• The Littlest Library
    book review - What I'm reading

    The Littlest Library {book review}

    March 23, 2021 - By 

    Today I am delighted to be taking part in a little blog tour for the latest book from Poppy Alexander, The Littlest Library. I love to read and this year challenged my children to read as many books as me. We record all the books we read on Goodreads and I’m pleased to say that a little healthy competition keeps us reading all year round! Last month I finished reading the epic The Book of Dust Vol. 2 The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman, so was delighted to curl up with a copy of The Littlest Library. The Littlest Library…

  • The Book of Lost Names { book review}
    What I'm reading

    The Book of Lost Names { book review}

    November 14, 2020 - By 

    Disclosure – thanks to Welbeck for the chance to read this book. The end of 2020 is fast approaching which means my Goodreads challenge is nearly over for another year. I’ve read some amazing books this year and I really enjoyed my most recent read, The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel. I love books about the Second World War and when I read the blurb about The Book of Lost Names I absolutely had to read it. The Book of Lost Names The book opens when Eva Traube Abrams, a semi-retired librarian in Florida, is shelving books one…

  • The SS Officer's Armchair by Daniel Lee
    What I'm reading

    The SS Officer’s Armchair by Daniel Lee

    September 10, 2020 - By 

    I feel like I’m progressing well with my Goodreads reading challenge. I really enjoyed my latest book – The SS Officer’s Armchair: In Search of a Hidden Life by Daniel Lee. The SS Officer’s Armchair by Daniel Lee It began with an armchair. It began with the surprise discovery of a stash of personal documents covered in swastikas sewn into its cushion. The SS Officer’s Armchair is the story of what happened next, as Daniel Lee follows the trail of cold calls, documents, coincidences and family secrets, to uncover the life of one Dr Robert Griesinger from Stuttgart. Who was he? What…

  • The Tuscan Contessa by Dinah Jefferies
    What I'm reading

    The Tuscan Contessa by Dinah Jefferies

    June 22, 2020 - By 

    I’ve made sure to make more time to read lately. It’s so easy to slip into bad habits of going to bed later and later, so I’m trying to go to bed earlier so I have time to read a few chapters before bed. I really enjoy reading books by Dinah Jefferies, so was delighted to find her latest book available to review on NetGalley. The Tuscan Contessa by Dinah Jefferies Contessa Sofia de’ Corsi’s peaceful Tuscan home has been upturned by the arrival of German soldiers. Desperate to fight back, she provides shelter, medical aid and any help she…

  • Colourful Fun Embroidery
    What I'm reading

    Colourful Fun Embroidery by Clare Albans

    June 16, 2020 - By 

    I seem to have my reading mojo back in the last week or two. I set myself to read 35 books this year as part of a Goodreads reading challenge and so far I’ve read 9. I love to read a mixture of fiction and non-fiction and my latest read is Colourful Fun Embroidery: Featuring 24 modern projects to bring joy and happiness to your life! by Clare Alban. I love a sewing book and this was a fun read. Disclosure – thanks to NetGalley for the review copy. Colourful Fun Embroidery by Clare Alban Take time out to be…

  • The Group by Lara Feigel
    What I'm reading

    The Group by Lara Feigel {book review}

    April 29, 2020 - By 

    Disclosure – thanks to NetGalley for letting me see a review copy of this book. When I began to think about the impending lockdown I thought this would be a great time to read and catch up on all sewing projects I wanted to do. Five weeks into lockdown and I’ve finished one book and one sewing project (which was pretty much nearly finished anyway). With two young children my hours are filled, as they should be, by keeping them busy and happy. Books and sewing have taken a back seat, with maths, colouring sheets, baking and walks pushed to…

  • The Rose book cover 
    book review - What I'm reading

    The Rose: The History of the World’s Favourite Flower

    April 19, 2020 - By 

    Us Brits love our green spaces. We’re lucky to have a little garden and we love pottering round in it, filling it with colour every year. Our back wall is a sun trap and covered with climbing roses. We’ve always enjoyed roses, they seem such an essentially English plant. Which is why I was keen to review The Rose: The History of the World’s Favourite Flower told through 40 extraordinary roses which has recently been published by Welbeck Publishing. The Rose: The History of the World’s Favourite Flower told through 40 extraordinary roses The Rose has been published in collaboration…

  • TATE: Project Print (30 projects to spark your creativity)
    book review - What I'm reading

    TATE: Project Print (30 projects to spark your creativity)

    April 14, 2020 - By 

    I don’t know about you but I love a new craft book for a bit of inspiration or to challenge me to try something new. The lovely people at Octopus Books recently got in touch, asking if I would like to see a copy of TATE: Project Print 30 projects to spark your creativity by Colette Whittington, the next wonderful addition to their list in collaboration with TATE. TATE: Project Print (30 projects to spark your creativity) With this book you can explore the versatile art form of printmaking and develop your skills with 30 eye-catching projects. Whether you are…

  • Young, Fearless, Awesome {book giveaway}
    competition - What I'm reading

    Young, Fearless, Awesome {book giveaway}

    April 8, 2020 - By 

    We’ve all been reading a lot of books since we were placed in lockdown. Thankfully both my children love to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction books so are never bored. We were recently sent a copy of Young, Fearless, Awesome: 25 young people who changed the world to read. Young, Fearless, Awesome by Stella Caldwell Meet 25 young people who changed, or are changing, the world! Learn about some of the most gifted and brave youngsters on the planet who all made a difference while they were young. From musical geniuses to environmental activists, Young, Fearless, Awesome is packed with…