Self Care Sunday #3

Today should really be number five but the last two Sunday’s have been weird to say the least. The week after getting this post back on track I really wasn’t well I had massive headaches and on the Wednesday I had an exam so I was in panic mode. I could barely look at text let alone take anything in, I caught up on a little TV and went back to bed. I never sleep in the day unless I’m unwell.

Last Sunday I was feeling exhausted and I couldn’t decide on what I would do with my day so I pretty much stayed in my pjs caught up on the soaps and helped out with my nieces and nephew. I obviously needed the rest.

Last Saturday I received the news I was waiting for I passed my second and final theory paper for my ETM (Exercise to Music) qualification I was and still am over the moon about it.

I love that Sunday’s are one of those rare days where I have no alarm and I can rise when my body is ready and able rather than when it’s told to. I did just that today and I was blessed and pleased to feel a cooler air, as ever I got up and had a coffee before chilling with some catch up TV pondering over what to have for breakfast. Today I finally sampled the White chocolate CoCo Pops and my what a treat they were. As my sister had said the milk doesn’t go as chocolatey as regular CoCo Pops but it was definitely a winner for me.

Last night or the last few days I started penning a bit of a to do list as there are various tasks and things I should start getting organised for but what wasn’t on my list was to go into work for a few hours but that did feature and I feel I have good karma and good vibes for doing so. In doing so I’ve spent some time walking in the sunshine, reading and continuing to pen this post. I had toyed with the idea of posting two blog posts today but seeing as I’ve been a lot more consistent I want to keep the extra content for tomorrow sorry I’m rambling once again. I arrived home to a full house of all my siblings and nieces and nephew and a BBQ although the alcohol didn’t get opened. I love the Summer sunshine and I do love us all being together it can be a hard task by our jobs and life. I’ve also managed to finish the first part of a story that I’ve enjoyed that should feature on the blog tomorrow.

So a partially successful day in terms of the to do list but a happy heart in doing good and having some family time. I’m not sure what next Sunday will be like as I will be travelling home from Dublin.

Waterstones Event 10th June Paige Toon, Lindsey Kelk and Lucy Vine.

When Paige Toon started adding events for her promotion of If I Go Anywhere I had hoped to have got to her Bluewater signing until it became apparent I just wouldn’t get that Saturday off work.

Then the events alongside Lindsey Kelk popped up. I’m not going to lie there were so many fantastic author combos if I had time and money I would have got to more. I’ve been desperate to meet Mhari McFarlane since I devoured You Had Me At Hello all those years gone by. I’m a huge fan of Isabelle Broom – although she’s given me major travel envy I’ve still not visited Mojacar yet.

Anyway I could ramble for hours then London was announced with Lindsey Kelk and Lucy Vine. I still haven’t read a Lucy novel but I’ve had Hot Mess on my Kindle for a while and at the event I purchased her latest which sounds fabulous and should be my next read after what I’m in the middle of.

I’d booked the day off so I could chill I was hoping to have finished Paige’s book but I also had revision to do so revision and trying to balance having some me time and getting things done had to happen.

The weather was god awful but I wasn’t letting that dampen my spirits most of my bookish lovelies had been to the event a week previous but I wasn’t going to miss out and I’m glad as I did meet some lovely readers. On my way in I grabbed a Salted Caramel Latte and a piece of Tiffin from Costa two of my naughty treats when given half a chance and when I arrived I was handed a glass of Prosecco which was also appreciated.

I’m still a million miles behind on the I Heart series but I had to buy a physical copy of the last one which Lindsey kindly signed for me. I have a few on paperback but they always can’t be found when you’re actually going to a signing, I know the first one was loaned to someone and gone forever and I’ve been listening to them which is always fun so I think I will listen up to the latest and then my signed copy will come out.

Right the event – I loved attending the one last July in the church it was such a fun night and left me with a happy heart and I knew this one would be just as much fun. This time round I didn’t ask a question but so many people had good ones. I love just watching how the authors interact and their genuine passion for their books and their friends. I must admit like most book events of my faves it left me wanting a holiday and time to just sit and read.

Paige’s latest I’ve finished and I finally posted my review yesterday. It’s always lovely when one of your favourite authors remembers you 🥰

I think where I am in the I Heart series may have to be my next audible treat and Lucy’s latest is in my up and coming pile. I anticipate finish that and delving into Hot Mess which has been sat patiently on my kindle for what seems like forever.

I love instax and this just made me realise I should use mine more. OMG I may have to take mine to my next event. Which I don’t have at the moment damn missed a trick could have taken it on Wednesday. I love that I’m being as I still have so much good to come. I adore that these events don’t make you feel bad for being behind it just makes you eager to indulge and I love that feeling.

Thank you ladies for a fabulous night of fun and escapism at best. You guys look fabulous my hair not so much damn rain. Thank you to Jess Barratt for the gorgeous photos and ladies it was a pleasure I cannot wait to do it again.

Audible Review: If You Could Go Anywhere By Paige Toon

Blurb: Angie has always wanted to travel. But at twenty-seven, she has barely stepped outside the small mining town where she was born. Instead, she discovers the world through stories told to her by passing travellers, dreaming that one day she’ll see it all for herself.

When her grandmother passes away, leaving Angie with no remaining family, she is ready to start her own adventures. Then she finds a letter revealing the address of the father she never knew, and realises instantly where her journey must begin: Italy.
 
As Angie sets out to find the truth – about her family, her past and who she really is – will mysterious and reckless Italian Alessandro help guide the way?

Review: Now I’ve said it before and I’m not even sorry I will keep repeating how much of a fangirl of Paige Toon I really am. If you’re not new to the blog you would have heard this before and I’m kind of sorry ha. I got into Paige late and in a way I love that as I still have many of her worlds to enjoy. I’m going on holiday in August with my family to the caravan holiday park we have been visiting since I was a kid and seeing as we will be there for two weeks this year I think a few Paige unread books will be coming. I may even ask you guys to choose nearer the time.

Anyway over to If You Could Go Anywhere firstly how it took me so long to devour this. The fabulous team at Simon & Schuster had given me a copy what seems like forever ago but due to my exams it just got shelved so I ended up listening to this beauty on Audible. I’ve listened to a few of Paige’s and the narration from Heather Long was fantastic- she also read Thirteen Weddings which was also a treat.

What can I say wow wow wow wow! (If you can say that like how Kylie sings it then you have my drift). Paige writes in a way that you are transported into that character I felt every single ounce of Angie’s emotion and on her first experience of Italy I felt like I was there. Another place I haven’t visited but my has Paige made me want to.

We meet Angie as her grandmother has passed away and she’s quite frankly lost. For so long she has taken care of her grandmother- that she doesn’t really know what to do for her. One things for sure she’s always wanted to travel and until this point she hasn’t left her own town of Cobber Pedy – Australia. A place that sounds simply gorgeous and her community are so adorable they really care for Angie and her well being. Her only travel has been through others postcards. Just reading about her postcards gave me travel envy. Angie’s friends and neighbours really do care for her best interests and what they do to push her on her journey is quite simply breathtaking.

Angie knows nothing of her father – until a letter comes to light. Her travels start with Italy and finding out some answers. Families are a funny one and they all have their secrets but Angie really didn’t bargain for what she finds.

Before finishing this fantastic novel I attended the Waterstones event for Paige, Lindsey Kelk and Lucy Vine. I had hoped to have finished in time but revision got in the way there was so much talk of the way Paige writes a proper love of your life love story and how much we were all aching for Angie and Alessendro to get together.

In a Paige Toon novel you are always guaranteed a sweep you off your feet romance usually from a brooding male….but what she created so amazingly with this one was how many sub-subjects there were. We have grief, love, travel, mental health just to name a few and they are all done with grace and understanding.

Another treat that had me in tears….I thought this one was different but it tugged on my heart strings like Paige always does. Although I must say in finishing If You Go Anywhere it left me with a happy heart and a book hangover.

Paige thank you as ever for writing a thought provoking book that took me away from the trials and tribulations of everyday stresses. Now seeing as there’s nothing more until next year I must get back to the back catalogue. There will be another post before my impending trip away.

Finally If You Could Go Anywhere where would you go? I still have a few major places I would love to see and I’m going with Nashville and New Orleans. I’m itching for them sooo badly.

Those People By Louise Candlish Book Launch

It’s always an absolute pleasure to be invited to a Simon & Schuster event. As it happens this was a rather special one it was the launch for Louise Candlish’s Those People last night.

Now after the Spring blogger event I devoured the sampler and have been itching to read this book. I ignored Netgalley as was studying and knew I wouldn’t get any work done but then I instantly regretted it. The sampler had me wanting more – I too have questionable neighbours but I’m hoping it never gets to that point ha.

So when the invite came through it was a no brainer I wanted to be there.

Louise is lovely I’ve met her at a few events – The Swimming Pool was the first of hers I devoured it gripped me and I enjoyed it so much I had to share it so I gave it away now I wish I still had a copy. If you haven’t read it you really must.

Today is the official publication of Those People – I know I won’t get any reading time at work so tonight I will be re-reading what I’d already read and getting well and truly stuck into this beauty. You never know there could be a late night post if I’m really reading. Keep the tea coming it could be a long night. For the last three evenings I’ve been busy had two Fight Klub sessions and then the launch last night so will be nice to head home have dinner and curl up with a book and what a book to choose. Louise whatever you do today I hope it’s fabulous and thank you once again for being so welcoming and for writing books that have me screaming at them and wanting more.

I never take enough photos but last nights was quite a good effort from me. Rachel and Charlene as ever it’s always a pleasure to chat books, life and have drinks and cake with you ladies. Sharon I hope you got a fabulous amount of reading done on your journey home.

SJ as ever it’s always a pleasure, you are always welcoming and a complete superstar.

Harriet – Thank you for the massive ego boost it’s always lovely to spend time with you I hope you have a brilliant holiday although I will star spamming you re Heidi Swain in say September LOL!

There isn’t much else for me to say but buy this beauty. I originally wanted a spredges one but I settled for a book and spredged cake which I had too much of haha.

You can bag our copy here whatever your preference is. I’m not usually a hardback girlie as I hate carrying them but they do look so good on my ever expanding shelf. Now let’s get this work day over I want to settle down with Those People who you don’t want to live next to.

Spring Blogger event

I have another event to write up so watch this space features Paige Toon. Lots of blog posts to get finished and up can I make the rest of this week really blog productive.

Cover Reveal: Coming Home to Glendale Hall By Victoria Walters

Today I am overjoyed to share the gorgeous cover for Victoria Walters festive offering.

I don’t like wishing the year away but I honestly love this woman’s writing and cannot wait to get festive with her new book. I think a festive coffee and a cinnamon swirl may have to accompany me though.

What do you think?

So I’m going to tease you a little longer with some information on the book before sharing said beauty.

Blurb: No matter how far you go, home is where the heart is.

Beth Williams hasn’t been home for ten years. After falling pregnant at sixteen, she ran away from the imposing Scottish estate where she grew up rather than risk her family’s disapproval, working hard to build a life for herself and daughter Isabelle– but now she’s finally returning to Glendale Hall.

As Beth tries to mend her broken family ties, and fights to bring the community of Glendale back together, she soon realises that the story she has told herself for a decade might well be a very different one from the truth. Even though she ran from Glendale it has never left her heart. And, she soon realises, neither has Drew – Beth’s first love.

Will Beth be able to forgive her mother and grandmother (and herself) for what happened ten years ago? What will Drew say when he discovers the secret she’s been keeping from him for so long?

Can a festive trail bring the village back together? Will Christmas work it’s magic on Glendale – or will Beth be forced to run away from it all over again?

This absolute beauty is released on 25/09/2019 and I’ve already pre-ordered mine. Click here to get yours

Sorry that I’m a little late to the party WordPress issue but I’m here now.

How bloody gorgeous is this treat….

Self Care Sunday #2

Back in April I wrote a post titled Self Care Sunday……

It read what are you doing for you….

https://hayleyreviews10.wordpress.com/2019/04/07/self-care-sunday/

Today I initially had hoped to have finished an outstanding book review but I was drawn back to self care. Something I am still trying to get a healthy balance of and I hope to make this a regular feature watch this space.

So today I had set an alarm as I was due to meet my good friend Hannah – but I woke freely which is something I truly love. I lazily moved around making coffee and a cooked breakfast catching up on some soaps before getting down to some revision. A mostly good start to my revision so I’m feeling, positive, hopeful and a lot more confident – hopefully tomorrow I will be booked in for the second stage of getting my ETM qualification.

It’s always ace to see Hannah and we usually have lots to catch up on books to talk about and browse and there is usually cake. Today was no exception.

We went to a lovely little cafe off Neals Yard and this was my stunning banana bread with espresso butter and a latte 🙂 this place was super cute but extremely busy. I must say I think we had timed it right to get a seat and to be served promptly. I would most definitely return to try some of their other baked goods.

For the later part of the day I’ve had a headache and a sore stomach so I had some comfort food in Fish, smiles and baked beans it didn’t look photo worthy so there’s no picture. I had hoped to do some more revision and to finish a book as I will be attending Paige Toon’s event with Lindsey Kelk and Lucy Vine tomorrow evening.

My sister had a very valid point today she said you may have days off but you’re always busy, in some ways she’s so true. Last Sunday I attended a fun day with my sister and then ended up at work for a few hours and this Sunday I met Hannah. Let’s see if next Sunday can be a home day and maybe even a pj day…

Self Doubt

Now today there should be a well overdue Thriller review but after some fantastic news yesterday and some insightful conversations I decided to pen a more personal post.

Anyone that knows me even if you don’t particularly like me knows I’m a damn hard worker. You tell me no and I’m determined to prove you wrong, I have always been the same.

When I was at school I really enjoyed PE even took it as part of my GCSES but I was made to feel that I wasn’t good enough. So as much as it was something I truly enjoyed I looked into other passions and this one was shelved. At school it’s easy to get the necessary exercise in your day and then exams and life take over.

Anyway I’m rambling now.

Last year I found out a lot about me my habits, traits and I have changed so much in a year.

Not only am I eating things I would never have imagined I’m pushing myself both mentally and physically.

Almost a year ago I discovered Fight Klub a high intensity workout to music using punch bags. From the moment I took part I was addicted and had to work out when I could go again. I regularly attend the Falconwood class and sometimes make the Bexleyheath class. Between better eating and dedication I’m now a lot fitter than I was. At my first ever class I loved it but I was so out of my depth.

In November 2018 I took a few weeks out of work to study Exercise to Music – a course that opened my eyes and my imagination. I was one of nine ladies on the course and how each of us changed during those few weeks was impressive. I had done all the course work that I could before the course had start so in that instance I was a few segments ahead but for me nerves always take over on exam day.

On the course we did both theory exams back to back – I didn’t do badly I got 26 for Anatomy and 24 for Principles the pass mark was 28. I was deflated but had to let it go as I wouldn’t have had a chance to retake until after my practical exam.

Illness meant my practical was pretty much a car crash but my girls from the course were amazing and I got some really great feedback I felt awful and I felt like I had let myself down. So I had a bit of time going back over my theory and some time out for me.

As I have a full time job it was then trying to work out when I could take the exams. So on 10th April I went in and retook my Principles exam I improved I got 26 still two short of a pass. As these exams are multiple choice there’s no actual feedback I was frustrated but I had my Anatomy exam two weeks later so had no time to dwell. I felt much more confident and hadn’t over checked my answers and second guessed myself or so I thought. Over a week later I got an email to say I had got 24 that was two less than what I’d got on the course.

That nagging doubt and negativity crept in. I was also frustrated as the exams are done on Wednesday evenings and Wednesday’s are a pretty crazy day at work so I couldn’t see when I could redo any of them. After a few chats I had put in to redo my Principles exam on 29th May – I did some of the same revision plus I took a tutors advice and went back onto the online portal and in re-listening to it and doing the quizzes I started to see my confidence peak. Seeing as I get plagued by nerves I also decided to try Kalms tablets so I took them for a few days before and on the day of my exam.

Yesterday I received the email that would make my week I passed my Principles exam with a score of 29. I’m now one step closer to the ETM Exercise to Music qualification I’ve had a brief email chat with the tutor who gave me some advice and encouragement and I’m hoping to get booked on go retake my Anatomy exam on the 19th.

One step closer to ETM and one step closer to becoming a Fight Klub instructor.

A mini update and an audio review – The Flatshare By Beth O’Leary

I had hoped to post yesterday but it was a physically and mentally exhausting day. When I got home I didn’t do much of anything and my Twitter poll to see what you guys wanted to see went down like a led balloon. So I admitted defeat and had as chilled an evening as I could.

Today has been a pretty chilled one there’s probably loads I should have been doing and I’ve been all over the place with books. I have an audio and another on the go and I’m constantly drawn to books. I may read a short to boost myself again anyway without further ado I give you a review.

Blurb: Tiffy and Leon share a flat

Tiffy and Leon share a bed

Tiffy and Leon have never met.

Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they’re crazy, but it’s the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy’s at work in the day, and she has the run of the place the rest of the time. 

But with obsessive ex-boyfriends, demanding clients at work, wrongly imprisoned brothers and, of course, the fact that they still haven’t met yet, they’re about to discover that if you want the perfect home you need to throw the rulebook out the window…

Review: I kept seeing this book advertised and like many others I was drawn to the blurb. How can two people share a bed yet have never met. Well my friends pick up this treat and find out for yourself.

I decided to listen to this via Audible Carrie Hope Fletcher read Tiffy excellently and Kwaku Fortune read Leon. Both were excellently chosen and I quite simply fell in love with both characters quite early on. Tiffy and Leon are so different in everything they do but they come to have a shared understanding via notes.

Tiffy needs to move out of the place she shared with her manipulative ex Justin who seems to have had a hold over her for a huge part of her life. So when she reads about the flat-share it’s perfect as they won’t be in at the same time just what she needs whilst trying to get through the break up and to find herself again.

Leon is such a hardworking guy he’s a nurse and a pretty decent one by all accounts, as his day job is so full on he really needs to be able to unwind and rest when he’s not working a 14 hour shift. Leon is also a huge family guy and his little brother is in prison – for a crime he knows he never committed so Leon being the decent big bro he is – is doing all he can to get his brother out. I don’t want to say anymore on this element of the book as there is so much to it.

What I truly loved about this book is that Beth managed to weave in so many sub-stories as well as creating a gorgeous love story along the way. Throughout the book we hear from Leon and Tiffy in segments and most of their conversations are via notes which are so well created. Just like when you leave work colleagues and family notes if you’re not going to see them and seeing as they haven’t met their communication is solely in note form.

Early on in my listening I was lucky enough to see the set up that was done at Waterstones Piccadilly and as much as I loved seeing it I didn’t truly appreciate it until I had delved deeper into the novel. Below are some of the pictures I took. I love what they done – so much effort and detail to the book.

I was meant to go back in last week when I was in London to see if any of these gorgeous books were still there but it was an exam day and my head wasn’t with it I forgot. I’m at an event there Monday so fingers crossed I maybe able to find one.

For me the Flat Share is one of those books that’s been hyped up and I solely believe it was worth the hype. I worked out a few of the sub-stories before they were revealed but I loved the aw moments in seeing it unfold. As a blogger and a lover of books I loved that there was a book launch and a photo shoot.

There’s so much I want to say but I don’t want to ruin the pure gorgeousness of how this love story plays out and between who. Leon is definitely a book boyfriend of mine and I was left bereft in finishing listening on one walk home from work. Thankfully on listening on audible there was a little chat between Carrie Hope Fletcher and Beth O’Leary this was insightful and helped with the book hangover.

My promise now is to get more organised and get these reviews up sooner. Today I will get sorting another overdue review to post tomorrow it will be a Thriller. If there is anything else you would love to see from me do get in touch.

Cover Reveal: The Christmas Wish List By Heidi Swain

I haven’t even devoured her latest yet but within a few days from her last publication Heidi Swain is back with news. Today she has shared with us a truly gorgeous cover for her festive novel that will be available in October 2019. I have a few of her festive ones and I’m not sure if I’ve read them all but I’m a huge fan of Heidi’s and her covers are always stunning and the content will leave me wanting more.

Blurb: After being let go from her job in a swanky hotel just weeks before Christmas, Hattie is feeling lost. Even more so when her high-flying boyfriend announces he’s landed his dream job in Abu Dhabi and asks her to move with him. Luckily, Hattie’s long-time friend Dolly is on hand to help and invites Hattie to spend one last holiday in the small, festive town of Wynbridge, determined to give her a Christmas to remember . . .

Upon Hattie’s arrival, holiday preparations are in full swing. But for Hattie, whose Christmas cheer has long since run out, it’ll take more than mince pies and mistletoe to open her heart to the season once more. Relishing the task of reigniting Hattie’s Christmas spirit, Dolly suggests they create a wish list of all the things the season can offer, and with the helpful hands of Wynbridge’s resident handyman, Beamish, Hattie finds her frosty exterior is starting to thaw.

As Wynbridge prepares for its most spectacular Christmas yet, will Hattie leave snowy England behind for life in a sunnier clime, or will she in fact realise that her heart’s desire lies much closer to home?

Heidi it’s stunning and I cannot wait to start my Christmas festivities with you and the Wynbridge crew.

Miranda Dickinson’s Sparkly news plus an update.

Now I’ve been a pretty rubbish blogger and I’ve been meaning to pen a post for a while. Since my last review I have finished another Thriller and a gorgeous love story but I’ve also had a lot on with work, exams and generally overdoing it.

Yesterday I was covering in another store which was crazy to say the least but this gorgeous lady revealed the cover of her next book. Without further ado I give you Miranda Dickinson’s sparkly news here is the quite simply gorgeous cover of The Day we Meet Again.

I’m a huge fan of Miranda’s and during my blogger experience she’s been nothing short of amazing, saying that she happens to be one of my favourites that I still haven’t met although we have had so many conversations via social media. Her books always take me away from whatever life is throwing at me at that time and they always give me so much hope for the future. I don’t always do her books justice but with this one I’m going to do my utmost.

The title makes me instantly think of my Nan she’s been gone for a good few years now but she will forever be one of my greatest female inspirations. By the end she was a shell of the woman she once was buy always such a fighter. If I’m half the woman she was when my time is up I will go happy.

I’m sorry to whatever I’m reading when I get my hands on this book as you will be shelved until I’ve devoured these pages. Just look at that rose gold….