Book Review | Bodies of Water by V.H. Leslie

I've been lusting after so many books by Salt Publishing for so long! I finally caved the other month and ordered a couple, one of them being Bodies Of Water by V.H. Leslie which I'd heard really good things about.

Bodies of Water is a gothic novella written in a dual narrative. One being from the point of view of Evelyn, a woman who is currently staying at a hydropathy treatment resort, Wakewater House in the victorian era. The doctors there claim to be able to help upper class women with their 'women's problems' by using water. The other, in present day, is Kirsten who has just moved into the newly renovated apartments in the very same building and things don't seem quite right. The narrative switches from one to the other every new chapter. I really liked this aspect, I've read dual narratives before and it hasn't quite worked for me, but with this story it was perfect. The chapters are quite short and the pacing was on point, making this a very quick read. I found the plot was really creepy with slight elements of fairytale in the mix. Leslie also uses great description, without over doing it in a way that can make some books a bit long winded and this really kept me reading on.

I ordered this book having a pretty good idea of the story. I can't write this review without being honest about the fact that I was slightly disappointed that there wasn't more about the treatments that were administered at the resort included in this. I think that would have set the tone and atmosphere much more on that side of the story, although the book would have probably had to be a little longer. 

There were also couple of character's that appeared to be a bit two dimensional and sometimes a bit convenient to keep the plot moving. There's a side character in this called Manon who I would've loved to find out a bit more about, she seemed like a very interesting woman. (I don't want to say any more in case of spoilers).

However, aside from those couple of things, I did really enjoy this little book and I'll probably read it again. I read it in one sitting on a rainy day when I wasn't feeling too great. It's a pretty slim novella, but still, I couldn't put it down until it was over. I gave Bodies of Water three out of five stars. You can purchase a copy here. If you like a creepy quick read I'd highly recommend it, but perhaps not one to read in the bath!

Bicks x

Book Review | The Girl Of Ink And Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

I picked up 'The Girl Of Ink And Stars' in the bookshop without even knowing what it was. I was instantly drawn to it as the physical book itself is just absolutely beautiful from the cover to mapped end-pages to the illustrated borders of every page inside. Side-note – I'm so glad to have a British copy of this book, the American name is different for some reason and 'The Cartographer's Daughter' sounds nowhere near as magical. Also the book design is completely different too and way less pretty IMO.

Bicks Listens | Bat For Lashes - The Bride

So on 1st July Bat For Lashes new album was released and it did not disappoint. It's Natasha Khan's fourth album and for the first time she has created a concept album. Being a fan of hers since her first album, 'Fur And Gold' (2006), her new release was very highly anticipated.

Bicks Tries | Bookish Subscription Boxes

Getting something in the post is great, but do you know what's even better? When that post is books.

I've seen countless beauty boxes in the past, but recently I discovered that there are boxes containing surprise books too! I decided to have a look at what's available here in the UK subscription wise and I ordered a box from two different companies to try out. 

Book And A Brew

What a genius idea. The best thing when you're reading a great book is sipping a nice cup of tea. So when you order with Book and a Brew they send out to you a fairly recent hardback book and a box of tea. You have no idea what you'll be getting so its a nice surprise.

My box arrived very promptly, within a couple of days from ordering, and it was packaged beautifully. I received a stunning hardback edition of Lucy Wood's 'Weathering' as well as a box of Teapigs Fennel and Liquorice tea temples. 

The box is £12.99 on subscription or if you want to order on a one off you can for £14.99. Either of these is good value for what you get as a hardback would usually cost more than that alone and Teapigs sell very high quality teas.

Prudence And The Crow

These guys specialise in selecting vintage paperbacks for each customer based on their individual preferences. It doesn't come in a box, but this is so it can fit in the letterbox and you don't need to be home when it arrives (very convenient).

Also wonderfully packaged I received a vintage copy of 'Around The World In 80 Days' by Jules Verne. The parcel also contained some other small goodies too including two Shakespeare themed badges, two tea bags, two vintage cigarette cards and a packet of Harribo. 

The price of this subscription is similar to the above at £12 a month or £15 for a one off try. I'm very happy to pay this price for the quality of this box. All I was expecting was the vintage paperback so the other little items were a nice touch and all packaged carefully.

I cant wait to get reading both of these books. I think both of these boxes are great as either a gift for someone else or to treat yourself. I'd love to subscribe to both, and I'll definitely be using their services again. 

Do you know of any bookish subscription boxes that I should try? 

Bicks x

Bicks Reads: The Beauty Volume 1 | Review

The Beauty Volume 1

*I was provided a digital copy of this comic from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

The Beauty is the name of a sexually transmitted disease. When people catch it, they start to gradually get thinner, prettier, perfect in every way – at least on the outside. Many noticed the benefits to this disease and have contracted it purposefully in order to become more desirable. Well, wouldn't you? However, two detectives come to realise that some ugly consequences can be a side effect of this too good to be true physical fix. 

Bea's Vintage Tea Rooms

A couple of weeks ago my parents and little sister came down to Bath and helped us out with moving the last of mine and Noah's stuff into the flat. Well, after unloading my dads car and also a van's-worth of stuff into the flat we were getting tired and bored. So my mum, sister and myself went for a walk and window shop whilst leaving the guys to move the heavier stuff and set it up.

We had a wonder around the Crescent and through the town. On the way back we popped into Bea's Vintage Tea Rooms for a quick drink. We were greeted at the door and seated very quickly by our very enthusiastic and friendly waitress. There's a lovely vintage theme throughout the venue and that also included the staff who all had beautiful retro style hair and make up. It was like stepping straight into the 40s!

I think almost everything they serve is home-made and the cakes in there looked amazing, we couldn't resist ordering a slice with our drinks. Mum chose the Victoria sponge with a pink lemonade, Julia had a slice of chocolate and cherry cake with an Ice tea and I opted for the coffee and walnut with a strawberry crush to drink. We all agreed that the service was excellent and our cakes were delicious! 

It was nice to have a bit of time out with my mum and sister. I would definitely visit the tea rooms again as there is a lovely relaxed atmosphere and I really want to go back to try the rest of those cakes! They also have rooms that you can book for 8 to 20 people, which I think would be great for birthdays or hen parties. 

Bicks x