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

#10 Trixie Belden and the marshland mystery

Author: Kathryn Kenny (pen Name)
Pages: 212
Age group: 11+
Genre: Mystery, Adventure,

When Trixie and Honey go searching for plant specimens to replace their teachers damaged prized plant collection they not only find the many types of plants but also stumble across a mysterious cottage and a troublesome kidnapping or more like a runaway violinist! In this exciting 10nth novel in the Trixie Belden Series another mystery unravels and a new adventure begins.

My Review
What a fabulous book! Every book I have read in the Trixie Belden series has been Fantastic!! I rate this book 9 out 10.I haven't got a bad word to say about this book or any in the series! BUT...I am warning you now...DON'T READ THE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE HOOKED INTO READING THEM ALL!!(You may not but i am just warning you in case!) Hope you enjoy this one as much as i did!!

Also I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and a safe holidays!!
♥ Courtney

Lose Your Cool

Author: Zac Hunter
Pages: 163
Age Group: Anyone who wants to change themselves and the world!!

Genre: Inspiring stories, biography's etc. 

YOU DON'T LOVE MOCHA THE SAME WAY THAT YOU LOVE JESUS.
As a teen today, you probably have plenty of interests and plenty to plug into. In the midst of the constant stimulus- activity's, media, text messages, and social networking- activist and fellow teenager Zach Hunter asks: What consumes the bulk of your time?
How do you zero in on what really matters?

Zach wrote this book to share powerful inspiration from the lives of others and to promote his steadfast belief that his generation is capable of great things- actions that may require shedding conventional notions of what is cool and important - and of choices that can heat up, ignite, and stoke the flame of a deeper passion, the kind of passion that changes the world.
 ARE YOU READY TO LOSE YOUR COOL??     

My Review
What a fabulous book! I can't believe the amount of enthusiasm Zach has! It is great!!! He has inspired me to think about issues i would like to see the end of and also to really get others involved in ending slavery and other injustices.  At the start of the year i brought a sewing machine for a lady in Tibet and it brought her such joy and it also gave me the satisfaction of seeing her smiling face and dinner on her table for both herself her husband son and new baby boy. I am sure this book will get you motivated to change the world and even yourself. I rate it 10 out of 10.
loved it and it was extremely positive and motivating a must read!!!
by the way this is the third book Zach has written his other two books are: loose Be The Change(i did a book review last week!) and Generation Change

Hope you get motivated by these books,
Courtney   

Be the Change

Your guide to Freeing Slaves and changing the world
Author: Zach Hunter
Page: 157
Age group: any age
Genre: Auto-biography, changing the world

Most people think the average teenager isn't capable of much beyond hanging with their friends and wasting time. But Zach Hunter isn't your average teenager. And he's hoping to show you that you're not either. Zach has been trying to end slavery around the globe. Most people (maybe even you) think that slavery has been over for a long time. But sadly, there are more people bound in slavery now than at any of the times we read about in our history books. Now Zach is working to end slavery and free the men, women, and children who are being held against their will. He's even found some friends in the fight, including Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Leeland Mooring of Leeland. Just look around the world and on the news and you'll find that there are plenty of things wrong with our planet---homelessness, hunger, global warming, AIDS...the list goes on and on. And we usually look at these problems and decide they're too big for us to do anything about. But Zach is proving that one person can make a difference. And in his book, he'll reveal the elements needed to make amazing changes in your world. In the end, he hopes you'll find the thing you're passionate about---and start making changes! 

My Review

What an inspirational book! I have been really enjoying reading these inspiring change the world sort of books as i think that if lots of people read them and make a move toward ending poverty we would see the back of poverty and live in a more balanced world. I hope that you read this book and try to make a difference into someones life. Even if that means just giving up one small thing that you wanted to get or even just helping someone who dropped all their books. Whatever it is I hope that you do something nice to someone else this week.

Thanks, Courtney  

 

First Light

Author: Brodie & Brock Thoene
Pages: 391
Genre: historical, bible themes.
Age Group: 14 - Adult
Series: A.D. Chronicles
Jerusalem
The ancient city where hatred, deceit, longing, and desperation smolder in every heart.
Spiritual and political darkness shroud the world's holiest and most turbulent city. Ruled by Rome and manipulated by religious rulers with only selfish interests in mind, the people of Jerusalem wonder if their Deliverer will ever come.
Susanna and Manaen desperately search for hope and meaning- in a world where their love is forbidden. Others pray and wait for light, the True light of Messiah, to dawn. Peniel the beggar, Marcus the Roman Centurion, Zadok the Chief Shepherd of Israel, and his three adopted orphan boys - all long for a vision of hope. 
Now a healer named Yeshu walks the streets of Jerusalem. Is he the true Messiah? Or only another imposter, like so many before him?

My Review

Although this book seemed to take me a long time to read, I loved every moment of it so much!

It was so interesting mainly because it was set Jerusalem and had some events out of the bible. It had scripture references and had many lessons to be learned in it. I will definitely read some of of Brodie & Brock's books. This book was a very thick book and I had to read some things over twice because they were hard to digest but I absolutely loved it.

I rate it 8 out of 10!! 

Thanks Genelle, I loved reading this book and also thanks for the books you gave me!!

#1 Kit Hunter, Show jumper

Author: Peter Grey
Pages: 184
Age Group: 10+
Genre: Horses, Mystery, Adventure
First published: 1959
The wild one strangely enough doesn't have a blurb so.. i guess i will have to explain!

My Review

When Kit Hunters parents die she is left to fend for herself. Yet her 'Uncle Richard' (not really her uncle but that's what she calls him) invites her to come and stay at his farm out on the moor grange. She used to love staying there when she was younger so quickly took up the offer. When Kit finds out that Uncle Richard is struggling for money she is quickly on the scent and is sniffing down suspects. Whilst Kit and Mary (the stable hand at the farm) in the middle of the mystery they find out about a strange horse which doesn't seem to belong in the wilderness. Is this The Wild One?? Will they be able to save Moor Grange in time???

This book was absolutely thrilling, loved every bit of it!
I am on the lookout for the rest of the books in this series as I loved reading them so much!!
keep reading,
Courtney the book worm ☺ 

Jackie won a pony

Author: Judith M. Berrisford
Pages: 127
Age group: 9+
Genre: Horses, Adventure
First published: 1958

Blurb
Dear Jaqueline,
You will, I am sure, be delighted to learn that the judges of our competition for the best essay on 'If i won a pony' have awarded you the first prize of a pony.
yours sincerely,
Stephen Clarke
Editor of horseshoes
Jackie has always longed for a pony of her own. Now she can have her pick of any number of beautiful, well-bred, highly-trained ponies. But then she sees Misty-a sad, grey pony, pulling a firewood cart- and Jackie knows that, for her no other pony will do.

My review
I am such a fan of old Horse books!! Jackie won a pony was so 'original'! I thought it was such a cool book! It was all about how a girl called Jackie wins a pony of her choice but although she has choice of many well bred show horses but ends up choosing an ex-cart pulling horse. They have many adventures together and make many friends along the way. I rate this book 8 out of 10.

Hi everyone,
Hope you are all healthy and well.
Back at school/work again!! :(
Holidays are over!
enjoy this awesome book!
Courts 

The Mennyms

Author: Sylvia Waugh
Pages: 236
Age Group: 9+
Genre: Mystery, Real life, 
 From the outside, 5 Brocklehurst Grove looks like an ordinary house - the windows are always clean, and the garden well-tended. And from the inside, to hear the voices of the inhabitants, the Mennym family, you would think they were an ordinary family, too. Wrong! The Mennyms - Granny and Grandpa, Vinetta and Joshua and their five children, as well as the elusive Miss Quigley and mysterious Pilbeam - are far from ordinary. The whole family shares an astonishing secret to which nobody has even come close... until perhaps,now. When an airmail letter from Australia comes through the letterbox of number 5, its contents are enough to plunge the whole family into fear that now, for the first time, the mystery surrounding it is about to be exposed. 

My review 

Great book! very unusual and creative, you have no idea what is going to happen next! I rate it 8 out of 10. I found it a really interesting book so I'm sure you would enjoy reading it too. This is the first book in the Mennym's series and starts it off with a boom! Highly recommend to primary school students especially!

Hopefully I'll see you again,

Courts