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March Reads

March ReadsA new month! Another stack of books to get through! Here’s what I’m hoping to accomplish reading this month:

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

Black Spring by Alison Croggon

Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

Change by Soraya Lane

Heidi by Johanna Spryi (ebook)

The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher (ebook – ARC)

Most of these books are for review for this blog, but the others that aren’t, you’ll find my reviews on Goodreads. Apologies for the photo quality. I’m currently in the middle of sorting out a new room. Moving in London is never easy!

Happy reading!

Ashley xx

Freshly Published Feb 2013

It’s time for what’s going to be (or already has) been published this month! Have a look and get reading! All summaries are from Goodreads.

city of cover

City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Foster

An exotic treat set in an entirely original, fantastical world brimming with deadly mystery, forbidden romance, and heart-stopping adventure.

Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a child. Now sixteen, she lives on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls apprentice as musicians, healers, courtesans, and, if the rumors are true, assassins. Nisha makes her way as Matron’s assistant, her closest companions the mysterious cats that trail her shadow. Only when she begins a forbidden flirtation with the city’s handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the walls. Until one by one, girls around her start to die.

Before she becomes the next victim, Nisha decides to uncover the secrets that surround the girls’ deaths. But by getting involved, Nisha jeopardizes not only her own future in the City of a Thousand Dolls—but her own life.

Out of Nowhere

Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian

At Maquoit High School, Tom Bouchard has it made: captain and star of the soccer team, boyfriend to one of the prettiest, most popular girls, and third in his class, likely to have his pick of any college, if he ever bothers filling out his applications. But life in his idyllic small Maine town quickly gets turned upside down after the events of 9/11.

Enniston has become a “secondary migration” location for Somali refugees, who are seeking a better life after their country was destroyed by war—they can no longer go home. Tom hasn’t thought much about his Somali classmates until four of them join the soccer team, including Saeed. He comes out of nowhere on the field to make impossible shots, and suddenly the team is winning, dominating even; but when Saeed’s eligibility is questioned and Tom screws up in a big way, he’s left to grapple with a culture he doesn’t understand and take responsibility for his actions. Saeed and his family came out of nowhere and vanish just as quickly. And Tom may find himself going nowhere, too, if he doesn’t start trying to get somewhere.

scarlet

This is Book 2 in the Lunar ChroniclesCheck out Book 1

I’m a HUGE fan of Cinder! Find my review here.

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.

As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

I’m a HUGE fan of Cinder! Find my review here.

the 39 deaths

The 39 Deaths of Adam Strand

Adam Strand isn’t depressed. He’s just bored. Disaffected. So he kills himself—39 times. No matter the method, Adam can’t seem to stay dead; he wakes after each suicide alive and physically unharmed, more determined to succeed and undeterred by others’ concerns. But when his self-contained, self-absorbed path is diverted, Adam is struck by the reality that life is an ever-expanding web of impact and forged connections, and that nothing—not even death—can sever those bonds.

In stark, arresting prose, Gregory Galloway finds hope and understanding in the blackest humor.

pivot point

Pivot Point by Kasie West

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

I’m hoping to get Scarlet for myself. The others I might have to wait and (hope) they come to my library. I can’t wait to see what March will bring! Happy reading everyone!

February Purchases

Feb purchases

A few weekends back, during a particularly wet and rainy Sunday in London, I took a long stroll over to the lovely Daunt Books in Chelsea. They have an amazing teenage section, as well as an well stocked children’s book area. For those looking for a place to browse in regards to art and travel, this is the Daunt Books location! Sadly the heating in this building has a lot to be desired (which isn’t unusual for such a lovely building). Regardless of this fact the gentleman that served me was charming, polite and full of smiles even on such a dreary day!

I made my purchases:

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

I’ve been wanting to read The Neverending Story for ages! I grew up on the film adapation – I’ve named my car Falkor – and the second I learned this was based on a book I knew I had to give a read!

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

I actually bought this book for my friend’s boyfriend for Christmas last year. I loved the sound of it so much I was thrilled to have an excuse to get a copy for myself! It was in the teenage section but I’m not too sure if it’s really YA or not. Either way I’m excited to dive back into another one of Gaiman’s worlds.

I was not disappointed with my purchases from last month and I can’t wait to get started on these! Although I originally started my journey dead set on buying Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, I was so disappointed to see it wasn’t in stock! Oh well, there’s always next month.

Happy reading!

Ashley xx

The Kim Scott Walwyn Prize and Call For Entries concerning Sherlock Holmes

Big News for the Publishing and Writing communities!

KimScott

For women who work in publishing – Don’t be shy! If you live in the UK please enter yourself for the chance to be chosen for this wonderful honour on behalf of BookTrust:

“The Prize is named in honour of Kim Scott Walwyn, a Publishing Director at Oxford University Press who died in 2002. She was widely regarded as a dynamic and exceptional publisher within her lifetime and served as a mentor to several people entering the industry. In keeping with her commitment to young publishers, the Prize Committee partnered with the Society of Young Publishers (SYP) and the Publishing Training Centre (PTC) in 2011 to strengthen the Prize’s dedication to recognising promise among women in the industry. Booktrust has managed the Prize since its inception in 2003.

The Prize is open to any woman who has worked in publishing in the UK for up to seven years.  Applicants must nominate themselves and supply two referees. Submissions are now open, with the deadline for all entries of Monday 25 February 2013.

Past winners and shortlisted candidates include women from publicity to rights, from editors to literary agents. Lynette Owen (OBE), Copyright Director of Pearson Education was the inaugural winner and Kathy Rooney, Managing Director of Bloomsbury Publishing, Annette Thomas, CEO of Macmillan, Penelope Hoare, Deputy Managing Director at Chatto & Windus, (although now semi-retired), Kay Peddle, Editor, The Bodley Head and Rukhsana Yasmin, Commissioning Editor, Westbourne Press have followed.  Shortlisted applicants are of the highest calibre and have included Eleanor Crawforth Editor/Sales and Marketing Manager, Carcanet Press, Bethan Jones Publicity Director Harvill Secker / Yellow Jersey Press and Donna Condon, who has recently been announced as the new Editorial Director of Harlequin.

Deadline for this year’s Prize has been extended to 5pm, 25 February 2013

The winner will be announced at ceremony at the Free Word Centre in Central London on Wednesday 15 May 2013 and will receive £1000, sponsored by the SYP, and a two-day training course of their choice at the PTC.  Shortlisted candidates will also receive a one-day training course courtesy of the PTC.

Find the entry guidelines here.

Now, for the Writers:

ContestLove Sherlock Holmes? Love to Write? Submit an essay for the chance to be published in a collection of fandom works about one of the greatest detectives! Deadline is March 1st.

FAQ

The Baker Street Babes

Good luck to all those who enter!

February Reads

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Yay! February! Yay for new things to read! This month I’ll be reading:

Kiss River by Diane Chamberlain

Slated by Teri Terry

Crossed by Ally Condie

Ascent by M. C. Zappitello

National Library Day

Today around the UK is National Library Day!

Libraries are being taken for granted and are underappreciated. They’re also beginning to disappear. Before I moved to London I survived on working multiple part time jobs, being a nanny, receptionist and babysitter. I worked all hours and didn’t get health care. The Seattle Public Library was my saving grace and provider of all essential entertainment (other than Netflix). My life was ridiculous but I could do amazing things because of what the library could give me access to.  Today I celebrate the Seattle Public Library by writing a letter to this amazing library that provides some of the best literary service, books and resources all for free.

SPL outside

Dear Seattle Public Library (mainly the Northeast and Northgate branches),

            How do I say that one of the best things about living in Seattle is having access to the your local library branch? For my three years working as a nanny the Northeast Branch had been my Thursday destination as soon as I dropped off one of the wards for piano lessons. There was always a book waiting in the reserve section and a computer to quickly check process of the others. I must also mention that the easy to use website that makes it possible to search for practically ANY book and request it at ANY branch for free is one thing I took for granted before I moved away.

SPL hallway

Your proactive ability to advertise the future purchase of a book before it’s published, allowing for members to request it in advance had given me more opportunity to read different types of books that I never expected. Even better? Your stock of knitting books gave me hope that one day I could knit myself my very own jumper (sweater).

SPL Shelf

Because of your standout service I treated books as an investment. If I liked them then I would purchase. The self-check out also gave me the privacy to check out books without watchful or judgemental eyes. I am so proud that Saturday hours are back and swoon over the new library card designs. I no longer live in Seattle, but I would love a newly designed library card to flaunt around London.

May you always remain standout, not just in architecture, but in service, community and of course books! (duh) Other than friends and family, honestly the one thing that I miss most of all is indeed the Seattle Public Library. Target is a close second.

Your biggest fan,

Ashley

Please take the time today to visit your local library. Check out a cookbook, a children’s book or the latest bestseller! If you don’t have a library card – WHO ARE YOU?! Get one immediately and start loving your library! These amazing places are disappearing and need your support!