“I’m 3” – Blogiversary celebrations with a giveaway

Three years ago today I started my blog, I’ve shared my love of reading, crafting, food and tea.  Along the way I’ve tried to celebrate the joys of shopping with independent businesses and reading books by indie authors.

Since 22nd May 2016 to 22nd May 2017 I have read 116 books.  I always struggle choosing which are my favourite books but I have narrowed it down to five that I particularly enjoyed during this 12 month period:

• Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann – This classic novel celebrated it’s 50th anniversary last summer and it was my first introduction to this read.  “Just as the young stars were drawn to drink and drugs I felt myself as a reader ‘drugged’ by the words on the pages. I couldn’t get enough. I was eager to know what happened next. On the one hand Valley of the Dolls was shocking, tragic and heart breaking BUT on the other it was also glamorous, sexy and very indulgent!”
• Valentina by S.E. Lynes – “The story takes lots of twists and turns that keep you gripped and guessing to the end.  To read a book in a genre I don’t normally read and to be gripped by the complexities of the characters and storyline is the sign of a great author.  A very promising start for a debut author’s read.  I’m so pleased I stepped out of my comfort zone.”
• The Wedding Girls by Kate Thompson – “A fabulous story that had me gripped.  I loved how the author, Kate Thompson, incorporated in her story a pivotal moment in East End history.  Fictional books really do bring history to life.  This was a story full of solidarity.  A story that doesn’t hide the ugliness of life.  A story bringing much hope.  A story to warm your heart.  Just brilliant.”
• The Shogun’s Queen by Lesley Downer – “This was such an epic story that sent my emotions soaring high and dramatically cascading low.  I was enchanted by the author Lesley Downer’s beautiful words describing a colourful world.  I felt instantly transported to a land far, far away to a time were legends and rituals were significant and paramount.  To a time when the unknown were feared.  A time when sacrifices had to be made  for the sake of the country’s survival.”
• Devastation Road by Jason Hewitt – “This was a very poignant, engaging read that throws no punches and shows the raw side of people trying to survive a war that has shaken the world to it’s core.  Jason Hewitt manages to open your eyes and feel the hidden sights and sounds in a landscape torn apart.  Such a horrific time for all but humanity remained and the tender, heartrending moments felt more intense.  This is a story I won’t forget in a long time.”
• A Warriner to Protect Her by Virginia Heath – “A gorgeous regency romance with swoon worthy male characters, all four brothers would set your heart a flutter.  A daring, dramatic, historical romance that is deliciously moreish.”

What is interesting about my five picks above is that they are by authors I haven’t read before or I have recently discovered, so go on try a new author today!

To celebrate my blogiversary I’ve purchased a few items from some independent businesses I’ve met along the way (a book buddy from Melvis Makes, a book mark from Bookbandz and some Yorkshire and Peak District inspired loose leaf tea from Birdhouse Tea Company).  To enter my giveaway please comment below and let me know which book has stood out for you this year.  (Please leave your twitter name in brackets after your comment so I can identify and contact you more easily).  I will pick a winner via randomizer Friday evening.  Unfortunately, the giveaway is UK only.

Lastly, I’d like to thank the blogging and book community for all the support you continue to give voluntarily, keeping the love of reading alive 🙂