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I’ll see you at the bookshop!
Clare Mackintosh Books in Order
One of the UK’s best crime writers, Clare Mackintosh is a former police officer who published her first book in 2014.
Since then Clare has written 10 books - most of these within the crime genre, but also including two non-fiction books.
Here are all of Clare Mackintosh’s books in order, separated by category. Enjoy!
What Makes a Good Reading Light?
Here’s everything that you need to look for when shopping for a new reading light this autumn and winter season.
When shopping for new pieces of furniture, it’s often very tempting to opt for the cheapest available option - I know because I’ve been there! Although this can seem like an effective way to save money in the short term, it’s likely to result in purchasing items that are of poor quality and will not stand the test of time.
12 ADHD Books for Adults
If you’re reading this it’s likely that you might either have, or know someone who has, ADHD. As awareness around neurodiversity has gained momentum over the last few years, many more books have been authored on the topic - in particular those written with lived experience in mind.
Here are 12 of the most popular books that have been written about ADHD for adults.
Carley Fortune Books in Order
A number one bestselling author, Carley Fortune has sold more than two million books around the world. Her novels are known to be romantic page turners, perfect for escaping into during a summer vacation.
Here are all of her books in publication order. Happy reading!
Alice Oseman Books in Order
Author of the hugely popular comic book and Netflix series, Heartstopper, Alice Oseman published their first book when they were just 19. Since then Alice has won several awards, including the YA Book Prize, was named Attitude Person of the Year in 2023, and was awarded Illustrator of the Year at the British Book Awards that same year.
What is the Best Reading Light?
I explain why it’s so important to invest in a good quality reading light, and how reading before bed can be transformative for our mental health.
As the days get shorter and the nights draw in, a good reading light is essential when curling up with a good book. Reading in low, inadequate lighting can make it difficult for your eyes to focus and cause eye strain.
15 of the Best Quotes from Matilda by Roald Dahl
Originally published in 1988, Matilda is a timeless story that has inspired generations of readers. It’s a tale for anyone who has ever felt different, like they don’t quite fit in, or would happily escape into the pages of a book.
Matilda has since been adapted into two films, once in 1996 and again in 2022, as well as a musical that has been running in London’s West End since 2011. Brought to life by Tim Minchin’s witty lyrics, the musical won seven Olivier Awards in its opening year and opened on Broadway in 2013.
Inside Carturesti Carusel - Bookshop Review
I visited Bucharest in October 2024 as part of my 30th birthday celebrations. As well as visiting the fantastic Therme Spa that’s been hugely popular on social media, I was also keen to visit one of my bucket list bookshop locations: Cărturești Carusel.
Attend a Reading Retreat in the UK with Boutique Book Breaks
It’s every book lovers dream - a cosy getaway with bookish friends, spent reading, relaxing and eating good food. That’s exactly what Boutique Book Breaks offer, and their very first retreat is located in Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-Upon-Avon.
What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
I first cruised the Caribbean onboard P&O’s Arvia at the beginning of 2024, and while I didn’t know quite what to expect, I had an absolutely amazing time!
Our 14 day fly cruise started and ended in Bridge Town, Barbados, with flights to the country from London Gatwick Airport. During the trip we visited lots of fantastic islands, including Tortola, Antigua, Martinique, St Maarten, Saint Kitts, and Saint Lucia, with plenty of relaxing sea days in between.
For those wondering when to cruise the Caribbean, the best time to sail is over the winter months, when the weather is more comfortable. It’s also outside of their hurricane season, which takes place between June and November.
Lakeland StaySnug Electric Heated Throw Review
As the cold weather draws in, many people will be thinking about how they can keep themselves and their homes warm this winter without spending huge amounts of money. To help with this, my partner and I have recently invested in a few household items that we hope will make a big difference.
Nordace Siena Pro 17 Backpack Review and Discount Code
Here’s my honest review of the Nordace Siena Pro 17 backpack, which was kindly sent to me by the company for an honest review.
I decided that I liked this bag as soon as I tore through the packaging and held it in my hands. I received the Nordace Siena Pro 17 in the largest size, 17 inches, and found that it not only fit me well, but came in a pretty blue colour that matched my existing Tripp luggage.
Lakeland DrySoon Heated Airer review
Here’s everything that you need to know about the DrySoon Heated Airer from Lakeland.
We invested in the DrySoon Heated Airer after borrowing an older model from a family member. With the cold winter months quickly approaching, my partner and I knew that we needed a new one as it had become one of our essential household items.
I was keen to see how well this new heated airer measured up, and whether it was worth the high price tag.
Trying Hotel Chocolat’s Velvetiser Cafe - Review
Nothing says autumn quite like a mug of hot chocolate, and so October felt like the perfect time to try the Hotel Chocolat cafe in Chichester.
Having moved into a new premises earlier in 2024, Hotel Chocolat’s new shop in East Street boasts a larger shop floor with its own cafe.
The space is small without feeling cramped, and furnished with plenty of seating for visitors to enjoy their drinks. Looking at the menu, I wasn’t surprised to see that everything revolved around chocolate in all varieties.
Painting Pottery Cafe, Brighton - Review
The Cauldron Brighton - Review and Photos
Here’s everything that you need to know about Brighton’s wizard themed pub, The Cauldron.
I recently visited Brighton to celebrate my 30th birthday, and discovered The Cauldron when I was looking for fun things to do. Although it may look like an average British pub from the outside, The Cauldron’s exterior is deceiving. Inside the pub is an immersive wizard themed experience with interactive elements and a bespoke cocktail menu.
Karen McManus Books in Order
Author of 2022’s hit Netflix series One of Us is Lying, Karen McManus is a fantastic writer who specialises in young adult thriller novels.
Here are each of her books in order, separated by series.
5 Cruise Lines with Stunning Onboard Libraries
While many of the world’s most recent and largest cruise ships have foregone libraries in favour of revenue generating spaces, there are a number of lines which continue to champion the written word.
Here I will introduce you to five of the world’s most literature friendly cruise lines, all with stunning libraries onboard their ships.
Helen Hoang Books in Order
Helen Hoang is a fantastic romance author with three books to her name. Diagnosed with Autism, she has weaved her lived experience into her work, and The Kiss Quotient follows an Autistic woman who hires an escort as a way for her to explore intimacy.
While the three novels are a series and are listed here chronologically, they can be read in any order. Enjoy!
Inside FOLDE Dorset - Bookshop Review
Here’s everything you need to know about Shaftesbury’s beautiful nature focused bookshop, FOLDE Dorset.
Located at the top of Shaftesbury’s iconic Gold Hill, FOLDE Dorset is a stunning independent bookshop that focuses on nature writing and arts and crafts.
Founded by Karen and Amber in 2020, FOLDE later opened as a physical shop in April 2021. The name is rather fittingly taken from the old English word ‘Folde’, which means ‘land, earth and ground’ while also representing books and community.
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.