blog tour, books, reviews

Book Review: The Big Event by Anne John-Ligali

Hello, today is my stop on the blog tour for The Big Event by Anne John-Ligali.

The Big Event is part one of the Friendship Online Short Story Series.

Constance Jeffries is excited when she gets the chance to meet up with virtual friends at a
get-together in a London hotel. She’s been tweeting and messaging her lovely friends for years and feels they must be just as excited to finally meet her in person too.
Or so she hopes.

A short story about the importance of ‘real’ friendships and how it’s the little things that matter the most.

About the author:

Anne John-Ligali is a writer and the founder of Books and Authors UK, a popular website featuring author interviews and book reviews. She loves all things books: reading, writing, going to book events, and meeting other book lovers. She has written a series of short stories and is currently writing her first novel.

Anne has always loved stories and read many books as a child, including the entire Sweet Valley High and Caitlyn series. Her interest in writing fiction came years later, when she began writing for pleasure in 2007. Since then, Anne has been writing on and off and enjoys participating in writing groups. Twice in 2014, she won the monthly Novelicious Pintrest Prompt Fiction Competition.

When Anne is not writing, she is likely to be at soft play with her kids, taking long evening walks in Hyde Park, making green smoothies, window shopping, or having a pampering session at her local beauty salon (whenever she gets the chance). She can also be found watching box sets (albeit with a bit of shame at still having to catch up on Scandal, Grey’s, and Downton).

Originally from Peterborough, Anne now lives in London. After moving to London, she studied graphic design at the University of Arts and has held a number IT administration jobs in the city. Anne continues writing and aspires to write more women’s fiction books, a non-fiction book and several children’s books.

You can find Anne at the following places:

website Twitter Facebook Instagram

For more info about the book check out:

Book Blog website Twitter Facebook

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed this short story, it was a light fun read about friendship,of the virtual kind. Perfect for your commute to work as it’s quick to digest and hopefully unless it’s a very short trip, you won’t miss the stop!

Constance is an author and she’s at a Christmas party filled with people she knows, but not really.

We all portray ourselves a certain way online that often isn’t exactly the truth and these party goers are no exception. But sometimes what we’re hiding has a lot more heart to it.

There’s a sequel due out this year following on from The Big Event.

You can buy The Big Event here.

beauty, cruelty free, make up, reviews

Product Review: Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayons*

The team at Influenster UK sent me their latest Vox Box which contained two of these new Marc Jacobs Beauty Matte Gel Eye Crayons.

These super soft eyeliner pencils in (Earth)quake and Pink Of Me.

(Earth)quake is a soft brown which works as a great alternative to a black liner for a softer look.

Pink of Me is a pale pink which initially I really wasn’t sure about as it doesn’t really show up well on my skin. However smudged across my lids it makes a nice light wash of colour.

These liners are incredibly waterproof, I tested it on my hand and it wouldn’t budge when I washed my hand. It takes a good splash of make up remover to take it off my hand and my eyelids.

Marc Jacobs Beauty is cruelty free, which means I can add these to my collection happily.

You can buy Marc Jacobs Beauty in John Lewis online and in store.

*This post includes items that are gifted or sponsored but all opinions and words are my own.

films, movie night, netflix, reviews

Random film review: Sisters

I thought that I’d share my thoughts on random films I watch late at night on Netflix. First up Sisters starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

I have no recollection of this being released in cinemas but that’s pretty common as I don’t go very often.

In the film Fey and Poehler play sisters who return to their childhood home to clean out their (frankly enormous – it has 2 double beds) bedroom as their parents have sold the house.

It is very silly, they decide to throw a legendary party inviting all their old friends, who conveniently still all live locally even though Fey and Poehler don’t.

There are some very funny moments that made me laugh very loudly and some unnecessarily cringey ones (poor Ike Barinholtz) that could easily have been cut.

The film also plays like a who’s who of funny American women with Samantha Bee, Maya Rudolph, Kate McKinnon and a host of others popping up. An almost unrecognizable Dianne Wiest plays the mum.

Good points: funny, would definitely pass The Bechdel Test.

Bad points: #filmsowhite the only people of colour are some heavily stereotyped Korean nail salon workers. Fey does seem to struggle with POC in roles (she’s the film’s producer too). That really unnecessary gross out scene with Poehler and Barinholtz.

Worth watching? Yes for celeb spotting and the funny bits as well as the sisterly relationship which real life pals Fey and Poehler portray well.

Stars: 🌟🌟🌟

blog tour, books, reviews

Book Review: Traitor – David Hingley*

Today I’m hosting a stop on the blog tour for the excellent historical romp Traitor.

This is the third book in the Mercia Blakewood series – I recommend reading Birthright and Puritan first as the book references characters and events from the previous ones.

Following her adventures in the American colonies, Mercia Blakewood returns to England determined to make the King stand by their agreement and reclaim her family’s home.

However the royal court has other plans for Marcia in this third outing by David Hingley. It’s 1665, war with the Dutch looms and Charles II believes there is a spy in his Court. He needs Mercia’s skills and intelligence to rout the mysterious Virgo and prevent the Dutch from getting information about the fleet and their plans.

I love historical fiction, and Hingley’s blend of real and imagined people and events brings the Restoration vividly to life. Mercia is a fantastic heroine, smart, resourceful and determined.

Hingley has clearly researched the period well, having lived in both the UK and the US (near where the action of his books takes place) which is good as the Restoration isn’t covered in school, so although the plot is an invention, the books really gives you a feel for the late 1600s.

I really enjoyed the first two books but this is definitely the strongest so far (fingers crossed Hingley decides to continue the series).

Book one (Birthright) is currently £5.99 direct from the publisher if you want to get into the series.

Check out the rest of the tour

Today a really interesting and relevant article was published- talk about kismet. Mercia’s adventures start with an attempt to find Charles I’s lost art and now it is finally being reunited in part. Worth a read, just like these books!

*I received this product in exchange for an honest review, all opinions and words are my own.

beauty, reviews, skincare

Skin Refresh with Frezyderm* 

As some of you may know I have rather complicated skin concerns ranging from extreme paleness to rosacea and ezcema. 

The team at Frezyderm have developed a range of products designed especially for sensitive skin and rosacea. 

They kindly sent me three items to test on my grumpy skin. 

Mild Wash Liquid – suitable for all ages, designed for sensitive skin. 

Sensitive Red Skin Facial Cream – suitable for all ages, designed to control rosacea and redness. 

Sensitive Red Skin Tinted Cream – CC cream with SPF 30, suitable for all ages, designed to cover rosacea symptoms. 

The face wash is ok, it works well enough but it didn’t leave my skin feeling as squeaky clean as I like so this has become a morning wash to get my rid of any sleep residue. 

The moisturiser I’ve found  works best over a serum. It’s not really heavy enough for winter as my skin gets thirsty, but so far I’ve been using it on make up free days over My Good Skin serum from Boots, the only real issue is that it doesn’t have any SPF so I have to layer that on too.

The only product I haven’t really got any use out of is the CCC cream and thats because it’s too dark for me. Which is a shame as I was hoping it would work as an alternative to my foundation when I just want to cover the redness. 

*indicates gifted or sponsored items but all words and opinions are my own. 

books, reviews

Book review: Look For Her – Emily Winslow

Another day, another review. Something a bit more psychological this time! 

A body found in the woods dressed in the clothing of a missing girl from forty years ago, a young woman obsessed by the case, a recent drowning. Is there a connection and if so, can detectives Keene and Frohmann find it before anyone else gets hurt? 

I haven’t read anything by Winslow before, except her story in the Deadlier anthology (which I also recommend) but I really enjoyed this, finishing it in one sitting. 

I liked the changes in perspective between the different characters, the fact that some of them had their own agendas and you couldn’t always clearly see what they were, and how it was all carefully drawn together at the end. 

Cold cases are quite fascinating, especially as technology as moved on so much and what we can tell now about a crime is so more in depth than in the past, making it both easier and harder to solve them.

This book is available now from all the usual places. 

books, reviews

Book Preview: What Falls Between the Cracks – Robert Scragg

For a debut novel this is very accomplished, and in an amusing twist is set in and around my neck of the woods, with familiar places popping up as I read.

A frozen hand is found in an abandoned flat, whose is it and how did it end up there? DI Jake Porter and DS Nick Styles match the DNA to a woman who had been missing for 30 years. What happened to her? 

A simple investigation turns into a knotty and dangerous case, pitting the police against a gang of criminals and members of their own force. 

I really enjoyed this, I like a good, complex crime thriller and this delivered. Pacey, well written, fully fledged out characters, the rest of this proposed series should be interesting. 
The hardback isn’t out till April next year but if this is your sort of read I recommend putting it on your tbr list now. 

books, reviews

Book Review: The Last Time We Spoke – Fiona Sussman 

This is a really interesting book about forgiveness and redemption. 
After her family are violently murdered Carla Reid is slowly rebuilding her life while Ben Toroa, one of her family’s attackers is facing the consequences of his violent past. Their paths cross when Carla decides to seek further understanding of the day she lost her loved ones. 

I don’t know a lot about New Zealand or Maori culture, but this offered an insight into that world as well as a redemptive narrative, that while quite sad at times, from Carla’s tragedy and Ben’s terrible home life, also has a heart. 

I can see why the author is award winning – her writing is fluid and rich, the plot is intelligent and emotionally driven. 

The book is available now. 

Christmas, fashion, jewellery, lifestyle, reviews

Christmas Stars with Jewellery Box* 

Christmas is coming and if like me you’re part magpie you’ll have your eye on some sparkly gifts, whether for yourself or as gifts for your loved ones. 

For some beautiful and fun jewellery look no further than Jewellery Box

This UK based small business is a favourite of bloggers, having sponsored the Bloggers Blog Awards, which I attended back in September. 

The team very kindly sent me some really lovely pieces to share with you all. 

I love this necklace, there’s something very soothing about tessalating shapes. The silver chain is delicate with a lobster clasp. Perfect for work to add a little quirk to a smart office look. 
For something more seasonal, how about this dainty snowflake? Adding this to my Christmas Day outfit I think. 

To go with the necklace, these star earrings! So pretty and cute. 
Then to finish it off another star, this time in gold, around my wrist – although it might go better with Boxing Day’s ensemble. 
Everything is beautifully packaged, making these items perfect gifts for your friends and family (or yourself!) 

Christmas, lifestyle, reviews

Christmas Bouquet with Prestige Flowers*

A bouquet is a lovely gift for a family member you might not be seeing over Christmas and these seasonal ones from Prestige Flowers are beautifully packaged and can be delivered to the door of your recipient. 

My bouquet came with its own vase, saving me from having to climb up and get one from the top of the kitchen cabinet, and a delicious box of chocolates. Bouquets can also be ordered alone or with a bottle of wine or champagne. 

I tried to decide where to display my beautiful bouquet, with the tree, on it’s own, these flowers ended up with their own photo shoot! In the end they wound up on a bookshelf. But they looked pretty good anywhere, don’t you think! 

*this post contains gifted or sponsored items but all words and opinions are my own.