There’s no such thing as too many books.
Happy hump day beauties.
So sorry it’s been a weird ole week but I’m back with a roundup. As always let’s look at the last one I penned. You can read that here.
Last: Every Move You Make By C L Taylor
Now: Mad Woman By Bryony Gordon
Next: Physical book – Seven Summers By Paige Toon
Not sure what audio to listen to next a Thriller or self help?
Blurb: From the author who brought you the best-selling book everyone is talking about, The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k: The no-f**ks-given, no-holds-barred guide to living your best life.
Ever find yourself snowed under at the office – or even just glued to the sofa – when you really want to get out (for once), get to the gym (at last), and get started on that daunting dream project you’re always putting off? Then it’s time to get your sh*t together.
In The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k, ‘anti-guru’ Sarah Knight introduced the joys of mental decluttering. Get Your Sh*t Together takes you one stop further – organizing the f*cks you want and need to give to help you quit your day job and move abroad, balance work and fun – and save money while you’re at it – or simply get out of the door for happy hour every day.
Review: Following listening to You Do You I instantly added this book to my Libby library and had imagined that I would have started listening straight after You Do You. That wasn’t to be but I knew I needed more of Sarah’s wit and wisdom in my life. Lately I’ve loved listening to Thrillers but I needed something else in walk Sarah. Within the first 20 mins I knew this book would keep me captivated and inspired – and boy was I not disappointed. There are so many things we do daily that if we change a little by little we can accomplish anything and live a more fulfilling life in so many ways.
I love the way Sarah uses different real life things to describe many of us. I also really liked the reference to the Chipmunks. She really does have a way with words and makes it fun. You might feel seen in some aspects and in others you’re like I’m not that bad.
I really do enjoy listening to the author read their own words and with Sarah it’s like talking to a friend. The chat is laid back and easy to understand – self help at it’s best. I’ve seen so many pan this book but why. It does what it says on the tin. Making you realise that deep down whatever you want to achieve is inside you. You just have to want it enough to reach for it.
Short, sharp and to the point. More often than not deep down we already know what we need to do more of and what we need to get out of. If you’re looking for a self-help book that will make you think and will make sense look no further.
Blurb: Take your runner’s high to new heights with tips and advice from radio presenter and host of RunPod Jenni Falconer.
There is nothing quite like the runner’s high you experience after pulling on your running shoes, getting outside and finding your stride; and with Jenni Falconer’s advice and encouragement in your back pocket you will be ready to hit your favourite route with even more bounce in your step.
Packed with research and stories from real runners, Runner’s High covers everything you need to build your running routine, overcome setbacks, discover the joy of running slowly and experience the power of finding your own running community.
Whether you are a seasoned marathon runner or just starting your journey, this book will remind you of all the incredible benefits running has to offer, not just for your body, but your mind too.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Review: As soon as I saw this book advertised I instantly pre-ordered the audiobook. I’ve always liked Jenni Falconer and I knew this book would be a revelation to me. I also knew that it would leave me feeling wistful to run. I first properly got into running during lockdown restarting and actually successfully completing the Couch to 5k app. I’ve raved about it so much and I’ve redone it a few times thanks to injury.
Sadly for me I haven’t ran at all this year bar running round at work and it’s really getting to me. Listening to Jenni’s book has made me realise I need to focus on the stretches and strengthening to get my knee back and ready to run. I also really need to get my gait analysis redone – which also means new trainers. I still remember that first run with my running kicks I honestly felt like I was floating on air. Jenni also made me realise that every runner’s high is different – with there even being highs over kit like trainers and running tops and gadgets. I also truly love my running shorts could probably also do with a new pair of those too.
Whether you’re a wannabe runner, someone that’s never thought of it or someone like me itching to get back. Jenni gives so much advice on general running, tips on marathons and also knowing when to stop as well as adding in strength training to aid your running journey.
The most I’ve ran is 10 miles and after that I was hopeful to do a half marathon – it’s safe to say illness and injury have prevented that but when I’m back I’ll be focusing on that 5k then that 10k and improving without getting injured is the aim.
I enjoyed every single second of this read and I dare say I’ll listen again hopefully on a run somewhere. If you’re wondering whether you’re a runner, if you’re in need of motivation or whether like me you’re itching to get back. Jenni’s Runner’s High will give you all that and more. I also really loved the Run Pod guests stories – inspiring and motivating and now I best get back to my stretches.
It’s been a while since I’ve penned a Midweek Reading Roundup and I’m so sorry that’s the case. So before I look at where I’m at this week let’s look at the last roundup. You can read that here.
I wanted March to be better than February and in some ways it has been, having listened to two epic Thrillers by B.A.Paris pretty much back to back. I’m pleased to say there are still a few of hers I’m yet to read and I know it will get me out of a slump and be a captivating experience in so many ways.
Last: The Dilemma By B.A.Paris
Now: Audibook Runner’s High By Jenni Falconer
Now: Physical book Mad Woman By Bryony Gordon
Next: Seven Summers By Paige Toon
This post should have come up last night and I have almost finished both of the now books.
Blurb: Tell me your secrets….
When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive….
As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating, grisly secret about her new home—and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before.
Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbours are keeping secrets, and things are not as perfect as they seem….
Review: Having recently read B.A Paris latest novel The Guest. I thought it was high time I started reading the offerings of hers I haven’t read. In looking at Libby I downloaded The Therapist and The Dilemma. Quite quickly I became hooked on The Therapist and quite quickly it became a rollercoaster read that was thrilling and captivating.
Alice is an intriguing leading lady and in seeing others thoughts most people didn’t warm to her. I didn’t dislike her but at times I found myself a little frustrated with her. Although so much was thrown at her and her back story of her and Leo was drip fed to aid the story. Making me judge everyone and anyone throughout. I’ve also seen people say that they sussed the killer early on and I honestly don’t know how. I was on tenderhooks changing my mind and thought process a lot. When the penny finally dropped it was so close to the final stages of the book, keeping me well and truly captivated from start to finish.
So many lies, so many stories all within the circle. I loved how B.A Paris had me second guessing myself and doubting each and every character. The circle is an eclectic bunch and at times I was like they don’t even like each other. So many little nuggets that go unnoticed until Alice finally pieces them together. A true rollercoaster read that will have you hooked from start to finish.
Firstly, as ever let’s look at the last reading roundup that I penned – you can read that here.
Last: The Therapist By B.A.Paris
Now: Mad Woman By Bryony Gordon (Physical book)
Next: Seven Summers By Paige Toon
Next: Audiobook The Dilemma By B.A.Paris
Have you read any of these? Plus is there anything else you would like to see in this update each week. Sorry for the delayed post once again.
Firstly, I love Bryony Gordon I haven’t read all of her books but I’m pretty sure a few are on various TBR piles. When I first saw this event I instantly messaged a bookish friend to see if she wanted to go. The next thing I knew it was sold out. I tweeted Waterstones asking if any tickets would become available and heard simply nothing back.
The Saturday before the event the lovely Bryony messaged me asking if I still wanted a ticket as a girl called Stacy couldn’t attend and wanted to gift it to someone. I was over the moon and super grateful. That just there shows what Bryony is like as a person.
I arrived in London pretty early as Sunday travel isn’t great. I was so early the shop wasn’t open – the event would happen before the store was open to the public. In the queue I chatted to some like minded Bryony fangirls. I instantly bonded with Olivia and Katie. We were sharing stories and inspirations from Bryony it was heartwarming in so many ways.
The chat between Bryony and Emma was informative, fun and inspiring. It felt like a safe space- initially I wanted to ask a question but a number of questions were similar. Some of the questions were so hard to hear – but it also highlighted to me what Bryony has done in terms of change. A few of us were scrambling in our bags for tissues to give to a lovely girl called Emma. Who was so brave to share her story and in talking to her after it was so humbling to see how much the chat helped her, and friendships were born…
I love events and meeting inspiring people and likeminded women and bookish people. I’m sorry it’s taken so long to share this but wow what a day. I’m hoping to finish reading Mad Woman in the next day or so, so watch this space.
Did you like this post? If so get in touch and let me know. I’m also intrigued to see what you would like to see more of here at Hayley Reviews.
Happy Hump Day beauties. This is the last one in my 30s oh my! Now it’s feeling real.
Before I look at this weeks update let’s take a look at my last post and my last midweek reading roundup. You can read that here.
Better late than never eh??
Last: The Happiest Ever After By Milly Johnson
Now: Mad Woman By Bryony Gordon
Now: (Audiobook) Before the Coffee Gets Cold By Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Next: Partners in Crime By Agatha Christie.
Blurb: From the ‘anti-guru’ author of the smash hit The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F–k and the New York Times best seller Get Your Sh*t Together.
In The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F–k, our favourite ‘anti-guru’ Sarah Knight unleashed the power of saying no. In Get Your Sh*t Together, she prioritised the sh*t you need and want to do so you can achieve your hopes and dreams. Now she’s back, doubling down on your happiness with her latest message: You Do You.
Being yourself should be the easiest thing in the world. Yet instead of leaning in to who we are, we fight it, listening too closely to what society tells us. You Do You helps you shake off those expectations, say f–k perfect, start looking out for number one and keep on with your badass self. From career and finances to relationships and family, lifestyle and health, Sarah Knight rips up the rulebook.
Writing about her mistakes and embarrassments in her own personal quest to ‘do me’ – because nobody gets everything right all day, every day – Sarah Knight shows why you can and should f–k up and teaches you to let yourself off the hook, bounce back and keep standing tall.
Review: Now why has it taken me this long to listen to this absolute treat. Sarah Knight would be someone that I would wholeheartedly have a pretty decent chat with, and that feeling comes across in spades in this book. She talks in a way that resonates with me and makes me feel seen and heard. Which is both ace and terrifying if that makes sense. It’s a truly no none sense listen in the approx 5 hours audio time. This is another self help listen that resonates and one that I could listen to again someday.
More often than not we have exactly what we need to be the best version of us, inside of us. You do you shakes the expectations and makes us think.
One quote that has stuck with me long after finishing this book is…. You’re good enough, smart enough and you care and have a lot to offer. It’s safe to say I have another of Sarah’s audios in my Libby library so watch this space….
Here we are at the end of another week let’s take a look at my last update before I share my latest. You can read that here.
It’s been an interesting week I haven’t been 100% so my running and gym has been well and truly out of the window once again which is making me extremely frustrated.
I had Monday off and decided to have a chilled day I started the day by doing a covid test all fine not that and trying to get a doctors appointment. That was also a frustrating one, I then took myself to Greenwich Picturehouse to watch Dear England on the screen. Once again it blew my mind and gave me a multitude of emotions. The Harry Maguire was different to the one I saw at the theatre but was still so good. I can’t believe I only saw it once when it returns I’m definitely going to be there a lot more.
So what did the blog look like I hear you say…it’s not been a bad week. I finished a few things as January ended but haven’t completed anything as yet for February.
On Monday 29th I shared two glorious cover reveals from them beauties at Simon & Schuster up first was Heidi Swain’s next festive offering and you can read that here.
The second cover reveal was a Sharon Gosling beauty and you can read that post here. As I stated I don’t post any cover reveals and then like buses there’s two in one day.
On Tuesday I shared my extremely early review of The Guest an audiobook that I listened to via Netgalley. You can read that post here.
Wednesday saw one of my favourite posts to pen a Midweek Reading Roundup and you can reread that here. I absolutely love penning these but do let me know if there is anything else you would like to see in these posts.
I started February by looking back on what January looked like. I’m really happy with my progress although would like some more physical and ebooks in February. So watch this space. Do you like my wrap up? Is there anything more you would like to see in these posts. You can read it here.
Friday saw another bumper day with two more cover reveals one from Simon & Schuster again and then from the fabulous Cressida McClaughlin.
Up first was In Bloom By Eva verde you can read that here. And then the fabulous Cressida McClaughlin I saw this post as I left work and wow it’s swoonsome and full of sunshine. You can view that here.
So that’s my week…I did end up getting seen by the doctor on Thursday I’m now on medication so feeling a little better. I’ve tried to have as chilled a day as I can today. Although I am having regular blood pressure checks – hopefully it’s just the illness but we shall see.
Over on my Twitter or X HayleyTOfficial I am currently doing a poll to choose my next physical book.
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