what has been going on laterly...

Hi everyone!!
I am so sorry that I haven't been posting any book reviews lately!
Unfortunately I have been so so busy with school homework, Piano Practice, Golf practice and also a new business venture that I am working on. I have barely had enough time to read a book in between it all! Although in these holidays I have read a few Ivan Southalll books and really enjoyed them.

Anyways... I wanted to let you all in on my new venture, It is only in its early stages but it is moving along. I am starting a teenage sports clothing brand. It is called 'Allez-y' which is a French word that means 'go for it'. In the beginning I am just going to focus on producing clothing ranges for Tennis, Golf and Athletics. I am so keen, I just want everything to happen, but I am trying to be patient. Just wanted to fill you all in on my absence! Also I am going to be starting a blog all about my life particularly focusing on the ups and downs of being involved in business. Once I've started it I'll let you know. I will have plenty to write about.

Talk soon,
Courtz

Winters Gift

Author: Suzanne Elliott

Pages: 160
Age Group: 10+
Genre: Realistic, Snow, School

'A crowd was gathering around Old Faithful, waiting for it to erupt. Moonlight glistened on the snow, expectation hung in the cold night air. And then it came. Spotlights flashed onto the rush of water, making multicolored droplets dance in the frosty air. A gasp of awe went through the crowd. The roar of the geyser drove all unhappy thoughts of Ms. Tate from Lindsey's mind, and as Craig smiled at her and moved a little closer, Lindsey sighed in absolute contentment.'

Lindsey counted on this Christmas trip to Yellowstone National Park to make up for the less-than-wonderful months that preceded it. But after this magical beginning, even the long-awaited visit with Craig begins to sour. It is bad enough that her dad brought his girl friend along, now Amy - Lindsey's Best friend - is flirting with Craig! Bad times become worse as Lindsey storms away from the others and gets lost in a blinding snow storm. Who can you count on anyway? Lindsey wants to know as she questions life, friendships, family relationships and romance. 
But events and people are working on Lindsey's attitudes. There's Amy, the fearless redhead whose funny, feisty personality wins Lindsey's admiration and a place for both of them in the new school. Then there's Mrs. Burchell, the lonely widow across the street who is helping Lindsey's class prepare a wonderful Christmas gift for a fatherless immigrant family. And last, but certainly not least, there's Ms. Tate, her father's girl friend.
How will it all turn out? A lonely night snowbound in a warming hut gives Lindsey plenty of time to think things through and come to an acceptance of this winter's gift.

My review

I don't think i need to say much more than that as the blurb is pretty long and gives a good description. I loved this book and also Summers quest which was the first book in this series. They are both really good and I rate them 9 out of 10. Unfortunately I couldn't get a picture of the book as it isn't published anymore and isn't well known.

I can't find these books on the web anywhere but i hope you can find them as they are great books,
Courtney

First Term at Trebizon

Author: Anne Digby
Pages: 128
Age Group: 9+
Genre: Boarding School, Hockey, writing

Fresh from her London comprehensive,
Rebecca Mason wonders how she's ever going to fit in at Trebizon,
The famous boarding school for girls. Especially with people like Elizabeth Exton there! Will she ever make any friends?
Then unwittingly, Rebecca sparks off a row that rocks the school and she finds that Tish Anderson & Co are all on her side.
This is the first story in Anne Digby's series about Rebecca Mason and her friends at Trebizon School.

My review
I didn't know what this book was going to be like as I had never read any of her books and the blurb didn't sound too interesting, but as I started reading I found out that this was a really good book although very short I loved it. I'm not too sure that I will be able to find the next books in the series but you never know.

Well that's all for now,
hope you like my blog
Courtney♥

One Too Many

Author: Peggie C. Moody
Pages: 126
Age Group: 9+ 
Genre: Boarding school, Christianity, mystery
Series: Gateway Series

To be the unwanted fifth in a dormitory of four friends, and "One too many" in the House, wasn't a very encouraging start for Penelope's school life. Judy, the lively leader of the Junior School, seemed determined to be her enemy, and one misunderstanding after another, even Pen's Christianity, made things worse between them. Pen's brave rescue led to complications, and then a confession, But it was not until after Judy was suspected of theft, and Pen helped her in some detective work, that their new friendship was established and sealed at a midnight feast of waffles and lemonade.

My Review

I really liked this old book! It was funny because after I read it I realized that I had another book from the Gateway series.  I rate this book 9 out of 10!! I love girls boarding school books, so if you like that type of book you will enjoy this exciting adventure of Pen's life.

Hope you enjoy this one,

add it to your favorites,

Courts

Polly's march

Author: Linda Newbery

Pages: 191
Age Group: 10+
Genre: History, The fight for women's rights

Will she stand up for what she believes in?

The Historical House Series
Are a unique collection of novels about the extraordinary lives of those who have lived down the ages at NO 6, Chelsea Walk.

Polly has an adventurous spirit, and her dream is to become an explorer. But in 1914 women didn't have many rights, let alone career choices. Polly discovers this when her new neighbors turn out to be suffragettes, fighting for women's right to vote.
 Polly's parents are scandalized but Polly is intrigued, and the more she thinks about this cause, the more determined she becomes to join the suffragettes' protest march. But will she dare defy her parents and do what she thinks is right?

My Review

I loved this book!! It was really interesting because the books in this series are all set around the people in this particular house on Chelsea Walk throughout the years as the world changes. I would love to read some of the other books in this series as you would be able to compare the house to the books before it. 

I hope you enjoy reading about Polly and her venture to become a Women Suffragette.

I loved this book and I am sure you will too, 

see you soon, 

Courtney   

#12 Trixie Belden and The Mystery of the Blinking Eye

Author: Kathryn Kenny (pen name)
Pages: 212
Age Group: 11+
Genre: Mystery, New York, ancient artifacts

Great - headed man, with blinking eye,
A shaded road, a horses cry,
Foreign words for all to hear,
First clue is now so very near.
Watch out for thieves; they're everywhere,
At home, On island, dead beasts lair.
Where shines a beacon across the sky,
Beware, great danger lurks close by.

Thus begins the strange prophecy that launches Trixie, Honey and the rest of the Bob-Whites upon another exciting adventure, in The Mystery of the Blinking Eye.

My Review

Whilst in New York, Trixie Buys this strange, Ugly, Wooden Incan crafted person, from a vintage shop. She thought it was so ugly that she liked it But... little did she know that it had a high value unknown to her. After she brought it thieves were constantly tracking her down and as time ticks on she has a few close scrapes. Another Mystery with Trixie what will she do this time....

Enjoy,

Courtney.  

#11 Trixie Belden and the mystery of Bob-White Cave

Author: Kathryn Kenny (pen name)
Pages: 187
Age Group: 10+
Genre: Mystery, Cave exploring

"What is it, Brian?" Trixie asked.
"Bats. Thousands of them. Gosh!"
The startled bats roared into flight,
circling the cave clockwise and beating
against the Bob-Whites, almost knocking
them down. The girls waved their arms wildly
and ran out of the cave. Slim, pushing the
girls aside, ran ahead of them.
The whirring wings of the frenzied bats
sounded like the roar of an express train...

My Review
I just love Trixie Belden books so much!! In this book the Bob-Whites went to their Uncle Andews Fishing lodge up in the Ozark Mountains for a holiday. When Trixie finds an Article in a fishing magazine about... they all get on board the mission to find this strange creature. Read this awesome book to find out what happens to the Trixie and her fellow Bob- Whites.

You will enjoy this one i'm sure,
As Trixie gets them into another troublesome
mystery.
Courtney

I would die for you

 One student's story of passion,service and faith
Author: Brent & Deanna Higgins (Father and Mother of B.J)
Pages: 220
Age Group: Any age (Probably 12+)
Genre: Youth-biography of BJ's life

When was the last time you gave your all for God?

BJ Higgins loved God with everything he had and worked passionately to bring God's love to the whole world. He believed in using the opportunities God gave him and boldly shared the gospel wherever he went. BJ's life on earth ended after a six-week battle with an infection contracted on the mission field. He was just fifteen years old. 

I Would Die for You tells the extraordinary story of an ordinary young man. BJ's journals and blogs, along with testimony from family and friends, reveal a young man whose short life left an impression on many--including Bart Millard, lead singer of Mercy Me, who wrote and recorded a song to Honor him.

BJ put the cause of Christ above his own personal comfort. This powerful true story will amaze, inspire, and challenge you to live every day making a difference for God.
 
"How could someone who lived only a few years leave such an indelible heartprint on the world? This story is not for the faint of heart. Not only does it tell of an amazing young man but of the amazing God he served. Every parent and every student should read this book. When you do, you'll agree: BJ Higgins is this generation's Jim Elliot."
-Dr. Walker Moore, president and founder, Awe Star Ministries; author, Rite of Passage Parenting and Rite of Passage Parenting Workbook

"There is a possibility that this life isn't going to just be a bed of roses from here on out. Are we willing to make a sacrifice for the kingdom? Because that's what BJ did. I may die of old age in my sleep and [my life would] not have as much meaning as BJ's life did. I Would Die for You is a challenge, a battle cry for all the body."
-Bart Millard, lead singer of MercyMe

My Review

What a fantastic book!! I can't believe that BJ could make such a huge impact in his 15 years on Earth! His story is so inspiring for the youth and the Adults. I feel as though he is a great Role model to look up to. Although I never met him and don't know his family, his story has made an impact on me and also on my friends who have read this book. It has many lessons embedded in his story's and journal-ling which are great things to remember. I rate it 9 out of 10 which is a fantastic rating for a biography!! But this biography does have something quite different from most of the other books on the shelf. A life changing book,

Only 42 days till Christmas And....
Only 27 days left of school (for me)!!
Boy the year has whizzed past so quick it is unbelievable!
See you soon,
Courtney