Category: books

A Book Haul: Xmas 2020 πŸ“š

Hi guys πŸ‘‹πŸ»

So, this is my last post with the word Christmas in, honest!

Here is my book haul. I was very lucky to receive quite a few lovely books for Christmas this year, my ideal gift, so I thought I would share them with you.

It’s quite a mixed bag so let’s take a look…

  • Ant and Dec Once Upon a Tyne

I LOVE Ant & Dec, they are my absolute faves so I was super excited to receive this. This one I requested, so I hoped it was on it’s way. It’s really funny so far.

  • Finding Love at the Christmas Market by Jo Thomas

I had seen this one advertised and heard alot of great things (plus I love a cute, warm, festive story) so I was pleasantly suprised when my sister got me this. I’ve finished it and it was as lovely and heart warming as I’d have hoped. Perfect for Christmas & Blue January!

  • ‘Still Friends’ 25 Years of the TV show that defined an era. By Saul Austerlitz

I can’t wait to start reading this. F.R.I.E.N.D.S is my ultimate fave TV show and my lovely friend bought me this for Christmas, knowing I love both books & friends. Definatly onto a winner with this one.

  • Collectors editions of: Peter Pan By J M Barrie, A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens & The Railway Children by E Nesbit

I discovered these in my local indie bookshop. They are absolutely beautiful. The covers are amazing 😍 I have wanted to add some classics to my collection for a while so I picked these out and my Mum and Dad gave them to me for Christmas.

  • I also got two illustrated Harry Potter books; ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ illustrated edition & ‘Quidditch through the ages’ illustrated edition

If you’ve followed me for a while you’ll know that I’m a MASSIVE!!! Harry Potter fan, so I was super excited to add these to my collection. I had asked for the illustrated ‘Goblet of Fire’ but I wasn’t expecting the ‘Quidditch through the ages’ illustrated version… IT LOOKS AMAZING.

Did you get some books for Christmas?? How are they??

Until Next Time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

by Categories: books, Celebrations, christmas, harry potter, Life, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

My 2021 TBR List πŸ“š

Hi guys πŸ‘‹πŸ»

2021 is here and of course that means a fresh start to the reading for the year.

I still have one more festive book to read, that I was gifted for Christmas, ‘Finding Love at the Christmas Market’ By Jo Thomas.

This is the first book I’ve started in 2021.

I’ve complied a list of my TBR (to be read) books for the coming year… it’s quite a mixture but I like that!! I can’t wait to get stuck in.

  • The Winter Garden by Heidi Swain
  • Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh
  • Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
  • The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith
  • Normal people by Sally Rooney
  • The Holiday by T.M Logan
  • An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
  • Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
  • Sweet Sorrow by David Nicholls
  • Girl, Other Women by Bernardine Evaristo
  • Dear NHS by Adam Kay
  • The Land of Stories: A Grimm Warning by Chris Colfer
  • My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
  • The Lido by Libby Page
  • Once Upon a Tyne by Ant & Dec

Which books are on your ‘To be read list’ ??

Until Next Time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

by Categories: books, Life, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

My 2020 Reading Challenge: The Fourth and Final Quarter πŸ“š

So, here it is! The final instalment of my 2020 reading challenge, and the final quarter…

October, November, December

Let’s have a look at what I have read during this quarter…

Books I’ve read:

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

Where the Crawdads sing by Delia Owen

The Kindness Club at Mapleberry Lane: A Summer Suprise by Helen Rolfe

The Kindness Club at Mapleberry Lane: An Autumn Promise by Helen Rolfe

Coming home to Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters

New beginnings at Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters

Hopeful hearts at Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters

The Christmas Killer by Alex Pine

The Midnight Library is one of my favourite books that I have read this year. Its fantastic and I have recommended it to so many people already.

It’s so thought provoking and interesting, but gripping too.

I can’t recommend it enough

Alot of these were a similar type of book this quarter, easy readers. These are some of my favourite types of books, cosy, romantic, lovely and easy to pick up and get through, so I was super pleased to discover the Glendale series in particular.

I didn’t get through as many of my festive reads as I would have liked but I have one more on the cards for January, I recieved it as a gift for Christmas, from my sister.

It’s called ‘Finding Love at the Christmas Market’ by Jo thomas.

I haven’t quite decided how my reading challenge will take shape this year yet… maybe I will continue with the quarterly updates or I may go back to a monthly update, either way, keep your eyes peeled for that!

What’s been your favourite book of 2020?

Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

by Categories: books, Life, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Blogmas Day Fifteen: Getting into the festive spirit πŸŽ…πŸ»

So, here are my top 5 ways to well and truly get into the festive spirit!

1. Listening to Christmas tunes

Whilst I’m still at work, and there are still lots of restrictions in place for going out, this is one of the things that has made me feel the most Christmassy.

We have been listening to them lots at work and in the car.

If a Christmas sing along doesn’t get you into the festive spirit, what will!!

2. Watching a Christmas film πŸ“½

I LOVE Christmas films for adding a bit of festive cheer into your life.

Even more so as the cinemas are closed. I miss it more than I thought.

I shared some of my faves in a earlier Blogmas post so check them out here !

Grab some popcorn, your fave festive chocs, a hot choc perhaps? And you’ve got yourself a super festive afternoon.

3. Reading a Christmas book πŸ“š

As soon as November hits I start the festive reads and I don’t stop until February.

If you love festive books as much as me then take a look at these ones, they are some that I’ve really enjoyed.

Books are a great escape from reality and perfect for a bit of festive downtime during the Christmas chaos.

4. Christmas Day Prep 🎁

I love wrapping presents, planning Christmassy activities and of course planning the Christmas eats too.

I know that this year is going to be a bit different in terms of Christmas, but its important to make the most of the situation we are in, enjoy what we can do and not focus on what we can’t.

And hey, you might even end up with a new fun tradition thanks to 2020!

I love stocking up on a few of our favourite Christmas treats, like mince pies and slowly picking up buffet bits and bobs, from various shops depending on what they have each year.

And wrapping presents for my loved ones always makes me feel super festive 😊🎁

5. Festive baking πŸ₯§

I really enjoy baking and festive flavours (except you cinnamon 🀒) so I always look forward to baking at this time of year, especially when you can indulge a little more, guilt free, and try all your efforts.

I’ve been looking up some yummy ideas to inspire my baking over the next week or so!

Here’s a festive recipe I’ve already tried out. They were super yummy!

Christmas Tree Brownies

Until Next Time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

by Categories: baking, books, Celebrations, christmas, food, Life, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Blogmas Day Ten: Decorating My Reading Corner β„

Happy Day Ten of Blogmas!

Here’s a little sneak peek at how I’ve decorated my reading corner… I love fairy lights (any excuse!) And they look super cute with a few little other festive touches.

Super cosy!

Adding a few festive touches has made my reading corner even more cosy!

Annd I’ve even managed to not poke myself in the eye with one of the light up branches, whilst reading, so win win!

Books & Christmas = a pretty epic combo! πŸŽ„πŸ“š

Has anyone else decorated their reading areas?

Until Next Time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

by Categories: books, Celebrations, christmas, home decor, Life, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Blogmas Day Seven: α΄„ΚœΙͺΚŸα΄…Κ€α΄‡Ι΄’ꜱ Κ™α΄α΄α΄‹κœ± α΄‘α΄‡α΄‡α΄‹ΚŸΚ κœ°α΄‡α΄€α΄›α΄œΚ€α΄‡ πŸ“šπŸŽ…πŸ»

β€’ W E E K β€’ T H R E E β€’

Since this weeks Children’s book is a Christmassy one I thought I would unashamedly shoehorn it into a Blogmas post for today!

The Christmas Elf and the magic of kindness

By Marcy Kelman and Hannah Mark’s

This book is SO cute. The illustrations are lovely and bright and the message that it gets across is so sweet.

The book is all about being kind and finding and embracing what you are good at… not worrying if you can’t always do what someone else can do, because we all have our own individual talents.

The perfect, Christmassy story with a beautiful message to those who read/listen to it.

18 days until Christmas!

Until Next Time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

by Categories: books, Celebrations, christmas, Life, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Blogmas Day Five: Some of my fave Christmas reads πŸŽ…πŸ»πŸ“š

I LOVE a festive read. I fully read festive books throughout December and this year is no exception… infact I’m trying to read even more than usual this year to really get me into thr festive spirit.

Thought I would share with you some of my favourites, as well as ones that are on my tbr (to be read) list

πŸŽ„ Some β€’ of β€’ my β€’ favourites πŸ“š

  • Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market by Heidi Swain.
  • Coming Home to Glendale Hall by Victoria Walter’s
  • A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan
  • The Secret Santa by Trish Harnetiaux
  • Sleigh rides and Silver bells at the Christmas Fair by Heidi Swain
  • Dream a little Christmas dream by Giovanna Fletcher (Novella)
  • Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland
  • Christmas with Billy & Me by Giovanna Fletcher (Novella)

❄ On β€’ my β€’ TBR β€’ list πŸ“š

  • A Christmas Wish by Lizzie Lang
  • The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan
  • Dash & Lily Series by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
  • One more Christmas by Sarah Morgan
  • The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher
  • The Winter Garden by Heidi Swain
  • The Christmas Killer by Alex Pine

πŸŽ…πŸ» Current β€’ Festive β€’ Read πŸ“š

  • Hopefully Hearts at Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters

Have you read any of these??

What are your fave festive reads??

Any recommendations??

Until Next Time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

by Categories: books, Celebrations, christmas, LifeTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Blogmas Day Two: A Festive Book Review- ‘Coming home to Glendale Hall’ πŸ“šπŸŽ…πŸ»

I thought that for Day Two I would do a little book review. I an going to do a fee of these, as part of Blogmas, throught December as I am trying to read plenty of festive books.

Let’s take a look!

This lovely, cosy festive read takes us on the trip back to Beth’s hometown of Glendale, and more specifically Glendale Hall, the family home.

She fled at the age of 16 due to her pregnancy being rejected by her family.

She is now back or Christmas, 10 years after she fled, to see her ill grandmother.

What I particularly enjoyed about this book is how endearing the characters are, their characterisation is really nicely developed and you instantly like them, feel for them and are rooting for them. They are very real characters with a fluffy romantic edge.

And because you have this ease with the characters, you find yourself quickly immersed into the book and turning the pages feverishly, digesting more and more of the Glendale cosyness.

The story is very enjoyable and is written with a lovely festive feel that makes you ready for the christmas season, itching to put up your own decorations, see lights around the town and make a hot chocolate or six.

I couldn’t put it down.

So, apparently this is the part of the review that I’m supposed to write something I didnt like as much about the book… (Boo!)

… I knew what was probably going to happen in the end…???

My question is…Does it matter if you predict or don’t predict the ending when the journey to it is so enjoyable though?!

I’m really clutching at straws here because I bloody loved the book and am now on book 3!

So, if you want to get into the Christmas spirit, feel cosy, festive and ready to enjoy all things Christmassy then grab a hot chocolate and cosy down with this absolutely gorgeous seasonal delight.

Any festive book recommendations are welcome!

23 days until Christmas 🦌

Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

by Categories: books, christmas, Life, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

α΄„ΚœΙͺΚŸα΄…Κ€α΄‡Ι΄’ꜱ Κ™α΄α΄α΄‹κœ± α΄‘α΄‡α΄‡α΄‹ΚŸΚ κœ°α΄‡α΄€α΄›α΄œΚ€α΄‡ πŸ“šπŸŒ»πŸŒŸ

β€’ W E E K β€’ T W O β€’

Pop classics: Back to the Future

Based on the movie written by Robert Zemeckis & Bob Gale.

Illustrated by Kim Smith

This book is basically just a simplified, child friendly story book version of the brilliant ‘Back to the Future’ film.

‘After time-travelling to 1955, Marty Mcfly finds himself stranded in the past. The time machine he used doesn’t work anymore, and he needs to help his parents fall in love… or else he’ll never be born! Can he make things right before it’s too late?’

Back to the Future is one my of favourite film franchises so I was super excited to pick this up.

The illustrations are lovely and it adapts the story really well for a younger audience.

Until Next Time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

by Categories: books, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

My Reading Corner Makeover 🌿 πŸ“šπŸŒΈ

I wanted to update my reading corner recently. I am happy with the theme and colour scheme, as it fits well into the lounge where it is….

… I did however, need more space!

As I mentioned on my Instagram (RoseannesBlog) page, me and my husband recently went to Ikea and there is where I found my new bookcase! As well as a few other little bits to finish off the area

So, let’s take a look!

The new addition to my bookcase is the slim one nearest the wall. This is the Billy Bookcase from Ikea.

This bookcase is from the Billy Bookcase range and is just like my original case (also a Billy), but it works really well as a little case for a small space, or a add on to create a little extra space.

This was perfect for the space that I have for my reading corner.

I can’t wait to fill up my new shelves properly.

Here are some of the little bits that I’ve bought to add to the area.

I bought some plants to decorate the shelves, a cute pink lamp for my desk and a new swivel desk chair.

I’m really happy with the extra book space thats been created, without ruining the area that I have already prepared.

Its still super cosy too…even more so! And I can’t wait to enjoy my books in this area.

What do you think?

Until Next Time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

by Categories: books, home decor, Life, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment