Book Chat - Issue #4

Hello friends!

I know I over-use exclamation marks but sometimes I just can’t help it! I really enjoyed putting this edition together and I’m pleased to share it with you. If you are a new subscriber, welcome.

Last week I finished The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth. It was a quick read, but it was great. If you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, you’ll probably like this book because it’s similar in tone, but with more twists and turns. I’m also a sucker for books that are set in libraries. For me it’s “you had me at hello”.

Also, if you haven’t read Eleanor Oliphant, you really should! (Another exclamation mark, oh well).

Now I’m in the middle of Beach Read by Emily Henry, and I predict that I’ll finish reading this before the weekend comes around. It’s a romcom, and nicely done. I’m enjoying it a lot. It comes across as pretty light and fuzzy, but there are a few issues around grief and loss that are nicely handled.

I’m still addicted to watching Suits with Meghan Markle and some other handsome people. Even though it’s unrealistic, it’s quite addictive. I watch one episode and before you know it, it’s past my bedtime and I think “I could have been reading instead of watching this rubbish”, but there you go. Sometimes it’s nice to just chill out.

I’ve been trying to get the weeds in the garden under control but to be honest I absolutely hate weeding. It’s such a pointless activity, but it makes you feel better when you can look out at some semblance of order.

I decided to make it more bearable by listening to some podcasts and I wanted to share this episode of This is Love which is not only heartwarming (in the best sense), but beautifully produced.

If you’re feeling glum, this will brighten your day. Trust me.

I made some cupcakes for my friend’s birthday. They were delicious!

I used Mary Berry’s recipe for Victoria Sponge but I substituted homemade apricot jam for the raspberry jam mentioned in the recipe. I also halved the recipe because I only wanted to make a small batch of cakes.

If you enjoyed this newsletter, it would be lovely if you sent it to a friend.

Thanks and have a great fortnight!