Book Review: Passion (Fallen #3) by Lauren Kate

Hello my bookish peeps 

Are you ready for the next review in this favourite series of mine?? I decided to read this series for a few reasons, firstly I have been wanting to re-read this series for a while as I adore the love story between Daniel and Luce, plus a few of the other characters. And secondly I needed something light and familiar to read while I had so much on my plate in the other areas of my life. 

If you missed my other reviews check them out here: Fallen + Torment. 

Hardcover 

Published: 14 June 2011

Publisher: Delacorte Press

420 pages
Source: Purchased
Goodreads l Amazon

* What it's about *

‘Every single lifetime, I'll choose you. Just as you have chosen me. Forever.’ 

Luce would die for Daniel. And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way . . . Luce is certain that something – or someone – in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last. 

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history. Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

* My thoughts *

Imagine travelling back in time witnessing your eternal love with your soul mate from every angle. I don't remember how much I enjoyed this book the first time around, but I do know I adored it this time around!! Maybe it has to do with some of my travels over the past few years and understanding Love on a different level than before when I was younger. 

In general I appreciated the story and way it was structured so much more. I loved travelling from culture to culture and time period to time period.

Luce and Daniel's love continues to shine and LK definitely makes the point of why the struggle and war is worth it. 

Bill the gargoyle annoyed me so much, but I guess that is what his character is supposed to do being the baddy and all that.  

As always I wish we had a little more Cam, but I love how much we got to be inside Daniel's head and see what he endured through it all.  

At times Luce was a bit dramatic for me, but I guess when you trying to understand something bigger than yourself it can be overwhelming and we can make those irrational decision. 

I think the one part that stood out for me, which I might have overlooked last time was the scene of Roland's speech at the end that really had my heart aching for him and Arianne. 

Overall I loved this book. I am so glad I picked up this series and can't wait to read Rapture and then the 2 spin off books!! 

* Rating * 

* Books in the Series *

~ Author Links and Bio ~ 

Website  l  Goodreads  l  Facebook  l  Twitter  l  Instagram

Lauren Kate is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the Fallen novels, the Teardrop novels, and The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove. Her books have been translated into more than 30 languages. She lives in Los Angeles with her family.

Have you read this series?? What was your favourite romantic chapter? 

Happy Reading <3 

Love 

Chanzie 

xxx

~ My Reading Radar #6 : Hellish #1

Hello lovelies... 

Hope you having a fab week. I am so excited as the December holidays draw closer. I need a break and reset, coupled with some beach time for sure. 

A while ago I decided to start a new type of post which is me to keep track of all the awesome books or series I come across but cannot really afford to get at the moment because my bookshelf is currently overflowing and to be honest I probably have enough reading material to last me the rest of my life plus a the next one! 

It is not only for books that are going to be released, or recently released, but also for books that I discover while travelling through the blogsphere. 

Where did I discover this? 

To be honest I cannot remember where I saw this book.. My apologies!! It clearly grabbed my attention enough to be added to my radar... and it is actually free on Tina's website (link to website is at the end of the post in her bio). 

I think lately I have just been looking for magical reads outside of my normal paranormal romance type reads and yep.. this one fits right in with that train of thought!! 

I haven't heard of Tina before and look forward to fitting her into my reading schedule sometime soon. 

Check it out and let me know what you think. 

Author : Tina Glasneck
Book name : Hellish
Series: The Hell Chronicles
Book # 1
Published December 2017
78 pages

Links: Goodreads l Amazon

Whats it about 

Lady Hel, the ruler of Helheim, is cursed for disobeying Odin's order. Stripped of her position, she’s imprisoned on an ostentatious estate until she is able to find love. Unfortunately, Lady Hel has never had luck or use for love.

Harley Anderson is a seven-year college senior with no idea what to do with his life. So far all he’s come up with is killing time. When his best friend dares him to hop the gate of what's supposed be a haunted house, he encounters a woman who steals a lot more than his breath. And what she's offering could give him the future he’s missing

***

Links: Goodreads l Website l Twitter l Instagram l Facebook

TINA GLASNECK can't imagine a world without books. Her works have been classified in several genres, including mystery, suspense, fantasy and paranormal romance, and new adult.Yet for Tina, it is all about the characters and their journeys.

An avid reader with a love of travelling, meeting new people and exploring her world, her interest in law, religion, history, fantasy, and dragons, made writing about it an “easy” choice. Give her a castle to enchant her, and tell her a funny story to make her snort with laughter, but please don’t serve her cake with red icing.

Tina takes joy in beautiful architecture, lively cities and world travel. She enjoys creating make-believe worlds where she sometimes resides, and is often thinking and tinkering on her next story. Sometimes she feels like a real life Cinderella, without the ashes or the fairy godmother, and at other times, she is just a girl, looking for a chance to tell that next great story.

***

Have you read this book? Let me know your thoughts <3 

Happy Reading!! 

Chanzie 

xxx

Soul Inspirations ~ Are you Sabotaging your dreams?

Hey Gorgeous!! 

So what exactly has been on my mind for the past few weeks... taking steps towards my dreams! Yet, I fear having a back up plan or alternate strategy can be keeping them in the box and locked away.

Do you know if you are sabotaging your dreams or not? 

Let me explain a little more.

I have had 2 projects on my mind the past few months, other than all the other things that occupy my mind like work, learning to be a good mom to my 6-year old step son, being pregnant, publishing my books, getting somewhere with my writing to get paid for it and and and... 

The first project on my mind is designing my own success journal for 2020. You see I haven't found one that 100% works for me and end up using a few different books to try and accomplish the same goal. The only thing is that it takes time - which I have very little of. 

I love Mel Robbins 5 second journal for the organising side of things - if I could have bought a hard cover copy I would of (Grab it here). I love Linda's Abundance Journal which offers so much information and motivation, which is the diary I am currently using (check it out here). I love doing daily affirmations, sending my daily motivational quotes and lastly reviewing my day to see how productive I was (also partly inspired by Chris Haroun's daily planner - grab it here). 

My problem is time.

I need time to design this diary journal, which I have started and have all my ideas down on paper. The thing is now I am running out of time. It is almost 2020 and I need a journal to start making notes for the new year! 

Part of me has considered just buying Linda's new 2020 Abundance diary (which is gorgeous), but on the other hand it feels like I am admitting defeat and sabotaging that dream, even if it is postponing it for a little while.  

The second project... even though maybe project isn't the correct word is finding a way to earn some income as a freelance writer or writer in general. The due date for my baby girl is slowly but also quickly approaching and the thought of only getting 3-4 months with her at home is heartbreaking. After working as a teacher in Thailand for 3.5 years, the thought of going back to a corporate job was terrifying and a little soul destroying, yet here I am in a corporate job, doing what I need to do to pay the bills and look after my family. 

People suggest looking for a new job, but this also once again defeats the object. Part of it is about having faith in myself and my writing, which is scary! The digital age and market is filled with opportunities but also saturated in some markets. It's just the literal step of going from here (being an unpaid writer) to there (earning something, enough or more than enough) to support my family. 

So many people have advice, thing is I can't afford these programs at the moment! When our focus is on saving, how can I be irresponsible like that. Plus all these programs are in US Dollars which might be cheap for better off countries, but in South Africa you have to time it by 15. So $49 is R723.00 sometimes a month! 

It is at a time like this when I need to sit myself down and make a strategy list. If I focus on the long term goal only... that is overwhelming and scary. The best thing I can do is focus on the next step and take it from there. If all I have are my lunch breaks to take steps towards my dreams... then I best make them count. 

I need to nip my procrastination habit in the butt, as that is just a fear habit which ever way you look at it. Over the past few weeks I have realised that I have all the skills and tools I need to make a success of myself, it literally just means I need to step up and make it happen. 

If today taught me anything is I miss doing a job I thoroughly enjoy. I miss working with people who are actually happy and happy to see each other. I miss working for a reason that has purpose and helps change peoples lives. 

Identifying your fears is the first step to overcoming them. Face them and remember life wasn't meant to be lived in fear, but it was meant to be lived with enthusiasm and passion. 

This is me kicking fear out the door and admitting them to you! You are not alone and you are worthy of your dreams. 

Have you been putting off your dreams? What small step can you take towards them? 

If I had one wish for you, it's that you realise you are enough and you are worthy of living that life you dream of. 

I'd love to hear from you... So do leave some comment love <3 

Much Love 

Chanzie 

xxx

Book Review: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Heya Peeps! 

It's that time again for another review!! This book took me a bit longer to read as I squeezed it into my daily life by committing to reading 2 pages a day before I leave for work in the mornings. The great thing about this habit is that whatever I read in the morning, generally helps set the tone for my day. It gives me something to think about or ponder in a good way. 

This isn't time for a fictional story as there is no way I could that down after 2 pages, but more of a life wisdom type book. The last book I tried didn't work out so well, if you read my previous review of The Power of Now, but this one hit the spot in all the right ways that I needed it to work. 

So let's get down to business :)

Hardcover

Published: 01 December 2006

Publisher: Simon Schuster
Source: Gift 

198 pages

* What it's about *

Fragments of a Great Secret have been found in the oral traditions, in literature, in religions and philosophies throughout the centuries. For the first time, all the pieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation that will be life-transforming for all who experience it. In this book, you'll learn how to use The Secret in every aspect of your life -- money, health, relationships, happiness, and in every interaction you have in the world. You'll begin to understand the hidden, untapped power that's within you, and this revelation can bring joy to every aspect of your life. The Secret contains wisdom from modern-day teachers -- men and women who have used it to achieve health, wealth, and happiness. By applying the knowledge of The Secret, they bring to light compelling stories of eradicating disease, acquiring massive wealth, overcoming obstacles, and achieving what many would regard as impossible.

* My thoughts *

I loved this book. It was a slow read for me personally and a great reminder every morning to take back the moment, be in the present and be grateful for the here and now. 

I do wish life were as simple as they describe it in the book, but in perspective I guess it is. The mind is a difficult wild horse to control at the best of times, but with focus and training we do get better at it. 

I enjoyed that they broke it up into different sections of life, and used real life examples and situations. Plus it is not like they only used one or two people to quote and reference from. Rhonda uses many teachers and from across a span of time to illustrate the message and points. 

This is definitely a book you need to soak up slowly. Or you could read it fast and then re-read it at a slower pace to have everything sink in. 

At the end of the day we don't have much to lose by trying out the concepts and suggestions in the book. I have had a few success of my own and am patiently waiting on the other to arrive in divine timing. 

This is definitely worth a read if you need a little light, inspiration and motivation in your life. 

* Rating * 

Author Links and Bio: 

Website  l  Goodreads  l  Facebook  l  Twitter  l  Instagram

Rhonda Byrne is an Australian television writer and producer, best known for her New Thought works, The Secret—a book and a film by the same name. By the Spring of 2007 the book had sold almost 4 million copies, and the DVD had sold more than 2 million copies. She has also been a producer for Sensing Murder. According to an article published by Australia's Herald Sun, Byrne has also worked on the Australian TV series World's Greatest Commercials and Marry Me. In 2007, Byrne was listed among Time Magazine's list of 100 people who shape the world.

Do you read anything to help inspire or motivate you? 

Happy reading folks <3 

Love 

Chanzie 

xxx

Soul Inspirations : Would you really change your past?

I had a dream the other night where current me went back in time to an earlier version of myself when I first dated my now husband. 

In the dream part of the current me had wanted to shake some sense into the earlier me and say stay together, don't break up, stick it out, it's going to be okay, you will figure it out if you stick together. 

But I guess life doesn't really work that way. I woke up in a very thought provoking mood where I pondered just what I would really say to an earlier version of myself and would I really change the path I have walked? 

We all wish we could go back to some point in our lives and change a decision we made, but then we would miss all the other good things we experienced along the way. 

So let's start with the first part, what would I really say to an earlier version of myself if I could change history? 

I would tell her that Ty was special to me from the moment we met for a reason and not to ignore it. The loneliness that was in my head was just that... in my head! 

Going back to the previous ex-boyfriend would only take much longer to end anyway, postponing the inevitable heartbreak. 

I would tell her to shine her light anyway, stand up for what she believed in and wanted, because the people that really loved her, would accept it and love her anyway. Yes some would take longer to come around than others, but she would be being true to her own heart and feelings. 

The friends you have might not always be there and that was okay. Friends come and go, they change. You meet new people, you grow together, you grow apart and sometimes at a later stage you come back together. It is part of the ebb and flow of friendships. 

People are going to judge you anyway, let them judge away. You are a villain in someones story and your are a hero in another. Deal with it. 

It really is that simple, even though it felt like it wasn't. 

Part two, would I really change the course of my life if I could? 

Would I give up the strength I found within myself from a failed first marriage? Would I give up the travels I experienced along the way? Would I really want to forget the 4 years of teaching in Thailand and all the cultural experiences that changed me and the way I view at the world. Teaching my patience and resilience? Would I really want to forget some of the amazing people I met along the way during my travels and crazy adventures I found myself in? Would I really want to give up the independence I built up within myself to love myself and not feel lonely when I was in my own company but actually enjoy it? 

In truth if we had stuck together back then, maybe it would be us that was divorced right now instead of the happily ever after we envisioned it to be? It is easy to think we would have been a forever after, but we weren't then who we are now that works so well. At some point we loved our previous partners deeply enough to marry them and they taught us valuable lessons that we don't have to learn with each other. 

So the answer is No, I wouldn't change a thing about my life as crazy as it sounds. I would rather have us and who we are now forever after, than having to go through the heartbreaking lessons with each other and then lose him all over again. 

So we sacrificed 10 years apart to learn hard lessons, but having Ty for the next 20 or 30 years as long as we both shall live is a better deal in my eyes that 10 years of growing and struggle and possible heartbreak anyway. 

We can wish many things for the past, but just like the future, it might not turn out the way we think. 

Now we are happily married, his son lives with us and we have a baby daughter on the way, due early next year. 

Through it all, life tends to work out and most times even better than we could ever dream of. 

So thank you younger me for making the decisions that you made. I wouldn't be I am without you today. 

All my love 

Chanzie 

xxx

Tackling the TBR #2 ~ November 2019

Hello Wonderful Gorgeous People <3

Welcome back and once again it is time for my monthly features: Tackling the TBR! There’s nothing I love more than picking out which books to read next, and this slightly organised method of reading has really amped my enjoyment to the next level. 

This post is inspired by and connected to The Obsessive Bookseller... If you don't know her... check her out! I love her blog as often we enjoy the same type of books and she is fun to follow.

Tackling the TBR is all about making some progress on that never ending and growing wonderful pile of books on our bookshelves! 

OK I know I am so late with this post, but last week I ended up having an infection in my eye (iris) so no light whatsoever... including Cellphone or Computer. I ended up having to make a trip to the GP and Ophthalmologist... which took a huge chunk out of my maternity savings *sad whimper* but it is better than losing my vision and all that. 

Bring on the mantras!

Read the best books first

&

Life is too short to read books you’re not enjoying.

However you put together your TBR for the next month, the goal is to reduce the amount of obligation in reading and increase the fun.

********************************************************************************************************

Here’s a look at how the system works:

1. Identify the titles that take top priority in your TBR.

2. Combine them all in your own Tackling the TBR post.

3. Throughout the month pick from that pile as the mood strikes you.

Currently reading:

So I am completely loving Dark Heiress... It is taking me a bit longer to finish as I literally read until I fall asleep and being pregnant and all... well I fall asleep a lot earlier than I would normally!! I can't wait to see how JD Brown wraps up this series!!! 

To be honest.. if this post went out last week,I was listening to Why you were taken... I have since then finished it but this post was mostly already set up... So not sure where I should include this audio book... But do look our for my review coming soon!! 

The whole-brain child... sigh it is taking me so long to finish. I restarted this book a second time because it was taking me so long to read it in the first place. Slow progress gets to the end I guess. 

Finished Reading:

Here’s what my TBR looks like for November:

November TBR Tackler Shelf:

Priority Titles off my Bookshelf or Kindle Shelf

Netgalley

Audiobooks

New on the bookshelf

Resurrection (Immortal Soulless Bk1) by Tanith Frost

Bloodmagic Box Set (1-6) by JT Lawrence

We Witches Three: Isle of Bones by Humphrey Quinn

Witchy Romance (5 book bundle) by Ruby Raine

Wicked Good Witches (Book 1-3 ) by Ruby Raine

A court for thieves by Morgan Rice 

Newly wed and slightly dead (touch of magic mysteries) by Danielle Garrett

Beyond the veil (Vampires of Velum Mortis Bk1) by Stephanie Summers

***

Yes I know I sucked at not acquiring new books... but but but... I have no excuse. I haven't started a new Audio book yet as I have to load it on my memory stick (Octavia Journals which I received from Caffeinated PR) and to be honest it actually takes me a bit longer to 'get over' an audio book before I start a new one. Weird I know but yeah... just wait until you guys meet Seth in my review of Why you were taken and you will understand why!!!

My writing literally came to a standstill in October. I just couldn't open up the document to continue writing. I am blaming it on a bit of burnout and needing a little bit of freedom from the commitment. I will get back there. I am even having a bit of FOMO with not participating in NaNoWriMo but I already know that I am unable to commit to that for the month of November with so much going on in my life!!! 

We are moving at the end of the month and well I am pregnant so there are a few other priorities floating around other than recovering from my Eye issues. 

on an exciting note, one of my favourite influencer business people responded to my tweet and post for my TedTalk Inspiration which had me over the moon and amped up my motivation a little bit again. 

Anyway lovelies I have a lot of posts to catch up on so do forgive me in advance if I am a bit behind or a little late <3 

What is on your reading list for November? 
Are you part-taking in NaNoWriMo? 

Lots of love 

Chanzie 

xxx

~ My Reading Radar #5: Witchling Academy ~

Hello lovelies

I know my post is late and I haven't shared a reading radar in a while.. but life has been quite chaotic at work and well... post work too! 

Just in case you are not familiar with this post... 

I decided to start a new type of post which is me to keep track of all the awesome books or series I come across, but cannot really afford to get at the moment because my bookshelf is currently overflowing and to be honest I probably have enough reading material to last me the rest of my life plus a the next one! 

It is not only for books that are going to be released but also for books that I discover while travelling through the blogsphere. 

So where did I discover this book? Well if I remember correctly it was on a Facebook group I belong to called 20booksto50k where authors share a lot of motivational and helpful information. I love seeing how authors who are doing the self-pub thing are actually succeeding and making it! 

Avery has a lot of books... and absolutely all of her covers are gorgeous, which is what made me notice her in the first place. Other than the fact that I love the idea of a Witchling Academy. It makes me think of a girl version of Harry Potter or something. I am yet to find out but find out I will... 

Witchling Academy : Semester 1
Author : Avery Song
Series : Spell Traveler Chronicles #1 
Published : 3 May 2019
300 Pages

Links: Goodreads l Amazon

~ Whats it About ~ 

Having magic is a blessing from the gods, and they gave me an especially powerful gift when they made me a Spell Traveler. Now if only I could use it properly without randomly teleporting, falling, and inevitably crashing into important people!

As the youngest member of the renowned Harlow family, I, Brianne Marie Harlow, have some big shoes to fill. With amazing parents on the magic council and a sister who works for Witchling Star Agency, I’m determined to prove that I can meet the expectations of our family name.

I hope.

Getting accepted into Witchling Academy isn't the problem, given my gift. But surviving in a school filled with witches and warlocks? That is a whole other dilemma. My game plan? Focus on learning, do my homework, and speak to no one — except for my best friend, Elijah, who I secretly have a crush on.

What could go wrong? Turns out, everything.

On the first day of classes, I managed to piss off the leader of the Notorious Four, a group of hot boys with their eyes all on me. As if that weren’t bad enough, now I’m getting death threats and random men are chasing me after school, trying to steal my power.

Now I only have two goals. One, survive long enough to graduate and make my family proud.

With craziness and danger coming at me left and right, it's up to me and Elijah — with the help of N4 — to find a way to make it out alive.

Goal number two? Manage not to fall in love with all five boys in the process.

***

Author Info

Links: Goodreads l Website l Facebook

Avery Song is the second pen name of a reverse harem author who specializes in urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She especially loves writing strong main characters and is excited for all the books that are approaching.

***

I wasn't very successful in finding more info about this author other than the above.. but check out these gorgeous covers....... 

Have you read this book or something similar? Let me know your thoughts <3 

Happy Reading!! 

Chanzie 

xxx