Weekly Update #44

Just like that another week has passed by and with that another month. Today marks the first of May. Where did April go???

In line with the sports social blackout this weekend I will only be on the blog over this weekend, mainly because it’s update day and also because I want a fully productive month of May. Although I will admit I feel like I’ve been a bit weird about wanting to post daily and then stressing over it and posting random posts. That’s not what I want but I would like to get through May with a post every single day, although in saying that I’ll be going back to work this month so that’s also part of the reason I am aiming to be organised and productive.

Monday saw Week 2 Run 3 of the restart to Couch to 5k.

I also managed to book in to get my haircut on Tuesday next week…and I honestly cannot wait for a much needed colour and cut. On my travels I saw this beaut of a tree.

Wednesday saw me take on Week 3 Run 1 this week we have mixed the tempo with a 90 sec run like last week and also a 3 min run it felt good to up the tempo.

It seemed colder and rain was forecast it’s safe to say I was sweating almost instantly.

Yesterday I undertook the second run of week 3 and I had the perfect temperatures for this. I’m loving the progress again it maybe slow but it’s steady and I’m back out there so I’m fully embracing those positives.

This week I read:

I had hoped to have finished my audio and physical book to top off my April reads but that wasn’t meant to be. Although I am eager to get my audiobook finished today as the service I am using ends tomorrow. So I want to finish the book in time.

What’s been on the blog:

On Sunday I shared my thoughts on the World Book Night – Stories That Make You Smile and you can read that here.

On Monday I shared a Monday Motivation and Smiles post and you can read that here.

On Tuesday I shared a Cover Reveal courtesy of Love Books Tours and you can read it here.

On Wednesday there was no post.

On Thursday there was a Blog Blitz and a blog tour review. In the Blood blog blitz and

Until Next Weekend review.

On Friday I spent most of my time reading and therefore there wasn’t a blog post.

So that’s my week…. I’m feeling pretty good and extremely empowered right now so let’s see what May has to say.

Book Review: Stories To Make You Smile edited By Fanny Blake

Blurb: A seriously entertaining collection of feelgood stories guaranteed to put the smile back on your face written especially by ten bestselling novelists:

Jenny Éclair
Mark Watson
Veronica Henry
Eva Verde
Richard Madeley
Katie Fforde
Dorothy Koomson
Vaseem Khan
Helen Lederer
Rachel Hore

From a hilarious race against time to a moment of unexpected eavesdropping, from righting wrongs in rural India to finding joy in unlikely places, these stories are all rich in wit and humour, guaranteed to lift your spirits and warm your heart.

Stories to Make you Smile is a co-commission between The Reading Agency and Specsavers as part of World Book Night 2021.

Review: A truly gorgeous selection of short stories compiled for World Book Night. I love a short story and I also love getting a snapshot of authors who I’m yet to read. There’s a number of bestsellers in this list who I’ve never read and I may well change that following these stories.

Stories To Make You Smile sure will make you smile. It’s a short read that’s been a blessing alongside my longer reads.

Behind My Back Fat – Jenny Eclair I’ve never read anything of Jenny’s before this but it sure was a breathe of fresh air and the perfect start to this collection. It was funny and sad in equal measure with a fab ending that made me smile.

Schooled -Mark Watson I’ve never read anything from Mark either yet I’m intrigued this one had me constantly on my toes.

The First Birthday Party – Veronica Henry This one was gorgeous. There was a real sense of togetherness and sisterhood and I loved the family aspect and the years later. This was a hopeful escapist read.

Purpose – Eva Verde I truly loved this short, dose of lockdown, dose of neighbours – not knowing each other etc I really loved everything about this short story and now I’m even more excited to dive into her debut full length novel.

Job Opportunity- Richard Madeley This one kept me intrigued from start to finish. It was fast paced and real. I was left wanting more and wondering as this was based on a real event. I may well have to look into Richards actual novels.

The Wrong Cake – Katie Fforde. It’s been a while since I’ve read a Katie novel and I really should change that. This was an absolute treat it was real and such fun with a dash of romance thrown in.

Blind Dates – Dorothy Koomsan Another author who is well loved that I haven’t read. This short story had me hooked, I loved the realness of the blind dates and the friendship aspect made me miss my friends so much.

Blind Justice – Vaseem Khan An interesting short story that made me think. Another author who I had never heard of before this collection.

A Slightly Open Marriage – Helen Lederer This was fun and definitely kept me guessing from start to end. This was amusing and I will definitely look to this author again.

A Relaxing Day of Retail Therapy- Rachel Hore This story had so many twists and turns along the way. There was an element of mystery that led to one of our leading ladies finally sticking up for herself. I really must read more from Rachel as I really loved this.

A gorgeous selection of stories that were absolutely free to read. Although what I didn’t pay for in this I will be paying for in reading more from these authors.

World Book Night…#WorldBookNight #Readinghour

Today marks World Book Night hosted by The Regency Agency in partnership with Specsavers. To find out more take a look at the site here.

This year marks the 10th Anniversary and there is a special book called Books To Make You Smile and its a free ebook and audiobook. It pinged onto my kindle during the early hours as yet I haven’t got to it as I’ve taken longer than expected with my current read but I can’t wait to dive into this one.

About the book: A seriously entertaining collection of feelgood stories guaranteed to put the smile back on your face written especially by ten bestselling novelists:

Jenny Éclair
Mark Watson
Veronica Henry
Eva Verde
Richard Madeley
Katie Fforde
Dorothy Koomson
Vaseem Khan
Helen Lederer
Rachel Hore

From a hilarious race against time to a moment of unexpected eavesdropping, from righting wrongs in rural India to finding joy in unlikely places, these stories are all rich in wit and humour, guaranteed to lift your spirits and warm your heart.

Stories to Make you Smile is a co-commission between The Reading Agency and Specsavers as part of World Book Night 2021.

I’m really looking forward to reading this as there are a few authors on this list I’m yet to read, and my ever expanding pile is always welcoming of more books.

There are a number of events online and the #readinghour is from 7pm-8pm so join in via the hashtag on socials. I will be doing my best to get involved where possible.