The Little Library Project

I put myself on a book ban in November... yet I still managed to buy myself 18 of the damn things. Oops? Here's the books I bought, why I bought them and links to the reviews for the ones I've already read! WARNING - I absolutely judge books by their cover. I'm not ashamed to admit it.  The Ex-Hex I saw this around Halloween and everyone was reading it. I ordered it a bit late but it still gave me those cosy Autumn vibes and I loved it.  Full review  HERE Cackle   Another book that was big around Halloween and I love witchy books so I didn't resist. Didn't quite give me the Autumn feeling that I was looking for but cabin in the woods? Box ticked! Full review HERE The Goblin Emperor   As a Labyrinth fanatic, I have no shame in admitting that anything to do with Goblin Kings or the like will absolutely draw me in. Wintersong and Shadowsong upheld my obsession. I have no idea if this will follow suit but I'm looking forward to getting into it. The Priory of the Ora

My affection for Agatha Christie is fairly new - I've only read two of her books, both in the last 6 months and mainly because of the films. But even after such little exposure, I've realised she's going to fast become one of my favoured authors.  The Christie Affair is a fictional story based on Christie disappearance for 11 days back in 1926. I haven't looked into the comparisons between truth and fabrication but I have a strong sense that creative license was used to excess. A keen Christie-fan will no doubt be able to pull it apart, and probably have a very different feeling towards this book.  But I really enjoyed it. Christie was portrayed as a very strong, matter-of-fact human being that had her flaws like everyone else. The surrounding characters were great, and the story overall was really enjoyable. The book itself didn't take me long to devour and I kind of hope they develop it into a film at some point.

  After an amicable separation with her husband of 25 years, Juliette finds herself with new found freedom. She makes the decision to go back to the city she fell in love with and to put to bed ghosts that she has never once stopped thinking about.  I absolutely adored this book. It had everything I look for - a strong female character that is true to her emotions, a beautiful backdrop, and memorable and complimentary secondary players. Juliette's account of what she went through thirty years ago works with the story of her journey in present day and enhances the story without being condescending or repetitive. Yes, the ending was predictable but in the most delightful way.  I hope that this story inspires everyone to re-establish themselves when they have the need or want to.

Another book that I definitely should have read over the Halloween period! Cackle was another one of those buzz books circulating on the run up to Halloween this year and I ordered it just a tad too late.  Cackle focuses around Annie - recently dumped and forced to move away from the big city to a small town to start a new job and new life. But she can't stop pining her for ex. Whilst navigating her new home, she meets the gorgeous Sophie who introduces her to the joys of being alone.  Sophie isn't the main character in this book but she's the one that stuck with me the most. If she existed here in the UK - she'd absolutely be shopping at Collectif! I really liked her - yes her methods are extreme and questionable in many ways, but she was a badass bitch and I aspire to that level of confidence. It was another nice, and simple read. Some people have described it as "dark" - I didn't think that at all but as someone who has always had a love of all thing wi

  I was given an advanced copy of Holiday Read by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.. so here goes.  I didn't love it, but I also didn't hate it.  The challenge with romance is that it's a very common and intensely saturated genre. Writers have to stand out to make them feel different to all the others. And whilst I can see what Cole tried to do - it rarely missed the mark.  I made the mistake of reading reviews whilst I was reading the book. I got about a third of the way in and, getting quite frustrated with the story in a "Surely not?" kind of way - I took a look at the reviews (something I NEVER normally do). The guilt absolutely took me over so I finished it instead of DNF'ing it.  And I'm glad I did because thankfully, it set itself back on a relatively good course.  In an attempt to set themselves out from other romance writers - there were some seriously unnecessary facts throughout the dialogue which turned elements into a lesson. There w

  I have no shame in admitting that I wouldn't have even heard of this book if it wasn't for Harry Styles. But the reason I LOVED it, was of course - for many other reasons.  Beginning in the 1950's, the story follows Marion, her school-girl crush on her best friends brother Tom, and his subsequent turmoil over his sexuality.  It's hard to do this book justice and not undersell it.  The relationships in this book are complex, and the reasons for it are steeped in the prejudice against homosexuality. The characters are stunningly written and the angst and sadness felt by all characters at various stages and well portrayed.   If you enjoyed The Hearts Invisible Furies, then I urge you to read this.  I haven't yet watched the film, however I have been told that elements of the plot have been amended for cinematic purposes so even if you've drawn judgement on the film - give the book a try. It was stunning. 

  I'm going to prelude this by saying that I read for enjoyment. I don't necessarily read for my reading ability to be test (though I enjoy my views and perceptions being challenged). So I will generally read books that are "easy" to read for me - language that I understand without subtext or second meanings.  However, after reading The Last Tale of the Flower Bride, I think I'm missing out.  This story was DRIPPING in poetry. It is the most hauntingly beautiful tale I have ever read. I just -. I can't shift it.  "In the end, a fairy tale is nothing more than a sense of hope." I feel like anything I say may well lead to spoilers and I can hand on heart say - I'd never want to spoil any aspect of this book for anyone.  All I'll say is that this is a gothic fairytale in every sense of the word - one I could well see Del Toro producing - and I think this could become one of the few books I would re-read.  I loved every single part. 

  For a while now, I've been wanting some Autumn themed books that weren't horror or thriller based. You know what I mean - like how Christmas books are basically romance but with snow. I wanted Autumn/Fall leading up to Halloween. The pumpkins are implied but not the whole story.  And whilst The Ex Hex is absolutely witchy - it delivered on the Autumn feels.  The Ex Hex tells the story of Vivi - 9 years ago she had a summer thing with one of the Penhallow boys and he broke her heart. Vodka drunk, she did want any teenage witch would do. Together with her cousin, they hexed him! But years later, they had no idea of what the impact would be.  Small town romance with a spooky twist, I absolutely adored this book and will be on the hunt for the second book next Autumn. Apparently there's even going to be a third! 

  Like many, I have been suckered into the world of BookTok recently and as a result of experiencing the ACOTAR series, I've developed a taste for books with a bit of.... spice. Tessa Bailey seems to be one of the more "mainstream" authors delving into the detailed romance style so this and It Happened One Summer were going to be my starting points. Unfortunately, of the two-book series, only the second was available to buy in my local Waterstones but I didn't let that stop me - I dived right in.  It didn't disappoint. There were hints of the previous book in the plot but for me, enough information was given that this one works well as a standalone.  LA based Hannah is heading back to Westport. Not only does she get to see her sister Piper after months apart, but also the gorgeous Fox who she has found herself a friendship with after 7 months. But through texting consistently, they've become good friends through sharing their love of music.  The only problem i

  Whilst grieving the deaths of her brother and fiancé during the First World War, Grace is shocked to find out that her families lodger, Elizabeth has also passed away. The police have ruled it to be suicide but Grace fears there’s more to the tragedy. A beautiful and poignant description of post-War London, this mystery wove a tale that didn’t help but pull at my heart strings. No tears were shed, but the feelings of grief were portrayed subtly and effectively.   Grace is a truly likeable character, seeing good in the world and a thirst for truth. Her determination and awareness was quite refreshing, especially when set in a time where womens rights were being pushed for and understood. The twist was good, a surprise but not unbelievable. An enjoyable read.  

Looking Out For Love is the latest novel by Sophia Money-Coutts and promises a laugh-out-loud and heartwarming read. We follow Stella, unlucky in love and searching in all the wrong places until she meets mysterious Fitz. Falling head over heels in lust, she has unanswered questions whilst doing her best to support her best friend Billie, who is going through the worst time imaginable. Is Fitz everything she wants and needs him to be? For me personally, Stella’s quest for Mr Right was totally relatable but she came across as extremely one dimensional and selfish. So much more could have been down with the story and characters - Billie’s storyline could have proven an opportunity for Stella to grow and develop, but instead she acted with only herself in mind. I loved Jez - he was exactly what you'd expect the boyfriend of your best friend to be - irritating but worthy. He could have provided a lot more comic relief especially in the more sensitive parts of the plot As an easy r