christmas – A Fangirl's Opinion

Books on My Christmas Wishlist 2020

December 22, 2020

Happy Blogmas Day 11!

When my family ask me what I want for Christmas the answer is always books, books and more books! It’s got to the point now that they refuse to buy me anymore books because I’m running out of room on my bookshelves! Nevertheless I still like to make a list, just in case they change their minds! I also thought I’d share my list of books I’ll be giving as gifts this Christmas, just incase anyone needs any last minute ideas!

Books on My Wishlist

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout – Ever since I heard about this series, I had to have it! For the past month however I’ve been on a book buying ban so I’m praying that my sister gets me this series for Christmas! I’ve never read a JLA book but I’ve heard nothing but praise for her action packed storylines and alluring characters!

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout – From what I’ve heard, I’m going to want to have the sequel ready and waiting for me when I finish!

The Bone Criers Moon by Kathryn Purdie – I always say that I’m going to buy this book next but then something else catches my eye and I vow to buy in next time, it’s a vicious cycle! Even if I don’t receive this book it’s 100% going to be on my shelf by the end of January!

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson – As many of you know I’m obsessed with Brandon Sanderson and I’m eager to start another series! After looking through all of his series I decided I was craving more high-fantasy rather than sci-fi and settled for the epic that is the Stormlight Archive. I can’t wait to dive back into the wonderful world he creates and to meet a new and exciting cast of characters!

Books I’m Giving as Gifts

Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid – I had no idea that this story was inspired by Fleetwood Mac so I had to order it for my friend Amy! Between us there has been many karaoke renditions and bad dancing to some of their greatest classics so I’m hoping this book will bring back some good memories! Plus I’ve heard nothing but good things about this book and I’m secretly hoping that she chooses it for Book Club next year!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – Every time I have a Zoom call with my friends they always ask me if I’ve managed to unhaul any of my copies of the Hunger Games, as I’ve got three copies of the series all with different and special covers! It’s not even my favourite series but teenage Amy clearly had an obsession! I’m now down to two copies of the trilogy (which according to my friends is still two too many) so I thought I’d share the love and send them a personalised copy to keep of their shelves FOREVER!

Unpublished Letters to the Daily Telegraph edited by Kate Moore – This is a go-to gift for my Dad, and a perfect way to reflect on this disaster of a year. This is a collection of unpublished and refreshingly witty letters that The Daily Telegraph receive each year and provide a typically British take on the year.

In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks – And finally it wouldn’t be Christmas without gifting a steamy highlander novel to my best friend, Grace! I’m always on the hunt for a trashy historical romance and I think I’ve hit the jackpot with this one, I’m even a little jealous and might have to grab a copy for myself! Maya Banks’ beguiling new trilogy features three unforgettable brothers risking everything to save their clan and their legacy—and to surrender their hearts to love.

Christmas Book Haul 2019

December 28, 2018

CHBH

Father Christmas has been very generous this year and has spoiled me with some very lovely books which I’m sure to enjoy in the New Year! I hope all everyone had a wonderful Christmas, mine was filled with lots of eating, drinking and competitive game-playing! I am by no means bragging, it is purely for those of you who are curious and to perhaps have a preview of future reviews!

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black – I wasn’t expecting this book at all but its perfect as it’s on my list of series I want to start in 2019! My sister did admit the only reason she bought it was because she read the synopsis and that she wants to read it too and I don’t blame her as after reading it myself, I too am pretty excited to start reading it!

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J Maas – It feels so good to finally get my hands on this book and the entire series looks stunning on my bookshelves. I didn’t realize how big it actually was and I’m very much looking forward to starting this very soon!

The Crimes of Grindelwald by J.K Rowling – If you’ve read my film review for the Crimes of Grindelwald then you’ll know that I really didn’t like it! However, I needed the screenplay because of its stunning turquoise cover which is embellished with beautiful gold detailing. Both of the screenplays look very fancy on my bookshelf and I can’t wait to have the whole collection!

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton – This has been described to me as ‘an exaggerated Agatha Christie thingy’ – those words exactly! I’m a huge fan of Agatha Christie and a good old fashioned murder mystery so I look forward to reading something that isn’t fantasy!

Mortal Engines by Phillip Reeve – After watching the film I’ve been dying to dive into this series and to explore these wonderful characters more. The whole concept of this world is just so unique and clever and its a good watch if you’re looking for a bit of fun!

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson – FINALLY! I read the first book in this series in the summer and fell head over heels for Sanderson’s characters, writing, and excellent world building! I’m excited to see how this journey continues and I’m more than ready to delve back into this world! If you haven’t read this series yet then I highly suggest you add this to your 2019 TBR and I’ll leave a link to my glowing review here!

Our Favourite Christmas Films – 12 Days of Blogmas

December 21, 2017

Merry Blogmas Day 8! Christmas films are the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit, I myself this year have already watched far too many Christmas films and I’m now running out of ones to watch. If you’re not one for reading or don’t have enough time to read then a Christmas film is a perfect alternative. We’ve already shared some of our favourite Christmas reads and you can check out that post here!

Love Actually – This film was on both of our lists as is just so cute and is packed with an amazing cast and storylines which will warm your heart as well as breaking it. I can’t think of anything wrong with this film, amazing!

Christmas With The Kranks – A funny and slightly childish Christmas film which doesn’t start off in the festive spirit but by the end shows you the true meaning and joy of Christmas. This film never fails to make me laugh and is one of those films I can watch over and over again and still laugh at all the same bits!

Home Alone (no.1 or no. 2) – I’ve grown up watching these films at Christmas and they never fail to put me in the Christmas spirit!

The Holiday- Ohhh this is such good Christmas film, but also a wonderful love story, always makes me cry at the end! I’ve already watched this three times this year as it’s a film that always warms my heart!

New Year’s Eve – Very similar to ‘Love Actually’ with the concept of different people finding love and even though it’s not a Christmas film it is however centred around the festivities of New Year’s Eve! It’s a classic romantic comedy which will get you in a good mood for the new year!

Nativity- I instantly fell in love when I watched this film, its just a brilliant, refreshing film about a school nativity that somewhat tumbles out of control! Plus all the songs are so catchy and I can guarantee after you’ve watched this you’ll have all of them stuck in your head!

Turtles All The Way Down by John Green – 12 Days of Blogmas

December 20, 2017

John Green I hate you. I hate the fact that I can’t write like you or create such beautiful quotes and stories that have such an important impact on people. I hate that you had me sobbing on the train back to University and how I’ve once again fallen in love with another one of your incredible stories that I just can’t stop recommending to everyone.

As you’ve probably already guessed this is going to be a very positive review and I won’t be able to stop singing my praises for this book. I haven’t really enjoyed a John Green book since The Fault in Our Stars so after reading lots of other reviews I went into this book with all my fingers and toes crossed that I too would enjoy it! Luckily I did!Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis.

Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis. Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts.

John Green never fails to create such unique yet relatable characters who warm your heart, especially Aza who’s strength and thought process gave me a keen insight on the works of the mind and expanding my view on things. From the outside, she looks like she’s got everything under control but that isn’t the case, inside she struggles with her spiralling thoughts and I thought Green presented this in such a real and reflective way. Daisy was easily one of my favourite characters in the entire book not only for her undying love for Star Wars and her fanfiction but I really appreciated how she dealt with her friendship with Aza. It’s clear from all of this just how much we need love, friendship, acceptance and understanding and how difficult it can be to try and understand the challenges life likes to throw at us.

It’s pretty clear that I fell absolutely in love with this book as everything about it was perfect, the storyline, the characters and the way you made me feel when I finished it. If there was an option on Goodreads to give it 10 stars then I would!

The Festive Christmas Book Tag – 12 Days of Blogmas

December 18, 2017

Merry Blogmas Day Five! It wouldn’t be Blogmas without a Christmas book tag and plus we haven’t done a book tag on here for a while and I always enjoy doing them! I did have to have a search around for this book tag and I’ve completely forgotten where I found it but thank you to the lovely blogger whose answers I really enjoyed! It’ll just be me doing this tag this time as Eleanor is still hard at work at University but she’ll be back home soon! Yay! I tag all of our followers to give this festive tag a go, so without further ado let’s get on with the tag!

1. A fictional family you would like to spend Christmas dinner with?

Amy: I know this is a pretty common answer but it would have to be the Weasley’s as they know how to do Christmas well, plus I’d love Mrs Weasley to make me my own Christmas jumper! Or I’d love to spend it with Feyre and Rhys and their gang of friends, I’m sure we’d have a ball!

2. A bookish item you would like to receive as a gift?

Amy: An unlimited gift card to Waterstones?

3. A fictional character you think would make the perfect Christmas elf?

Amy: Lara Jean from the To All The Boys I Loved Before series because she is just so caring and I could see her putting a lot of thought and care into everyone’s gifts!

4. Match a book to its perfect Christmas song?

Amy: One of my favourite Christmas songs is Christmas Lights by Coldplay and I’d match that to Dash and Lily’s book of dares. I don’t know why but that’s what came to mind when I listened to it!

5. Bah Humbug: a book or fictional character you’ve been disappointed in and should be put on the Naughty List?

Amy: I haven’t read much this year so I don’t have many books to choose from, but I recently read ‘The Dazzling Heights’ by Katherine McGee and all those characters need to be on the Naughty list for their actions! Avery, in particular, disappointed me as I just found her really depressing and mopy in this book, hopefully, she can sort herself out in the next book.

6. A book or fictional character you think deserves more love and appreciation and deserves to be put on the Nice List?

Amy: I’m going to apologize now because I can guarantee you’ll see me raving about this book a lot in the upcoming posts but it would have to be Caraval by Stephanie Garber. I read this book at the start of the year and it was just so magical and I can’t stop thinking about it! If you haven’t read it yet and are looking for a mysterious carnival adventure then definitely pick this one up!

7. Red, Gold, and Green: a book cover that has a wonderfully Christmasy feel to it?

Amy: I love the cover for ‘My True Love Gave to Me’ which is a collection of short Christmassy stories by various authors including one of my favourites Stephanie Perkins. The cover features all the characters ice skating which I just think is adorable and I love all the little details they include!

8. A book or series you love so much that you want everyone to find it under their Christmas tree this year so they can read it and love it too?

Amy: I won’t use Caraval by Stephanie Garber again (but seriously you should read it!) instead I’m going to pick the Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas because it is incredible! There’s no doubt that you too will fall in love with the world and the characters Sarah has created, everything about these books is perfect!

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Film Review – 12 Days of Blogmas

December 17, 2017

Minor Spoiler Alert – Read at your own Risk!

I was like a child at Christmas watching this film, throughout the entire film there was a smile on my face and I relished every detail and second; it was beautiful! I thought the storyline was carefully structured and it was clear that there were so much love and passion that went into creating these films. All the different storylines fitted seamlessly together and there was a perfect balance between all the perspectives, and I really enjoyed the addition of new and old characters! Every shot was beautiful and the fight scenes were full of suspense, intensity and just pure cinematic magic that made every angle a masterpiece. As for the acting, it was perfect. Each character was beautifully brought to life and there isn’t one performance that I didn’t think was exceptional; Oscars all around!

I wasn’t expecting to laugh so much during these films, and I thought it was rightly so that they had a bit of comic relief as this film was seriously intense. There was a perfect balance between good and evil which meant that nothing in this film was expected and certainly wasn’t lacking any action or adventure. So much happened in this film my poor little heart could only just take it, and I need this film on DVD now so I can just watch it over and over again. There were so many storylines in this film that beautifully crossed paths and intertwined with each other, and it was great to see more of certain character relationships my favourite being Poe and Leia as she knows how to put him in his place! I’ll keep my fangirling over Poe to a sentence, but it was great to see that he had a bigger and more developed role in this film!

I also loved Finn and Rose and the relationship between them. Rose is not your typical hero and her passion to make difference in the world and the strength she posses really made me love her as a character and I can’t wait to see more of her in the next film! Finally, the scenes with Rey and Kylo Ren had me panicking because I had no idea what was going to happen between them, would Rey be possed by darkness? or will Kylo Ren discover and follow the light that possibly remained inside him? Who knows, you’ll just have to watch and see what happens!

The Porgs, aren’t they just adorable and I could write three pages on how much I love these creatures. Another favourite of mine has to be BB-8 as he never fails to warm my heart and make me smile, I just need both of them in my life, Father Christmas are you listening?

I think it’s pretty clear that I absolutely loved this film and there aren’t enough positive adjectives to describe my thoughts and what I felt when I left the cinema. Even if you don’t like Star Wars (which I find hard to believe because how can you?) I recommend you go and watch it as it is a beautiful masterpiece that is filled with an equally beautiful storyline and characters!

Our Favourite Christmas Reads – 12 Days of Blogmas

December 15, 2017

Merry Blogmas! If you haven’t seen already we’re participating in 12 Days of Blogmas as we haven’t been active on here for a while and both missed blogging! To get us into the Christmas spirit I thought I’d make a list of a few of our favourite Christmassy reads that will get you even more excited for Christmas! Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, so any book based on this time is already a must read for me, so please leave a few of your favourites in the comments below! In my opinion, you can never read too many Christmas books!

Dash and Lilys Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan – This is such an adorable and festive read that will certainly warm your heart! I can totally relate to Lily and the joy she finds out of the festive season and the fact that it’s set in New York at Christmas makes this book even better! This is the perfect easy read to pick up and curl up on the sofa with on a cold winters day!
The Twelve Days of Dash and Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan – For those who fall in love with the first book and need another dose of Dash and Lily!
My True Love Gave to Me by Various Authors – Filled with lots of individual stories all based around the holiday season, this book is perfect for those who just want a little dose of Christmas and nothing too big to read!
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stones by J.K Rowling – Every Christmas they show the Harry Potter films on television and never fail to make me feel all warm and cosy! There’s just something about reading the Harry Potter books around Christmas that makes me feel so festive and magical so they are always a must read for me around this time of year.
The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis – Again another ‘children’s’ novel which never fails to make me feel all cosy and warm inside. If you don’t have time to read the book then just watch the films because they are equally as magical and fun!
Miracle on Regent Street by Ali Harris – I remember reading this years ago and all I can remember now is falling in love with the story and the romance! I haven’t read it since then so this year I plan to search my bookshelf and re-read it. Hopefully, it lives up to my previous expectations!

Christmas Book Haul

January 3, 2017

Hello, Everyone! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you got everything you wanted from Father Christmas! We both got quite a few books and films this Christmas, so we thought you might like to see what we gratefully received on Christmas Day. We are by no means bragging, it is purely for those of you who are curious and to perhaps have a preview of future reviews!

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them Screenplay – I know you should always read the book before the film but in this case, I couldn’t wait but I still want to read the screenplay because I’m just obsessed with anything Potter!
Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them: Case Of Beasts – As you can see there’s a bit of a theme here, but I am in love with this book. It basically gives you a deeper insight into the film and world it’s set in as well as telling us more about the characters and beasts. It also came with a few props and bits from the film including Newt and Porpentina’s wanted posters!
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo – Words can’t describe how excited I am to read this book and jump back into this magical world of Grisha. I absolutely loved the first book and hated that it left me on a cliffhanger but I’m looking forward to seeing where the storyline goes and what happens to these characters
Me Before You (Film) – I saw this in the cinema and loved it but my mum hasn’t watched it and I’m looking forward to seeing her reaction, don’t worry I’ve got the tissues ready!
The Crown by Kiera Cass – The final book in the selection series and I am really looking forward to reading it even though it came out ages ago, I’ve just been so busy and reading other stuff!

The Jingle Bell Book Tag

December 26, 2016

Merry Christmas Everyone! We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and hope that your New Year is just as good. We wanted to keep up the Christmas spirit so we thought a perfect way to do this is through a Christmas Tag.

“All I Want For Christmas Is You…” – What book do you want to see under the Christmas Tree?

Amy: I’ve put ‘Crooked Kingdom’ and ‘The Fantastic Beasts Screenplay’ on my Christmas list so fingers crossed Father Christmas brings them on the 24th!

Eleanor: I have also asked for ‘Crooked Kingdom’ and I have also asked for ‘Outlander’ because I love the series so I know I will love the books as well!

“Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time…” – What book that you have read this year have you enjoyed the most?

Amy: I can’t pick just one book and I don’t want to give away all my favourites just yet as once again we’ll be doing our 2016 favourites post (so keep your eyes peeled for that) but I just finished reading ‘The Sun is Also A Star’ which was just incredible and if you’re looking for a book to put on your Christmas list then I recommend that you put that one!

Eleanor: I loved all the classics, ‘A Court of Mist and Fury’ and also ‘Lady Midnight’! (They were this year right?)

Elf – What book unleashes your inner child?

Amy: I’m currently studying ‘Harry Potter’ so in every lecture and seminar it brings back memories of the magic and enjoyment I had when I first read it.

Eleanor: Oh goodness, I’ll have to say any Enid Blighton books, especially ‘The Famous Five’, absolute classics, they just remind me of the long trips to Norwich we used to make to see family.

“It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” – Which book has the most festive look to it?

Amy: I wanted a Christmas book to read and I picked up ‘Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares’ and ’12 Days of Dash and Lily’ by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan and I’m in love with their Christmassy covers (and storyline!).

Eleanor: I have no idea why but ‘Paper Towns’ looks really christmassy? the story isn’t particularly festive though…

The Grinch – Your favourite villain…

Amy: I always choose The Darkling for these questions just because I love to hate him!

Eleanor: I’m going to have to say Black Jack Randall from Outlander, he is just awful but I do love to hate him!

The Holiday – Name your favourite TWO couples…

Amy: Apart from myself and all my fictional crushes (Chaol, Damon and Killian), I do love Cress and Thorne from the Luna Chronicles and Andi and Clark from The Unexpected Everything. Both of these couples are completely different but you know what they say, opposites attract.

Eleanor: I’m going to say Feyre and Rhysand from ‘A Court of Mist and Fury’ and also Emma and Joules from ‘Lady Midnight’.

What book would you like to give as a present to your followers?

Amy: I’d love to give them ‘Six of Crows’ by Leigh Bardugo because it’s one of my favourites of this year and I am in love with her characters and writing style! If you’re looking for a badass and action packed read then I highly recommend that you pick ‘Six of Crows’ up!

Eleanor: I’m going to gift you all the ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’, and also the second book ‘A Court of Mist and Fury’, they’re brilliant books!