GUEST POST || WHY & HOW I BLOG ABOUT BOOKS

Thursday


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When I first started blogging however many years ago, I never even thought about sharing book reviews. All I did was sit down and write about what I had been up to recently. It was more of a diary than anything else.

When I started This Northern Gal, my current blog, I wanted it to be something different. I wanted it to be a one-stop shop of all my favourite things, whether that was adventures, meals out, reflections or anything else I wanted to write about. It became my online home and I’m so proud of my little corner of the internet.

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COULD YOU BE THE LUCKY WINNER OF THESE TWO AMAZING NOVELS?

Friday

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I was supposed to do this competition throughout Booktober, but we all know that I failed that on an epic scale (more on why at a later date). However, I do have a bunch of half-written posts, so they will all be finished and uploaded soon, along with a great selection of guests posts.

I am really looking forward to giving you all the chance to win these amazing books, I am so excited to send them to the lucky winner.  Both books were sent to me courtesy of Ink Road Books (part of Black & White Publishing) - I love Ink Road, in fact, I have never met an Ink Road book that I didn't like.

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Why I am pissed off with the blogging community

Monday

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Advanced warning that some of you may feel butthurt whilst reading this, but tbh, I don't give a flying fuck anymore.

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BOOKTOBER DAY 3 || MIRROR MIRROR REVIEW

Tuesday

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Hello guys, and welcome back to Blogtober! Up today I will be sharing my review of Cara Delevingne's debut novel, Mirror Mirror.

I was really excited when I first heard of this novel, Cara Delevingne has been on my radar for a while, what with her being a popular model and actress, and I had a feeling that it would only be a matter of time before she pushed through into the literary world.

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BOOKTOBER DAY 2 || MY CURRENT BOOK WISH LIST!

Monday

Aloha!  Happy Second day of Booktober guys!

I hope yesterdays posts piqued your interests, as today marks the first content filled post of the month!

Like many of you, I have an evergrowing TBR list packed full of exciting and intriguing novels that I can't wait to sink my teeth into. However, I have recently put myself on a book buying ban, which I will be writing about in a few days, as I keep buying more books than I am capable of reading; I am also rapidly running out of room to store all of my books - I am terrible at letting go.  So I have decided that until I read at least ten books from my TBR list, and have found new homes for a good portion of my 'leaning tower Pisa' book stack, I will not be buying or accepting any more books.

That being said... It hasn't stopped me from adding book after book to my Amazon wishlist, for when I am finally ready to dive back in.

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BOOKTOBER DAY 1 || WELCOME TO BOOKTOBER!

Sunday

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Hello, and welcome to Booktober!

If you're thinking "Booktober? Is that just the same as Blogtober, except with books?" then you're right! This month, I will be working my butt off to bring you thirty-one glorious days of book-related content.

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BLOG TOUR || MY MOTHERS SHADOW - BOOK REVIEW

Monday

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 My Mothers Shadow isn't normally the type of book I would read, however, that being said after hearing so many great things I decided that now would be the perfect opportunity to mix up my TBR list and expand my reading horizons!
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BLOG TOUR || T IS FOR TREE - GREG FOWLER

Wednesday



I am so happy that Ink Road Books invited me to take part in the T is for Tree* book tour. This is an A, M, A, Z, I, N, G, - AMAZING! novel about friendship, and the hardships that children and teenagers with disabilities face.

"Eddy knows he's not like other teenagers. He doesn't look like them. He doesn't think like them. Eddy's not even allowed to leave his bedroom - except on shower day. He doesn't know why: all Eddy knows is that he's different".
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BLOG TOUR! || DARE TO FALL - ESTELLE MASKAME

I love books/authors that aren't afraid to tackle darker subjects within their writing, so of course, I jumped at the chance when I was asked to review bestselling author, Estelle Maskame's latest novel, Dare to Fall* which focuses heavily on the subject of grief.

At just twenty years old, Estelle Maskame has published no less than four novels - the popular Dimily trilogy, and now the wonderful, Dare to Fall.

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PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR W/ GLASSESSHOP.COM*

Friday

Thanks to Glassesshop.com* I have been able to take advantage of the current heatwave we're experiencing in the UK and actually spend a decent amount of time outside. I am finally getting that vitamin D boost my doctor advised back in January and I am enjoying every single minute of it.

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STAY SAFE ON THE ROAD THIS SUMMER W/ FIFE AUTO CENTRE*

Thursday


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BLOG TOUR | ACROSS GREAT DIVIDES BOOK REVIEW

Wednesday



Wow.

As a history lover, I was intrigued by this book before I even read the first the page. I have spent a large part of my academic career learning about the second world war, and the effects the Nazi regime had on the people of Europe. However, everything that I have learnt did not prepare me this heartbreaking story, surrounding a Jewish family from Berlin, and the lengths they would go through to stay safe.

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WIN FREE TICKETS TO GRAND DESIGNS LIVE

Monday

Back in January, I decided that this summer would finally be the year I decorate my bedroom. It has been red and cream for a good few years now and quite frankly it's really beginning to peeve me off! I know that I am supposed to be saving to buy my own house, but that dream is still a couple of years away and if I have to look at those red walls any longer, I think I am going to scream, ahaha!

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A QUICK TRIP TO PARIS

Tuesday


Paris is easily one of my favourite cities. It was the second foreign city I ever visited (Amsterdam being the first) and I fell in love with it almost instantly. Every building has its own unique characteristics, whether it be in its architecture or how brightly coloured flowers have been displayed on balconies - everything is beautiful and I love it.

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MARCH FAVOURITES

Friday


My brain did a little bit of a swan dive towards the end of last month. I had planned to write a bunch of blog posts, and share some really cool products, books and experiences with you guys, but my brain wouldn't have any of it. The more I tried to get stuff done, the more I wanted to gouge my eyes out with a fork.

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BLOG TOUR || JOHN FAIRFAX - SUMMARY JUSTICE REVIEW

Tuesday

It takes a lot for me to love, or even like a book within the crime genre, so that being said I wasn't completely disappointed when I didn't fall in love with John Fairfax's new novel Summary Justice*. I have never been a massive fan of crime/detective novels but there was something about the premise of Summary Justice that intrigued me into wanting to read more. It seemed like it would be different, like I would get something more from it,


The last time Tess de Vere saw William Benson he was handed a life sentence for a murder she believes he didn't commit.  

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IS SHAKE SHACK WORTH THE HYPE?

Wednesday



In short? No. But let me tell you why.

  Whilst waiting to see part two of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a friend and I had the opportunity to visit Shake Shack in Leicester Square After reading some raving reviews online we thought we knew what we were getting ourselves in for; world-class burgers, world-class service, a world-class experience. Sadly we were mistaken.

You order your overpriced food at a counter, given a pager, and then told to go and take a seat. Eventually, the pager bleeps and you have to go back and collect your food - in my case, leaving my bags and coat unattended (as I had been shopping beforehand), going downstairs, collecting the food, and then making my way back through a crowded restaurant full of screaming kids, in the hopes that my stuff was still where I left it.

I ordered the Smoke Shack burger (Cheese, Bacon, Burger Patty and Cherry Peppers) which was smaller than expected - I have had bigger burgers from almost every child's menu I have ordered from, and the bacon was burnt.  I would have been okay with the size of the burger if it hadn't cost me nearly £8.00.

Though I enjoyed the cheese fries, the chips were slightly cold, but I was not prepared to make my way through the busy restaurant, and get back into the excruciatingly long queue. Judging by the remarks of other people in the restaurant, cold chips were a common downfall from multiple guests.

There are some other interesting items on the menu which I would be willing try if I ever went back, however, after the experience of this visit I do not think I will be going back any time soon.

From a restaurant named solely after it's milkshakes, I expected some interesting flavour combinations, however, aside from the Leicester Squared, there was nothing new or intriguing on the menu. I was shocked to find that the standard shake size (or standard any drink size) was the same size as the drink you would get in a Happy Meal. I was so disappointed in the milkshakes at Shake Shack, that as soon as I left, I walked across the street to McDonalds, and bought myself a large milkshake which was at least three hundred times better than the one at Shake Shack and a lot cheaper too!

In my personal opinion, Shake Shack is just another American chain with a gimmick, trying to find it's way into the UK market. Unless you are into tiny over-cooked burgers, cold fries, and pointless excuses for milkshakes I wouldn't bother.  Save your money and go elsewhere.

I was not asked to write this post,  I just wanted to share my views.

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PURRBOXES REVIEW & UNBOXING

Monday

This month, Harry and I have had the pleasure of working with Purrboxes*, a unique subscription box for your furry little purr baby.

I personally love subscription boxes, the idea of getting loads of cool stuff through your letterbox every month is the best natural high I can think of, but getting something through the post that you can use to entertain your little purr baby, now that is my idea of heaven.

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FEBRUARY FAVOURITES

Wednesday


Wow, this month has flown by, don't you think? I know February is a short month, but woah.

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HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD



Hi guys, today I wanted to write about my recent theatre trip to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. It was absolutely fantastic, and I highly recommend it to anyone that loves Harry Potter or can appreciate the magic of a well put together stage show.

I am not a theatre critic, so all of my thoughts and opinions are that of a fan and avid theatre goer.

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NEW BLOG LAYOUT FEATURING PRETTY WILD THINGS

Tuesday


If you are a regular visitor of Kirstiekinsblogs, then you will have noticed that we have undergone a little makeover! Sorting myself out with a professionally made layout has been at the top of my blogging to-do list for years, however, I never really saw the point when I was just hobby blogging.
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JANUARY FAVOURITES

Wednesday


Wow. I can't believe that it is already February. Time flies fast when you're having fun, right? Or in my case, living in a permanent state of existential crisis. I mean, where is the time going? Last week I was starting school, and now I am nearly 25!

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CHRISTINA BIANCO - O COME ALL YE DIVAS

Thursday


Now I know you're thinking, hang on, why is she still posting about Christmas when it is nearly February, but hear me out okay? Okay!

I have been following Christina Bianco on Youtube for a while; she is funny, talented and has an absolutely phenomenal vocal range. You may know her from her cover of Total Eclipse of the Heart, where she sings the Bonnie Tyler classic in the voices of some of the most iconic women to ever grace the radio. You can find the original video here. She doesn't just sound like the Diva's she is mimicking, but her whole persona changes, and it is almost like she is becoming them.
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BLOG TOUR || GIRLS ON FIRE - ROBIN WASSERMAN

Wednesday

IT STARTS WITH A SUICIDE AND ENDS WITH A DEATH

Have you ever seen the movie Foxfire? A new girl moves to town, she's a bit of a bad ass, starts a girl gang with a few typical loser types, adored by those in her clique, et cetera? Well, Girls on Fire* is nothing like that, except it is. Now think of the early 90's movie The Heathers - Winona Ryder classic, arguably one of my favourite films of all time; well the book is a little bit like that too. And the movie Thirteen, Definitely thirteen - only these girls are not thirteen, they're not on a murderous rampage, and they really aren't what they seem.
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BOOK TOUR || THE DRY - JANE HARPER

Thursday

I am so glad that The Dry is my first book review of 2017. I was invited to take part in the blog tour a few months ago, and have been waiting with anticipation ever since! After hearing so much hype about the book from a friend of mine, I eagerly awaited its delivery to see if the hype surrounding Jane Harper's debut novel was worth it, and let me tell you - it was. Reading The Dry has been the highlight of my January, and here's why! 
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