Book review: Grace's Guide

When I said Fleur de Force's Glam Guide was the only Youtuber book I will buy, I lied, as this one was quietly taking up space in my drawer, ready to be featured. Grace's Guide came out a little while ago now, way before Christmas in fact, and I've been meaning to write about it since

I'm not sure why I picked this up if I'm honest. I don't watch Grace Helbig's videos religiously like I do with other Youtuber vids but when I do watch her videos I really enjoy her humour and sarcasm and I feel it translates really well into this book. It's very tongue in cheek and you probably shouldn't take the advice too literally, but there are bits and pieces that are quite helpful such as the interview techniques, party and travel tips and making friends as an adult. I believe Grace is in her early thirties so this book is great for people of my age (late 20's *cough cough*) to get a bit of help and advice on various topics.

Grace never takes herself too seriously, which is why this book is pretty funny in places. It's just Grace's humour through and through and I like the fact that after each chapter it has a helpful ticklist to help you remember the key points of the chapter. Again, like Fleur's book, this isn't one I've read from front to back but it is one I pick up and flick through every now and then. It's most definitely a coffee table sort of book, but one that you'll get something new and witty from on each read.

Have you read Grace's Guide? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Book review: The Glam Guide by Fleur de Force

I've been watching Fleur's videos for a couple of years now and they have always been some of my favourite. Her content might not be hugely different than other fashion/beauty vloggers but I've always felt I can relate more to Fleur and enjoy her fun and friendly style of video.

When I heard Fleur was releasing a book I was really excited to check it out. I don't have much to compare it to because I haven't read other Youtubers' books and I don't intend to either but from reviews I've read, it seems as if The Glam Guide is pretty much Fleur's personality encompassed into a book style. I definitely got the impression that it's 100% from Fleur and I've enjoyed seeing her vlogs documenting some of the process. As someone who has always wanted to write a book, her videos were a really interesting nose behind-the-scenes.

The Glam Guide isn't the sort of book I would read from start to finish. It's more of a coffee table book that you can pick up every now and then when you want some advice on something beauty/fashion/lifestyle/Youtube related. There's advice on pretty much every topic you could possibly want and it's all very detailed too, with diagrams and even a colour wheel to explain which shades go with each other. I was very impressed with that one!

The tone of the book is very Fleur as well. It's not too formal or patronising, it's just very relaxed and chatty while still remaining informative. As someone in their mid-twenties (ssh!) I don't find the book at all childish as I thought I might do. I guess Fleur's audience is a little older than many other Youtubers' so I was able to really enjoy reading and learning from it.

Have you read The Glam Guide? Let me know what you thought in the comments.

Book review - Revenge wears Prada

For as long as I can remember I have loved to read. I have tons and tons of books at my mum and dad's house from when I was younger - loads of Jacqueline Wilsons and Roald Dahls all saved up for no reason other than I don't want to throw them away. I also have quite the collection of books here at my house as well as I still love snuggling up and reading a good book.

The Devil wears Prada was a book that I really enjoyed. I enjoy the film equally and when I saw the sequel book had been published I was really keen to read it. I had it for quite a while before I actually read it as I was going through a bit of a non-reading spell.

When I did finally pick it up I was hooked for only a while. It was great to have the old familiar characters back as well as some new ones and to read about Andy's adventures almost 10 years on. The book finds Andy as Editor of The Plunge wedding magazine, trying her hardest not to be so Miranda Priestly about being in charge, and planning her own wedding to a media mogul.

The books trundles along nicely. I wasn't expecting anything super thrilling from a chick-lit book but at one point I put the book down for a good week and temporarily forgot about it. To me that's not really a good sign. I want a book to grip me and not let me put it down.

When I did pick it up again I found the story pretty predictable if I'm honest. We follow Andy on her wedding day and through her life as an Editor. We also follow her as she makes one of the most difficult decisions of her professional life with regards to her magazine, The Plunge and Miranda Priestly's publishing agency, Elias Clarke.

As I mentioned it was great to have old faces back, I particularly enjoyed welcoming back Emily and of course, Miranda, but I feel Miranda wasn't in the book nearly as much as I'd hoped. In The Devil wears Prada I found it really enjoyable to read about the ice queen herself and her wicked ways so I was disappointed to not have as much Miranda this time around. I've read a couple of reviews elsewhere and this seems to be quite a popular opinion of the book.

At times the book is quite exciting and it's great to follow Andy through her life but as I mentioned previously, I found the storyline quite predictable and actually guessed what was going to happen quite early on. When it does happen it's all very quick. The 'twist', if you can really call it that is over pretty rapidly and the book ends quite abruptly. It picks up again one year later and not much really happens, which left me feeling really disappointed. It does end on a bit of a 'I wonder what happens next' note but i don't think it's anything worth picking up again in a third book.

I loved The Devil wears Prada movie, it's one of my faves, but if they were to make the sequel to it I'm afraid it would be pretty dull. The book is an easy read, nothing too troubling but in the movie world it would read as boring.

I'm so disappointed by the book but I'm glad I read it and got to find out what happened to Andy and Emily and of course, the famous Miranda.

Have you read Revenge wears Prada? What did you think?

Book Review: The Radleys

I first picked up 'The Radleys' after seeing and hearing it talked about on the TV Book Club programme. Of course, they gave a lot of the story away as they were discussing the book, but I thought it still might be an interesting read.

When I heard them mention the word 'Vampires', I just had to roll my eyes. Would it be your typical romanticised version of a vampire world, much like Twilight, or would it be a more interesting take on the myth?

Luckily, it turned out to be quite an interesting and sometimes humorous story about a family of vampires, (The Radleys) trying desperately to keep their vampy alter-ego's a secret. The story follows each character as they battle to suppress their inhuman urges, but what makes it even more interesting, is the fact that we follow both of the Radley children as they discover this disturbing secret about themselves.

To compare this book to Twilight was inevitable really, but it's so far from being anything like it. It's quite refreshing to read a book about vampires that is from a bit of a different view point and it's made even more exciting by the introduction of rebel vampire, Will, who has a dark past and a bit of a history with the mother of the family. Suddenly this normal family who often keep themselves to themselves, turns into one of the most interesting in their sleepy little village...just, no-one knows it.

The Radleys did get a little tedious at some points but towards the end, I literally couldn't put it down and ended up reading it until about 1am. The last ten chapters or so are really where this book gets exciting and the Radley family suddenly strip themselves of their 'normal' life and live up to quite a violent Vampire stereotype, and I loved it!

I'd certainly recommend this book to everyone, whether you're a fan of Vampire stories or not, particularly if you're not as it'll open your eyes and I guarantee you'll enjoy it!

Rosamund Lupton: Afterwards

It's taken me quite a while to get round to reviewing this book. Sometimes you need a little while for it all to really sink in. Time to digest the story and work it out in your head. Or sometimes you're just too lazy and simply haven't bothered to review it yet. I'm probably the latter, I finished it about two weeks ago now and my 'current read' section has been left out of date!

After reading 'Sister' by Rosamund Lupton, I literally could not wait to get my hands on this book. Someone had told me that it was on offer somewhere so I wanted to wait but I just couldn't, I had to read it right away because I knew it would be brilliant.

And I was right. It was brilliant. Even more brilliant than 'Sister'.

I really don't want to give too much away so I'll just say that the main characters in the story end up in a terrible, life threatening situation and the story really kicks off during their time at the hospital. I have never read a book that has been through the eyes of a character in the way that this book was.

Main character Grace lays unconscious in hospital in a coma while her daughter Jenny is on another ward in a similar state. The two characters 'spirits' (that's the only way I can really describe them) leave each of the bodies and wonder the hospital wards together, looking down on their families as they go through the turmoil of seeing their loved-ones in such a state.

I personally thought this was such an original take on the story and as the reader I really felt that I was looking down on the hospital wards with them. Much like, 'Sister,' this book was a bit of a 'murder mystery' type, albeit with actual no murder, and I really love that! Rosamund Lupton has such a way of putting you off the scent in the 'whodunnit' that you end up being really surprised when it's finally unveiled!

Emotionally, the book was a real roller-coaster and at times you just want to scream at some of the characters and you're constantly willing them to wake up. However, not all books work with a simple happy ending and 'Afterwards' ending is one that will leave you with a real mixture of emotions and a few days are needed afterwards to really digest everything.

Like I said, this book was one of my favourites and I cannot wait to get my hands on Rosamund Lupton's next offering! I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

Rosamund Lupton: Sister

I think the reason I picked up this book was because I had seen it around the blog'osphere and lots of bloggers had raved about it. I can see why. While it's not my usual chick lit, it was extremely gripping. I even ended up taking it to work with me and reading in my lunch breaks.

With out trying to give too much away, I'll give you a brief synopsis of the story.

Beatrice is a professional type, working in America and living with her fiance, until she gets a call telling her that her arty type sister, Tess, has gone missing. Jumping on the first plane to the UK, Beatrice and her family get the devastating news that Tess has been found dead, and Beatrice takes it upon herself to solve the mystery of her death.

The book reads like a letter from Beatrice to Tess, documenting the journey that Beatrice has taken in order to solve the mystery of Tess' death. I always love a book like this as it really helps to get to know the characters and I really enjoyed seeing Beatrice's character change through-out the story.

The story is a good old mystery that you can really get your teeth into and we follow Beatrice as she picks up clues, interrogates the people closest to her and her sister and get's closer to the answer she's looking for. It's a book that pulls you in so tight that you're practically shouting at the characters for them to believe Beatrice's theories. It's an emotional and touching story from one sister to another, ending up in dangerous consequences and a shocking twist!

I loved this book so much that I've now moved on to Rosamund Lupton's next publication, 'Afterwards', which I'm sure I will review in the future!

Book recommendations - Annie Valentine Series by Carmen Reid

If I remember correctly, I was first introduced to the Annie Valentine series by Carmen Reid after my Nan leant me a pile of books that she thought I would like. Well, she did good as I'm now a huge fan of the series.


The series follows personal shopper Annie Valentine through lifes ups and downs. Annie is a shopaholic and can't resist a bargain, specifically designer bargains which she picks up with a nifty staff discount from The Store where she lends fashion and style advice to women without a clue.

Annie juggles a career in personal shopping with expectations of bigger and better things, while also managing a teenage daughter, growing son and new boyfriend, Ed. Each book grips the reader and pulls them into Annie's life while still managing to be a fabulous and funny read.

These books are perfect for those that love fashion as there are a fair few designer mentions, style tips and general fashion love. Each book gets better and stronger, drawing the reader in and making them fall in love with the entire Valentine clan.







Later this month, the next book in the series, New York Valentine, will be released and I can't wait.


Annie Valentine has a dream job in the heart of fabulous Manhattan.
Daughter Lana is lost in the heat of first love, but has she fallen for a heart-breaker? In London husband Ed faces a scandal at work and knows, in his heart, he needs Annie back.

What’s a girl to do when her true love is in London but her new love is New York? Does it have to be fashion or family, or can Annie Valentine have it all?


I do love a series of books as you can really get to know the characters well and feel like you're part of the family. The Annie Valentine series is right up there with the like of the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella.

Book recommendations - The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern

My lovely boyfriend Vince brought me this book for my birthday. He had no idea what sort of book to get me but he knew I liked books with pretty covers and 'those girl type books' like the ones he has seen me read before. Luckily, he picked up a book by an author I was familiar with, Cecelia Ahern.



Of course, I'd read 'P.S I Love You' and loved it but I have been apprehensive about reading anything else by the same author, mainly because I always thought the prices of the books were too much, but I'm so glad I finally gave this author a chance as The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern was quite truthfully, stunning.

We join the bratty 16 year old Tamara on an emotional journey as she is abruptly moved to her Aunt and Uncles house in the middle of nowhere thanks to her Dad selfishly (in Tamara's eyes) committing suicide.

As Tamara's mother mourns her husband's death, Tamara feels completely alone. Like any teen, she's bored out of her mind, so when a young boy with a mobile library comes rolling through town, she's eager to get away from it all.

Finding an interesting book in the library, she takes it home with her only to discover that it's a diary and her tomorrows are already being written in it. As Tamara's suspicions grow, the book reveals many hidden secrets about the house she's staying in, as well as the people around her.


It didn't take me long to become completely engrossed with this book, staying up until 3am because I literally could not put it down. It's emotional, sometimes witty and at times, scary. Tamara grows from a spoilt teenager to a young woman, who becomes wiser of the world and more understanding of the events that happen to her in the story.

There are small hints through out the story that tell you the outcome of a few things, but this doesn't take away from the story. Instead it made me feel happy that I'd worked out one of the mysteries! The story is nothing I or anyone could ever have come up with, it's complete genius as it twists and turns through out the story. I urge anyone who hasn't already, to read this book as I was blown away by it. Always a sign of a good book.

Now I can't wait to start reading Cecelia's other books, where shall I start?

P.S. I'm just one follower away from 100, so if you're not already following, then please do! And thank you so much to all the commenters on the last post, I'll be returning your comments soon. :)

Book recommendations - The Secret Shopper's Revenge by Kate Harrison

Thanks to everyone who wished me congratulations on my Graduation. :) Moving on, I have another book recommendation for you for this month.

As I said previously, I'm a sucker for easy, girly, chick lit, so while once again browsing my Nan's bookshelf, I came across The Secret Shopper's Revenge by Kate Harrison.



Of course, I only picked it up because the title caught my eye. A book about shopping...perfect!

The story is based around 3 young women living in London. Emily is a single mother who has been dumped by her Husband and replaced by a Swedish tart. Sandie was a store manager of a popular department store but was sacked thanks to her hellish assistant and Grazia is a glamorous, Italian widow, running a secret shopping agency on behalf of boss, Charlie.

Each woman comes across times of trouble but are brought together by Grazia, to take on secret shopping missions for Charlie's Shopping Angels. Each character narrates her own story which I love. You feel like you're really getting to know each character like they're one of your best friends. Not only do we join each character on secret shopping missions but we live their lives with them, through new romances and financial and family troubles.

The Secret Shopper's Revenge is easy to read and easy to get sucked into. You immediately imagine yourself as part of the gang, laughing along with the girls and feeling triumphant when they get their own back on snotty shop assistants through their secret shopping missions.

The book leaves you wanting to know more about what happens to the three girls, not because the book lacks anything but because, like a soap or drama series, you become so engrossed in their lives that you feel a need to know what happens next. Thankfully, soon after I finished reading this book, I realised that the follow up was to be released. The Secret Shopper Unwrapped rejoins the girls during the festive season. Watch the Secret Shopping Angels build their lives with new men and a new found lease on life.



So there's my recommendation for this month...and I've literally just noticed that another follow up is to be released in March 2011. The Secret Shopper Affair! I can't wait!

Books recommendations - I Heart New York by Lindsey Kelk

Right this second...Vince is in town shopping for my birthday presents! Yay! There's not really anything I particularly want so I'm excited about what he buys me!

Moving on...I thought I would create a little regular post of my book recommendations. I'm a real sucker for books. One day when I have my own home, I want one of those bookshelf walls, with a secret doorway! Heaven!

If you've been watching my blog closely, you would have noticed the 'Current Read' section in the sidebar. From that you'll probably guess what I'm going to be recommending each month. :)

This month I'm recommending the 'I Heart' series by Lindsey Kelk. I first came across her books when 'I Heart New York' came as a free gift with a magazine. I thought I'd give it a go and loved it! After discovering there was a whole series, including 'I Heart Hollywood' & 'I Heart Paris,' I had to get them all.

If you too are a sucker for soppy, girly, funny and easy to read chick-lit books then this is for you! You'll feel like part of main character Angela's life, accompanying her on her journey.


Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, get ready for the summer debut of the year! It's official. Angela Clarke is in love -- with the most fabulous city in the world. Fleeing her cheating boyfriend and clutching little more than a crumpled bridesmaid dress, a pair of Louboutins and her passport, Angela jumps on a plane, destination - NYC. Holed up in a cute hotel room, Angela gets a New York makeover from her NBFJenny and a whirlwind tour of the city that never sleeps. Before she knows it, Angela is dating two sexy guys. And, best of all, she gets to write about it in her new blog (Carrie Bradshaw eat your heart out). But it's one thing telling readers about your romantic dilemmas, it's another figuring them out for yourself ! Angela has fallen head over heels for the big apple, but does she heart New York more than home?

As a person who loves New York, this book was great to get lost in and the main character, Angela, a fellow writer, is a funny, bubbly and strong character. It's a quick and easy read but it's still incredibly enjoyable and the follow up books in the series live up to it's predecessor.

Book Review: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella

I've always loved being able to hold a book in my hands and snuggle up on the sofa, ready to do hours of reading. Slowly seeing your progress through the book makes you excited to read more and I love not being able to put down a book because it's just so gripping.

I must admit that I am a fan of the Twilight books and I have purchased all of the Twilight series. I have seen the first and second films and was left sorely disappointed as they don't do the books any justice at all. The ridiculous craze surrounding the film's characters tends to take away from the story a lot and gives the books a bad name. Anyway, when I saw the latest release, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella, from Stephanie Meyer, I have to say I was interested. It has been cleverly designed to look like a Twilight book and is actually based around a character that briefly appears in the Eclipse story..but that is where the connections end. If any fans pick up this book expecting to find Twilight part 2, they will be bitterly disappointed.

As I mentioned above, I love the feeling of reading and holding a physical copy of the book but I decided that this review was going to be a little different as I decided to try reading this latest release through the book's official website. I decided to do this because the £6 price tag in my local Sainburys supermarket didn't seem worth it as the book looked extremely thin, and is probably something I could finish in a day. This review will be of the ever growing trend that is e-books as well as the new book.

The book starts off well as we meet Bree and her local vampire 'gang.' I don't want to give too much of the story away but for the Vamp fans out there that are reading, there is a good amount of Vampire hunting in the first fourty or so pages, but by this point I was starting to wonder where Bree came from and who she really was. I must admit, I was getting pretty impatient and annoyed..not because the book was so boring, but because it is extremely difficult to 'snuggle' up on the sofa with a huge laptop that burns your legs. By this point I had also noticed that there are no chapters within this book which in my opinion is just too damn weird, and there is no way of bookmarking where you have stopped reading so you'll just have to remember which page number you were on!

While reading this book it all seemed kind of pointless. It could have been written from the viewpoint of Riley or Victoria, or even one of the other Cullens, which probably would have made it a tad more interesting but not much. We followed Bree as she struggled with newborn life, acted a bit ditsy as she tried to figure out what her vampy skills were with her male companion and was blindly led to fight the Cullen coven and then it was all over.

I'm all for online versions of newspapers and magazines but online versions of books just don't work. There is just nothing better than reading a physical copy of a book, seeing the front cover and back cover artwork and how can you fill your bookshelves with e-books?

The book was so short at just 178 pages that there wasn't enough of a story to really sink your teeth into (excuse the pun). The whole thing seemed like a waste of time, created purely to keep the Twilight craziness bubbling and money in the author's pocket.