Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

Duckling by Eve Ainsworth Book Review

Posted on by

I loved the synopsis of Duckling and I could not wait to dive into Eve Ainsworth’s adult fiction debut. This book is so heart-warming and exquisite. In fact, it might be the most heart-warming book I have ever read. Sure it has sadness too, but doesn’t everything? I love a coming-of-age book and that is exactly what Duckling is.
It is impossible to not love the character of Lucy, or Duckling as she is called by her father. She is insular and a loner. Letting life pass her by on a council estate, until a neighbour asks her to take care of their child. An adventure happens and the ride is a beautiful one indeed. I also love how Duckling has a working-class setting, something that is so rare. We need more of that.
I loved the prose, the characters and the story. Honestly, Duckling is one of my books of the year already. Eve Ainsworth is a writer of note and she is only getting started. Duckling is a magnificent must read.

duckling by eve ainsworth book review.

Duckling’s a nickname Lucy has never been able to shake off.
And, if she’s honest, maybe it suits her.
She just isn’t the type to socialise with other people.
You might say she’s reluctant to leave her nest.

Lucy’s life is small, but safe. She’s got a good routine. But all that’s about to change…

When Lucy’s neighbour asks her to look after her little girl for a couple of hours – and then doesn’t come back – Lucy is suddenly responsible for someone other than herself.

It takes courage to let the outside world in, and Lucy’s about to learn there’s much more to life – but only if she’s brave enough to spread her wings…

Duckling is available here.

Organic luxury home brand, White & Green, add to their Luxury Bed Set Collection

Posted on by

We have been sleeping on White & Green’s Luxury Bed Set Collection and now we are completely in love with White & Green. It’s soft, it’s gorgeous and it is so comfy. Few things are worth spending money on than good bed sheets, we spend so much time in bed, so why not? You can even wash it in the washing machine. Low-maintenance luxury: what more could you want?
white & Green

Organic luxury home brand, White and Green add to their Luxury Bed Set collection with their stunning Baby Blue trim. Their luxury bedding is 300 thread count cotton, the best mixture of softness, quality, breathability and durability.

Material
Handpicked, long-staple cotton- no pilling
Thread count
300 thread count
Certification
100% Organic GOTS certified- no toxic chemicals, dyes or pesticides.

Turn your bed into a heavenly cocoon with our silky soft organic cotton bundle that includes a duvet cover, a deep fitted sheet and 4 Oxford edge pillowcases (single has 2x pillowcases) that will completely transform the style of your bedroom and enhance your sleep quality.

Choice of Colours:

White with coloured trim (white, navy, sand, light blue, grey)
Cream (undyed natural cotton) with cream trim

The collection is available here.

Regrets of The Dying By Georgina Scull Book Review

Posted on by

I took a breathe before I started reading this book. The concept is brilliant but I had a few near-death experiences not along ago, which is probably why it resonated so much with me. I read this book in a day, unable to put it down. It has twenty-one stories looking at all aspects of life and has ten tips to live a less regretful life.
I could not be more happy that I read this book. There are some heart-breaking moments but, ultimately, this book is about the joy of life. Georgina Scull is a fantastic writer and she pours herself onto the page. Each subject is treated delicately with care and respect. Regrets of The Dying is a life-affirming book which shows us what is important in life. I loved it and I cannot recommend it enough.This is a beautiful book full of hope.

A powerful, moving and hopeful book exploring what people regret most when they are dying and how this can help us lead a better life.

If you were told you were going to die tomorrow, what would you regret?

Ten years ago, without time to think or prepare, Georgina Scull ruptured internally. The doctors told her she could have died and, as Georgina recovered, she began to consider the life she had led and what she would have left behind.

Paralysed by a fear of wasting what seemed like precious time but also fully ready to learn how to spend her second chance, Georgina set out to meet others who had faced their own mortality or had the end in sight.

The people she met taught her what it feels like to know you’re running out of time, what tends to stays with you, what you should let go of, what everyone wishes they’d done differently and what it means to have a life well-lived.

Regrets of the Dying is a powerful and hopeful meditation on life and what really matters in the end.

The Woman Who Took a Chance by Fiona Gibson Book Review

Posted on by

I have read most of Fiona Gibson’s books and I am a fan. Not only because we are both Scottish, but because she is a hugely talented writer who writes about women and their lives so well. Her books are relatable and fun.
To read a Fiona Gibson book is to be taken on a fantastic journey with a group of friends. The Woman Who Took a Chance is the perfect antidote to the stresses of living. They make you smile and laugh, even if there is a little sadness in there. I also love how they are about older women who are living their best lives. A sadly under-targeted market. Another great novel from Fiona Gibson.

Meet Jen. Flight attendant. Mum to a grown-up daughter. Permanently single.

Age: Fifty (gulp)

Number of children: One

Number of husbands: Zero (it’s complicated)

Number of failed first dates in the last month: Too depressing to contemplate

Number of tickets for a romantic, once-in-a-lifetime trip: Two

Number of days left to find her Mr Right to take on holiday: Quickly running out…

A heart-warming and hilarious novel that proves age is just a number and it’s never too late for a second chance. Fans of Kristen Bailey, Sophie Kinsella and Jill Mansell will be totally hooked from the very first page.

Luxe Mother’s Day Gifts To Buy Right Now.

Posted on by

Helly Hansen’s W Aden Insulated Coat

This is a gorgeous coat that looks amazing on and is so well made. I love it. RRP: £98.00

www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-aden-insulated-coat-62649?color=624121

This classic long insulated rain jacket offers a clean look and full protection.

The Long Aden is a Helly Hansen® classic. Clean Scandinavian styling makes this an easy to wear jacket and the packable hood can be tucked in for an even cleaner look while providing full protection when needed. Our insulated version features the full Helly Hansen® Functionality: ® waterproof, windproof and breathable keeps you dry and PrimaLoft® insulation adds warmth to the colder days. A perfect piece for the seasonal transitions

Polar Unite

Love this. Looks stylish and perfect for workouts. RRP: £134.00

www.polar.com/en/unite

Polar Unite is a beautifully simple watch with personalized daily workout guidance, 24/7 heart rate and activity tracking, plus automatic sleep and recovery applications.

Chatham’s Arlington Premium Suede Chelsea Boots

These are so stylish and comfortable. The quality is amazing. Couldn’t love them more. RRP: £89.00

www.chatham.co.uk/arlington-navy-suede-chelsea-boots

A sleek and sophisticated country boot, our Arlington Chelsea boots are a chic new style in our women’s collection. Beautifully crafted in Portugal from premium oiled suede in navy, these stylish women’s Chelsea boots have elastic side panels in contrasting dark red, stitch detail and a pull-on back tab.

Guylian — Perfect For Mother’s Day

Posted on by

Mother’s Day is coming thick and fast so get ready to treat your mother. We recommend Guylian chocolates. They are both tasty and pretty. A box of these beauties is the perfect way to say I Love You. 

Guylian Master’s Selection – If you’re looking for an extra special gift, hop online to find Guylian’s beautiful Master’s Selection boxes (200g), a premium assortment of Belgian mini pralinés filled with a variety of exotic flavours and topped off with the finest ingredients, making a box an ideal gift for discerning chocolate lovers. Guylian’s Masters Selection (200g) is available online from Ocado and Moonpig.

They are also perfect for Easter

Guylian’s scrumptious 285g Easter Egg features no foil, no plastic clam, and 100% recyclable card packaging, making it both eco-friendly and delicious! Available online and from most retailers including Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s and Waitrose for RSP £8. 

And of course, for those who love classic gifts, Guylian’s praliné Sea Shells – the first product Guy and Liliane created together – are ideal. Made using only the finest, hand selected Mediterranean hazelnuts, which are roasted and caramelised to perfection before being blended with premium Belgian chocolate, they’re a delight that makes life that little bit sweeter.  Available in a 250g box (22 pieces; RSP £5), or a 375g box (33 pieces; RSP £7.50). 

Fantastic Books For International Women’s Day

Posted on by

The Natural Menopause Method by Karen Newby (1st September 2022)

Women’s Health

Everything you need to know about achieving nutritional balance to support flagging vitality and celebrate the potential of your midlife.

Femlandia by Christina Dalcher (15th September 2022)

Dystopia

‘A compelling, fast paced read.’   Guardian

‘The queen of dystopia’          Nina Pottell, Prima

The Happy Vagina by Mika Simmons (4th August 2022 – Pavilion)

Women’s Health

‘Mika Simmons’s book is fun, relevant, and extremely accessible. Every home should have a Happy Vagina!’              Dita von Teese

Confident and Killing It by Tiwa Ogunlesi (7th July 2022 – HQ)

Self-Help

Confident and Killing It will help you master your mind, overcome fear and live life to the fullest.

You Are Not A Before Picture by Alex Light (9th June 2022 – HQ)

Self-Help

An urgent, enlightening and empowering guide.

Second Spring by Kate Codrington (17th February 2022 – HQ)

Women’s Health

‘A wealth of guidance to navigate and celebrate the mind body and spirit aspects of the menopausal journey.’                                     Tami Lynn Kent, author of Wild Feminine

Roaring Girls by Holly Kyte (3rd March 2022 – HQ)

Feminism

‘An extraordinary, vivacious account of eight remarkable invisible women whose stories were crying out to be heard.’ Paula Byrne

Menopausing by Davina McCall (26th May 2022 – HQ)

Women’s Health

Menopausing is more than just a book, it’s a movement. An uprising

Good Grief by Catherine Mayer and Anne Mayer Bird (3rd February 2022 – HQ)

Biography

‘One of the saddest things I’ve ever read but also the most powerful. It’s made me want to cling tight to the people I love while acknowledging their mortality and mine too.’     Marian Keyes

Make It Happen by Amika George (20th January 2022 – HQ)

Activism

‘A personal, powerful, passionate, pragmatic, punchy book from one of Britain’s most exciting Gen Z activists. A great guide to moving and shaking with joy, spirit and real-world results.’       Deborah Frances-White from The Guilty Feminist

Black Skin by Dija Ayodele (25th November 2021 – HQ)

Skincare

‘Timely and game-changing, Ayodele’s comprehensive guide to skincare for Black women busts beauty myths at the same time as dispensing invaluable advice.’                         Waterstones

The Girl With No Soul by Morgan Owen Book Review

Posted on by

I always remember how much I loved YA books when I was growing up. They meant so much to me and made me the woman I am today. On the note I can confirm that Morgan Owen is a new outstanding YA talent. The Girl With No Soul is an exciting book. It takes an original and exciting concept, a glorious love story, and amazing world building all in once exciting novel.

The writing is flowing and engaging in that way that is so hard to write but makes reading it so compulsive. I may be older than the market for this book, but I will definitely recommend it to any teens that I know. You cannot beat this book for sheer imagination, passion and excitement. I loved it. Pre-order now, it’s out in March.

Perfect for fans of Alice Broadway and Leigh Bardugo

How can you find your soul mate, when you don’t have a soul?

Iris lives in a world ruled by The Order. Inspectors police the population by keeping careful watch over people’s souls. If they shine their lanterns on you, your soul is projected for the world to see… and judge.

But Iris has a deadly secret … she is a hollow, a person with no soul. She must hide from the Order at all costs, scraping a living in the shadows.

When she’s sent to steal a ring said to hold the memory of a soul’s destruction, she is reunited with her Spark – one of the five parts that make up her own missing soul.

Now she must rely on the help of a young scholar named Evander Mountebank to track down the other four missing pieces of her soul, all the while evading The Order.

Will she be able to protect her heart as well as find her soul?