As so many of you have shared every twist and turn of my life over the last few months – and been so very supportive – I thought another short update might just be in order, along with an easy-to-enter giveaway. After real fears a few weeks ago that everything might be falling apart, I’m delighted to tell you that the sale of our family home in Wales and the purchase of Mum’s flat in Wetherby finally went like clockwork. I’ve developed a whole new skill set as an organiser, box unpacker, rubbish disposal service and flat-pack furniture builder – and Mum moved to live in the flat on Monday. I’ve also developed previously undiscovered acting skills – I answer to “Eileen” and pretend to be a 91 year old as I make the many change of address phone calls needed!
The flat is really perfect for her – everything designed to make life easier – and I’m sure that she’ll be very happy there once she settles in and makes some friends locally. My next new skill set will be as social secretary – I’ve joined her up to our local U3A, booked a few shows and concerts for us to attend together, we both enjoy a ramble round a shopping centre and a run out into the country, and I think afternoons at the cinema might become a regular feature (we both enjoyed Viceroy’s House yesterday…!).
At long last, life can now settle down a little – and, as well as picking up the threads of my own life, I’m delighted that I can now return to reading (yes, I’m enjoying it again…!) and more regular blogging. I have a massive backlog of earlier review promises, and I’ll do my best to catch up as I can – but if you’re an author friend and I don’t get round to yours, please forgive me, but do let me know about your forthcoming books and I’ll do my utmost to fit them in. I’m always dazzled by the attraction of the new, and I’m slowly catching up on emails and lining up blog tours so that I can put a proper reading plan in place. Interviews might be a bit thin on the ground for a while, but there will be guest posts. I’ll share my plans at the beginning of each month, as I always used to. And I must say thank you – and welcome – to those of you who follow my posts via my Facebook page: 533 “likes” at last count, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
This month? On the “firm plans” list, I have a review of Sins of the Father by Sheryl Browne planned for 21st March, as part of the blog tour organised by Brook Cottage Books.
And I have a feature planned on 24th March for Foxes Unearthed by Lucy Jones, published by Elliott & Thompson – something a little different for me.
And on 30th March, I plan to review One Dark Lie by Clare Chase – again for a blog tour with Brook Cottage Books.
I’m also really looking forward to reading A Life Between Us by Louise Walters – published on 28th March, and I’ll be reviewing on or around publication date.
And I also hope to get to the new one by Kerry Fisher, The Silent Wife, and the new Paula Daly, The Trophy Child – both authors I love.
Other than that, I’ll be catching up with others that have been on my list for a little longer. And enjoying life again.
Giveaway
To mark my return – and as a thank you for all the support through my troubles – I’d like to offer a small giveaway. I have two Amazon gift vouchers, each for £10, for two lucky winners. Let’s not bother with a rafflecopter – just comment below, telling me about one book you’re currently really looking forward to reading, and I’ll draw two winners after the competition closes on Tuesday 14th March at 6pm.
Updated
I’m so sorry it’s taken me so long – amid all this week’s activity, I totally forgot to draw my winners! But I’ve had my hat out, and the bits of paper, and I’ve drawn my winners. Congratulations to Claire K and Cleo Bannister – emails on their way, ladies!
Hi Anne sounds like normality or rather the new normality is in sight! So glad your mum is settling into Yorkshire!
The book I’m looking forward to reading is Mark Edwards’ The Lucky Ones which is out in June. I do enjoy his books! x
No need to enter me in your prize draw Anne, just wanted to say how pleased I am for you and your mum that everything is finally sorted out.
(Oh and I’m just finishing Amanda Prowse’s The Idea of You which is as wonderful as all her others.)
Yay! Welcome back and so glad everything is falling into place for you ? I’ve been so hectic over the last few weeks too, so actually looking forward to reading more, especially The Witch’s Tears, which has been staring at me for a while…
So glad things are starting to work out for you. I’m looking forward to reading The Secret Life of Bees. It’s been on my list for so long but I’ve struggled to get to it while reading new releases
Glad to hear things are slowly returning to normal for you. Have fun catching up with your reading. I have a few of the books you’ve mentioned on my TBR list. I’m looking forward to reading Blackout by Mark Dawson and am presently 29% through.
Glad everything is starting to take shape for you and your family. Really looking forward to reading Larchfield by Polly Clark set to release on 23rd March – I have a feeling it is going to be a special one.
So nice to hear things are getting back to normal for you. I am looking forward to reading so many, theres a shock eh. I have the new Sheryl Browne one to review and Christopher Brookmyres new one too. Thanks for the cop and here is to onwards and upwards
Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net
I’m so pleased that you are gradually getting back to a new ‘normal’ Anne and it is lovely to hear that things went as smoothly as possible in the end (and have provided you with a whole new skill set) I hope you, and your mother, enjoy all the upcoming activities you have planned and welcome back – you’ve been missed!
Hi Anne brilliant post and so pleased to hear how well everything is going! I hope things continue to go well! I’m also looking forward to reading louise Walters which I treated myself to – in fact it’s s signed copy as louise had an offer on her website! Have a great rest of the weekend!
Wonderful that all your plans have come together and your plans to spend time with your Mum sound perfect. Looking forward to all your book posts, I’m currently enjoying some very well written books by a “new to me author” India R Adams. She writes YA/ NA with strong underlying themes about abuse in many forms, they are very moving. So I’m looking forward to the next book I have from her which is called “Rain”. Glad to have you back with us.
So pleasd to hear things are finally getting back to normal for you and that you have plenty of plans for activities with your Mum. I’m looking forward to my next read The Gustav Sonata by Rose Tremain
So glad you’re back in the swing if it Anne. I know how hard it has been. Congratulations on your Facebook likes too. Oh, and the book I couldn’t remember the title of that I was enjoying – it’s Keep Me Safe by Daniela Sacerdoti!
Great news Anne, I’m looking forward to Then, now always by Isabelle Broom and also Evie’s Year of Taking Chances by Christie Barlow X X
Great to hear you’re heading towards a more settled situation, Anne! Best wishes to your mum. The book I’m looking forward to reading is Sarah Morgan’s ‘Holiday in the Hamptons’. Xx
Anne congratulations on all the likes on your Facebook page and I’m so happy ypour home life is settling down.
I’ve just finished a beautiful book The Gustav Chronicle by Rose Tremain. If its possible to love a book, I do indeed love it.
I have a few review books to read and then I’m looking forward to reading What Belongs to You by Gareth Green well.
So glad things went well with the sale & purchase, a huge weight off your shoulders!
I have some pretty good books coming up for reading, but Im looking forward to reading “The Good Daughter” x
Glad to see you back Anne and thank you for all your support for us lot. I’m looking forward to Mary Balogh ‘ s Heartless. I loved the sequel to it, Silent Melody, so I’m kind of going back to front…. xx
Hi Anne so glad to see you back I’ve just finished Blood Mother by Dreda Say Mitchell really good if you enjoy a gritt lit read x
Glad things are settling down for you Anne and Mum enjoys Wetherby – a lovely place. I am reading The Lauras by Sara Taylor (out soon) and the writing is wonderful. No need to put me in the raffle, so pleased that you are reading again, you have been missed 🙂 C xx
Absolutely fantastic to see you back, you’ve been missed! I’m looking forward to reading Katie Marsh – A Beautiful Life xx
Welcome back Anne, we’ve missed you! My most anticipated book is At First Light by Vanessa Lafaye, a June release. I’m desperate to read it but keep hiding it under other books that are published before it! A xx
I’m so glad everything is finally falling into place. I hope your mum will be happy in her new flat. Your excursions sound like fun and it’s nice to spend time with your mum. Remember to look after yourself though.
To be honest I’m in a review flunk
As well at the moment but am reading. There are lots of books I want but am trying not to purchase any (as if that’s going to happen). I have a Trisha Ashley book I’m looking forward to reading as I usually enjoy hers.
Take care x
Lovely to see things are settling for you both Anne. I love the sound of Viceroy’s House so am taking myself off to see it later this week as none of my friends want to come with me!
Thanks for the generous giveaway, I’ve literally just finished reading Milly Johnson’s new book The Queen of Wishful Thinking which I think is her best to date & now reading Secrets of a Happy Marriage by Cathy Kelly.
Lovely to have you back with us Anne, I’m so pleased that your mum is settling in and you can get back to some kind of ‘normal’. No need to enter me in the draw but its a lovely giveaway. I’m currently reading The Stolen Child by Sanjida Kay and very much enjoying it. xx
So glad things are finally settling down for you and your mum, Anne. I hope she’ll be very happy and you both enjoy the fun things you’re planning x
I’m glad things seem to be working out. You have some great reads planned. I am looking forward to reading Clare Chase’s new book, One Dark Lie, so I shall look forward to your post on the blog tour. I loved Clare’s other books so I’m sure this will be fantastic too.
Amanda.
Great to hear everything has worked out. I’m currently reading Brighton Belle by Sara Sheridan (and loving it) and looking forward to reading Mussolini’s Island by Sarah Day.
Hi Anne, no need to enter me in the giveaway. I’m thrilled things are settling for you. Your friendship and invaluable support with the Brook Cottage Books tours is always something I appreciate and love about you. Hope your mum is happy in her new home and wishing you both lots of lovely adventures together. I’m currently reading The Witchfinder’s Sister by Beth Underdown and loving it! x
So glad things are working out for you, Anne. It sounds like you are going to spend some lovely time with your mum. I’m really looking forward to reading Lucy Clarke’s next book, Last Seen.
So pleased to hear that things are settling down for you and your mum.
I’m looking forward to reading Echoes of Family by Barbara Claypole White. I was totally drawn in by The Perfect Son, so I’m hoping to immerse myself in the lives of a different but equally compelling group of people in Echoes of Family.
Very pleased things are finally going right for you. If you and your mum fancy a ramble around the Yorkshire Sculpture Park I’d love to show you some of my favourite exhibits. And the bluebell woods are pretty special this time of year. I’ve got loads of reviewing-related reading on the go – but I’m looking forward to re-reading Love on the Dole by Walter Greenwood. Last read it more than two decades ago – and found it so upsetting couldn’t bear to read it again. Wonder if it will still have the same impact? (We had a woman prime minister last time too!) Spoiler alert: I’m planning to make this my book club choice next time it’s my turn to choose!
I love the sculpture park, Sue, and I bet mum would too. Once we’re a bit straighter, I’ll be in touch xx
So pleased that Mum is now settled and you are ‘climbing back in the review saddle’. We have missed you xx
So glad things are getting together for you and you can finally see the light. It is so much to deal with all at once and it is so very hard. Hope you will be happy.
I am looking forward to reading Ashes to Ashes by Paul Finch soon.
Happy reading too to you xx
Hi Anne so pleased your mum has finally moved to Yorkshire and she’s settling in. I’m really looking forward to reading Milly Johnson’s latest the Queen of Wishful Thinking.
So many great recommendations there – thanks everyone, and for the good wishes! xx
I couldn’t be happier that everything is settling down for you Anne, or should I call you Eileen 😉 Glad to hear you’re enjoying reading again too. I’ve just started ‘Follow Me Down’ by Sherri Smith (it’s very good!), but the book I’m most looking forward to is ‘Dead Souls’ by Angela Marsons – the second I heard it was available to pre-order was the quickest I’ve moved in a long time! Best wishes to you and your mum. xx
Good to have you back, Anne & raring to go! xXx
Reading The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry. Looking forward to The Butcher’s Hook by Janet Ellis
So pleased that things are finally sorted and you can now get back to some sense of normality. I’m off away next week and looking to take the opportunity to read some of my own books for once. I’m looking forward to reading The Brief by Simon Michael as my husband raved about it (and he’s very picky).
Glad everything has worked out okay for you.
The book I am really looking forward to reading is The Queen of Wishful Thinking by Milly Johnson – I adore her books! x
Glad that everything is falling into place, Anne. x
I’m so pleased to read that the house sale and flat purchase all finally happened. I hope your mum settles in soon and starts to make some new friends locally. It’s good to have you back blogging again 🙂 x
I can empathise with life disrupted! Glad to hear things are coming together for you and good wishes for a more settled time to come. A book I am looking forward to reading is The Witchfinder’s Sister by Beth Underdown.
Great to hear things are settling on a more even keel. You’re a wonderful daughter, you and your mum have many more special times to come. Enjoy and be kind to yourself! X
So glad to hear things are settling down for you and your Mum, Anne.
One book I’m really looking forward to reading is currently a secret! ?
I think I might just be looking forward to that one too!
I’m looking forward to reading White Teeth by Zadie Smith and also NW by Zadie Smith. I do like Zadie Smith 😀 😀