Understand and overcome your health anxiety with this practical, supportive and easy-to-read guide

Everyone worries about their health sometimes, but if you find yourself constantly overwhelmed, How to Understand and Deal with Health Anxiety is here to help. This friendly, accessible guide has all the information and advice you need to identify the source of your struggles. By learning the science behind health anxiety and understanding how it affects your mind and body, you’ll start to gain control of it. With helpful tips, practical steps and actionable advice, this book will help you work out the best ways to spend less time worrying about your health, and more time living in the present moment.

By the end of this book, you will:
– Have a better understanding of what health anxiety is, how it manifests, what causes it, and how to identify symptoms and triggers
– Be armed with physical and practical steps you can take to alleviate health anxiety, from breathing exercises and coping mechanisms to healthy lifestyle choices
– Know about the medical treatments and therapies available, and how and when to seek professional help or support

With the right knowledge and guidance, you can learn to understand and manage your health anxiety so that you can get back to feeling like you again.

My Thoughts:

When I first came across this book, I never knew it was what I have been struggling with the past 15 years +. I have been in and out of hospitals, having major surgery and other procedures. Multiple trips to my doctors surgery. I have just been very unwell for many years, thankfully all my medical conditions I have are under control for the time being but I have really found this book useful and helpful. It is a self help book that is a great tool to help the reader learn more about health anxiety. It guides you through different tips and techniques to help you cope with certain situations. What I also really liked is after reading it, I did not feel as though I was alone, it will be nice to refer back to this book if I ever need the help again. A great read, not just for the person struggling but also for the family/friend to understand what that person is going through.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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From the moment Lily Harper arrives at a remote retreat on the breath-taking Scilly Isles, she is itching to get back to civilisation – and her thriving business.

Slowing down simply isn’t in her vocabulary, and so she quickly clashes with the gorgeous but dour Sam who runs the retreat.

Just as Lily is about to give up and leave, disaster strikes, and she is involved in an incident that changes her perspective on everything.

Lily is no longer sure she wants to return to the life she thought she loved. But will she have the courage to give the retreat, and Sam, a second chance?

My Thoughts:

Lily has always found it hard to sit back and relax so when something happens at work, she is forced to take a break and try to rest and recuperate. On a remote island retreat with only the hunky Sam who runs the retreat as the only other person on the island, it is pretty quiet, they don’t see eye to eye to start with but then they both realise that both of them have issues. As Lily spends more time there, she wonders if her life at home is all its cracked up to be and wonders if this retreat has given her an idea to better her future. I liked how the story flowed, the island retreat sounds wonderful and so peaceful. I liked Lily as a person and warmed to her, Sam sounded lovely and I liked how we got to see his side of the story too. Overall a great read to get stuck into.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Escape to the beautiful lavender fields of Provence this summer

Del moved to the south of France three years ago and hasn’t looked back. She’s found new friends, new purpose, and new love with gorgeous Fabien.

But just as harvest on her little lavender farm is due to begin, Del gets some shocking news. With no time to dwell as she welcomes a new crew of lavender pickers, she unexpectedly waves goodbye to Fabien for the summer.

Usually cooking – the thing she loves best – would help soothe her troubles, but Del doesn’t remember how . . . And then chef Zacharie comes to town, dropping another bombshell!

Over one summer in Provence that’s full of surprises, friends old and new rally round. Can they complete the harvest and pull the community back together? And if Fabien returns, will Del finally get her happy-ever-after?

My Thoughts:

There is nothing better than curling up with a Jo Thomas book, and this was the perfect read for me. It is set in France and when I tell you the descriptions of where the book are set sounds stunning, Jo does a great job to make you feel as though you are there. Del has been living in France for a few years and has some great friends, everything is going swimmingly until it isn’t. Things keep going wrong for poor Del and I really felt for her with such a weight on her shoulders. I was hoping she would have a happy ever after. It was a great read to escape with, full of warming characters and beautiful scenery. And the food, oh the food sounded delicious. Many times my stomach was rumbling thinking about eating the food. A fantastic read.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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How do you learn to live again when you’ve danced with death?

Louise’s road to having a baby was far from easy, suffering a heartbreaking miscarriage during her first pregnancy and being caught in a terrifying house fire in her second. But her troubles were far from over when she gave birth. During an emergency c-section, she had severe complications and fought for her life over a number of days, whilst her son was taken into NICU. This terrifying experience impacted on Louise’s mental health in a way that completely changed her life, as she has battled to come to terms with what happened to her, whilst also becoming a mother.

As Louise has rebuilt herself step by step, she has reflected back on her past – from her childhood and dynamics with her family, to her struggles with alcohol and toxic relationships, as well as the rollercoaster years of her time on Made in Chelsea.

Louise’s experience has changed the way she sees the world and redefined what’s important to her. Although it has been a challenging journey, she is determined to come out more alive than ever. Louise’s powerful story, told with raw honesty, shows the incredible human ability to overcome anything, no matter what life throws at you.

My Thoughts:

I have followed Louise for a number of years and was saddened to hear part of what she had been through. This is her story of how her life evolved from her days when she was in Made in Chelsea. How the NHS failed her multiple times and how she is learning to live again after such a traumatic time. Wow I have to say straight from the get go what an incredible woman to go through what she went through and more and still come out the other side. I knew some parts of her story but not too this extent and I cannot believe what she went through and how she was not taken seriously so many times. I am so glad she is hear to tell her story and she is working on getting better. I hope for her sake there are less bumps in the road to help her continue her recover. She is a brave and inspirational woman, who I have the uttermost respect for.

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Nature therapy is the practice of reconnecting with the natural world. Whether you find your sense of connection in the adventure of windswept cliffs, the solace of a forest, the comfort of your own garden or in the joy of tending a plant in your home, nature has the power to refresh your well-being and help you find your sense of self again.

Dive into this beautiful book to explore the benefits of the outdoors for yourself. Inside these pages you will find:
· Tips to help you discover your personal connection with nature
· Activity inspiration, from gardening and crafts to walking and wild swimming
· Advice on how to incorporate the outdoors into your daily life
· A holistic approach to wellness that’s rooted in our innate relationship with the natural world

My Thoughts:

This is such a lovely book about nurturing yourself in nature. I have always found being outside does wonders for the mind, this book will help you discover many things about yourself and the world around you. There are many activities through out this book to give inspiration and guidance on how to be more mindful and have more wellness in your life. It is a lovely well thought out book with pictures that are both eye catching but in a sense calming too. It would make a great gift for someone to help them.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Feyre is a huntress, but when she kills what she thinks is a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor, Tamlin, is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal Fae.

And there’s more to the Fae than the legends suggest.

As Feyre adapts to her new home, her feelings for Tamlin begin to change. Icy hostility turns to fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But shadows are creeping in, and Tamlin has a dark secret that he cannot share. Fate brought Feyre to Tamlin for a reason, but saving him from the darkness that threatens his world will lead her down a path that she can never return from.

My Thoughts:

There was a lot of hype about this series when they first came out and I did not want to jump on the band wagon as I thought they cannot be that good, also I do not read this genre of books. I never was a fan. Until now. I started this book and finished it in two days, I could not get enough of it and it has now changed my mind about the genre and I feel more open to trying more of this type of read. I have even ordered all the other books in the series. That is how much I liked it. The story follows Feyre who goes out hunting, but when she kills a wolf she does not realise the consequences of her actions and she is dragged away from her family to start a life where she is a prisoner. But Feyre is a strong and independent woman and if she wants something so badly she will do whatever it takes to get it. No one in her way can stop her or can they? It was a great story and one I thought about when not reading. It had me hooked from the start and I am so glad I had decided to give it a try.

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Anxiety can feel like a huge obstacle to living the life you want – but it doesn’t have to be! Brimming with practical activities and inspiring words, The Anxiety Fix is a gentle and encouraging guide to help you flourish.

Working through the prompts and exercises in this journal will help you to understand your worries and take control of your anxiety. The activities in these pages will also help you to:
· Identify your anxiety triggers
· Develop your self-belief
· Learn coping strategies for stressful situations
· Discover self-care inspiration to nurture your well-being

Whether you have a dream you want to achieve or you’re seeking a calmer state of mind, this book will provide you with the tools to conquer your anxiety, boost your well-being and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

My Thoughts:

As someone who struggles with anxiety, I never would of imagined how a couple of books would help me to restore my calm and inner peace. As much as I love reading and find it peaceful there is always a niggle at the back of my mind, but with the help of some really useful books, these are really helping me to breathe and reset. It is really well set out and easy to understand. This book is set out more of a journal which I never would of thought that I would find helpful but I really do. There are different activities to do each day or whenever you need something to help you stay calm. It will help you take care of your anxiety, it has helped but I am looking forward to combatting day to day life with the help of the anxiety fix book at my fingertips.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Do you ever feel as though the world’s conspiring against you? Like when it starts raining the moment you step outside, or when you narrowly miss out on that promotion at work – or when you check the news to discover everything has gone to sh*t. At times like these you need reassurance of your own strength and resilience, as well as a gentle reminder that there’s still plenty to be positive about.

Packed with helpful tips and kind words, this book will be your go-to guide to finding calm in an increasingly chaotic world. This valuable guide offers coping strategies for a range of anxieties big and small, from work-related worries to existential dread and concerns about the future of the planet.

Whatever’s causing you to feel anxious, How to Cope When Everything’s Gone to Sh*t is here to support you when life gets overwhelming. With the advice inside, you’ll start to feel more confident and ready to take on any challenges that might come your way.

My Thoughts:
I have always been an anxious person and when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. It is a really great book that is small enough to fit into a handbag, incase you need some reassurance when you are out and about. It has practical tips and tricks to help you stay calm in certain situations. I have felt overwhelmed many times and just having this book with me has been a comfort. It is a great book to help overcome anxiety and to put you on track for a better calmer life.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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Every day I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor.

I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lies about her own daughter. And how her husband Andrew seems more broken every day. But as I look into Andrew’s handsome brown eyes, so full of pain, it’s hard not to imagine what it would be like to live Nina’s life. The walk-in closet, the fancy car, the perfect husband.

I only try on one of Nina’s pristine white dresses once. Just to see what it’s like. But she soon finds out… and by the time I realize my attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it’s far too late.

But I reassure myself: the Winchesters don’t know who I really am.

They don’t know what I’m capable of . . .

My Thoughts:

Looking after someone’s house is a big responsibility especially when you have to look after their daughter too. The story follows the housemaid and what she hears and sees. This family seem a little dysfunctional but at the end of the day it’s a job… right… Then things start to go from bad to worse, will there be an escape? I had heard a lot of hype around this book so didn’t want to read it then but now I am annoyed I waited so long as it was such a great read. It led me up the garden path and back again, I didn’t know who was telling the truth and I did not see the major twist coming either. I wanted to read it quickly to find out the ending but then I also wanted to saviour it as it was such a good read. And the best thing about this book is that there is a few more in this series and I cannot wait to read all of them.

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Two lovers caught at the crossroads of history
A daughter’s search for the truth
 
When Max, a Jewish architect, is sent to the Dachau concentration camp, it’s only his talent for making exquisite porcelain figurines so admired by the Nazis that stands between him and certain death. Avant-garde artist and Max’s partner, Bettina, has no idea where he’s been taken but, when she learns of his fate, she’s determined to rescue him whatever the cost.
 
A lifetime later, Bettina’s daughter, Clara, sets out to unravel the mystery of her identity. As she weaves together the fabric of her past, she discovers the terrible answers her mother wanted hidden forever.
 
A heart-breaking historical tale that explores how the power of art can shape our relationships, our society and our future.

My Thoughts:

Max has been sent to a Concentration Camp, his only talent is to make porcelain figurines. But the Nazis love them. Max’s partner Bettina does not know where her partner has ended up, but when she does find out, she is horrified and will do anything to get him his freedom back. Then the book jumps forwards many years later where Bettina’s daughter wants to find out about her family history and she cannot believe what her mother and father went through all those years ago. I find reading about this subject fascinating, I always find something I never knew. I liked reading both parts to the story, it seemed too work really well. It is a emotional read, which really pulls at the heartstrings but one that is well worth the read.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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