Tag: bookish

3 tips for reading on a savvy $15 monthly budget 💸

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Something I don’t find readers talking about online or in person often enough, is the cost of book buying and keeping up with the latest bookish trends.

Reading can be an expensive hobby and honestly, when working in the bookstore that was a real deterrent for many people coming in. Paying $30+ for a book that you may or may not enjoy is an absolute gamble and for some, that’s a big chunk of your play money for the week. I know for me, it certainly was and is, as I budget according to my needs and saving goals.

Therefore, I thought it was time I shared my personal tips and tricks to reading on a monthly budget of just $15 AUD. Let’s jump in:

👜 VISIT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY w/ A TOTE BAG

Do I need to say more than the words FREE, FREE and FREE!

Most libraries that you walk into cost you $0 to sign up and start borrowing books that day. Plus, it’s usually free to use their internet and their internal searching platforms to narrow down if they have the books you’re looking for.

Additionally, I’m lucky that my local library (which I’m certain many others function this way as well) allows you to make ‘orders’. For example, if there is a book you’re after and it’s not on the shelf or in their title listings’ – you can order it – FOR FREE! The library will then purchase it out of their next lot of available funding and notify you when it comes in. I mean, you literally have just signed up for FREE, ordered a book for FREE and will read the books you’re desperate to get your hands on for FREE.

+ the reason I suggest taking a tote bag, is that it makes your library experience feel like a book buying experience. So if you’re that kinda girly like me, find your biggest and fav tote bag for the trip!

📲 BORROWBOX, LIBBY, HOOPLA & MORE

In Australia, we’re lucky enough that our libraries have connected online borrowing platforms such as BorrowBox, Libby and Hoopla, that allow you to borrow up to 6x e-books and 6x audiobooks (+ movies and magazines) at one time for FREE. These apps are downloadable and/or accessible on your phone, laptop, iPad or tablet AND Kobo’s.

Each app has a variety of different titles, therefore if you’re a veracious reader and tech savvy, in one month you could have two books borrowed from each library app and potentially have a total of 5-6 books to read. That’s more than a book a week for FREE.

These apps do require you to be a member of your local or regional library but as we discovered above, it costs $0 to sign up and takes less than 10 minutes in person or online.

✅ KINDLE DAILY DEALS & KINDLE BOOK DEALS

Did you know that Amazon Kindle have a variety of new release, popular books or books in series on sale for $4.99 or less – daily?

If you’re a Kindle reader like me and tend to pick up your e-reader once/twice per month for a new read, something I always do before jumping into a new book is check the Kindle shop (which if you’re on your Kindle is this shopping trolley icon 🛒) to see what the Kindle Daily Deals are. I’ve picked up trending romance books, crime fiction and mystery books, as well as book club reads for $4.99, $2.99 or even $0.99.

Kindle Book Deals is another section that has over 50 e-book titles on sale from $9.99 or less. This section holds even MORE trending books and is the place to be if you’re wanting a brand new release instantly at your fingertips. The titles in this section update every month as far as I can see and hold such a great diverse range of reading material.

So there you have it, my top 3 tips for reading on a savvy $15 monthly budget 💸

If you mixed all of these tips together, you could even budget for $10 per month, having bought just 1x Kindle e-book for $9.99 + borrowed 2x e-books and 1x audiobook on BorrowBox, + borrow 3x physical books from your local library. That’s 7 books in total 😮 The savvy budget reading options are endless!

I hope some of these tips come in handy for you and that you have a go at trying them for yourself!

If you enjoyed this and would like more reading on a budget tips, comment below ⬇️ 💬

Sundays in Bed with ‘Nectar of the Wicked’

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I feel like this Sunday has been the first in a long time where I have completely absorbed myself in books and reading for majority of the day, and it’s been an incredible feelings!

It’s an overcast, windy and cold day here so Peach and I have decided that a weather induced morning and afternoon in bed and under the covers was called for.

I’ve had quite a big work week and reading week before landing here with ‘Nectar of the Wicked’ by Ella Fields.

I started ‘The Mystery Writer’ by lovely friend Sulari Gentill last weekend and took every spare moment I could this week to keep reading as it was so captivating, twisty and turny that I just knew the ending would not disappoint.

‘The Mystery Writer’ is a story about Theo and her journey to becoming a bestselling novelist but it’s not as straightforward as one might assume. I’m working on a full review of this novel which you’ll be able to read on here very soon 👀

I’ve also devoured an indie romance for a friend as their Beta reader. Beta reading is when an author sends you a close to finished copy of their book/chapters/synopsis and you’re generally reading to provide feedback on questions they provide or for me, I usually provide feedback on flow as a reader, moments I really enjoyed or moments I found confusing. It’s not an editing gig persay, it’s more seen as a vibe check. I really enjoy doing this for books in genres I know I enjoy, with plots I know are my jam and authors I have read from previously. So more info on this one coming soon 😉

And now we’re here with ‘Nectar of the Wicked’ by Ella Fields! The first few chapters of this book had me hesitant but after the first 45-50 pages, I’ve been hooked and I know I’ll be spending the remainder of my day cozied up with this novel. As a reader, be aware that this book was placed in the Erotica section of the bookstore as our main character (at this point in time) is involved in adult/escort work. But don’t let that deter you! I do think this plot is going to become even more interesting as it’s fantasy elements are a nice mix. Ella is also Australia, which I LOVE to see and read 🌶✅

What are you reading this Sunday and what’s a new book recommendation you have for me?

Riverina Readers Festival: A dream come true 💙

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It’s with a strong mixture of unexplainable joy, pride and exhaustion that I write this post. Our very first Riverina Readers Festival is complete and I felt it was really important to write down how I’m feeling and my experiences as something to look back on and also as way of sharing the feelings underneath the surface with those who read this little book blog and attended our festival.

I’ve learnt throughout this epic process of planning, managing and delivering such a large-scale event that it is quite difficult to put into words how you feel, as the mixture of emotions are still churning inside after 2 days from the Festivals completion.

There has been tidal waves of stress and nervous anticipation in hoping those in attendance feel the love and dedication gone into building this event; overwhelming joy when you’re in the thick of seeing the event run through its schedule effortlessly; buzzing excitement and a high of happiness and disbelief when you’re finished; pride and gratitude when you read feedback forms that pour with happiness and eagerness to see what’s next; awe when people stop you or chase after you on the day to tell you how much they feel like they’ve found a community and made new connections; passion when authors congratulate you and your team on the high quality of each and every aspect of the festival and go away recommending your festival to those near and far in their world; joy when you look back and see all the incredible people who made this happen and continue to be there for the future of this project.

This has been one of the biggest moments in my career/ life/ dreams. And my few tears at the end of this day came through to show people that. Building this vision, finding a supportive and valuable team with their own individual talents and passions, planning this festival and bringing it to our community has been unforgettable. I cannot wait to keep this going, say ‘yes’ to opportunities and watch it grow.

I hope you enjoy watching it grow too 💫

If you’d like to find more information on the Riverina Readers Festival, head over here www.riverinareadersfestival.org.au

Author Talks with Maxine Fawcett

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Australian Debut Author, Maxine Fawcett 📸

There is no doubt that Maxine knows her words! She has written for MamaMia in Australia and Mummypages in the UK. With a BA in Communication and Art History from the University of East London, it’s an absolute given that her debut novel ‘Everything is Perfect’ would be incredible!

Welcome Max, to Mel Reviews Her Books 💖

Congratulations Maxine on your debut novel Everything Is Perfect published with Penguin Australia! How does it feel to be an official author and can you describe to us your first pinch me moment?

Thanks Mel! After a decade of attending courses, writing my first novel, pitching it again and again and again, receiving rejection after rejection (crying in my car more than a few times reading the first line of those emails that start something like, ’thank you for sending us your manuscript, even though we liked it we can’t take it further on this occasion’) then starting another book and then getting signed by PRH, it feels surreal but I’m also proud of myself that I kept going.

That’s the hardest thing, with no guarantee of anything, the drive to keep putting your bum on the chair and carrying on.

The first pinch me moment was seeing it on the shelf in Big W, and signing a copy for a lovely lady called Barbara who had picked it up to buy.

Your main character Cassie, has a number of secrets piling up and at some point everything is bound to explode and some people will become hurt by the consequences. What inspired you to write about a woman who has a seemingly happy, content and fulfilled life on the outside, but on the inside, she’s not the person she truly wants to be?

I was half way through my forties when I started Everything is Perfect and couldn’t have written Cassie at any other time. I had been journalling about my own feelings to do with ageing, peri menopause, my own identity and how I felt about no longer being seen.

Her wry voice came to me one morning as I was sitting in my local cafe having coffee (which is why ‘Black Honey’ coffee shop features in the book) and I wanted to explore the experiences of a midlife woman who seems to have it all but underneath is hiding everything.

Something I’ve chatted about with my own friends.

Going through the process, understanding and accepting how some children struggle in an educational setting is also a strong theme throughout your novel. I really appreciated that you shared this aspect and awareness! Was this always an initial thread in your novel or did it develop over time?

Having had my boys go through Primary school, I did want the struggles some children face to be an integral part of Everything is Perfect. There are so many parents doing an outstanding job of advocating for their kids but finding it extremely difficult to be heard in the school system.

I wasn’t writing to point any blame as the teacher’s my boys had – they were all outstanding! – but there were moments when the system wouldn’t bend to accomodate a child who may need something different and this was very frustrating.

Max – what does your day-to-day life look like now as a published writer? Is the second novel underway and does the process of writing look different the second time around?

If it works – stick to it is my motto! So I’m trying to do exactly the same thing as the first time around.

Some mornings I journal, others I get an idea and jump straight in. My writing time is generally 9.30am – 11.00am. Monday – Friday.

I’m also having to remind myself what it’s like to return to the beginning and make peace with the messy draft that emerges before any editing can be done. I’ve learnt to love editing and shaping a story from an idea.

Max, it’s been an absolute pleasure chatting with you here and also in person (virtually 😉) on Instagram! I cannot wait to read your next novel and celebrate with you again!

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

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Someone needs to hold me back because I’m about to YELL all over this review about how FANTASTIC this read was!

Imagine Throne of Glass + The Hunger Games + a Sarah Adam’s romance novel angst and pining = Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Here are a good few reasons as to why you should pick up this book RIGHT NOW or slide it up to the top of your TBR pile:

✅ Actual enemies to lovers: Paedyn (love this name) and Malakai aka Prince Kai, are from different sides of the track and have very different loyalties.

Paedyn is an Ordinary hidden in plain sight. This means she was not born with any magical, mind bending or magnificent power such as morphing into animals, mind reading or mind silencing, invisibility or time warping. Those that do have these powers certainly show it and they are called the Elites.

The current King, who is an Elite, has poisoned society into believing that Ordinary’s actually make Elite’s sick and it is crucial that Ordinary’s are removed from society – ie. Paedyn. However, she is much more clever than most, as was her Father when training her, because she is posing as an Elite who has Psychic abilities.

Every year the annual Trials come around, which involve the most powerful Elites showing off their powers in a range of life-threatening and vengeful situations. Some people are naturally selected due to their status (ie. Prince Kai) and some are selected by society (ie. Paedyn). All are voted on and viewed by Ilya – determining the winner and ‘most powerful’ of the year.

✅ The fighting scenes are FANTASTIC and I was personally so pleased with the balance of angst and weaponry.

For Paedyn to survive in Loot (the poorest part of Ilya) she thieves coins and belongings. Prince Kai comes along, unbeknown to her of who he is. To Paedyn, he just looked like a well off guy holding a fat stack of coins. Drama and death tends to follow Prince Kai as he is the ‘Enforcer’ for the King, while also being his second son. Paedyn robs Prince Kai and walks away feeling chuffed, until a Mind Silencer starts attacking him.

Paedyn is triggered by a past event in her life when watching Prince Kai being attacked and she cannot stop herself from stepping in to save him. This action tumble-rolls Paedyn’s future. She is selected by Ilya to participate in the Trials as she is seen as strong, but in actual fact, she is physically strong and trained in conflict yet actual magical power? Zlitch.

✅ Angst was at an all time high!

The back and forward banter, love to hate relationship between Pae and Kai was incredibly entertaining. Him pulling down his walls around her because of his either genuine concern or curiosity + her desire to be around him yet knowing that he is in fact the worst person for her to befriend … or more.

Admittedly, there was a time there when I was starting to get a little over the back and forward without any consequence happening. They became so close at one stage that you would think the end of the scene was inevitable – but then it simmered again. I do believe that if their relationship had developed a little more, then the ending, Payden’s choices and Kai perspective would be heavier and more emotional.

In saying that, I think the reveal of Paedyn’s political actions and her powerless power in the final chapters was great. I wouldn’t say the final chapters were unpredictable (one element of the final challenge was), or that the outcome – couldn’t be guessed – but you know what, I still read and loved each and every page anyways!

Sometimes it’s not about the guessing game of a novel, it’s about connecting with the characters and just letting the story be told the way the author wants us to see it. And this novel certainly ticked all those boxes for me!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

One Book One Temora w/ Fleur McDonald

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Last night I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing bestselling Australian rural fiction author, Fleur McDonald, at One Book One Temora.

This annual book event is held at the Temora Shire Library and the beautiful community of Temora comes out to spend an evening listening to an Aussie author, of whom they’ve all read one of the authors’ books for their book clubs.

Fleur is incredibly warm, kind, open and willing to share her knowledge about the book industry and writing fiction for over 15 years. She publishes two novels a year while still running a farm over in Western Australia. She is very involved in her small town community and gives back when she has time off everything books. This truly shows in her passionate discussions about the importance of community and connection.

And in talking about community and connection, one rural town that does it so well is Temora. The Temora Shire Library is a hub of chatter, regular borrowers and weekly program goers. The team there are not only approachable, full of life and generous, but they also represent a pivotal consistent hub in the small country town.

The wonderful Wendy handmade this super special Peachy 🐱 bookmark for me in thanks and I’m OBSESSED! How special and what a talent! Thank you Wendy, in more ways than one!

Writing this bookish experience and enjoying a delicious Eggs Benedict, I can’t help but smile and feel gratitude for meeting such wonderful people again this year. Being invited back to 2024’s One Book One Temora is an absolute privilege 💖

Book Review: ‘When in Rome’ by Sarah Adams

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You know that feeling when you find a new book that will continue to be the book you re-read to get you out of a book slump?

When in Rome by Sarah Adams is that new book for me 💖

It’s been a hot minute since I last had a book that I just simply NEEDED to spend my whole Sunday reading. When in Rome had me hooked from the moment we open the first pages and Amelia is in her beat up car driving off into the middle of nowhere, in an effort to just escape the overwhelm that is her current celebrity life.

Amelia, or better known as Rose Ray, is a pop superstar with T-Swift levels of fame. Her singing career is at its peak but her wellbeing is not. Her relationship with her Manager is overbearing. Her mum only wants her to pay for extravagant trips around the world. Her dating and true friendships are basically non-existent because of the grinding life she leads.

Deciding that the only way to clear her head and get a little perspective, Amelia drives to Rome, Kentucky in an effort to loosely recreate her favourite Audrey Hepburn film, When in Rome (that’s Rome, Italy, but sadly her scheduling cannot allow for that plane flight).

15kms out of Rome, Kentucky, Amelia’s car decides that it’s had a good life and it’s ready to call it a day … right on Noah’s front lawn. That’s right, we have a good old grumpy X sunshine trope goin’ on and I was stocked about it!

Noah has returned back to his home town of Rome after a heartbreaking relationship that upended his life. He’s just starting to resettle into country life again. He’s opened and is running his family pie shop with the help of his sisters and is certainly NOT in the mood for romance. Noah immediately recognises Amelia and assumes she a spoilt, rich and stuck up superstar who expects to be treated like royalty. But that is certainly not the case. Amelia is reserved, shy and uncertain of the fame and stardom that is her current stressor. And this experience in Rome, and with Noah, could be just what she needs.

Their bickering, joking and heat is so well paced and I adored Noah for all his grumpiness! He’s the protector in his family, has emotional intelligence (at times) and ends up opening his world to Amelia + we have the addition of his sisters! Gosh I loved them! And it you want more of their stories, read Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams.

I do hope we see these small town characters again in future Sarah Adams’ novels because this was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) star for me!

Fun times and Neon signs 💡

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February has been a month of fun times, event busy-ness and new experiences.

This past month, Riverina Readers Festival had a whopping success of an event and I was so proud to see the love, care and time that all those involved put towards the event being a smash hit. I think for me, when we deliver a successful event it’s important to celebrate. So this past week, I’ve not gone so hard on the emails, festival strategy work and planning. I took a breath and relished in our teamwork and passion towards a common goal.

I’ve also had some fun times in my new working gal role. This month I started a new job where I get to combine my passions for local community, service/program opportunity and event planning + delivery. I recognise that I am so privileged to say that I attend a workplace where work does not feel like work. I’m currently getting paid to train, work on and deliver something I’m super passionate about and I just smile every time I think about that! I truly hope each and every one of you get to experience this feeling one day because if I could bottle it up, I’d give it to every single person I meet.

When I’m feeling good and in a healthy headspace, I’m also more open to creative projects, experimenting with ideas and dreaming towards my own long term goals. I’ve let myself lean into that this week and sometimes the result is fantastic, sometimes it’s just a “I’ll tuck this away for later” (and proceed to create another folder on my laptop with images, dot points and unfinished documents) 🤣

But all in all, I think breathing in new experiences, celebrating the wins and letting your mind dream is so important. Especially when we can lead busy lives majority of the time. I’d recommend you try it and see what creative ideas or plans spring to mind 💖🧠

Comment below a win you’ve had this month 💭

A Zingy Gluten-Free Sunday Cake

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Sometimes a Sunday Cake fills that little niggling feeling inside of you that desires something easy, yummy and super satisfying while you’re lazing around the house, in your pj’s … avoiding housework.

I’ve found the perfect cake to fill that void and let me tell you, I just KNOW you’ll be making this for yourself, your neighbours, for special occasions and just a simple but wholesome afternoon tea with loved ones.

I introduce to you, the gluten free cake of your dreams ☁️ A Lemon & Thyme cake with healthish cream cheese icing!

I sought this recipe from the Gluten Free Shop & added my own little spin by removing, replacing and adding some ingredients. Also, this Sunday Cake doesn’t include traditional cooking sugar, which I love!

CAKE INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups of Almond Meal (homebrand is fine)
  • 1/4 cup of Honey (my preferred is any Beechworth Honey with an earthy undertone)
  • 1/2 cup of Vegetable Oil
  • 1 tsp of Baking powder (I didn’t have GF on me but is preferred)
  • 2 tsp of Thyme leaves, washed
  • 1 tsp of Vanilla extract
  • zest of 3 lemons
  • 5 eggs, lightly beaten

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

  • 500g of Cream Cheese, room temperature (homebrand again is fine)
  • 3-4 Tbs of Honey, dependent on your sweet tooth cravings
  • 2 tsp of Vanilla extract
  • Juice of 2 lemons

METHOD:

  1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celcius (fan forced).
  2. Mix together all cake ingredients in a large bowl, adding your lemon zest and thyme last.
  3. Pour mixture into a lined baking tin. I used a loaf tin this time, but a regular 20cm cake tin would do the trick as well.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and firm to touch. (*hint* As this is almond meal, it will not have the regular spring of a flour cake. Be guided by smell and colour on this one)
  5. Remove from oven and allow too cool for 15 – 20 minutes. While the cake is cooling, you can make a start on the frosting.
  6. Whip together cream cheese frosting ingredients, either by hand or with beaters. (*hint* if you like a marshmellowly consistency, whip with electric beaters. If you’re open for a relaxed, hand whipped vibe, go with that)
  7. Generously dollop frosting onto cooled cake and spread loosely with either a spatula or pallet knife. You don’t need to use all of this frosting on top of the cake, if your eaters prefer, provide a dollop on the side of their serving. Because who doesn’t love cream cheese frosting!
  8. To celebrate this cake, garnish with lemon zest, thyme and/or caramelised lemon rind.
  9. Serve up with a delicious cup of coffee & a good book ☕️📖