L.J. Higgins's Blog, page 13

Real World Dreamers – Sylva Fae

This week I had the privilege of speaking to the whimsical Sylva Fae. She is a married mum of three small girls from the North of England. She had an unusual childhood living in an old farmhouse on the Lancashire moors, where she grew up with a random menagerie of pets, rescued wild animals, unwanted pigs and goats and a gaggle of geese and ducks.

Her parents were also artists, who ran a language school for foreign students so they frequently had lodgers from all round Europe. When Sylva wasn’t trying to work out which language to say good morning in, or rounding up the animals, her days were spent painting, drawing, reading and going on countryside walks. When she recalls her childhood she remembers it as idyllic, filled with love and family time, something she hopes she can recreate for her own girls.

LJ: What do you think makes you a Dreamer?

Sylva: I’ve always been an observer. I see the little details that most don’t notice and appreciate the beauty of nature. As a child I questioned constantly, I wanted to know everything. Now my head is full of the same questions, I just don’t voice them out loud (well not intentionally). I love to sit alone in a public place and watch people, I create stories in my head, who they are and how they came to be here. I also attribute being a dreamer to reading so much. Books are an escape to magical places, new and exciting experiences and a chance to live as someone else. If I don’t have a book in my hand, I create my own alternate reality. The imagination is a powerful tool.

LJ: Where is your favourite place to do what you love and why?

Sylva: One of my favourite places is a field that runs alongside the woodland. It is hidden from view and feels like our own secret place. We lie down in the long grasses and search out mystical creatures in the clouds. http://sylvafae.co.uk/blog/dreams/chasing-mermaids/

Another favourite place is a huge fallen tree in the middle of the woodland. It was sitting on this tree trunk when I first fell in love with the woodland. I sit here to meditate, listening to the breeze through the trees and the distant giggles of my girls playing. From here I track the changing of the seasons. I watch the tiny new ferns unfurl, see the colours change from a sea of violet bluebells to a purple tangle of rhododendrons. I hear the bees buzzing, the rhythm of the woodpecker and the flutter of wood pigeons rising from the trees as my noisy children run by. Then wrapped up warm, I watch autumn change to winter. The once thick canopy of leaves disappears leaving bare trees silhouetted against a cerulean sky.

LJ: What do you do to take some time out for yourself?

Sylva: It’s no surprise that I read at every possible opportunity. Since having children I have also started writing. It started as ‘Mummy stories’ in the car to entertain my eldest daughter but after a while I decided to write them down. I was recommended by an author to start a blog and write every day. I took her advice and my blog has become my little indulgence. It’s helping me get over my shyness of people reading my writing. It may seem silly but I only ever write for my children and I’m always amazed when others read my words. I blog about our adventures in my little woodland but also I share reviews of books I’ve enjoyed.

LJ: What was the last dream you had and remember?

Sylva: I have a recurring dream that echoes many of my favourite places blended together. I appear in a wildflower field. The poppies and cornflowers are tall, nearly as tall as me. I’m barefoot and wearing pyjamas. I wander through the tall grasses, the ground is soft underfoot so I stride confidently forward. I feel I know this place but the discovery of a small clearing is always a surprise. In the middle sits an old brass bed draped in silks and warm fleece blankets. At the foot of the bed is a thick tree trunk, shelves are carved into it creating a natural bookcase. I choose a book and curl up in comfort enjoying the peace and luxury of uninterrupted reading. After a while, a huge orange butterfly captures my attention. It circles the bed and lands on my book. I go to touch it but it flies off. I follow the butterfly, fluttering just above the swaying flowers, until I come to a cliff. The butterfly disappears into the flowers but a crow swoops down cawing and guides the next part of my journey. I follow him along the cliff to a gap in the rocks. The stone steps hewn into the rock feel cold and smooth on my bare feet as I step down towards a sandy bay. I wander to the water’s edge and lie down. The small waves lap over my toes, cool and soothing. Each wave brings with it a feeling of peace and washes away all my aches and worries. I focus on the clouds above as the tide comes in further and wait patiently for the wave that will eventually carry me back out. I don’t resist. I’m completely calm and at ease as I float out to sea. My crow is a constant guide, a silhouette against the blue. I gaze at the clouds drifting with me and wonder where we are going but I trust in my guide to keep me safe. Above me the sky darkens and the clouds are soon replaced by stars. I find my special star, close my eyes and sleep.

I wake up at different points in the dream but the format is always similar. In real life I would find floating out to sea quite a terrifying experience but I always awake feeling peaceful.

LJ: What is your favourite book? What are you reading right now?

Sylva: My favourite book is Infinity by Nico Laeser. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Infinity-Biography-Nico-Laeser-ebook/dp/B00V7QERDW

In fact it’s difficult to choose one of Nico Laeser’s books, they’re all equally amazing. I chose Infinity because it had a profound effect on me and its story still lingers on in my mind.

Right now I’m reading Salby Damned by Ian D Moore. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Salby-Damned-Ian-D-Moore-ebook/dp/B00MVXFHFC

This is a very different read to Infinity but very entertaining. I have recently beta read Ian D Moore’s latest novel Salby Evolution, a must read for those who’ve enjoyed Salby Damned but it also works as a standalone novel. It has just become available for pre-order.

Both Nico Laeser and Ian D Moore are indie authors and members of the IASD https://indieauthorsupportanddiscussion.com/

Nico and I worked together on Ian D Moore’s charity project in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. The finished book, You’re Not Alone, is an anthology of stories by indie authors based on the theme relationships. We each have a story included. All profits from this book go to Macmillan. https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Not-Alone-Author-Anthology-ebook/dp/B00Y5RCOOE

LJ: What advice would you give someone who has a dream they want to pursue?

Sylva: Dreams remain dreams unless you do something about it. Do your research, find out as much as you can to make your dream a reality. Things don’t always work out as you envisaged but go with it, maybe there’s a reason why you’re taken down a certain path. You never know what is possible until you try. Also share your dream with someone you love and trust. It is so much easier to pursue a dream if you work with someone who shares your vision.

LJ: Where did your dream of owning a woodland come from?

Sylva: So many times my husband and I have wished for things in life only for them to stay as dreams. It was after a disastrous camping holiday with a boisterous toddler that we mused about how nice it would be to have our own little woodland; a space to let our daughter run wild and enjoy the outdoors. Secretly, we each went away and researched it and discovered this dream was actually within our reach. We discovered there are companies who buy up large woodlands and split them into manageable sized plots, with manageable prices for ordinary people like us. We spent an amazing summer pottering around woodlands for sale and eventually found our perfect place. Sometimes you just get a feeling that something is right. That feeling washed over us as we sat on a huge fallen tree and gazed at the sunbeams sparkling through the tree branches. We just knew that this was our wood.

That was the dreamy bit, researching all the different woodland covenants attached to the land and what they meant in reality, was the hard bit. We learned the woodland sales jargon – ‘gently undulating’ in North Wales actually means vertical cliff face, and ‘good ground cover’ means thigh-deep in nettles and brambles. Then we had to look at boring things like insurance and contracts but we were driven by the excitement of owning our own wood. We didn’t tell anyone until we were officially the proud owners; it was our little secret.

We were expecting a mixed response from friends, and we got one. Most people thought we were slightly mad but a small few were curious enough to visit. With the woods officially ours we spent the first year just exploring and collecting logs for the fire. Our dreams for what the woodland could become started to grow. They stayed dreams while I had my next two children, but the magic was there just waiting to be discovered.

While my husband worked, making fire and chopping logs, I would take the girls off to explore. As little toddler legs grew longer, our ramblings ventured further. We left the path and went in search of fairies and dragons. I turned the woodland into a magical kingdom for their imaginations to explore as we stomped through puddles and climbed trees. On the way home I would make up stories to entertain the little ones, stories about our adventures with the fairy folk of our own woodland.

As the girls grew they invited their friends to join in their woodland adventures. My husband built them a playground in the trees, with swings, climbing ropes and a mud kitchen. I taught them woodland crafts and devised treasure hunts and games. The first group called themselves the Woodland Warriors and our dreams started to become reality. Hearing children laugh and play in the woods brought a special magic to our little bunch of trees. Each group of Woodland Warriors went away muddy and happy, leaving my husband instructions to build zip slides, wigwams and rope ladders. The Warriors’ kingdom grew and the children brought our dreams to life.

I now have a new dream to publish some of the stories inspired by our woodland. For now, I’m learning and enjoying writing for my girls. I’m hanging out with a fantastic group of indie authors who are happy to share their experience and expertise. I’m not there yet but the dream is growing. That’s the thing with dreams though, they stay as dreams unless you put in the effort to make them happen.

LJ: Where and how can people find and contact you?

Sylva: My blog Sylvanian Ramblings http://sylvafae.co.uk/blog/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SylvaFae

Twitter https://twitter.com/sylvafae

Google+ https://plus.google.com/106018397992899197317

StumbleUpon http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/SylvaFae

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/sylvafae/

 

Thank you to Sylva Fae for allowing me to have a glimpse into her magical world. I thoroughly enjoy how she sees the world around her and her   imagination.

Next week I will be introducing you to my amazingly talented cover designer, Ann Maree.

Real World Dreamers – Rikki Lee

This week I am introducing you to the amazingly talented fashion designer, Rikki of Areli. I am the lucky owner of some of Rikki’s, Areli active wear and I can’t tell you how comfortable and flattering they are to wear. A wife and mother to three wonderful children, Rikki leads a very active lifestyle, and enjoys the simple things in life, such as Sunday Night Roasts around the fire, BBQ breakfasts, backyard concerts, going for walks to the park, going for family weekend getaways…anything that allows her to spend quality time with her family. She is a lover of music, fashion, food, school holidays, coffee, being active, Labradors and little spontaneous trips away to the beach.

 

LJ: Rikki tell us what you are passionate about, what is your dream long term and short term?

Rikki: From a very young age, I was always interested in Fashion. Unknowingly, this influence was all around me growing up. Whether it be playing ‘Trendy Trends’, a fashion game my little sister and I made up and would play in the back of our Aunty’s dress shop, or to being dressed head to toe, in one-off, amazing handmade outfits that my Nanna created, for my sisters and I to perform on stage in (We were singers, and performed around Australia in festivals and shows). What was a natural interest, then became a passion, which then became a dream, that now I am making a reality.

My long-term goals/dreams are to be contracted exclusively with selected fashion/health and fitness magazines, and to be able to dress their cover models and feature models. I hope to develop a small, quality team of employees, that can assist with increasing my production rate, yet keeping my label exclusive. Think a modern day Factory, based here in Australia, that has extreme attention to detail and keeps quality as the number one priority. I would love to liaise with renown Fashion Designers and somehow have my Label involved in the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week events, whether that be showcasing my creativity, or by invitation.

I hope to evolve my label, as my personal style changes. So not only providing on-trend Active Wear and Swim wear, but creating pieces that can be teamed with staple items that women have in their wardrobes (ie. Areli leggings teamed with a baggy blouse and suede ankle boots). I am always working two seasons ahead of myself, so whilst I am currently sewing and producing my Winter Collection,  I already have my Spring and Summer collections drafted. So constantly being one step ahead allows me to focus on my short-term goals.

LJ: What do you think makes you a Dreamer?

Rikki: I feel as though I am a Dreamer because I have a huge imagination. At night, it can sometimes be difficult to switch off, as ideas flood my mind and excite me! If I have wanted something badly enough, I have always given things a go! I love and live by the quote by Richard Branson “If someone offers you an amazing opportunity, and you’re not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later”. I feel as though this was written for me and my label.

LJ: Where is your favorite place to do what you love and why?

Rikki: My studio. It is an organised mess!! I have everything I need, albeit I would still love more! I have a smooth production line if everything is within my reach. If I tried to work in a different space (which I have attempted), things just don’t flow as easily. I am in the process of expanding and decorating my studio, so that is a very exciting project to plan!

 

LJ: What do you do to take some time out for yourself?

Rikki: I enjoy exercising with my friend – although we are never alone, we have our two toddlers join in with us! I train to feel healthy and confident in my own skin. I think if you are a confident person, amazing things can happen, because you believe in yourself and your self worth. I enjoy on the rare occasion to be pampered with a massage, or watching a movie with my husband. But ultimately, when I am not working, and I am not with my children, I am thinking about them and wanting to be with them!

 

LJ: What is your favorite book? What are you reading right now?

Rikki: As far as novels go, I would choose autobiographies/biographies. Particularly ones about Legendary musicians such as the Beatles, Elvis, Michael Jackson etc. The last book I read was Richard Wilkins biography on his life in the Entertainment Industry. I have a couple of favorite children’s books which is ‘Love you Forever’ by Robert Munsch, and ‘Old Pig’ by Margaret Wild. Both have me crying every single time!

 

LJ: What advice would you give someone who has a dream they want to pursue?

Rikki: At least try! If you don’t take steps to initiate your dream, it won’t just happen. Wonderful ideas are being discovered and thought of everyday, but what you do with those ideas is what’s important. Believe in yourself and your abilities. If you need training, up-skill yourself, and give yourself every opportunity to succeed. “If plan A and B doesn’t work, there are 24 other letters of the alphabet.. relax!”

 

LJ: What made you turn to fashion? Was there a certain event that lead you down this path?

Rikki: Fashion has had a major influence on me growing up. I never wanted to wear the same thing twice, and I am always so intrigued by new trends. I love developing my own sense of style and I love to mix and match genre’s of fashion to wear. As long as I can remember, Fashion has been my thing, but once I was given my first sewing machine, that’s when the light was switched on. I started to develop this idea, this concept, about creating my ‘own’ brand of clothing, according to what I love to wear. I believed in myself and trusted my creativity to give it a go! I had so much support around me, encouraging me to chase this dream. I am so thankful that things have happened the way they have. I work very hard (sewing for hours on end is manual labour!) and am constantly trying to improve my abilities and systems that are in place. The future is very exciting!

 

LJ: You are stranded on a deserted Island. You have food and water, what 3 other items would you want to have with you?

Rikki: Obviously I would love my family to be with me, but if I could only choose 3 items; Coffee, Sunglasses and Lip gloss

 

LJ: Where and how can people find and contact you?

Rikki: I have a website that showcases my portfolio of work, and is up to date with what is available to purchase! The site is www.arelibyrikkilee.com – I am also on Facebook and Instagram (@arelibyrikkilee).

 

Thank you to Rikki from Areli for taking time out of her extremely busy life to talk with me. Rikki’s passion shines through in everything she creates, and it truly is inspiring to be around her and hear her speak about not only her love for fashion but also her family.

 

 

 

Rise of the Dreamer is Coming!

Here it is! Tonight I officially revealed the cover for the final installment of the Dreamer Trilogy, Rise of the Dreamer!

After the games were played and the prizes had been won, I also launched a giveaway to take us up to the official launch of Rise of the Dreamer.

Rise of the Dreamer Giveaway

Enter for your chance to win one of three amazing prizes!

All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the generous donations from, Luminique’s Boutique, Intuitive Creations by Nicole, and Blackdog Stickers & Signs.

Pre-order your copy of Rise of the Dreamer HERE!

https://js.gleam.io/e.js

Rise of the Dreamer Cover Reveal

Join my Facebook event to be one of the first to see the cover for Rise of the Dreamer, Dreamer Trilogy – Book Three.

I will be giving away eBooks written by four amazing authors, Michelle Bryan, Michelle Lynn, G K DeRosa and Kelly St Clare, as well as a softcover copy of In Their Shoes and Rise of the Dreamer! All you have to do is show up at the online event between 7pm & 9pm AEST this Friday 1st July, and join in on the fun and games.

At the end of the event I will also be starting my HUGE Dreamer Giveaway which will run until the 30th of July.

So join me this Friday 1st July at 7pm AEST HERE!

 

Real World Dreamers – Alyce

This week I am excited to introduce you to Alyce Thew the owner of Uptown Publicity on the Gold Coast, Queensland in Australia. Alyce is a twenty-nine-year-old wife and mother of one who before getting married and having her daughter was an avid traveler who backpacked to five of the world’s continents. She loves exploring new cultures and embracing local life. Wherever she goes, she tries to get among locals by taking public transport over taxis, or by using a home stay option over hotels.

 

LJ: Alyce what are you passionate about?

Alyce: I am extremely passionate about all things news and media. I love helping people raise their profiles through the media. Seeing their faces light up when they see their story in print or hear their voices on radio and see their face on TV is what makes me love what I do. In the short term I am happy to keep my business small so I can be there for my baby when she needs me, but as she gets older and goes off to school I want to really expand Uptown Publicity and get some big name clients.

 

LJ: What do you think makes you a Dreamer?

Alyce: I started my own Publicity Company in 2014 with the dream to one day leave my 9-5 and build my empire. Taking the chance to put myself out there and starting Uptown Publicity on my own makes me a dreamer.

 

LJ: What do you do to take some time out for yourself?

Alyce: With running a business, working a 9-5 as well as being a mother and wife, I very rarely get time to myself. However I squeeze in a 45min gym class during my lunch break at work, which is the only time I feel I take to really do something for myself.

 

LJ: What was the last dream you had and remember?

Alyce: Every morning I wake up and remember at least 2-3 dreams I had during the night, but by the time I have finished my breakfast I have forgotten them.  Usually they are about past travel adventures or include time travel where I go back in time to when I was in school, yet I remember what happens in the ‘future and I tell everyone what they are going to do in their adult life. Crazy I know!

 

LJ: What is your favourite book? What are you reading right now?

Alyce: I am not reading anything at the moment, but my favourite book of all time is Marching Powder by Rusty Young. It is based in the Bolivian city of La Paz and is about a prison unlike any other where inmates live by their own rules. It makes me want to travel around South America which is the only continent other than Antarctica that I am yet to travel to.

 

LJ: What advice would you give someone who has a dream they want to pursue?

Alyce: Go for it. You never know where you will end up, what doors will open or who will notice you. Take the chance to live and breathe your passion because it will make you happy and that’s all we are all really striving for in life, to be happy.

 

LJ: If you weren’t doing what you are right now, what do you think you’d be doing?

Alyce: Backpacking around the world on a shoe string budget writing stories about my adventures.

 

LJ: You are stranded on a deserted Island. You have food and water, what 3 other items would you want to have with you?

Alyce: My phone so I have a connection to the outside world, a jumper because I’m the type of frog who would get cold during summer in the Sahara Desert and a tooth brush because I can’t sleep unless I’ve brushed my teeth. And

 

 

LJ: Where and how can people find and contact you?

Alyce:

Website – www.uptownpublicity.com.au

Intagram – @uptownpublicity

Email – alyce.thew@uptownpublicity.com.au

 

Thank you to Alyce for taking time out of her busy life to give us a glimpse into her Dreams. I wish her all of the best as she builds her publicity business.

Next week I will be introducing you to the amazing Rikki Lee of Areli clothing.

 

Real World Dreamers – Nicole

This week I’m excited to introduce you to Nicole from Intuitive Creations. She uses her creative talents to create beautiful one off dream catchers and other home decor. A single mum to 5 beautiful children, she lives in Central Queensland. Her family have a pet blue tongue lizard named Wally and Nicoles favourite things are her children and family, craft, friends and happy positive people.

LJ: Nicole, what do you think makes you a Dreamer?

Nicole: I’m a hopeless romantic with a big heart and imagination.

LJ: Where is your favorite place to do what you love?

Nicole: In my craft room. I’m very lucky to have made a lovely big craft area in our home where I get to escape and create.

LJ: What do you do to take some time out for yourself?

Nicole: Being a mummy to 5 beautiful children life can be very busy so I take the time at night most times to escape in to the quiet of my craft space while my children are sleeping. Put on some music and create away.

LJ: What advice would you give someone who has a dream they want to pursue?

Nicole: Just do it! Life is to short. Dream big and always believe in yourself! Never give up.

LJ: If you weren’t doing what you are right now, what do you think you’d be doing?

Nicole: Studying, I would love to study nursing and midwifery. A long time dream I have had since becoming a mum to my children.

 

LJ: Have you got a favorite Dream catcher that you’ve made?

Nicole: It’s so hard to pick a favorite. I love everything I create but must say my favorites are the one I have created for my children and my family which hang around our home.

LJ: You are stranded on a deserted Island. You have food and water, what 3 other items would you want to have with you?

Nicole: My children for company, a tent, and a boat to get home.

LJ: Where and how can people find and contact you?

Nicole: I can be contacted on my Facebook page Intuitive Creations by Nicole.

 

Thank you so much to the very talented Nicole from Intuitive Creations for taking the time to talk with me. One of her beautiful creations will be a major prize in the upcoming Dreamer Giveaway and I know you will all want to win it!

Next week I will be sharing my interview with Alyce Thew from Uptown Publicity.

Real World Dreamers – Bethany

Bethany Wicker – Author

I’m excited to finally be able to share a project with you that I’ve been working on with six amazingly talented and inspirational women. They are Dreamers. Young women who are chasing their dreams every day. I‘ve been lucky enough to spend some time with each of them, and have asked them to share their dreams, desires, and secrets on how to achieve your dreams. Over the next six weeks you will be introduced to an author, a publicist and journalist, a clothing designer, an online business owner, a blogger/author and a lady who creates beautiful dream catchers. I hope through them, you can find your own passions and the motivation you need to pursue your own dreams.

 

Our first Dreamer is Bethany Wicker, Author of Unexpected Alpha, Aluna, and Dark Lightning. Bethany is married to her amazing husband Lucien, and is currently six months pregnant with their first child, a little girl named Henley. She also has two dogs, Drake and Jasper and a sun conure (parrot) named Apollo. She hails from a small town called Abita Springs in Louisiana.

 

L J: What are you passionate about Bethany?

Bethany: I’m passionate about reading and writing. My goal is to continue writing and to share that part of me with Henley when she gets old enough.

L J: What do you feel makes you a Dreamer?

Bethany: I remember my dreams every night and they’re slowly becoming published works. It goes to show how tangible dreams can be. I love my dreams and try to learn from them. Dreams should never be ignored because they’re a part of you.

L J: Where is your favorite place to write?

Bethany: On my front porch because we have a beautiful pond that’s so relaxing with a perfect fountain. It’s so easy to daydream by it and get lost in my own worlds.

L J: What made you decide to become a writer?

Bethany: I’ve always loved to write. I never considered actually becoming a writer until my mom encouraged me to try it. If it wasn’t for her, my dream may have died before it had the chance to thrive.

L J: What was the last dream you had, and remember?

Bethany: It was actually a scary one about zombies attacking. It felt so real that when I woke up, I thought zombies were outside the window and woke my husband up because of it. He laughed at that notion.

L J: What advice would you give someone who has a dream they want to pursue?

Bethany: As cheesy as it is, anything is possible. The only way your dreams will come true is if you pursue them. Don’t dismiss them or write them off as impossible. If I did that, then I wouldn’t have any published works.

L J: If you weren’t doing what you are right now, what do you think you’d be doing?

Bethany: I think I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

L J: What is your favourite book? What are you reading right now?

Bethany: I just finished reading the books by Sarah J. Maas and have to say that her works were so amazing. I’m currently about to tackle the Outlander series.

L J: You’re stranded on a deserted Island. You have food and water, what three other items would you want to have with you?

Bethany: I would say my laptop but it’d be useless because the battery would just die. So logically, it’d be a thick notebook, pack of pens, and a paracord bracelet.

 

Thank you, Bethany, for agreeing to let me interview you for my series.

I loved how Bethany knew she was doing exactly what she was supposed to be doing, and the way she finds inspiration not only in her dreams but in the world around her. I wish Bethany all of the best for the birth of baby Henley, and can’t wait to read more from her in the near future.

If you want to find out more about Bethany Wicker and her books you can find her on her website www.bethanywicker.com.

 

Next week I will be talking to Nicole from Intuitive Creations.

Book Club – The Pilots Wife

This month the wonderful Cathy hosted our Book Club meeting. We enjoyed a pizza stack and salad for dinner, accompanied by a few drinks before we kicked off our discussion about this months book, The Pilots Wife by Anita Shreve.

The Pilots Wife, follows the story of Kathryn Lyons, who is awoken one morning to hear devastating news. Her husband, a pilot, has died in a plane crash. The book follows her journey as she grieves for the father of her daughter, and the man she loved, and as she discovers who he really was.

We had high expectations from this book as it is on Oprahs Book Club list, but coming off the back of a book that many of the ladies enjoyed, The Pilots Wife felt like a bit of a disappointment to most of the group. Some of us found the book to be a bit too drawn out, and very predictable from the beginning. It seemed to plateau throughout the story and just when it felt as though it was beginning to take off, the story ended somewhat abruptly after pages and pages of drawn out days and emotions. It was however, an easy read, very well written and easy to follow. Zoe felt as thought she just ‘slipped from the beginning to the end’.

Chloe enjoyed The Pilots Wife even more than We Need To Talk About Kevin. She enjoyed reading the clues and investigation throughout the story, and believed that side of the story was well researched. Despite some of our criticisms, the story created discussion about how well you really know a person. This story leaves you asking if its possible for someone to live a life their partner doesn’t know about?

The average score we gave The Pilots Wife was 5.1 out of 10.

During June we will be reading Leaving Time by Jodi Picolt.

Comment below if you have read either of these books with your thoughts.

Book Review – Choices by Michelle Lynn

Usually I’m not someone who reads Romance novels. There’s something about falling in love with a complete stranger, feeling that instant connection, and living happily after ever after, that just doesn’t sit well with me.

But recently an author I love, Michelle Lynn who wrote the Dawn of Rebellion series, branched out into the Romance genre and I couldn’t help but give it a go. I hate to admit it, but I wasn’t pleasantly surprised. Yes, their were still some sappy bits and the predictability that comes with the genre, but I enjoyed the way Michelle Lynn wrote the story, and I found myself caring about what was going to happen to the characters.

In Choices, Michaela Matthews, has lived a highly privileged life, and her parents have her future all mapped out for her. Only problem is Michael doesn’t think it’s the life she wants for herself. When she moves to the city with her brother she meets his friend Jason, the owner of a local bar, who helps her see what life could be like. She must find the courage to make her own choices.

If your a lover of Romance novels or simply want to try out a new genre, I highly recommend you grab yourself a copy of Michelle Lynn‘s, Choices HERE!

What you’re doing right!

Most of my posts are for my readers. Today I want to post something for my author friends, or those of you who have a dream but keep hearing that what you want to achieve isn’t possible. There are so many posts out there about what people are doing wrong. How they’re marketing wrong, writing wrong, interacting on social media wrong… No wonder so many creatives pack it in, thinking they’ll never get anything right. So here I am to tell you what you are doing right.

~ You are writing! Or drawing, painting, whatever your passion is, if you are making time in your life to do it, you have completed the most important step. Congratulations!

~ You love what you are doing enough to keep practicing your craft, and to keep trying no matter what.

~ You understand that sometimes, life gets in the way. It’s all good and well to have dreams of being a full time author etc, but that doesn’t happen overnight. We still need to pay the bills, feed our families and keep our houses clean. As long as you get back to what you love the next chance you get, you’re on the right track.

~ You believe in yourself. As a creative person we always have doubts, but deep down we have enough self-belief to keep at it.

~ You don’t get social media and marketing, but you’re trying anyway. How else are you going to learn?

~ You’re reaching out to people who have the same passions as you. (Shout out to my BB’s!) These people will be your best friends in those times of doubt, or when you can’t work out how to use Twitter.

So if you are doing these things, I think you have what you need to reach your goals whatever they may be. As long as you have Passion, Self-Belief, Learning and Patience, you’ll achieve your dreams.

What are your goals and dreams? Let me know in the comments below.