Hooked on books with Cup of Toast

Hi Everyone welcome to another instalment of Hooked on books. You may not know but I run a book group on Facebook called Hooked on books with Joanna Victoria which you are welcome to join to talk all things books.

Every Wednesday I will be bringing you a brand new guest series. I’ll be featuring some lovely bloggers who will be sharing their answers to reading/book related questions. I hope you manage to find some more wonderful blogs to read. If you’re a blogger and want to take part then get in touch!

This weeks instalment features Jo from Cup of Toast

Hi, I’m Jo. Cup of Toast is my family and lifestyle blog where I write about life in general, things to do with children and send virtual picture postcards. Please drop by and say hi!

What book(s) are you currently reading?

I’m just starting ‘Bring Up The Bodies’ by Hilary Mantel. I loved ‘Wolf Hall’ so am excited to be read this one.

What book is next on your “to be read” list?

Sarah Millican ‘How To Be A Champion’. It’s a slightly different pace from all the historical novels that I’ve been reading recently, but I saw Sarah live for one of her Standard Issue pod cast recordings and she was so interesting to listen to.

What is your favourite genre to read?

I am normally found with some sort of historical or purely fictional drama in my hand, although honestly I love to read anything including poetry, scripts and prose so it varies.

Who are some your favourite authors?

This can vary too. I love Virginia Woolf. I studied her for my undergraduate degree dissertation and am fascinated by her life and work. Chaucer might be an obvious choice but I really admire reading his work and knowing what he did for the development of English Literature. Philippa Gregory for her historical novels. They are so well researched and brilliantly written. Bill Bryson for his humour and honesty. I haven’t read a single book of his that I didn’t enjoy. There are so many more too though (Alice Walker, James Joyce, George Eliot to name a few), and many more to come I’m sure.

What are your top 5 favourite books?

What a tricky question! If pushed…
‘Legacy’ – Susan Kay

‘The Taming of the Queen’ – Philippa Gregory
‘Mrs Dalloway’ – Virginia Woolf
‘The Colour’ – Rose Tremain
‘Fugitive Pieces’ – Anne Michaels

Paperback vs digital books - which do you prefer and why?

Paperback all the way! I love to hold a proper book, the smell of the pages and the joy of turning each one to discover what happens next.

What was your favourite book or series of books as a child?

I loved the Jinny series by Patricia Leach. I used to save up my pocket money to buy the next one, I was hooked!

Do you ever cheat and skip to the end of a book? Why do you do it?

No, although I do sometimes check additional facts and cross reference books that are based on factual information like the historical novels that I read. I like to learn more about some events as I am reading through the story, and naturally some things need to be left out to allow for the flow of the main storyline. This does sometimes mean that I come across the demise of a central character though, but I know my history pretty well so it’s rarely a surprise.

Do you hang on to your books once you've read them? Or do you prefer to pass them on to a charity shop / a friend?

I am pretty awful at hanging on to them all. Unless they’re really bad I just can’t let them go. I’d love to live in a library. I think my husband would love me to sort them out somehow. At the moment they are mostly stacked in our loft as we’ve run out of bookshelves!

Do you read one book at a time or do you have multiples on the go?

One at a time. I like to give it my full attention.

Describe your ideal reading nook

I normally sit in bed and read there. Snuggling up in bed with a book is something that I’ve done from childhood so it’s just followed through to now.

You can follow Jo over on:

http://cupoftoast.co.uk

www.facebook.com/cupoftoastblog

www.twitter.com/cupoftoastblog

www.instagram.com/cupoftoastblog

www.pinterest.co.uk/cupoftoastblog

Shopping at Joules

Joules is a brand I love, there is something about their gorgeous prints especially the florals. Joules sell a wide selection of products from clothing to homewares suitable for men, women and children.

Whether you want to add something new to your wardrobe or add little finishing touches to your home. You can now do so and save a bit of money as Groupon have these Joules discounts available.

When it comes to shopping with Joules the homeware has to be my favourite section. I love that Joules homeware items are perfect for adding colour and gorgeous prints to the home.

I've currently got my eye on some of the gorgeous bedding sets which I'm pretty sure my husband would even like such as stripes and checks. This way you can add a bit of Joules to your bedroom especially if you/your partner aren't too keen on florals.

If like me during summer you love to enjoy picnics and dining alfresco Joules have some great outdoor dining accessories. I have a picnic blanket and a cool bag that I got last year which came in so handy for picnics in the park. I'm planning to pack them when we head on holiday this year as they will be perfect for the beach or for just sitting on eating a yummy BBQ outside near the caravan we will be staying in. Joules have such lovely floral and polka dot prints for this year and they also have pretty plates, bowls, beakers etc too.

You may also like to bring a bit of Joules to your kitchen. You can do with stunning printed mugs and textiles. Again you are spoilt for choice when it comes to the different designs such as different floral prints, stripes and more.
With oven gloves, aprons, and tea towels you can find a print that fits your kitchen and style easily.

For me I had to have a mug set from Joules this set from last year is so pretty and my favourite Joules item I own.

Are you a Joules fan?

April Reads

April has come and gone and I've had another month of great reads. This month I've got trough 4 books and two magazines. Luckily most of what I've read this month I've really enjoyed.

So what have I read in March:

The woman who stole my life by Marian Keyes

This was my first book that I read in April and one that I found to be a disappointment. I usual love Marian Keyes books so to find one that I didn't enjoy as much as I hoped was certainly a disappointing start to my month of reads.

"Stella Sweeney is back in Dublin. After living the dream in New York for a year - touring her self-help book, appearing on talk shows all over the USA and living it up in her 10-room duplex on the Upper West Side - she's back to normality with a bang. And she's got writer's block.

Stella wants a clean break as she didn't exactly leave New York on a high. Why is she back in Ireland so soon? Who is it who keeps calling? Stella wants to get back to being the woman she used to be. But can she? And should she?"

I just couldn't get on with any of the characters and I found the storyline to be poor I'm surprised I continued and finished the book in all fairness.

If you have read this book I'd love to know your thoughts on it and if it's just me who couldn't get on with it.

In the moment magazine

I've decided to stop purchasing this magazine as I definitely prefer breathe. I've found that having read two issues of in the moment magazine I'm not enjoying the content as much, where i feel breathe has more articles that I can relate too. However from this copy of In the moment I enjoyed the article on finding yourself in a good book along with some pod cast reccomendations. There are also a cute happy notes book which came with it which i love.

Breathe Magazine

There are some many fab articles in this issue including how to say yes, the power of anger, conscious eating, living with clastrophobia and more. I even loved just flipping through and looking at the gorgeous artwork.

A Gathering light by Jennifer Donnelly

Based on a real murder at the turn of the century this a moving novel. Although not like the type of thrillers/crime stories I love to read I did enjoy this book. I found it to be an easy read and finished it within a day. It's a YA historical novel and I must admit a genre I actually do enjoy reading about.

When Mattie is given letters by a guest at the hotel where she has a summer job, she thinks the guest is simply upset. But when the woman is found drowned next day, Mattie must decide whether she will read them, or burn them as requested. A touching funny surprising novel set in 1906 and based on a true story.

The characters of Grace Brown and Chester Gillette, as well as the facts of Grace's murder in the Adirondacks and the fishing out of her body from the waters of the Big Moose Lake, are actually real people and events although the character Mattie is fictional.

Close to home by Cara Hunter

This book has to be my favourite from this month's reads. Close to Home is part of the Richard and Judy book club and I can see why they chose it. Close to Home features many twists and turns along the way and is a gripping novel.

Eight year old Daisy Mason goes missing at a family party, no one saw anything- well that's what they are saying. DI Adam Fawley tries to keep an open mind but knows 9 times out of 10 it's someone the victim knew. That means someone is lying.

I was gripped throughout the book and hardly dared put the book down as I just wanted to keep reading til the very end. This is a fantastic debut by Cara Hunter and I can't wait for more of her books and read more of the DI Adam Fawley series.

In a dark, dark wood by Ruth Ware

It's an enjoyable thriller definitely not as good as Close to home or some of the others I have read. This is the only book I've read by Ruth Ware and I'm definitely interested in what her other novels are like.

Nora hasn't seen Clare for ten years. Not since Nora walked out of school one day and never went back.

Until, out of the blue, an invitation to Clare’s hen do arrives. Is this a chance for Nora to finally put her past behind.

But something goes wrong. Very wrong.

Some things can’t stay secret for ever.

The spooky setting really helps make the tension in the book between some of the characters. There are a few twists and turns and I did find myself guessing a few of the things that would happen correctly.

Organic Shop Hair Care range

Recently I've been starting at looking at ways I can be more eco friendly. So when I was given the chance to try out a new hair care brand whose products are organic I jumped at the chance.

Organic Shop sent me three hair care products a shampoo, a conditioner and a hair mask and I got to choose which range was best for me. I went for the pomegranate and patchouli.

Organic Shop have taken natural beauty recipes and given them a modern twist, to give you products with natural ingredients. Plus they are affordable so that that they are readily available for everyone.

All of their products contain 98% naturally sourced ingredients and are 100% cruelty free. In fact they even insist that their suppliers are too.

The pomegranate and patchouli shampoo, conditioner and hair mask all are bursting with essential oils to give your hair an invigorating boost. Organic pomegranate leaves hair looking sleek and shiny while patchouli oil gives a hydration boost making hair silky soft.

Organic Shop launched their new hair care range in Tesco and you can also buy the range online at £2.50 each. I'll certainly be trying out the other scents available the honey and avocado sounds right up my street.

Hooked on books with The Photographers Way

This week's instalment is with Emma who blogs at The Photographers Way

Hi. I'm Emma Lord, owner of Emma Lord Photography. I specialise in photographing pets and other animals, presenting final pictures as fine art images. My blog "The Photographer's Way" documents my journey into running my own business and photography, including lessons learned and practical advice. As my business evolves, so life changes around it. The blog will be expanding to cover different elements of my lifestyle over the coming months, particularly in considering how to balance work and life, while running a sole trader business

What book(s) are you currently reading?

Last One to Die by Tess Gerritsen. The book is part of an ongoing series about a detective and forensic pathologist who work together. It's my first outing with the author though and I didn't appreciate that the characters are already well established through earlier books. However, it stands alone very well and is - so far - a gripping read.

What book is next on your “to be read” list?

I tend to wait and see how the mood takes me when I'm ready for a new book. I always have plenty of unread books lined up ready to dive into! The current line up ranges from a selection of graphic novels, to historical books. I have my favourite genres, but do try to read widely to experience a range of subjects, styles and authors.

What is your favourite genre to read?

I enjoy psychological thrillers, although the market is somewhat saturated with these at the moment and I find the quality of story can be quite varied. I've always enjoyed science fiction too, and horror. I appreciate books which lead you to think about the plot and form your own views. I'm less keen on books which are too graphic in detail, focussing on shocks rather than character and narrative. I also like books which, when you reflect on them, you see the conclusion evolving slowly throughout the pages. Some books reach a conclusion by introducing some new information right at the end, which means unless you made a very lucky guess, you'd never have worked things out on your own as you didn't have access to all the information!

Who are some your favourite authors?

Ursula Le Guin has been a favourite since I first started on the Earthsea novels. Her ability to create fantasy worlds of strong characters and detailed stories makes it very hard to put the books down once you've started them. Ray Bradbury's writing has always appealed to my imagination too. I particularly enjoy his short stories with unexpected endings. I've enjoyed most of Stephen King's books as I find he tends to put time into developing the characters and building the mood of the book, rather than leaping straight into the core of the story. Finally, Roald Dahl. Not just for his children's books, but for his autobiographies which are both fascinating and full of emotional contrasts (especially some of his recollections of World War II which are included in "Going Solo"). I also enjoy his adult books with twists in the tale and find them so re-readable; even when you know the twist, the style of writing is mesmerising and worth more than one read!

What are your top 5 favourite books?

I'm going for a selection of childhood favourites and books I've read as an adult:

The House That Beebo Built by Janine Ast and Elaine Gree. This book entranced me as a child, and I still love it as an adult. The story, the illustrations, the magic within the pages. Even as a child, the concept of trying to break away from the constraints of life and lead the life you dream of appealed to me; even more so as an adult!

Lion and Blue by Robert Vavra and Fleur Cowles. A beautiful story complemented by stunning illustrations.

Legacy by Susan Kay. A fascinating account of the life and times of Queen Elizabeth I. A huge amount of historical research went into this novel, and as a GCSE history student, I found it an invaluable source of information for the Elizabethan section of our curriculum. Written in the style of a story, this is nevertheless a very accurate and fact based account.

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. Full of dark imagination and fairytale style narrative, this is a gripping tale of complex characters. Having worked in London for a number of years, the fact this book is set beneath the streets which I walked so regularly on my daily commute, added an extra level of intrigue.

Ajax The Warrior by Mary Elwyn Patchett. A biographical account of a young girl's childhood in Australia. This book appealed in particular because many of her closest companions were animals which she rescued as a child. The Ajax of the title is a golden half dingo dog, who she found and rescued after floods.

Paperback vs digital books - which do you prefer and why?

I much prefer paperback. I don't need to remember to charge the book up to begin with! I find something comforting in relaxing with a paperback book and letting my mind drift away into the story, preparing eagerly to turn the page to find out what happens next. Somehow that's harder to do with a digital book. I also find paperback much easier on the eyes than reading a screen for too long.

What was your favourite book or series of books as a child?

The Earthsea novels by Ursula Le Guin. I also enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. I reread the latter series quite recently and still took so much from the books. The final book, 'The Last Battle' was very moving.

Do you ever cheat and skip to the end of a book? Why do you do it?

Yes. Always with any book about animals (especially if it's based on a true story). If the animal dies at the end, I'm not sure I want to invest the time into reading the book, falling in love with the creature, then have to go through the feeling of loss at the end. Having lived with animals all my life, letting go when they die is such a wrench.

Do you hang on to your books once you've read them? Or do you prefer to pass them on to a charity shop / a friend?

It depends. If I might read them again, or I think my husband would enjoy them, I hang onto them. If I know that I won't read it again, but know a friend or family member who might like a read, I pass the book on. Otherwise I pass them on to charity. I do have a lot of books; I don't think my husband realised quite how many until we moved house recently! I've kept a book journal for the last few years to remind me what I thought of books when I read them, and highlight authors I'd like to read more of.

Do you read one book at a time or do you have multiples on the go?

Usually one at a time, unless I have a non-fiction book on the go alongside a fiction book.

Describe your ideal reading nook

May I have two please?!

The first is the classic beneath a large tree, somewhere which offers a good view across open countryside. It's a sunny day but the tree casts a cool shadow, and the summer breeze means it's not too hot. It's a safe place to relax, lean against the solid tree trunk, and read in peace.

The colder weather option is another classic; a comfortable armchair which I can curl up into and read. Enough light to see the pages without straining my eyes, but nothing too bright. Here, in front of an open fire and surrounded by our various rescue animals, I could happily sit for hours and read. I imagine the room I'm in to be lined with uneven shelves full of books, and perhaps a few curiosities which have been collected over time from various antique shops and flea markets.

Finally, I never drink hot drinks when reading. I become so engrossed in the book, that the drink is invariably stone cold by the time I remember about it!

You can find Emma over on:

Blog: http://www.thephotographersway.org

Facebook: @EmmaLordPhotography

Twitter: @Emma_Lord_Photo

Instagram: @emma_lord_photography

Re, Cycle Me Set #Tactical Tuesdays

Hi everyone, This weeks #TacticalTuesdays is going to be the last one for awhile.
After discussing with both Vicky and Jenny we've decided to take a much needed break from the linky.

If you have not joined in with this linky or need a reminder the idea behind the linky is that you share with us your Tactical Parenting posts/hacks for the week. This can be crafts, recipes, meal plans, reviews, Days out, parenting posts etc. Both old and new posts are welcome in the link up all you have to do is grab the badge at the end of the post and the rules are also stated below too.

Please don't forget you can use the hashtag #TacticalTuesdays over on Facebook, twitter and Instagram)

This week I'm linking up with my post on the Re,Cycle, Me craft set that I was sent to review. It's a great way to encourage children to turn garbage into art and the set has enough to make 5 fun projects.

An InLinkz Link-up

Hooked on books with Cup of Toast

Shopping at Joules

April Reads

Organic Shop Hair Care range

Hooked on books with The Photographers Way

Re, Cycle Me Set #Tactical Tuesdays

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