It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

Even though it is the holidays I don't seem to have done too much reading. Have another week off work so need to rectify that.

I trying to get through my library book pile - especially as some of the are now overdue - oops.

On the go I have How To Find Love In A Bookshop by Veronica Henry. I have read most of this authors books and have enjoyed them and this is no exception.

Emilia has just returned to her idyllic Cotswold hometown to rescue the family business. Nightingale Books is a dream come true for book-lovers, but the best stories aren't just within the pages of the books she sells - Emilia's customers have their own tales to tell.

There's the lady of the manor who is hiding a secret close to her heart; the single dad looking for books to share with his son but who isn't quite what he seems; and the desperately shy chef trying to find the courage to talk to her crush . . .

And as for Emilia's story, can she keep the promise she made to her father and save Nightingale Books?

Something a little bit different for me is Death Stalks Kettle Street by John Bowen. I would say it is classed as a cosy mystery and this put me off a little as I had images of Agatha Raisin (who I used to live but feel has now gone off the boil) I was sent a copy of this title by TBC over of Facebook in exchange for my honest review.

Some accidents are no accident...

Someone is murdering Greg Unsworth's neighbours and staging the deaths to look like accidents.

Greg knows the truth, but when he's grappling with OCD and simply closing his front door and crossing the road are a battle, how is he supposed to catch a serial killer?

Meet Greg Unsworth, afflicted with OCD, who begins to realize that a series of fatal accidents on his street are in fact a series of murders. After encountering Beth Grue at the scene of one such crime, the two bond over their shared fears and suspicions, and struggles: Beth has cerebral palsy. When the police repeatedly dismiss their concerns, they take matters into their own hands and attempt to discover the killer's identity and expose him...

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

It's getting busier in the fun up to the festivities but am still finding the time to read.

I am reading Summer Secrets by Jane Green - although why I am reading a book about Summer when there is so many fab Christmas themed books around is beyond me.

June, 1998. At twenty-seven, Cat Coombs is struggling. She lives in London, works as a journalist, and parties hard. When she discovers the identity of the father she never knew she had, it sends her into a spiral. She makes mistakes that cost her the budding friendship of the only women who have ever welcomed her. And nothing is ever the same after that.

June, 2014. Cat's life has come full circle. She wants to make amends to those she has hurt. Her quest takes her to Nantucket, the gorgeous New England island where the women she once called family still live. What Cat doesn't realize is that these women, her real father's daughters, have secrets of their own. As the past collides with the present, Cat must confront the darkest things in her own life and uncover the depths of someone's need for revenge.

I am also reading The Family Line by Laura Wilkinson - a far darker tale which I will admit I am struggling a bit with.

Megan is a former foreign correspondent whose life is thrown into turmoil when her son is diagnosed with a terminal illness: a degenerative disease passed down the mother’s line. In order to save him, Megan will have to unearth the truth about her origins and about a catastrophic event from the past. She must confront the strained relationship she has with her mother, make sense of the family history that has been hidden from her all her life, and embark on a journey of self-discovery that stretches halfway around the world.

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

Skywatch Friday

On Saturday in honour of St Andrews Day Historic Scotland were giving away free tickets to some of its properties. We chose to revisit Fort George. We have been many times when the boys were smaller - usually when events were being held. Totally different on a rather overcast Saturday in November as the place was practically deserted.

Lovely to wander around the grounds before visiting the the Regimental Museum of The Queen's Own Highlanders which was amazing.

A view from the ramparts.

Please pop over to the Skywatch blog for more skies from around the world.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

Three books on the go this week.

I am reading The Silence Between Breaths by Cath Staincliffe Although I had read the blurb on the back of the book I hadn't realised the full extent of the storyline. It isn't going to be an easy read but definately a page turner.

Passengers boarding the 10.35 train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston are bound for work, assignations, reunions, holidays or new starts, with no idea that their journey is about to be brutally curtailed.

Holly has just landed her dream job, which should make life a lot easier than it has been, and Jeff is heading for his first ever work interview after months of unemployment. They end up sitting next to each other. Onboard customer service assistant Naz dreams of better things as he collects rubbish from the passengers. And among the others travelling are Nick with his young family who are driving him crazy; pensioner Meg and her partner setting off on a walking holiday and facing an uncertain future; Caroline, run ragged by the competing demands of her stroppy teenage children and her demented mother; and Rhona, unhappy at work and desperate to get home to her small daughter. And in the middle of the carriage sits Saheel, carrying a deadly rucksack . . .

I have just started My Husband's Son by Deborah O'Connor. Another book with a difficult storyline.

Heidi and Jason aren't like other couples. Six years ago, Heidi's daughter was murdered. A year later, Jason's son Barney disappeared. Their shared loss brought them together.

By chance, Heidi meets a boy she's certain is her husband's long-missing son - but Jason is equally convinced it's not him.

Is Heidi mad? Or is Jason hiding something? And can their fragile marriage survive Heidi's search for the truth . . .

And finally a much lighter read - following on from the success of No Run Intended within the running fraternity Hannah Phillips has written a sequel called Run Intended. She seems like such a lovely lass and I am honoured she has asked me to read it and give my honest opinion.

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

Three books on the go this week.

I am reading The Silence Between Breaths by Cath Staincliffe Although I had read the blurb on the back of the book I hadn't realised the full extent of the storyline. It isn't going to be an easy read but definately a page turner.

Passengers boarding the 10.35 train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston are bound for work, assignations, reunions, holidays or new starts, with no idea that their journey is about to be brutally curtailed.

Holly has just landed her dream job, which should make life a lot easier than it has been, and Jeff is heading for his first ever work interview after months of unemployment. They end up sitting next to each other. Onboard customer service assistant Naz dreams of better things as he collects rubbish from the passengers. And among the others travelling are Nick with his young family who are driving him crazy; pensioner Meg and her partner setting off on a walking holiday and facing an uncertain future; Caroline, run ragged by the competing demands of her stroppy teenage children and her demented mother; and Rhona, unhappy at work and desperate to get home to her small daughter. And in the middle of the carriage sits Saheel, carrying a deadly rucksack . . .

I have just started My Husband's Son by Deborah O'Connor. Another book with a difficult storyline.

Heidi and Jason aren't like other couples. Six years ago, Heidi's daughter was murdered. A year later, Jason's son Barney disappeared. Their shared loss brought them together.

By chance, Heidi meets a boy she's certain is her husband's long-missing son - but Jason is equally convinced it's not him.

Is Heidi mad? Or is Jason hiding something? And can their fragile marriage survive Heidi's search for the truth . . .

And finally a much lighter read - following on from the success of No Run Intended within the running fraternity Hannah Phillips has written a sequel called Run Intended. She seems like such a lovely lass and I am honoured she has asked me to read it and give my honest opinion.

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

At the moment I am reading Falling by Jane Green. She was born in the UK and now lives in the US where her books are now set.

Eight years ago, Emma Montague left behind the strict confines of her upper-crust English life - and rather dull boyfriend - and moved to New York City, where she immediately found success in the world of finance. But her soulless, cut-throat, all-consuming job has only led to another life she didn't want.

Answering an online ad, Emma finds a tiny beach cottage to rent in the small town of Westport, Connecticut. It needs work - lots of work. But it's the perfect project to satisfy Emma's passion for interior design and gardening, if her new landlord, Dominic, is agreeable to the small changes she yearns to make.

To Emma, Dominic is also something of a fixer-upper. A local handyman with a six-year-old son, he's a world away from the men she should be interested in, but he's comfortable in his own skin, confident, quiet and kind. Slowly, over a shared garden, time spent with his son and late-night conversations, Emma finds herself falling for Dominic.

From friends to lovers happens as naturally as the changing seasons. But laying down roots doesn't come easily when two lives as different as theirs merge into one. And Emma will realize that the seeds of happiness must be nurtured and cherished to grow into something strong enough to shelter all their hopes and dreams . . .

I am also reading Christmas At The Cat Cafe which is a follow up to Molly And The Cat Cafe which I read earlier in the new year and enjoyed. I was lucky to be sent a kindle copy of this book bt The Book Club over on Facebook in exchange for an honest review. It's November so it's allowed to read Christmas themed books right??

The Costwolds' town of Stourton-on-the-Hill has its very own cat café. Resident cat Molly, and her kittens, live here in feline paradise, while owner Debbie serves the locals home-made goodies. But even in the most idyllic surroundings, things don't always go to plan . . .

When Debbie's heartbroken sister Linda arrives at the café, Debbie insists she move in. But Linda is not alone, and the cats are devastated with the arrival of Linda's dog, Beau. Sadly, Beau's arrival is not the only bombshell - now Molly's home is also under threat when a rival cat moves in on her turf.

With Christmas approaching, Molly is unsettled, barely roused by the promise of tinsel to play with. Fearing for her feline family she hopelessly stares out of the café window searching for an answer. Only a Christmas miracle could bring everyone together . . .

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

Orienteering

Today I went orienteering for the very first time. It was organised by my local orienteering club Moravian Orienteers which just happenens to be the largest orienteering club in Scotland.

But it was also parkrun day (also known as Saturday) so 5k dash around the park dodging the icy bits.

The straight across town to Morriston Park. I was a complete novice so did the easier yellow route and I have to say I was up against some formidable kids!

But I found all the markers (and in the right order too) so I was quite pleased with my time.

In a fortnight there is an event right in town - at night! Need to dig out that head torch.

It's Monday. What Are you Reading?

As predicted I am reading more whilst hubby is away - being able to turn the light on at silly o clock when you wake up and read is good :)

I have just started 2 new books.

I have started I See You by Clare Mackintosh. I have read lots of rave reviews for her first book I  Let You Go and this one although the first on is still on my to be read pile!

When Zoe Walker sees her photo in the classifieds section of a London newspaper, she is determined to find out why it's there. There's no explanation: just a grainy image, a website address and a phone number. She takes it home to her family, who are convinced it's just someone who looks like Zoe. But the next day the advert shows a photo of a different woman, and another the day after that.

Is it a mistake? A coincidence? Or is someone keeping track of every move they make .

I have also started the second in the Cedarwood Lodge series by Rebecca Raisin called Brides and Bouquets at Cedarwood Lodge. The author contacted me on Facebook to see if I would like a copy to read and review - and I jumped at the chance.

Dreaming of a happily ever after at Cedarwood Lodge is Clio Winters’ current focus, especially with a winter wonderland wedding expo planned. But with brides coming from far and wide the heat is on for Clio to fulfil everyone’s dream of a Christmas wedding!

It seems like Clio’s new business might be off to a rocky start and surrounded by love struck brides she can’t help but hope for a little Christmas romance of her own…

Please pop over to The Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

parkrun day aka Saturday

Best day of the week :)

Love this one too :)

Skywatch Friday

My local park - where most Saturdays I can be found at Elgin parkrun - either running or volunteering. No better start to the weekend.

Pop over to the Skywatch blog for more skies from around the world.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

I am a bad reader - I have a pile of overdue library books!!

I cannot bear taking books back unread.

Hubby is now away for a couple of weeks with work so that means more reading time.

I am still reading Casting Off by P I Paris - it is my sitting in the car reading on my kindle book so don't get much read at a time.

I am also reading A Special Delivery by Clare Dowling. If memory serves me right I have had this one out of the library before but never read it. I am really enjoying it - family life at it's best in book form.

Aisling Brady is miserable. So is her husband Mossy. The three kids are too. Yet nobody dares say a thing. Instead the Bradys keep their heads down and grimly look forward to another miserable Christmas in Dublin.

What Aisling doesn't know is that this year, they will get the most unexpected gift of all. One that will bring joy and heartbreak, hope and a string of sleepless nights.

As their world is turned upside down, questions have to be asked. But are the Bradys ready to face the truth about themselves? And what each of them has done?

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

My Month In Numbers - October.

There was only one important number in October - one I had been building up to for months and months.

13.1

This was the total number of miles I ran (some walking, a little staggering and a few tears) round the streets of Glasgow with 15000 other nutters for The Great Scottish Run.

I am sure the rest of my real life friends are fed up of me going on and on about it - but it was a huge deal to me.

My friend was due to run with me but she was injured and had pulled out - but then at the last minute decided to give it a go. Here we are lined up with 15000 other runners in St Georges Square.

I have to say it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But I have decided it is a bit like childbirth - once it is over you forget all the nasty bits and want to do it all over again!

The official photos of my approaching the finishing line aren't great.

 Those last 3 miles were a real struggle. I cried when I reached the Squinty Bridge (not sure why - perhaps because it is an iconic landmark of the city), I cried just around the corner at the Clutha Bar (it has been decorated with murals depiciting the history of the bar since the devastating helicopter crash of November 2013 when 10 people died) And I cried again when I reached the electronic message board 1k from the finish and saw messages from my Dad and Wendy and Andy and the boys.

I was running for Parkinsons and headed for their tent at the finish in Glasgow Green. Another photo although I'm not sure it is any better. I raised £335.00 for the charity. And the final important number was my finishing time 2:18:10 - which I don't think is too bad for a first effort.

I would definately take part again but next year the Great Run series is coming to Aberdeen - would be rude not too seeing as how it is on my doorstep. And Aviemore half marathon too.

Please pop over to see Julie at Notes on Paper and see everyone elses Month in Numbers  

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

I am still on Casting Off  by P I Paris on the Kindle - it's my sitting in the car waiting for the kids book so I haven't got through much of it.

From the library I am reading Who's That Girl by Mhairi McFarlane - and it's taking me a while at is a thick old book at 500+ pages.

Edie thought she’d found The One…until he told her he was marrying someone else. And on the day of his wedding, when he kisses her, life really does go pear-shaped…

Labelled as a home-wrecker and office outcast, when

her boss offers her the chance to get out of town Edie

jumps at it, even though moving back in with her eccentric

father and prickly sister isn’t exactly the escape she needs.

When her work throws her into the path of rising star

and heartthrob Elliot, Edie is expecting a highly strung

diva. But as their unexpected friendship develops,

Elliot isn’t the only one in the spotlight…

Please pop over to The Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

I have been away down in deepest darkest Wales for a few days - took plenty of books with me but didn't get as much reading done as I would have liked. I did manage This Mum Runs by Jo Pavey (a here of mine), I Know Your Secret by Graham Smith, Cornwall for Christmas by Ruth Saberton and A Cat Called Alfie by Rachel Wells.

I am now onto A Merry Mistletoe Wedding by Judy Astley - I don't normally start reading festive books till December but then I run out of time to read all the ones I have on my pile. So I am starting earlier this year.

It is almost a year since Sean and Thea met and it's been a roller-coaster ride: they're getting married on Christmas Day!

Neither Thea or Sean want a big fuss - a simple wedding, with Christmas lights and just a few sprigs of mistletoe for decoration is all they need. But before they know it, things begin to get complicated. Trying to manage a long-distance relationship in the build-up to their Christmas wedding is one thing, but as one challenge after another comes their way, the happy couple begin to wonder if they'll ever make it down the aisle . . .

I am also reading Casting Off by P I Paris. I was sent a copy of this kindle book by The Book Club over on Facebook and I have to say it sounds like a fab read.

When the residents of a Highland care home discover that the new owners are about to substantially put up the fees, they know that dramatic action is called for. But what can a group of senior citizens possibly do against a big organisation? For Dorothy, the situation is serious. If she can t raise money she ll have to leave all her friends, like dear Miss Ross.

In protest, the residents barricade themselves into the lounge. However, their rebellion fails, so worldly-wise Joan suggests a most unusual way to cover the rise a very naughty chat line for men who want to talk to older women in a particular way ! As their lives take a series of unexpected turns, things get increasingly out of control ...

Please pop over to The Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

A weekend home alone meant plenty of reading time and I managed to finish Dark Water by Robert Bryndza and the non fiction Like Father, Like Son by Adam Henson on Countryfile fame.

I am now reading A Summer at Sea by one of my favourite authors Katie Fforde and it is a lovely read.

Emily is happy with her life just as it is. 

She has a career as a midwife that she loves . She enjoys living on her own as a single woman. But she’s also feels it’s time for a change and a spot of some sea air. 

So when her best friend Rebecca asks whether she’d like to spend the summer cooking on a ‘puffer’ boat just off the Scottish coast, she jumps at the chance.

But she barely has time to get to grips with the galley before she finds herself with a lot on her plate. 

Rebecca is heavily pregnant and is thrilled to have her friend on board doing most of the work. Then there’s Emily’s competitive and jealous kitchen assistant who thinks she should be head-cook, not Emily. 

And there’s Alasdair, the handsome local doctor who Emily is desperately trying not to notice. 

Because if she falls in love with him, as he appears to be falling for her, will she ever want her old life back again?

I am also reading Celebrations and Confetti at Cedarwood Lodge which was sent to me by the author Rebecca Raisin and it is the first in a new series by her.

Clio Winters is finally fulfilling her childhood dream of renovating the gorgeous old Cedarwood Lodge in Evergreen. Turning it into the perfect destination for big celebrations, weddings and parties has brought her back home, but Cedarwood Lodge is in need of a lot of tender loving care.

Perhaps all the work will be the perfect distraction from the real reason she had to leave her glamorous New York life behind.

Will coming home be the best decision of her life… or her biggest regret?

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

Skywatch Friday

I spent last weekend down in Glasgow taking part in the Great Scottish Run.

Although I had plenty of time to contemplate the skies whilst I pounded the roads and pavements for 13.1 miles I did have time to take any photographs.

I did however get a quick shot of the infamous Duke of Wellington statue with the obligatory traffic cone on his head. As much an iconic landmark of Glasgow as the Squinty Bridge!

Please pop over to the Skywatch blog to see more skies from around the world.

Skywatch Friday

The Boat O Brig road bridge over the River Spey - taken on our recent week long Speyside Way walk.

Pop over to the Skywatch blog for more skies from around the world.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

With just 6 days to go before my half marathon my training is all done - wonder if tat means I will have more reading time??

This week I am reading an old one - Katy Carter Wants A Hero by Ruth Saberton. It a light funny read and I am really enjoying it. The author Ruth has kindly sent me a kindle copy of the sequel which I am looking forward to reading.

Katy Carter is a sucker for romance... A fun, feel-good, modern rom-com about one woman's search for her hero. Katy Carter knows she's no domestic goddess: she's scatterbrained, she needs a fire extinguisher at the ready when she's cooking, and she daily falls off the diet wagon. But that doesn't stop her fantasising about a hero to call her own. And Katy thinks she's found him in fiancé James, a charming, high-flying city banker. So why, then, does Katy find herself scribbling steamy historical romances every spare moment she gets, and daydreaming about becoming a published author when she ought to be paying attention in staff meetings?As her wedding day looms, Katy determines to become a wife James can be proud of, and employs the help of her best friend Oliver to impress his colleagues and his family. But despite best laid plans, the pair set off a hilarious train of events that leads Katy on a crazy journey through celebrity, chaos, makeovers and, finally, into the arms of her hero...

Another lovely author has sent me a kindle copy of her new release. Kate Hewitt has sent me a copy of A Cotswold Christmas - which is the first in The Willoughby Close series. My kindle isn't liking the format so having to turn the device through 90 degrees to see the whole page - slightly strange. I am enjoying this book to - and was surprised to discover the author is  from the US as she seems to capture The Cotswolds perfectly (and I should know as that is where my Dad lives.)

Welcome to Wychwood-on-Lea… a not-too-quaint village where frosty evenings, welcoming fires, and second chances will make this a Christmas you’ll never forget. 

Anna Vere has escaped to the Cotswolds for Christmas to try to heal from her broken engagement and, far worse, her broken dreams. When her reserved room at a bed & breakfast is flooded, she takes up the offer of camping out in Willoughby Close, the converted stables of the nearby manor house… and is taken under the wing of sexy local carpenter Colin Heath. 

What starts out as merely helping a neighbor in need turns into far more as Colin and Anna share a surprisingly intense and emotional connection, weaving their own Christmas magic as they spend the holiday together. But Anna has a secret she’s scared to reveal, something that could destroy the fragile bond they’ve just created, and Colin knows she’s only in England for a short time. Can these two sudden soul mates risk their hearts for a love that has yet to be tried and tested? 

Get swept away by this poignant and heartwarming story, set in beautiful Wychwood-on-Lea, in the English Cotswolds. And look forward to four more books set in Willoughby Close, where everyday miracles and happily-ever-afters are guaranteed.

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.