Review: Shopaholic Abroad by Sophie Kinsella

Hey Guys,

I finished this book a few weeks ago but, as its back-to-school time we have both been super busy and that is why there hasn't been any blog posts!!! This book is also known as 'Shopaholic takes Manhattan'. This is the second book in the Shopaholic Series.

Will travel broarden the mind...or just loosen the purse strings?

For Rebecca Bloomwood, life is peachy. She has a job on morning TV, her bank manager is actually being nice to her, and when it comes to spending money, her new motto is Buy Only What You Need - and she's really (sort of) sticking to it. The icing to the brioche is that she's been offered a chance to work in New York.


New York! The Museum of Modern Art! The Guggenheim! The Metropolitan Opera House! And Becky does mean to go to the all. Honestly. It's just that it seems silly not to check out a few other famous places first. Like Saks. And Bloomingdale's And Barneys. And one of those fantastic sample sales where you can get a Prada dress for $10. Or was it $100? Is Becky too dazzled to care?

This book is just as funny as the first one and the ending, although it don't want to spoil it for you, was really sweet. The book was written well, with parts that made me laugh out loud and parts that made me feel really sorry for Becky. Becky's lifestyle and shopping habits give the book comedy, but they are balanced out by the results of these habits which are definitely not so funny! I loved this book and it was fab!

It can be found on Amazon and Kobo as well as many other stores.

If you do decide to read this book, or have already read it, please let us know what you think!

Keep Reading,

Pen Pal E
:)

My Mini Saga: A Bruised Mind

Hey Guys,

Here is another story, written in the form of a mini saga which, if you don't know, is a short piece of writing containing exactly 50 words. However, this story contains 89 words because we have limited it to less than 100 to make it easier to write.
Enjoy!

The answers lay on his desk. He didn't know what to do. He had already got into enough trouble in the past and this was his clean slate. He then thought of his Mum shouting abusive words angrily at him. Shrugging, he began the test.

Sat in the Headmasters office, face to face. His Mum sat next to him, glowering at him. Being here cost him a bruise. He didn't know who snitched. Life had never been the same since his sister died. That was when Mum had flipped.

Signed,

Pen Pal M

:)

Review: Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Hey Guys,

So a few days ago I finished reading Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella and I though it was such an amazing book! Just as a note, this book has also been published in the USA as 'The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic'.

Meet Becky Bloomwood, an irresistible heroine with a big heart, big dreams and a teeny tiny little weakness...

Becky Bloomwood has a great flat, a fabulous wardrobe full of the season's must-haves and a job telling other people how to manage their money. The only problem is, she can't afford to live the high life any longer. the letters from the bank are getting harder to ignore, she tries Cutting Back, she tries Making More Money, she tries really hard, but nothing is working.

Her only consolation is to treat herself to something - just a little something...

Confessions of a Shopaholic... the perfect pick me up when life is hanging in the (bank) balance!

I heard a while back that these were very good easy reads but they never really interested me. However, after watching the film last December at a friends birthday party, I was so excited (And the book is always better than the film!). So I borrowed the entire shopaholic series from a family member and took out a few hours last Monday to start reading the first one. By Wednesday morning I had finished the first one and I loved it. My family started to give me weird looks when I started to laugh out loud (Literally!) as I read about Becky Bloomwood's shopping addiction. This book is a must read for anyone who loves Romantic Comedies. I also loved the way that the letters from Becky's bank are shown, but only the ones from the bank to Becky and so it leaves you to guess what Becky writes to the bank!

It was a little stretched out, but that didn't bother me too much because I enjoyed the story so much.

It can be found on Amazon and for Kobo as well as many other websites.

Thanks for reading!!

Signed

Pen Pal E
:)

The Host By Stephenie Meyer Review

Hi Guys,

I have just finished reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer and I have loved it!

I love a book with a bit of every genre in it and who can beat a book filled with sci-fi *alien fans suddenly show interest*, romance *the people with aspiring loves and broken hearts look up* , action *action crazed teens approvingly nod at the book* and a hint of your fantasy *Narnia fans, Twilight Fans and your everyday dreamers eyes light up*.

I enjoyed the Twilight Saga and Meyer wrote it so brilliantly, filled with detail and compassion from the characters. Meyer topped it once again, I feel, and the movie thrilled me just as much as the book (the book just pipped the post).
The Twilight films never did the book justice, but The Host film was exceptional at telling the tale (every film misses some detail, that may be important to the book).


The Host is about souls from a planet called the Origin who come to Earth to take over and 'host' the human bodies. One soul called Wanderer hosts a body which still has the soul in, named Melanie Stryder. Wanderer and Melanie develop a bond and try to find Melanie's boyfriend Jared and brother Jamie. Melanie's Uncle Jeb and Jared end up finding Wanderer and Melanie half dead. Wanderer is treated like a slave/prisoner until she befriends Melanie's Uncle (the leader of the Resistance) and they understand that she means no harm. Wanderer has to convince Melanie's loved ones that Melanie still exists inside her. Wanderer misses death threats and solitary looks until she proves herself to them all. Wanderer falls for one of her captors who develops an emotion so strong for her. They survive in the desert for months, doing raids and mourning deaths from close friends and family. They learn a massive secret that could save mankind and use it to their advantage. Wanderer and Melanie then take their separate ways and remain the bestest of friends. Wanderer and Melanie find true loves of their own. 

I recommend this book to anyone wanting a thrilling, gripping read and don't mind trying something... new.

The characters were given a depth to each and every one of them. Their emotions were shown subtly but strong enough so the reader understood and was aware.

I really enjoyed this book and I wish there was a sequel to it as I loved the characters so much and felt quite an attachment to them.

I give this book to PenPalsApproved mark (which will feature in a review if we enjoyed the book and feel it is worth it!).

Signed,
Pen Pal M

The Host is available on Kobo here, Kindle here, WHSmith here and Waterstones here.

Please note that this picture was taken from the web because I read this book on my Kobo.

Review: Gone by Michael Grant

Hey Guys,

I have another review for you all. I bought this while I was away recently because I hadn't brought a book with me. After being recommended this book and as WHSmith were having a buy one get one for £1 sale I decided on getting 'Gone' and its sequel, 'Hunger', which I will do a review on soon because I am still reading it. You can buy 'Gone' here.

This book was gripping and kept you on the edge of your seat all the way through. This is probably one of the best teen science fiction books I have ever read.  This book follows a town called Perdido Beach where everyone over the age of 15 has disappeared in the blink of an eye. As the story unfolds it shows people developing powers and the main character, Sam, fighting the bully, Caine. Secrets are revealed and the kids must fight for survival, even if that means hurting others and death.

I feel that as this book has a very interesting front cover that I must mention it. I know people say, don't judge a book by its cover; however, this cover is very unusual in my opinion. It has a black cover with the word 'Gone' in black with a yellow glow effect around each letter, and below, in grey, are the words 'It's a world without adults, and normal has crashed and burned...'. The front cover, because it is so plain, doesn't reveal very much about the book itself.

Anyone who loves science fiction will really enjoy this book, I did anyway!!

I give this book to PenPalsApproved mark

You can buy 'Gone' on Kindle here, on Kobo here, at WHSmiths here and a Waterstones here.

Keep Reading,

Pen Pal E:)

Review: Inferno by Dan Brown

Hey Guys,

Sorry, I never finished 'Speed Freaks'... it just didn't really interest me like the others did. However I have read all of 'Inferno by Dan Brown.

As Dan Brown is one of my favorite authors, I had high expectations for this book. It did live up to the expectation I had , like his other books, was gripping and I couldn't put it down. There have been a few bad reviews online, saying that his books are repetitive, and, yes, I can agree with that, however, the style he writes in, the themes and the plot lines, are what sells and makes him money and as long as people are buying his books he will continue to write in the same style so the negative review aren't going to change anything about his books.

This is the next book in his series of books with Robert Langdon, which include the infamous 'Da Vinci Code' book, the second in the series. As with the 'Mortal Chaos' series, you don't need to read the first book to read the last.

This book has an interesting twist to it at the end and surprises you as the boom unfolds. Anyone out there who has enjoyed his previous books will thoroughly enjoy this, especially if they have not read one in a while. I love how his books start with a mysterious beginning that makes no sense but slowly, as you read the book it begins to make sense. By the end everything is revealled to make an amazing, slightly unbeliveable recovery and soloution.

If you have loved his other book you will certainly enjoy this one, even if it is a little predictable.

Don't forget to comment about what you thought about Inferno.

Keep Reading,
Pen Pal E :)

Please note that this picture was taken from the web.

Our Top 5 Places to Read

Hey Guys,

So today's post is slightly different, I don't think that this really needs much of an intro so I will just jump right in.

1. In Bed

This is probably my favourite place to read, with the bedside light on and some relaxing music playing quietly in the background, this is a great way to wind down after a long day at work or school. It doesn't have to be long, just 10-15 minutes makes a huge difference having a peaceful night's sleep and a fresh start to the next day.

2. On Holiday

Another place where I love to read is on the beach on holiday. The sun shining on your back, enjoying your book and generally having a great time. The atmosphere just finishes the experience off. There isn't much else to say to be honest.

3. In the Garden/Park

I love reading amongst the twitter of the birds, laid on a picnic rug next to a smoothie with my headphones in. So peaceful and such a relaxing way to spend your day! Its nice having the sunlight on your back and the cool sweet breeze tickle the hairs on my neck.. Mmm....

4. On A Plane

There is something special about boarding a plane, with you sunglasses in your bag, ready for a holiday, finding your seat, and sitting down ready for a long journey, then reaching for your book or magazine and enjoying a long stress free reading opportunity, after all the holiday organisation stress, to read.

5. By a Warm Fire

I love relaxing in my comfy chair, in front of the fire, grabbing a book and a cup of hot cocoa, on a cold winter's night is just wonderful. Your feet feeling toasty in your fluffy socks and the crackling of the fire as the logs burn. Just lovely.

Please comment and tell us what YOUR favourite places to read are. :)

Signed,
The Pen Pals

Please note that these pictures were taken from the web.

Review: Missing Trio by Sophie McKenzie

Hey Guys!
I love this trilogy of books! All my friends have read them and are fighting over who gets to read the last one next!

Girl, Missing is the first of the three and it grips you throughout.

Lauren is an adopted child who seeks her real parents. But things get more complicated when she finds out why she was adopted... A kidnapper is on the loose who is willing to do anything that will stop her from finding her true family.

Sister, Missing is the second book and is such a thrilling book;

Lauren's life is now back to normal, but a day out to the beach soon goes wrong. Her sister Madison is kidnapped and Lauren  finds herself battling with love, blackmail and mystery. Madison's disappearance strangely links with Lauren's kidnapping and she is determined not to let them get away with it again.

Missing, Me is the final book of the three and is in Madison's point of view. It occurs when Madison is 15 and shows the development of the characters very well. Only just finished this book and I loved it!

Madison is determined not to be in Lauren's shadow but when she begins a search for her anonymous donor father, she is caught up in a dangerous plot involving a cruel scheme to part babies from their mothers. Madison doesn't know who to trust but when Lauren is once again kidnapped for her child, Madison realizes that it is all down to her.

I recommend these books for anyone as it is a mixed genre and can be enjoyed by anybody!

See you later,
Keep on writing,
Signed,
The Pen Pals :)

First Thoughts: Mortal Chaos

Hey Guys,

So, I have just started reading the third book in the 'Mortal Chaos' series. These book are a series by Matt Dickinson which all start off with a butterfly doing something which leads to something else, then something else and so on. And in each book there are 4 or 5 people/pairs of people, who are lead in to danger through other people's mistakes, caused by the butterfly. This ends in absolute chaos across the world, hence the series name. It is very interesting the way that the author lets the story unfold slowly, flicking from person to person, and these seemingly unrelated events and people come together. The series is based upon the chaos theory and the butterfly effect. The first book is called 'Mortal Chaos', the second 'Deep Oblivion' and the one I am about to review for you, 'Speed Freaks'. The great thing about this series is that you don't need to read the first one or the second one to read the third.

From reading the other two books in this series I have high expectations for this book, however, somehow, from the title of the book, I have a feeling that it wont be as good as the previous books. The name makes me think that it is going to be vehicle related, maybe a car crash. The beginning  as in his other books in the series seems unrealistic and a coincidence, but I still want to read on. I do, however, like the way that he starts by writing about the butterfly's short life and how they live.

The front covers of these books are very eye catching. A colourful background with faded pictures of the events either side of the picture of a butterfly with fire running through it. The title is in big gold letters and at the bottom is written a phrase to sum up the books, which it does very well. It simply says "Some will live. Many will die. All are connected.

So, there you go, my opinion on the book so far, please vote on the poll which should be on the right hand side of your screen and let us know what you want to see on our blog.

Signed

The Pen Pal E
:-)

Please note that this picture was taken from the web as I borrowed this book from the library and had to return it before I had chance to take a picture of it.

Lilac

Hey Writers and Bookworms!

Hope you enjoy this short story! Please leave comments and tell your friends about our blog!! 

I can’t get his face out of my head. The way he screamed desperately for my help as the car slammed into him. The way I turned away and thought ‘forget him, forget him!’

I’m sitting by his hospital bed with a letter full of apologies but not having the courage to give it him. Or read it.

I hadn’t visited him for a month. But I finally relented when my best friend came round to tell me what was happening. So I decided to pop in say hi and then leave but I’m still sitting here waiting for him to wake up.

The doctors said he is stable and hopefully should come round soon. So I wait.

He’s lying flat out on his back, his brown hair ruffled, his eyes closed. I swear when I walked in he said ‘Evie’. But I know it’s too good to be true.

I sometimes whisper to him, ‘Jasper? Wake up now. Please!’ But he stays silent and doesn’t flinch.

Jasper and I go way back. He and I made mud pies in Nursery. We became true friends at the age of 6. In Y3 we were inseparable. Then in Y9 he gave me my first kiss. Then he asked me out. But I never fully trusted him. I was right to think that.

At the Valentines party in the village. I, dressed up in a fuchsia dress with black kitten heels and wonderful curls cascading down my back, he, dressed up in a smart shirt and shining eyes. Everything was perfect. But Lilac Martins turned up.

Lilac and I are deadly enemies. Ever since she humiliated me in front of the entire school. But that obviously wasn’t enough as at the Valentines party she kissed Jasper. I saw her chatting away then suddenly her lips joined his. I ran out of the disco. He ended up beside me pleading, begging for me to forgive him. I sprinted across the sullen road and he tried to follow but… a car veered round a corner and hit him, his body careering in the air towards the windscreen. He screamed. He wanted my help. But I turned away and ran. Didn’t stop until I reached my house. I now hate Lilac more than ever.

He’s been in the Hospital ever since. I have nightmares every night filled with gory images and the constant replay of Jasper getting run over.

‘Evie?’ Jaspers bleary voice mumbles.

‘Jasper! Oh I must get a doctor!’ I exclaim.

‘Wait! What happened? Why am I here?’

I stay silent, not strong enough to hold back the tears.

‘Oh. God. Evie, last night with Lilac, she caught me by surprise. That kiss never meant anything. I swear. ’ Jasper promises tearfully.

‘Then, why didn’t you stop? Pull away? It meant something to me.’ I say, suddenly starting to shout.

‘I know but she held me too tight. I’m just so sorry. I…I love you.’ He stutters.

I lean forward and kiss him. The past behind us, the future path set in front.

Hope you enjoyed it! Leave a comment!
Signed, 

The Pen Pal M

Sorry!

Hey Guys,

Sorry for not blogging! We will make a big effort this month to write blog posts. After looking at other people's blogs we now know what we want to write about. We have also decided to write reviews on the books that we have recently read. We are also going to post almost every day now, keeping you updated on our view on our favourite books at the moment. Also, we will carry on writing stories but we are not going to use themes unless it is a very special event like Christmas or Halloween.

Signed,

The Pen Pals
xx

Happy New Year!

 Hey Writers and Bookworms!
Hope you all have a Happy New Year! And a Merry Christmas to you all!.  Christmas Present giving took up alot of our time! But no fear! This year you shall receive a jam packed 2013 filled with more wonderful reviews and stories! 2012 has been a big year filled with good and bad... Olympics, Jubilee, Natural Disasters etc. But we have achieved alot!
Please comment on our work and we would love to hear your feedback! Any ideas for themes or books you have read and think we would like then post!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Signed,
The Pen Pals