July Wrap-up: Books, Best Friends and Bits & Bobs

Well howdy folks! Hello and welcome to my July wrap-up! I hope you’ve all had a lovely July. I don’t know about you but the weather outside as I’m writing this feels more like Autumn! Although I’m not complaining, I’m not one for heat! So let’s crack on, here’s what’s been going down in July…

What I’ve Received in July…

Book-wise, I didn’t actually receive or buy an awful lot in July. I got 2 kindly sent from publishers which were In The Name of Love by Patrick Smith (thanks to Head of Zeus) and The Way We Were by Sinéad Moriarty (thanks to Penguin). I also bought Pride and Prejudice as a little bit of research for my own work in progress. I’ll say no more, because I don’t want to give anything away! I was also lucky enough to win a giveaway over on Pixie Bebe for a craft and paper cutting kit! I love anything crafty so can’t wait to give this a go!

Earlier this year, I won a giveaway from Novelicious and after a very long wait and lots of problems with Royal Mail, my prizes finally arrived! Along with a copy of Ivy Lane by Cathy Bramley (which I already received) the prize was gardening themed goodies – to match the theme of the book. Also a lovely hand-cream! (You can tell I’m very much not a beauty blogger as I literally have no idea what to say about hand-cream haha!)

Also, on Kindle…

What I’ve Read and What I’m Currently Reading…

Tell you the truth, I’ve had a pretty shocking reading month. I finally finished Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, after a month and only managed to read 2 other books – one of which was only a novella! Esh! I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak was incredible however – one of the best books I’ve ever read. I was thankful to find out how wildly different it is to The Book Thief but just as beautiful. I also read Wickham Hall Part 1: Hidden Treasures by Cathy Bramley which was an extremely promising start to the series! Currently, I’m reading The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes which I was really excited about but I’m just going to cut to the chase… Am not getting on with. I’m too far to give up now though!

Miscellaneous

Right, what can I waffle about here? Well I’ve been very busy with blog tours! The tour for Under My Skin and The Lost Child went extremely well and throughout August I have tours for Undone By His Kiss by Anabelle Bryant and a mini tour for Lynsey James’ Just The Way You Are! I’m also currently planning the cover reveal for Lynsey’s new book, which I am so excited to see!

My own work in progress is going extremely well! I’ve hit 45k which is over half – I cannot believe I’m saying I’m halfway through writing my own book, that’s mad! But I’m still enjoying it as much as ever and I have some exciting scenes coming up which I can’t wait to write. Also… I have an idea for another story! An idea I’m really enthusiastic about – who’d have thunk it?

In my personal life, not much has been doing on but Lynsey freaking James is coming to stay with me again in August and I am so excited to be reunited! We’re hoping for a nice relaxing week of BBQ’s, cocktails, films and fun times. I might not be too active in the blogosphere that week but will catch up afterwards!

Monthly Shout-outs

Firstly, I’d like to give a shout out to cheekyboo emporium, one of the best and most professional small businesses I’ve come across!

Anabelle Bryant, one of the loveliest authors I’ve met is one of this months shout-outs with her book, ‘Undone By His Kiss’.

I’d like to shout out to James McCann and his book, “#Spotted” which has had some great reviews so far!

The lovely Erin Lawless is another shout out this month! Her new book, ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ is getting some fab reviews!

One of this months shout outs is the lovely Ann Troup who’s book, ‘The Lost Child’ I recently toured with and it went fantastically!

Parker and Me is another of this months shout outs; a parenting, lifestyle and book blog with something for everyone!

Bella Osbourne, author of “It Started at Sunset Cottage” which reviewers say, “Bella Osborne has written a wonderful book!”