I really enjoy reading, now my boys are getting older I find I now have a bit more time to read. I like to read a variety of book although I’m not the biggest fan of horror or crime books. As you will see i’m more a lover of romcom books! Here is a quick review of all the books I read in 2021.
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.
Happily Imperfect – Stacey Solomon
I am a big fan of Stacey Solomon so I loved reading her book. Stacey shares total honesty throughout her book Happily Imperfect. I love how Stacey shares her own life experiences and the issues she has overcome along with her tips for how to stay positive. It was a very honest and relatable book that I would highly recommend reading.
We just clicked – Anna Bell
After reading the mixed reviews about We just clicked I was unsure if I would enjoy it. I’m pleased to say that I did. The story centres around the characters Izzy, who always dreamed of making it big on Instagram and Luke. Izzy and Luke team up together to be a fake couple to boost Instagram followers, which actually works for them. This is until Izzy starts falling in love with Aiden! It was a little bit predictable in places but overall I did really enjoy the book.
The Home Edit life – Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin
If you have ever watched The Home Edit and loved It you will definitely love this book. It is the perfect addition to the tv show. The Home Edit contains great tips and loads of organising ideas to cover all areas of your home and life. I found it very motivating to be honest. It kind of made me want to drag out all the contents of the cupboards, draws and wardrobes and reorganise them all. It wasn’t all about throwing stuff out either it was focusing on organising what you have in a better way.
Kate and Clara’s curious craft shop – Ali McNamara
This was the first book by Ali McNamara that I read and instantly I loved her style of writing. I loved the story of Kate and Clara’s Curious Cornish craft shop and all the magical antics that went on in the night. With lots of mysteries to be solved Jack offers to help Kate. It has many twists to the story and of course a bit of romance. I really didn’t want to put the book down as I just wanted to find out more. It was not predictable at all and I loved all the flash backs to the 1950’s and how all the events unfolded. It was a really good book and I would definitely recommend reading.
A Patchwork Family – Cathy Bramley
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Cathy Bramley’s A Patchwork Family. It was a really heart warming uplifting story of kindness and friendship and a village pulling together. Gina runs her childminding business from her cottage. When the Evergreens is put up for sale it soon becomes clear that they all risk losing their home so they all pull together to stand and fight to save them all from eviction. It was definitely one of my favourite books that I have read this year.
The book you wish your parents had read – Philippa Perry
I enjoy reading books like The Book You Wish Your parents Had Read. You can never have enough tips and tricks in dealing with the upbringing of children. However I found this book to be pretty tough to read. I’m not sure if that’s because it wasn’t quite what I expected or the fact that I just didn’t get on with it. It was full of good information to help you understand your kids and their feelings along with advice on better parenting. The book had really good reviews but I think overall I felt a bit disappointed with the book.
Girl, Wash your face – Rachel Hollis
This was a very inspiring book, great advice from Rachel that was honest and inspiring, reading this book was like having a girly chat with your best friend. Rachel wants her readers to live their best lives, stop making excuses and get on with it and believe that you really can achieve anything. Reading this book will give you all the motivation and inspiration you need to change your life for the better. I would highly recommend reading this book as us women really should have more belief in ourselves to be our true self and the best we can be.
It started with a secret – Jill Mansell
It started with a secret was an enjoyable read although I found it hard to follow at times and took me longer than usual to read. Lainey and Kit lose their jobs in France so they apply for a live in job in Cornwall. When they get the job, they have to lie that they are a couple. Looking after and organising the family of a retired actor is hard work and brings its challenges. When their secret is finally out in the open, they are safe as they are too needed by the family. Lots of drama, humour and romance. I did enjoy the book in the end.
My kind of happy – Cathy Bramley
I really enjoy Cathy Bramley books and this one was another great story. Centred around the character Fearne who was dealing with the loss of her brother Freddie. Fearne decides that she needs to make changes in her life so sets on a journey to do just that. It’s not all happiness as some paths lead to trouble and others lead to romance. It was a very comforting read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Calendar Girl Volume One – Four – Audrey Carlan
I really loved all of the Calendar Girl books, I actually started reading these quite a few years ago but having young children I never had the time to finish them. This was disappointing as I really got into them so this year I decided to start from the beginning and read the whole lot and i’m so glad I did.
All the books are centred around Mia who needs to earn money fast to pay off her father’s gambling debts to a loan shark. So Mia decides to join her Aunts Escort agency in a bid to earn the 1 million dollars she needs, each month Mia is sent to a different guy in a different state. Each guy and their reason for needing an escort is different, some become romantic and some are strictly business. I really loved these books and seeing where Mia ended up next and with who. Definitely worth reading
Happy Sexy Millionaire – Steven Bartlett
I really cannot recommend this book enough. I am a lover of self help books and I have read a fair few of them over the years but this was by far the best one I have read. Reading all about Stevens personal achievements are pretty impressive. Steven really does share some really honest life advice which is really thought provoking as well as offering self-empowerment and hope to anyone young or old. Really worth reading.
Atomic Habits – James Clear
In atomic habits James takes you back to basics in an attempt to show you that by making just little daily changes that you will barely even notice then you can make massive improvements to your life. James offers clear advice on how you can achieve these life-altering outcomes. The book is broken down into six sections that offer really clear advice as well as the psychology and neuroscience behind why small changes make big differences and explains in detail simple hacks like the forgotten art of habit stacking, the unexpected power of the two-minute rule and tricks to entering the Goldilocks Zone. I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and follow and I found it really interesting too.
Tap to Tidy – Stacey Solomon
I love Stacey and I love to see all the crafts and DIYs that she does, she makes it all look really effortless. So, when Tap to tidy came out I just knew I had to read it. I love sorting and tidying stuff so it was great to discover new tips and tricks to achieve my dream of a tidy house. Tap to tidy is bursting with recipe ideas, craft ideas, as well as brilliant tips and tricks for sorting every room, draw, cupboard and even outside your house. Stacey does a fantastic job at breaking it all down so you don’t feel overwhelmed with it all and it’s just little and often I loved this book and if you like to be tidy you will too.
The cottage on sunshine beach – Holly Martin
The cottage on sunshine beach is a lovely summer read but would be lovely at any time of the year. Melody loves her little cottage at the edge of sunshine beach with the view of the sea and the added bonus that it is close to her family too. Melody sets about starting a new life for herself and quickly becomes friends with Jamie, the sculptor guy with the cheeky grin who works in the shop opposite to hers. It’s a great story of friends becoming lovers and getting their happy ending. Well worth a read in my opinion.
It’s Now or Never – Carole Matthews
It’s Now or never is a story of two sisters who decide it’s time to take life into their own hands and change their lives. With many hurdles to overcome and unsupportive partners the challenge is on. The sisters go through many ups and downs with lots of laughs and also emotion but they get their happy ending. I really loved this book it was both funny and emotional at times.
A surprise Christmas wedding – Phillipa Ashley
A really great story about Love and giving people second chances. Unlucky in love Lottie landed her dream job and was asked to organise a last minute surprise Christmas Wedding only to find that the Groom-to-be is her Ex Connor. Along the way it presents many ups and downs for Lottie as well as romance with her handsome neighbour. Phillipa’s style of writing made it a very easy and enjoyable read.
The one thing – Garry Keller
If you want great advice on how to reduce your work load and be more efficient then this is the book for you. It shows you how you should focus your time on the one thing to achieve more. This book is broken down into 3 parts, The Lies, The Truth and Extraordinary Results. I found it was well written and it was clear and easy to understand.
Secrets and Seashells at Rainbow Bay – Ali McNamara
I really enjoy reading Ali McNamara book as I really enjoy her style of writing so I really enjoyed Secrets and Seashells at Rainbow Bay. I loved the characters especially Amelia and her son Charlie. When life was tough and money was tight life changed in a way that Amelia could never imagine, she inherited a real Castle. So, she and her son Charlie moved to Northumberland to the Castle and start a whole new life. With the help from the castle staff Amelia sets about transforming the castles fortunes along with the help of a mysterious unknown helping hand! Life changes for the better and Amelia gets the fairy-tale ending she wants. Well worth reading.
So much I want to tell you – Anna Akana
This is not the usual book that I would read but I have read all the reviews so thought I would give it a go. This book was written by Anna as a tribute to her younger sister who died. Anna offers loads of advice on how to carry on living your life after loss. Anna also offers lots of honest advice on a range of topics such as identity, Money, work, creativity and relationships. You really have to admire the courage and strength shown by Anna in writing this book.
The summer of serendipity – Ali McNamara
Another Ali McNamara story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Serendipity was sent to Ireland to look for a suitable house for a client. She and her colleague Kiki head over to Ireland to Ballykiltara where they find the most perfect property. After talking to the locals and doing research they are unable to find out who owns the property known as the Welcome House. With more investigations into the history of the house a few surprises and more mysteries crop up. It was a brilliant story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I found it difficult to put the book down at times as I just wanted to keep reading to see what happened next.
Daisy’s Vintage Cornish camper van – Ali McNamara
Daisy’s vintage Cornish Camper Van became the van that was inherited by Ana from her friend. Ana takes the train from London to St Felix to collect the van thinking that she can drive it home. Once she arrives at the garage to collect the camper van it is not quite what she is expecting to find. The van is in a bad way and Ana soon realised that she would not be driving the van home any time soon. Extending her stay in St Felix and getting the mechanic, Malachi from the garage to start doing up the camper van, Ana finds a series of post cards hidden in the seats of the van and embarks on a journey to find the person the post cards were to be sent to. This leads Ana on a whole new journey, with lots of twists, turns and unexpected events.
I love reading Ali McNamara books, I love her writing style and each of her stories are so different but with mysterious twists that keep me wanting to read more.
T is for Transformation -Shaun T
I love Shaun T and I have done for many years after attempting his insanity workout. In the past I have also attempted hip hop abs and Rockin Body. I now regularly follow his T25 exercise Programme that I love. I have always loved his enthusiasm and energy. His workouts are definitely one of kind and they are HARD WORK when you first try them out! Shaun’s book is very honest and very emotional in parts. Especially when he describes his past and what has made him the man he is today. It’s a combination of his life story and experiences. Shaun really inspires you to be the best and fittest version of your self possible. After reading this book I definitely felt more inspired and highly motivated to change my life. I just need to dig deep and make the changes now.
The Miracle Morning – Hal Elrod
The Miracle Morning was a very interesting book. It talks about how you could make massive improvements to your life and live an extraordinary life. It is all centred around six habits that you should perform daily. I did try out the habits for while. I soon realised i am not a morning lark I am more a night owl so I did these in the evenings. Maybe I didn’t stick at them long enough as no miracles have happened yet. It was still and interesting book to read.
Hope and Happiness in bluebell wood – Ali McNamara
Another great book by Ali McNamara. It was a really lovely story about Ava and her dog Merlin. They moved to bluebell wood following events that made her feel unsafe in the city. Ava starts to feed the birds in her garden and the birds start to leave her little gifts and trinkets. Ava becomes friends with the local vicar, Callum and suddenly it all becomes clear. They realise that there are hidden meanings behind all the gifts the bird have been leaving. It’s a magical story and very heart warming. Great to read at any time of the year.
The Lemon Tree Cafe – Cathy Bramley
Lemon tree cafe was a very uplifting story, full of ups, downs, love, laughter as well as secrets. The story is centered around The lemon tree café owned by Maria. Rosie loses her jobs and moves to Derbyshire to help her Nonna out in the cafe. Rosie soon starts to enjoy life working in the cafe and being closer to her family. Trouble does comes their way for the café’s fortunes and they have to act fast to save the cafe. I am a big fan of Cathy Bramley so I just knew I would love this book. You also get some recipes in the back of the book that have been inspired by the Lemon Tree Café
PR School your time to shine – Natalie Trice
PR is always something that I have struggled with so when I came across PR School your time to shine. I was thrilled to be able to gain any extra knowledge and advise that would help me. It was a really great helpful book with lots of great advice and practical tips. Natalie also offers templates for you to follow along with PR School homework tasks. The tasks are a great help to get you going and you to keep you on the right track.
I really hope you enjoyed reading about the books I read in 2021. If you enjoyed this blog then please check out my elf on the shelf ideas blog
See you soon
Lisa x
