SOCIAL MEDIA

Let's Discuss... Surprise 'Review' Books!

Wednesday 19 February 2014
Righty roo, if you've followed this blog for quite some time, you may have noticed that in my book hauls I always seem to mention one or two - what I like to call - surprise review books. These are basically books which have been sent out to me from a publishing company that I haven't requested. Now, I used to love this, but, recently, it's been stressing me out.

So, basically, over the past year, a pile of surprise 'review' books has began accumulating on my desk. I tidied them away into my bookshelf a couple days ago for the simple reason that, whenever I looked at my desk, all I could see were so many books I felt I needed to read and review. My stress levels spiked - especially since some had been collecting dust there for months. With all the studying and homework I have to do, it's just too much for me to handle.

Then I asked myself, should I really feel pushed to read and review these books? I always feel I should read the book and review it as the publishers have been so, SO lovely and gracious sending me out a copy - which I am always extremely grateful for - but, it's not like I asked for it and can prioritise it. In some cases, the book just doesn't look like something I'd enjoy... but that isn't always a bad thing - it's good to get out of your comfort zone.

My feelings are rather split on the matter.


I've kind-of decided to take a step back from all these surprise 'review' books. Of course, I will probably read them at some point, but I don't see why I should make myself even more stressed out feeling like these books need priority. Right now, my main priority is school - due to this hectic year, I've not even requested a single book yet, and probably won't be able to until summer. :(

I sincerely hope I don't sound ungrateful in this post. I appreciate the trouble publishers go to to send me out books. I'm guessing I'm just at that stressful age where these surprise books are just putting me under unnecessary excess pressure...

What do you think? Do you receive surprise 'review' books? Do you feel like you need to prioritise them? Does it stress you out like it does to me? Or are you able to balance everything out? If you don't receive surprise review books, what do you think about it all?

Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo


Book Spotlight & Giveaway: The Wind Whisperer

Saturday 1 February 2014
At fifteen, Anaii is the most important member of her tribe—and the most mysterious.  Ever since Anaii can remember, the spirits of the wind have whispered of fertile hunting grounds and imminent enemy attacks.  But when her people are ambushed by a brother clan without any apparent cause, the spirits remain eerily silent.

As the village prepares to retaliate, Anaii is pressured by her best friend, Elan, to marry him.  It’s an old plea—Elan has spent a lifetime loving her, but Anaii only sees a childhood playmate out of an imposing warrior.  Stifled by Elan’s insistence, Anaii escapes into the forest where she meets Jayttin, the beautiful son of the enemy chief. 
Enamored by Jayttin’s carefree spirit and hope for peace, she repeatedly sneaks away to be with him, but when her deception is discovered, Elan is devastated.  Pledging his lifelong affection, Elan gives her a passionate kiss, and Anaii begins to see her friend in a new light. 

While Anaii is tormented over which man she must choose, the wind whispers of a new threat that could destroy both tribes.  Only a union will afford a chance at survival, but the reality of that union is based on one thing—which man Anaii chooses to die.

Author: Krista Holle | Publisher: Sweet River Romance | Publication Date: 15th October 2013 | Pages: 302

Doesn't this sound amazing?! It's so hard to come by books that sound as unique as this one! Lucky for you, one of you lovely folk can win a paperback copy of this book along with a native American bracelet! The author was even lovely enough to not only have this giveaway open to US and Canada residents but to UK as well - knowing that a majority of you are UK based! How lovely is she?! Anyway. Here is a picture of one of the bracelets that will be up for grabs!


TERMS & CONDITIONS

- One winner will receive one paperback copy of The Wind Whisperer along with one native American bracelet.
- The giveaway is open to UK, US & Canada residents only.
- The giveaway will be open until 16th February 00:00.
- If you win, I will pass your email address along to the author who will contact you for your shipping address.
- Neither myself or the author are responsible for any packages lost in the mail.
- To enter, all you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter below! After you claim your free entry there are a number of extra entries you can use to give you a greater chance of winning - feel free to use them all!

Good luck and, as always, may the odds be ever in your favour!
 
Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo

PS: How gorgeous is the cover of The Wind Whisperer by the way?! It's so beautiful! :O