#10BooksofSummer20. My Summer Reading List.

It’s that time again! I participated in #BooksOfSummer last year and it was a nice way to keep track of what I’m reading and follow other readers in the books they chose.The original idea of this 10, 15 or 20 books of summer came from Cathy at 746books. You can read her post HERE!

The idea is that you choose 10, 15 or 20 books that you think you will read over the summer, between June and September. I have chosen 10 that I would like to read. I am a mood reader so these may or may not change. I have added a variety so I still have lots of choice. Of course this may also change if I get offered to read something that just sounds to amazing to wait until after summer for.

Here are my summer reads.

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Hattie Goes To Hollywood by Caroline James. Goodreads. Amazon UK

Cold Heart by Sean-Paul Thomas. Amazon UK

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Queen Bee by Jane Fallon. Amazon UK

The Whisper Man by Alex North. Amazon UK

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And a couple from my bookshelf that have been there for a while.

A Small Weeping by Alex Gray. Goodreads

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The Ex by Alafair Burke. Goodreads

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Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty.

Goodreads

I’ve just finished watching Big Little Lies, so I’m hoping this book will be just as good if not better.

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Susan Willis Ten Short Reads. Goodreads

I have read quite a few of Susan Willis’ short stories but I haven’t read this compilation yet and it’s been on my kindle for a while. I think these will be perfect summer reads with a cold drink.

Children of the Enemy by DJ Swykert. Goodreads

I have read a few of this Author’s books and all have been brilliant. I expect this will not disappoint.

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The final book in this list will be one that I will look through a lot over the summer. This is a book that has been talked a lot about on Twitter and the author has drawn lots of heart warming pictures and words that are appropriate for this time.

I was given this book by my brother and sister in law last Christmas. I have read it, but it is a book that is worth reading, re reading and flicking through.

The Boy, The Fox, The Mole and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy. Goodreads

I hope you all have a happy and safe summer of reading.

If you have read any of these let me know your thoughts.

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The Currently Reading Book Tag. #Booklover

I have found myself with more free time to read at the moment, and although it started off with a slight lack of concentration, I’m really enjoying my books again. So this is the perfect tag for me at this time.

I saw this tag on Meggy’s site and thought it was a fun tag to do. I haven’t done one in ages. You can read Meggy’s answers HERE!

The Currently Reading Book Tag was created by Charly Reynhorse.

How many books do you usually read at once?

I usually have 2 books on the go. One in paperback and one on my kindle.  But they have to be completely different stories and usually different genres.

 

If you’re reading more than one book at a time, how do you decide when to switch to reading the other book (do you read a certain amount of pages in each?)

I read my paperback when I have more time to sit and relax with my book.
I read or listen to my kindle when I have less concentration and when I’m doing other things, like ironing, driving, chopping veg etc.

Do you ever switch bookmarks while you’re part way through a book?

Not usually part way through a book, but usually after I finish a book. Part of the joy of choosing a new book also includes choosing a new bookmark.  Here are some of my favourite bookmarks.

Where do you keep the book(s) you’re currently reading?

My paperback is usually on my bedside table, unless I’m reading it in which case it’s in my hands. 😁. My kindle doesn’t have a “place”. That could be found anywhere from my bedside table to sofa to in my bag.

This is what I’m reading at the moment.

What time of day do you spend the most time reading?

This varies depending on what’s going on in my life at the time. During this lock time period, I’ve been reading a little in the morning with a cuppa when I wake. A little as an afternoon break and then sometimes in the evening.  When life becomes more ” normal ” again though, this will change.

How long do you typically read for in one go?

Again depends on what’s going on at the time. At the moment this can range from 5 minutes to 2 hours. I guess a usual time would be about half an hour before I take a break to make another cuppa or do something else.

Do you read hard covers with the dust jacket on or off?

Always on! I know some people like to keep them in perfect condition, but my books are most enjoyed when reading them. So always jackets on so I can keep looking back at the cover if I choose to. The cover always relays more of the story the more you read of a book.

Which position do you mainly use to read?

Either sitting up in bed or on the comfy chair in my living room. I used to be able to read lying down in bed…… now my reading glasses don’t allow that!

Do you take the book you’re currently reading with you everywhere you go?

No. I don’t take my book to work with me as I don’t have any free time to read it there. If I’m going to most other places then usually yes. This could be either my kindle or a paperback. 

How often do you update your progress in the book you’re currently reading on Goodreads?

Only when I start it and when I finish it. Although I often forget to do this and have a catch up process of what I’ve read and am reading. 

If you have done or fancy doing this tag, link your post in the comments below so I can read your answers too. If you don’t fancy doing the whole post, just let me know an answers or two in the comments. I’d love to hear your reading habits too.

 

The Naughty or Nice Book Tag! #Suntag

I haven’t done a book tag for ages. I saw this one on Meggy’s blog a few weeks ago. I thought this would be a good tag to do here on ChocolatePages. You can see Meggy’s brilliant post, along with some lovely ‘Suits‘ and ‘David Tennent‘ gifs with her answers Here – Meggy’s Naughty or Nice Suntag.

So, lets get right into the questions and see if I’m a naughty or nice book lover/blogger/reader. 

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Received an ARC and not reviewed it?

I find it hard to believe that any bookblogers have reviewed all the arcs they have received??? I have a few from Netgalley, a few from Authors, a few from publishers….. oops! Yes, I have a few arcs that I haven’t reviewed ….. yet. 

So sorry Meggy, I love your David gif so much, I stole  er I mean I borrowed it….. I know you won’t mind sharing the DT love with me and my readers….. right???

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Have less than 60% feedback rating on Netgalley?

This is one of my blogging / reading things that I am actually quite pleased with. My ratio is 75%, which is brilliant for me. The recommended ratio is 80% I think, so I’m doing well with this. 

These are my recent requests from Netgalley. I have only read and reviewed ‘The Couple‘ so far. But each book sounds amazing, so I will be getting to them very soon.

 

 

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Rated a book on Goodreads and promised a full review was to come on your blog (and never did)?

I don’t think so. I review on my blog first, then over the next week I transfer my reviews to Amazon and Goodreads. Definitely a nice point for this one 

 

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Folded down the page of a book?

Well, I may have done before I became an “official” bookblogger! Now I have an infinite supply of bookmarks, I don’t need to. AND…..I promise to all book sanctuaries that I will never fold down the page again! Do you believe me?

 

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Accidentally spilled on a book?

Not spilled drinks, but maybe  probably biscuit crumbs. I don’t think they count though, so I shall go for a ‘No’ on that question.

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DNF a book this year?

Not this year. I think that is not saying much as its only February. So can I get an extra point, if I say not last year either!!!?

 

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Bought a book because it was pretty with no intention of reading it?

No, I don’t really understand that? Its nice that books can look pretty on your shelf, but I have to have some interest in reading it aswell.

I have 2 copies of Anne of Green Gables. I bought the second because it was such a beautiful looking book. But I will and have read them both. I wouldn’t buy only for aesthetics. 

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Read whilst you were meant to be doing something else?

Yes!! Far more often than I should. Housework, getting ready to go out, talking!! What can I say though…. when a book grips you, you can’t break free.

 

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Skim read a book?

The only time I do this, is if I’m not gripped by the story and I skim a bit to see if its worth finishing or if I should just give up. I never skim read a good book, in fact I am more likely to re read certain pages to make sure I am getting the right picture!

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Completely missed your Goodreads goal?

I have met my goal in all years except last year. But I’m not bothered by it. If I’m not in the right mood to read then I won’t enjoy the books. My reading mojo dropped a bit last year, now this year it has slowly started growing again. This is largely due to all the great books I received recently. I did a post on this, you can read it HERE!

 

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Borrowed a book and not returned it to the library?

No, never. That would be stealing! I have of course been late to return books and had to pay the fine. But I will always return the books I borrow, so that others can benefit from this wonderful service too. 

 

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Broke a book buying ban?

I have never set myself a book buying ban. I told myself I wouldn’t accept anymore reviews or look at Netgalley before, at least until I was a bit more caught up with my tbr. I stuck to that until I …… didn’t 

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Started a review, left it for ages then forgot what the book was about?

Yes, (hangs head). Often this happens when I am so excited to start my next book that I keep reading that new one and forget I have to review the last one. Most of the time, I will go back and review it though. It just takes a bit longer and a bit more thought to get it done.

 

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Wrote in a book you were reading?

Never in books for pleasure. Probably in books for learning a long time ago. Now when I want to make notes (for review purposes), I will use little sticky notes with a few key words on to remind me of my thoughts. 

 

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Finished a book and not added it to your Goodreads?

Not that I can think of. I suppose there might be the odd couple that I may have forgotten about, but my answer to this is NO.

 

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Borrowed a book and not returned it to a friend?

No, that would be mean, hypocritical and if the friend is a book lover, they may not ever trust me with her books again.

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Dodged someone asking if they can borrow a book?

Not many people ask me if they can borrow my books. I am happy to let them read the books, usually only after I have read them myself though. 

 

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Broke the spine of someone else’s book?

No, there is a book jail for that kind of crime!

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Took the jacket off a book to protect it and ending up making it even more damaged?

I don’t take the jackets off the books. They are there to protect the books and make the books look nice. I like my books to look nice while I read them.  

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Sat on a book accidentally?

Yes, and probably more than once! Don’t worry, the books and I both survived unhurt.

I didn’t sit on this one, but the cover fitted the question, I think!

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What a fun tag to do. Thank you Meggy for bringing my attention to it. 

I won’t tag anyone particular, but if you want to do this tag, I would like to read your answers, so link me into your post so I can read it please. If you won’t do the tag, you can let me know some of your answers in the comments below. Are you a naughty or nice book lover?

 

SunTag – The Mystery Blogger Award.

Thank you very much to Donna at Chocolatenwaffles for tagging me in this Suntag post. I haven’t done a tag post in ages. So it will make a nice change to my review blog posts, and hopefully show a little bit more of myself in this post, aside from just the books I like.

         

         Here are the rules:

• Put the award logo/image in your post.

• List all the rules.

• Thank whoever nominated you and leave a link to their blog.

• Tell your readers 3 things about yourself.

• Nominate 10-20 people and notify them.

•  Link back to the creator of the award.

• Ask nominees any 5 questions of your choice, with a weird or funny question.

• Share the link to your best/favourite post of yours.

 

Three things about myself.

1.  I’m at a stage in my life where things are going to change soon. My saying at the moment –  “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, it is important that step is in the right direction”

2.  I’m a little bit scared of crabs, as they remind me of spiders! Yuck.

3. When I started ChocolatePages, I loved sweet, happy, romantic comedy chick lit books. Now I love a gritty crime thriller with murders and dark themes! I wonder what that says about me???!!! 

 

Now for Donna’s questions. Donna was very imaginative with her questions. This is what prompted me to do this tag, she made it interesting. I was also challenged to make my questions a little different and hopefully interesting. 

#1 Which finger of your right hand is your favourite?

This is one of the strangest questions I have ever been asked.  I think probably my fore finger as it is most useful. I like my little one as it is the best looking. But I’m going for practical over beauty for this one! 😎

#2 You have 5% of battery left on your phone and on your Kindle, only one electric plug and 30 minutes to use it before you are stuck for hours with no electricity. Which device do you charge?

Well that would depend if I had any Wi-Fi availability? If there was Wi-Fi I would charge my phone. Then I could tweet, email and phone / text. 

If there was no Wi-Fi and I didn’t need to phone anybody for help, then I would charge my kindle as I would enjoy spending 30 minutes reading with no interruptions while I wait whatever I am waiting the 30 mins for. 

I actually enjoy a bit of waiting time when I have my kindle or book with me. Good question from Donna. 

( I will have to think hard about what I will ask to match these great questions). 

#3 Have you congratulated yourself this week for anything at all? If the answer is no, find something, anything you did, and congratulate yourself, you deserve it.

I tend to congratulate myself quite often usually for small things as they happen more often than big things. I agree with Donna that self praise is a good thing and can improve our self esteem and confidence.  Sometimes I even say to myself ” well done for coming this far” (when life has given me raw blows).  It gives a bit of strength to go a bit further. 

It’s something I recommend ( and I think Donna would too). If you haven’t tried it, find one thing to congratulate yourself on and see if you feel even a little better for it. 

 

#4 Salty and sugary snacks?

Can I have both??? If I had to choose I would choose sugary  ( chocolate of course). But one of my favourite chocolates is sea salted milk chocolate. 

I also like to eat crisps and chocolate together!   😉

#5 What’s your favourite tree?

Cherry Blossom tree for sure. They are so beautiful, and here in the UK, a sign that summer is well on its way. 

 

 

And now for my questions! For anyone that wants to follow on from this post, I look forward to your answers. Leave your links in the comments or just tell me your answers in the comments. 

1. What is your favourite day out of the whole year? 

2. If you had to stay somewhere alone for a week would you choose a white sands beach or a green forest?

3. What would you ‘last meal’ request be?

4. There has to be a bookish question, so what is your all time favourite book?

5. Where is your favourite place in the whole world?

 

My favourite/best post

I have chosen this post because the organisation is wonderful, and it is something we could all do that would mean a lot to somebody else.

Help a sick child with PostPals.

 

The Nominees:

No pressure to do this, but anyone who wants to, I would love to read your post. Thanks to Donna for tagging me, and here are a few lovely ladies whose answers I would love to read. Plus they all have amazing blogs, so go check them out. 

Irena BookDustMagic

Kat

Alice

Analee

Shawna

 

 

The Secret Life of a Book Blogger book tag!

Today I am going to do a book tag, one that I was nominated for by Analee from BookSnacks. Thanks for tagging me Analee. I love your blog and all your bookish posts. For those of you that haven’t visited Booksnacks yet, get over there! 

So, here goes with the Secret Life of a BookBlogger Post. I love the name of this tag, because I do feel that we are a group of people that others may wonder about, what do we bookbloggers do? do we spend all our time reading? Well the questions and answers are below, so come and see and feel free to do this tag yourself also.

How long have you been a blogger?

I have been blogging since April 2014, so just over a year. I had my year celebration in April where I hosted my first giveaway.

At what point do you think you will stop?

I don’t know about this, nobody knows what the future holds so its hard to say when or if I will stop. All I know is that I am enjoying it for now, and that is all that matters! 

What is the best thing?

There are a lot of good things, I don’t think I can narrow it down to just one. All the books I get to read, the conversations that I get to have with other bookbloggers, the great people I have ‘met’ through bookblogging. That includes other bloggers and Authors, I never imagined that I would be interacting with so many Authors when I started ChocolatePages, its so great.

What is the worst thing? What do you do to make it okay?

There isn’t anything really bad about being a bookblogger. I would like to have more time to devote to it, but that’s life isn’t it! Occasionally I hear that some bloggers are being mean to others, but I have never been involved in anything like that. I think its best that we all support each other and enjoy the books together.

How long does it take you to create/find pictures to use?

It depends on what pictures I want, the book review ones are very quick and easy. I get the image of the book from Goodreads, and sometimes if I have a hard copy I photograph my book. All very quick. If I am writing a review or other bookish post and want to add extra pictures (like the ones in this post), it takes a bit longer to google and sometimes make up my own images. I really like making my own, but it is very time consuming and I’m still learning. Hopefully you will see more home made images soon from ChocolatePages!

Who is your book crush?

Well, I didn’t have to think to hard about this one. Luke Brandon from the Shopaholic series! Yes, he is Becky’s Husband, but she is his fictional wife.I’m imagining myself in their world and I would be Becky, but without all the stresses and mix ups that she gets herself in, so Luke would love me even more……. OK, I’m off in my fictional bookish world now. ♥

What author would you like to have on your blog?

I would be so excited and honoured to have Sophie Kinsella or Jodi Picoult on my blog. They are the Authors that really got me into adult reading. I would have liked to have had Enid Blyton on too! 

I am honoured to have any Authors comment and be on my blog. There are so many amazing book blogs out there, so if an Author chooses mine it is a huge compliment. 

What do you wear when you write your blog posts?

Always casual clothes, quite often pajamas. I tend to write my blog posts early on the weekend mornings. I will do some in the afternoons or evenings after work, then it is what ever casual clothes I am wearing. 

How long does it take you to prepare?

This is not really a straight forward answer, it totally depends on the post I’m writing, the shortest time is for short story or novella reviews, maybe up to an hour start to finish. For other book reviews, tags, bookish chat or other posts, I guess anywhere between 1 hour and 3 hours? I’m not really sure, because I tend to come back to each post a few times before I am happy to publish it. I guess as long as it take for me to me happy with each post.  😉

How do you feel about the book blogger community/culture?

I love it, there is always someone around to talk bookish talk, whatever time of the day or night because I can connect with bookbloggers all over the world and the different time zones. I have found blogger friends who have been so supportive and helpful. Particularly AJ over at ajbookreviewclub who has been really helpful.

Most bloggers are super friendly and always willing to help and support with chats, comments, retweets. Its great. Plus, the highlight is we all love books, so there is an instant connection to all these people. I love it. Thank you bookbloggers, you are amazing!

What do you think one should do to get a successful blog?

I guess this depends on what you consider ‘successful’. To me, successful is having an adequate amount of followers that you can interact with, have enjoyment from your blog and ultimately the success is if you are getting what YOU want from YOUR blog! I would say the most important thing is to enjoy it and be as passionate as you can about it. To get interaction and followers, I would advise promoting your posts on Twitter and / or facebook. Use the Retweet people on Twitter, like @FemaleBloggerRT, who will help with your promoting.  I have found that commenting on other peoples blogs helps,as this is how you get to know other bloggers. We are a helpful, friendly bunch so come interact, its fun! We know book talk and if that’s what you like, join in!

Thanks to Analee from BookSnacks for tagging me in this fun post. I’m not going to tag anyone in particular, but any bookbloggers out there that want to do this fun tag, consider yourself tagged and please leave your links for me to read them. I also appreciate comments on any of your answers to these questions.

Thanks for stopping by, til next time…..HAPPY READING! 

 

Reading Habits Book Tag

Thank you Amy and Kira for tagging me in this lovely little reading tag. I loved their answers and blogs, visit Amy HERE, and visit Kira HERE

 Do you have a certain place at home for reading?
At home I read in bed, sitting / lying on the sofa and sometimes in the bath! I liked Amy’s answer to this, as she said she wants to buy a reading chair. I would love a reading chair, but I think I will need to wait until I have my next house for that. 

 Bookmark or random piece of paper?
I love bookmarks, and mostly use them. I also use postcards or photos sometimes! I have had some nice postcards sent to me from Authors with their books, so I use them in their books. My favourite bookmarks are ones that have been made just for me by friends. 

Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop after a chapter / a certain amount of pages?
I can stop reading anywhere. I like to read whenever I have a bit of ‘waiting time’, i.e for a train, for a person, appointment, so that means I very often don’t get to the end of a chapter. But I find that end of chapters are often more of a page turner than middle of chapters! So, anywhere is fine with me.

♥ Do you eat or drink while reading?

Yes, absolutely. Plenty of cups of tea or hot chocolate. Lots of snacky biscuits, or pieces of chocolate! It would be better if I found healthier snacks!! Although I do drink more tea with books rather than snacking, so I suppose that’s something!

 Multitasking: Music or TV while reading?

Neither, if I did have either, it would be quiet background noise. I do read my books if Hubby is watching something I’m not interested in (like football!). But if I’m alone, I will read in silence and let the pictures form in my imagination from the words of the Author.

 Reading at home or everywhere?
Everywhere. Its mostly at home, but I often have a book or my kindle in my bag ready for any ‘waiting’ opportunities, like doctor’s waiting rooms, waiting for other people or waiting for the train.

 Reading out loud or silently in your head?
Definitely silently in my head. I occasionally read a few sentences out loud to Hubby if they are particularly funny or thrilling.

Do you read ahead or even skip pages?

I don’t ever skip pages! I’d be worried that I missed something crucial. Sometimes when I get to a really exciting part of the book, I read too fast not taking it in so that I can get to the end of the page…..just to check he doesn’t die / get caught whatever…. But I always have to go back and slow down.

Breaking the spine or keeping it like new?
Whatever comes naturally in the reading of the book, broken or not broken…. as long as it is enjoyed, I don’t care.

 Do you write in your books?
No, I think the only books I have written in have been travel books, but never novels. I have a book review journal, so I can write notes in that if I need to.

So, that’s my answers. if any booklovers would like to do this tag, please feel tagged and welcome. Or even just let me know your thoughts in the comments below. If any of you actually have a reading chair, I’d love to hear about or even see a photo!

I now would like to tag these lovely ladies. If you would like to do the tag, please let me know your answers, as I’d love to read them. Everyone should click these links and check out these girls blogs too! 

Princess Katie  @KatyGilroyBlog      Blog –  TheLilacScrapbook

Rayna                @ReaderRayna        Blog – ReaderRayna

Kat                     @Kat_thebooknerd   Blog – PerksofBeingaBookNerd

Cara                   @carawritesstuff       Blog – CaraWritesStuff 

I look forward to reading your posts girls.

Happy Reading! 

 

Day and Night Book Tag.

Thank you very much to Shawna from https://bookishshimmycaster.wordpress.com for nominating me for this bookish tag.

Its been really nice to get to know Shawna through her blog recently and I am very happy that she tagged me in this this post. Shawna has a great blog, and I recommend you all hop over for a browse and a follow.

I’m not tagging anyone in particular, but I’d love for you to follow on with this post! Bookbloggers and book lovers,  lets share our thoughts in this cute post.

Here goes with the questions:

D: Do you read more in the morning or at night?

Definitely more at night, I don’t have time to read in the morning before work. I like to enter my alternative world of whichever book I’m reading before  I go to sleep at night.

A: Are there any books that changed the way you thought about things?

Books always make you think about why the characters are the way they are and why they make the decisions that they make. The most prominent book that I have read involves this quote:

“Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it”, Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Y: YA or not?

I haven’t read a huge amount of YA, (Since I’ve been an adult) but I do enjoy the occasional YA book. My preferred read is crime thriller and chick lit / contemporary female. My next YA adult read I’m looking forward to is ‘Finding Audrey’ by Sophie Kinsella. Her first YA, and as I love all her other books, I’m sure this will be amazing too.

A: Are there any characters you honestly believe to be real?

Most characters I read about seem real in my head at the time of reading. A good book should have you engrossed in their lives so that you are following their adventures, emotional journey or whatever their story entails. Unless the author is writing about their real life story, then usually the characters aren’t really alive, but a good author will entice you into their lives so that you believe that they are ‘real’.

N: Nobody borrows my books or I don’t mind lending them out?

I don’t mind lending my books out, I would like it if more people wanted to borrow them actually so that we could discuss the story, characters, ending etc. Unfortunately, I don’t have many friends who read. (This doesn’t include my Twitter / Blogger friends who I love to share bookish thoughts with). 😉

D: Do you ever smell your books?

I do, its strange but I do!!! The last book I read, ‘So, You Think You’re A Celebrity….Chef’ by Caroline James, I swear I could smell a foody smell from it! I asked my Husband to smell it, and got the response back with an odd look, “It smells like paper”!!!!

N: Not everyone likes books, is this a positive or a negative?

It’s neither positive or negative. Everyone has their own interests, mine happens to be reading books. I think those that don’t read haven’t found the right books yet, or haven’t given it a chance. But each to their own.

I: I keep my books in the best condition or maybe not? Which are you?

I try to keep them in good condition, but not so as to not enjoy reading them. I certainly don’t deface them or anything, but I will take them in the garden, to the beach etc. I will also probably get a few biscuit crumbs in them. My books are read and lived and loved. 

G: Gosh I have too many books! True or False?

No, definitely not! I will say that I don’t have enough space to keep all the books I would like to keep. So, quite often I will give my books away, either to my followers via a giveaway or to my Mum or Sister in Law. I am happy to give them away to someone who will enjoy them as much as me. I have kept all of my e books though, my kindle is very full! 

H: Have you ever spilled or stained your books before with something, and if so how?

Ok, maybe not quite as bad as that! I have had sand, grass and biscuit crumbs in my books, but nothing too horrible or destructive.

T: Toned or untoned while reading? . . or in other words. . .Do you read and workout at the same time?

Funny question! How could you workout and read at the same time. For me, both would require all your attention? So, no I do both but not at the same time.

Thank you again Shawna for tagging me in this lovely bookish post. It was a fun post to write.

I would love to hear your answers to the questions. Let me know your thoughts and if you do this tag, leave me your links so I can read them.

Happy Reading from Me, Amanda at ChocolatePages.  xxx

                     Thanks to #SundayStars and #WOTW for                                         hosting link ups that I have participated in with this post.                                  

 

The TBR Tag.

This is the TBR Tag, in other words, the books I have to read and have not read yet!! I have only included books that I currently have. I think there are lots more books that I want to read, but I haven’t got yet.

I saw this tag on Katie’s site, link below: Thank you for this Katie.  😉

https://bookishtendencieskatie.wordpress.com/2015/02/25/the-tbr-tag/

I thought it was a really fun post to do, so I’m giving it a go. I won’t officially tag anybody, but if you do this tag, leave me your link below so I can see your answers.

Enjoy! Here goes:

 

1. How do you keep track of your TBR pile?

I was lucky enough to win a book journal. It is one of the best prizes that I have won, because I can keep a list of all of my books, and as I read them I can also make notes along the way for my review. I also have a list on Goodreads, though I don’t think this is completely up to date! Plus it has lots of books on it that I don’t yet own.

 

2. Is your TBR mostly print or e-book?

Mostly ebook, I think that’s because I have been accepting so many books to review and I have them piled up on my kindle. I have quite a few print books too, some bought myself and some review copies. 

3. How do you determine which book from your TBR to read next?

Mostly it’s based on what I have agreed to review. My reviewing time at the moment is about 2 months ahead because I have so many, so I have my line up of tbr’s in order for the next while. However, if I get offered one that sounds really amazing, I sometimes bump it up my list.

4. A book that’s been on your TBR list the longest?

Probably ‘A Season to Remember’ by Sheila Flanagan. I received this as a Christmas gift, I didn’t read it at Christmas and it got pushed back. It’s the kind of book I want to read at Christmas or at least winter. So, it’s been waiting a while. When I do read it, I’m sure I will love it. It will be cold and snowy outside and the spicy scented candles are burning and I’m drinking hot chocolate.

 

5. A book you recently added to your TBR?

The latest one that was added to my list is ‘Kidnapped by Nuns’ by Bob Fuss. Bob is a retired CBS News Correspondent, and I think he will have some amazing takes to tell. I am exited to read this.

 

6. A book on your TBR strictly because of it’s beautiful cover?

I wouldn’t read a book solely based on its cover, but the covers do bring me in to read the blurb. I do like books with beautiful covers, they look so enticing to read. One I recently requested from NetGalley is The Coincidence Of Coconut Cake, by Amy E Reichert. This cover is lovely and so enticing, don’t you think?!

 

7. A book on your TBR that you never plan on reading?

I plan to read them all….. eventually!  😉

 

8. An unpublished book on your TBR that you’re excited for?

‘For the Love of Ash’ by Taylor Lavati looks like a lovely book all about the importance of family and love. I have been given a copy of this by the author in exchange for an honest review. I love to receive arc copies, and I’m really looking forward to reading this. This is due to be released this month.

9. A book on your TBR that basically everyone has read but you?

I think this would have to be ‘Chocolate Wishes’ by Trisha Ashley. This has been out since 2010, so I think most people who like the same kind of books as me, would have read this. I love the cover of this book, so quaint and lovely looking. I think it looks like a perfect book for a chocoholic book lover like me! If you have read this, let me know how fantastic it is. I promise I will read this soon, it looks so delightful.

 

10. A book on your TBR that everyone recommends to you?

I was recommended to read this by AJ from https://ajbookreviewclub.wordpress.com

Frozen Charlotte by Alex Bell. AJ told me this book was totally amazing, I read her review of it and it sounds a very creepy book, but really good too. AJ raved about it so much, that I really am looking forward to reading it. 

 

11. A book on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

A book which really is next on my tbr list because it look so good is ‘Japan Guide..Less: Emails’ from Japan by Nicole D’Arcangelo. This book looks so funny and brilliant. I also think I will be able to relate to it really well because it’s about a lady’s life teaching English and surviving in a foreign country, which I have done and loved.

 

 

12. How many books are on your Goodreads TBR shelf?

At the moment my Goodreads TBR list is at 33. I’m think I could probably add a few more to it, but 33 is plenty to keep me going for a while. I started the Goodreads challenge this year and said I would read 30 books this year, so far I have read 7, so I’m doing well.

 

That was a fun tag to do, if any of you bookbloggers or readers want to join in, then please do. Let me know some of your answers or add me your link to your post below. I’d love to hear from you. 

 

 

Post Pals. How YOU Can Help a Sick Child.

This is the most important, emotional post I have ever or probably will ever write.

I found this website from reading Glamour magazine, they had written about it and I thought I would have a look.

POST PALS is a charity set up and manned by volunteers to help sick children in a way that anybody can do. It doesn’t cost a fortune, you don’t have to commit to anything, all you do is write a card, or a letter to a sick child.

We all know how much a nice letter or card can brighten our day. Imagine these children and their siblings, parents, carers or guardians. Just a little letter or card can bring a smile to their faces when they are struggling with their health.

No home addresses of the children are given, they each have a PO Box. If you want to help, have a look at this site: http://www.postpals.co.uk

You can read about each child that is waiting to hear from you. The web page will give you advise on what kind of things to write AND what NOT to write.

If you like you can send little gifts, they can be as inexpensive, home made or expensive as you like. The site has guidelines on things to be wary of depending on the child’s illness.

 I’m writing this blog post to make more people aware of this amazing organisation. Please help if you feel you can. You can also help by spreading the word. Noone is too old or too young to write. There is a cuddly toy writing to one of the children! 😉

Make a child smile, it will brighten their day.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

 

2015 Book Blogger Love-a-Thon.

I have joined up to my very first Love-a-Thon. These events have happened in previous years, but this will be my first.

To give you a quick overview of what it is. Love-a-Thon is being hosted by Alexa from http://www.alexalovesbooks.com

Alexa has organised the Book Blogger Love-a-Thon in hope that we can find new blogs to love and spread love to older and newer blogs and the blog owners!  I am looking forward to finding lots of new blogs and bloggers to chat with. There should be time for commenting on blogs, spreading positivity amongst bloggers and our community. Alexa will be holding Twitter chats, mini challenges and giveaways.

The # to follow all the chat is #Loveathon.

So, the first part of #Loveathon is to get to know all the fellow bloggers who are taking part.

Here are some questions and answers about me, (some sent over from Alexa) so you can get to know me more. I am hoping that fellow #Loveathon bloggers will be reading this. If you are joining in, please leave me a comment to let me know who you are, your links and just to say hello.

1. What’s your name and where in the world are you blogging from?

I’m Amanda, and I live in Scotland, though I am originally from Wales.

2. How did you come up with your blog name?

I came up with chocolatepages after thinking carefully about what I will be blogging about and what are my loves. I had read lots about blogging before I started and I wanted to choose a name that I could use on all social media platforms, so I also have chocolatepages in Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. I love reading, baking and chocolate, so chocolatepages seemed just right.

3. What genre do you read and review most on your blog?

I mostly enjoy chick lit, but also like crime and mysteries. I have reviewed one YA fantasy so far, and I did enjoy it. The imagination of the author was amazing.

4. What other types of posts do you do?

Aside from book reviews, I also blog quite a lot about things that I have baked. My Hubby has a lot of food allergies, so I mostly bake gluten free things and things which are on a special FODMAP diet. That’s vey complicated and strict! I also do a few lifestyle posts. Bit of a mix really, but I would say its mainly a book blog.

5. Best blogging experiences so far?

The best parts of blogging is the community. I love to write about the things I love, but it wouldn’t be the same without my readers and the interaction that I get back from my blog and Twitter.

6. Fav thing about the blogging community?

I love all the interaction in the blogging community, everybody is so supportive. I feel like I have made some real friends via blogging. I also love the interaction with the authors, I like that they seem to appreciate my reviews.

7. Name some books you are excited about for 2015?

I have a few books that I’m looking forward to reading this year.

Blue Sun, Yellow Sky, by Jamie Hoang. (Just out).

Finding Audrey, by Sophie Kinsella (Due out June 2015).

8. Which book boy or girl would be your book BFF?

My book BFF would have to be Becky Brandon from Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series. She is so funny, I would be laughing all the time.

9. Pick out a book you want turned into a film/tv show? or a tv show/film you want turned into a book?

I really enjoyed watching Under The Dome and I know that this is based on the book written by Stephen King. So, I would like to read this. Sometimes, I’m not sure I would like books to be turned into films, because they are never as good. I will be interested in other people’s answers to this question.

So, there is some Book Blogger Love-a-Thon information about me. Please feel free to join in with #LoveAThon via your blog and / or Twitter. I would be very happy to chat with you and I know Alexa would too.

Finally thank you Alexa for organising this, and heres to a fantastic #LoveAThon weekend, and making lots of new blogger friends.