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I’ll see you at the bookshop!
How to Make Friends With the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow - Book Review
First published in 2019, How to Make Friends With the Dark is Kathleen Glasgow’s second book. It follows similar themes to Girl in Pieces, and features a teenage girl who is experiencing unthinkable difficulties with her mental health.
For this reason, please take note of the trigger warnings above and make sure that you feel able to manage the emotional intensity of the book.
You’d Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow - Book Review
You’d be Home Now was first published in 2021 and is Kathleen Glasgow’s third book. It’s a similar read to her previous two as it covers a variety of highly emotional themes, so please make sure that you take note of the trigger warnings before you pick it up.
20 Powerful Quotes from Looking For Alaska by John Green
John Green’s first novel, Looking for Alaska was published in 2005 and was adapted into a TV drama in 2019.
Here’s a reminder of what it’s about:
“BEFORE. Miles Halter’s whole life has been one big non-event until he starts at anything-but-boring Culver Creek Boarding School and meets Alaska Young. Gorgeous, clever, funny and utterly fascinating she pulls Miles into her world, launches him into a new life, and steals his heart. But when tragedy strikes, and Miles comes face-to-face with death he discovers the value of living and loving unconditionally.
AFTER: Nothing will ever be the same.”
Tatty Devine Jewellery Review
As a book lover, I’m always on the hunt for unique book themed jewellery, clothing, and household items to showcase my love of literature. So when Tatty Devine launched their World Book Day 2024 collection, I was very excited to get my hands on a few of their pieces!
In this blog post I will show you what their jewellery pieces actually look like, whether I think they’re good quality, and if they’re worth spending money on.
Hay-on-Wye Bookshop Guide
Welcome to the world’s first bookshop town, Hay-on-Wye. Here you’ll find more than twenty bookshops selling all kinds of books: from new to second hand, fiction to non-fiction and books for children and adults.
Hay-on-Wye also plays host to the annual book Hay Festival which sees 300,000 guests visit the town across eleven days.
Here are all of the bookshops that you’ll find in Hay-on-Wye!
26 Quotes from Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
First published in 2017, Turtles All The Way Down is inspired by John Green’s own experiences of living with OCD. It was well received by readers, instantly hitting number one on the New York Times bestsellers list and nominated for the Best Young Adult Fiction Category in the Goodreads Choice Awards 2017.
In case you can’t remember, here’s what the book’s about.
Richard Booth Bookshop Review
Welcome to Hay-on-Wye, the world famous book town located on the Welsh border. With more than 20 bookshops to its name, Hay really is a book lover’s dream, and an essential bucket list location for any reader.
You’ll find the UK’s largest book festival, Hay Fest, there each summer, along with a more modest iteration in the winter. It’s a cultural hub and the place to be for anyone who loves books.
Taylor Jenkins Reid Books in Order
So you’re thinking about reading a Taylor Jenkins Reid book, but you don’t know where to start?
In this post I outline each of her books in publication order, starting with the newest, and with a summary of my thoughts for each. The first four books are linked and, although they can be read in any order, they form a quartet centring around the lives of four famous women. Each of them is fantastic, and once you’ve read one you’ll want to read them all.
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Review
Located between two of central London’s iconic parks, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is a luxurious five star hotel just a short walk away from Buckingham Palace. Boasting stunning art deco interiors and in a premier location, this is one hotel that you won’t want to check out from.
I visited the Sheraton as part of their 2024 World Book Day Celebrations. Partnering with Reece’s Book Club, the Sheraton opened a pop up library in the lobby which played host to a number of book talks and book clubs. Stocked with titles from Reece’s Book Club, it was a fantastic way for the community to come together and celebrate literature in a unique location.
Best Summer Reads 2024
Summer is on its way, and could be better than relaxing in the sunshine with a good book?
Readers, I’ve got your back.
In this post I will take you through this summer’s hottest new releases, as well as the backlist titles that are worth picking up.
Kathleen Glasgow Books in Order
Known for writing books that pack an emotional punch, Kathleen Glasgow has written five books. Four of these focus on mental health, while The Agathas is her murder mystery debut - co-authored with Liz Lawson.
Here are all of her books in chronological order, with a note from me about each one.
Books to Read Like Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Legends & Lattes was the book that I never knew I needed, and my introduction to the world of cosy fantasy books.
The novel features Viv, an orc who decides to retire from mercenary work and open a coffee shop. It’s very wholesome and features some minor peril, romance, and lots of delicious baked goods.
Here are some of the other fantastic cosy fantasies that I enjoyed and recommend, plus a few from my TBR. You’re welcome!
Air Up Gen 2 Bottle Review - Is It Worth the Hype?
I’ve heard a lot about the impressive Scentaste technology that uses cutting edge science to create ‘flavour from thin air’. Essentially, these bottles use scent to trick the brain into tasting a variety of flavours in what is actually plain water.
This is the second generation bottle, which comes in a range of colours including two new shades, Red Poppy and Green Sage. There are also two sizes to choose from, either 600ml or 1 litre, depending on your preference. As you can see from the photos, I opted for the Sage Green 600ml version which came with three flavour pods: Red Berry, Lime and Watermelon. It cost me £34.99 for the bottle and three pods together, reduced from £36.99, with free postage.
Emily Henry Books in Order
Emily Henry is a fantastic and much loved writer who has published a number of romantic comedy books for adults. One of the many great things about her books is that they all stand alone, meaning that you can dip into them wherever you like and not commit to a lengthy series. Having said that, once you’ve read one, I guarantee that you’ll want to read them all!
In this post I’ll go through each of her books in publication order, explaining which I think you should read first.
Hello Kitty Crocs Unboxing
When I saw that Crocs had released a Hello Kitty collaboration I knew that I had to get my hands on them. The range was released in January 2024 as part of Hello Kitty’s 50th birthday celebrations, with the adult sizes retailing at £64.99 in the UK and $69.99 in the US.
Shadow and Bone Season Three Cancelled - Cast and Fan Reactions
Much to the heartbreak of Grishaverse fans around the world, Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone series was officially cancelled by Netflix on the 15th of November 2023. Although the scripts were said to have also been written for the show’s spin off series Six of Crows, that show has also been cancelled and will never brought to fruition.
It’s speculated that the shows were cancelled due to falling viewer numbers for Shadow and Bone’s second season, which launched on the 16th of March 2023. Regardless of the reason, this cancellation has brought a sudden end to a much loved book series with a cult following.
Arvia Cabin Tour and Review
I sailed on P&O’s cruise ship Arvia at the beginning of 2024 and had an absolutely amazing time. Although I had initially booked an inside room, I took part in the company’s bidding scheme before sailing and managed to secure a balcony cabin for an additional £395 per person.
Was it worth it? Here are my thoughts on our balcony cabin on P&O’s Arvia (number 11317).
Jellycat Collection Review - Are They Worth the Money?
I started my Jellycat collection in 2023 after being introduced to the soft toys on TikTok, where they are hugely popular. In this post I will introduce you to the brand and walk you through my collection so far, answering the question: are they worth the price tag?
What Are Jellycats?
Jellycats or ‘Jellies’ are soft toys that are made from snuggly fabrics and with unique, often quirky, designs. The company was founded in London in 1999 and prides itself on being a premium toy manufacturer. According to their website, Jellycat toys are ‘softer, subtler and long-lasting’ than other toys, and that’s something that I’d agree with. I’ve owned a lot of soft toys in my life, but the softness of a Jellycat is next level. The quality of their materials also means that they’re safe for children and adults of all ages, including newborns, and can be enjoyed by all.
What Order Should I Read A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas? (ACOTAR)
Sarah J Maas is one of the world’s most popular romantasy authors (that’s the combination of romance and fantasy). Her debut novel, Throne of Glass, published in 2012, and over the last 12 years her total of published works has increased to a staggering 23.
It’s clear that Maas has the knack for writing stories with a delectable blend of romance and fantasy that readers can’t get enough of. But with so many books to read, it can be difficult for new readers to know where to start
35 Quotes from Wonka AND Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl is one of the UK’s most beloved children’s authors, with around 50 titles to his name and more than 300 million book sales. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, along with Matlida and James are the Giant Peach, is arguably one of Dahl’s most famous and popular books, found in children’s libraries all over the world.
In this article, I summarise 35 of the very best quotes from both Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and its newest film iteration, Wonka.
Welcome to the Viking Skaga - one of Viking Cruises’ noble river ships. She takes her name from an ancient Norse myth, where the Valkyrie Skaga rode into battle and escorted the dead to Valhalla, before preparing them to fight in the epic battle of Ragnarok.
A relatively new ship, the Viking Skaga only entered the fleet in 2020. At just 410 feet and carrying 168 guests and 48 crew, she was built specifically to sail down the Seine in France, although the specific itinerary will vary depending on the time of year. I was fortunate enough to join the ship for her week long Christmas on the Seine cruise, which starts and ends in Paris, calling at Vernon, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Honflour (via an excursion) and Les Andelys along the way.