Do you love your partner, but just can’t carry on? Can’t think of hurting them –so want THEM to break up with YOU? Jason Granger explains during an exert from smash hit sensation –Holly’s inbox, a 5 week plan to ensure your guilt free break up!!!

Read it here: Holly’s Inbox-Jason’s-amazing-break-up-guide

Welcome to Holly’s Inbox; the smash-hit romantic comedy about Holly Denham – a receptionist on a mission…Ever wanted to peek at someone else’s emails?

Meet Holly Denham. It’s her first day as a receptionist at a City investment bank and, with no corporate front-of-house experience, Holly is struggling to keep up. Add to this her mad friends, dysfunctional family and gossipy colleagues, and Holly’s inbox is a daily source of drama, laughter, scandal and even romance. But Holly’s been keeping a secret from everyone – and the past is about to catch up with her…

Read our Holly’s Inbox Review for more info!

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to get yourself dumped…..?

The World History of Animation is a global history of animation that is lavishly illustrated and presented as an instantly accessible graphical timeline that breaks down the last century into a readily digestible format.

The book will appeal to both core enthusiasts and the growing number of casual fans that are fascinated by the genre.The foreword is written by one of the fastest growing stars in the world of animation Academy Award nominated Sylvain Chomet, the director of Belleville Rendez-Vous and The Illusionist.The book includes animation from western mainstream to world cinema encompassing the experimental avant-garde right up to the most populist films and videogames.

It documents the myriad of dynamic styles, techniques, much loved characters and stories delivered as films, TV serials, commercials, videogames and on the internet. The World History of Animation is designed to be original and serious enough to appeal to animation professionals whilst being colourful and digestible enough for the casual reader.Organized chronologically and broken into three sections, the Film age, the Television age and the Digital age, amongst the topics its content spans are the cinema pioneers, the early European experimentalists,  the birth of industrialized animation, the Golden Age of Disney and Warner Bros, WW2 propaganda, the modernist rebels of the 1950s, the West Coast beatnik underground avant-garde, Yellow Submarine and the psychedelic sixties, the rise of Asian Anime, and early computer pioneers up right up to the massively popular digital features of Pixar.

Along the way this incredible story is populated by the many masterpieces and maverick geniuses that drove this history forwards.Author Stephen Cavalier said “I felt that the current books on the market whilst often brilliant and extensive could be quite dry and academic or exclusively focused on certain regions or styles. I wanted to write the sort of book that was accessible, inclusive and talked about all the wild possibilities of the animation universe as a whole, the inspirational geniuses that have created those possibilities and the amazing wide open journey of discovery and experimentation that is the story of animation. The kind of book I would have enjoyed as much as an interested teenager as I would as an animation professional”
Fact Sheet:

• Released September 12th
• SRP £40 (Hardback)
• Global History of Animation
• Covers 100 years +
• Accessible structure and writing style
• Short  separate articles meaning digestible chunks of information
• Forward written by Sylvain Chomet (Belle Ville Rondevouz and the Illusionist.
• Lavishly illustrated and beautifully designed
• Laid out graphically as one big timeline for instant visual comprehension
• Divided into three eras; Film Era, TV Era and Digital Era
• Includes Biogs of the visionaries who have shaped this history
• Demonstrates how politics and world events affected the animation industry
• Shows the influence of 20th century fashion and popular culture on animation and how animation in turn often influenced the wider culture.
• Covers o Mainstream o Experimental o World Cinemao TV series o Disney, Pixar and Dreamworks Blockbusterso Underground curiositieso Asian Animeo Early Cinema Pioneerso Avant-gardeo Cult Classicso Video Games o Insane Works of Personal Obsession.

Topics:-

The split in animation between the differing approaches of realism on one hand and stylized cartoon surrealism on the other. This divide is obvious today but is not, as is often assumed, a new debate, and in fact has been raging since the beginning of the animation industry and we can perhaps learn from history’s lessons. That animation has perhaps come full circle in many ways from its primitive fairground sideshow roots during the birth of cinema to modern day ‘rollercoaster ride’ blockbusters. That animation is not a narrow field of formulaic kids bubblegum, it is a ‘big tent’, a wide open horizon of a countless styles, techniques approaches and types of story, limited literally only by human imagination. If we look at history we see that audiences have always readily accepted it as this, have been excited by these possibilities and been open to and eager to experience the many different journeys that are possible through the medium.
A great read, beautifully illustrated and fascinating to look through! One to come back to time and time again. Simply stunning!

The end has come for an eternal love story. Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities she has been branded as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste… 
Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking— and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head wielding a magic so intense, it’s as though he can see straight into her soul.

As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she’s left with more questions than answers. She has no idea just who he really is – or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is she’s falling deeply and helplessly in love with him. Beginning with Evermore (released in the UK on 7th July, 2011) their story unfolds as Ever and Damen face down dangerous rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears—all in the hope of being together forever.

Now in the final book Everlasting, their destiny is just within reach. Will they be united . . . or torn apart forever? Everlasting is the sixth and final instalment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Readers will at last discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion! What if forever isn’t enough?

We love the Immortals series! They are absolutely perfect for fans of books such as Twilight and The Vampire Diaries. They give a slightly new twist on the supernatural genre and are easy going and fun to read.

Young adults will love following Ever and Damen’s rocky road to love and keeping up with their adventures is exciting and pretty addictive! Check out Ever’s cool ‘Aura Chart’ below. She can see people’s Aura (much to her annoyance at first!) and there’s a special meaning behind each!

Ever’s Aura colour chart:
Red: Energy, strength, anger, sexuality, passion, fear, ego
Orange: Self-control, ambition, courage, thoughtfulness, lack of will, apathetic
Yellow: Optimistic, happy, intellectual, friendly, indecisive, easily led
Green:Peaceful, healing, compassion, deceitful, jealousBlue: Spiritual, loyal, creative, sensitive, kind, moody
Violet: Highly spiritual, wisdom, intuition
Indigo: Benevolence, highly intuitive, seekerPink: Love, sincerity, friendship
Gray: Depression, sadness, exhaustion, low energy, skepticism
Brown: Greed, self-involvement, opinionated
Black: Lacking energy, illness, imminent death
White: Perfect balance

Find out more about the series: AlysonNoel.co.uk
Chat with other fans: facebook.com/immortalsbooks
Meet other book lovers: mykindabook.com

Everlasting is available to purchase in the UK on 7th July, 2011

Now she has put her passion for food into her first cookbook which is full of 150 fresh, original and practical recipes (both healthy and indulgent) that all the family will love. Both accessible and inspiring, this beautifully illustrated and easy-to-use cookbook is full of lavish photographs, many featuring Gwyneth’s family and friends.

This is Gwyneth Paltrow as you have never seen her before – a busy working mum who understands the time pressures on all of us as well as the desire to cook delicious and original food. Inspired by precious memories of cooking with her father, it is a truly personal book that celebrates cooking with – and for – the ones you love.

About the author
Gwyneth Paltrow is a mother and an actress, splitting her time between London and New York. Her website www.goop.com covers food, crafts, fashion and fitness.

What Girlie Gossip Thought…

An exciting release for fans of both entertainment and food. Gwyneth Paltrow – Notes from my Kitchen Table is an un-pretentious mouth watering selection of meals that are hearty and family friendly. Easy to follow recipes, great illustrations and tasty meals make it the perfect cook book for those who just love to cook and enjoy food. We love how it shows Gwyneth in her true light, as a mother, a food lover and by the looks of things, a great cook!

Orphan Kate Fox is determined to make her mark in the world, and with her gorgeous looks, what better way to secure her future than to marry money? When she attracts the attention of media mogul Marcus Broder – sophisticated, powerful and wealthy beyond measure – it seems as though all of Kate’s dreams have come true.

But marriage to Marcus isn’t everything she imagined. A closet filled with designer clothes, and nothing to do with her time but shop, lunch and be beautiful, does not bring happiness. Before long, Kate wants out of her marriage, a career of her own, and a chance at love. But Kate’s reputation as a gold-digger is sealed. Ruthlessly pursued by Marcus, who will stop at nothing to destroy her, Kate knows she has to defeat her past if she is to win the trust of the man she loves.

What Girlie Gossip Thought…

This was one of our favourite books in a long time, the very start catapult’s you in to Kate Fox’s glamorous world and doesn’t let up. Putting us right in the middle of every girl’s dream life, filled with shoes, designer clothes and rich (hot!) men it is a fast paced, thrilling ride of a story that sees a strong female character determined to make her mark on the world. We enjoyed being part of Kate’s journey as she learned that maybe her initial dreams weren’t all they were cracked up to be and we found the magazine editing aspect of the story to be accurate, fun and a joy to read, especially when you’ve worked in the editing industry before! There was a good dose of romance, raw emotion and a kick of feisty spirit in every key player.

Destiny is the perfect summer read and absolutely, positively should be made into a big budget Hollywood movie. Someone PLEASE make this happen!

As well as being the most celebrated horror and fantasy writer of the modern age, Stephen King is a noted commentator on the genre, and some of his most intriguing writing includes studies of his great predecessors.

The first story in the mesmerising collection of novellas which is  Full Dark, No Stars bears the imprint of one of King’s favourite writers, Edgar Allen Poe: it is the first-person confession of a murderer, in which he invites us not to judge him — not unlike the narrator of Poe’s ‘The Tell-tale Heart’. King’s protagonist, an unlettered farmer, does not relate his gruesome story in an elegant fashion. But King, of course, as well as being adroit at chilling our blood, has few equals at finding the right voice for his characters, whatever background they come from. That is precisely what happens here, as the farmer, Wilfred James, tells us how he planned the murder of his unsympathetic wife with the aid of his reluctance son. The murder itself has all the typical King flair for the macabre, but it is the steady unravelling of the killer’s plans that fascinates here – a theme that reappears in a grim tale involving a young woman’s revenge on a man who raped her. As always with King’s novellas, characterisation is strongly to the fore in these pieces, but the principle appeal of this form for the author would appear to be the opportunity to exercise his steely grasp of narrative technique, displayed in all the stories on offer here.

What Girlie Gossip Thought…

We are big Stephen King fans here at Girlie Gossip. Since first being terrified by Pennywise the Clown in ‘IT’ we’ve enjoyed being scared and entertained by the master of horror.

Full Dark No Stars by Stephen King is the latest book in the same vein as the classic ‘Nightmares and Dreamscapes’ and is a selection of short but punchy stories that will have you hooked. Great for bedtime reading (if you dare!) and the perfect book to snuggle up and read over the festive period! We loved it.

Tana’s Kitchen Secrets combines simplicity with a touch of class, everyday dishes which we could happily serve to discerning guests. –You Magazine, Mail on Sunday 18th April 2010

This irresistible book is packed with 120 recipes, each of which is a vehicle for one of Tana’s ‘kitchen secrets’. The ‘secrets’ reveal how to prepare food perfectly, cook it well and choose the best ingredients. For instance, don’t cook meat straight from the fridge as the outside will overcook and the inside will stay raw; how to apply a breadcrumb coating to meat or fish and ensure it sticks; what to look for when buying fish; which type of potato to choose for mash, salads or chips; and, how to tell if a cake is cooked properly. Divided into chapters on meat; fish; pasta, rice and grains; pies, pastries and tarts; support acts; dough; sweet things; and, cakes and biscuits, the book also contains advice on how to make food look fabulous when cooking for friends, or how to make it attractive to kids. Establishing Tana as the ultimate home cook, who can give tips and advice as well as great recipes, this book will look accessible but stylish – just what you’d expect from this glamorous mother of four.

This book is packed full of exciting recipes that are perfect for family cooking. With a great range of meal ideas and plenty of info on the preparation side aswell, you couldn’t really ask for more!

The festive season is the perfect time for crafting, and getting busy with glue, paper and scissors will fill kids with excitement for Christmas celebrations. Christmas Crafting with Kids is packed with 35 colourful, fun and imaginative projects for boys and girls. There are appealing ideas for great Christmas gifts, sparkly seasonal decorations for the house and the tree, and gorgeous hand-made cards and gift wrap. All the classic crafting techniques are covered, from potato prints to decoupage, taking in sewing, collage, modelling, stencilling and much more along the way. Just follow the simple step-by-step instructions and you can’t go wrong!

About the Author
Catherine Woram writes for many publications, including the Telegraph magazine, Ideal Home and Prima. Her earlier books include Crafting With Kids and Gardening with Kids (also published by Ryland Peters & Small).

This is a great, easy to follow book with some simple and fun Christmas crafting ideas. What better way to spend your day, when snowed in with the UK weather than to get busy crafting and creating!?

Get it HERE!

Celebrity obsession, coming of age and cow shit – an hilarious, poignant and darkly comic novel by the Queen of Comedy.

Alice is five, and convinced she needs five personalities to cope. Her family, tucked in a cottage in deepest Herefordshire, are a bit weird. Her mother Gina is obsessed with the weatherman on the local news and when she climbs naked onto the roof with Alice’s pet guinea pig in her arms, she is whisked off to the local psychiatric hospital. Keith, Alice’s father, tries to keep calm, but his patience is severely tested by his in-laws. The only thing that gives Alice’s hope is her love for Morrissey of The Smiths…

About the Author
Jo Brand is a stand-up comic with many TV and radio shows to her name. She is married with two children and lives in South London.

We love Jo Brand, so it’s no surprise that we found ourselves really enjoying this book! Funny, honest and well written.

Out March 2010

Synopsis:

William Melville’s daughters are heiresses to the world’s most exclusive fashion dynasty. Beautiful and rich, they are envied by all. But behind the glittering façade of their lives, each girl hides a dark secret that threatens to tear their family apart.
Smart, ambitious Elizabeth knows how to manipulate every man she meets, except the one who counts: her father.
Gentle, naïve Caitlin, the illegitimate child, struggling to fit into a world of privilege while staying true to herself.
Stunning, spoilt Amber, the party girl with a weakness for bad boys; more fragile than anyone realises.
As each of them seeks to carve out her own destiny, Elizabeth, Caitlin and Amber face difficult choices, which will take them in wildly different directions. But as old wounds resurface and threaten to destroy the foundations of the Melville empire, their paths will cross again. Because the simple truth is that, no matter how far you go, you cannot escape the claims of family.

Review:

I have to admit when this book came I looked at in fear. At 567 pages, I thought this would beat me. “If I hate it I’ll never be able to get to the end to review it.” How on earth would I find the time to read it? Well, I shouldn’t have worried as I read it in two, long sessions. With ease. With pure enjoyment. With an ever-growing desire to read more and find out more about the Melville family.

From London to Paris and New York, the reader will find themselves submerged in glamour and style, secrets and heartache. Three sisters, two full and one half, are brought together at their father’s insistence; each with a distinct personality and not one with the desire to be the same. Elizabeth, the eldest, is intelligent, driven and desperate to please her father. Amber, the youngest, has her mother wrapped around her little finger and relies on her beauty to get what she wants. Caitlin is the odd-one-out, the half-sister no-one knew existed until she was 15 years old. William is their inept father who thinks that by throwing money at a problem it is solved.

At first glance, I thought this book would solely focus on Caitlin and the relationships she would be forced to grow. I was wrong; so, so wrong. Each of the sisters is treated equally in the book and dear old Daddy has his fair share of attention. Miss Hyland has created a world of fashion, deceit and family honour that I was easily lost in. Being a naturally nosey person (as I feel most readers are) I was desperate to read more to find out more about the Melville family secrets and if the sisters would finally bond and work together.

As a debut novel, this is one of the best I’ve read. I’m desperate to read more of Miss Hyland’s work, so please get writing.

By Sarah Keery