Just one more chapter

A room without books is like a body without a soul

Ah for the love of books. Don’t you just love hearing about a new publication?! Or maybe you feel quite the opposite. Are you someone who cringes at the sight of a new book recommendation, due to the fact you’ve got a pile of unread books stacking up on your kitchen table?

I think it’s all ok, to have a pile of books stacked up waiting to be read. It’s just fine to have a book buying habit. It’s not like it’s an unhealthy habit. The thing is, apart from books and stationery, I don’t buy much else. Now in my late forties, I actually don’t like shopping for clothes or shoes or handbags, I don’t bother with nice interiors for the house since having two drooling ridgebacks roaming about the place. So, I don’t really want for much. What I do want more than anything, is the ability escape to the West Wales coastline, with a pile of unread books and retreat in my favourite beach house once every few weeks. A sea view and a pile of book is what I crave, it’s the simple things that make me happy at 48 years young!

I wish I had fallen in love with books from the moment I’d learnt to read, as a youngster I did’t think books were at all interesting. ballet and boys had my attention. But then, in the welsh countryside there didn’t seem to be cosy independent bookshops enticing you in from the cold. No magically themed windows, sparkling with the latest children’s book collection. It’s ridiculous to think my mum was an english teacher in my school, so I quietly blame her for not encouraging me to read more, bless her, I’m sure she tried and tired to get me to enjoy reading as a hobby. The only books I seem to remember enjoying was the tales of Huckleberry Finn & Tom Sawyer, Heidi and Jane Austin (all stacked in the english teacher book pile). Ah well, even more of a reason to find the time to read today, even if that means getting to bed as early as possible. Honestly, it’s getting ridiculous, I’m in my PJ’s and under the duvet with my latest novel by 8pm most evenings. My poor family, but it is my kind of heaven!

The truth be told, I’ve only become addicted to all things books, since the pandemic. Reading was truly a lifeline and an escapism from the lockdown zoom n doom days. Journaling led me to The Artist Way, which made me curious about new writers and podcasters and then when the world opened back up for events, I became a book festivals nerd. Again a perfectly healthy way to pass the time.

As I was quietly reviewing the books I have bought and not yet read (eek my poor bank balance), I felt I needed to share some of the books I HAVE read and loved. the books that have literally got me through the miserably dark Winter days. So from one book lover to another, this week I’d like to share some of the publications I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. The list below are books that I’ll read over and over. Let me know if you have read any of them or if you have a book you think I’d enjoy. Any excuse for me to add to my 2023 book wish list… I’d rather treat myself to a book than an Easter Egg!

The brilliant books I have read so far this year and highly recommend…

Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop by Alba Donati - my favourite book of the year so far. Alba is living my dream, running a bookshop in s small village in Italy.

Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole - a beautiful romantic story, so heart warming.

Write It All Down by Cathy Rentzenbrink - a brilliant book for new and established writers - Cathy is a legend

Lucy By The Sea by Elizabeth Strout - I love anything written by this author

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan - this short story had me gripped, devoured it in one sitting

The Red of My Blood by Clover Stroud - raw and deeply moving memoir, Clover is a remarkable human being, so talented, one of a kind.

Anything by Deborah Levy especially her Trilogy: Things I Don’t Want to Know; Real Estate and The Cost of Living - all fabulous! I adore Deb Levy

Until the next time, stay safe & take care

Tanya xx