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