August round-up

Hi there!

I can't quite believe it's September already! Where has the year gone?!

If you read my latest 'A moment of reflection' post, you'll be aware August has been a pretty tough month for me and my family, which has led to me taking some time off from the blog to focus on my loved ones. I'm pleased to say that I'll be back to normal next week, with regular reviews, blog tour stops and other posts coming your way. Also I wanted to say a big thank you to those who have messaged me - I was overwhelmed and touched by the kind words, it really meant a lot. 


So, lets start with what I've been up to in August. As mentioned above, it's really been a pretty quiet month for family reasons, but I did spend a weekend in Belgium at the F1 which was loads of fun! I blogged about it here. 

 I've actually spent more time watching TV this month than I have reading (shocking I know!) It's been a great way to completely relax and unwind and, for me, takes less concentration that reading which is just what I needed. Here's what I've been enjoying: 



TV: 
Great British Bake Off - I swear I'm constantly on a count down until Wednesday evenings, I can't get enough of this programme. Mel and Sue just make it!

Made in Chelsea LA - A guilty pleasure. I really want to dislike this programme, but I just can't not watch it. It's perfect easy-watching that requires no concentration whatsoever. 

Location, Location, Location - I love property programmes (mainly as I love nosing at peoples houses) and this is my favourite one, mainly due to Phil and Kirsty. A cuppa, biscuit and this on the TV makes me happy. 

Very British Problems - I follow VBP on Twitter and it is absolutely brilliant, so when I saw the programme advertised I knew I had to watch it. It didn't disappoint - celebrities talking about British Problems had me laughing out loud, mainly in agreement. 

Films - I've watched Amazing Spider-man, Inside Out and the Minion movie this month and really enjoyed them all. I think Minions was my favourite, it was so funny. 


So I'd best get on to what you want to hear about.... books!

Books I've received:
The Art of Baking Blind, Sarah Vaughan
Appleby Farm, Cathy Bramley

NetGalley approvals:
Please Retweet, Emily Benet
Rainy Day Sisters, Katie Hewitt
5 Go Glamping, Liz Tipping
The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Christie Barlow
Time to Die, Caroline Mitchell

Books I've Bought:
Appleby Farm, Cathy Bramley
A Whiff of Scandal,  Carole Matthews
A Cottage by the Sea, Carole Matthews
Perfect Timing, Jill Mansell

Books I've Borrowed:
Summer Secrets, Jane Green
You Had Me At Hello, Mhairi McFarlane

Books I've Read:

The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop, Abby Clements
Here's Looking at You, Mhairi McFarlane
Summer Secrets, Jane Green
Pleasure Island, Anna Lou Weatherley
Appleby Farm, Cathy Bramley
Please Retweet, Emily Benet












I enjoyed all of the books I read this month but for once, picking a book of the month was a fairly easy choice. My August book of the month goes to Appleby Farm by Cathy Bramley. I absolutely loved it, it was a comforting, gripping and beautiful read that I can't stop raving about. 



How was your August - what have you enjoyed doing? Let me know in the comments below :)