My Yearly Round-Up: 2014

In July 2014, I decided two things. 1) I was actually going to start writing a book like I’ve been saying for years, and 2) I was going to start a book blog, to keep me inspired. So I set up this blog, created a twitter account, and joined Goodreads. I think I can safely say that these are 2 of the best choices I have ever made.

Excited as I was, I could never have imagined just how amazing an experience this would be, and how many wonderful people I would ‘meet’. I’m so thankful to all of you for your wonderful support and friendship.

And, most excitingly of all, on November 30th 2014, I completed the first draft of my first book. Words cannot describe the feelings of accomplishment and pride (and relief!) that came with writing those two little words: The End.

So, here is my yearly round up for 2014, or at least the latter half of it.

Books read: 72
Pages read: 19,531
Blog Posts: 131

Most Emotional Read: Pieces of You, Ella Harper
My Review

This book had me in tears within the first few pages – it is both beautiful and tragic.

Funniest Read: Love, Lies & Lemon Cake, Sue Watson
My Review

This was my first Sue Watson read, and I quickly fell in love with her laugh-out-loud writing.

Favourite Series: The Gingerbread Cafe books, Rebecca Raisin
My Reviews

The Gingerbread Cafe books are simply delightful, with some of the loveliest and warmest characters I’ve read about.

My Favourite Book of 2014: Love Me For Me, Jenny Hale
My Review

Probably the most perfect book I’ve ever read. Genuine, sincere and simply wonderful.

So, all in all, a pretty amazing year! Thanks again for all your kindness and support so far, and here’s to a wonderful and prosperous 2015.

Book Review: Pieces of You, by Ella Harper

‘The perfect marriage.
A devastating secret.
An impossible choice…

I would like to start by thanking HarperCollins UK for approving for me for a review copy on Net Galley.

Now, I am actually not going to divulge much of the story line, even the blurb, as I actually recommend reading the book without knowing the blurb. It is entirely up to you, of course, but a critical event in the book is revealed, which I felt would have had greater effect if I didn’t know.

Here’s the bit you can know, as it’s there from the word go: Lucy was always sure of one thing – her future with husband and soulmate Luke. But after eight long, heartbreaking years trying to have a baby, that future is crumbling before her eyes.

Pass the tissues – I’m reading Pieces of You, by Ella Harper

I’m really excited to have been approved for a copy of Pieces of You on Netgalley, I’ve been seeing such amazing things about it online. The one recurring theme definitely reiterates that this is a truly moving book, so I felt prepared when I began, but, wow! I can’t believe how moving even the first few pages were!

This is going to be great, I’ve got such a good feeling about this one!