Sunday 28 October 2018

Fashion Corner - Shoulder Cutouts


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The weather has clearly changed here, so let's at least enjoy some summery outfits. 


The lovely shirt has lace on top and I just love the shoulder cutouts. I combined it with some skinny jeans, I rolled up, my black and white slippers from Steve Madden and a jacket from Banana Republic. 



- Shirt: Guess
- Jeans: Jack WIlls
- Shoes: Steve Madden
-Jacket: Banana Republic










Wednesday 24 October 2018

Santa Claus and My Christmas Eve + Win A Cosy Christmas Prize (Him With The Beard blog tour)

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In some countries Santa Claus leaves presents in shoes and in other countries in stockings.
In Japan, Santa Claus has eyes in the back of his head and he likes a belly massage.
In Hawaii, he gives his reindeer a break and arrives instead in a canoe pulled by dolphins.
And in Italy, he’s a woman named La Befana, who flies on a broom and delivers presents to the children.

Santa Claus is many things, and just the question of where he lives has numerous different answers. But we can easily agree that Santa Claus and Christmas belong together.
Santa Claus changes name, clothes, and personality depending on the country and the family that is telling the story. You find loving memories in each of our Santa Claus traditions.
In my family, we have a tradition of locking the door to a room on Christmas Eve, 24th December, where Santa Claus can leave his presents in peace and quiet.
As a child, there was nothing more magical than being allowed to look through the keyhole and scream, convinced, to my just as curious siblings and cousins that he was in there!

Santa Claus is a busy man and his sleigh is small, so it usually takes most of a day for him to leave presents, and in all that time, you can’t enter the room and disturb him.
In the afternoon, when he’s done leaving presents, he will come on a visit and say hello. It’s a special sight to see when the kids, who have been overexcited all day because of Santa Claus, suddenly become quiet and shy in front of the kind man. And it’s an even more special sight when you see the adults’ faces shining in joy along with the kids’.

But the best thing I know is when Santa Claus, throughout the month of December, suddenly knocks on the windows, the walls, and the doors to always remind you that he’s there.

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New Release
Do you remember that moment you stopped believing in Santa Claus?


When nine-year-old Mille suddenly no longer believes in Santa Claus, it turns the house upside down.
Her mother, Stella, is in a pickle as the hunt to find Santa Claus unearths some family secrets. Christmas is at risk!
And there’s only one person who can save it.
Count down the days until Christmas with this tale about Santa Claus, family and Danish Christmas traditions.
Buy here
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pernille-Meldgaard-Pedersen/e/B07HXLPDSJ/ Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/Pernille-Meldgaard-Pedersen/e/B07HXLPDSJ/ Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/him-with-the-beard
Itunes UK - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/isbn9788797086216
Itunes US - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9788797086216


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Win A Cosy Christmas Prize
Help me celebrate my release by entering the rafflecopter below. Open internationally. You can win this awesome prize: One Jim Shore Santa Claus Ornament, Santa Claus Marshmallows, A Chocolate Advent Calendar, A Pretty Christmas Storage Box and finally, A Signed Copy of my book Him With The Beard.



  a Rafflecopter giveaway 


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About the Author
Pernille was born in 1988 and loves that she was born in the decade with the tallest hair, the most colourful clothes, and the best music.
Her imagination never stands still, and it’s often expressed in words and pictures.
She wrote her first story when she was six years old. It was about the cat she unfortunately never got but wished for more than anything.
She loves autumn and Christmas and believes in elves.

From day to day she is a knight in training, an animator, and a secret agent – she has saved the world a few times by now.

She’s also a professional daydreamer.

She thinks the recipe for a good book is the same as the one for having a good life – a sense of kinship, humour, love, and that one thing that gives you a daily smile.
Vestercity is a fictional city based on her upbringing near the city of Herning in Denmark.

Sunday 21 October 2018

Every Breath - by Nicholas Sparks


The blurb: 

In the romantic tradition of The Notebook and Nights in Rodanthe, #1 New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sparks returns with a story about a chance encounter that becomes a touchstone for two vastly different individuals -- transcending decades, continents, and the bittersweet workings of fate.

Hope Anderson is at a crossroads. At thirty-six, she's been dating her boyfriend, an orthopedic surgeon, for six years. With no wedding plans in sight, and her father recently diagnosed with ALS, she decides to use a week at her family's cottage in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, to ready the house for sale and mull over some difficult decisions about her future.

Tru Walls has never visited North Carolina but is summoned to Sunset Beach by a letter from a man claiming to be his father. A safari guide, born and raised in Zimbabwe, Tru hopes to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding his mother's early life and recapture memories lost with her death. When the two strangers cross paths, their connection is as electric as it is unfathomable . . . but in the immersive days that follow, their feelings for each other will give way to choices that pit family duty against personal happiness in devastating ways.

Illuminating life's heartbreaking regrets and enduring hope, Every Breath explores the many facets of love that lay claim to our deepest loyalties -- and asks the question, How long can a dream survive? 

My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Believe it or not, this was my first Nicholas Sparks novel, but definitely not my last. I have seen all the movies, but never had time to read the books. This will change now! When I got contacted to be part of the blog tour, I was over the moon. 

Now let’s talk about the story. Hope Anderson and Tru Walls are from two completely different worlds, but when they meet their attraction and connection is electric. 

Tru comes to North Carolina to finally meet his dad. He grew up in Zimbabwe and has a ten-year-old son. Hope has been with her boyfriend Josh for six years, but he still hasn’t proposed. Her dad is sick and she has to make some difficult decisions. 

I loved the moments and scenes between Hope and Tru, Nicolas Sparks captured them beautifully. Their chemistry is unique. 

This book includes all the emotions and feelings. You go through all of them with the characters, it’s as if you’re in their heads. Both Hope and Tru have some difficult decisions to make, which affect their future, also their future together. Do they even have a chance to be together? The book is divided into different parts and that just makes the story more exciting. The storyline has a great flow, it’s touching, romantic and passionate. 

The setting is amazing as well. Nicholas Sparks created a wonderful atmosphere and a gripping story. There are some “omg” moments in this book and tissues are definitely needed.

Rating:





Nicolas Sparks on Twitter: @NicholasSparks
Website: http://nicholassparks.com
Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US


Thursday 18 October 2018

By Virtue Fall - by Carrie Elks

My own copy
Original Cover














The blurb: 

A heartwarming Shakespeare Sisters romance from the bestselling author of Fix You.
The fourth, and final, book in the Shakespeare Sisters series.
With a broken marriage behind her, Juliet is just about ready to give up on love. Living in a ramshackle bungalow in Shaw Haven and working as a florist, she is desperately trying to build a new life with her daughter, Poppy. But try as she might, the one thing she can't ignore is the man next door . . .

My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

I was very excited the start the forth book of the Shakespeare Sisters series, because I absolutely adored all the book and of course wanted to know what happens to Juliet. 

Juliet has basically given up on love. Her marriage has no chance of surviving and her ex is being really difficult, especially when it comes to their daughter Poppy. He somehow also can’t let go and wants to control everything Juliet does. 

Her neighbour Ryan is a single dad too and the two of them have instant chemistry. Their banter is fun and sweet. It’s not the best time for them to be together, but one thing leads to another. Drama and misunderstandings add some excitement to the storyline as well. I feel like they both got a second chance to find happiness, they just had to be true to themselves and deal with their past. 

The children add a lot of charm as well, as does the detailed, vivid and passionate writing. Carrie Elks really understands how to create a unique atmosphere and exciting plot. 

I loved catching up with the other Shakespeare sisters. It’s great to see what changed in their lives. I’m sad the series is over, especially after reading the adorable and wonderful epilogue. 

 A fabulous romance book, which offers so much more as well!

Rating:




Carrie Elks on Twitter: @CarrieElks

Monday 8 October 2018

The Bottom Line - by Aven Ellis

Original Cover
My own copy
The blurb: 


After landing her dream job as an assistant buyer for a luxury fashion retailer in Minneapolis, Taylor Hartigan’s life becomes a nightmare. Performing mundane tasks and catering to the ridiculous whims of the boss from hell, she sees no opportunity for advancement. Though she’s never quit anything in her life, Taylor walks out and heads home to Chicago, the city that holds her heart. With her confidence shaken and no job on the horizon, she knows she has to find herself again.

Once she arrives, she’s shocked to learn hockey player Hunter Riley has been traded to the Chicago Buffaloes. Taylor met Hunter the previous season when his hard-hitting play broke the glass in front of her. Meeting him after the game, something passed between them—and has stayed with her ever since. Since she’s followed his career, she knows he’s coming off a disastrous season in Houston and must rediscover his game in Chicago—or face losing his hockey dream.

The timing couldn’t be worse for the pair to become involved since they’re both at a crossroads but the chemistry between them can’t be denied. Taylor worries that their budding relationship won’t survive the challenges of rebuilding two broken careers. Can the new versions of themselves fit together? Or tear them apart?

Or will love be the bottom line, after all?

My Opinion:

*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Ice hockey, Chicago, romance and characters we already know! Yes please!

The Bottom Lineis part of Aven Ellis’ Chicago on Ice series, it’s book number four. I’d suggest reading the previous books, because you really get to know the characters and the storyline stays in the right order. 

The first time Taylor and Hunter meet is in book number three, where he bumps into the glass right in front of her. Their chemistry was obvious, but she lives and works in Minneapolis and he plays for Houston. However, she is not happy with her job and misses Chicago. She quits and decides to find what really makes her happy. Hunter gets traded and now plays for the Chicago Buffaloes. 

It finally means that they can see each other and spend a lot of time together. Life is not always easy though. She wants to start her own business, connected to fashion. Hunter now plays with his brother, the captain of his team and first has to prove that he is a great player. Taylor’s parents are not supportive at all and that is really difficult for her. It’s a good thing she has Hunter, her friends and also her brother with his family. 

Other familiar characters are part of the story as well, which is fabulous. They all have something special and add a lot of charm. Of course there are some exciting news as well, I just love catching up with them. 

Both Taylor and Hunter go through a very important journey in this book and they learn a lot. The fact they they have each other really helps. They are good for each other and there for each other. Their scenes and moments are adorable. Aven Ellis has a really talent for creating gripping and thrilling storylines. It hast he perfect mixture of romance, love, friendship, family and sport. There is a lot of passion behind the writing and the plot is full of exciting elements. 

Their relationship moves on very quickly and the end conflict, didn’t really come across in a realistic way. I felt like it was just there, to have some drama. The epilogue on the other hand was different to the usual Aven Ellis style. I really liked it. 

Aven Ellis’ style is wonderful, vivid, fresh and absorbing. She really knows how to capture emotions. 


Rating:




Aven Ellis on Twitter: @AvenEllis

Sunday 7 October 2018

Fashion Corner - Casual Maxi Skirt


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This maxi skirt is fabulous on so many levels. 


It's super casual, great to wear at school as well and for traveling in summer. Of course the pattern and the colours are fab too. I combined it with my white Nike sneakers and a blue shirt. The skirt is from Nymph. 

- Skirt: NÃœMPH
- Sneakers: Nike
- Black bracelets: Market in Canobbio
- Silver/blue bracelet: Pompidou (similar)


Same outfit, different shirt. It's from Jack Wills. You can see two versions of wearing the shirt. 

- Shirt: Jack Wills
- Sunglasses: MR BOHO


Here is the version with a bit of a pattern max, dark blue and also a bit more elegant. I bought this shirt in San Diego in a store called Ross. 




Saturday 6 October 2018

Different on holiday




I don’t know about you guys, but when I’m traveling I tend to be a little different than at home. There are several things I sometimes don’t feel comfortable with here in Switzerland or just don’t do that often etc. 

One of those things is eating out alone in a restaurant. I never do that at home. Of course it’s because I go out with friends and family, but I don’t feel comfortable doing it. I have done some solo traveling now and there it’s never an issue. Yes, I don’t know the people, so there is no reason to be embarrassed. It’s also some quality alone time. Or you can text on your phone and do other things on it, read a book, watch something on TV and sometimes it’s the chance to start a conversation with a stranger. I love meeting new people while solo traveling. 

Another thing is being introverted and talking to strangers. I always need time doing this at home. On holiday it’s the best thing ever. I’m open, talk to strangers, ask locals questions etc. I was always a bit shy, but it changes when I’m away. It depends on the situation as well. When there are a lot of people it’s different again. 

At home I like to spend time in the house/apartment. There could be weekends inside, even if the weather is nice. I go hiking yes, but I don’t really do any outdoor activities at home, except for shopping ;). On holiday I want to explore everything, see all the sights, try new things etc. It’s just so much fun. Waking up early is no problem ;). 

I had a phase when I liked going out every weekend here is Switzerland. Then I just enjoyed going to bars with friends, to actually be able to talk. When in another country, especially during my language stays I went out a lot. 

Most of these things are also easier abroad, because you don't know the people. It doesn't matter what you do. You go home again and these people will (probably) never see you again. 

How about you? Are you different on holiday as well?!

Thursday 4 October 2018

Book of the Month - September


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The books I read this month:

-      The Man Who Didn’t Call –by Rosie Walsh 4/5
-      I Will Survive –by Pippa James 3/5 
-      Love at the Northern Lights –by Darcie Boleyn 5/5
-      Coming Home to Maple Cottage –by Holly Martin 5/5
-      The Bottom Line –by Aven Ellis 5/5

It blew me away!!! But I have another one, you just can’t compare the two: 

Coming Home to Maple Cottage – Holly Martin

The bit on the back:

This utterly addictive new novel from bestselling author Holly Martin will make you smile until your cheeks hurt, sob tears of pure joy and fall head over heels in love with a totally unforgettable romance… 

Isla Rosewood is creating a new life for herself and her sweet nephew Elliot in their cosy, yellow-brick family cottage, brimming with special memories. Living in Sandcastle Bay was never part of Isla’s plan but, after her brother Matthew’s tragic accident, her whole world changed as she unexpectedly became a mother to the little boy she adores so much. 

Leo Jackson was always known as Matthew’s fun-loving and wild best friend. But now Matthew is gone, it’s time to put his colourful past behind him. His role as Elliot’s godfather is the most important thing to him. And even though Leo and Isla are two very different people, they both want to give Elliot the childhood he deserves. 

As the three of them enjoy time together watching fireworks, baking cakes and collecting conkers, Isla begins to see a softer side to charming Leo, with his twinkling eyes and mischievous sense of humour. And, despite herself, she begins to fall for him. 

But does Leo feel the same way? Isla knows their situation is complicated but is it too complicated for true love… or will the year end with a happy new beginning for them all? 

A glorious, feel-good romance that will make you want to snuggle up under a warm blanket with a hot chocolate and the one you love. If you enjoy reading Sarah Morgan, Jenny Oliver and Lucy Diamond this book is for you.

My opinion:

I couldn’t put this book down! This book has so much magic, it’s beautifully written and touches the heart. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and the writing. Holly Martin is a very talented author, who can create a unique, authentic and amazing atmosphere. 

WONDERFUL!!!





The Bottom Line – Aven Ellis

The bit on the back:

After landing her dream job as an assistant buyer for a luxury fashion retailer in Minneapolis, Taylor Hartigan’s life becomes a nightmare. Performing mundane tasks and catering to the ridiculous whims of the boss from hell, she sees no opportunity for advancement. Though she’s never quit anything in her life, Taylor walks out and heads home to Chicago, the city that holds her heart. With her confidence shaken and no job on the horizon, she knows she has to find herself again.

Once she arrives, she’s shocked to learn hockey player Hunter Riley has been traded to the Chicago Buffaloes. Taylor met Hunter the previous season when his hard-hitting play broke the glass in front of her. Meeting him after the game, something passed between them—and has stayed with her ever since. Since she’s followed his career, she knows he’s coming off a disastrous season in Houston and must rediscover his game in Chicago—or face losing his hockey dream.

The timing couldn’t be worse for the pair to become involved since they’re both at a crossroads but the chemistry between them can’t be denied. Taylor worries that their budding relationship won’t survive the challenges of rebuilding two broken careers. Can the new versions of themselves fit together? Or tear them apart?

Or will love be the bottom line, after all?

My opinion:

Aven Ellis’ style is wonderful, vivid, fresh and absorbing. She really knows how to capture emotions. 
Aven Ellis has a really talent for creating gripping and thrilling storylines. It hast he perfect mixture of romance, love, friendship, family and sport. There is a lot of passion behind the writing and the plot is full of exciting elements. 


Aven Ellis on Twitter: @AvenEllis


Monday 1 October 2018

Coming Home to Maple Cottage - by Holly Martin


My own copy
Original Cover














The blurb: 

This utterly addictive new novel from bestselling author Holly Martin will make you smile until your cheeks hurt, sob tears of pure joy and fall head over heels in love with a totally unforgettable romance… 

Isla Rosewood is creating a new life for herself and her sweet nephew Elliot in their cosy, yellow-brick family cottage, brimming with special memories. Living in Sandcastle Bay was never part of Isla’s plan but, after her brother Matthew’s tragic accident, her whole world changed as she unexpectedly became a mother to the little boy she adores so much. 

Leo Jackson was always known as Matthew’s fun-loving and wild best friend. But now Matthew is gone, it’s time to put his colourful past behind him. His role as Elliot’s godfather is the most important thing to him. And even though Leo and Isla are two very different people, they both want to give Elliot the childhood he deserves. 

As the three of them enjoy time together watching fireworks, baking cakes and collecting conkers, Isla begins to see a softer side to charming Leo, with his twinkling eyes and mischievous sense of humour. And, despite herself, she begins to fall for him. 

But does Leo feel the same way? Isla knows their situation is complicated but is it too complicated for true love… or will the year end with a happy new beginning for them all? 

A glorious, feel-good romance that will make you want to snuggle up under a warm blanket with a hot chocolate and the one you love. If you enjoy reading Sarah Morgan, Jenny Oliver and Lucy Diamond this book is for you.


My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

This story blew me away!!! GORGEOUS and AMAZING!

But let me start at the beginning. 
The story follows Isla Rosewood, who is looking after her nephew Elliot, ever since his father Matthew died. Matthew was Isla’s brother and she wants to look after the boy now. Elliot’s mother walked away years ago and has no interest in the boy. Elliot is five years old now and so adorable. 

Leo Jackson is Elliot’s godfather and was Matthews best friend. He wants the best for the little boy and is there for him and Isla every day. He blames himself for Matthew’s death, even though it’s not his fault. He fights with these doubts and cannot really be honest about his feelings. On top of that there is his past, he was a womanizer and had a lot of girls. Is he ready to settle down?!

Both Isla and Leo want the best for Elliot and fight for it. Obviously they also spend a lot of time with each other. Let me just say this: They are made for each other!!! Their connection is something else. They understand each other, know what the other wants and their feelings are very deep. I really like how Holly Martin captured their emotions. You can feel the love through the pages and their chemistry seems so real. There are so many wonderful scenes and moments in this book, between Isla and Leo, but also the three of them as a family. 

Holly Martin created some fabulous characters, added an exciting and touching storyline and the setting is a bonus as well of course. Lots autumnal events like fireworks or pumpkin craving, so much fun to read about these activities. They spice up the plot. 

Then there is Sadie, Elliot’s mum, who wants money for the house Isla and Elliot live in. This adds a lot of drama, since we don’t know if she wants Elliot as well. 

There was one thing that I didn't really like in the end. the epilogue is adorable, but the way the whole Sadie thing was resolve was way too quick and not realistic in my eyes. It was a big topic throughout the book and in the end it was mentioned in a quick sentence. 

I couldn’t put this book down! This book has so much magic, it’s beautifully written and touches the heart. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and the writing. Holly Martin is a very talented author, who can create a unique, authentic and amazing atmosphere. 

WONDERFUL!!!

Rating: