Top Ten books I’m super excited to read….now this week is a freebie and it got me thinking. I will be doing a mixture of new releases and just books that I’m itching to pick up.
Now this one I’m hoping to buddy read with Catriona. I listened to Lauren read from this at the BATC Blogger event and from that I’ve been super excited, especially as it links to my old job at the charity shop. You can read my post on that event here.
I adore Heidi Swain and I’m looking forward to being part of the blog tour for this one.
Cesca writes such glorious novels and this of a love story I need in my life.
This one has been awaiting my attention for far too long.
Mondays are a great day to start afresh….or so they say. Today I’m taking back what I can control and running with it.
I always feel happier after a Spurs win on a Monday morning, that’s just a fact. The fact we hadn’t beaten Chelsea since 2018 meant yesterday’s win meant so much. Oliver Skipp I love and seeing him bag not only his first goal but such an impressive and important one felt so so good. Myself and Nicole who sits next to me were over the moon. It calmed our nerves for a little while, the Chelsea team that walked all over us a number of times last season were nowhere to be seen yesterday. Even that dreamboat I’m not meant to like (Mason Mount) wasn’t enough to break down my mighty Spurs. Not gunna lie he did try for the Chelsea contingent and not because I like him but he’s honestly wasted there right now.
This morning I’ve finally got back to writing into my mindfulness journal. I’ve done the morning bits now I need to get back into the habit of penning the daily stuff before I snooze. Letting out my thoughts really helped before and I honestly don’t know why I ended up reverting back to not doing so. I’ve also set myself some daily fitness stuff that I hope to achieve and add to as the days, weeks, months roll on.
I’ve a few things to do today but I want my Monday to consist of productiveness and chill time. Miranda Dickinson seems to consistently empower me. Today in her Write Foxy notes she mentioned recognising that you need to incorporate rest into your routine as well. That’s something I needed to hear. Of late I’ve let a number of things get to me much more that I would have before. Today I’ll step back and look more from the outside before reacting and overdoing it.
Now this is a Six For Sunday I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to miss. But how do I choose only 6? Six Authors I Love…
Paige Toon
Lindsey Kelk
Lucy Vine
Now that picture incorporates three amazing women I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and whose books have made me laugh out loud made me feel seriously seen and made me cry bucket loads. How can they not be the first three that I mention in this post.
Paige Toon regularly makes me cry her latest book was oh my it’s out in April I’ve already read it. My review is mostly ready to go soon so watch this space but I’m going to take it back to the first of hers I read The Last Piece of my Heart I vividly remember reading until around 4am my face was so sore from crying….I was quite simply wrecked and had the worst book hangover. You can read my thoughts on that here.
Lucy Vine makes me laugh out loud and her latest novel had me thinking in more ways than one. There’s only one of her books that I haven’t read and I know I’ll be bereft when I’m waiting for more, granted I have it and it will happen soon. You can read my review of Seven Exes here. This one is out in May don’t worry I’ll be shouting about it again nearer the time.
Lindsey Kelk Now where do I start with this lady. Not only does she bring a number of my favourites together when she has a book out she writes amazing stories that also make me feel a lil seen and that also give me so much hope. My headphones have died I need to replace them and need to get back to the I Heart series my next one is London which keeps ending up on my TBR. You can read my review of The Christmas Wish here.
Miranda Dickinson is one of my most favourite authors. Not only do her books make me feel. She’s also an inspirational human being who has helped me tremendously over the years. Considering she’s one of my faves I’ve never met. Her latest novel All My Love I’m almost at the end of and it sure has been such a lovely read it’s also giving me empowerment and inspiration for my own future. I’m sharing my review of The Day We Meet Again which was a fab buddy read for me and you can read that here.
Ruth Ware – I can’t even remember how I got a copy of In A Dark Dark Wood but from start to finish I was transfixed and ultimately a huge fan of Ruth. I was lucky enough to say hello to her at an impromptu Goldsboro Books signing session where she signed my book with some vintage drawings too. I don’t believe I have a pic though. In person and via Twitter Ruth has been lovely and I’m a bit behind on a few of her books but she’s always a must buy. I’m sharing my review of The Turn of the Key and you can read it here.
Mhari McFarlane
This lady had me at hello and I’ve been a massive fan of her writing ever since. I know exactly what I’ll get and she always ticks every single box. I’m sharing my review on If I Never Met You which you can read here.
One thing I will say is sometimes these beauties books get to me so much I don’t review I will be changing that.
I contemplated not writing a weekly update this week as it feels like a bit of a cop out.
Last week I had content on the blog every single day and lots to share this week I’ve been quite simply exhausted before and after my birthday ha, and the blog has been extremely light. It definitely goes to show that when I have drafts I’m much more productive.
So apologies for the lack of content but I’m extremely happy with the blog tour post for Fanny Blake’s The Daughter in Law that I shared on Sunday and you can read that here. My other post came on Friday which if you’re a regular here you will know that Friday is more often than not the day that gets missed somehow. I was feeling inspired by Miranda Dickinson and I shared that here. I’m still not entirely sure what to do with that empowerment but it feels good.
I’ve also realised some of my old posts are still being viewed. I reread Heartbreak never gets easier and I found this post means just as much reading it back. Sometimes when I write straight from the heart it means so much more and this is a prime example of that. This short story review of Peter James also seems to get a lot of traction and you can read it here.
Thursday 23rd February was my birthday and I decided to have a bit of a pamper. The birthdays before and after covid saw films or theatre and for the first time since lockdown I had no plans with my bestie. This is absolutely fine as it just means I’ll extend my celebrations. On the day itself I had a needed hair cut and got my nails gelled two things that made me smile. Before heading to meet with some current and ex work mates I also had cake with my nieces and nephew. It’s not a birthday to them if cake isn’t involved.
Initially we had planned to do pub quiz with drinks but it wasn’t on due to the football which was fine. We had a laugh and I always feel less stressed when it’s not my team playing. I decided that I wanted to mark my 39th birthday in a way I never did for my 30th. So I took my instax camera to make some fun memories.
Little did I realise that I made a rookie error in leaving my phone on the table as this lot got me before. Granted they are always fun to find.
I mean there are soooo many including a few that are actually videos. But in the whole I had a lovely birthday. Simple pleasures granted I was rather tired for my shift yday.
Last week I mentioned more blog tours for March this is one of the beauties I received that will feature in my March TBR which will be coming soon.
It’s been an interesting week where I haven’t posted on here since last Sunday and now thanks to All My Love my current read by one of my auto buy authors Miranda Dickinson, I’m feeling inspired.
Where do I find me a Brian Presley to tell me just to do it? Whether that be writing, or something else entirely, I actually have a few friends that have said very similar things to me and this morning it’s hit a nerve of sorts.
I don’t know if it’s the novel inspiring me to think and reach out or the fact I’ve just had a birthday. I’m now into that final year of my 30s and I want it to count.
That reminds me I’m pretty sure I’ve written a post before that was simply inspiration strikes at the weirdest of times and you can read that post here.
So that’s me in a nutshell if you have any words of wisdom I’m itching to hear it….
Today is my spot on the blog tour for the truly gorgeous The Daughter In Law be sure to check out the rest of the bloggers on the tour.
Blurb: When Hope’s only son Paul met and married Edie, Hope was delighted that he had found love and was settling down to make his own family. Hope has loved bringing up her own child, and is happy to step in and help out now and again – but is always worried about overstepping the line between grandmother and mother.
Edie was hoping that having children with Paul would fulfil her as much as her busy job as a barrister has. But the reality is far from her dream. And with her mother-in-law Hope constantly poking her nose in where it’s not wanted, she finds herself frustrated and alone.
Both women could be each other’s greatest ally, but both have secrets that could ruin their relationship. Secrets neither wants Paul to uncover…
Review: Where do I begin? Not only is the cover gorgeous but the start and end of the book took me to sunnier, warmer times. I haven’t read many of Fanny Blake’s books but the ones I have read have been simply gorgeous and this is no exception. I adore the way she describes the surroundings as the book begins we are in Paxos and the villa sounds picture perfect. Instantly whisking me away from cold London. I instantly warmed to Hope and Paul but was unsure on Edie. Don’t get me wrong I love a headstrong and independent woman but from early on I found her to be a bit of a bitch. That thought process didn’t change too much throughout although at times I did feel for her.
I fully understand that families don’t always see eye to eye and Hope and Edie have a strained relationship at best, but for Paul they have to try. What I loved about this story was that if the two women had been closer they would have realised that they shared so many similarities and they could have shared a shoulder on both their woes.
This is a story of families, relationships, head strong women and just how the times have changed but have they?. Ultimately both women have secrets that could destroy Paul. Fanny Blake has written a story that will take you away from your own troubles into sunnier times, picturesque gardens and with wine and food that will wet your appetite. There are a number of twists and turns that will have you reeling for a number of characters and hating on a few more. A gorgeous story, thought provoking and full of light at the end of that tunnel, it’s a novel I won’t forget.
Happy Saturday beauties I’m so sorry this is coming rather late in the day. Was on a late shift and to say I’m exhausted is an understatement.
It’s been quite a week although in saying that there aren’t loads of photos from the week, but it’s been enlightening to say the least. I’ve managed to post every single day of this week and I’m super chuffed at that. So lots of posts to share I’ve also had some gorgeous book post although I haven’t taken pics of them all and I’m already out the house. I’ve been added to a few March blog tours and I’m extremely excited about that.
This is the truly gorgeous thank you pack that SJ from Simon & Schuster sent me for taking part in the Valentines #RespectRomFic post that I will be sharing again in this post.
The audio reading hasn’t been as productive since the lack of headphones but I have started listening to.
Very early stages but as ever she has had me laughing out loud. I will dedicate some time to this in the next coming week.
So what’s been on the blog this week?
On Sunday I took part in another fabulous Six for Sunday post and you can read that here. I love looking at these stacks although almost always I haven’t read all of them.
On Monday I shared my thoughts on Prince Harry’s Spare this has been quite a popular one this week and you can read it here.
Tuesday was Valentine’s Day and I was pleased to take part in the #RespectRomFic movement. I also managed to finish reading The Daughter in Law the review of that one will be up tomorrow. You can read my Valentine’s post here.
On Wednesday I shared a different post about poetry with an extract from a book. You can read that here.
Thursday’s seem to be for Throwbacks and you can read my latest one here.
Friday saw me actually post although I confused myself as I had written it and hadn’t realised I hadn’t actually posted it until later in the day. It was my review on the collection of poems and A Heart Lighter Than a Feather here.
That’s pretty much it…ooooh actually I lie. On Monday I got out and ran it wasn’t pretty but it was a start..
I also managed to spend some much needed time with the girls…that completes my week as I’m onward to work once again. Until next time…
Blurb: A heart Lighter Than a Feather takes the reader into a deep inner journey by contemplating about their lives. It’s a contemplative poem which takes the reader beyond everyday thinking mind. These poems call the readers to go within and find their truth. To see infinity in totally different lenses. And appreciate life by looking deep into the purpose of creation. It’s a soulful collection that addresses the soul and it’s needed to express beyond our physical reality. This book talks also about the importance of the heart. By listening to the heart, reader can open to unlimited potentialities within themselves.
Review: Over the years I’ve always loved poetry and I’ve always said I would read more. I own a few books but it’s not a genre that I go to even though I should. I’ve also dabbled in trying to write it…that’s another story.
This is a truly gorgeous collection of poems – some will hit home more than others depending on the type of person you are, and what gets you if that makes sense. For me the more religious ones didn’t have the same effect on me but that doesn’t mean they weren’t good. The subject matters vary with mindfulness, self love, self worth and the heart in general making you think in the best way.
A sampler of what Salma Yusuf can do, the bit about the author told me she’s from a scientific background, which now makes sense for her descriptions of the heart and that of the mind. This is a journey that you could read during a coffee break or could dip in and out or at your convenience. I read over half in one sitting but then I just didn’t get the time to pick it up. It’s definitely made me think I need to delve into poetry more often, it’s a gorgeous way to switch out of reality and escape.
Today I’m taking you back to a rollercoaster time in my life.
My heart is well and truly on my sleeve in this post. Following the trolling I suffered so badly on Hayleyslilworld I came back with this blog that originally started as a place to talk about my love for volunteering which then changed to my working for Cancer Research UK.
Back to the time I gave up tea and coffee for 30 days in aid of Cancer Research in memory of those I had lost. This post is a special one and I’ve barred my soul a bit. You can read that here. And I am also sharing with you my post having completed the 30 days with no tea and coffee and you can read that here.
That concludes another Throwback Thursday… until next time.
Today I’m sharing something a little different I’ve always loved poetry but I don’t read it often enough. Over the years I’ve toyed with writing poetry although I’ve never been that great at it. Although I have tried here and there. It’s another genre I hope to read more of maybe I can do so this year. So today I am sharing an extract from A Heart Lighter Than A Feather. I will also be reviewing this gorgeous collection at a later date, so watch this space.
Home
I came here into this world seeking a home
Looking for a face that I knew
Moving from home to home
From country to country…
Till I found out the home and destination are within me
Calling me softly to seek that glowing internal blessing of home
A home sweater and warmer than honey
The home was my divine self
My true self that was telling me all the time
These masks I’m carrying are not my true self or home
It lies within my heart,
Like a sun shining a beam of light within.
The entire earth and universe are within me,
Because I have found my inner home
The divine home within.
So what did you think of that poem? Home is such a profound thing, how did it make you feel?
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