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…
The goodie bag and my copy of Bryony’s YA novel that I also got signed. Still to use the cream. Meeting Bryony was everything and more ❤️✌️🫶
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.
Today should be weekly update day but I’ve been a bit absent on the blog of late.
On Thursday evening I was invited by the lovely Cressida to her London book launch of From Cornwall with Love. Annoyingly I’m a little behind in the series although I found myself reading the prologue as I went to pay for my copy.
I was so chuffed to be invited as I’ve spoken to Cressida loads over the years. Not only about her books but books and life in general. I knew she was a lovely person from that but in person she was even more amazing. I’ve felt pretty crap of late especially as my face flared again just days before meeting Cressida. She was adorable and so heartwarming. Her speech was really something and the mention for bloggers made me and Laura smile a lot.
These are Laura’s books that she brought for Cress to sign what a stack…I got two paperbacks signed including the new one.
It was a lovely evening and I cannot wait to get back to this gorgeous Cornish series.
Now I love an event and I love an event even more when Lucy Vine is involved. Not only is she a go to author for me who is lovely as well as one of my favourite writers. Her latest novel Seven Exes I read last year and it’s only just been released at the end of May. You can read my review here. It’s a truly fantastic read that I’ll continue to gush on about forever more.
There are always books 📚 ❤️Laura reading from LoveStruck I’ve had a copy of this for a little while and will deffo get to it soon.
On Friday 2nd June I left work for Piccadilly and what a fun evening it was. Presented with a glass of Prosecco oh yes please and a voucher for a hair style. I did not that my hair blow dried but I did really enjoy the evening. Alongside Laura and Nadine. We had coffee and food before the bubbles and laughs.
I could listen to this prologue being read over and over again. Are you him? This is my absolute fave ❤️✌️Nadine me and Laura Then there were bubbles…
It was a truly fabulous night and I cannot wait to read Laura’s novel…she wrote a gorgeous little message in my book. ❤️ sorry this blog post seemed to take forever…
As I’ve said before I’ve really loved penning these posts. Thanks to the Twitter poll today I’m sharing some Bookish content.
Thanks to COVID a lot of events where shelved but I’m going back to long before COVID. To an event I was luckily enough to be invited to featuring Cecelia Ahern one of my favourite authors. You can read that post here.
I thought I would add another for good measure this was a fabulous Lindsey Kelk event with Paige Toon and Lucy Vine you can read that here.
As I keep saying I love these but I’m interested in what you want me to share.
Blink blink and another week passes us by. Is it just me or has 2020 been a mixture of fast impending weeks and never ending ones. This past week was a mixture – I’m still all over the place in regards to work so for now that’s all I will say on the matter.
Following last Saturday’s run I got back out on Tuesday. I decided to layer up slightly there were still the shorts but this time I went for my trusty football shirt and that added protection of my shoulders was good in terms of not being so cold. In saying that once I start running I’m sweating. This was my second 5K of December and I ran 5.06 miles which had me thinking I was closer to the 10k again.
Tuesday evening I was part of a Zoom chat with the lovely Books and the City team. There is a whole post dedicated to that which I will share later in this post. Tuesday also saw me finish listening to a gorgeous festive read but Patricia Scanlan and hit my GoodReads target for the year. Saying that I haven’t finished any of the ones I’ve started as I’ve had on/off headaches. I’m a lot better but hoping to get some more audio in today and then see how I am later on.
On Thursday I got back out and ran a 10k and I beat my personal best without even realising so that was a damn good feeling.
Yesterday I shared my thoughts on the crime anthology and you can read that post here.
Have a good week all and if there is anything you would love to see on here do get in touch. Right I’m off to listen to my audiobook whilst mr head is still so so. I believe I have a few blog blitz’s this coming week.
Back in March I attended my last in person blogger event with the lovely team from Books at the City and you can reread that post here. Little did we know that was only the beginning of how Covid would turn out, I don’t believe we were masked up then but we weren’t touching and we were hand sanitising.
Fast forward to December 2020 and us bloggers were invited to BATC 2021 Showcase but in this case we all attended via the comfort of our own homes via zoom. Where we would usually rock up to HQ alongside our blogger pals to sip on drinks and nibbles this time we were sent a box of treats. SJ always makes sure we are catered for even when we’re not in the same room.
I had a bit of a headache so opted for water so my martini is still in the fridge as we speak. I did gobble the Lindor chocolate almost instantly last night.
We had the same sort of format as what we would have in person with the various panels. Here I would usually have snapshots of the first bunch of authors and a little about their next book. I did not take pics of the screen.
Up first was Fanny Blake with The Long Way Home
I’m slightly ashamed to say I’ve not read anything from Fanny Blake I may need to rectify this.
Blurb: A family secret, a mysterious legacy, and a journey that will change everything…
When Isla, a 65-year-old grandmother, is left nothing but an old painting in her mother’s will, while her sisters and aunt inherit the estate, she is devastated. Close to retirement, getting ready to live on her own terms, the last thing she expects at this time of her life is such turmoil. So, to find an explanation for her mother’s rejection, she embarks on a road-trip.
But, right at the last moment, she’s forced to take her sullen – and, in her view, impossible – 14-year-old granddaughter Charlie with her. Cramped together in Isla’s car with her smelly old dog, these ill-assorted travelling companions set off to uncover some shattering and life-changing family truths at the same time as learning to love each other…
The Long Way Home is set in the UK and 1950s Paris where the story really begins, spanning four generations of women and the secrets that get passed down through them. This one is released on 7th January and you can pre-order here alternatively remember your local/independent book shops.
Patricia Scanlan was up next and her latest novel has had a revamp. The Liberation Of Brigid Dunne has now become A Family Reunion. I can see it working better this way I truly loved reading this book. This repackaging will be available on 4th March and you can pre-order it here.
Blurb: One explosive family reunion. A lifetime of secrets revealed.
When four feisty women from the same family, get together at a family reunion, anything can happen…
Marie-Claire, betrayed by her partner Marc plans her revenge to teach him a lesson he will never forget. She travels from Toronto, home to Ireland, to the house of the Four Winds, for her great aunt Reverend Mother Brigid’s eightieth birthday celebrations. It will be a long-awaited reunion for three generations of family, bringing together her mother, Keelin and grandmother, Imelda – who have never quite got along
And then all hell breaks loose.
Bitter, jealous Imelda makes a shocking revelation that forces them all to confront their pasts, admit mistakes, and face the truths that have shaped their lives. With four fierce, opinionated women in one family, will they ever be able to forgive the past and share a future?
And what of Marc?
It’s never too late to make amends…or is it?
As mentioned I loved this book and you can read my thoughts here.
Annoyingly I can’t share an individual pic of Penny Parkes Home but I will share the group image. Penny’s Next offering sounds amazing and once the festive reads are behind me I can see this being one of the first of next years releases that I read.
Home – Penny Parkes
Blurb: Anna Wilson travels the world as a professional housesitter – stepping into other people’s lives – caring for their homes, pets and sometimes even neighbours. Living vicariously.
But all Anna has ever really wanted is a home of her own – a proper one, filled with family and love and happy memories. If only she knew where to start.
Growing up in foster care, she always envied her friends their secure and carefree lives, their certainty and confidence. And, while those same friends may have become her family of choice, Anna is still stuck in that nomadic cycle, looking for answers, trying to find the courage to put down roots and find a place to call home. This one looks like a July release for digital and you can pre-order it here.
Catherine Issac – The World at My Feet
Blurb: The secrets that bind us can also tear us apart…
1990. Harriet is a journalist. Her job takes her to dangerous places, where she asks questions and tries to make a difference. But when she is sent to Romania, to the state orphanages the world is only just learning about, she is forced to rethink her most important rule.
2018. Ellie is a gardener. Her garden is her sanctuary, her pride and joy. But, though she spends long days outdoors, she hasn’t set foot beyond her gate for far too long. Now someone enters her life who could finally be the reason she needs to overcome her fears.
From post-revolution Romania to the idyllic English countryside, The World at My Feet is the story of two women, two worlds, and a journey of self-discovery that spans a lifetime.
This one sounds amazing I loved You, Me Everything – you can read my review here. and ashamedly I have Messy Wonderful Us still on my TBR. You can pre-order it here.
Helen Fisher – Space Hopper
This is a debut for 2021 and the BATC team have been shouting about this one for a while. I must say I’m intrigued and following the debuts I read this year I can’t wait to see where this one takes me.
Blurb: This is a story about taking a leap of faith And believing the unbelievable
They say those we love never truly leave us, and I’ve found that to be true. But not in the way you might expect. In fact, none of this is what you’d expect.
I’ve been visiting my mother who died when I was eight. And I’m talking about flesh and blood, tea-and-biscuits-on-the-table visiting here.
Right now, you probably think I’m going mad. Let me explain…
Although Faye is happy with her life, the loss of her mother as a child weighs on her mind even more now that she is a mother herself. So she is amazed when, in an extraordinary turn of events, she finds herself back in her childhood home in the 1970s. Faced with the chance to finally seek answers to her questions – but away from her own family – how much is she willing to give up for another moment with her mother? and you can pre-order it here it’s out on 4th February 2021.
Eva Verde- Lives Like Mine – another debut to sink your teeth into.
Blurb: Mother. To three small children, their heritage dual like hers.
Daughter. To a mother who immigrated to make a better life but has been rejected by her chosen country.
Wife. To a man who loves her but who will not defend her to his intolerant family.
Woman… Whose roles now define her and trap her in a life she no longer recognises…
Meet Monica, the flawed heroine at the heart of LIVES LIKE MINE.
With her three children in school, Monica finds herself wondering if this is all there is. Despite all the effort and the smiles, in the mirror she sees a woman hollowed out from putting everyone else first, tolerating her in-laws’ intolerance, and wondering if she has a right to complain when she’s living the life that she has created for herself.
Then along comes Joe, a catalyst for change in the guise of a flirtatious parent on the school run. Though the sudden spark of their affair is hedonistic and oh so cathartic, Joe soon offers a friendship that shows Monica how to resurrect and honour the parts of her identity that she has long suppressed. He is able to do for Monica what Dan has never managed to, enabling her both to face up to a past of guilty secrets and family estrangements, and to redefine her future. You can pre-order it here. Released on 10th June 2021.
Based on hearing Eva talk about this I’m intrigued by her novel she comes across so well.
Rachel Hore – A Beautiful Spy
Blurb: Minnie Gray is an ordinary young woman. She is also a spy for the British government.
It all began in the summer of 1928…
Minnie is supposed to find a nice man, get married and have children. The problem is it doesn’t appeal to her at all. She is working as a secretary, but longs to make a difference.
Then, one day, she gets her chance. She is recruited by the British government as a spy. Under strict instructions not to tell anyone, not even her family, she moves to London and begins her mission – to infiltrate the Communist movement.
She soon gains the trust of important leaders. But as she grows more and more entangled in the workings of the movement, her job becomes increasingly dangerous. Leading a double life is starting to take its toll on her relationships and, feeling more isolated than ever, she starts to wonder how this is all going to end. The Russians are notorious for ruthlessly disposing of people given the slightest suspicion.
What if they find out?
You can pre-order it here on 18th February 2021. Rachel is another author I’m yet to read and I really must change that.
Caroline Bishop – The Other Daughter
Blurb: You only get one life – but what if it isn’t the one you were meant to live?
‘When it finally arrived I was shocked to see it; to read the words Mum wrote about these women fighting for rights I know I take for granted. Mum was here. And while she was, something happened that changed the entire course of my life. Perhaps, if I can summon the courage, the next eight weeks will help me finally figure out what that was . . .’
When Jessica discovers a shocking secret about her birth, she leaves her London home and travels to Switzerland in search of answers. She knows her journalist mother spent time in the country forty years earlier, reporting on the Swiss women’s liberation movement, but what she doesn’t know is what happened to her while she was there. Can Jess summon the courage to face the truth about her family, or will her search only hurt herself and those around her even more? You can find it Here another one released on 18th February 2021.
Claire Frost – Marriedat First Swipe
Blurb: Hannah lives life on the edge. Never one to pass up on a new adventure, she has truly been living her best life. But once the adrenaline wears off, she wishes she had someone to spend the quieter moments with too. Learning that her best friend’s online dating business has taken a hit, she comes up with an idea that just might solve both of their problems…
Jess has been with her husband for twenty years. They have a stable marriage, great kids and run their own businesses. But what looks like a perfect life from the outside has its own problems within, and with her business on the brink Jess can’t help but wonder where the spark has gone in her life, and whether settling down is all it’s cracked up to be.
When Hannah embarks upon her latest scheme: finding a man using Jess’s dating app and meeting him for the first time at the altar, both women start to realise the grass isn’t always greener. Can Hannah help her friend save her failing business or will Jess stop her from making what could be the biggest mistake of her life?
In the modern tech-fuelled world of dating, is it possible to find true love? You can pre-order Claire’s second book here this one is released on 4th Feb 2021. I truly loved Claire’s debut and you can read my thoughts on that here.
Laura Bambrey – The Beginners Guide To Loneliness
Blurb: Tori Williamson is alone. After a tragic event left her isolated from her loved ones, she’s been struggling to find her way back to, well – herself. That’s why she set up her blog, The Beginner’s Guide to Loneliness, as a way of – anonymously – connecting with the outside world and reaching others who just need a little help sometimes.
When she’s offered a free spot on a wellbeing retreat in exchange for a review on her blog, Tori is anxious about opening herself up to new surroundings. But after her three closest friends – who she talks to online but has never actually met – convince her it’ll do her some good, she reluctantly agrees and heads off for three weeks in the wild (well, a farm in Wales).
From the moment she arrives, Tori is sceptical and quickly finds herself drawn to fellow sceptic Than, the retreat’s dark and mysterious latecomer. But as the beauty of The Farm slowly comes to light she realizes that opening herself up might not be the worst thing. And sharing a yurt with fellow retreater Bay definitely isn’t. Will the retreat be able to fix Tori? Or will she finally learn that being lonely doesn’t mean she’s broken . . . You can purchase this here. I loved every single second of this book and you can read my thoughts here.
Jackie Fraser – The Bookshop Of Second Chances
Blurb: Thea’s having a bad month. Not only has she been made redundant, she’s also discovered her husband of nearly twenty years is sleeping with one of her friends. And he’s not sorry – he’s leaving.
Bewildered and lost, Thea doesn’t know what to do. But, when she learns the great-uncle she barely knew has died and left her his huge collection of second-hand books and a house in the Scottish Lowlands, she seems to have been offered a second chance.
Running away to a little town where no one knows her seems like exactly what Thea needs. But when she meets the aristocratic Maltravers brothers – grumpy bookshop owner Edward and his estranged brother Charles, Lord Hollinshaw – her new life quickly becomes just as complicated as the life she was running from…this one is available right now and you can find it here.
Simon Booker – Three’s A Crowd
Blurb: Out-of-work actor Harriet is recuperating from a crash-and-burn affair with Damian – aka ‘Cockweasel’ – and making ends meet as a barista when she meets two rather lovely men. Tom is a regular at the café, and seems like such a nice guy. Smooth-talking DJ Richardis older, but in great shape – a real silver fox.
Deciding to take a chance on both of them, Harriet doesn’t realise at first that she is actually dating father and son. Tom and Richard aren’t on speaking terms, and don’t share a last name – so how was she to know? By the time everyone finds out, both Tom and Richard are truly madly deeply in love with Harriet, and she’s faced with an impossible choice.
But as the battle for her affections intensifies, ‘Cockweasel’ makes an unexpected reappearance and begs her to give him another chance…
There’s a bit of a wait for this one as it’s released on 24th August but it’s already available for pre-order here
Heidi Swain – A Taste of Home
Blurb: Fliss Brown has grown up living with her mother on the Rossi family’s Italian fruit farm. But when her mother dies, Fliss finds out she has a family of her own, and heads back to England with Nonna Rossi’s recipe for cherry and almond tart and a piece of advice: connect with your family before it is too late…
Fliss discovers that her estranged grandfather owns a fruit farm himself, on the outskirts of Wynbridge, and she arrives to find a farm that has fallen into disrepair. Using her knowledge gleaned from working on the Rossi farm and her desire to find out more about her past, Fliss rolls her sleeves up and gets stuck in. But what will she discover, and can she resurrect the farm’s glory days and find a taste of home…?
Heidi’s next offering is released on 29th April 2021 and you can pre-order here. I can’t say I’ve read all of Heidi’s but I do have them and the ones I have read are outstanding. Heidi really does offer an author hug in each of her books so I cannot wait to get stuck in and back to Wynbridge.
Sharon Gosling – The House Beneath the Cliffs
Blurb: Anna moves to Crovie, a tiny fishing village on the Moray Firth, for a fresh start. But when she arrives, she realises her new home is really no more than a shed, and the village itself sits beneath a cliff right on the edge of the sea, in constant danger of storms and landslides. Has she made a terrible mistake?
Yet as she begins to learn about the Scottish coast and its people, something she thought she’d lost reawakens in her. She rediscovers her love of cooking, and turns her kitchen into a pop-up lunch club. But not all the locals are delighted about her arrival, and some are keen to see her plans fail.
Will Anna really be able to put down roots in this remote and wild village? Or will her fragile new beginning start to crumble with the cliffs . . . ?
Another intriguing atmospheric sounding book that’s also released on 29th April and you can pre-order it here.
Thank you to SJ and the Books at the City team for connecting us and organising a fabulous zoom event. The new normal hasn’t stopped us from reading and discussing fabulous books. Sadly I’ve woke headachey today so haven’t managed any reading as yet but I wanted to share my thoughts as I usually would following an event. I cannot wait to dive into these books once I’ve finished with the Christmas ones.
I have to start by saying it’s always a pleasure and a privilege to be invited to Simon & Schuster HQ, not only are they the hardest working bunch but they are the nicest people who always host an impressive event.
Whatever day week or month of the year it is I always want to be there. Not only do they make me feel valued I always leave feeling motivated and ready to accomplish anything, whether it be within my bookish realm or other aspects of my working or personal life and I will always thank them for that. It’s also a time for me to catch up with a number of my blogger pals, there’s a few of us who constantly say we will catch up more but it’s not always possible although as I had the day off I managed to meet Laura aka @grumpygirlie for food and a beverage before proceedings which was lovely and well overdue to say the least.
During the event…we were part of the gorgeous exclusive reveal of Caroline Scott’s next novel.
I haven’t read her first novel yet but what she spoke about from this one has really moved me so I’m sure it will get pushed up my list although this isn’t released until October.I shamefully didn’t take many pictures of the fabulous authors as I was too busy getting lost in their words…and during the signing session I was talking a lot.
There was a quiz on all things Simon & Schuster and I was lucky enough to be on the winning team. We were accompanied by the stunning Santa Montefiore and this was my prize…
I’m such a Lindt fan I may have already devoured two of these beauties.
How gorgeous are these flat lays for the stunning books. I haven’t read any of Santa’s books but this one I’m definitely pushing further up my pile. Anstey’s debut was one of my favourite reads of last year so I cannot wait to read this one. I devoured part one of this in January and I’m eagerly awaiting the next instalment.I was convinced this bad boy would be in my goodie bag. I was wrong but in a way I’m glad As temptation would have won over and I’m in the middle of a readathon of Paige’s books. This is a debut that sounds so fun and Sara was super lovely…I read this book a while ago and I will get my thoughts together ASAP it’s gorgeous and Christina is lovely. I haven’t read anything like this in forever and it really will happen soon. A Simon & Schuster event always has stunning cakes and here they are again.
I always have such envy over the gorgeous Shelves. Even though mine are pretty good they don’t look like this.
I know you’ve eagerly scrolled to see my goodie bag so without further ado here is what I received and from the additional shelves I was good only taking one extra book.
Thank you as ever to SJ and the fabulous team for a truly fantastic evening surrounded by inspirational women. I cannot wait to dig in to this varied selection of reads. I swear I always leave wantingto instantlyread them all.
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.
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.
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.
I have been a pretty awful blogger of late. As a good friend of mine said I’ve been a butterfly reader flitting from book to book. As it stands I’m trying to rectify that I have an audio thriller and a gorgeous fiction book on the go and I’m determined to get them finished and do them both justice as I am truly mesmerised by both.
I’ve also managed to miss a few blog tour posts they will go up I’m just unsure as to when. But watch this space.
On Monday I attended the Literati at the gorgeous Grosvenor Hotel a truly fabulous event alongside those faves of mine at Simon & Schuster. This event was a birthday gift from the money my brother gave to me and wow it did not disappoint.
What a night it was…I was lucky enough to catch up with the gorgeous Laura and Charlene two of my blogger friends. It’s always an absolute pleasure ladies, we share a love of books and also look out for each other as individuals – we don’t always get to catch up but we relish the chances when they arise.
The event was hosted by Fanny Blake – in conversation with Milly Johnson, Anstey Harris, Catherine Steadman and Susan Elliott Wright at the stunning Grosvenor House. The questioning and manner by Fanny was exquisite, I didn’t ask a question myself but I did enjoy listening to those who did and speaking to the ladies whilst getting my books signed.
I’ve read and totally adored The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton and The Flight Of Cornelia Blackwood. I had hoped to have finished Milly’s before this day….but I had started it and in talking to Milly I had reached the fun part and I can totally see that I’m loving her latest novel so much. Until now I’ve only read a few of her shorts even though I have a few others. I do love finding fabulous authors when they have a fantastic back catalogue waiting for me.
It was a truly gorgeous evening that started with Elderflower water and ended with Prosecco and nibbles listening to these fabulous ladies talk of their books. Catherine Steadman’s book definitely sounds like a book I need on my TBR pile I’m contemplating listening to this on audio after the thriller I’m in the middle of.
A great night a stunning location, fabulous books and chatter a Monday treat. I’m so glad I made this event and I finally got my books signed by 3 out of 4. I can’t wait to see what other events the Grosvenor hold in the future…Thank you to SJ for letting me steal her gorgeous picture of these fantastic ladies. What a way to spend a Monday evening.
I have lots I hope to share on here in the next coming days….watch this space.
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. 
I’ve read and totally adored The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton and The Flight Of Cornelia Blackwood. I had hoped to have finished Milly’s before this day….but I had started it and in talking to Milly I had reached the fun part and I can totally see that I’m loving her latest novel so much. Until now I’ve only read a few of her shorts even though I have a few others. I do love finding fabulous authors when they have a fantastic back catalogue waiting for me.
It was a truly gorgeous evening that started with Elderflower water and ended with Prosecco and nibbles listening to these fabulous ladies talk of their books. Catherine Steadman’s book definitely sounds like a book I need on my TBR pile I’m contemplating listening to this on audio after the thriller I’m in the middle of.
A great night a stunning location, fabulous books and chatter a Monday treat. I’m so glad I made this event and I finally got my books signed by 3 out of 4. I can’t wait to see what other events the Grosvenor hold in the future…Thank you to SJ for letting me steal her gorgeous picture of these fantastic ladies. What a way to spend a Monday evening.
HayleyReviews10 
You must be logged in to post a comment.