Blurb: A stolen painting. A gangster intent on revenge. And nothing is what it seems.
Art consultant Kate Carpenter has an off-the-books sideline in art recovery, dealing with thieves, gangsters and the occasional war criminal to reunite priceless artworks with their owners. But when she refuses a request from the owner of one missing painting, Yuri Sokolov isn’t prepared to take no for an answer.
Her knowledge has cost him millions, he wants revenge, and he isn’t planning to show any mercy. The only way that Kate can get Yuri Sokolov to keep his distance is to find out exactly what happened to his painting, but when she starts scraping away at the surface, she finds that nothing is exactly as it appears.
Don’t Blink is the first book in the Kate Carpenter series.
Review: Recently I read and enjoyed the Kate Carpenter novella Vanishing Point. Which was in part mentioned in this book although this can be read as a stand alone as most of what I learned is explained. You can read my thoughts On Vanishing Point here.
So when Kelly sent the email round about a full on Kate Carpenter novel I was intrigued.
Kate is an interesting woman who works as an Art Consultant but her biggest thrill is the chase on finding stolen art. In part it follows on from Vanishing Point with a few differences although in Don’t Blink there are elements to a different side to Kate she’s contemplating changes. Her relationship is different to that of before and I love that Kate is such a headstrong woman not willing to be changed or taken down by a man. I learnt a lot about her past in the novella and my this tough cookie has come a long way. Her knowledge is her arsenal and what ultimately puts her in danger in Don’t Blink.
When the action spiralled my did it spiral although at a few points I was like how can this series continue. There were a few surprises although I do think there will be a few more as this series continues. I loved that when most women would admit defeat and give up Kate goes headstrong into the face of danger – although when it looks like those she holds dear could be in the crossfire she decides to take drastic action.
Vanessa has effortlessly created a character who can show her vulnerability as a woman as-well as her courage and strength. I loved seeing the changes in her and I’m still left extremely intrigued by Kate her story and her team. I’m also once again interested in that of the art world funnily enough they are just as bad as the fashion world.
Blurb: Bring the sparkle and fizz back into your life with the help of The Gin O’Clock Club.
Lottie is always in a hurry, rushing through her days ticking tasks off her to-do lists. Teddy is worried about his granddaughter – and he knows that his late wife, Lily, would have known exactly what to say to make things better. Now that Lily has gone, it’s up to Teddy to talk some sense into Lottie.
With the help of Arjun, Geoffrey and Howard, the elderly reprobates who make up his Gin O’Clock Club, Teddy makes a plan to help Lottie find her way back to the things that really matter – family, friendship and love. But as Lottie balances a high-powered job with her reluctant attendance at whist drives, ballroom dances and bingo, Teddy wonders if she’s really ready to open up her heart to the possibility of true happiness…
Review: Where do I start? I’ve been a massive fan of Rosie Blake since How to get a Love Life? I was so touched when she messaged me asking if I would like an early copy of The Gin O’Clock Club and as always my answer was yes. I’ve had this sat on my pile for a little while at first thinking it wasn’t available until August although today is publication day of the ebook and audiobook.
This had a different feel to that of the usual Rosie novels but it still had her trademark humour in abundance. I loved the love quotes at the beginning of each chapter they made me smile. Now before I go into detail about my thoughts I have to say OMG Rosie you can tell you are a mother of twins and one other just like my sister – my nephew is obsessed with Peppa Pig and who gets a mention I was like I honestly cannot get away from that pig ha. It did make me laugh.
Another aspect I loved in abundance was Teddy’s letters to Lily they really made the chapters and I must say reading this book made me miss my grandparents terribly. Teddy was by far my favourite character an extremely good friend, an at heart romantic who wants the best for those he loves. His relationship with Luke is heartwarming although at times he really did make a mess of things but at the heart of it was his heart of gold.
I really do love stories that interlink the older and younger generation as let’s face it we’re all going to be old someday. I love that Rosie has embraced the sense of youth amongst the older generation. I would never have got my Nan on Tinder – and I loved the contrast and the trading of places. Making me wonder should we all be a little more old school at our approach to life and love.
This story focuses on love, loss, family, friendship and loneliness to name that of a few of the themes that are covered in this book and oh there is Gin.
Lottie is an interesting character, fiercely driven although she gave me palpitations at times. I found myself growing frustrated with her when she was too busy to want to spend time with her grandad it seemed like a bit of a chore to her. This made me sad as in my last year or so with my Nan we created so many lasting memories she missed Grandad but I learnt so much about her in those final memories. I could see the spiral she was falling into but deep down she is a loving person. After what can only be seen as an emotional rollercoaster Lottie started to realise and embrace what really matters in life. Her journey to make things right across the board made me warm to her, it can be easy to lose sight of the things that matter.
During a time when we’ve been forced to stop our usual routines Rosie Blake has created a story that will tug at your heartstrings and really make you think of what’s truly important in this little thing we call life.
I’m pleased to be starting Monday with the Crazy For You blog Tour and I’m excited to be the first stop. Thank you once again to Kelly @lovebooksgroup and do be sure to check out the rest of the tour.
Blurb: When Clooney Coyle promises Vonnie Gallagher they’ll be friends for life, he has no idea what he’s letting himself in for. The lonely and eccentric Vonnie quickly becomes obsessed with the kind-hearted but insecure actor, and her misguided crush soon develops into something much more sinister, which leaves Clooney’s career in tatters.
But when fate takes a strange turn and elevates the pair into an overnight celebrity couple, Clooney must decide whether to embrace the fame he has longed for since childhood or end the ridiculous charade before Vonnie’s jealous – and murderous – inclinations spiral out of control.
Today I am please to share with you a snippet from the book….
Prologue
Clooney stormed the hotel corridor, scantily dressed in a white singlet and matching boxer briefs. He gripped a phone in place of the loaded gun that had scorched his hands moments earlier. If the stakes hadn’t been so high, the vainglorious thirty-seven-year-old might have paused his rescue mission and stolen a glance at his impressive, tanned physique in one of the gilded mirrors lining the walls on either side. He might even have chanced a selfie to excite Instagram – the moody lighting in the property was particularly flattering. ‘The more flesh the better!’ his millions of followers would often comment on his hourly posts. He’d always been happy to accommodate – just not now.
Clooney’s late grandmother was to blame for his love of expensive undergarments – how many times had she said, ‘Everyone should own good quality pants unless you want to be embarrassed in the morgue’? And the morgue was precisely where he feared he would soon end up.
What the near-naked actor lacked in actual body armour, he made up for in steely determination. Such was the intensity of the situation, he wasn’t even aware of the bestial grunts escaping his mouth.
Thankfully, the exclusive ski resort was teeming with eccentric millionaires, all dab hands at behaving oddly; otherwise, Clooney would surely have received inquisitive glances – even been tackled to the ground by those fearful of terrorist attacks.
Ironic, given that the building’s only terrorist had fled moments earlier.
For now, nothing was going to prevent him protecting the woman he’d loved ever since he was in britches: the only person who had genuinely motivated him. Inspired him. Fascinated him.
Never in his wildest dream had he imagined he would one day be responsible for averting her assassination; the world’s most famous person.Yet here he was.
Breathless, Clooney reached the elevator and slammed the call button with as much energy as he could rally. As he waited, a disorientated lady waving a Bloody Mary slurred, ‘Nice bulge,’ before staggering past him, unconcerned that her potent vodka and tomato juice concoction was sullying the plush ivory carpet.
On an average day, Clooney couldn’t resist a compliment. Today, with his laser-like focus on saving a life, her praise went over his pretty head. Frustrated that the elevator doors remained shut, he hit the button for a second then a third and fourth time.‘Jesus Christ, would you open!’A waiter, deliveringbreakfast to oneof the bedrooms nearby, offered Clooney an apologetic shrug.‘It is often busy in the morning,’ he said by way of explanation. ‘If you are in a rush –’‘Iamin a fuckin’ rush –’‘Then you could always take the stairs. We’re only on the second floor.’Without so much as a thank you, Clooney cleared the corner and sprinted down the stairwell, five steps at a time. He could hear the waiter shout after him – ‘Would it be possible to get an autograph?’ – a request that would have normally gladdened the heart of this world-famous ‘trailblazer’, asThe New York Timeshad recently referred to him.Again, not today.
How could you be so stupid, Clooney?He felt his forehead moisten, briefly reminding him of those horrid periods earlier in his life when he’d battled social anxiety; his body publicly and embarrassingly unravelling at the first hint of awkwardness: sweating, blushing, stuttering.
Remember all those invitations you turned down? Locking yourself in your flat, too self-conscious and panicked to even greet the postman? Well, you should have stayed put, you absolute cad, and then all of this drama could have been avoided!
He finally reached the foyer. Guests sashayed across the marble floors en route to the restaurant to sample the local Alpine cuisine. How Clooney envied them: their most challenging decision that morning was choosing between a bowl of muesli and a sliver ofschinkenspeck.
Not that he could have entertained a morsel of food; in the past few moments, his stomach had become quite spirited, and he wanted to avoid discolouring his white underwear if possible.
As he hopped over a leather suitcase, cast aside by a new arrival too tired or too rich to position it out of harm’s way, he spotted her through the glass doors. Not the woman whose life he was trying to save but the woman – if you could even call her that – who was the cause of all these histrionics.Vonnie. His nemesis.
Despite resembling the Michelin Man in her over-sized ski gear, her menacing presence was clearly evident. She briefly locked eyes with him and winked coquettishly before disappearing in the direction of the slopes. Clooney had always known that the fame and adulation he’d craved since childhood would come at a price. It seemed that this wench – the supposed love of his life – was hell-bent on making him pay.
Pay the ultimate price.
About the Author: Hailing from Navan in the royal county of Meath, Domhnall is a graduate of the Bachelor in Acting Studies Programme, Trinity College Dublin, later completing a Master’s in Screenwriting at Dún Laoghaire IADT.
He now works as an actor and a journalist, dividing his time between Galway, where he films TG4’s award-winning series, Ros na Rún, Dublin and Venice, where he and his Italian lover continuously promise their well-worn livers that they will refrain from quaffing so much Prosecco. (Unfortunately, it seems some vows, just like nearby Rome, were not built in a day.)
Wine-drinking aside, for more than four years, Domhnall has also enjoyed the responsibility of being Assistant Editor at Irish Tatler Man, a title whose various awards includes Consumer Magazine of the Year. Thanks to this role, he interviewed a host of high-profile names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Chris Pine, Kevin Spacey, David Gandy, and Jacques Villeneuve.
Domhnall has written for the majority of Ireland’s leading newspapers and magazines, including the Irish Independent, The Irish Times and RTE Online. He also writes a monthly column in Woman’s Way, the country’s biggest-selling weekly magazine.
His first novel, Sister Agatha: the World’s Oldest Serial Killer, was released in 2016 to critical acclaim (Tirgearr Publishing). His second book, Colin and the Concubine, was published earlier this year by Mercier Press, Ireland’s oldest publishing house. Book number three is called Crazy For You and will be published once again by Mercier Press in June 2020.
I love a Six for Sunday and this prompt is speaking to me in volumes. Although in saying that I haven’t had many new series books for a while. Although I’m happy that a few faves have added new books mixing it up once again. I probably won’t be taking part for the LGBT ones as I’ve not really read many, if any of these but I’m open to recommendations so hit me. As I’ve mentioned I’m loving taking advantage of my library via Libby supporting from afar.
So without further ado….
I love these characters I still have the final book to read. Paige Toon’s Ya crossover is an absolute delight I’m so glad it’s a trilogy.Twilight I’m so excited that Midnight sun will be released this Summer.Another one with a new book the prequel is out now and when I have the time to read this I will reread books one and two and finally end this gorgeous series.This series came into my life when I was first getting the taste for fantasy and series books. Another one I haven’t finished but I will soon and I’m sure being back with Patch & Nora will be immense.Another treat that I got into late and I still haven’t finished. I believe I 💖 Vegas is where I’m at. I adore Lindsey so I will be making an effort to read more of her books.Ending on this beauty, I will get back to this both in book and in Netflix series real soon.
I really love Six For Sunday but as I say I probably won’t be involved in June but I’m open to the recommendations. As I type I’m sat in my garden with a glass of water an iced coffee listening to.
Hoping to finish this ahead of the final Netflix series. This beauty is out tomorrow and I love a Rosie Blake and I’m always touched when she asks my thoughts. I am 65% through so this will be finished.
Hello and welcome to week 3 of the weekly update here at Hayley Reviews. As I’ve previously said I’m open to any suggestions and feedback on this post and I’m loving my consistency, by next week we would have been doing this a month.
So how has my week faired. This week so far I’ve read two books. I’m hoping to get back to the books after finishing this post.
Last Sunday I was back with the Six for Sunday and you can read my post Here.
I had one day without a post but now I’m back and organised my second post of the week was This.
It was a pleasure to take part in another Love Books blog tour and you can read Percolate here.
I love a cover reveal and you can see this vibrant one Here.
It was also publication day of a fabulous device that I was lucky enough to read prior to it’s release and you can read The High Moments Review here.
I really enjoyed the first of the Eve Of Man Trilogy By Giovanna and Tom Fletcher and I can’t wait to see where this series goes you can read my thoughts on Eve Of Man Here.
This week I wanted to do a Q&A and my short and sweet questions are Here.
It’s not been a bad week, I haven’t done as much reading as I would like but I’ve still been productive. I managed to beat my personal best on my Hula Hoop with 6,200 spins being my new best. Last Saturday I had undertaken an online class but this weekend so far I’ve tried to keep moving and I spent a bit of my morning playing in the garden with one of my nieces and my nephew.
I’m hoping to finish my audiobook and get stuck into my physical book…I’ve had a few days where I’ve posted twice and I would love to know whether this is liked or loathed.
So I’ve been toying with the idea of doing a Q&A for a while and today is that day. Thank you to those who have sent me over a few questions and the rest I’ve found via various blog tags.
My good friend Jax Harrington said: Are there any books that you have started but not finished?
Yup I can wholeheartedly answerthis one. The final 50 shades book I still haven’t read after picking up and putting down the second one a lot. I didn’t hate it but Ilostfocus a lotwhen I was reading I was into the story buy distractme with something more interesting and I was gone. I have a good attention span as I often read on public transport and in coffee shops but when I just put it down and have no omph to pick it up that’s when it’s shelved. Saying that sometimes I have blog tours where I have to read specific books but a timeframe so in someinstances it’s not that I didn’t want to read it. I have a few half started hardbacks as they are heavy to lug around. I’m hoping to get back to a few whilst I’m at home.
Jax also asked: How far have you read before you decide you can’t get into or don’t like it?
I’m not going to say this never happens as it does. But in 2020 I had decided that I wanted to read more for me so I’ve been more selective to the blog tours where I’ve been asked to actually review the book rather than taking on content or interviews.
Jax also asked: Top Three books?
Now this is a hard one as I love sooo many and so many resonate for a number of reasons so I’m going to spinthis and my answer is going to be my top three so far from this year.
This woman will always make my list I inhaled this book and wow! Pretending is such an important book especially for us ladies.Just wow!
It’s so hard as I’ve loved sooo soo many this year but each of these had me hooked and have left a lasting memory on me.
The fantastic author of Kiss Her Goodbye and Love Me To Death Susan Gee asked me: What’s your favourite opening to a book and why?
Wow! Great question and I feel like I should have a fully fledged answer to this one…I would consider myself a varied reader these days but I love openings that through me straight into the action or those that leave me wanting more. I’m currently reading a book that has letters also adding to the story I like things like that too…
Why do you love reading???
Since a young age stories have taken me away from the troubles of the world and gave me informative insights to a number of topics. As a child I livedfor Enid Blyton’s Famous Five and Secret Seven although how I never read Malory Towers after watching almost all the TV series I will be reading it as an adult soon.
So it’s been a short but sweet Q&A I would love to do this again so please do put forward your questions. I don’t want to be overloading you guys so I will be trying to limit the two posts in future but I wanted to get both of these out there, it should have been a morning and an afternoon post but the morning spiralled away. I’ll be back with my weekly update tomorrow.
Blurb: Against all odds, she survived. The first girl born in fifty years.
They called her Eve.
Eve lives alone in the Tower under the strict gaze of the Mothers. She is prized and protected, because she is the last girl on earth.
Eve has always understood that the survival of the human race is in her hands. Now she’s sixteen, and three males have been selected. Eve knows it’s time to face her fate.
Until she meets Bram.
Eve sees a chance for something she never thought could be hers.
But how do you choose between love and the future of humanity?
Review: I must begin by saying I’ve been intrigued by this novel for a while now…but as ever so many books and never enough time. During lockdown which I’m sorry I keep mentioning – I’ve downloaded Libby and I swear I’ve used the library more now than when it was open. I’m loving downloading audiobooks to listen to at my disposal and whilst I’m doing any number of tasks from lazing in bed to sunning myself in the garden. This is the second of Giovanna’s I have listened to this month and wow.
Where do I begin…well it’s been a while since I’ve read anything Dystopian/YA/Fantasy and it was a welcome distraction. I think I maybe ready to get back onto this bandwagon. I had got to a point where I was sick of fantasy and vampires but now I feel like this novel has given me the taste back. So feel free to send me some recommendations the newest Hunger Games will be happening soon I will also be re-reading Books one and two and finally finishing the series.
On individual merit both Tom & Giovanna are a force to be reckoned with but together they are a power house. I love a dual narrative but when you have a couple writing this level of imagery and description it’s insane. The wording was so vivid I feel like I’ve watched this and I know the characters, even though I only listened to this novel.
Eve of Man I would call Hunger Games esque. It’s from another time where Eve is the saviour being the first girl to be born in the last 50 years. There are so many human and inhumane actions throughout this novel and as a reader we are taken on a rocky rollercoaster where both Eve & Bram have lots to learn as to what’s real and what’s fantasy. I really enjoyed this one although I must say I would also liken it to a TV show where you have to pay attention drop the ball and you’ll need to rewind or reread otherwise you’ll be sitting there completely clueless.
Sadly for me my library don’t have the second instalment but the concluding part isn’t released until next April so do I hold off a little longer…but that ending had me gasping to know more.
There’s only so much I can share without ruining the essence of the story. Eve is the saviour and that in itself puts her in danger. She’s also breathtakingly beautiful. There are aspects of her life that I wasn’t comfortable with but when you read fantasy it’s often nowhere near the realm of life and I accepted that. The obsession with Eve by the men of the world is understandable as women aren’t around and also unnerving as she’s subject to potential violence, rape and arranged couplings.
The brimming relationship of Eve & Bram wasn’t always at the forefront of the story but it was obviously always there, the most intimate moments had me gasping and eager for more especially that ending….to be honest in two of the trilogy available I knew I would be left having questions and wanting more and I was right on that front.
There is so much to this novel but the essence of family, love, loss, loneliness and entrapment are just a number of the themes that Eve of Man features.
I’ve seen so many mixed reviews for this and that never ever stops me. I enjoyed listening to the audio but as I say at times you can’t take your attention away from the story. A book I could have missed if I relied alone on others opinions I’m so glad I read this novel and I look forward to the remaining two books of the series. I have a feeling Eve & Bram will get under my skin in book two. If you’ve been contemplating then do read it.
Blurb: Scarlett makes mistakes – over and over again. She’s not perfect, she has a tricky relationship with her mother and is desperate for people to like her.
She repeatedly goes back to the people that hurt her, no matter how badly. She moves to London with no plan (of course), but manages to land a job at a modelling agency. Finally, she’s getting her life on track, but the fashion industry is a murkier place than she had imagined.
She changes herself to please others. Just as she starts to find her place, Scarlett’s life begins to spiral. But at least people know her, she is starting to become someone. And surely it’s better to be someone – even if it’s someone you hate?
Review: I was lucky enough to be at the Simon & Schuster Spring Blogger event that Sara attended. I remember being annoyed with myself for forgetting to bring my proof. But I did get to have a chat with Sara and she signed one of my postcards that correspond with the cover of the book. Sara read a snippet of The High Moments and I knew there and then this witty debut needed to be moved higher up my list.
Another fabulous buddy read with my pal across the ocean both myself and Catriona read this during our Bout of Books week and I knew I wanted to post my thoughts on either publication day (which it is today for the ebook and audio) or during this week.
So here I am with my thoughts…The High Moments is a modern day take on The Devil Wears Prada – I loved that film I must admit I haven’t read the literary version. As I expected this book made me truly despise the fashion industry. I’ve never been one for models or being in the in crowd, BUT as a woman I have looked at myself and compared my life and my figure. As I’ve got older I’ve gained a better grasp on life and habits for better and worse.
Scarlett sure is a character, at times I really did feel for her and in other parts I was left feeling like wow you’re just a bitch. At her best I really did adore her enthusiasm and her work ethic. She knew she needed to make a change and she took a chance and made it happen.
Her rollercoaster ride along the way sure was entertaining but those good and bad choices sure did shape her, just like that of any of us in this crazy world we’re living in. The problem with Scarlett is she read so many people wrongly, ultimately she paid the price for that. In her own skin and with her own ambitions you admire her but she’s so desperate to be loved that she follows the crowd rather than stands tall on her own although in hindsight she really just wanted to be accepted flaws and all.
I really enjoyed that this read like a diary with Scarlett jotting down thoughts, hopes, dreams and inspirations. It made me smile to see the odd emoji it really did break up the text in reading and it made it feel like checking in on a friend or re-reading an old journal.
I’m not a fan of drugs but I can see this depicts the life and times of the fashion industry. Don’t get me wrong I’m not naive I’ve been to university and been amongst a number of media and theatrical circles to see this happens. As much as this at times left me feeling a little uncomfortable it made perfect sense in Scarlett’s story.
A heartwarming and in some parts heart wrenching story of loneliness, ambition, want, greed and ultimately realising what really matters on this rollercoaster that is life. A smashing debut by a fabulous woman I look forward to what comes next from this powerhouse of a woman. Well done Sara let’s hope we can all celebrate again once the paperback arrives.
I’ve always been a sucker for a cover reveal and I’m pleased to say that I’m sharing one with you today. It had been a while but I’ve got back into having a steady flow of these here at Hayley Reviews. Once again I would like to thank Kelly @lovebooksgroup for inviting me to this reveal.
So before we get to the good stuff let me tell you a bit about Let’s Get Published by Val Penny.
Blurb: At last, a book that is easy to read and tells it how it is! The book was written to assist authors to maximise their success when submitting work to agents or publishers, to help authors consider their priorities and preferences for getting work into print. To advise authors on how to identify the agents and/or publishers they want to approach. It should also assist with editing their manuscript fully prior to submission. The book offers advice about how to prepare a submission package to give an author the best chance of success. The road to becoming a successful author is not easy, but it is rewarding. Let this book take you on the journey.
Without further ado here is the striking cover for Let’sGet Published.
I’ve gotta say I’m a sucker for a post it note. During lockdown I’ve used a few more of my small post it’s on my buddy reading and it’s felt good. That clock also reminds me of my childhood with a smile.
About the author: Val Penny is an American author living in SW Scotland. She has two adult daughters of whom she is justly proud and lives with her husband and two cats. She has a Law degree from Edinburgh University and her MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, lawyer, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer. However, she has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store. Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories and novels.
Her crime novels, ‘Hunter’s Chase’ Hunter’s Revenge, Hunter’s Force and Hunter’s Blood form the bestselling series The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries. They are set in Edinburgh, Scotland, published by Crooked Cat Books. The fifth novel in the series, Hunter’s Secret, is published by darkstroke. Her first non-fiction book, Let’s Get Published is available now.
If you’ve liked what you’ve seen and read today then head over and purchase it here.
Thank you once again Kelly. There will be a second blog post from me later today so watch this space, and once again I will be doing aQ&A on Friday so feel free to send me over any questions you would love me to answer.
Today is my stop on the Percolate tour by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino. I will be sharing my thoughts with you and if you want to purchase it yourself you can find it here.
Blurb: Do you have a voice inside you saying that you want something different? Do you feel like you’re searching for something better, even if you don’t know exactly what it is? When you hear words like consciousness, purpose, light and awaken, do you wonder how they apply to your life? If you answered yes to any of these questions, have no fear – this book is here to help! It provides simple, clear and understandable thoughts for a growing consciousness, even in a time when people are questioning everything from guiding principles to social structures.
In our fast-paced world, Percolate stands as a metaphor for how to move forward with growing awareness:
To wake up to what is possible without losing sight of the simple and practical things that already exist
To let your heart and mind brew powerful ideas, and your spirit float to the top like foam
To live your best life and thrive
Most importantly, to never give up
Grab a cup of joe, put your feet up, allow the steam to rise, and let your heart’s desire surface. Ah, can you taste the magic as you bring the authentic best you to the world?
Review: I keep saying I’m going to read more Non-Fiction and when Kelly mentioned Percolate I had to say yes.
As a coffee lover the cover spoke volumes to me – it’s definitely the sort of book that would catch my eye. I’ve read a few self-help books but I loved how bite sized this was – you can definitely delve in and out where possible and it gives you the scope to return to pages.
I feel like I keep mentioning the current state we are in but it goes without saying this is one of the strangest times of our lives our grandparents survived a war and we’re battling a pandemic. I think staying home is the lesser of the two evils and in doing so we have time to stop and smell the coffee. Wow! I want a cuppa just saying that.
I liked how Elizabeth added her backstory and real life examples. For me something that’s really happened resonates more than that of fiction. I’m also drawn to authors who can look to the positives amidst so much pain. It just proves that it’s inside all of us. I also liked how she did so with humour.
The chapter about laughing at ourselves really piqued my interest. Over the years I haven’t always seen the funny side of myself but I always find in reading informative books like this it does make me think…we are all a work in progress and I love that I can now read this and think of a few occasions where I’ve done so well.
I always enjoy a self-help book that’s motivational rather than patronising and the way this one was split made it an easy read rather than a chore. I loved the coffee break moments although it did make me want more coffee. Which I’m doing a lot more of anyway without that of work and an actual routine. This was a nice sense of calm in a somewhat strange time. If you’re sat constantly questioning your life and your choices I would definitely recommend giving this a go and answering some of the questions.
About the author:
Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino is one of America’s foremost personal and corporate development consultants. She is the creator of The Best Ever You Network (or Best Ever You), a leading multimedia provider of lifestyle and self-help content. While participating in the Harvard Business School for Leadership program, Elizabeth serves as a Leadership Advisor for the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute.
In 2020 Elizabeth joined Sally Huss to create the best-selling children’s book A Lesson for Every Child: Learning About Food Allergies. Living with life-threatening food allergies for many years, Elizabeth added her personal experience and her expertise to the project. She also sits on several boards of organizations and foundations that bring awareness to this life-threatening condition.
Thank you once again to Kelly for including me on this blog tour.
