• What I'm reading

    Mrs Porter Calling by AJ Pearce

    April 27, 2023 - By 

    Mrs Porter Calling by AJ Pearce is the third book in The Emmy Lake Chronicle Series by AJ Pearce. The three books published so far are Dear Mrs Bird, Yours Cheerfully and Mrs Porter Calling. NetGalley kindly offered me an advanced reading copy of Mrs Porter Calling by AJ Pearce, which will be published 23 May 2023. Mrs Porter Calling by AJ Pearce London, April 1943. Emmy Lake, Woman’s Friend magazine’s popular young agony aunt, is doing all she can to help the readers as they face the challenges of life on the Home Front. With the postbags overflowing, Emmy puts her heart…

  • The Housekeepers book cover
    What I'm reading

    What I’m reading: The Housekeepers

    March 18, 2023 - By 

    Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I was more than happy to read The Housekeepers by Alex Hay, the description hooked me in and it went to the top of the reading pile. The Housekeepers by Alex Hay UPSTAIRS, MADAM IS PLANNING THE PARTY OF THE SEASON. DOWNSTAIRS, THE SERVANTS ARE PLOTTING THE HEIST OF THE CENTURY. When Mrs King, housekeeper to the most illustrious home in Mayfair, is suddenly dismissed after years of loyal service, she knows just who to recruit to help her take revenge. A black-market queen out to settle her scores. An actress desperate for…

  • The Time Tider by Sinéad O’Hart
    competition - What I'm reading

    The Time Tider by Sinéad O’Hart {giveaway}

    March 2, 2023 - By 

    Did you celebrate World Book Day today? My daughter wore her pyjamas to school and took her favourite book in, and they were able to spend time reading and talking about books. That sounds like bliss to me! I’m delighted to have teamed up with Little Tiger who publish the best children’s books. They recently published The Time Tider by Sinéad O’Hart, read on for our review and your chance to win a copy. The Time Tider by Sinéad O’Hart {book review} Mara and her dad have lived in their van for as long as she can remember. Whatever her father…

  • Homecoming by Kate Morton {book review}
    What I'm reading

    Homecoming by Kate Morton {book review}

    February 17, 2023 - By 

    I discovered the author Kate Morton a few years ago when I read The Clockmakers Daughter and I’ve never looked back. She is one of my favourite authors and I always look forward to her latest book. Thanks to NetGalley I was able to read an advanced copy of her new book, Homecoming. I finished it in a few days! Homecoming by Kate Morton {book review} Adelaide Hills, Christmas Eve, 1959. At the end of a scorching hot day, beside a creek in the grounds of a grand and mysterious mansion, a local delivery man makes a terrible discovery. A…

  • Macramé Jewellery {book review}
    What I'm reading

    Macramé Jewellery {book review}

    February 2, 2023 - By 

    I love to share the books I’ve been reading. I’ve read some great fiction which I’ve been sharing but today I have a gorgeous craft book to share. I recently mentioned I had tried macramé for the first time. What is macramé? Macramé is a form of textile produced using knotting techniques. It’s been around for a long time and uses string or macramé cord. It’s done by hand which makes it a great, mindful craft. Macramé Jewellery {book review} I really enjoyed trying macramé recently. It’s fun to try something new and I liked the idea that you can…

  • The Vintage Shop of Second Chances
    What I'm reading

    The Vintage Shop of Second Chances by Libby Page

    January 23, 2023 - By 

    The start of the year is usually pretty quiet for me which means I can make a great start on my Reading Challenge! For the last few years I’ve taken part in the Goodreads Reading Challenge and this year have set myself a slightly lower target which I’m hoping is realistic. Today I’m delighted to share my review of The Vintage Shop of Second Chances by Libby Page. The Vintage Shop of Second Chances by Libby Page Among the cobbled streets of the Somerset town of Frome, Lou is embarking on the start of something new. After the death of her beloved mother,…

  • Mrs Van Gogh by Caroline Cauchi
    What I'm reading

    Mrs Van Gogh by Caroline Cauchi

    January 16, 2023 - By 

    I’m excited to share my first book review of 2023! This year I’ve signed up to the Goodreads 2023 Reading Challenge and set myself a target of reading 35 books. This is slightly less than last year but hopefully more achievable – as I didn’t reach my target last year. I’ve noticed the books I read with the kids are longer and we just don’t have time to read as much as we used to when they were little. Mrs Van Gogh by Caroline Cauchi She’s been painted out of history…until now Who tells her story? In 1890, Vincent Van…

  • NIO Cocktails X Penguin 'Sip & Read' Collection Box
    What I'm reading

    NIO Cocktails X Penguin ‘Sip & Read’ Collection Box

    November 19, 2022 - By 

    The weather has suddenly turned much colder and there’s nothing I like more than spending the evening with a good book and a drink. Luxury cocktail letterbox service, NIO Cocktails, has teamed up with Penguin to create a limited edition book and cocktails combo; the Penguin ‘Sip & Read’ Collection Box. I was delighted to be sent a sample to try for myself. NIO Cocktails X Penguin ‘Sip & Read’ Collection Box The box arrived and was so much fun to open – the gorgeous polka dot box fitted perfectly through the letterbox. Inside were a choice of three NIO…

  • An Atlas of Lost Kingdoms
    What I'm reading

    An Atlas of Lost Kingdoms {book review}

    October 17, 2022 - By 

    I love to share books with my children, my daughter loves a picture book, especially non-fiction ones. We were recently gifted a copy of An Atlas of Lost Kingdoms by Emily Hawkins and Lauren Baldo, which is perfect for children aged 7-9 years. An Atlas of Lost Kingdoms Most of the places in the book have never been found – but within the pages, you will succeed where even the most daring adventurers have failed. In this copper-foiled, richly illustrated atlas of forgotten places, discover lost kingdoms, phantom islands and legendary continents that were once sought by explorers, and now…