Happy 3rd Birthday Marie’s Book Boutique

mariesbookboutique2 Comments

 

happy 3rd birthday

Hi guy’s

Can you believe Marie’s Book Boutique is three?!? How time fly’s when your having fun!!!! I know some call it a blogaversery but I like to think of it as a birthday because it’s my baby!!! (Silly really I suppose!!!)

Three years ago when Marie’s Book Boutique was born, I never in my wildest dreams did I think that anyone would read what I had to say about my passion that is books! You guys have been so welcoming and supportive over that time and I feel incredibly grateful for that!

Also over the years I’ve had awesome opportunities to read some great books and take part in blog tours. So a massive thank you to all the authors, publishers/publicist’s and blog tour organnisers; who have taken a chance on me!

I not going to say it’s always been easy because it hasn’t been plain sailing; there have been times when life struggles get in the way. When that happens and I feel like that; I’ve learnt to take a break. Having a break bothered me because I thought I would be letting everyone down; especially you my followers but you all understand and are there when I return! Thanks for that guy’s!!!

One think that particularly fills me with joy is all the kindness and support I get in the book blogging comunity, it’s  awesome to be a part of. So another massive thank you goes to you for reading my blog posts, it means more than you’ll ever know.

Right I’m now off to kick off my celebrations with a nice cuppa and a good book… I may even push the boat out and have a biscuit!!!! What a party animal… hey?!?

Don’t forget guy’s you can also follow me on:

Twitter

Instagram

and Goodreads

Book Review On: A Tale of Two Kitties by Nick Harding

mariesbookboutiqueLeave a comment

 

the taile of two kitties

About the author (as seen in the book)

nick hardling

Nick Harding is an award-winning national newspaper writer and author. His work is published in the Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mail, the Daily Mirror, the Sun, the Independent and i.

He has co-written several bestselling memoirs. Reluctantly, he has become on of the UK’s most prolific writers on Cat matters, specialising in humour and quirky cat- inspired true stories. He lives in Surry with his wife and a Cat.

Goodreads

Publication date: 11th October 2018

Publisher: Mirror Books

ISBN: Paperback 978-1-912624-09-6

Also available in Ebook format.

Pages: 254 pages

Genre: Non-fiction/ Cat care

Format reading: Paperback

Copy provided by: My own

Blurb (as seen on the back cover)

Nick Harding’s life changed forever when he became a reluctant cat-owner. And in A Tale of Two Kitties he recounts his unlikely cat conversion.

Told in his inimitable humorous style, this big-hearted story follows the confirmed dog-loving, cat- hating, feline-allergy-suffering writer as he becomes a passionate kitty aficionado…. Courtesy of two of the world’s most mischievous moggies, Alvin and Barry.

My Review

A tale of two kitties front cover

As some of you will know from my post I’m Sure My Cat’s Love Books Too!! I’m at cat owner myself; that I adore cat’s. So when I saw the bright front cover with cat’s on it, I immediately picked it up to read the blurb (not that I needed to!!!)

A Tale of Two Kitties by journalist Nick Harding is his own journey with the feline specie. A the beginning Nick shares his utter dislike for cats and how he was more of a dog person. A newly divorced with two children Nick what’s to get a pet that suites his lifestyle and something his children could help take care of. He get’s tropical fish to start of with.

Then he meets cat loving Stephanie and they fall in love and as time goes on they move in together. Stephanie would like to very much get a pet cat and has found a Bengal cat’s for sale and is convinced she cat convert him into a cat lover. In comes Alvin! At the beginning Nick tries to stay out of Alvin’s way; only the cat has other ideas! In time Nick gives in and entertain him new feline friend, becoming intrigued by the animals which in turn ignites the beginning of his cat research covering every aspect of the feline world. Barry comes into the book later (I don’t want to give to much away!)

I genuinely enjoyed A Tale of Two Kitties, it was written with humour, raw emotion and was very informative about our feline friends. I certainly learn a lot about cat’s thing’s I didn’t even know. I’m not going to lie you will need a box of tissues in parts because there are sad bits (Just make you aware) I think what was really nice to read was how Nick went from disliking cat’s to being not just a cat owner but a researcher of all things feline! I could relate to this because my partner was just the same before we got our kitties!!!

I can defiantly recommend this to any animal or cat lover as a good read!

                                                     Marie’s Book Boutique gives 

                                            A Tale of Two Kitties by Nick Harding

                                                                   4 Sparkly Stars

4 stars

 

Don’t forget you can also follow me on:

Twitter

Instagram

and Goodreads

 

Book Review On: Not Dead Yet by Phil Collins

mariesbookboutiqueLeave a comment

 

Not dead yet by phil collins

About the author (as seen in the book)

phil collins

Philip Charles Collins was born in Putney in 1951. He has been an actor, drummer, songwriter, producer and at various times, member of the bands Flaming Youth, Genesis and Brand X.

A drummer since almost before he could walk, Collins received on-the-job training in the seedy, thrilling bars and clubs of 1960’s swinging London before finally landing the drummer seat in Genesis. Later, he would step into the spotlight on vocals after the departure of Peter Gabriel, and compose the songs that would rocket him to international solo fame with the release of Face Value and In The Air Tonight. Creator of numerous hits and an Oscar winner for the song You’ll Be In My Hearts from Disney’s Tarzan, he’s one of only three musicians to sell over 100 million records both as a solo artist and separately as a principal member in a band. He lives in Florida.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Goodreads

Publication date: 18th May 2017

Publisher: Arrow Books

ISBN: Hardback 9781101907474

Paperback 9781784753603

Also available in Ebook, Audiobook and Audio CD format

Pages: 464 pages

Genre: Autobiography/ Memoir

Format reading: Paperback

Copy provided by: Borrowed

Blurb (as seen on the back cover)

Not Dead Yet is Phil Collins’ candid, witty and unvarnished story of his epic career from child actor to one of the most successful songwriters of the pop music era.

Unrelentingly honest, Collins tells the story of the songs and shows, the hits and fans, his marriages and divorces, the ascents to the top of the charts and into the tabloid headlines.

My Review

When I came across this book I know instantly that I had to read it; being a fan and all! The CD in the above photo is a CD I’ve played so much it’s scratched so I really need to replace it!!!!!! When I was little I remember Phil’s music playing on the car radio, so it was inevitable I would love his music!

In Not Dead Yet Phil Collins recounts his childhood memories, family life, his many marriages and divorces, the high’s and lows of his career to his health. The thing that really comes through while I read was what a down to earth fella he is. I really admire Phil’s honesty especially through his most hardest of times in his life. And his dedication and devotion to his musical craft is amazing how hard he worked to get where he is, however it has cost him many health problems from Alcoholism to losing hearing.

I really enjoyed being reminded of song’s that I love causing me to hum the song’s while reading; to the annoyance to people around me at the time!!!!! It was interesting for me to read about how those songs I love so much were written and what they were about.

Not Dead Yet by Phil Collins is a very worthy read guy’s… I couldn’t put it down!!!!!!

                                                 Marie’s Book Boutique gives

                                                  Not Dead Yet by Phil Collins

                                                             5 Sparkly Stars

5stars

You can also follow me on:

Twitter

Instagram

and Goodreads

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review On: Under The Duvet by Marian Keyes

mariesbookboutiqueLeave a comment

under the duvet by marian keyes

About the author (as seen on Amazon)

Marian Keyes

Marian Keyes’ international bestselling novels include Rachel’s Holiday, Last Chance Saloon, Sushi for Beginners, Angels, The Other Side of the Story, Anybody Out There, This Charming Man and The Woman Who Stole My Life. Three collections of her journalism, Under the Duvet, Further Under the Duvet and Making It Up as I Go Along, are also available from Penguin. Marian lives in Dublin with her husband.

 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Goodreads

Publication date: 28th July 2009

Publisher: Penguin Books

ISBN: Paperback 978-0-141-00747-2

also available in Ebook and Hardback

Pages: 304 pages

Genre: Collection of Journalism

Format reading: Paperback

Copy provided by: Giveaway prize

Blurb (as seen on the back cover)

Her novels are adored by millions around the world- now read Marian Keyes’s  collected journalism and exclusive, previously unpublished material in Under The Duvet.

Bursting with her hilarious observations- on life, in-laws, weight loss and parties; her love of shoes and her LTF’s (Long-Term Friends); the horrors of estate agents and lost luggage; and how she once had an office Christmas party that involved roasting two sheep on a spit, Moroccan style- it’s the perfect bedtime companion, and will have you wincing with recognition or roaring with laughter.

My Review

Under The Duvet by Marian Keyes is a collection of her journalism, some which have been published and some which hasn’t. This is the first type of book I’ve read like this and I was more than intrigued when I read the blurb; knowing I was in for a treat of a read!

In her articles she share’s her experiences in a very comical way; some will have you cringing and laughing at the same time! Also there are some serious bit when Marian share’s her personal struggles with alcoholism and other trials she has faced.

Marian has shared bit about herself giving readers a glimpse of the author behind her books. It’s a book where you can read in which ever order you wish; which I did and it did feel a bit odd but was refreshing non the less. It’s something different than what I normally read but I did enjoy and was nice to read something that’s not my norm!

                                                     Marie’s Book Boutique give’s 

                                                Under The Duvet by Marian Keyes

                                                                   4 Sparkly Stars

4 stars

You can also follow me on:

Twitter

Instagram

and Goodreads

 

 

2020 Goodreads Challenge

mariesbookboutique6 Comments

goodreads challenge 2020

Hey Guy’s

Happy New Year to you all! I hope you all had a lovely time spending time with family and friends over the festive period!

As you may all know I’m partial to a reading challenge! I’ve taken part in the Goodreads Challenge now since 2014 and it would be a shame to brake my run of taking part now wouldn’t it?

Last year I targeted myself to read 79 books and I smashed it by reading 89 books! ( thats the most books I’ve ever read since I started my reading journey) 

Here is what I did in previous Goodreads Challenge’s:

*2014 my target was 35 books and I read 45!

*2015 my target was 34 books and I read 31.

*2016 my target was 30 and I read 36!

*2017 my target was 50 and I read 68!

*2018 my target was 65 and I read 78

For 2020 I’ve set a target of 89 books to read; which is what I read last year and I would love to reach it!

So what do you think?… Will I complete my target? Are you also doing the Goodreads Reading Challenge? If so what’s your target? And do you think you can reach it? How have you done in previous years?

As always thanks so much for stopping by and please feel free to comment I love reading your thoughts!

Happy New Year guy’s!

You can also follow me on my social media on:

Twitter 

Instagram

and Goodreads

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2020

mariesbookboutiqueLeave a comment

popsugar reading challenge 2020

Hi Guy’s!

Well it’s that time of year again guy’s where we’re making reselutions (or not!) and taking up a challenge or two! So POPSUGAR have released 2020’s prompts, and yes you’ve guessed right I’m going to give this challenge another go; even though I’ve failed to complete it in previous years. (gotta love a trier!!!)But in all seriousness, I think as long as improve on the last year I’ll be happy!

Here are 2020’s reading prompts:

1.A book that’s published in 2020.

2.A book by trans or nonbinary author.

3.A book with a great first line.

4.A book about a book club.

5.A book set in a city that has hosted the Olympics.

6.A bildungsroman.

7.The first book you touch on a shelf with your eye’s closed.

8.A book with an upside-down image on the cover.

9.A book with a map.

10.A book recommended by your favourite blog, vlog, podcast, or online book club.

11.An anthology.

12.A book that’s passes the Bechdel test.

13.A book with the same title as a movie or TV show but is unrelated.

14.A book by an author with Flora or Fauna in their name.

15.A book about or involving social media.

16.A book that has a book on the cover.

17.A medical thriller.

18.A book with a made-up language.

19.A book set in a country beginning with ‘C’.

20.A book you picked because the title caught your attention.

21.A book published the month of your birthday.

22.A book about or by a woman in STE.

23.A book that won an award in 2019.

24.A book on a subject you know nothing about.

25.A book with only words on the cover, no images or graphics.

26.A book with a pun in the title.

27.A book featuring one of the seven deadly sins.

28.A book with a robot, cyborg or AI character.

29.A book with a bird on the cover.

30.A fiction or non-fiction book about a world leader.

31.A book with ‘gold’, ‘silver’, or ‘bronze’ in the title.

32.A book by a WOC.

33.A book with at least a four star rating on Goodreads.

34.A book you meant to read in 2019.

35.A book with a three-word-title.

36.A book with a pink cover.

37.A western.

38.A book by or about a journalist.

39.Read a band book during Banned Books week.

40.Your favourite prompt from past POPSUGAR reading challenge.

 

And if you complete these then there’s and advanced section as follows:

Advanced

41.A book written by an author in their 20’s.

42.A book with ’20’ or ‘twenty’ in the title.

43.A book with a character with a vision impairment or enhancement ( a nod to 20/20 vision0.

44.A book set in Japan, host of the 2020 Olympics.

45.A book set in the 1920’s.

46.A book by an author who has written more than 20 books.

47.A book with more than 20 letters in the title.

48.A book published in the 20th century.

49.A book from a series with more than 20 books.

50.A book with a main character in their 20’s.

Well that’s all the prompts for the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge!

I can see a few I might struggle with, but I’m going to give it a good go and hope I complete this year! ( one can live in hope!!!!)

 

Are you taking part in 2020 POPSUGAR reading challenge? What are your thought’s on the prompts? How well do you think you will do?

As always thank you so much for stopping by and feel free to comment I love to hear your thoughts.

 

You can also stay in touch on my social media:

Twitter

Instagram

and Goodreads

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays

mariesbookboutique4 Comments

 

christmas 2019

 

Hi guy’s,

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy holidays and to wish you all the best for the coming new year.

And to thank all the author’s, publicists, publishers and blog tour organisers for the amazing opportunity’s to read some awesome books this year! I also want to thank you guy’s for all the wonderful views, likes and generally the support you all give me and my blog because quite frankly it mean’s the world to me! Your awesome! Thank you!

I’m very much looking forward to 2020 to discover more wonderful author’s, books and blog’s of course! ( I hope you are too!!!!)

Once again happy holidays and I hope you all enjoy all it has to offer! And I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2020!!

 

You can also follow me on:

Twitter

Instagram

and Goodreads