One of my very favourite bookish accounts on Instagram is Everlasting Charm, whose feed consists of the cosiest of interiors – think cups of tea, flowers, fairy-lights and throws- and, of course, a good dose of books! A wife, mother of three and home educator, Samantha started her beautiful Bookstagram account in 2015 shortly after receiving her Bachelor’s of Science in clinical laboratory science. A fan of YA, NA, romance and fantasy books, I was delighted when she agreed to take part in my Desert Island Books series, and you can find out below which eight picks she’d pack, where she to find herself shipped to the sandy shores of a remote island.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
The first book that came to mind is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Years after its release it is still one of my favourite series. While I enjoyed every single book, I love Chamber of Secrets because the friendships have already been made, important characters have introduced, rivalry is afoot and the true nitty gritty of the series emerges.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
To this day Mockingjay can evoke emotions that are best described as bittersweet. It makes me sad, yet happy. It makes me cry, but also smile. Katniss is a fierce woman that I admire, while Peeta is my cinnamon bun that I want to protect at all cost. The two of them together make the perfect combination that I can read about many times over.
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Mass
The Throne of Glass series is also a series that blew my mind. It has left a lasting impression with me. I even got a tattoo in honour of its main characters Aelin and Rowan. Queen of Shadows specifically has stayed with me long after I read it. This book is full of excitement, romance and intrigue. It also helps that there is a whole gang of character that are equally as amazing as the main characters.
Wintersong by S Jae-Jones
I have many favourite books, but one of my all time favourites is Wintersong. The ending to this book broke my heart. I couldn’t read another book after Wintersong for a month, It was the most beautiful, raw and romantic book I read in a long time. Liesl felt like a real person with real issues that I was able to relate to. The Goblin King made me swoon plenty of times and any book that can do that is one I don’t forget easily.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
I don’t read many classics, but one classic I have read many times over is Dracula. The movie lead us to believe that Dracula is full of romance, but it’s so much more than that. It’s dark, and at times had me scared. It was my first taste of the vampire genre and I have loved vampires ever since.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
One classic I read recently is Pride and Prejudice. I enjoyed this one so much I ending up watching the movie as well. Elizabeth was a character after my own heart with her love for reading. She’s as enthusiastic about it as the rest of us readers. And Mr Darcy, may I say, swoon again. He has many quotes that make me giddy with happiness.
The Romantic Poets
In case you haven’t noticed, I love romance. I much prefer some romance in all the books I read. It ended up no surprise when I started to read poetry that I gravitated towards the romantic poets.
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
I left Like Water for Chocolate until last because this book has been near and dear to me for years. I have read it so many times that my paperback copy is creased and well loved. The book is full of heartbreak and romance. I loved how Tita expressed herself through her cooking. This one if forbidden love at its best.
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