My First Year Blogiversary and GIVEAWAY

Well here I am a year on since first blogging.  It’s been a great year discovering new books, new authors, new book blogging friends, new independent craftsfolk.  I’ve thoroughly enjoyed sharing my love of reading, cooking, crafting, shoppping.  I’ve loved reading blog reviews from other bloggers and discovering even more authors and books I’d not come across.  There are so many good authors and books out there to be discovered, open your eyes and treat yourself to a book by a new author.

I’ve tried to remember all the new authors I’ve experience this year and if I’ve missed anyone out I do apologise.  Here are my new authors since May 2014:

Lucy Dillon, Dana Bate, M J Summers, Sue Watson, Penelope Douglas, Lynda Renham, Nora Roberts, Ruth Saberton, Liz Fenwick, Beth Thomas, Cathy Bramley, K Bromberg, Samantha Young, Fiona Gibson, Julia Quinn, Jayne Ann Krentz, Nicola Doherty, Kate Winter, Chelsea Fine, Nina George, Charlotte Betts, Elizabeth Hoyt, Melissa Kite, Sheila Roberts, Jessica Blair, Darcie Chan, Kathryn Freeman, Helen Chandler, Jennifer Nadel, Robyn Neeley, Jessica Stirling, Jane Wenham-Jones, Hannelore Moore, Elizabeth Anthony, Wilhelmina Stolen.

Wow!  If I’ve counted that correctly I’ve discovered over 35 new authors in one year …

It’s been difficult to pick out five of my favourite books from the year as I can honestly say I haven’t read a bad book this year.  The five I’ve chosen do not in any way underestimate the enjoyment I’ve read in all my books:

• The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George – “It’s heartbreaking but uplifting, it’s humour is sensitive to the nature of the characters and storyline … almost felt like a true story.”
• The Teashop on the Corner by Milly Johnson – “At the end of the book my eyes were full of tears, my heart was full of warmth and it left a big smile on my face.”
• We are all made of Stars by Rowan Coleman – “This novel was one of those special stories that will stay with you for a long time.”
• Runaway Summer: Polwenna Bay 1 by Ruth Saberton – “A gorgeous summery read that will leave you needing more.”
• Ivy Lane by Cathy Bramley – “This was such a heartwarming story that left you feeling like you’d been wrapped in a big bear hug.”

The bookblogging community on Twitter is very friendly and supportive.  I’d like to say a big “Hello” and “Thank you” to the following:

@PBscribbles, @BeccaBooks, @lynseybfarmer, @twinmum94, @bookreviewbyrea, @albainbookland, @danielriding, @CelesteMcCreesh, @jennymarston_xo, @LauraHolds28, @ShazsBookBlog, @SophieRTB, @Tracy Shephard … if I’ve not mentioned your name I’ll add you to a shout out next time 🙂

To celebrate my 1st year in blogging I’ve put together a little goody bag filled with some of my favourite things.  To enter please click on the rafflectoper link below and good luck! (UK only entries)

a Rafflecopter giveaway