Weekly Update #84

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.

• Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow
• Blood Flowers
• Partners in crime
• Something else.

Monthly wrap up: What I read in January…

Sooo January is most definitely over and now we move into my most favourite month of the year. It’s also a big one for me this year 👀.

There was no January TBR so in that there was no specific pressure. I set my GoodReads target for the year as 75 after over achieving last year. I’m pleased to say that January was a really good month I read 8 books. It was a majority audiobook month, which means I’m on 6 audiobooks for the year so far in my #Audiobookchallenge2024 which I believe I set to 50. So a really good start to the year…

This was my first read of the year…I had hoped to have finished this on the last day of December but that wasn’t to be and sadly my thoughts haven’t been fully penned.

My first audiobook of 2024 had to be a Colleen Hoover novel. I listened to and read a number of hers last year and I’ve loved every single second of each read in differing ways. My Review

Another audiobook well let’s face it most of January’s reads were. This was on my TBR for a while and I also had the ebook but this was a Libby read and a really good one. My Review

A collection of short stories as part of a blog tour. I really do love doing these type of reviews and reading out of my comfort zones.

Another audio and a short one of two festive stories from the fabulous Giovanna Fletcher. Another one that I haven’t penned my thoughts on and I’m not sure I will. I do really want to read the full book that these characters are from.

Another Colleen Hoover treat – an interesting listen. You can read my review here.

This was a gorgeous Netgalley audiobook and this is a February release. See sometimes I’m organised and ahead of the game. You can read my review here.

Now how I have had this on my TBR for so long. A no nonsense much needed self help book. I listened to this and have another of Sarah’s awaiting me watch this space for my thoughts.

What else would you like to see in these wrap ups? And would you like a February TBR?

November and December wrap ups…

Was it just me or did November fly by super quickly. So I didn’t do a November TBR as following the headaches I was advised to get new lenses in one eye. So during that time I only listened to audiobooks. Thankfully the new lenses have helped and the only time since I’ve had headaches was when I got a cold. Which I seemed to have picked up twice within a quick succession.

So let’s see what November looked like…

For some reason I did not share an actual review but I loved listening to this one.

My Review

This one was full of angst and sexiness yet I didn’t give it my full review. Once I finish the series I will definitely review This Girl. Watch this space.

Let’s move onto December now I had a few colds which gave me massive headaches so it was a bit of an in and out month to say the least. Alongside work, Christmas events and football too. December was a fully audiobook month – it was easier although there is a book I’m still to finish that is a great kindle read so watch this space for that in my January list.

The review for this is coming so watch this space. What I will say is BELIEVE the HYPE.

This book I can’t stop thinking about. You can read my thoughts here.

My Review

This is another one that’s almost sorted so watch this space.

This is a short audiobook but it was so empowering I listened to it a handful of times. So much so I’ve re borrowed it to listen once more before I share my thoughts.

I’ve already finished three books for January….so let’s see how many I can do this month. I’ve already read 2 audiobooks towards the #2024AudiobookChallenge.

October wrap up…

Happy Friday all and I’m so sorry that I’ve been MIA a lot of late.

So it’s a short one just before the month ended I was plagued with thudding headaches. Having now seen the opticians it seems my right eye prescription has changed. So for now I’m just listening to audiobooks until my new lenses arrive. I’m hoping then I’ll feel myself again as these on/off headaches and constantly drinking water have been hell. Plus I’ve really loved delving into Agatha Christie and cannot wait to get back to that.

These are the two books I read in October.

I also did not finish a book and I’m potentially about to do that again. I hate doing that but sometimes it has to happen.

I’m currently listening to….

This is just what my weary head has needed.

So as it stands I won’t be doing a November TBR. I won’t get my new lenses until 15th so it’ll be audiobook time and then I’ll see what happens.

Weekly Update #64

Another week where I almost didn’t create this post. It’s been a hectic week in many ways and I’m overtired today. Hoping to get back to my book and take it relatively easy today.

It’s been one of those times where events keep coming. I need to be a bit boring now as I’ve felt like I’ve overdone it in more ways than one, so bar football and work time to chill.

So this week saw me finish February and my February reading and start on March, I still haven’t got a new pair of headphones but I have started reading The Thursday Murder Club. And I’m itching to get back to it.

So let’s look at what’s been on the blog this week. On Sunday I shared a Six for Sunday and you can read that post here.

On Monday I shared a bit of a different post and you can read that here.

On Tuesday I shared a Top Ten Tuesday and you can read that here.

On Wednesday I shared my February Wrap up and you can read that here.

So that’s this week I’m just about to get back to my cuppa and book. Have a good week and let me know if there is anything you want to see here at Hayley Reviews. Champions League for me on Wednesday bar that it’ll be a chilled week of work and reading.

Ooooh I had hoped to have posted a post for this but I was rather busy with work but look at the cover for Ruth Wares Zero Days…isn’t it a beauty.

Until next time.

February Wrap Up…

I was so optimistic by my February TBR and you can read that here, but my headphones dying on me threw a spanner in the works. That meant the audiobooks I had hoped to read have only slightly happened. But there has also been a number of positives to the second month of the year…

I had started Spare when it came out but I guess I took my time with it and it was completed in February. You can read my thoughts here.

As I mentioned it had been a while since I read a Mike Gayle book but this one hooked me in from the blurb in sorting a few things in my room, so naturally this became my first physical book of February. You can read my thoughts here.

I was lucky enough to be on the blog tour for Fanny Blake’s latest novel and what a treat it was. This book took me to sunnier climes yet it was also extremely thought provoking. You can read my review on this one here.

I was lucky enough to be asked if I wanted to read some poetry. Something I keep saying I’ll do more of and in February I did just that.

Some aspects weren’t my usual read but enlightening to say the least. You can read my thoughts here.

Miranda Dickinson is the author who just keeps on giving. Esther and Archie well and truly stole my heart. This was my final book of February and what a way to go out, my heart is well and truly full. I will never forget this story, my full review will be up asap.

So that was February…..let’s see what March is saying…I shall be starting a new read today…

Weekly Update #49

It’s been a hot minute since I shared one of these the last one you can re-read here. I’m so sorry this is the first one of 2022 and we’re in October.

But we’re back….well for those of you who have been here a while this post usually consists of lots of running selfies as well as updates on blog posts and stuff but as it stands there hasn’t been any running as my foot is still kinda off. (That’s a whole other story)

I have been undertaking in daily 100 skips which is my challenge as part of October for Cancer Research UK if you would like to sponsor me you can do so here anything you can spare I will be eternally grateful. I’m off the starting blocks in terms of sponsors thanks to Nichola but they are still light and I’m on day 8 having successfully got through this far….

In regards to blog posts up first this week was my October TBR which you can read here.

Tuesday saw my besties birthday I took the day off and we attended the Jurassic World exhibition in London which was a lot of fun

That evening we went to see & Juliet. I still can’t believe it had taken us this long to see it and following watching the show I penned my thoughts and you can read them here

The next blog post I posted was a round up of what I read in September and you can read that here.

Yesterday I shared my thoughts on Bryony Gordon’s Let Down Your Hair and you can read that here.

In terms of reading I finished my first audiobook of the month this week and that was Christina Lauren’s Something Wilder.

I am hoping to have finished penning my thoughts to share this review with you tomorrow.

Last night I was lucky enough to be at Wembley Stadium to watch the England Lionesses take on USA. European Champions against World Champions – what a night it was what a game but thankfully the ladies came through once again. I was so grateful to have bagged a ticket following the Euros. What I will say is they are truly intoxicating to watch. The confidence they have in each other is awe inspiring what a night. I love watching the men but the atmosphere was a different level for the ladies.

May have found this beauty too. The Bobby Moore entrance was an experience on its own.

This morning I’ve already pushed myself to the limit. I returned to Park Run but not as a runner as a volunteer tail walker and on a beautiful morning it wasn’t a chore. I must admit I obviously miss running it.

I’ve also undertaken my 100 skips as per my October challenge. I did treat myself to a few cheeky hash browns and now I’m almost at my Legs, Bums and Tums class. They’ll be time to get refreshed and to refuel before I start work later. Happy Saturday all. Whatever you do make sure you do it with a smile.

As always if there is something else you would like to see me feature on the blog do get in touch. Until next time have a fabulous weekend.

A very delayed what I read in May and June…

Firstly, I want to apologise for the lack of posts and general interaction here at Hayley Reviews. Returning to work has been exactly what I’ve needed but in my promotion it’s taken a lot more of my time.

As always I am still reading but my reading in itself has been somewhat sporadic. I still have an audiobook on the go – from a go to author that’s still not been finished and I thought my time with Paige Toon’s latest would have been shorter than it has been. If you remember rightly I read the sampler and was desperate for more. You can read my initial thoughts here.

I also realised I hadn’t done a post about what I had read in May and now I also have the update from June…hoping July brings back all the books as I’m a tad behind on my GoodReads target for the year when I had started well. I’m currently sat at 53 with 6 books behind.

I went back to work on the 19th May so I had some time before. So let’s look at what I read.

May Reads

Love & Other Words

Stronger

My Review

My Review

My Review

My Review

My Review

A few of my May reads still need reviewing so watch this space, and apologies to the authors of these stunning reads I’ve truly enjoyed everything I’ve read.

June Reads – I had such hopes but it really was a weird one.

My Review

My Review

My Review

I hope to get back on track – in penning this I haven’t got much reading done so I will be getting back to that shortly. I’m hoping to get the weekly update back but I’m not sure whether it will feature tomorrow or Sunday as yet. Watch this space?

Would you like to see my hopes for July? If so leave me a comment below.

What I read In April…

So here we are the first weekend in a new month, but before we get too far ahead let’s look back on April. April felt a little weird, I didn’t read as much as I have in the last few months especially when I read 13 books in March.

I thought I would have got another book or two finished on the final day of the month but that didn’t happen. In April I read 8 books which isn’t awful but I felt I come up a bit short.

I also didn’t listen to many audiobooks when I had wanted to listen to 4 – with one a week being my aim. I finished Mike Gayle’s The To-Do List at the beginning of April and I listened to Cressida McLaughlin’s Cornish Cream Tea Christmas. Bringing my total to two – I did start Christina Lauren Love and Other Words.

My Review

My Review

So what else did I read…..

My Review

Buddy reads

My Review

I’m on the blog tour for this one so my review will be up this week.

What else did I read…

I haven’t penned my thoughts as yet. Watch this space – hopefully this week. My first Berts Book subscription book.

My Review

My Review

I also read the teaser sampler of this beauty that will be out in June.

My Review

Let’s see how I done against my April TBR you can read that post here. So I posted 8 books and these are the ones I haven’t read yet.

I had aimed to have read parts 1&2 there are now 3 parts available.

This is a NetGalley read and I had hoped to have read this alongside a lighter read. It will happen ASAP.

I have an ebook and audiobook. This will be my next audio read.

Now it wasn’t too bad considering but do I post a May TBR? As I would like to catch up on the Netgalley reads I should have read and I have a bunch I hope to get to this month. Let me know whether you want me to post a May TBR.

In some ways I like writing these posts even if they make me feel off if I don’t succeed. May will be a strange one as hopefully by the 19th I will be back at work, granted I will have break time and bus journeys to read.

What I read in March…

Here we are another month down, so what did March look like in reading terms.

This month myself and Catriona were undertaking Mike Gayle March and the first one I read was Turning 40. This was also my very first Mike Gayle read, I’ve had a few of his books on my Kindle for ages and I’ve been meaning to dive into his back catalogue, and what an experience it’s been. There will be another blog post soon in regards to Mike Gayle so watch this space.

My Review

I started March finishing off listening to Always the Bridesmaid by Lindsey Kelk I adore Lindsey’s writing but I’m still behind with her back catalogue. I couldn’t decide whether to get back to the I Heart series or try something else – Always The Bridesmaid is one I kept coming back to so it was a no brainer.

My Review

I also read a number of blog tour reads during March.

My Review

My Review

My Review

I’ve had this short read on my Kindle for a while so I decided this month would be the time to read it.

My Review

Back in December I believe I attended the BATC 2021 showcase you can read my post on the online event here. This novel was spoken about, I knew it would be a must and this was a gorgeous buddy read.

My Review

My Review

My Review

My Review

Wish You Were Here well and truly gave me all the feels and had me reminiscent of holidays in general and those of old. My Review

My Review

My Review

Louise & Sarah’s books were both a treat and insightful reads. I hope to add more autobiographies to my reading.

I had hoped to have finished my audiobook of The To Do List by Mike Gayle to complete March but that was not to be. I must say I’m enjoying it immensely and I look forward to how many books I complete in April. I may actually do a TBR for April and see how I get on with it, I usually jinx myself but I’m pretty sure the last one I wrote I done ok with.

13 reads in total in March is not too shabby at all and it’s increased month on month.