Tag: stories

🌸 Books: April Throwback πŸŒΈπŸ“šβ˜€οΈ

Hi guys πŸ‘‹πŸ»

Christmas, Spring/Summer are my favourite times of year to read and as I was enjoying my book this afternoon it got me thinking about this time last year…

April 2020 was a both a confusing and enlightening time for me (It sounds strange I know, stick with me)

Lockdown was fully in swing at this point, Pandemic – WHATTTT, very confusing! But, amongst the madness of Lockdown, for the first time in probably 11 years I had time… time to do the things I enjoyed, unapologetically, emphatically and with a new found appreciation for them.

And with this feeling and freedom in place I got such a heightened enjoyment from the novels I was reading. It of course helped that they were bloody brilliant books… so, lets take a walk down memory lane…

🌸

April. This seems to be a good month for me in terms of discovering new books, especially ones that turn into firm favourites, that I always recommend when someones asks me; ‘Do you know of any good books?’

🌸

In the midst of the OG Lockdown…

I read ‘The Silent Patient’ in a day I was so enraptured by it, gripped to the last page…

We also had another Heidi Swain release, which always makes a month amazing (& this sunny seaside stay is one of my faves of hers) ‘The Seaside Escape’

…and I found another firm fave and cosy number in ‘The Flat share’ which has lead me to many brilliant books by Beth O’Leary as a result.



Fast forward to today…. & I’m thoroughly enjoying ‘The Lido’ by Libby Page. Its a cosy, feel good book that restores your faith in community, friendships (unconventional & not) and yourself along the way.



I’m so invested in this story, its endearing characters and community that I know I’ll be sad when it ends and we aren’t spending our time together anymore (if you know, you know!)

I want to see how it all plays out but I don’t want to say goodbye.

You know you’ve got a good’un when thats the case.

I’m super looking forward to the end of the month as I have a few Preorders coming my way and I’m SO EXCITED!!

They are:
~A Taste of Home by Heidi Swain
~The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary
~Until Next Weekend by Rachel Marks

(& a new Sarah Morgan book at the end of May πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»)

All we need is for this sunshine to stay, Covid to be kept at bay and a nice cold drink to sip as we enjoy these brilliant books!

πŸ“š Happy Reading πŸ“š

Until Next Time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

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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€’ O N E β€’

Night-time around the world

MOON

Written & Illustrated by Britta Teckentrap

This book is beautiful. The illustrations alone are amazing.

It also features loads of lovely animals (always popular with children) in their different habitats, around the world.

It shows how the moon and its position and appearances changes on these different parts of the world.

Exploring the night sky in a fun and gorgeous way.

Definatly one to add to your family collection.

Happy Monday everyone!

Have a great week β˜†

Until Next Time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

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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

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

Working in education, in a early years setting, means that I am constantly surrounded by Childrens books. I also have two nephews and a niece who I love reading stories too.

I love childrens books and they are a brilliant way to engage, excite and capture a childs brilliant imagination.

So, I thought that each week I would do a ‘Weekly Feature’ of a children’s book, to share with you some of the beautiful books out there.


The first one is coming tomorrow!

Until Next Time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

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My 2020 Reading Challenge: The Second Quarter πŸ“š

Sorry guys, this is a bit late… but I thought I would still post it as I want to keep up with the quarterly posts.
I’ve been a lot busier since I started back at work.

April/May/June

So, that bloody pandemic is still happening… I am however back at work and have been for two and a half weeks. It is definatly nice to have a bit more normality. My work schedule isnt 100% back to what it usually is so I’m trying to make sure I still use this extra time to get through all my new books that I bought for the COVID-19 outbreak.

Lets have a look at what I have read during this next quarter… we’re halfway through the year already, madness.

Books I have read:

The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary

The Secret Seaside Escape by Heidi Swain

The Switch by Beth O’Leary

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling (3/4, but I’ll leave it on the list as its a biggun’)

The Land of Stories: The Enchantress Returns by Chris Colfer

Heidi Swain is one of my favourite authors so I was so excited to have this book in my second quarter. I had pre ordered it so that was a very welcome arrival.

As you can see I have also been enjoying Beth O’Leary’s books this quarter. I started with ‘The Switch’ as I have seen lots of recommendations on Instagram and then my friend at work read it and suggested it too. I really enjoyed it and consequently bought her second book, which I enjoyed even more.

‘The Family Upstairs’ I found really gripping. I literally couldn’t put it down by the end, its funny how some books grip you like that! I had this book at the beginning of lockdown so I can’t believe its taken me this long to get around to it.

I have even more books planned for the third instalment, so check back to see what I’ve been reading.

Or, check out my Insta ‘RoseannesBlog’ as I post regularly on there too.

Until Next Time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

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My 2020 Reading Challenge: The First Quarter πŸ“š

Hi Guys!

So, here is the first quarter of my Reading Challenge. Three months down. I have to say I didn’t think I would writing this post in ‘Lockdown’ during a global Pandemic, this is just insane.Maybe I’ll get a few more books read whilst this is going on?! Its such a crazy, scary time so its nice to be able to ‘escape’.I thought this picture was very apt.

January/February/March

So, what have I read…

Last Light: The Lucy Harwin series Book 3 by Helen Phifer

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling (Halfway, but I’ll leave it on the list as its a biggun’)

The Secret Santa by Trish Harnetiaux

Struck by Lightening: The Carson Phillip’s Journals by Chris Colfer

I’ll Take New York by Miranda Dickinson

Stranger Than Fan Fiction by Chris Colfer

I have really enjoyed all of these books, especially ‘I’ll take New York’. Chris Colfer, who you may know from Glee, is a brilliant writer, his books are so well written, so easy to read and hilarious, which is why I’ve read two of them during this period. Well worth checking out.

I have bought a few new books to get me through the Isolation… my next book is called ‘The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides.

I recommended this to a friend and she has already fisihed it. It even made her gasp with suprise (don’t you just love it when a book does that!?) So, Im looking forward to getting stuck into that.

Any recommendations are always welcome!

Until Next Time,

Stay safe everybody and stay at home!

Roseanne πŸ™‚

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My Reading Challenge: September πŸ“š

I’m a bit late with my update this month, we can blame ‘back to school’ fever. It’s a busy time when you work in a school!!

What did I read in August:

All that she can see by Carrie Hope Fletcher

The Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

Give me the child by Mel McGrath

&

Two short reads…

The beach wedding by Dorothy Koomson

Full house by Maeve Binchy

I loved Carrie’s book, I wasnt sure to begin with, I dont know why but it took m a while to pick this up off my shelf, one I had though, I couldnt put it down!

It was a very interesting concept and a very different story to one I’ve read befoe. It really made you think about you own emotions and how much control you have over them and they hav over you. I loved the making element to the story, it was very easy reading.

The Unwanted Guest was brilliant, it had a real Agatha Christie feel to it and I was gripped, trying to work out who it could be, what would happen next, how it was all linked. Very good, very well written and definatly a great book for murder mystery fans.

I enjoyed ‘Give me the Child’ and it you wanted to find out what was going to happen, however I do think that it went on for a little bit, then right near the end it all of a sudden got very dramatic and then it just ended. It was a bit too much right at the end when it had dragged on a lot before that.

I really enjoyed the short reads, especially the one by Dorothy Koomson, it may have been shorter but it was just as good as her others and it had great twists and turns.

This months books are…

Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult

‘A compelling emotional drama of love and guilt that grips from the very first moments.’

‘Luke Warren would sleep in the dirt if it meant he could be under the stars.

He lived by the laws of nature. And would surely want to die that way.

But Luke is in a coma and his family mus make an unbearable decision

As tensions and secrets rise to the surface, the tragic accident which brougt them back together against the odds could well tear Luke’s family apart forever.

They know Luke would not want to live like this . But how can they choose to let him die?’

The big little festival by Kellie Hailes

‘Love happens when you least expect it…

Jody is panicking. Its only weeks until her little village in Devon hosts its first ever festival and everything is falling apart.

Desperate to avoid disaster, she brings in notorious party planner Christian to save the day. Although she wasn’t prepared for just how gorgeous he would be!

Men are off the cards for Jody and surely Christian is the last man she would wlever date? But with tensions risng- along with the bunting and homemade scones- shes about to find out… ‘

Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

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My reading challenge: August πŸ“š

August edition

So, what did I read in July…

As I was on holiday and I’ve started my volunteering for the library Summer reading challenge, I actually ended up reading three books in July.

& for August I am going to try and read more too as I also have some time off, lots of reading time!!

In July I read:

The Prison Doctor by Dr Amanda Brown

Every breath by Nicholas Sparks

&

The guilty party by Mel McGrath

The prison doctor was a really interesting read, and tbf as horrendous as you’d imagine.

I have to say that I didmt enjoy this as much as ‘This is going to hurt’ by Adam Lay, which is a similar format but from the perspective of a Junior Doctor.

As always the Nicholas Sparkes book was one that I couldnt put down, a heart warming story, definitely one for all you Sparks fans.

The guilty party was a really interesting read, not only was it a gripping story but it was also quite thought provoking too. Do you really know how you would react in a certain situation? Can we ever know until we are in that position? And how profound are the decisions we make on our own lives and on the lives of others?!?

This months books are…

Give me the child by Mel McGrath

‘Imagine your doorbell rings in the middle of the night.

You open the door to the police

With them is your husbands eleven-year-old love child. A daughter you never knew he had.

Her mother has been found dead in their South London flat.

She has nowhere else to go.

Would you take her in?

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

As the guests arrive at beautiful, remote Mitchells Inn, they’re all looking forward to a relaxing weekend deep in the forest, miles from anywhere. They watch their fellow guests with interest, from a polite distance.

With a violent storm raging, the group finds itself completely cut off from thr outside world. Nobody can get in – or out.

And then the first body is found…

And and horrifying truth comes to light. There is a killer among them – and nowhere to run.

All that she can see by Carrie Hope Fletcher

Cherry has a hidden talent. She can see things other people cant, and she decided a long time ago to use this skill to help others.

As far as the rest of the town is concerned, she’s simply the kind-hearted young women who runs thr local bakery, but in private she uses her gift to add something special to her cakes so that after just one mouthful the townspeople start to feel better about their lives. They dont know why they’re drawn to Cherrys bakery – they just know that they’re safe there and that’s how Cherry likes it.

She can help them in secret and no one will ever need to know the truth behind the gift.

And then Chase turns up and threatens to undo all the good Cherry has done. Because it turns out she’s not the only one who can see what she sees…

I can’t wait to get stuck into these πŸ™ŒπŸ»

As always, any recommendations are welcome πŸ˜πŸ“š

Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

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12 months, 12 books!

Hi guys!

I LOVE to read, I would even go as far as to say it is my favourite hobby. So, I thought I would share this hobby with you guys.

So this is basically my guide to a good read. All of these books I have read and thoroughly enjoyed! Its one book for each month of the year. As I’ll explain along the way, I have put certain books and months together just to make it a bit more tailored to those months and to myself (It is my guide after all haha)

I hope you guys find this useful and are drawn to a few of these brilliant books, maybe you could pop them onto your Christmas list! You may even know someone who would enjoy one of these, or failing that they would make great stocking fillers,

Lets take a look at the books I’ve chosen…

Bridget Jones Diary By Helen Fielding.

Because we all need a bit of cheering up in January! & Bridget is a very endearing character. January is probably when most people would start writing a new diary, a new year, a new chapter.

Billy & Me By Giovanna Fletcher.

A brilliant and cosy love story, wonderfully written. You will fall in love with the setting, its characters and the story of a young couple in love.

Blood sisters by Jane Corry.

I really enjoyed this book and found the twists really keep you on your toes.

After I’ve gone By Linda Green.

This book is SO gripping. With social media being at the forefront of todays culture this novel really makes you think. (+ its full of Harry Potter references!!)

Is it just me? By Miranda Hart.

May is my birthday month and I received this book for my birthday a few years ago. It is full of laughs. Miranda Hart is my favourite comedian and this hilarious book of anecdotes and stories is just fab! Sure to put a smile on your face. Almost halfway!

The Notebook By Nicholas Sparks.

“Every great love starts with a story.” This book is beautiful, true love personified, it made me cry!! (All the feels!!) and during what is a special month for me and my husband I thought this was a rather apt choice.

β€œI am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough..”
― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
β€œI love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, everyday we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours. ”
― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

Lying about last summer by Sue Wallman.

Since July is the start of the summer I thought that this would make a good choice. This one is a teenage read (technically, but don’t let that put you off adults!!) It is super easy to get into and is just a lovely story about overcoming fears and letting go of guilt.

Change of heart By Jodi Picoult.

I was on holiday when I read this, hence the choice of months! and this is by far one of my favourites of all of Jodi Picoults books. It is SO gripping you honestly won’t be able to put it down, 10/10.

Harry Potter and the Philosphers Stone By J.K Rowling

Because was I ever going to do a book review without getting a Harry Potter book in there?? (NO, No I was not) This book is so MAGICAL and if your anything like me you’ll be dreaming of boarding that train to Hogwarts on September the 1st.

The Ice cream girls By Dorothy Koomson.

Take yourself back to Summer time with this seaside set novel. Heart breaking but brilliantly written by another one of my favourite authors.

Mince pies and mistletoe at the Christmas market By Heidi Swann.

This is a lovely easy reader with an awesome festive feel to it. If this doesn’t get you into the festive spirit I don’t know what will!!

Tanya’s Christmas By Tanya Burr

This is a fantastic book to get you feeling super festive, but also prepared for all the merriment. Its not a story, its more of a guide to Christmas and Christmas prep. Its full of brilliant crafty ideas, tantalizing recipes that will make your mouth water and make up, gifting and wrapping ideas to get those festive juices flowing, perfect.

 

These books are all quite different so I’m hoping there’s something in there for all of you guys to get your teeth stuck into,

What’s your favourite book? Favourite Author? Any recommendations?

 

Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

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