Book Review | My Year of Saying No

Title: My Year of Saying No

Author: Maxine Morrey

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Published: 16th April 2020

Pages: 372 pages

Length: 10 hrs 34 minutes

Buy Now: Amazon UK | Audible UK | Waterstones 

Format: Kindle via NetGalley

Rating: 5 * * * * *

Acquired: NetGalley copy received in exchange for an honest review

Blurb:

When a long-term relationship ended, her best friend’s scheme to get Lottie back in the swing of things seemed like a good idea. She’s kept her promise to Jess to see it through but, as a lover of the quiet life, Lottie couldn’t be happier to say hello to a brand new year – The Year of Saying No! 

Unfortunately, the one thing she still seems unable to say no to is the crush she has on her best client and now friend, Army veteran, Seb Marshall. But she’s working on it, and with rescue dog Humphrey at her side, she knows that she’ll manage just fine.

Lottie’s decision to stop trying to please everyone has brought a sense of relief beyond what she had expected. Her actions and determination have also begun to send ripples throughout her life and those closest to her, bringing about changes none of them could have expected. 

Review:

This is my third #MaxineMorreyMarch read and I am in love. Maxine Morrey writes in a special kind of way. Every one of her books I've read (now 4!) has that extra bit of something-something.

My Year of Saying No is her latest release, and I will admit her writing has got better as her novels have gone on and this is definitely one of her best (#NoFilter is an equal first place - read my review here). 

My Year of Saying No follows Lottie who embarks on... a year of saying no. After a year of saying yes. I did love that the beginning of this book there was a flashback style chapter where it gave you a hint of what happened during her year of saying yes and gave some background info as to why Lottie would finally want to start saying no! It gave a bigger understanding which made me more invested in the story. 

Lottie is fabulous. I loved reading about a main character with such strong views about what she wants for herself. Lottie took a chance and did the Year of Saying No because her best friend asked her too, but then her Best Friend found love, and Lottie found less desirable things coming her way. But when she stands up for herself she changes, and she takes the same attitude and decides to do what she wants to do and I 100% think we could all learn something from Lottie. 

Lottie is a Self Employed Virtual Assistant so her relationship with Seb, her hottie of a Client is purely virtual. So I loved seeing this virtual relationship blossom into something so beautifully written. See and Lottie are bloody adorable. Even as friends I loved them. 

Seb was a fantastic character. Maxine Morrey seems to include characters with aspects most rom-com type novels don't often contain. My Year of Saying No addresses aspects of Soldiers back forms he war and the difficulties some of them face in a slightly uncensored way. Her knowledge is there and it shows. Nothing about Sex felt faked or embellished. He was very realistic and very well written. He had a kind-hearted nature and his personality was so strongly written he became a very lovable character. In a roguish kinda way. 

MYOSN had some ups and down and the suspense was built and everything I wanted to happen, happened. Without spoiling it of course. 

Maxine Morrey writes the best relationships. I think sometimes it's about what isn't written than what is, and to build that suspense and anticipation on paper. Is just the best thing to experience and it's why I love to read. 

I honestly fell head over heels in love with this book. I love Maxine and everything she writes it's just pure bliss.

My Year of Saying No is an uplifting novel that gives you the courage to stand up and do what makes you happy and stop doing so many things that's just expected of you. When you read a Maxine Morrey novel you invest in the storyline you find yourself eclipsed in nothing else. It's all you read. They get your devote attention and they deserve it too. I promised myself 2020 would be the year that I did what I wanted to do and I left a job of nearly 5 years to make myself happy. It was a totally selfish and very drastic choice. My Year of Saying No only made me feel more confident in that everything is going to be ok. And sometimes saying no, is ok too. 

I cannot stress enough how much I think you should read this novel.

Rebecca x

Book Review | Coming Home to Wishington Bay

Title: Coming Home to Wishington Bay
Author: Maxine Morrey
Publisher: HQ Digital
Published: 11th July 2019
Pages: 384
Length: 9hrs 18minutes
Buy Now: Kindle UK | Amazon UK | Audible UK | Waterstones
Format: Mainly Audio
Rating: 4 * * * * 
Acquired: Bought using Audible Credit / bought via Kindle UK

Blurb:

Home is where the heart is… 

Holly doesn’t have time for a holiday this year. But when her job threatens to send her over the brink, her boss insists she take a sabbatical. So she packs her bags and escapes to her beloved grandmother Gigi’s house on Wishington Bay, which has sat empty since Gigi passed away.

But Holly’s dreams of a coastal escape take an unexpected turn. Holly didn’t expect to spend time with any man this summer – let alone an Aussie Adonis…but when she meets her next door neighbour Gabe and his little dog Bryan, it’s clear her quiet summer of strolling along the sand and wandering through the seaside village’s tiny streets on her own will come with a hefty dose of distraction.

With a summer to fill and Gigi’s wonderful and surprising house to sort through, Holly knew it would be a summer packed with old memories. She just didn’t expect to make so many new ones…

Review:

I really loved this book, but after reading #NoFilter I don't think it 100% got the love it deserved. I genuinely think had i have not read a 5* before this it would have been a 5* itself, but there was something that just didn't quite live up to what #NoFilter was for me. 

Coming Home to Wishington Bay is focused on Holly. A workaholic who has rarely left the city or stopped working for five minutes takes a sabbatical to go down to her Late Grandma's house that she left to her in her will, in Wishington Bay. Holly spent a lot of her childhood with her Grandma Gigi at her seaside home so those homely, loving vibes really resonate with me when I was reading this book. There's nothing better than  book that takes you back to that feeling of being so innocently naive of the world, carefree. 

When Holly unexpectedly meets her neighbour Gabe, who is a tenant in her small extra property her Grandma owned she instantly takes a u-turn in her feelings towards being in Wishington Bay. But who doesn't love a hunk with a dog?! Duh. 

I loved Holly. She was so realistic in a way that she wasn't perfect. Things went wrong that didn't magically just fix themselves. She worked on her imperfections or learned to own the way she was. I really liked that she suffered with Anxiety (liked seems the wrong word?!), but it gave her an element of depth and realism which is something you don't often find done in such a way. 

I think the one think that stopped this novel being a 5* for me was that Gabe was an exceptional character. The character building with him was great but his 'attractive' qualities were more about his looks than his personality. Given it was more 60/40 but I'd rather it be 60/40 the other way. but that's just me, it was nothing against the novel or storyline itself. It didn't give or take anything away for me it would have just been nice if there was a little less emphasis on his dashing good looks. 

FYI Wishington Bay is stunningly described. It sounds picture perfect. Maxine Morrey has such a colourful imagination she brings to life even fictional towns and places to make you believe they're real. Whilst keeping in mind the very British Seaside vibes.

What I loved the most about Coming Home to Wishington Bay was that, yes it is a romance based novel, which is great. But it was so much more than that. It was about the modern day independent women and personal growth. It's about doing what makes you happy.

When I lost my Nan in December it was really difficult to deal with and hit me harder than I ever expected it to be. So this book was very close for me especially when it still feels quite soon. It gave me a feeling of somewhat closure that I didn't know I needed. This book will stay somewhat, different, for me. 

Rebecca x

Book Review | #NoFilter by Maxine Morrey

Title: #NoFilter
Author: Maxine Morrey
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 7th November 2019
Pages: 348
Length: 14hrs 27 minutes
Buy Now: Kindle UK | Amazon UK | Audible UK | The Works
Format: Audio
Rating: 5 * * * * *
Acquired: Bought using Audible Credit / bought via Kindle UK

Blurb:

In an Instagram world, can you find love just by being yourself…

Popular lifestyle blogger, Libby Cartwright, is being boggled by business when help shows up in the shape of gorgeous but shy, Charlie Richmond. Libby’s determined to keep it at ‘just good friends’ – she’s dated someone from ‘Corporate Land’ before and it didn’t end well. As she and Charlie begin spending more time together, Libby is starting to waiver  – until she discovers something which makes her question if she’s ready for love.

Still reeling, she suffers another blow as her blog is attacked in a national newspaper, for promoting unachievable perfection. Libby knows it’s not true – but the only way to prove that is to strip off the armour she’s been wearing for years. 

Is she brave enough to show the world she’s far from perfect? And will Charlie be by her side if she does…

Review:

I absolutely loved this book. I started reading it on Monday morning then finished it Wednesday night and it's really unlike me to come home from work and finish a book. I rarely read in the evening because I'm too tired (12 hour work days do that!).

I have started my #MaxineMorreyMarch and I think I picked a stunner of a book to start with. I had recently read her Winters Fairytale and loved that so knew I'd be in for a treat regardless of what she wrote.

#NoFilter follows Libby. An 'up and coming' Lifestyle and Beauty YouTuber and Blogger. She's happily single and enjoying her life. She struggles with the financial side of her blogger business. So when her Friend offers his Brothers accounting services she obliges without expecting the drop dead gorgeous but very shy Charlie to turn p to save her day. #NoFilter follows Lbby throughout all the highs and lows that come with the blogging world and the real commitments that come with it. I think Maxine managed to find the pure soul of what being a blogger means and it was really nice to see and read. I absolutely fell in love with Libby, she's pure gold. I think she reflected what being a woman in this day is really about. She isn't perfect and doesn't pretend to be either. She has mishaps and downs and manages them the way any strong woman would. Although reading more and more about Libby and having had many a conversation with Maxine it is evident she is the life and soul of this novel.

Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. Don't you just love it when an Author writes a truly perfect, yet realistic hero of the novel? Me too! Charlie was a beautiful character. You can imagine him in real life, and he was written in a truly perfect manner. Without giving too much away I loved how he was with Libby. He is such a kind hearted character that Maxine makes sure you fall head over heels in love with him and their journey together, even as friends.

There were other characters in this story of course. Amy, Libby best friend is such a laugh. I loved her. She's bubbly and she was exactly what Libby needed in her life to make her see exactly what she needed and where she needed to be and with who! Tilly, her assistant was wonderful. A good soul with a good nature and she always meant well. Even if it doesn't quite go to plan for her.

I ended up getting about 30% into this book and became utterly addicted with even word. I had to know what happened. There were so many moments that took me by surprise and I really think this gave it an edge against other romance novels out there. I did listen to he rest of this via Audible because I wanted to get more reading in and even read after work which I am usually far too tired to do.

I just utterly adored every page.

Will you be picking up #NoFilter ?

Rebecca x

Tea's (Brews) I Drink in a Day

Happy Saturday! Today I bring you my Tea's I Drink in a Day post in Collaboration with Kim from Tea is a Wish. My post is a day last, as usual, because... well I'm lazy. If you want to read Kims post, you can do here (or click the image below!) and check out the kind of teas she drinks in her day! Mine is slightly different as I do drink a lot of coffee, so mine is more Brews I Drink in a Day. 

Firstly around 7am I'll start my day with a coffee. 9 times out of 10 this'll be instant coffee, but today I opted for something a little fancier and had a Bones Coffee Oh Fuuudge Coffee topped with hot frothy milk. I absolutely adore this blend and got their Festive Collection for Christmas. It has such a delicious fudge flavour and it really comes through without masking the strong notes from the ground coffee beans, Bones Coffee use a high quality bean and this shows in all of their blends I have tried. Black it's lovely, but adding hot frothy milk gives a very creamy, indulgent flavour. (I use Oatly Barista)

Then when I leave for work around 8am I'll pop a bottle of Cold Brew Tea into my bag to enjoy throughout the day. I'm drinking to wean myself off fizzy drinks (I've even given up Diet Coke for Lent!) and I'm not a huge fan of Water so this gives me the chance to up my liquid intake without getting bored. Today I opted for Cold Brew Snoozy Fox Tea from Small & Wild, I was actually gifted this tea from Kim through one of our Tea Swaps. The tea is a blend of sweet spearmint, lavender and chamomile and blue pea flowers. It was a very different blend but I loved the unique flavour and the cold brew really brought the flavours out.

Ingredients:

Rosehip (30%), Camomile (18%), Blue Pea Flowers (15%), Freeze-dried Apple, Spearmint (9%), Rose Petals, Linden Blossom, Lavender (3%)

Then once I get into Manchester, as I now work in the Centre, I generally get here around 9:15am. I usually pop to a coffee shop on my walk into work to grab a brew. It's been snowing/raining nearly every morning for the last few weeks so this has made the walk more bearable. Today I popped into Black Sheep Coffee who are quite a new coffee company to me but they're a hidden gem! Nestle behind a big building I came across them because I'd headed for Starbucks. But this is levels above Starbucks! I ordered a Latte with Hazelnut milk. It had a nice nutty under flavour but the coffee really came through, 100% a new favourite. 

Then once I'm in work, I usually work a 10am to 8pm shift. So I try to keep my caffeine to a minimum. But I will have 2 or 3 basic instant coffee's throughout the day. These are basic bitch things so I've left these out. I might throw in a peppermint tea to. 

Once I get home I usually try to grab myself a coffee to rest and relax whilst tea is cooking. This is usually around 9pm so quite late. My days are looooong! So I'll grab myself a nice coffee that usually comes from my Nespresso Machine. Today I have a Bianco Forte, thesis from their Barista Range which is personally my fave! I absolutely love these coffee's, they're strong and bold and perfect for that 'I'm hella tired' kinda mood. Topped with some frothy milk from my Nespresso Milk frother. 

Then at the end of the day around 10pm after tea I'll generally brew Me and Mum a pot of tea to wind down and relax for the day. Today I opted for Cocoa Power Ranger from Leaves of the World (use TEANOMADBECCA20 for 20% off!) because this is a really relaxing and soothing blend. The strong flavours from the liquorice and cocoa are my absolute fave. This is an adorable blend. 

What do you drink in a day?

Teaware | Bjorn Teaset by Viva Scandinavia

Item: Bjorn Tea Set

Colour: Glass

Brand: Viva Scandnavia 

Cost: £40.00

Buy Links: Online

Acquired: Gifted for Review

Materials: Borosilicate Glass, Silicone and Stainless Steel

Description: Brewing the feels indulgent, yet tea is one of the healthiest drinks you can make for yourself. Share your love of intoxicating green teas and flavoursome herbal teas with this glass-bodied teapot. This thoughtfully designed set if meant to be shared.

First of all I want to say thank you to Kees at Viva for sending me this beautiful set to review. This is truly a stunning piece and it fits so perfectly well on my tea ware shelf. 

The Bjorn tea set is my favourite of all the pieces Kees sent out to me. It's elegant, stylish and functional. It comes with four little teacups which are around Espresso size (sorry for coffee terminology). It would sit perfectly in the kitchen of any modern lifestyle. 

The teapot size is more suited to a 4 small cups of tasting, 2 teacups of tea or one big mug. Which is kind of perfect for me. I do also love that it comes with a serving tray, it makes this set more homely and perfect for guests. Which is a really nice touch, as seriously how many people own tea trays anymore? It's the little touches like this that VIVA seem to touch on so perfectly. 

The teapot does get very hot, given that its glass, this would be expected from this time. But the handle stays nice and cool and is perfect carry handle without spilling the tea. The little teacups also stay cool enough for you to drink, being double walled this is a great asset to these cups. But be aware that you tea will cool quickly too, as these don't hold a huge amount of tea the tea will cooler at a more rapid rate than it will with a mug or teacup for example. Although, the teapot keeps the tea hot for a really long time and this was something I was very impressed with. I am the kind of girl who makes a pot of tea and drinks through it slowly whilst I'm reading or blogging or catching up on youtube videos. Generally when my focus can be somewhat adrift. I do have a teapot warmer and obviously this helps, but this time I kept it tea warmer free and I did drink through the full pot before it went cold! 

Will you be trying out this tea set? Can I just say this tea set is exceptionally high quality, fit for purpose and stunningly beautiful AND it's only £40!! 

Rebecca x

Tea | Saffron Chai by Balaggan

Company: Balaggan Tea

Tea Type: Black

Acquired: Bought 

Buy Online: Ocado (Although you can all their Blends here)

Loose/Bagged: Loose Leaf in Tea Temples

Description: 

A truly regal and vibrant blend of finest golden tip Assam tea, saffron and sweet fennel seeds.

Fragrant & Exotic

Nothing indulges the senses and soothes the soul more than a steaming cup of chai. Every family in India makes it slightly differently but we love blending ours with the young golden tips of top-grade Assam, as they taste the smoothest. We then add the perfect balance of whole or chopped aromatic spices to deliver a fresher flavour and more authentic Punjabi experience.

Hand blended, Inspired by the Punjab, 100% natural ingredients, Premium tea leaves from ethical plantations, No preservatives or additives, No artificial colours or flavours

Ingredients: Indian Assam Black Tea (55%), Fennel (44%), Saffron (1%)

Review: 

I bought this tea at The Great British Tea Festival* in Derby. I had bought a couple of their teas last year at the same event. (I'd Picked up Chocolate Chai, Green Chai and their Tropical Chai). But I really wanted to get something that was more traditional, so had intentions of buying their Original Chai. But when I smelt this tea I just knew this is the one I'd prefer. 

This was their Stall at The Tea Festival. The colours are just incredible.

The black tea is such a good quality leaf and gives such a bold and wholesome flavour to this tea. It stands up well against other strong flavours in the blend yet mellows them all together in the same instance. 

The Fennell and Saffron are such lovely additions to this blend and being two of only three ingredients they had to be able to pack a good amount of flavour. Which they do. Saffron is truly an exceptional flavour and I don't think I've ever tried it in tea before. Saffron and Fennel are beautifully paired together. The sweetness from the fennel and the distinct spice flavour from the saffron is just perfection. 

I really loved this tea. It's a spectacular blend with bold and flavoursome notes with underlying spice and sweetness. Perfect for the colder weather. And it might be nice as a latte (if you're into that kinda thing).

Rebecca x

Teaware | Alexander Tea Set by Viva Scandinavia

Item: Alexander Tea Set

Colour: Peppermint 

Brand: Viva Scandnavia 

Cost: £69.95

Buy Links: Online

Acquired: Gifted for Review

Materials: Porcelain and Wood

Description: Life should never be dull. Neither should your tea. Now is the time to be bold whenever you drink with the Alexander set. This tall geometric porcelain design will inspire you to make space for you favourite brew in your everyday life. 

First of all, thank you so much to Kees at Viva Scandinavia for sending me a few of their items of tea ware to review. I am absolutely blown away by their products, they're just so beautiful! 

The first item they sent me was their Alexander set, which personally, is my absolute favourite. They have this set in Peppermint (as above), Slate, Scandi Grey and Powder Brown. All four colours are very nice and well suited to this pot, but the pepperminty blue/green just spoke to me. 

The Alexander set comes with a Teapot, an inner metal infuser and 4 little teacups. The teacups are quite small, but I liked this feature. It's a perfect serving for trying out new teas or sharing with friends. After all, it's nice to take the time to enjoy tea. To sip it gently, whilst reading a good book or binging a good series. The Alexander allows exactly that. 

The pot kept the tea warm whilst serving smaller cups of tea to allow you to really taste the elements of the tea. The porcelain hold the heat of the tea really well. The shape of the teapot is very eye catching and modern. The spout isn't drip proof, but that didn't bother me. 

The feel of the teapot is a course feel, it doesn't have a smooth feel to this and that made it all the more stunning in itself. It feels handmade and rustic which I LOVED. The inner side of the teacups have been finished off so are a smooth texture you've expect to find from a teacup. You can see the shine from the teacups in the image above. 

The cost f this product is £69.95 and although i is on the pricey side I feel it's 100% worth it. You really do get what you pay for where tea ware is concerned. The more you pay the better quality you receive. The Alexander teaser feels sturdy, high quality and value for money which I think is the most important thing. The Alexander teaser also comes with a 100 day Guarantee so if anything does go wrong you'll get everything sorted. 

The teapot does get hot, which didn't bother me that much. The silicone grip around the Alexander Teapot does hold some of the heat and protect your hands, but take due care and attention when handling the pot. I also pre-warmed mine with hot water to ensure maximum heat for my tea.

Overall I'd definitely give this teaser a 5/5 for both style and usefulness.