• The Lost Chateau by Dinah Jefferies
    What I'm reading

    The Lost Château by Dinah Jefferies {book review}

    May 19, 2026 - By 

    I’ve been enjoying reading a lot recently. Perhaps it’s the cooler weather, or just that I’ve found some great books, but it feels like I’m reading a lot. Actually I’ve read 8 out of my 24 target for the Goodreads 2026 Reading Challenge, which I’m pretty pleased with. I’m not sure how I discovered Dinah Jefferies, but I usually enjoy her historical novels a lot. Her latest novel is The Lost Château and is published next month. The Lost Château by Dinah Jefferies A secret lies behind every door… The Dordogne, 1936 Amid tangled gardens and crumbling walls, Chateau Rousseau…

  • What I'm reading

    Shrink Solves Murder by Philippa Perry {book review}

    May 8, 2026 - By 

    I’ve been on a bit of a reading roll recently. I do love getting lost in a good book and there are some brilliant books just about to hit the shelves. Today I wanted to tell you about Shrink Solves Murder by Philippa Perry, published yesterday (7th May 2026) by Random House UK. Shrink Solves Murder by Philippa Perry Her 3 o’clock just became a murder case… When a body is found near Beachy Head, the police chalk it up to suicide — a tragic but not uncommon end in these parts. But local psychotherapist Patricia Phillips isn’t convinced. The…

  • Your Murder Next by Ravena Guron {book review}
    What I'm reading

    Your Murder Next by Ravena Guron {book review}

    April 4, 2026 - By 

    My teen loves to read as much as I do. She also loves a trip to the book shop and has a longer TBR pile than I do. She’s always on the lookout for  a new book to read and I couldn’t be happier that she loves to spend time reading. She recently spotted that one of her favourite authors, Ravena Guron, the bestselling author of YA books, had a new book out. Your Murder Next by Ravena Guron From the bestselling author of This Book Kills comes a murderous YA thriller of cliques, backstabbing and mind-blowing twists. Perfect for fans…

  • The National Trust Book of Biscuits {book review}
    What I'm reading

    The National Trust Book of Biscuits {book review}

    March 12, 2026 - By 

    I love to bake and was delighted to receive a copy of the National Trust Book of Biscuits by Linda Collister to review. As a fan of National Trust tearooms, I thought the book would be a great addition to our collection of baking books. The National Trust Book of Biscuits This tempting collection of recipes from expert baker Linda Collister includes all the classics. The book is divided into chapters, starting with Good Things to Know, and working through Nice and Easy, All About Chocolate, Something Fancy, Squares and Bars, Biscotti and Savoury. There are ginger snaps and shortbread…

  • Daughter of the Titanic book
    What I'm reading

    Daughter of the Titanic by Caroline Cauchi

    March 3, 2026 - By 

    I love historical fiction and recently received a copy of the latest book by Caroline Cauchi, Daughter of the Titanic which is published this month. I’ve previously read Mrs Van Gogh, which I loved, so thought I would enjoy another book about a remarkable woman, Helen Melville Russell Cooke. Daughter of the Titanic by Caroline Cauchi She was known for what she lost She lived by the courage she found “Find Polaris” When the SS Titanic set sail, Captain Edward John smith became a legend – and when tragedy struck he was a hero to some, reckless to others. But…

  • The Queen's Necklace by Adrienne Chinn
    What I'm reading

    The Queen’s Necklace by Adrienne Chinn {book review}

    August 1, 2025 - By 

    I love family history and have been researching my own since I started a school project on it years ago. Now I have my own family history blog and regularly share my research. When I heard about The Queen’s Necklace by Adrienne Chinn it sounded like I would enjoy it. Let me tell you more about it. The Queen’s Necklace by Adrienne Chinn The most famous necklace in the world has finally been found… Bryher Finch’s life isn’t just a disaster, it’s a catastrophe, until a chance invitation to chart her family tree changes everything. As Bryher uncovers the ancestry…

  • Easy Embroidery Embellishment
    Craft book review - What I'm reading

    Easy Embroidery Embellishment {book review}

    July 24, 2025 - By 

    I’ve been so lucky to receive a couple of new craft books to review recently. Last week I told you about the Unofficial Bridgerton Embroidery book. This week I’m sharing Easy Embroidery Embellishment: learn to customise your clothes with simple stitch techniques. If you love spending time on Instagram browsing for the latest craft trends, then you may recognise the author Jenny Billingham as Flynn and Mabel on Insta where she shares many of her embroidery projects. Easy Embroidery Embellishment Transform your wardrobe and elevate your style sustainably – no experience needed! Learn how to personalise your clothes and accessories…

  • Unofficial Bridgerton Embroidery
    Craft book review - What I'm reading

    Unofficial Bridgerton Embroidery by Hilary Leslie

    July 16, 2025 - By 

    As a longtime fan of the enchanting world of Bridgerton, I was beyond excited to get my hands on a copy of Bridgerton Unofficial Embroidery: 20 Patterns Inspired by the World of Regency Romance to review. The moment it arrived, I couldn’t wait to dive in and see how the elegance of the Regency era was translated into embroidery patterns. Unofficial Bridgerton Embroidery by Hilary Leslie Create elegant, Regency-inspired in-the-hoop embroidery projects with Unofficial Bridgerton Embroidery: 20 patterns inspired by the World of Regency Romance, and bring the opulence of your favourite Netflix drama to your stitching. Whether you’re looking…

  • What I'm reading

    {What I’m reading} The Seeker of Lost Paintings

    July 4, 2025 - By 

    I seem to be drawn to historical fiction. I loved the sound of The Seeker of Lost Paintings and was delighted to receive a copy to review. Unfortunately the book is not published until March 2026 but read on for my review, I promise it will be worth waiting for! The Seeker of Lost Paintings by Sarah Freethy The Seeker of Lost Paintings is an unforgettable story of love and betrayal across the decades from the author of The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy. Interweaving war-torn Rome with modern-day London, this sophisticated and thrilling historical page-turner about love, betrayal and a quest…