No Posts For a Few Days

Just a quick note to let you guys know that I'll be offline for a bit. My head cold has turned into a viral infection or flu type of thing and I'm going to be resting for a bit. Just my pigging luck that the doctors and pharmacists are closed for Easter so it's home remedy time. 

I'll answer all comments when I get back. Have a good Easter if you celebrate it, or have a good weekend!

Game of Thrones Gossip #61 Littlefinger

Welcome to my Game of Thrones Gossip, where us fanatics get the chance to discuss everything we love about this amazing TV series. I decided to do a whole series of these discussion posts that let us say everything we want and enjoy every second of it! Please feel free to comment fully and without restriction!
I have to warn you that it is important that you have seen all six seasons before reading any of these posts because these posts and blogger comments will be exploding spoilers all over the place. If you haven't watched the series and plan to, be warned that it's a bad idea to be here right now! I take no responsibility if you read on and things are spoiled for you.

Now I'm looking at the main characters introduced in season three, what our season two characters were doing and looking at all the bests bits. Enjoy the season three posts! 

Petyr Baelish has had success in his schemes against Ned Stark but has failed to win the hand of Catelyn so his focus begins to change towards her daughter Sansa and Lysa Arryn, Catelyn's sister. He indicates that he is prepared to smuggle Sansa out of King's Landing when he goes north to propose marriage to Lysa, giving him effective control of the Eyrie. Sansa, however is next in line to claim Winterfell with Robb in battle and Bran and Rickon believed dead at the hands of Theon Greyjoy, so Littlefinger knows that having her under his control is a sound political move. Perhaps he planned to ingratiate himself with Catelyn in some way using Sansa or perhaps it was all down to power for himself. Either way, his plans are set. Tyrion tries to spoil things by saying that the Master of Coin cannot leave King's Landing so close to the Royal Wedding but Tywin makes Tyrion the new Master of Coin and instructs Littlefinger to get Lysa back on side as an ally to the Lannisters.

Ros, now spying for Varys, tells Shae that Littlefinger must never be trusted with Sansa and Shae reports back to Tyrion about Littlefinger's planned journey north. Varys and Tyrion plot with Olenna Tyrell to marry Sansa to Loras Tyrell, thus keeping her out of Littlefinger's clutches. His male prostitute Olyvar is now working as squire to Loras, with orders to seduce him. Loras in a moment of real stupidity, tells Olyvar about his upcoming betrothal and the message gets right back to Littlefinger.Sansa, delighted by the new betrothal plot, rejects the chance to leave King's Landing and Littlefinger's plans are threatened. He knows that Olyvar's information is correct as nothing else would have changed Sansa's mind about leaving. He reports the matter to the Lannisters who are furious that the Tyrells are trying to take too much power for themselves.

Tywin ruins the plans of Tyrion and Varys by deciding that Tyrion will marry Sansa and Cersei will marry Loras, keeping the Tyrells in line and it is a victory for Littlefinger. After being told of the new plan, a distraught Sansa is left to watch Littlefinger's ship leave King's Landing, along with what she believes to be her final chance to escape the Lannisters. Littlefinger gloats to Varys about his failed plan and reveals that he believes Ros betrayed him. He says that he gave her to a client who wanted to do something a bit different. As Littlefinger talks we see that Joffrey has tortured Ros to death with his crossbow.

Can't Wait Wednesday-Creature

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at http://www.wishfulendings.com/ to spotlight and discuss books we're excited about but haven't read, which may not even be released yet. 

NB: I don't follow or leave comments on blogs run by Google Plus, or DISQUS as I refuse to join something just to leave comments, and I won't allow them to follow new people, update my profile or post tweets 'on my behalf'. I won't comment on any blog that makes me sign in using another account. 

The monsters live inside of Kate Woodson. Chronic pain and a host of autoimmune diseases have robbed her of a normal, happy life. Her husband Andrew’s surprise of their dream Maine lake cottage for the summer is the gift of a lifetime. It’s beautiful, remote, idyllic, a place to heal. But they are not alone. Something is in the woods, screeching in the darkness, banging on the house, leaving animals for dead. Just like her body, Kate’s cottage becomes her prison. She and Andrew must fight to survive the creature that lurks in the dead of night. 

FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launching in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

Another new Hunter Shea book that I can look forward to this year! It is scheduled to come out in September this year which seems ages away!

How Twitter Gave Away My Data

Anyone who has been anywhere near the media this week can't fail to have noticed that Facebook has been up to its neck in allegations about providing account information to third parties ie for use in elections and for allegedly selling data about calls and texts to companies who use this for targeted advertising and whatever else.

Now, my opinion is clear. I do not believe the personal data of any user should be given or sold to companies to use, nor put on so called mailing or advertising lists without the express permission of the user every time. By that I mean if a company wants to add you to something, a consent message should appear on the screen asking if you want this to happen and giving you the option to say no. It's my data so should I not have more of a say in how it is used online?

I've never had a Facebook account so I figured this latest scandal didn't have anything to do with me. However I do have a Twitter account that I hardly use...I'm on it on Saturdays to follow the football scores as they come in, but mostly I don't really have much time to spend on it. I don't send a lot of tweets, I never get involved in big debates there and I usually forget to tweet about my books! I started the account to connect with authors and readers but as I don't review as many free from the author books now, I've been using it less. Today I decided to really look through my account and see what I could find on privacy and third party companies and what I found surprised me.

Firstly, there was a page that had decided based on my tweets etc what my gender and age was and had ticked a whole pile of supposed interests that they thought I had. I have no idea what they were doing as they had me down as a man aged 13-54 or over 65, with an interest in NBA basketball, air travel, comics, computer networking, mobile, romance and arts and crafts. Yeah right. I hate basketball, I don't know one end of a computer from another, I have no passport, I hate romance and art, I never read comics and don't own a mobile phone. Plus I'm female. Dead accurate that was.

Then I discovered this. If you go to Settings, then Your Twitter Data and scroll down until you see Tailored Audiences. I read this:

Tailored audiences are often built from email lists or browsing behaviours. They help advertisers reach prospective customers or people who have already expressed interest in their business

You are currently part of 67 audiences from 42 advertisers.

OK this was news to me! I always opt out of this kind of thing where a choice is given because I'm not in a data sharing habit for privacy and security. I clicked on the Request advertiser list button and it was emailed straight to me. I got a big surprise when I saw the pdf document. There was a page of advertisers that had included me in their lists. I only recognised a few that I had made contact with. 

But here is the disturbing part. At the start of the second page there was a message that said 'Twitter has included you in one or more audiences that are similar to tailored audiences for the advertisers below'. WHAT??? I never gave permission for that! There are EIGHT more pages of advertisers that Twitter decided to give my details to and I'm bloody mad! It cheerfully tells me that I can stop seeing the tailored ads they send if I opt out of interest based advertising on the site but that these companies will still hold my data! That is so not acceptable to me!!!

So Twitter have actually given my data to 432 twitter contacts including Air France, Arabic FBS (Arabic broker???) Barclays, Betfair, CiscoRussia, Honda, Hilton, ispygolfpro, The SIMS (???), UberIndia, NikeBrasil, Kim Kardashian (WTF is THAT all about???) and believe it or not, realDonaldTrump (you are seriously having a giraffe here). 

This is really beyond a joke. It goes to show we truly have NO idea where our data is going and who it is being shared with, however vigilant we try to be. I am cancelling my Twitter account today and will be free of it in 30 days. I'll concentrate on my blog and Goodreads instead. Be aware of this issue if you think your data is safe!

Top Ten Tuesday-Books From Other Countries

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.  http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/

NB: I don't follow or leave comments on blogs run by Google Plus, or DISQUS as I refuse to join something just to leave comments, and I won't allow them to follow new people, update my profile or post tweets 'on my behalf'. I won't comment on any blog that makes me sign in using another account. 

The topic this week is books set in other countries. This isn't really difficult as most of my books are set in the US and I live in the UK but I'm trying to get a list of books I enjoyed set in some different countries. These are fiction and non fiction.

1) John Marsden-Tomorrow When The War Began (Australia) 
YA apocalypse drama as a group of teenagers return from a camping trip to find their town has been invaded by foreign enemies.

2) Christopher Golden-Ararat (Turkey)
The possible discovery of Noah's Ark on a mountain unleashes a deadly demon just as a storm traps the people working at the dig.

3) Khaled Hosseini-The Kite Runner (Afghanistan)
The friendship of two young friends falls apart in the aftermath of a brutal attack, set against Afghanistan falling under the control of the Taliban.

4) Dan Maloney-Sunrise on Kusatsu Harbor (Japan)
A young couple are torn apart in the aftermath of the dropping of the atomic bomb.

5) Zana Muhsen-Sold (Yemen)
Two British girls leave their home in the UK to visit family, unaware that they have been sold into arranged marriage in Yemen.

6) Jo Tatchell-Nabeel's Song (Iraq)
As Sadaam rises to power, an outspoken poet and critic of the regime plans to flee for the safety of his family.

7) Markus Zusak-The Book Thief (Germany)
A girl of communist parents is fostered by a German couple who oppose the Nazi regime and risk their lives to hide a jewish man.

8) Loung Ung-First They Killed My Father (Cambodia)
The Khmer Rouge take revenge on the ruling class, putting families into brutal work camps and killing many others.

9) Jung Chang-Wild Swans (China)
Three generations of women in one family grow up through the times of warlords and the cultural revolution.

10) Aravind Adiga-The White Tiger (India) 
Balram is a teashop worker who dreams of a better life amid the corruption around him.

Book Review: Kind of Blue by Ken Clarke

Ken Clarke needs no introduction. One of the genuine 'Big Beasts' of the political scene, during his forty-six years as the Member of Parliament for Rushcliffe in Nottinghamshire he has been at the very heart of government under three prime ministers. He is a political obsessive with a personal hinterland, as well known as a Tory Wet with Europhile views as for his love of cricket, Nottingham Forest Football Club and jazz. 

In Kind of Blue, Clarke charts his remarkable progress from working-class scholarship boy in Nottinghamshire to high political office and the upper echelons of both his party and of government. But Clarke is not a straightforward Conservative politician. His position on the left of the party often led Margaret Thatcher to question his true blue credentials and his passionate commitment to the European project has led many fellow Conservatives to regard him with suspicion - and cost him the leadership on no less than three occasions.

Clarke has had a ringside seat in British politics for four decades and his trenchant observations and candid account of life both in and out of government will enthral readers of all political persuasions. Vivid, witty and forthright, and taking its title not only from his politics but from his beloved Miles Davis, Kind of Blue is political memoir at its very best.

My Review: 

Ken Clarke has always been viewed as a bit of a political maverick who is not slow to disagree with his fellow Tories when he doesn't agree with them. He is well known for his pro-Europe viewpoint and refusal to compromise that opinion. I expected this to be an interesting read and it certainly was.

We read about his desire to support Harold MacMillan in the decision to join the EC as it was at the time, and of course he has supported each transformation of the European project ever since. He gives his reasons for supporting it so the reader fully understands his motivations. I was fascinated to discover that it was Ken who was responsible for the extended building of motorways and by-passes that are so important to our current travel plans around the country, despite opposition from government colleagues. If he hadn't got this through, what state would our transport system be in today? It doesn't bear thinking about. It was he and Leon Brittan who brought in the drink driving laws that try to keep us safer on the roads today. He was also firmly against the introduction of the hated Poll Tax which led to the end of the Thatcher government.

There is a lot of depth about the inner workings of the Thatcher government, which is one of the things that I really wanted to read about. Ken shares that she had as difficult a relationship with her ministers as she did with the general population of the country and he highlights things like the Westland affair to show the divisions and how she sold out other people to save her own skin. She seemed to have a determination to run everything herself which greatly annoyed her ministers. I was also unaware that she actually tried to stop the reunification of Germany, leading to a huge fallout with the German leader as you could expect. She also blamed the other departments for misleading her about Europe when she changed her mind and became a Eurosceptic, something that caused divisions in the Cabinet. This is exactly the kind of thing I like to read about with the bitching and backstabbing and plotting over important issues of the day.

My favourite bits are reading about the financial meltdown that happened with Norman Lamont carrying the can and the downfall of Thatcher herself with the leadership contests. I'm no economist but reading behind the headlines about the big Black Wednesday disaster was really interesting. I watched the TV news at the time but seeing what was going on behind the scenes to solve the problem was interesting. The downfall of Thatcher read like a minute by minute thriller with all the secret meetings and agreements, who was running or not running, who was blaming who, who was supporting each candidate, who was publicly supporting the PM and who was not. It was fascinating on every level.

It is a long book but packed full of interesting things and was easy to read. I very much enjoyed finding out more about what happened in the Thatcher era from one of the major political figures of the time.

Read September 2017.
4 stars.

Around The Blogs With Chuckles

We all enjoy snooping and lurking on other people's blogs right? Why not share those entertaining things you found with other readers and bloggers too! Welcome to Around the Blogs with Chuckles, where I take time out to show you some of my favourite blog posts from the previous seven days and link you up so you can check them out. 

This week! 

1) Books on Donald Trump

Sarah takes a look at Fire and Fury and Unbelievable.

http://allthebookblognamesaretaken.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/trumplethinskin.html 

2) Book Review-People Like Us by Dana Mele

Greg looks at a boarding school mystery.

http://gregsbookhaven.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/people-like-us.html 

3) Book Review-Tomorrow by Damian Dibben

Carole takes a look at a dog travelling through history.

http://carolesrandomlife.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/review-tomorrow-by-damian-dibben.html 

4) Book Reviews-Red Clocks by Leni Zumas

A look at the future where abortion is banned.

http://www.foreverlostinliterature.com/2018/03/red-clocks-by-leni-zumas.html 

5) Book Review-Time Bomb by Joelle Charbonneau

YA thriller about a school bombing.

http://jennreneeread.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/review-time-bomb-by-joelle-charbonneau.html 

6) Book Review-The Feed by Nick Clark Windo

Mogsy goes SF dystopian this week.

https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/03/25/book-review-the-feed-by-nick-clark-windo/ 

Chuckles Cover Love #69 K Ferrin

If there is one thing that makes a great book even better, it is when it has a cover that we love! The cover design is what catches the eye as we browse through a bookstore shelf or check out the Amazon or Goodreads recommendations. The right cover makes me look closer at a book, to read the blurb and maybe make a purchase. A poor cover might mean I never look at the blurb at all.

NB: I don't follow or leave comments on blogs run by Google Plus, or DISQUS as I refuse to join something just to leave comments, and I won't allow them to follow new people, update my profile or post tweets 'on my behalf'. I won't comment on any blog that makes me sign in using another account.   

This week-K Ferrin!

I have no plans to read the series but I love the cover for the third book!

Chuckles Weekend Roundup

Welcome to my feature Chuckles Weekend Roundup where I will be looking at what books I've received, anything interesting I've done or bought or watched and other random stuff. I'll be taking a look back at what happened in my blogging world too, sort of like The Sunday Post that some of you do! 

Please note that I'll be visiting your STS/SP as normal, but I don't follow or leave comments on blogs run by Google Plus, or DISQUS as I refuse to join something just to leave comments, and I won't allow DISQUS to follow new people, update my profile or post tweets 'on my behalf'. I am the only one who does that on my social media! I won't comment on any blog that makes me sign in using another account. Sometimes, I have problems leaving messages on blogs hosted by Wordpress-they try to block me because I deleted my account with them but I will persevere as it only happens the odd time!

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

I've had a very quiet week at The Book Cave. I've only read one book this week but reading wasn't really my main focus this week. I was having a relaxing time with less blogging and more slothing! However, this weekend it is back to business as usual and on the blog next week I'll be moving back to full capacity with book reviews and hopefully a few more posts. The plan for today though is to blog ahead and prepare some points for the weeks ahead before my day off tomorrow. Need to get my soup made too!

 

I've only read bits and pieces each day of the political memoir I'm reading but it's finished now and next week I'll be trying to get a couple of books read where time allows. I've been a good girl with the book buying-mostly-but I do have a couple on order. I blame the authors for releasing more books in series I like! 

DOWNLOADS

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17934530-annihilation

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36267070-unbelievable

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18520294-darkness-reigns

 

Chuckles Blogging World 

 I didn't post much on the blog this week so I'll just list the posts I did do.

Chuckles Cover Love-Orlando A Sanchez

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/chuckles-cover-love-68-orlando-sanchez.html

 

Around The Blogs With Chuckles

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/around-blogs-with-chuckles_19.html 

Top Ten Tuesday-Spring TBR

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/top-ten-tuesday-spring-tbr.html

 

Can't Wait Wednesday-Blackout

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/cant-wait-wednesday-blackout.html 

Game of Thnrones Gossip-Tywin Lannister

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/game-of-thrones-gossip-60-tywin.html

 

Chuckles Chat-Desert Island Books

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/chuckles-chat-61-desert-island-books.html 

Currently Reading/Up Next 

 I spent the whole week reading one book which was a political memoir and I very much enjoyed it. I'll be reading this one next.

 Next week on the blog

Hopefully back to normal service with more posts and book reviews!

 

FOLLOW ME:

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/chuckles-book-cave-9910183 
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3426724-chucklesthescot 
https://twitter.com/chucklesthescot 
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/chucklesthescot/

 

Chuckles Chat #61 Desert Island Books

Welcome to Chuckles Chat where great blogging minds unite to discuss the topics of the day mainly in the book and blogging world. I'll be sharing my thoughts on a topic and then inviting you all to share your thoughts. It's ok to disagree but PLEASE be respectful of each other's views! All of the comments on my blog are moderated and offensive posts ie racist, bigoted will not be published! 

NB: I don't follow or leave comments on blogs run by Google Plus, or DISQUS as I refuse to join something just to leave comments, and I won't allow them to follow new people, update my profile or post tweets 'on my behalf'. I won't comment on any blog that makes me sign in using another account.   

This week it is just a bit of a fun topic to talk about. Lets imagine you were stranded on a beautiful and deserted island. It has a beach with fish, trees with fruit and berries, vegetation, caves to shelter in, wood to prepare fires, and waterfalls for clean water. Cases of food have washed ashore with you to ensure that you won't starve. And to your delight a handily waterproof suitcase of books has made it to the beach as well. What books do you want to see in the case?

Firstly I want to be eating as well as I can so I want to see books about survival

John Wiseman-SAS Survival Guide 
This book is all about how to survive in the wild, everything from catching your food, building a fire to using your natural resources for survival. It's a pocket sized book but full of great information and I do carry a copy wherever I go.

Collins Gem Food For Free
I have this in my survival bag but it is specific to a geographical area so I'd need to have something with a more tropical theme to it but certainly something similar!

Books for fun!

JK Rowling-Harry Potter
Stephen King-It, The Stand
George RR Martin-A Song Of Ice And Fire  
Suzanne Collins-The Hunger Games
Michael Stephen Fuchs-Arisen
ZA Recht-Morningstar Trilogy
Robert Boren-Bug Out
Jeaniene Frost-Night Huntress
Patricia Briggs-Mercy Thompson
Philippa Gregory-The Other Boleyn Girl, The Boleyn Inheritance
Steve Harris-Adventureland
Kevin Hearne-Iron Druid
Rick Jones-The Valley
Hunter Shea collection
Melanie Karsak-The Harvesting
James R Tuck-Deacon Chalk
Jack Kilborn-Afraid

Game of Thrones Gossip #60 Tywin Lannister

Welcome to my Game of Thrones Gossip, where us fanatics get the chance to discuss everything we love about this amazing TV series. I decided to do a whole series of these discussion posts that let us say everything we want and enjoy every second of it! Please feel free to comment fully and without restriction!

I have to warn you that it is important that you have seen all six seasons before reading any of these posts because these posts and blogger comments will be exploding spoilers all over the place. If you haven't watched the series and plan to, be warned that it's a bad idea to be here right now! I take no responsibility if you read on and things are spoiled for you.

Now I'm looking at the main characters introduced in season three, what our season two characters were doing and looking at all the bests bits. Enjoy the season three posts! 

Tywin has been far from impressed with what has been happening at King's Landing while he has been fighting Robb Stark. Joffrey's decision to execute Ned Stark prevented him from a prisoner swap to get Jaime back from Robb, and he also blames Cersei for failing to control her son. Despite putting Tyrion in his place as acting Hand and having him hold the city until Tywin arrived with the Tyrell army, he has no praise for his younger son and has not bothered to visit him as he recovers from his battle wounds. When he finally sees Tyrion, Tywin reacts with fury at the request for Tyrion to take command at Casterly Rock, which Jaime cannot inherit. He berates his son for killing his mother and being the family embarrassment and hints that he tolerates him only because it can't be proven that he is not a Lannister. It is a cruel speech and devastating blow for Tyrion. Tyrion is warned that the next whore in his bed will be hanged, putting Tyrion in a state of fear for the safety of Shae.

Tywin takes control of the Small Council and is not pleased to discover that Jaime has not yet been found. Varys informs of the death of Hoster Tully, and that Robb's army are headed to Riverrun for the funeral, while Roose Bolton is still at Harrenhal. The plan is for Littlefinger to go north to court Lysa Arryn and get her back into the fold as a potential ally. Tyrion points out that with a Royal Wedding coming up, the Master of Coin cannot just leave so Tywin appoints Tyrion to the job. He refuses to listen to Cersei complain about never being taken seriously, reminding her that she can't even control Joffrey.

When the plot to marry Sansa to Loras is uncovered, Tywin takes the opportunity to deal with the rival Tyrell clan and his own children. He is angry that the Tyrells have plotted to use Sansa to win control of Winterfell should Robb fall in battle, especially after he allowed the betrothal of Margaery into his Royal Family. Tywin informs the horrified Tyrion that he is to wed Sansa, which gives his children full claim on Winterfell in the North for the Lannisters. Cersei is amused until she is told that she will be marrying Loras to stop the ugly rumours about incest with Jaime. Tywin shows his children that he has contempt for their feelings as well as what he sees as their failings.

Olenna Tyrell is equally unhappy at her plans being ruined. She objects to her son and heir marrying a woman whose childbearing years may be over. Tywin brings up his homosexuality which Olenna is well aware of and she mentions that incest is much more a crime. Tywin then offers to make him Kingsguard, which will prevent him from ever inheriting Highgarden or marrying anyone else, and Olenna has to accept defeat.

Tywin is unhappy to see the farce that Tyrion's wedding becomes, watching his son get drunk and do little to support the upset Sansa. He reminds Tyrion of how important it is to get her pregnant straight away and ensure the Lannister line buy Tyrion has little interest in even sharing Sansa's bed. Tywin does however side with Tyrion about there being no bedding ceremony which Joffrey wanted to do to humiliate the frightened Sansa. Any chance of Tyrion and Sansa making a success of their union is shattered when news arrives at King's Landing that Catelyn and Robb Stark are head at the hands of the Freys and Boltons. 

Joffrey's suggestion of presenting Robb's head to Sansa at Joffrey's wedding causes a heated exchange with Tyrion. Cersei indicates that it was a joke but Joffrey is adamant and Tywin is not impressed with his King. Joffrey accuses Tywin of being a coward and hiding during the rebellion while Robert found glory on the battlefield. A furious Tywin asserts his authority and orders Joffrey to his bed like a child. Once alone, Tyrion offers a theory that Walder Frey would not have acted alone or had the brains to plan the Red Wedding without Tywin's help, and that it would be the Freys to take the anger of the North for it. Tyrion is not impressed by this dishonourable action but Tywin says a man must protect his family. He tells Tyrion that when he was born, he planned to drown him in the sea but decided to let him live because he was still a Lannister. It is another cruel blow to Tyrion.

Can't Wait Wednesday-Blackout

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at http://www.wishfulendings.com/ to spotlight and discuss books we're excited about but haven't read, which may not even be released yet. 

NB: I don't follow or leave comments on blogs run by Google Plus, or DISQUS as I refuse to join something just to leave comments, and I won't allow them to follow new people, update my profile or post tweets 'on my behalf'. I won't comment on any blog that makes me sign in using another account. 

Westley Flagg isn’t your usual lawbreaker. He’s a poacher, a moonshiner and a prepper, out of necessity. Despite trying to live on the straight and narrow, he knows the law can turn things on you in a heartbeat. When Wes has to come up with money for his Grandpa’s surgery, he gets involved with an unsavory group.

Living deep in poverty for most of his life, he’s become resilient and flexible, but college education can only take him so far. A solar storm sends the northern lights as far south as Texas, and cascading failures in the grid cripple the nation. Now, without communications, Flagg has to prove he has what it takes to still survive. 

I've enjoyed some of the author's previous work so I was interested as soon as I saw this one. And there is a faithful hound on the cover! Of course I'm going to check this out!

Top Ten Tuesday-Spring TBR

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.  http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/

NB: I don't follow or leave comments on blogs run by Google Plus, or DISQUS as I refuse to join something just to leave comments, and I won't allow them to follow new people, update my profile or post tweets 'on my behalf'. I won't comment on any blog that makes me sign in using another account. 

This week I'm looking at my Spring TBR. These are books and series that I want to read for personal reading challenges. I plan to read these in April and May.

1) George RR Martin-A Dance With Dragons part 2
Getting this read will have me up to date with the series so far, which ticks a box in my series catch up challenge! I do plan to get it read as quickly as I can instead of in small clumps!

2) JR Tate-Tornado Warning
This trilogy of weather disaster books look like short reads which is good. I've read a sample of Tornado Warning and liked it so I hope to get through the series quickly, again for my series catch up challenge. 

3) KW Callahan-Systemic series
I read the first book in the series last year and very much enjoyed it. Plenty of action and tension. I'm hoping the rest of the series lives up to it. Also doing this for the series catch up challenge.

4) Jack Hunt-Phobia
I read a sample of this recently and thought it was a bit different, following a man with a terror of disease as a pandemic breaks out to kill people. This book is for my Get Em Orf My Bookshelf Challenge, where I'm trying to get more paperbacks read.

5) Carrie Vaughn-Kitty Norville
I've been doing a series catch up of this series which has about 15 books or so. Done well so far but want to get this series done before the end of April.

6) John Randall-Yellowstone Conundrum
This is for the ebook challenge. It has been lurking there for a while with mixed reviews on Goodreads but I figured my Apocalypses of April Challenge was the perfect time to read it.

7) Robert Boren-The Plan
Prequel book to the wonderful Bug Out series. I want to get this read to remind myself of the background and hopefully then get on to the various spin off series. 

8) Mark P DeBryan-Family Reunion
I read the prequel a long time ago and liked it so I'm hoping to fit it into my reading in March or April as it is a zombie apocalypse book, and part of my ebook challenge.

9) Suzanne Jenkins-Burn District
I read the prequel to this a while back and was intrigued by it so it way past time to get on with the next book, for my ebook challenge.

10) Craig A McDonough-Toward The Brink
I've had my eye on this book for quite a while and want to see how I get on with it. This will be part of my ebook challenge.

Around The Blogs With Chuckles

We all enjoy snooping and lurking on other people's blogs right? Why not share those entertaining things you found with other readers and bloggers too! Welcome to Around the Blogs with Chuckles, where I take time out to show you some of my favourite blog posts from the previous seven days and link you up so you can check them out. 

This week! 

1) 12 Home Remedies for Earache

Common sense ideas to try before going to the doctor

https://commonsensehome.com/home-remedies-earaches/

 

2) Logan's Run 

Greg goes retro!

http://gregsbookhaven.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/logans-run.html 

3) Book Review-Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Verushka looks at some fantasy YA

http://editingeverything.com/blog/2018/03/14/children-blood-bone-believe-hype/ 

4) Book Review-Blood Red by Wendy Corsi Staub

Carole takes a look at something scarier...

http://carolesrandomlife.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/review-blood-red-by-wendy-corsi-staub.html 

5) Book Review-The Man Who Caught The Storm by Brantley Hargrove

Sarah looks at the life of a much loved storm chaser, Tim Samaras.

http://allthebookblognamesaretaken.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/the-man-who-caught-storm-life-of.html 

6) Plastic Is In Your Bottled Water

Do you really know what you're drinking?

https://www.theorganicprepper.com/plastic-in-bottled-water/ 

Chuckles Cover Love #68 Orlando A Sanchez

If there is one thing that makes a great book even better, it is when it has a cover that we love! The cover design is what catches the eye as we browse through a bookstore shelf or check out the Amazon or Goodreads recommendations. The right cover makes me look closer at a book, to read the blurb and maybe make a purchase. A poor cover might mean I never look at the blurb at all.

NB: I don't follow or leave comments on blogs run by Google Plus, or DISQUS as I refuse to join something just to leave comments, and I won't allow them to follow new people, update my profile or post tweets 'on my behalf'. I won't comment on any blog that makes me sign in using another account.   

This week-Orlando A Sanchez

I've got the first book in the series waiting on my shelves and it looks like the rest of the series has great covers. I hope I like this series!

 

And a couple of short stories from the series!

 

Chuckles Weekend Roundup

Welcome to my new feature Chuckles Weekend Roundup where I will be looking at what books I've received, anything interesting I've done or bought or watched and other random stuff. I'll be taking a look back at what happened in my blogging world too, sort of like The Sunday Post that some of you do! 

Please note that I'll be visiting your STS/SP as normal, but I don't follow or leave comments on blogs run by Google Plus, or DISQUS as I refuse to join something just to leave comments, and I won't allow DISQUS to follow new people, update my profile or post tweets 'on my behalf'. I am the only one who does that on my social media! I won't comment on any blog that makes me sign in using another account. Sometimes, I have problems leaving messages on blogs hosted by Wordpress-they try to block me because I deleted my account with them but I will persevere as it only happens the odd time!

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

The wind is howling, the room is getting darker as the next shower of rain comes but I'm happy because we didn't get the forecasted s**w they said we'd get. I'm happily counting the days to proper spring for the first time in decades I think as winter is getting too cold for my aging bones! After my reading woes I feel much more settled and positive so thank you to everyone who offered support and advice. Oh and T*R is a new banned word on my blog! I've even decided that after twenty years of misery, I'm going to bite the bullet and go back to a dentist. Yeah, looking forward to that for sure. *sighs*

 

OK book buying happened as always this week, to nobody's surprise but I don't really care! I shall embrace this harmless vice in my life! (No I haven't been drinking!) I did buy a few paperbacks I've been wanting for a while. I also received a pile of ebooks from the lovely author Stuart R West which I'm quite excited about. Who can seriously resist the book title Demon With a Comb-Over???

 

PAPERBACKS

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35294265-burn-bright

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38957477-the-dover-demon 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28821001-the-wizard-of-lies 

 

GIFTED! (And for review...)

 

 

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28800423-demon-with-a-comb-over

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33548534-dread-and-breakfast

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28193597-bad-day-in-a-banana-hammock 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35723251-peculiar-county

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26720459-secret-society 

Chuckles Blogging World

I'm now switching my weekend roundup post to every Friday so I can have Saturdays off the computer to read, follow the sport, lie in or do nothing! It's been a week of thinking things through and de-stressing and I'm in a happy place right now!

 

Book Reviews 

 This weekwas a slow week for getting stuff done on the blog but I did finish the last book review I had to do of the GRRM Song of Ice and Fire series so I'm all set to read the last book published so far and then wait for The Winds of Winter!

George RR Martin-A Dance With Dragons pt 1

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/book-review-dance-with-dragons-pt-1-by.html

 

Regular Posts 

 This week I didn't have time to look at any samples and I'm afraid my Around the Blogs post was lacking in content! Cover Love looked at Erin A Jensen, Top Ten Tuesday was books that disappointed and Can't Wait Wednesday was all about the Devil Sharks!

Chuckles Cover Love

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/chuckles-cover-love-67-erin-jensen.html

 

Around The Blogs With Chuckles

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/around-blogs-with-chuckles_12.html 

Top Ten Tuesday

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/top-ten-tuesday-books-that-disappointed.html

Can't Wait Wednesday

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/cant-wait-wednesday-devil-sharks.html

 

Discussion Posts 

No Prepping With Chuckles this week due to a lack of time. Chuckles Chat looked at Book Awards and Game of Thrones Gossip was all about Bran Stark.

 

Chuckles Chat

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/chuckles-chat-60-book-awards.html 

 

Game of Thrones Gossip

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/game-of-thrones-gossip-59-bran-stark.html 

 

Film Reviews 

 none this week

Special Posts

This week I asked for help with a blogging and reading problem!

 

It's A Bit Of A Chuckles Crisis

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/its-bit-of-chuckles-crisis.html 

It's A Bit Of A Chuckles Crisis

http://chucklesbookcave.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/its-bit-of-chuckles-crisisupdate.html

 

Book Tags/Blog Awards 

none this week

 

 Book Challenge Updates

 

My Goodreads Challenge-42

 

Currently Reading/Up Next 

I have been avoiding reading this week for the most part but yesterday I did pick up a book at random from my non fiction reads and I'm liking it.

 

 

 Not sure yet what I'm reading next but I might stick with non fiction.

Next week on the blog

I'll be going Around the Blogs as normal, Cover Love features Orlando A Sanchez, Top Ten Tuesday is books on my spring tbr, Can't Wait Wednesday is Blackout, Game of Thrones Gossip is Tywin Lannister and Chuckles Chat is Desert Island Books. 

 

FOLLOW ME:

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/chuckles-book-cave-9910183 
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3426724-chucklesthescot 
https://twitter.com/chucklesthescot 
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/chucklesthescot/