A monthly peek into the books I’m reading, the ones I’ve loved, and the next on my reading pile. A cosy corner for sharing stories, thoughts, and a few bookish ideas you might enjoy too.
If you missed last month’s, you can read it here.
Do you have a favourite type of genre that you enjoy reading while you’re on holiday?
I’m a big lover of cheesy romance… the cheesier the better! And that’s what you’ll most likely find me reading when on holiday. They always feel like the perfect combination.
I always find that I tend to read more on holiday. Maybe you do too?
I also love when a place you’re staying at has a selection of books. It’s such a great way to discover new authors, pick up a book that you wouldn’t have read otherwise, and you might just find a new favourite!
That’s exactly what happened last year! As I was browsing through the books in the beautiful Airbnb that we love staying at, one in particular grabbed my attention. It was called Everything I’ve Ever Done That Worked by Lesley garner. I loved it so much, that I went on my Kindle and purchased a copy, along with two other books by Lesley!
Has this happened to you?
Here’s what I’ve been reading, what’s next on the pile, and a favourite pick from the bookshelf…
Last month, I shared that that I was reading Adventures in Opting Out by Cait Flanders… and it was blooming brilliant!
Apart from my favourite childhood stories and classics that I love, I must admit, I’m not really one for re-reading books. But this one is right up there on my ‘list of books that I want to read again’!
I just really enjoyed it a LOT! I could relate to so much that Cait has shared throughout the pages, and at times it felt like I was reading about myself. This was a book that had been on my wish list for ages, and it definitely didn’t disappoint!
I’ve filled it full of sticky tabs, and I’ve already been enjoying reading the sentences, paragraphs and pages that I tabbed to remember and refer back to, like this one…
“It’s a beautiful thing, to allow yourself to evolve. To challenge yourself to grow and change. To even attempt to step into who you want to be in this world. Choosing to trust your gut and listen to the whispers telling you you aren’y being true to yourself anymore is empowering. If you do it once, my guess is you will opt out of something else in the future. And the father you go down this new path, the more you’ll see that you weren’t actually walking away from anything. You were walking toward yourself.” - Cait Flanders, Adventures in Opting Out
I’m now halfway through Nature Needs You: The Fight to Save Our Swifts by Hannah Bourne-Taylor and I really do feel that this is a book that everyone needs to read! Yes, really!
It’s an incredible and important account of how Hannah is not only helping to raise awareness, but also superbly fighting to save our swifts. Her passion is contagious and it’s a real eye opener too, particularly when it comes to how much of a fight it actually is to get something so important and detrimental to the natural world, to be taken seriously… especially when it’s a no-brainer! Here’s a little snippet…
“‘Maybe being on the Red List will help them. Maybe the government will stop allowing the dousing of the countryside with chemicals killing all the insects, maybe fully engage and invest in nature restoration, and protect the birds’ nesting habitat,’ I said, clutching at the potential silver lining. ‘You mean, maybe the government will start caring?’ George replied.” - Hannah Bourne-Taylor, Nature Needs You: The Fight to Save Our Swifts
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I’ve been a big fan of Heidi Swain for many years… since 2017, in fact! I was first introduced to her books while I was in hospital, when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. My mum brought me a copy of Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair to read. My collection slowly grew from there and I now have all 22 books (Heidi has a new one coming out in September called Falling for You)!
Although Heidi has 3 standalone books, her other ones can definitely be read as standalone books too, however they are part of three different series: Wynmouth, Nightingale Square and Wynbridge. I must admit, I’ve not actually collected the three series in order. So the ones I’m still yet to read, I am now reading them order!
As you’re reading this, we’re now enjoying some much-needed time away in the Derbyshire Dales. I’ve chosen Summer at Skylark Farm to be my holiday read. This is the second book in the Wynbridge series.
“Amber is a city girl at heart. So when her boyfriend Jake Somerville suggests they move to the countryside to help out at his family farm, she doesn’t quite know hoe to react. But work has been hectic and she needs a break so she decides to grasp the opportunity.”
Having not read the books in order, Amber has already featured in the ones I’ve read, but I’m so excited to get to know her even better and to read all about how her story began.
My bookshelf pick for this month is The Hedgehog Diaries: A Story of Faith, Hope and Bristle by Sarah Sands.
This is such a beautifully written, fascinating, heartwarming and deeply moving and magical book. And as you’ve already guessed, it’s about hedgehogs!
This books shares just how important these small prickly and incredible creatures are. I love hedgehogs. Sadly, and you’ve perhaps found the same too, I haven’t seen a single one this year. There has been a serious decline in hedgehogs, much of which is caused by destruction of habitat, the use of pesticides and other chemicals, which also causes a reduction in their food supply, and roads are a huge threat.
One night recently, I could hear rustling, so I quickly went over to the bedroom window, but couldn’t see anything. But I like to think that it was a hedgehog and that they’re still out there somewhere close by.
I remember the other year, David and I were on our way back from our evening walk, just a few steps away from home, and there was a hedgehog right in the middle of the road. So I quickly grabbed whatever I could, which happened to be my long think scarf, David helped me to stop any cars that were approaching, and I scooped up the hedgehog as quickly as I could and placed him/or her next to a garden.
“The bigger story has been that a hedgehog-friendly environment is a sign of harmony with nature, while their absence speaks of a land out of joint.” The Hedgehog Diaries: A Story of Faith, Hope and Bristle by Sarah Sands
Have you seen any hedgehogs this year?
Have you read any of these books? Perhaps one or two have now made it onto your reading pile? I’d love to know what you’re currently reading?
If you’ve enjoyed this journal entry, you can support my creative work with a virtual coffee from just £3, over on my Ko-fi page. Your support honestly means so much, and it really helps me A LOT!
Just in case you missed it…
Simple Joys & Inspirations | July 2026
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Jul 19
A collection of everyday pleasures and favourite finds. Here I share small moments and things that bring a smile, whether it’s something I’ve tried, enjoyed, or come across along the way. A gentle space to pause and enjoy the little joys in life.
Seasonal Moments in Nature | July 2026
·
Jul 5
Welcome to my little seasonal diary. Here I share photos and notes from the natural world - the changing seasons, small details, and the beauty all around us. A space to slow down, notice what’s unfolding, and enjoy the rhythm of the seasons.
If you’d love to learn more about me and my work, you can visit my website here. I’d also love to connect with you over on Instagram - you’ll find lots of beautiful blooms and nature-inspired posts, alongside gentle business musings, reflections, and more.
Until next time…
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