The Overflowing Library

This month I've not managed to read a huge amount from the library but those I did get to were excellent. The Secrets of the Superglue Sisters by Susie Day Best friends Georgie and Jem aren't just new at school; they're new at being full-time sisters too. Georgie's mum and Jem's dad have finally bought a house together, and they get to share a home at last, just like they always wanted. School is a bit more challenging. Miss Eagle wants the whole class to start a self-esteem project. They'll write their biggest secret on a piece of paper shaped like a cloud and then float them up into the sky on a balloon and their worries will disappear. Then disaster! The ball of secrets disappears instead! Soon everyone's deepest secrets are being revealed to the whole school. This was really cute and lovely as expected. Full of a lovely range of diverse characters. The story itself was really lovely and thoughtful. I love Susie's books are all compani...

This month's can't wait to read post is a bit different. As you may know my reading habits have changed extensively this year since I joined the library and most of my reading this year has been books I have taken out from my local service. Therefore this month's can't wait to read post is going to feature some titles I've been eyeing up on Norfolk's library catalogue ready to request for my summer holiday break. I actually picked these books at random and have seen realised everything I've picked out is historical. It wasn't deliberate but I'm going to fully embrace it anyway. The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson The Ghost Map is a riveting page-turner about a real-life historical hero, Dr. John Snow. It's the summer of 1854, and London is just emerging as one of the first modern cities in the world. But lacking the infrastructure -- garbage removal, clean water, sewers -- necessary to support its rapidly expanding population, the city...

A relatively quiet month for me library books wise. I've not been able to read as much because I'm into GCSE marking contract season so most of my reading has been GCSE exam papers however I have managed to read a few things from the library this month I thoroughly enjoyed. Once and for All by Sarah Dessen As bubbly as champagne and delectable as wedding cake, Once and for All, Sarah Dessen's thirteenth novel, is set in the world of wedding planning, where crises are routine. Louna, daughter of famed wedding planner Natalie Barrett, has seen every sort of wedding: on the beach, at historic mansions, in fancy hotels and clubs. Perhaps that's why she's cynical about happily-ever-after endings, especially since her own first love ended tragically. When Louna meets charming, happy-go-lucky serial dater Ambrose, she holds him at arm's length. But Ambrose isn't about to be discouraged, now that he's met the one girl he really wants. Sarah ...

Last August I was lucky enough to go along with my lovely blogging friend Lyndsey to Turtle Bay Norwich for their press preview event (see Lyndsey's write up here  - I am pictured drinking cocktails!) and ever since then I've been very keen to go back. Luckily for me I was recently contacted when Turtle Bay were looking for people to review their summer menu and I jumped at the chance. I booked a table online using their booking system on their website for a Saturday lunchtime. Incidentally I was really impressed with their booking system. Super easy to use meaning you can book a table within minutes and they both confirm your booking by email and remind you of your booking on the day. Turtle Bay Norwich is situated in the Norwich Lanes which is my favourite end of the city. It's in the city centre but just a little bit away from the main shopping area with all the big name shops like Next, Topshop and Primark. The streets are smaller and mostly pedestrianised with loa...

Another month, another pile of books I'm desperately waiting for Songs about Us by Chris Russell Two months on from the explosive finale to book one, Charlie's life is almost back to normal again: rebuilding her relationship with her father, hanging out with best mate Melissa, and worrying about GCSEs. All the while, Gabe's revelations about her mother are never far from her mind. And neither is Gabe. It's not long before Charlie is pulled back into the world of Fire&Lights - but the band seem different this time. But then again, so is she... Meanwhile, tensions between Gabe and Olly continue to run high, leading to more turmoil between the band members and press than ever before. But when Gabriel and Charlie stumble upon yet another startling truth that links them together - everything they have stands to implode in front of them. I loved Songs about a girl so I cannot wait to get my hands on this. I might have to do a reread sooner rather than later to ke...

Lucy Hansson was ready for a perfect summer with her boyfriend, working at her childhood Bible camp on the lake. But when her mom’s cancer reappears, Lucy falters—in faith, in love, and in her ability to cope. When her boyfriend “pauses” their relationship and her summer job switches to a different camp—one for troubled kids—Lucy isn’t sure how much more she can handle. Attempting to accept a new normal, Lucy slowly regains footing among her vibrant, diverse coworkers, Sundays with her mom, and a crush on a fellow counselor. But when long-hidden family secrets emerge, can Lucy set aside her problems and discover what grace really means? Emotionally-charged and unforgettable, Emery Lord’s storytelling shines with the promise of new love and true friendship, even in the face of life’s biggest challenges. A real mixed bag for me for a variety of reasons. I love Emery Lord's books as a rule. I like her writing style and the emotion she gets through her books and this was not exc...

Deep in the Texas desert, Moonbeam lives with her Brothers and Sisters. They're safe, protected by the Fence and Father John. Because Father John knows what's right and what's wrong. But then Nate arrives from Outside, stirring doubt...and suddenly Moonbeam's world is on fire. But what happens after? What happens when you lose everything you've ever known? Powerful, gripping, and beautifully told, bestselling author Will Hill's After the Fire is a novel about love, hope, loss and, ultimately, courage Super intense and really chilling YA. I was hooked from the first page and didn't want to put it down until I was done. I've come to expect a lot from Will Hill's writing after loving his Department 19 series despite not particularly being a fan of vampire stories or gore he had had me hooked. This book is completely different content wise but hooked me in much the same way with the intense writing style and an intriguing storyline.  Moonbeam's ...