Book Review – Spare by Prince Harry

www.audible.co.uk/pd

Fact or Fiction?

Firstly, can I just say it was nice to hear this book narrated by Harry his self?

He does go in to quite a bit of detail about most things and his life. However, the thing that got me was a lot of what he said was guesswork. Either He has a very bad memory, he has possibly repressed some of these memories, or he’s simply trying to make up stories to fill the book, but he doesn’t seem to know what was said, where he was, and what time in his life it was a lot of the time in this book.

I never thought, when starting this book that I would hear so much profanity, drug references and the volume of references to his penis was shocking. Most of the middle part of this book is pretty much dedicated to his penis. It’s bewildering.

A lot of people who have read this book, have commented how it’s basically a takedown of his brother and his father, I see this differently. To me this book is more focused on the things he claims Camilla has done and the stories he claims she has leaked. It does make you wonder how much truth is in what we read in the news. He is obviously lived this story firsthand, and he claims that a lot of what’s been reported in the news has been nonsense.

He has an obvious hate for the media, which is understandable given the events of 1997, but surely with him having seen a therapist, he must’ve worked through some of this trauma and one would think that he would’ve found a way to try and cope with some of that pain by now.

He references conversations that he claims to have had with the Queen and he also says that they were very close. At the same time he describes her as someone he was almost afraid of. When I say afraid, I mean as in the sense that he had a build himself up to have conversations with her. He constantly references the fact that he wanted to hug his grandma but couldn’t. I personally think this is a bit of a pity vote. Poor me, I can’t even get close to my own family.

Touching back on his use of marijuana, which he has noted on a number of occasions. Throughout this book, I would’ve assumed that these instances happened during his use and that he would’ve grown out of this sort of behaviour by now. Yet he mentions smoking a joint in his back garden in America. This is obviously a recent story given the fact that they’ve only been living in America for the last few years. I think a lot of his State of mind may come down to his use of marijuana. I’m not for a second condemning him for smoking a joint or two, but everybody knows that smoking marijuana can make you paranoid. Perhaps if he put down the joint once in a while he wouldn’t constantly think that everybody is out to get him.

To summarise what I have taken away from this book, I feel that he is very damaged. I get a sense that he is very jealous of his brother, and in general I think he’s a very sad man.

No one can really know if this is the absolute truth. It was a very interesting listen, but let’s all pray for the sake of the Royal family and the monarchy itself, that he has now got this nonsense out of his system and doesn’t see the need to release another tell all.

I rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I would love to hear your opinions if you have taken the time to read / listen to this story.

See you soon!

A book Review – The Mother of All Christmases by Milly Johnson

www.audible.co.uk/pd

I finished this book around the Christmas break but only just got around to writing a review.

This story is lovely but the narrative is a little confusing. It’s set after ‘A Winter Flame’ and all the main characters are there but they are just not the same. Eve is now pregnant and this features heavily in this story but the title suggests that it’s a Christmas story when in fact most of this book is set in summer.

Again the Daily Trumpet posts are ever so funny and probably the best part of these stories with the funny mistakes bordering of hilarious most of the time. It wasn’t really the cosy Christmas story I was hoping for but with the presence of the Winter World theme park throughout I suppose it’s Christmas adjacent.

I wouldn’t rave about this book but I still rate it a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Review – An Autumn Crush by Millie Johnson

www.audible.co.uk/pd

I love listening to stories that reflect the time of year we are currently in. This is the third one from this author I have listened to now. It was a nice heartwarming story about new love, old and new friendships and the funny way that life has of surprising us when we least expect it. This story touches on the topic of online dating and now uncertainty this can bring.

The great thing about this book is that there are little autumn quotes between the chapters and I do love a good quote! 🥰

Although I loved this book, I feel that it ended a little too abruptly for my liking but it was still a great story.

I rate this story 4 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Happy autumn everyone 🍂

Morning Postivity

Saw this online this morning and thought it might bring some joy to someone’s day to share it.

Always love the things you are passionate about even if it’s not run of the mill or the cool thing to do.

Always be who you are. Don’t ever change for anyone!

Book Review – The Secret to Happiness by Jessica Redland

www.audible.co.uk/pd

I liked this story especially the friendship element of it and they way that all three women have their own stuff going on and despite the fact that their friendship is very new they make time for each other. I must say that this is a bit of a man bashing story. Whilst I know there are men out there who don’t know how to treat a woman if it kills them this really does shine a magnifying glass up to this. I spend most of this book raging at the mens actions and decisions.

It’s lovely that all 3 women have found someone better suited to them by the end and despite the distance between them they all remain good friends.

I would rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you read this book? If so I would love your thoughts on it.

🍁 Hello Autumn 🍂

It’s that time of year again where we bid a reluctant farewell to summer and welcome the warm cosy embrace of autumn. Last night we had thunder storms which meant it got dark real early. I’m not normally a fan of the long nights but I’ve changed the batteries in my candles and string lights. I lit every candle in the house and actually found time to sit and chill on the sofa with Sienna for an hour or so before bed. I must say after weeks on end of sitting in the garden all night it was really nice. I really was in my happy place.

Hallway sign updated – Autumn Vibes

Autumn to me is staying in, lighting candles, watching a series on Netflix and enjoying some family time!

Every year autumn is fast becoming by favourite season. I love the opportunity it brings to bust out your cost sweaters, scarves, hats and gloves.

The shops are full of Halloween deco’s already and I think we will be adding some new stuff to the decorations we already have. I hope to get some bits before the end of this month so that we can decorate from the beginning of October.

I will keep you posted on our shopping extravaganza once we have been.

Hope you are all staying safe. Here’s to enjoying some quality family time and cosy nights!

P.s. I also updated my chalk board sign and just want to add it to this post.

Hello Pumpkin 🎃

Book review – The Secrets of Ivy Garden by Catherine Furguson

www.audible.co.uk/pd

This was a nice story. Although a little sad at times with reference to the death of Holly’s parent followed by the death of her grand mother Ivy.

Holly, totally alone in the world and deciding to fix up and sell up her grandmothers cottage doesn’t have it easy when she finds that the cottage had flooded and garden which was much loved by her grandmother has been destroyed by recent storms doesn’t let these set backs phase her and gets stuck in wholeheartedly. Following the discovery of her grandmothers diary and the revelation that the man she had always thought was her grandfather discovers that Ivy actually had a secret lover who was in fact her mothers biological father. This sets Holly on a path to discover who the mysterious B is.

Assisted by a friend she begins her search one person at a time. She makes friends with local shop owners daughter who soon discovers Holly grave fear of the wide open countryside which is a natural reaction to the circumstances surrounding her parents death.

Following the first unconventional meeting between Holly and Ben there are feelings that they both share but as with all great love stories this takes time for it to become apparent to each other.

This story has a lovely happy ending where Holly finds that she is no longer alone in the world but she in fact has a whole family that she didn’t know anything about before going to Appleton and with her new relationship with Ben just getting started she has found that the countryside is no longer something to be feared but I may well be a place to call home.

To sum up I would rate this book

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If your looking for a lighthearted read this is the one for you.

Happy reading everyone!

National Dog Day!

Happy National Dog Day to all my animal loving friends! Whether your the four legged variety or two I hope your all enjoying the day!

Owning a dog is a the creation of a bond like no other! They are fiercely loyal, great company, and top laughs with their cheeky naughty antics!

I’ve recently taken on Jack’s sister Gypsy after their mother passed from old age! As she craves company it seemed only right to bring her home with me! She has taken to like at our house perfectly.

Gypsy Lou

Although I will admit Jack was a nightmare in the beginning. From being King of the house for so long to having to company 24/7 and having to share food, water and cuddles he had finally adjusted really well.

Because they were both entire when we brought her up with us we had to get one of them neutered because incest is not a good thing for matter what species you are! Gypsy drew the short straw and had to face the knife. She was an absolute trooper about it all and was back to her self within a couple of days!

This was Jack and Gypsy snuggling in her recovery suit shortly after her surgery ❤️

On the topic of National Dog Day I thought this would be a good opportunity to list the benefits of having a four legged member of the family!

  • They keep you fit – walking you furry friend is the best kind of exercise! They get you out and about in places you may not normally venture.
  • You will never be lonely – they are the constant companion who will listen to your every thought without passing judgement! There’s no feeling in the world like coming home to someone who is always happy to see you!
  • They lower your stress levels – stroking a dog has been proven to lower stress levels. It’s also been proven that dog owners have lower blood pressure levels than those who don’t own a pet.
  • They can help you make friends – people are more likely to stop and chat with you if you have a pet making it the perfect opportunity to make new friends.
  • They can improve your immune system – because they bring all sorts of germs into the house they can help you build up immunity to thinks you wouldn’t normally come into contact with.
  • They make you feel safe – even if your home alone, having a pet with you gives the company that one craves and makes you feel safer than if you were home alone! Unless you have a dog like Jack who barks at absolutely everything which makes you wonder if people are roaming around your garden in the dark 😂

All in all, owning a dog is the best thing in the world! my dogs are crazy and weird but I wouldn’t change them for the world!