eARC

Source: from Publisher for a review

Synopsis (from Goodreads): It is almost a year since Sean and Thea met and it’s been a roller-coaster ride: they’re getting married on Christmas Eve!

Neither Thea or Sean want a big fuss – a simple wedding, with Christmas carols and just a few sprigs of mistletoe for decoration is all they need. But before they know it, things begin to get complicated. Trying to manage a long-distance relationship in the build-up to their Christmas wedding is one thing, but as one challenge after another comes their way, the happy couple begin to wonder if they’ll ever make it down the aisle…

With unforgettable characters, charming romance and lots of laughter,A Merry Mistletoe Wedding is a gorgeous Christmas read – perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson.

Review:

A Merry Mistletoe Wedding is a continuation to a novel It Must Have Been a Mistletoe.
Although it can easily be read as a standalone, I do suggest, if you plan to read it’s prequel, to do it before you grab this one.
The reason: you will be spoiled for the most things that happened in the previous book.
But, if you’re just in a mood to read something quick and entertaining, or you don’t mind spoilers, then go ahed and read it.

The story is written in the third person and it follows three women: Thea, who’s getting married, her sister Emily, who gave birth recently and is dealing with postnatal depression, and Anna, who is selling her old house with the aim to buy a new one.

From all of three stories, I have to say that the one that kept me interested the most was Emily’s.
Since I didn’t read the first book, I didn’t know what actually happened to her in Cornwall and, because of that, I had a difficult time to understand her behaviour.
As the story progressed, I recognized her depression and anxiety.
At first I was looking at her as the one who’s acting rude, but later, I saw how people around her misunderstood her.

Thea (I love that name!) had some interesting things going on in her life. After all, she was getting married. I couldn’t help but wonder how come her preparation for it wasn’t as stressful as it is in real life (at least that’s the impression I got from those few weddings I was a part of in a preparation process), but the ex-boyfriend drama and unfamiliar girl in her fiance’s flat were enough on her plate.
I have a feeling her story is much more interesting in the first book.

Anna ‘s story was the least interesting to me but was still enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a warm Christmas read I have to warn you: this is not that kind of a book.
The most christmassy thing about this book is it’s title and the cover.
The plot follows the time period from summer to Christmas, when the wedding is happening.
There are a few scenes with Santa and, of course, mistletoe.

I really, really liked scenes in Cornwall. I am not even sure what was so good about them, but I am sure they made me want to visit that place.

What I didn’t like about this book is how Emily solve her problem just like that. I don’t think it works that way in reality.
I wish that aspect of the story was developed more realisticly.

Would I recommend this book?
Definitely!
Will I read It Must Have Been a Mistletoe even though I know most things that happened in it?
You know what? I think I will. I definitely will!

Buy this book: Amazon US* Amazon UK * Book Depository

Book Review: Christmas At Tiffany’s by Karen Swan

Title: Christmas At Tiffany’s

Author: Karen Swan

Series: At Tiffany’s (#1)

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Date: January 1st 2012

Pages: 585

Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from Goodreads): Three cities. Three seasons. One chance to find the life that fits.

Cassie settled down too young, marrying her first serious boyfriend. Now, ten years later, she is betrayed and broken. With her marriage in tatters and no career or home of her own, she needs to work out where she belongs in the world and who she really is.

So begins a year-long trial as Cassie leaves her sheltered life in rural Scotland to stay with each of her best friends in the most glamorous cities in the world: New York, Paris and London. Exchanging grouse moor and mousy hair for low-carb diets and high-end highlights, Cassie tries on each city for size as she attempts to track down the life she was supposed to have been leading, and with it, the man who was supposed to love her all along.

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Review:

This is the story about a woman who has to find herself again.

After ten years of marriage, on her anniversary party, Cassie finds out the ugly truth: her godson is a lovechild of her husband and her best friend.
What does she do?
She leaves him and goes on a year long search for her truth-self.
Where?
To three different cities that happen to be three leading places when it comes to fashion industry: New York, Paris and London.
In every city, she has a friend she will stay with.

In New York, her good friend Kelly, takes her under her wing. She shows her a lifestyle of a real New Yorker: morning running routines, going out in the clubs on regular basis, dating hot guys and keeping up with the latest trends.
She also find her a job in the fashion industry, but the thing is: when it comes to fashion, Cassie is pants and sweater kind of girl.

In Paris, Cassie is on her way to find her new-self. She listens to her inner self and discovers her passion for cooking.

London, her last stop. Place where the main decission has to be made.

Although this book sounds like a real chick lit in all it’s glory, it’s so much more then that.
I feel like I expected nothing but entertaintment from this story, but got so much from it.
Everything that happened in this book, all those little silly things and all those situations that were so easy to judge, they all happened for a reason.

There were no black and white characters, only grey.
With all their flaws and reasons behind them, they opened my eyes and made me think about what makes people behaving a certain way.
It is so easy to be judgamental when it’s other people lives we’re talking about!

With it’s brilliant writing style and amazing setting (I liked New York the best), Christmas At Tiffany’s is a book every women’s fiction lover should read.

4,5

Waiting on Wendesday (#1): The Prophecy of Shadows by Michelle Madow

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Waiting on Wendesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights upcoming releases we can’t wait to read.

This week I am eagerly anticipating:

michelle madow

The Prophecy of Shadows by Michelle Madow

Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing

Publication date: January 26th 2016

Summary (from Goodreads):

When Nicole Cassidy moves from sunny Georgia to gloomy New England, the last thing she expects is to learn that her homeroom is a cover for a secret coven of witches. Even more surprisingly … she’s apparently a witch herself. Despite doubts about her newfound abilities, Nicole is welcomed into this ancient circle of witches and is bedazzled by their powers—and, to her dismay, by Blake—the school’s notorious bad-boy.

Girls who get close to Blake wind up hurt. His girlfriend Danielle will do anything to keep them away, even if she must resort to using dark magic. But the chemistry between Blake and Nicole is undeniable, and despite wanting to protect Nicole from Danielle’s wrath, he finds it impossible to keep his distance.

When the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for the first time in three thousand years, Nicole, Blake, Danielle, and two others in their homeroom are gifted with mysterious powers. But the comet has another effect—it opens the portal to the prison world that has contained the Titans for centuries. After an ancient monster escapes and attacks Nicole and Blake, it’s up to them and the others to follow the clues from a cryptic prophecy so that they can save their town … and possibly the world.

Why am I waiting for this book?

Michelle Madow has been on my rader for quite some time. When I heard her new series is inspired by Greek mythology I just had to add it to my TBR shelf. One of my bookish resolutions was also to read more books about and inspired by Greek mythology.

My friends who were lucky enough to grab ARCs loved it so I think I will enjoy this story too.

Author Website * Goodreads * Amazon

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My first blog post in which I am discussing how I started reading in English and my 2016 bookish resolution

Once upon a time, there was a girl who liked to read. Although reading was her favorite hobby, there were still things she liked to do as well: going out with her friends, watching movies and tv, listening to music, knowing everything that happens in the celebrity culture, traveling and just being alive.

Then, the year 2013 came. The girl stummbled upona website called Goodreads, where she learned about books she never heard of. They all looked so appealing to her, but there was just one problem: most of them weren’t translated into Croatian, the girl’s native language.

The girl figured out that, in order to read them, she has to learn English. She already knew some basics from school, but she was never good enough when it came to using them.

That didn’t discourage her. The girl went to a bookstore, bought herself a copy of the spin-off of her favorite series (it was a Bloodlines by Richelle Mead and no, it is still not translated to Croatian L ), took a dictionary and a pen , and started reading.

It took her almost a month to finish that book and after she was done with it, she bought herself a copy of The Golden Lily.

It took her around two weeks to finish that one and, when she was finally done with it, she grabed herself a copy of The Fault in our Stars.

Then came Anna and the French Kiss which made her fall in love with books in a whole new level, and after that, more and more books she read, faster and faster of a reader she became, more and more hungry for a great fiction she was.

As you probably figured out by now, the girl was me and, although I still enjoy all of the mundane things, reading is what I love the most and feel a great passion about.

These days I am not only reading in English (although I still do enjoy reading in my native language) but writing reviews and discussing books in it as well.

Although I am a pretty active user on Goodreads , I decided to start my own blog and to be a part of a bookish community (I also got a twitter account for that purpose).

These are my 2016 bookish resolutions:

To be a part of bookish community
Not to set up myself a Goodreads challenge (because this year I don’t want to stress myself whether I would reach it or not, but just want to relax and enjoy reading as I once did)
To participate in Read-a-Thons
To read more classics
To re-read more (once upon a time re-reading was what I loved the most. To me, it was even better then first-time-reading. Since discovering Goodreads and so many new books, I kind of lost the habit of re-reading and I started to miss it)
To read books I still haven’t from authors I consider as my favorite (Richelle Mead, Julie Kagawa, Katie McGarry, Jane Costello, Lindsey Kelk, J. A. Templeton, Cynthia Hand, Madeleine Wichkam (aka Sophie Kinsella)

When it comes to my blog, I am still in process of learning everything but I hope I will manage to handle everything pretty soon.

In the next few days I will post some of my old reviews that I am obligated to publishers, some of my old reviews because I want them to be here on my web-space, as well as new ones that I still have to write.

Anyway, I hope to be here a long time, to be able to call myself a blogger, and to get on well with other book bloggers.

Thank you for reading this.