A book celebrating the joy of front gardens

This book heroes 20 commonly found plants growing in the front gardens of one road in London. Ben’s observations in Grove Park – such as hollyhocks growing at number 92 being ‘serotonin for the summer soul’ – are insightful and full of joy. Ben takes us with him as he walks up and down theContinue reading “A book celebrating the joy of front gardens”

A no-holds-barred extreme health memoir

Life & Death Decisions by Dr Lachlan McIver packs a punch and gets a five-star rating from me. It gave me everything I want from a memoir, containing jaw-dropping stories, a reminder of human resilience and fragility and a warning about the very real consequences of climate change. The medical challenges Lachlan has faced asContinue reading “A no-holds-barred extreme health memoir”

Going Deeper Underground

It’s my stop on the blog tour for The Accidental Detectorist: Uncovering an Underground Obsession by Nigel Richardson. I was intrigued when I read the blurb for this book. I love the English countryside, and nothing gives me more thrill than the turquoise flash of a kingfisher or the discovery of a spotted woodpecker feather.Continue reading “Going Deeper Underground”

A reminder to be kind, always

I’ve read many books this month (July 22), giving the majority a five-star rating. What links them is their exploration of relationships. How we are treated as children, as adults, and then as we deteriorate with age can profoundly impact the quality of our lives. In these books, there are horrific acts, humour, kind deedsContinue reading “A reminder to be kind, always”

A fast-paced historical romance

Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Sister Returns by Joanna Rees, which has more twists and turns than a scary rollercoaster. I didn’t read the first two books in this series but it works as a standalone novel. We are taken to New York, Los Angeles and the UK, entering theContinue reading “A fast-paced historical romance”

A book you need to read this Summer

I’ve just read A Normal Family by Chrysta Bilton as part of a Random Things Blog Tour. The quote on the back says, “Absolutely riveting from beginning to end,” and I completely agree. It gets five stars from me. This memoir is about chaos, addiction, and two little girls brought up in an unconventional household.Continue reading “A book you need to read this Summer”

May reads – taking me from Louisiana to The Lake District

I increasingly find myself drawn to non-fiction these days. I love learning from the experiences of others and there is always space on the bookshelf or in the e-book library for another health or nature memoir! I was pleased to fit in a Stephen King book this month. I have his Stephen King On WritingContinue reading “May reads – taking me from Louisiana to The Lake District”

April Reads – taking me to the Amazon, Guyana, a magical London & back in time

I was unable to choose a book of the month for April, so have instead awarded it to two titles, which I’ve added to my pile of green books (covers and content). First up was Life Lessons From The Amazon by Pip Stewart, who really is an inspiration. Whenever I read adventure books I amContinue reading “April Reads – taking me to the Amazon, Guyana, a magical London & back in time”

March reads

I’ve struggled to concentrate on books this month. With dogged persistence and the help of a good fantasy novel, to get me back in the reading groove, I have managed to finish a fairly eclectic mix. My ‘Book of the Month’ is The Book of The Tree: Trees In Art. This is a contemporary collectionContinue reading “March reads”

Shortlisted in the Selfie Awards!

Having friends and family buy and enjoy my book has been lovely, and when strangers buy the book and give a five-star review it’s even more rewarding! This week, recognition for The Cactus Surgeon has gone up yet another level! I found out it is one of just eight titles shortlisted in the Selfies UKContinue reading “Shortlisted in the Selfie Awards!”