Nature Therapy: How to Use Ecotherapy to Boost Your Sense of Well-Being by Remy Dambron

Nature Therapy: How to Use Ecotherapy to Boost Your Sense of Well-Being by Remy Dambron

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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A Court of Thorns and Roses By Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses By Sarah J. Maas

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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The Anxiety Fix: Gentle Exercises to help calm your mind By Anna Barnes

The Anxiety Fix: Gentle Exercises to help calm your mind By Anna Barnes


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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How to cope when everything goes to sh*t By Sam Cooper

How to cope when everything goes to sh*t By Sam Cooper


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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The Housemaid By Freida McFadden

The Housemaid By Freida McFadden

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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The Porcelain Maker By Sarah Freethy

The Porcelain Maker By Sarah Freethy

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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The Dog Park Detectives By Blake Mara

The Dog Park Detectives By Blake Mara

Murder is never just a walk in the park . . .

When friends Louise and Irina find a dead body in the local park whilst walking their dogs, they are soon drawn into the mystery of who murdered local entrepreneur Phil Creasey.

Phil used to be a member of their dog walking community – nicknamed ‘the Pack’ – until the death of his cockapoo, and the Pack feel they owe it to Phil to investigate his death. But with Louise and Irina leading the charge, it isn’t long until they’re neck-deep in local gangs, stolen motorcycles and a disturbing string of poisonings. Have the Pack bitten off more than they can chew, or can they follow their noses and solve the crime?

My Thoughts:

When two friends go for a walk with their dogs, they would never expect to find a horrific discovery. They are determined to find out what happened to the person, when they join forces with a fellow dog walker Phil, they would of never realised how deep they would get into solving crimes. It was a great easy read with loveable characters including the dogs. It was a fun read and as the reader I felt as though I was part of the pack and trying the solve the crimes too. A murder mystery at it’s best and including some adorable dogs.

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

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Knife River By Justine Champine

Knife River By Justine Champine


First, there were my mother’s bones . . .

A young woman returns home to the small, claustrophobic town of Knife River. When Jess was thirteen, her mother went for a walk and did not return – now, fifteen years later, bones have been discovered in the woods nearby.

Jess’s sister has remained in their childhood home – her life, their home and the town itself seemingly frozen in time. As days turn into weeks, Jess’s understanding of the past, her sister, and herself becomes more and more complicated – and the list of suspects responsible for her mother’s terrible fate more and more ominous . . .

My Thoughts:

Jess has returned home to Knife River, but her memories of the place are not good ones. When Jess was younger, something terrible happened and now this has come back to haunt her. Jess has a sister and she has stayed in the family home all this time whereas Jess fled. What has been going on in her sisters life since she left, it is much more complicated than Jess realises. It is quite a long and slow story, and doesn’t really get going for ages. It is one that needs to have perseverance to it as the outcome was jaw dropping. It is a mystery with a twist and multi layered too. It is worth a read.

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

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Sandwich By Catherine Newman

Sandwich By Catherine Newman

One week in Cape Cod. The perfect family holiday. What could possibly go wrong…?

For the past two decades, Rocky has looked forward to her family’s yearly escape to Cape Cod. Their rustic beach-town rental has been the site of sweet memories, its quirky furniture and mismatched pots and pans greeted like old friends.

Now, sandwiched between her children who are adult enough to be fun but still young enough to need her, and her parents who are alive and healthy, Rocky wants to preserve this golden moment forever. This one precious week when everything is in balance; everything is in flux.

But every family has its secrets and hers is no exception.

With her body in open revolt and surprises invading her peaceful haven, the perfectly balanced seesaw of Rocky’s life is tipping towards change…

My Thoughts:

When Rocky goes on holiday to Cape Cod with her family, its like returning to old friends as they go every year. It is always the same but it brings great memories for them all. Her children are now older and it feels a great time to be alive. But is life getting on top of her, she is not as young as she used to be. This is a raw and emotional read about a woman going through the stages of life and trying to be the best for everyone. There are sensitive issues dealt with through out the story and I really found those hard to read about as I am sure other women will too. There are a few funny parts to this book too that gives the reader a little warmth and I did feel as though I needed a break after certain parts of this book. It was hard going and tough to read.

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

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The Switch By Lily Samson

The Switch By Lily Samson

TWO COUPLES

Elena and Adam are housesitting in Wimbledon and are instantly seduced by their new upscale surroundings.

Sophia and Finn are their beautiful, enigmatic neighbours who invite them into their world.

ONE TWISTED GAME

When Sophia proposes a wicked game to Elena whereby they will swap partners in secret, it’s not long before Elena starts to experience a sexual awakening that blossoms into an illicit love affair.

But Sophia’s plans are far more complex and dangerous than Elena could ever have imagined…

WHO WILL SURVIVE?

My Thoughts:

When Elena and Adam start housesitting in a up scale market area, they think all their dreams have come true. When they meet Sophia and Finn things start to change dramatically. They will swap partners and hide it from everyone else. But is this a good idea as feelings start to change and emotions take over? but is there more to this than meets the eye. I liked the sound of this book, it was gripping and you could feel the tension between each page. It was the most unexpected book I have ever read with a dark and captivating game that they all played. The story has twists and they excited me, and the ending was brilliant.

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

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