Hester Browne : THE VINTAGE GIRL

Warning!! Prepare for romance, castles and dancing at the ball. It's like a modern version of Cinderella where the girl really, REALLY likes the old things!

THE VINTAGE GIRL is a romance novel written by the lovely Hester Browne. This is a second book I've read from this author. I had previously the pleasure of reading The Runaway Princess. I did like the first novel, but it failed to wow me. So I went into this with a little expectation. I just thought, it would be a great way to pass my free time in-between reading challenges.


To be honest, I only expected to enjoy this book slightly. As mentioned, the previous experience with the author's writing didn't wow me to a major extend, but I found myself pleasantly surprised. I fell for The Vintage Girl and her story.

Meet Evie Nicholson - The Vintage Girl. Evie works for one of London's best antique shops and has a soft spot everything with history. She loves spending time in auction rooms saving bears and wedding photographs from destroying. She spends her time daydreaming about the lives her treasures 
 have seen and lived through. But her personal life isn't as rich and filled as her apartment. That changes when opportunity arrives and Evie is invited to Kettlesheer Castle in Scotland to evaluate some expensive things and treasure hidden within its walls. But Evie might just find more than she expected when Robert McAndrew - a handsome, gloomy heir, steps into her life.

Firstly, let's have a look at the design of the book first. Paperback. 352 pages divided into 28 chapters. This book has a wonderful vintage feel to it with it's graphic design. It reminds me a vintage wallpaper. Although, I wish the image on the front would be different because it doesn't really relate to the story itself much. Yes, it's a vintage pair of shoes and suitcase but I would prefer a teacup or a wedding photograph in a frame as they are the items Evie mentions the most. Also in USA this book has been released under the name SWEPT OFF HER FEET, so you might need to look for it under that name my american friends.


The writing itself is very entertaining, modern, colourful and easy to read. Actually, you will find yourself swept off your feet without even realising it. The story gets stronger and stronger as you read on. More twists and turns appears and you just find yourself not being able to put the book down.

The story itself is very witty and un-put-down-able. After first chapter I have been hooked. It's like a modern version of Cinderella, where the girl does stands with her feet firm on the ground not expecting to catch the prince's eye. The prince himself needs to dig deeper to find his true calling and loyalty to his duties and the kingdom itself is under economic crisis waiting for miracle. So you know you are in for an entertaining and joyful ride.


Let's talk about the characters. I love the colourful spectrum of characters displayed this story. I absolutely adore Evie. She is a dreamer who loves getting lost in her stories. But at the same time she stands with her feet firmly on the ground and knows her morals. She believes in duty calling and treasures every moment she gets to spend in her dream which might be soon over. Robert is more realistic who doesn't believe in old traditions and only wants to do something practical. He is handsome and intelligent, witty and serious at the same time. But he needs some cheering up. He needs to let himself dream bigger. So together they could be a lovely pair. But will they find their happy ending?

All in all, I have enjoy reading this book. It was an easy reading which helped me pass the time while waiting for February Reading Challenge to start. Not to mention that it was a good starter to the month of romance.

So thank you Ms Browne for writing some a joyful and beautifully romantic story every girl can lost in.

Mary E. Pearson : THE KISS OF DECEPTION (The Remnant Chronicles)

Warning! This book will take you by surprise! It will get under your skin, slowly and silently, and it will never let go...

THE KISS OF DECEPTION is the first book in The Remnant Chronicles written by the lovely Mary E. Pearson. It was published last year and quickly became book readers' favourite.

"Full of lush writing and rich, complex characters, The Kiss of Deception is a deeply satisfying, intricately plotted fantasy where no one - no one - is quite what they seem. " ROBIN LAFEVERS

"This is the kind of story I love - a heart-pounding tale of magic and murder, betrayal and romance set in a richly imagined fantasy landscape." CINDA WILLIAMS CHIMA

I, myself, have discovered this book while browsing through Amazon Book Department online. The first thing which caught my attention was the cover. It was beautifully mesmerising. And it has been catalogued and recommended for fans of Throne of Glass series, so of course I couldn't resist. I had to have it.

The Kiss of Deception tells a story of Princess Arabella Celestine Idris Jezelia, First Daughter of the House of Morrighan. But we all call her the name she prefers LIA. Lia flees her home on her wedding day to the Prince of Dalbreck. As you can imagine, she isn't a big fan of arranged marriage when she never had the opportunity to meet her future husband. She resists the old tradition and wants to leave her royal life behind. Her and Pauline, her faithful maid, run away to the town of their dreams and new beginnings Terravin. Her Lia and Pauline start to live their dream simple lives where they aren't the princess and the maid. They are two normal girls with fresh start. But of course, not everyone is happy about Lia's escape. There are her parents, who post a look-out with prize, an assassin who's duty is to kill like to help the Kingdom of Venda and The left-behind Prince who is curios about the princess who was more brave than him. Will Lia find her peaceful life she was looking forward to? Or will she have to stay up to her escape and face her punishment? Or is there more to her destiny that Lia first anticipated? 

Let's get over the formalities first. The edition. Hardback. 486 pages divided into 72 chapters. The author also included the lyrics of Songs from Venda and the extractions from The Last Testaments of Gaudrel which make the story more magical and intriguing. There is a beautiful picture on the front cover. A girl standing in the middle of meadow. The title is written in beautiful silver calligraphy. Such a beautiful edition. My heart and skin tingles when I'm looking at it. And you know that you are in long haul with a book or a story if a map of the fantastical country is printing on the insides of the book.

The story itself is written  from 3 points of view. Lia's - who is the main story-teller. The prince and The assassin. Now,  here is where the tricky, but very clever part comes in. At the beginning, we don't know who is who. We only know the names - Kaden & Rafe. They both took different identities when they arrived in Terravin so we don't know who is The Prince and who is The Assassin until 60% into the book.  And this makes you want to read the book even more.

But the best thing about this book is the story itself. Oh my world!! This book took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting to like the story this much. But Ms Pearson managed to describe a wonderful fantasy world full of magic and adventure. Love and hate. Piece and war. I was more and more mesmerised as I read on. The talented author took her time and really thought this story through. There was the background history, the current state of affairs and the usual struggle with responsibility and duty. It reminded me so much of Throne of Glass series!!

And I fell under its charm. I just couldn't put it down. It was a thrilling ride. Exciting. Heart-shattering. Adventurous. Wonderful. Magical.. It was packed with twists and turns I couldn't see coming. An absolute perfection! And as you read on, you got more and more caught into the story. I love how the points of view and story-telling changes between the three main characters. I have enjoy the little attachments of lyrics of songs and stories from The Last Testament. It made so much more sense as you kept on reading.

And the characters? Well Lia is must have become my favourite female character. She is strong, kind, witty, full of compassion and love. And there is this fierceness about her spirit you just cannot help but admire. The Prince ( I won't mention the name not the spoil half of the fun for you) is strong, manly, kind and falls in love with Lia without even realising it. And The Assassin ... well he is one of the most intriguing characters. There is  more to him that he lets on. I sense a really interesting history in his past. And of course, I cannot forget to mention the lovely, always faithful and positive Pauline. The best girlfriend every girl needs. The one who goes to the ends of the world with you. I cannot wait to find out more. I need to know more.

I have been having serious withdrawals since finishing the book. All I do is google pictures, reviews, tumblr posts.. It has taken over my life. I have already pre-order the second instalment in this trilogy - THE HEART OF BETRAYAL, which is due to be released July 7th 2015. I am counting down the days.

So well done Ms Pearson!! Your story and its brilliant writing got under my skin and won't let go. And I couldn't be more happier about it.

Naoki Higashida : THE REASON I JUMP ( Introduced by David Mitchell )

Warning: You will never look at autism the same way & you will finally understand.

THE REASON I JUMP is not a work of fiction. It's actually a work of truth. Naoki Higashida wrote it when he was only 13 years old. Naoki is autistic. He doesn't look at the world the same way we do, but he also understands the struggle of others to understand the children or adults who are autistic. So taking into the account his previous life struggles, he decided to answer some question you might have, but never will find answer to in any of other subject-related books.

David Mitchell is a well known and respectable author who wrote many international best-sellers. He has a daughter and a son. And his son has autism. Mr Mitchell went  through every possible book on the subject of autism available, but couldn't find the answers he was looking for. Until his wife brought home Naoki's book.

I have first came across this book when looking through reads on Waterstones website and through their book club. Immediately, it had caught my attention, but even I couldn't apprehend how special this book is. It's been sitting on my book shelf for quite some time, until finally it found its place on my January TBR list. And I couldn't make a better choice. It opened up my mind to understanding and realisation of what these wonderful children and people have to go through on daily basis. And not only it holds a wonderful explanation of the most common questions the general public has, but it helps parents and adults who's family member is autistic to understand their behaviour. 

Wrapped in beautiful paperback, Naoki write some answers to questions we all have. Why do you like jumping? Why are you preferring being alone? Why do you take ages to answer questions? And more and more. There is 58 questions and answers in total spread across 178 pages. And they truly give you a glance into a world of autism. You will finally understand a little bit better to their world and what is going around them. And you will have so much newfound respect for people who has been born with autism. 

This is one of the most inspiring, thoughtful and heart-shattering books I have ever read. Starting with the introduction written by David Mitchell You will left with tears as he describes his struggle with with his son's autism and when he was first diagnosed. Don't read it on the bus, people looked at me funny when they saw me all teared up.

But it's just kept on coming. I was truly engrossed with this book and the answers which are sometimes so unexpected. It's magnificent that Naoki wrote this only when he was 13 years old! His intelligence and talent shines all the way through. Not only he gives you a first hand view into his world of struggle, but he also writes stories which will leave you breathless. 

Beautiful. Mind-blowing. An Exceptional piece of literature which won't leave a dry eye in the house. I recommend for everyone to read, so they can understand the everyday struggle children and people like Naoki have to go through every single day. You will be left speechless. 

Gayle Forman : WHERE SHE WENT

Warning! If you are expecting a story similar to IF I STAY, then you are in for a surprise!

WHERE SHE WENT is sequel to best selling novel, If I Stay,  written by the talented Gayle Forman. Ms Forman took the world of literature by storm, when her debut novel climbed onto Times Best-selling list. Last year, we could see If I Stay, on the big screen too.


But Ms Forman isn't just a one time wonder. Her story-telling has become so popular that every novel from her pen becomes a best-seller within days from publishing. I have been meaning to read WHERE SHE WENT for quite some time, but there were always books I gave preference to, but this month this finally made on my January TBR list. Not only that, but it has also become the first book to be read in #ZCbookclub - an monthly book club started by the little me and Sara from Carpe Librum Girl on Instagram.


It's been 3 years since Mia Hall - the love of his life - walked out of Adam's life. He's been to hell and back. All his musical dreams came through, but he is haunted by the ghosts of past. He is struggling to cope with new-found fame and being always in the spotlight. Although he is trying to move on with his life, it always comes back to Mia and her leaving him behind. Adam hasn't seen Mia since she walked out on him, but one night in New York before he supposed to leave for the big tour, he find himself watching Mia's concert at Carnegie Hall. Will Adam find out the answers to his questions which have been on his mind since the awful day she left him behind? Or will it all be just a random encounter which leaves them both to move forward with both of their lives?

Let's talk about the edition of the book first. Paperback. 267 pages divided into 23 chapters. The beginning of each other chapter is marked with song lyrics by Shooting Star and their debut album Collateral Damage which always give a glimpse into Adam's feelings and mental state when he was writing that particular song. There is a beautiful photograph of Adam and Mia on the cover of the book. They are gazing into each other's eyes and communicate with their own silent language. The paperback also includes lyrics to Adam's debut album Prepare for Landing. A nice touch Ms Forman. You have really thought this through.


The writing. Firstly, I want to praise the decision of Ms Forman to write this book from Adam's point of view. It's been refreshing. The writing is raw, dark and very truthful. You can feel the anger Adam is feeling towards Mia for abandoning him. He is such a messed up guy with so many demons who are haunting him. He is addicted to pills which calm his nerves and help him with panic attacks. He feels alone in the world with nobody understanding him. Even though he reached all what he desired, at least where music is concerned, he is unhappy. He is missing Mia dearly. And all this emotions are expressed in Forman's writing. It's haunting. It's sad. It's heart-shattering. And it's un-put-down-able. I just couldn't stop reading the story. Straight away it got under my skin and wouldn't let go. And I must say, I preferred to the original story.

The story itself is packed with raw emotions, sadness, lost hope and loneliness. But soon enough, it starts to change and maybe, just maybe there is still hope for Adam and his lost love. I love how the author skips between the present and the past. It keeps you more engaged. It makes you more invested in the story. You just want to keep on reading. Slowly, but surely, the little flame of hope that Mia and Adam can find their way back to each other, turns into a full on flame. Blazing. Burning. A light in the darkness. But will they be able to put their past behind and step into the future? Will they be able to forgive each other? You have so many questions, and you are finding yourself reading more so you can get your answers.


I have loved the author's explanation of why Mia left Adam. Why she has broken the heart of the only boy she ever loved and when Mia explains, you will understand. I promise you. So keep on reading. Don't give up the hope for happy ending. The story is just getting started. After you finish it, you will be left speechless. It's beautiful. A wonderful love story which leaves you breathless. I have loved every page of it.

So thank you Ms Forman. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into Adam's life. Thank you for giving us answers. And THANK YOU for writing such a unique, heart-breaking, beautiful love story. You have taken my breath and mind away.

Jennifer E. Smith : THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Warning! If you think this is just another love-story, you are wrong! There is so much more to this book than boy meets girl and they fall in love. It's one of those stories which takes you deeper than expected.

THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT is a contemporary YA novel  written by the lover of both New York and London, talented writer and always a dreamer Jennifer E. Smith. It was first published in 2012 and quickly became very popular in reader's world.

"A gorgeous, heartwarming reminder of the power of fate." NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

"Similar to ONE DAY, this story of love and heartbreak is a real gem." CLOSER

"I read it in one sitting and when I finally put it down I was beaming an a bit tearful" KERIS STAINTON

"Romantic and wise... a must-read. And the second you meet Oliver, you're going to pray you miss your next flight!" Sarah Mlynowski

"The ultimate feel good read. I defy anyone not to fall in love with it. A book that will touch even the most recusant romantics and will 100% make you believe in love at first sight."                             JESS (http://jessheartsbooks.blogspot.co.uk )

I have received this book from the lovely Sara from http://carpelibrumgirl.blogspot.co.uk . Bless her thinking of me around Christmas time. This book was one of the presents I have received from her and found under my Christmas tree. Of course, I had to read it. So many book bloggers and reviewers had said so many wonderful things about this book, I had to find out if the rave about it was all true. So, logically, the book found its place on my January TBR list. 

Do you believe in faith? Do you believe in love at first sight? Well... meet Hadley who has just missed her flight to London. She is on her way to her worst nightmare - her dad's wedding to 'the british woman' Charlotte. And she has missed her flight. By 4 minutes!! Not only, she has to attend a wedding she doesn't want to witness or take part in, but now she has to wait for another plane and there is no guarantee that she makes it on time. But then faith brings her to Oliver. The handsome, well mannered and well behaved, british guy studying in Yale. Every girl's dream. And the faith brings them together on the most unexpected night. Will it be love at first sight? Or will it be one night which won't mean a thing?

Ok, let's start with easy part. The edition. Paperback. 215 pages divided into 18 chapters. Every chapter has both time stamps - The Eastern Standard Time & The Greenwich Mean Time. Original. I am liking it. Bright beautiful cover with bold lettering and only two pairs of feet in pumps. The background and the bold part is the beautifully green grass. Simple, yet affective. I like it. It doesn't look cheep, it looks modern, indie kind of look. 

The writing style of Ms Smith is easy to read. Modern. Packed with pop culture references. The writing is so relate able that any reader can get easy to the story. The author lines the present story with the snippets from Hadley's memories. So the readers are not going blind into the story and can slowly create the picture of the past in their mind. 

The story. Every single review I have read describes this as a wonderful love-story which makes you believe in faith all over again. And I don't disagree. I am a big believer of faith. Every single thing in life happens for a reason. For Hadley and Oliver it was missing her flight which brought them together. And it is a love-story, yes. But the biggest and most important part of the story for me was the fallout between Hadley and her father. The scenes between them were the ones I remember the most. As they made me cry so much. I have loved how she fought him every chance she got. She didn't forgive him for leaving her and her mum. She was angry. But the best part for me was when she realised that she missed him and she wants to be part of his life again. I sobbed like a baby when reading these parts. 

Hadley and I had so much in common and therefore I could relate to her character the most. But I fell in love with Oliver. Any girl would. British. Gorgeous. Guy with manners. There is not many of his kind around the world anymore (no offence to the male population - but somehow they lost the touch with manners which made them so gentleman-y).


I really enjoyed reading this story with its turns and twists I have not seen coming. It was wonderful, exciting, tearful, heart-shattering but at the same time loveable story. I couldn't put it down! I had to read on. 

And you know what! Yes, it made me believe in the love at first sight a little bit more. But it also showed me how to forgive and let go. How to see the the bigger picture.. And at the end, it also formed even bigger belief in faith itself. 

Well done Ms Smith. What a wonderful, beautifully written story about love at first sight you have created. I have enjoyed every single sentence, page, chapter... Thank you. Thank you for reminding us of faith and forgiveness.

Excuse me now, I am going to hang around the nearest airport so I can meet my own Oliver ;-)

Stephanie Perkins : ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Warning! If you aren't a fan of romance and YA genre, just put the book back on the shelf. It's not for you. On the other hand, if you read YA and romance.. step closer, pick up the book, take it to the cashier, pay for and bring it home. Make yourself a cup of tea and get reading!!

ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER is a third book in the Anna and the French Kiss series written by the wonderful author of YA and romantic genre - Stephanie Perkins.


I know, I know.. Before you all start shouting at me. I know I have skipped one book, but I will get to it..Promise! It's just this book is green and my TBR list for January is themed with green books so I kinda decided to read it. And I will be honest, I didn't regret it it.




Meet Isla. The beautiful and very smart girl who is a bit of an introvert. She only has one friend - Kurt - who she's known since they both been in diapers. Isla is a student at the prestigious School of America in Paris and she has a major crush on Josh. Josh has been untouchable for past 3 years, but the senior year of high school is here. Josh is single and one summer afternoon Isla and Josh bump into each other. I can smell the romance from miles. 

Ok, let's have a quick look at the edition first. Green paperback with the skyline of New York. Bold lettering. 375 pages divided into 34 chapters. I love how all the books in the series have been themed to the same style. They compliment each other. I am always grateful when the publisher decides to stick with the theme.



The writing. Well it's what we can expect from Stephanie Perkins. Modern. Easy to read and relate to. It's funny, exciting, thrilling and very addictive. As usual, the writing captures my attention straight from the start. Stephanie knows how to write love-stories. Her story-telling just sings a wonderful melody to my heart.

The story is oh so romantic. If you liked Anna & The French Kiss, you will love Isla's story. If you loved Anna's story, you will absolutely adore Isla & Josh's love story. Everything about this book has a sign of a good romance. A nerdy girl who crushes on a boy but never think that she could catch his eye. A boy who rebels against rules and parents. By faith, they meet and fall in love in the City of Love and Light - Paris. You cannot go wrong. Of course, don't expect a smooth journey. These two have a long road to happiness ahead of them. Separation. Not enough trust. Past relationships all come to play and make sure that these two have to fight for their love story to reach a happily ever after.

Dear Stephanie! Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU for writing this wonderful and beautiful love story. I have fallen in love. I wasn't able to put the book down and it had me reading until the early hours of the morning.


All the characters in the book are so relate able to us. We all could find a piece of us in either of them.  Isla, the smart and beautiful girl, who lacks the confidence. Josh, the rebel who is extremely talented artist. Kurt, the best friend with little faults, but you love him even more for it. And of course, the sister who is out there to cause trouble.


And the best part was the ending... just wow!! Not only Stephanie brought together the characters from the other two books in the series, but she managed to write the most romantic ending I've ever read. It got me crying with happiness and joy.




What an amazing ending story to leave this book series with. Stephanie Perkins went out with a bang. I, now, cannot wait to read the only book I missed out in this series LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR. Sooner or later I will get you!!



All in all, I have fallen under the spell of Ms Perkins story-telling and I cannot wait to read other stories which will be produced from her pen.

Morgan Matson : SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE

Warning: If you expect Kelly Clarkson's song to be turn into a book, you are in for a big surprise.

Question: What would you do if you best friend suddenly disappears and all you have left is a list of things to do over the summer?

SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE is a YA contemporary novel written by the beautiful and very talented author Morgan Matson. This is Matson's third book and I am very excited to find out if the author's writing as wonderful as I have been told.

I have purchased this book over the summer as one of my book hauls on  www.amazon.co.uk/books . And since then, it has been sitting on my shelf. I have heard really good reviews about this books so of course I must have find out for myself if they are all true. So since I have joined Carpe Librum Girl's TBR Pile Challenge, this book was one of my first choice to be read. Actually, it's because of this book, most of my January Reading Challenge's books are green. Has anyone noticed that little detail?

Emily and Sloane are best friends and spend nearly all their time together.  Then one day, out of the blue, at the beginning of their epic summer together, Sloane and her family disappears. She doesn't pick up her phone, her house is empty and Emily is besides herself. Where is her best friend? Is she coming back? Why she didn't say goodbye? Is this the end of their friendship? And then, a letter arrives in Emily's mailbox. It's written in Sloane's handwriting and all it's in it is a to-do-list of tasks that wallflower Emily wouldn't normally do. Thinking it will bring her some answers, Emily throws herself into the journey of completing the tasks on the list. And on the way she finds some unexpected surprises. But will the completing of the list bring her back to Sloane?


Let's have a look at the edition of the book first. A paperback. 449 pages long written in two different fonts to establish what's the present and what's the past. A very summery picture of two best friends on front and the back. All you think about when picking up this book is, this could be a great summer read. And it really turns out to be a joyful ride.

The writing is easy to follow. Modern. Exciting. Very relate able. It's thrilling to read how the beautiful but very introvert Emily copes with the list of her tasks which includes : Skinny-dipping, Stealing, Breaking, Dancing Till Dawn, Hugging a Jamie, Spilling Secrets in Dark or Kissing a Stranger...

To be absolutely honest, I wasn't very excited about the concept at the start. When I first picked up the book, I thought it might be a mindless reading to keep my mind busy for a little while. Nothing too complicated. At when reading the first 30 pages I thought, it might be a little bit boring with the detailed descriptions. But it turns out, I was wrong.


I have enjoyed this book so so much. I actually wasn't able to put this down as soon as I discovered the list itself. Being able to relate to Emily's character and some of my friendship and girlfriends who remind Sloane in so many aspects, I was hooked. I wanted to find out how will Emily cope with the tasks in hand and if she will be able to complete them. But one thing I was sure about was the fact, that the list will change her and helps her open up a little bit.



I have love all the characters in the book. The beautiful Emily who lacks the confidence and needs to open up to the world more. The brainy and nerdy, but very cool and turns out sexy too, Frank - the class president... The girl, Dawn, who's heart has been broken by her best friend and boyfriend when she caught them kissing.. The always too confident, hard on the outside, but a big softie and teddy bear inside - Collins.. Even Sloane, who I couldn't stand at the beginning and was angry with for leaving Emily without saying goodbye, who turned out to be as damaged as any of us.. All of them were wonderful characters, every reader can find a piece of their soul and being in them. We all can find the one character we can relate to. We all can re-live our story through theirs. Very inspirational and beautiful.

At the end I was blown away by this book and couldn't say more praises about it. I have loved the ride filled with joy and unexpected surprises. I went through minutes of true happiness and then minutes of sadness when reading this story. At one point I found myself crying for Emily, and then kindly smiling at what was happening... I have truly enjoyed every single page and chapter and I have loved how the shy Emily - the ugly duckling - turn into a beautiful confident swan who found her true self at the end. She found who she meant to be all along.




Thank you Morgan. This story was an inspiring, exciting ride. I am now in a mood to write my own to-do-list filled with tasks I was afraid to do before. I know it will be worth at the end. What a wonderful tale of love, friendship and self-discovery.

ZC Book Club

You all know how much I love Instagram. I think it's my favourite social networking site / app. There are so many beautiful pictures of books & other things out there...but the best part is that you get to meet so many lovely people and bloggers who loves books as much as you do.

Last year I have met Sara from http://carpelibrumgirl.blogspot.co.uk . We have become fast friends. We talk all the time. And the other day, when Sara saw picture of my January TBR list, she suggested a read along since she is planning to read the same book this month. So we got talking and an idea of a monthly book club has been born - ZC BOOK CLUB & Read-Along on Instagram. 

The rules are easy. Every month we  - the little me & the lovely Sara - pick a book to read, which we all start reading around the 15th of the month. We give you 7 days to read the book and all you have to do is map your progress on Instagram. We will give you 5 days notice to join in. 

How do I join, you may ask? Follow me or Sara on Instagram, around January 10th 2015 we will post an invitational picture and you just need to repost it so we know that you are in. 

Don't forget to use the hashtag: #ZCbookclub ;-) 

Easy. Are you joining in with us?

So we are starting this month. Our choice for the month of January 2015 is (drum rolls please!!): 

WE SHE WENT by Gayle Forman

So all you have to do now is follow me and Sara on Instagram: @zuzvystrcilova & @carpelibrumgirl . 

We are both looking forward to see your posts!! 

Zuz xoxo

Kiera Cass : THE ONE

Warning: Prepare your tissues.. You are in for an emotional ride.

THE ONE is the third book in The Selection Series written by the very cool Kiera Cass. I have loved and adored this series so far so much, that I couldn't put it down, even when I wanted to and my eyes begged me to. And The One is no exception.


Finally, America has realised what and who she wants and is ready to fight and win her prince. Maxon is the love of her life and she is doing everything in her power to prove him that she loves him (even when the actual words haven't come out of either of their mouths..). But she doesn't have a smooth journey ahead of her. The king doesn't like her.. The rebels are still attacking the palace and Maxon hasn't told her that he loves her yet. He is still swinging between her and the other girls in The Elite. Will she prove her love to him at the end? And will the love be returned?


Let's start with the easy part. The edition. A paperback. 323 pages long. A beautiful image of America in white dress (Hint-hint about the ending maybe?) on the front. Kiera didn't disappoint with her dedication: " For Callaway, the boy who climbed into the tree house in my heart and let me be the crown on his." Beautiful. Heart-warming. But as usual she took the funny approach in her acknowledgement: "Can you just put your hand on the page and pretend I'm giving you a high five? Seriously. How else do I thank you for reading my books?" Humble. Funny. Very wonderful on Kiera's part.



The writing is exciting and easy to read as usual. There are so many twists and turns that my head spins and still  I cannot put the book down. Thrilling. Joyful. Heart-breaking. Heart-shattering. Beautiful. The story keeps on giving and just when you think that the happy ending is near and these two pull their heads out of their respectable behinds and tell each other how they feel... boom.. there is another twists and you are left huffing and puffing with disappointment and anger. Typical slow burn. I bet the Arrow writers read these books, because again I cannot stop and compare my beautiful Olicity to America and Maxon. Talk about a slow development in a relationship... And being scared to take the next step. 

Now, the story...wow.. as I said it keeps on giving. This woman knows how to make a reality show exciting. She knows how to engage the reader.. The modern writing means that you are hooked and cannot put the book down. Absolutely fantastic. I am so so SO happy that my stubborn mind didn't give up on the first impression and I have ended up reading this series as I fell utterly, deeply and undeniably in love with these books. I have loved every single page, chapter and book in this series.

Thanks to Cass' writing abilities and story-telling you are on a roller coaster of emotion. Love. Anger. Happiness. Disappointment... One minute you are laughing out loud or smiling like a goof, next you are throwing the book in the corner frustrated with the story. And that's what a good story should do. You should go through that roller coaster ride, because at the end it's worth it.

I am counting down the days to the next book being realised. THE HEIR  is being released on May 5th, 2015. In the meantime, after my ban for buying books has ended, I'll be purchasing The Selection  Stories Part 1 : The Guard & The Prince, as soon as I can.

Thank you Kiera Cass for such a wonderful, thrilling love story. It has been a joyful ride so far and I cannot wait to discover more from the world of THE SELECTION.

JANUARY READING CHALLENGE

2015 is here. It's a brand new book with 12 chapters and 365 pages !! And January is the first chapter in this book. So let's make it awesome! 

Every month I will choose up to 6 books I want to read that month. Plus some other goals too. This months is a month of cleansing and fresh starts. 

Here are my 2 main goals for this month:

Health wise, I am going VEGAN for 30 days. It's a big challenge for me as I love cheese and eggs but this year I have decided to get the body of my dreams so going vegan is one of my new things. Also Yoga classes and running are a massive plus. At least 5 times a week :)

Now blog wise, I am going to read, read, read and read. 6 beautiful stories ahead. I am also theming up for read along challenge with Sara from http://carpelibrumgirl.blogspot.co.uk !! Announcement is coming soon,  so keep an eye on both of our  Instagram accounts for details ( @zuzvystrcilova & @carpelibrumgirl ). 

So let me share with you my TBR list for the cold month of January 2015: 

JANUARY READING CHALLENGE

THE KISS OF DECEPTION by Mary E. Pearson

A princess must find her place in a reborn world. 

She flees on her wedding day. She steals ancient documents from the Chancellor's secret collection. She is pursued by bounty hunters sent by her own father. She is Princess Lia, seventeen. First Daughter of the House of Morringham. The Kingdom of Morringham is steeped in tradition and the stories of a bygone world, but some traditions Lia can't abide. Like having to marry someone she's never met to secure a political alliance. Fed up and ready for a new life, Lia flees to a distant village on the morning of her wedding. She settles in among the common folk, intrigued when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive - and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deceptions swirl and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets - secrets that may unravel her world - even as she feels herself falling in love. 

THE REASON I JUMP by Naoki Higashida ( Introduced by David Mitchell)

One boy's voice from the silence of autism. 

THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT by Jennifer E. Smith

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of Hadley's life...

Her father is getting married in London to a woman she's never even met, and she's just missed her flight. 

Hadley has never believed in destiny or fate before...

But, stuck at the airport in New York, today is also the day she meets Oliver. He's British. He's cute. And he's on her new flight. 

Set over twenty-four hours, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it. 

ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER by Stephanie Perkins

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on brooding artist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And, after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer break, romance might be closer that Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to face uncertainty about their futures, and the very real possibility of being apart. 

Set against the stunning backdrops of New York, Paris and Barcelona, this is a gorgeous, heart-wrenching and irresistible story of true love, and the perfect conclusion to Stephanie Perkins's beloved series. 

SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE  by Morgan Matson

Emily's best friend Sloane disappears, almost without a trace - the only thing left behind is a to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-inspired tasks that wallflower Emily wouldn't normally do, and definitely not without her best friend. But what if completing the list could bring Sloane back?

Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not?

Kiss a stranger? Um...

Go skinny dipping? Wait...What?

Emily only has the summer to check everything off Sloane's list. The question is, what will she find at the end of it?

WHERE SHE WENT by Gayle Forman

It's been three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life. 

And three years he's spent wondering why. When their paths cross again in New York City, Adam and Mia are brought back together for one life-changing night. 

Adam finally has the opportunity to ask Mia the questions that have been hating him. But will a few hours in this magical city be enough to lay their past to rest, for good - or can you really have a second chance at first love? 

What is on your TBR list this month? Do you have any recommendations for me? I'd love to her your thoughts...