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Friday 31 August 2018

Reading Round-Up: July/August 2018

Last Updated: 19 October 2024

Signed copy of The Loneliest Girl in the Universe book by Lauren James

As we come towards the end of another glorious summer, it's time to recap on the past few months of bookish behaviour. Read on to find out all the latest goings-on in The Writing Greyhound's July/August 2018 reading round-up!

Thursday 30 August 2018

Add A Touch of Sparkle With Jouellerie

Last Updated: 19 October 2024

Jewellery from Jouellerie

AD* | I was recently offered the opportunity to receive and review a series of gorgeous jewellery products from budget online retailer Jouellerie.

Although my usual taste in jewellery is along the subtle and meaningful lines, what girl doesn't love a bit of sparkle in her life every now and then?

Wednesday 29 August 2018

Book Review: Crowning Fantasy by Coral Russell

Last Updated: 19 October 2024

Crowning Fantasy by Coral Russell book cover

AD* | Welcome to the world of Varlid, a sprawling epic fantasy about power, loyalty, betrayal, and the courage to change. A great power struggle is poised to erupt across Varlid. A meek creature inherits power beyond her comprehension. A giant succumbs to a curse that will either liberate or defeat his kind. Tiny wizards practice the dark arts to save their race. The old order stews in bitterness and vows revenge. The rich sit on their thrones convinced they are invincible. Join the Crowning Fantasy as the inhabitants of Varlid struggle to find refuge, freedom and peace.

Tuesday 28 August 2018

Interview: David Lea

Last Updated: 19 October 2024

Entangled Earth by David Lea book cover

This week, I am excited to be welcoming sci-fi/thriller author David Lea to The Writing Greyhound! Keep on reading to find out what happened when David and I sat down for a chat...

Monday 27 August 2018

Another Week in Wales: Day One

Last Updated: 19 October 2024

View from top of Constitution Hill in Aberystwyth

Long-term readers of TheWriting Greyhound may remember my travelogue from last summer's holiday, during which my partner and I toured mid- and south Wales. We started in Aberystwyth and, over the course of the week, worked our way down along the Pembrokeshire coast before heading back up through the Brecon Beacons.

Since we both enjoyed last year's week in Wales so much, we decided to complete our Welsh adventure this year by touring the country's north. From the rugged coastline of North Wales to the island of Anglesey and the dizzying heights of Snowdonia, this is the story of our second week in Wales.

Thursday 23 August 2018

To Save an Empire: A Novel of Ottoman History by Allan R. Gall

Last Updated: 19 October 2024

To Save an Empire by Allan R. Gall book cover

In 1876 the Ottoman Empire is in financial crisis and facing an invasion from Russia. Mithat Pasha, a respected reformer, feels that democratic reforms will bring Britain to their side and deter Russia. He orchestrates the deposition of the dissolute sultan only to find that his successor is mentally unstable, and he must turn to Abdülhamit. But Mithat’s vision for a constitutional monarchy sets up an immediate conflict with the new sultan.

Wednesday 22 August 2018

Book Review: The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald

Last Updated: 16 October 2024

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald book cover

AD* | Once you let a book into your life, the most unexpected things can happen...

Broken Wheel, Iowa, has never seen anyone like Sara, who travelled all the way from Sweden just to meet her pen pal, Amy. When she arrives, however, she finds that Amy's funeral has just ended. Luckily, the townspeople are happy to look after their bewildered tourist - even if they don't understand her peculiar need for books. Marooned in a farm town that's almost beyond repair, Sara starts a bookstore in honour of her friend's memory.

All she wants is to share the books she loves with the citizens of Broken Wheel and to convince them that reading is one of the great joys of life. But she makes some unconventional choices that could force a lot of secrets into the open and change things for everyone in town.

Tuesday 21 August 2018

Interview: Steven C. Levi

Last Updated: 16 October 2024

This week's author interview is with the lovely Steven C. Levi, author of the novel Dead Men Do Come Back. Keep on reading to find out what he's got to say!

Saturday 18 August 2018

Birthday Cake with Bakerdays

Last Updated: 16 October 2024

Bakerdays letterbox birthday cake for dad

AD* | Last Christmas, I had the chance to review an incredible Christmas letterbox cake from bakerdays. The cake was amazing and exceeded all my expectations, so when I was offered the opportunity to review another letterbox cake, naturally I jumped at the chance!

It was great timing, too, as the beginning of August is one of the busiest weeks of the year for me in terms of birthdays. Plenty of celebrations to organise, but more importantly, plenty of opportunities for cake!

Last weekend was my dad's birthday, and since I know how much he enjoyed Bakerdays' wonderful cake we were gifted at Christmas, I was certain that a birthday cake of his very own would go down a treat.

Friday 17 August 2018

Financial Security: Is It About More Than Your Job?

Last Updated: 16 October 2024

AD* | We all want financial security. We want to know that we’re ready to handle little and large emergencies, the sudden costs, and the uncertainty of the future, at least as far as our money is concerned. However, a lot of people make the mistake of believing that becoming financially secure is all about the income you earn from your job. Here are some handy ways you can start building up your own financial security now, regardless of how much money you make.

Thursday 16 August 2018

#KeeptheSecret - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Last Updated: 16 October 2024

Stack of Harry Potter books and cup of tea in Hufflepuff mug

First things first, if you are looking for a review of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child that is full of spoilers, then you've come to the wrong blog. Theatre reviews may be the usual fare on The Writing Greyhound, but on this occasion, I've got the tricky task of writing about a production without really sharing much about it at all. Unquestionably a difficult task, but since seeing Cursed Child for the second time, I really can't put off writing about it again!

Wednesday 15 August 2018

Book Review: A Single Journey by Frankie McGowan

Last Updated: 16 October 2024

A Single Journey by Frankie McGowan book blog tour graphic

AD* | Harriet has begun to despair of her life.

With a failed relationship behind her, a business on the rocks and a flat that’s falling apart around her ears, she could really use some luck.

Elena Banbury, née Guseva, an elderly but imposing Russian woman who is Harriet’s neighbour and landlady, frequently entertains the punters at Harriet’s jewellery stall with tales of the palaces of St. Petersburg and the treasures of Fabergé. But Harriet sometimes feels, guiltily, that she could do without the endless errands that seem to fall to her as Elena’s friend.

Then, unexpectedly, when Elena dies, she leaves all her worldly goods to a grateful Harriet. In time, however, it becomes clear that others are shocked by Harriet’s good luck, too. Shocked... and very, very unhappy.

Challenged in court by Elena’s family who live in Berlin, Harriet is forced to give up her inheritance and long-dreamed-of plans for a new business, and start her life again. But with her reputation in tatters and the memory of Elena tainted, Harriet knows a great injustice has been done.

Against the advice of her friends, family and lawyers, Harriet sets off on her own, very singular journey to Berlin.

In the weeks that follow she meets rich and poor, the glamorous and the criminal, the honest and the secretive, and begins to see that perhaps she has something to learn from them all. Something to learn about herself, and something to learn about her priorities.

She knows she has to fight for justice. But, when she meets the scholarly, perceptive Neil, who generously tries to help Harriet in her mission, but who is struggling with a complicated marriage, she must also decide if she’ll fight for love, too.

Tuesday 14 August 2018

Interview: Kfir Luzzatto

Last Updated: 16 October 2024

Thrilled to be welcoming Kfir Luzzatto to The Writing Greyhound today for a chat about Chipless - read on for more details!

Monday 13 August 2018

YALC 2018: Learning the Ropes

Last Updated: 16 October 2024

The Writing Greyhound at YALC

Hands up, who's been to YALC before?

YALC 2018 took place over three days, 27-29 July, and featured a myriad of authors, publishers, bloggers and PR people all involved with Young Adult literature. For a big fan of the genre, such as myself, YALC is the place to be - an event that many people look forward to all year round.

2018 was my first year going (primarily due to never remembering to book tickets until the event has passed) and what can I say - YALC took my expectations and absolutely smashed them to pieces.

Friday 10 August 2018

Film Review: Incredibles 2

When Pixar released the original Incredibles film, I was 10 years old. Now, 14 years later, the animation studios have unleashed the sequel on the world and given countless people like me the perfect opportunity to relive a classic childhood movie. So, when I finally went to watch the film a few weeks ago, I was full of expectations and couldn't wait to get back into the world of the Incredibles!

The story continues on from the events of the original film, catching up with all our favourite characters while introducing some great new ones. Of course, the Incredibles themselves are back, along with popular fan favourites like Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) and E (Brad Bird). This reintroduction of familiar characters and crime-fighting scenarios helps to create a feeling of continuity, bridging the 14-year gap between Incredibles and Incredibles 2.

When it comes to the plot, action and adventure are top of the bill, yet there is also a healthy dose of suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. With the high-tech, fast-paced action sequences perfectly juxtaposed against the comparatively routine mundanity of everyday home life, this film manages to perfectly encapsulate both worlds and spread a message highlighting the importance of family.

In addition, the scriptwriters for Incredibles 2 had a clear series of messages and morals in mind during the writing process. From the importance of maintaining strong family relationships and keeping a healthy work-life balance to highlighting the risks associated with the modern world's increasing reliance on technology, it seems as though the film contains a little bit of everything. However, we can't move on without making time to mention one of the biggest themes of the movie - equality.

While individual viewers will always take different messages from films, for me, one of the biggest themes tackled in Incredibles 2 was equality and the role of women in society. Of course, it's no secret that women are traditionally portrayed as housewives and mothers - women whose main role is to support the hero of the story. Incredibles 2 takes that stereotype and completely turns it on its end - here, it is the women who take charge and it is the women who absolutely steal the show. Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), Violet (Sarah Vowell), Evelyn (Catherine Keener), Voyd (Sophia Bush), E... the list of strong, independent women goes on. In 2018, who says a woman can't be a great superhero?

Sure to be a big hit with children and adults alike, Incredibles 2 is a breakneck ride and a real rollercoaster of action. Pixar's animation is flawless and faultless as always, while the storyline happily lives up to the high calibre set by the original movie. Offering the perfect way to escape the summer heat, Incredibles 2 is a fun-filled family-friendly film that certainly won't disappoint - no matter how much you loved the first film!

Have you seen Incredibles 2 yet? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!

Tuesday 7 August 2018

Interview: Martin Ungless

Last Updated: 16 October 2024

Duck Egg Blues by Martin Ungless book blog tour banner

I'm joining in the Duck Egg Blues blog tour today by welcoming author Martin Ungless to The Writing Greyhound! Read on to find out more about Martin and his writing...

Friday 3 August 2018

Cover Reveal: Dating Down by Diane Louise

Last Updated: 12 October 2024

Dating Down by Diane Louise book cover reveal banner

I am absolutely thrilled to be taking part in the cover reveal for Dating Down by Diane Louise! A book's cover has the power to influence a reader and can make them pick up or put down a book, so it's essential to get it right. We all have our favourite covers, but what do you think of this one?