Ever since I was little I’ve wanted to be a writer, I even wanted to dress up as one in primary school for a careers day dress-up, but my family and I couldn’t figure out a costume so I went as a pop star like the other girls in my friend group back then. For the record, I can’t hold a tune to save myself, but thankfully that doesn’t really matter when you’re eight years old.

I grew up scribbling stories into notebooks, dreaming up characters and escaping into fictional worlds through reading and writing. Writing a book always felt like a far off dream that I’d never be able to achieve, and the world of publishing is still as mind boggling to me now as it was when I was eight years old. But I’ve made a start with the writing and the publishing is a bridge to cross at a much later date as I’m still only fumbling my way through my first draft.

I’m roughly a third of the way through my first draft, when I’ve attempted writing books in the past this is the point where I’ve given up, I have several word documents to prove it. The difference this time is that I’ve told people about it (other than my wonderful husband who knows about all my attempted stories). I’ve shared with my family and I’m so grateful for their support, and as much as I struggle with social media, I know that sharing online is now part of a writers journey. So here I am, trying to share my writing journey online, and hoping that I’m not just shouting into the void that is the internet.



So what’s my novel actually about? The working title is The Gorsehill Knitting Circle It’s set in a fictional town on the east coast of Scotland, focusing on Mia Watson, a young woman who has returned home after being signed off from work. Mia’s mum, believing that Mia’s grandmother taught her to knit, has put her name forward to volunteer at a knitting group based in the retirement community where Mia’s grandmother used to live. But Mia doesn’t know how to knit, and she hasn’t returned to the retirement community since her grandmother passed during the COVID lockdowns. Upon arriving at Gorsehill Mia learns that an old face from high school (Reid) is now one of the resident doctors, and her grandmother’s best friend is still holding a grudge against her. As Mia spends more time at Gorsehill, she finds herself forming friendships with the members of the knitting circle and learning about their lives before retirement, whilst they try to teach her the basics of knitting. Mia and Reid are also forming a close friendship, sharing their experiences of life during COVID and how it has impacted them both long-term. But her grandmother’s passing has taught her that to open yourself up to love also means opening yourself up to loss, but Mia doesn’t know if she has the courage to do it.

I’m at the stage where a part of me wants to give up; my main character feels like she has no personality, I’m doubting my ability as a writer (after all, I never achieved my Higher English qualification and I never went to university), and learning to knit alongside my main character literally has me tangled in yarn. But I want to persevere, I need to persevere, because I believe this is what God’s called me to do, and because I want to be a writer, and it means so much to me that you’re supporting me and following my writing journey.


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I’m curled up under a blanket as I write this post, though this time last week I had to put on factor 50 sun cream to do some work in the garden. This is pretty typical for British summertime, and it’s also typical for me to be reading, no matter the time of year or the weather. I’m very much a mood reader but I also enjoy finding and reading books that suit the physical season around me, so it’s a perfect time to share some wonderful books that are perfect for summertime reading.

Without A Clue by Melissa Ferguson
I was so fortunate to receive an advance reader copy of Without A Clue from Net Galley, it was my first time reading a book by Melissa Ferguson and it was such a fun, unique read. Set on a cruise ship and focusing on a group of successful authors, this is a murder mystery with unexpected twists, a well-layered, relatable main character, and a swoon-worthy friends-to-more romance.

The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow
If you haven’t read this post, then you won’t yet know how much I truly love this book. For fans of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow is a wonderfully written sequel following the character of Mary Bennet. This book so beautifully explores Mary’s transition into womanhood and finding her identity apart from her immediate family. The love story between Mary and Tom Hayward is deep yet sweet, full of yearning, and wonderfully rooted in friendship and mutual respect.

Isabella’s Voyage by Jemimah Wright
This is one of the most captivating and heartfelt stories that I’ve ever read. Isabella’s Voyage is a historical romance novel that spans continents and cultures with beautifully descriptive and vivid writing that transports you to another era. It is very clear from the first page that Jemimah Wright has put extensive research into this book of both the historical era and various continents where the story takes place. The story is filled with so much hope and courage, and features a unique and sincere love story.

Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgommery
This is the book that I’m currently reading and I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. This is the second book in the Anne of Green Gables series and returning to Avonlea is always such a comfort and joy. This book focuses on Anne’s first year as a teacher, and is filled with escapades, friendship, and the kindling of romance between Anne and Gilbert (Gilbert Blyth is a blueprint for romantic, yearning, leading men).


_{All the books in this list are “clean” fiction, on my blog I will not recommend books that are “spicy”.}

I first read The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow in January of 2024, I fell in love with the story and characters. I then re-read the novel at the start of this year as I knew the BBC series was being released imminently. I’ve watched the series through twice now, the first time watching I took notes (many of which I’ve shared on my instagram stories), the second time was for the sheer enjoyment of it. As someone who dearly loved the book, I had been nervous of how true the tv series would be to the novel, and I was so pleased with how the BBC adapted it.


Character Writing & Portrayals

Ella Bruccoleri as Mary Bennet
The title role of Mary Bennet was played beautifully by Ella Bruccoleri, she embodied the character of Mary Bennet from both Pride & Prejudice and The Other Bennet Sister with so much skill and endearment. So many readers, myself included, see so much of ourselves in the character of Mary Bennet, and it was an absolute joy to see her portrayed with so much heart and vulnerability. I felt that Mary was written so similarly to both the novels that it truly felt she had just stepped off the page. This is a testament to the writers, director, and Ella Bruccoleri herself.

Dónal Finn as Tom Hayward
I think this may be one of the best, if not the best, book to screen portrayals I’ve ever seen. When I learnt that Dónal Finn was in fact Irish and not a native Yorkshireman, I was genuinely shocked, that’s how brilliant his accent was. But more than this, it was the mannerisms, humour, and genuine passion that made this such an excellent portrayal. There were several moments when I laughed out loud (his drawing of a “duck”) yet other moments that made me tearful and attentive. For me, the most poignant scenes were those were it was only Ella Bruccoleri and Dónal Finn working together, their chemistry and joy was such a delight to watch.

Ruth Jones as Mrs Bennet
When I first saw the cast listing for The Other Bennet Sister, I was unsure of the choice of Ruth Jones for Mrs Bennet, however her portrayal washed away all my doubts. The script showed a more emotionally manipulative Mrs Bennet than I have seen in other adaptations, a lot of which was often shown just by looks and small gestures, and Ruth Jones played the part superbly.

Tanya Reynolds as Caroline Bingley
Having loved Tanya Reynolds depiction of Mrs Elton in the 2020 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, I was so excited for her portrayal of Caroline Bingley in The Other Bennet Sister. Tanya Reynolds’ performance did not disappoint. The writers truly outdid themselves with their script for Caroline Bingley, and Tanya Reynolds brought her to life in a fresh and exciting way. The way that there are cracks shown in the facade, alongside a ruthlessness to get what she wants, it was a portrayal of a bitter yet strong woman, who sadly used that strength to diminish others.

Laurie Davidson as William Ryder
I found the character of William Ryder far more endearing on screen than I did in the book. I felt there was a depth to his character that I hadn’t appreciated before, or perhaps seeing the character personified allowed me to appreciate his qualities alongside recognising his flaws. Laurie Davidson brought so much life, zeal, and heart to the character of William Ryder that truly radiated off the screen.

Richard Coyle & Indira Varma as Mr and Mrs Gardiner
I couldn’t not group these two together as their characters are so intrinsically linked. The Gardiners are perhaps one of my favourite families in Jane Austen’s writings, and Richard Coyle and Indira Varma portrayed them with so much love, warmth, and humour. There were so many moments both individually and as a couple that truly showed their deep affection and admiration for Mary.

Ryan Sampson as Mr Collins
I personally feel that Mr Collins is deeply judged in Pride & Prejudice, and I loved that in The Other Bennet Sister novel, the author decided to show the depth and vulnerability of his character. Ryan Sampson took on the role with both poignancy and humour, though his personal story was only touched on briefly in episode seven, both the writing and acting revealed a new side to the character of Mr Collins in a wonderful way.

Varada Sethu as Anne Baxter
Anne Baxter was a new character introduced for the TV series. Varada Sethu was a joy to watch, she brought so much elegance and joy to the role. As a friend for Mary when she arrived in London, I loved the addition of this character, it allowed opportunities for Mary to learn what it is to have caring, female friendships. But I did not like the decision to also have Ann Baxter as a love interest and someone who has an “understanding” with Tom Hayward, I felt this was a poor addition to the story, it degrades the characters of both Tom and Mary and stunted the development of the relationship between the two main characters. I also felt this took away from potential scenes that would have allowed Mary and Tom’s affection for one another to blossom and grow.

Costumes and Fabric
As a sewer who is gradually building a handmade wardrobe, I was especially excited for the costumes and fabric choices. On the whole, I was both impressed and inspired by the costumes, the attention to detail, and specific styling for each character was clearly well thought through. However, I felt that the fabrics chosen for the two dresses that Mary had made in London were a little too “out there” in the sense that Mary is only just finding her self confidence and I was surprised by the choice for her first fabrics to be such bright colours. Although this was an historically acurate representation of regency era clothing, I felt a slightly more gradual change in mary’s clothing would have better reflected her personal journey. And I’m so sorry, but Mary’s red and gold dress reminded me of a Christmas cracker, no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t unsee it.

Settings and Locations
With any on-screen adaptation, the settings and locations are intrinsic to the telling of the story. This is one of few period dramas were I felt the settings and locations flowed together seamlessly, particularly that of Pemberley and Grosvenor Street. As would be expected, the scenes filmed in the Lake District were truly breathtaking. It’s hard to do justice to such beauty on the small screen, but the landscape was so clearly thought out in terms of cinematography. The settings chosen were such a wonderful reflection of the story itself, and has definitely rekindled my desire to visit the Lake District, and to spend my summer visiting National Trust properties.


If you’re yet to read The Other Bennet Sister, I highly recommend doing so, especially before watching the TV show. It is so beautifully written and is such a wonderful tribute to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Murder at the House on the Hill, the first novel in Victoria Walters Dedley End Mystery series, was absolutely brilliant, and the second book, Murder at the Summer Fete, did not disappoint.

The novel picks up six months on from the previous book, and the village of Dedley End are preparing for the annual summer fete, with our main characters Nancy and Jane at the center of organising the event. But someone is trying to sabotage the event due to a mystery author that is speaking at the fete, and then the discovery of a body means that Nancy, Jane, and their friend Jonathon must turn detectives once more.

The author writes the story in a very immersive way, as a reader you can really picture the village of Dedley End and the cast of characters. The continued journeys and development of the characters was really well written, particularly the relationship between Nancy and Jonathon, and Nancy’s strong rooted desire for justice.

There were several instance of words missing in sentences so they didn’t make sense grammatically, as well as duplicate words, and spelling errors. The copy I read was borrowed from my local library, so I’m not sure if this was an issue with just the copy I had, or if it was a mass-print problem. A fellow reader from my local library must have felt similarly to me as someone had started to write in the missing words. This issue didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story, but was something that niggled at me as I read the book.

My Rating: 4/5 stars

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From now on, no trip to Aberdeen will be complete for me without a visit to Books and Beans on Belmont Street. My first trip to Books and Beans was back in 2016 with my sister and now brother-in-law. Last month was my first time back and was a treat from my husband since it was my birthday that week.

I could have quite happily stayed there for several hours, and my husband was very patient with me whilst I excitedly browsed the shelves of books. With the cafe area on the ground floor, with books, tables, and sofas taking up the next two floors, it really is a book lovers dream. We decided to have lunch there and the food was really lovely. I had the soup of the day, and my husband had the bacon, brie and cranberry toastie. The portions were very generous to the point that we were both too full for coffee and cake afterwards.

The atmosphere in Books and Beans was so cosy and peaceful, I imagine it’s a great place to come with friends or to come alone to do some reading or writing. The walls are lined with bookshelves and there’s a huge variety of genres available, the majority of the books are second-hands with a smaller section dedicated to new copies of books.

The only downside I found was that some of the tables were situated in directly in front of or next to the bookcases, which meant that browsing certain books wasn’t always possible.

After a good look through all the books on the first floor, I picked up two books to take home with me, both new copies, both Jane Austen books. I’ve been needing a replacement copy of Pride and Prejudice as mine was recently damaged, and I wanted my own copy of Persuasion after borrowing it from my local library last year and falling in love with the story.

It was definitely worth taking the time visit Books and Beans, and next time I won’t be leaving it ten years till I visit again.

After a lot of consideration, at the end of last year I decided to downsize my small sewing business so I could focus on writing and blogging.

However, the transition has felt a little jilted and anti-climactic. I used to have a blog that I regularly wrote and posted on, and had found a lovely community of readers through this. When I wanted to start sharing my attempts at crafting and sewing, I felt I could only do this if I were to sell the pieces I made.

The thing is, God has never called me to be a business owner, but I’ve known from a very young age that God has called me to be a writer.

Now that I’m trying to come back to writing, I find it tricky to not look back on the past few years with some regret. Should I not have deleted my old blog? Should I have even started a small business in the first place? How do I start again when I feel so lost?

I wrote my previous blog when instagram posts were all still images in landscape or squares, and blogger was the go-to platform for sharing your writing. The internet has changed a lot since then, and it’s hard to know where to start and how to share my writing.

I’m now trying to get to grips with substack, find the courage to create instagram reels, and decide whether I should set up a “buy me a coffee” page even though I don’t drink coffee.

It feels as though I’m floundering in deep water and unsure which way to start swimming, but I know that I need to start.

At the core of it all is the fact that my relationship with God looks very different to how it did seven years ago when I had my old blog. My faith has been shaken and tested to the point of being almost non-existent, and now I’m trying to rebuild from the ground up. But maybe that in itself is the problem, I’m focusing on what I should be doing rather than focusing on God and what He is doing.

So here I am, starting a new chapter in life, trying to put God first, searching for community, and learning once more what it means to be a writer.

The end of the last year and the start of the new year have been bookended by loss and grief. At a time when many are focusing on the new and exciting, I am learning to adjust to life after loss.

It's hard not to feel fear, as a similar season three years ago caused me to come very close to losing my faith.

Both my emotions and my faith have been awash at sea over the past month; waves of pain and doubt washing over me. Yet I am finding comfort and peace in the midst of the uncertainty; God is unchanging. It's a truth that I'm having to remind myself of on a regular basis, and there are times when it doesn't provide me with the comfort that I crave. But it is a truth nonetheless, that amidst the turbulence of life, God is unchanging.

I am standing at the edge of a new year, and this is the hope that I have to hold onto, that God is with me, He does not change, and His love is unfailing.

It’s the 1st of December and Christmas is just around the corner, and wherever possible, I love to shop small for Christmas presents. So I thought I would share some book-ish gift ideas from some wonderful small businesses.

Reading Journal from And Hope Design
I absolutely love my reading journal from And Hope Designs. It has lots of space for writing your thoughts on the books that you’ve read, as well as space to draw the cover for those that enjoy space to be artistic. There’s also sections at the beginning for tracking the number of books you’ve read and the number of pages you’ve read.
Shop the And Hope Design reading journals here.
Follow And Hope Designs on instagram here.

Monthly Subscription from Wordy and Wild
If you’re looking for a gift that keeps giving all year, then the monthly subscription box from Wordy and Wild is perfect. Dispatching on the first of each month, the subscription includes one book and a selection of lovely products such as mugs, pins, notebooks, apparel, bookmarks etc. There’s also the option to swap books (by a certain date) if that months book doesn’t suit you.
Shop the Wordy & Wild subscription box here.
Follow Wordy & Wild on instagram here.

Book Vase from The Willoughby Book Club
Books and flowers are a beautiful combination, and The Willoughby Book Club offer a range of elegant and whimsical book-themed vases. The detail on the vases is exquisite, showcasing beautiful, book-ish artwork. There are a range of designs, colours, and sizes available, making for an ideal gift for the book and flower lovers in your life. Why not fill the vase with flowers for the recipient too?
Shop The Willoughby Book Club flower vases here.
Follow The Willoughby Book Club on instagram here.

Bookmarks from Fuelled by Joy
Personally, I’m not a fan of folding the corner of a page to keep my place in the book I’m reading, so I really love a beautiful bookmark. Fuelled by Joy has a range of magnetic and illustrated bookmark in beautiful designs and colour palettes. My personal favourites are the “Just One More Page” magentic bookmark, and the “Watercolour Roses” bookmark.
Shop Fuelled by Joy bookmarks here.
Follow Fuelled by Joy on instagram here.

Elm Creek Quilts Sampler by Jennifer Chiarerini
The Elm Creek Quilts books were kindly given to me by my friend Linda, and I fell in love with the books very quickly. The stories are centered around Elm Creek Manor and the life of Sylvia Compson across two timelines. There are three books included in the sampler; The Quilters Apprentice, Round Robin, and The Cross-Country Quilters. The character depth and interwoven stories are beautifully written, whilst exploring the themes of love and loss with grace and understanding.

The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
I purchased this book in a charity shop a couple of years ago, but only read it for the first time this year. It’s one of the most unique books I’ve ever read, the descriptive writing of the settings is truly wonderful and mesmerising. The story is short but impactful, and explores the intricacies of life in a small village.

The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay
A cosy novel focusing on friendship and a shared love for books. The story alternates through the perspectives of the three main characters who are running the bookshop, each character has a unique voice and storyline which interweave with one another. The story focuses on new beginnings, faith, and second chances.

Be Still (Psalm Devotions) by Matt Searles
A beautifully written devotional book reflecting on several psalms and contemplating what it means to be still. I really like that this book looks at the psalms verse by verse so that you can really come to appreciate each one.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
It’s impossible to share autumn reading recommendations without including Anne of Green Gables. The first novel in the series allows you to fall in love with Green Gables and the characters who call it home. It is a charming and heartwarming novel that has timeless values and beautiful writing.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
As I write this post, this is the novel that I am currently reading, though it is a re-read for me. This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, so it’s a lovely time to read one of her most beloved novels. For me, Austen’s descriptions of the English countryside, particularly the scenes set in Derbyshire, make Pride and Prejudice an ideal book for reading in autumn and winter.

It's been over six years since I was diagnosed with a chronic illness, since then, crafting has become a huge part of my life. I have a small sewing business, countless pinterest boards filled with craft project ideas, and several ongoing crochet projects dotted around the house. But there are times when crafting and a chronic illness struggle to co-exist, so I wanted to take the time to share what helps with this.

Pacing
When it comes to any aspect of living with a chronic illness, taking your time is key. Sometimes craft projects have a deadline, such as making a gift for someone, but the rest of the time it’s important to pace yourself. Enjoy the process of creating something new, give yourself grace to take breaks when you need them, and don’t push yourself beyond your limit.

Find What Works For You
I’m adding my own advice to a lot of existing voices online, but it’s important that you find what works well for you. Find a craft that you enjoy, find a way of doing it that suits you and your needs, and do it for the joy of creating something new and unique.

Equipment & Extra Help
Finding the right tools for your chosen craft is really important, but when living with a chronic illness, it’s important to find tools that help with this too. Personally, compression gloves have been my best investment for using when crocheting or sewing. Different crafts and hobbies will have specific tools that can help you, and it’s also okay to ask for help, whether that’s through Facebook groups, at a craft shop, or doing your own research.

Try Something New
You may try several different crafts before you find what you love, or like me, you may find that you enjoy a variety of arts and crafts. Have some fun trying different mediums till you find what you love, you can often find craft materials in charity shops which is a great way to try new crafts on a budget. There are also lots of wonderful craft blogs, magazines and independent shops that have beginner patterns, advice, and craft kits.

Our dog Ella turns six today. I remember the day she was born very clearly, I remember sitting on the living room floor in my pyjamas, I held her so carefully and she fit snuggly into one hand.

The months leading up to this had been so incredibly difficult for me; I had moved back to the UK after living in Australia for a year, and I hadn't given myself enough adjustment time before movingback to the Highlands for work. After being back in Scotland for a handful of weeks, my health started to decline and a few months later I was diagnosed with a chronic illness. In the year that I had been away, I had changed so much and struggled to fit back in to previous relationships. I pushed people away, felt isolated in my faith, and my life was taking a very different path to what I had hoped for.

I felt desperate, and in that desperation I prayed for a friend. What I didn't expect was for God to answer that prayer in the form of a little tri-colour puppy. Ella has been one of the greatest blessings in my life; she gets me out of bed on the days that I don't have the strength, she helps to calm my anxiety, and she is loyal in a way thay I have never experienced before.

God doesn't always answer our prayers in the way that we expect, but I am so grateful that He answered this prayer through Ella.

The Summer months are stretching before us and offering an opportunity to spend the lighter evenings in the company of a good book. Therefore I looked through my bookcase and thought I'd share with you some of my favourite books to read in the summer months.

• A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White

The first book in The Imposters series with an intriguing storyline, and a gentle romance. Set in 1909, the investigative storyline gives this historical romance a unique twist.

• A Girl's Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate

A fun, faith-filled novel set in Australia with great character development. I loved that the author also gave depth and a storyline to the “secondary” characters, it gave the overall storyline more meaning and enjoyment.

• All Creatures Great & Small by James Herriot

A classic read sharing his stories living as a country vet in rural Yorkshire, beautifully written and well worth reading. The descriptions of both the scenery and the people he meets makes Herriot's writing envelope you in his adventures in the Dales.

• Emma by Jane Austen

Jane Austen's classic comedy, filled with wit, wonderful characters, and lots of romance. The development of Emma's character throughout the story has its ups and downs, which only makes the story more relatable and enjoyable.

• A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter

The perfect read for aspiring authors, a fun, unique storyline, a cosy romance, and a beautiful beach setting. The character development and back stories are really intriguing and well written.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

This book (and the others in the series) are so special, they are beautifully written with characters that you can't help but fall in love with. There's a reason these books are loved by so many, the characters feel like friends

• Summer at the Kindness Cafe by Victoria Walters

A summer read following three women in a small town, each facing their own challenges, and how their friendship develops over the summer. (Trigger warning: one of the main characters is dealing with the loss of her husband).

• The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh

One of the most wonderful and unique books I've ever read. The characters are written so well, you feel as though you know them personally, and the story arc for Isadora is so beautiful. I love the premise of the story, and the depth to which we get to know the characters.

April was a season of deep love and deep loss. Spending time with family and exploring the countryside, and yet marking a loss and learning of a new grief. I've been relearning the lesson of taking life one day at a time in order to keep moving forward.

My faith has been shaken similarly to a way that it was two years ago, though this time my faith hasn't fallen to pieces, but the wounds of grief have been reopened.

It's strange to dwell on loss in the season of spring, new life is blossoming whilst you cradle a deep grief. Yet it also provides a comfort, that after the darkness of winter hope can still be found.

Tilly and the Buttons Samara Top

I love the simplicity of this top, it could be made with a plain or patterned fabric depending on the style you are looking for. The v-neck is a style that I haven't made before so it would be a great skill to learn.

Friday Pattern Company Sagebrush Top

I've heard so many wonderful things about the patterns from Friday Pattern Company, and would love to try their patterns soon. The ruffle details on the Sagebrush top are so beautiful and though I have altered a top to add ruffle sleeves, I've never sewn ruffle details onto the front of a project or garment.

Fabric Godmother Fleur Dress and Blouse

Fabric Godmother stock beautiful fabrics and gorgeous sewing patterns. The bow tie detail on the front of Fleur is so pretty, and I love that there are so many variations available in this pattern.

Silversaga Patterns Clara Dress

I love cottage-core style dresses, and the Clara Dress is exactly this. I think this dress would look beautiful in a soft linen fabric, and it would be an opportunity to learn about creating multiple channels for elastic.

Nina Lee Holland Park Dress and Top

Another pattern that is perfect for those who love cottage core style. The Holland Park pattern has beautiful variations for dresses and tops, and would be another opportunity to learn how to make multiple channels for elastic.