Published by Penguin It is not often a book makes me cry, but you have got to read this. An absolutely brilliant piece of writing and a book that I highly recommend. I can understand why Rebecca is a Times bestselling author. I find it is always such a surprise when you read something so brilliant and yet you have never heard of the author before.

Before we went home, we spent the day in Calais, again at the beach, which was a superb area. So many different places for children of all ages to play. The scooter and skate areas were all made of concrete, so there was no vandalism. I don't see why we cannot have areas like this in Britain. It was a lovely day, so pretty busy with different kiosks for lunch plus a small market.

We went to the beach to have breakfast at the Red Rock Cafe, which was delicious. The indoor plus the outdoor seating areas right on the beach, I must say, were very clean, with great views. Also, the coffee was great, probably the best one I had while there. We then drove to the best and biggest indoor soft play area I have ever seen.

The following day we drove about 15 minutes from the hotel to the zoo. This was a lovely zoo, very well maintained and so friendly. There was a good selection of animals, with most of them being out so we could see them. This is just a small amount of the animals that we saw and stroked. The sun was shining, so it made it another lovely day out.

Lily is my youngest granddaughter who will be ten this month. We decided to have a girls day out and go to Canterbury on the bus. We had a list of places that we wanted to visit. The first place was Flying Tiger where we got a couple of bits for our painting. Then we went to Pandora, the charms in there for our bracelets are so nice.

Enzo has been asking to go on a ship so we drove down to Dover and went on the ferry over to Calais in France. The journey takes about 90 minutes which goes very quick. We had a walk around all the ship, he found the soft play area so was playing with some other children. He had a bacon roll for breakfast, was amazed at the size of it!

Last weekend I went with my son's family to this restaurant in Hythe; we caught the bus over, which is a very short ride from Folkestone. None of us had been to this place before, but we all love Italian plus we had heard really good things about it. It is only a small place, well laid out with the tables not squashed together.

There was certainly enough to eat last week when we all met up for our monthly lunch date. We had a couple of ladies missing because of prior engagements, and I had Enzo for the day, so he came with me. He had the spaghetti bolognese and garlic bread, which was a huge portion for him, but it is one of his favourite meals, so he had a good try at it.

I went for dinner at Sunshine the other evening; this is such a lovely place. The staff are so friendly, taking time for a chat and any help with the menu, which I must say is brilliant. Such a good selection so that it covers all tastes and requirements.  You can find it towards the end of the high street on the left; there is a car park at the end of the high street, but in the evenings you can park all along the high street.

Published by Sphere Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times and International bestselling author of multiple novels and novellas. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. She is the f...

Today is the day you start a new book if you are not reading one at the moment. I am starting this one. The Works has its best offer on at the moment: three books for £7.50. Their website is here. The Folkestone bookshop is having children's story time all through August on a Thursday. The website is here. The library has moved into the old Woolworths building, so much easier to get to if you take the bus or drive.

I took Enzo for afternoon tea at The Coterie the other day. I wasn't too sure how much of it he would eat, but he did really well. We had a lovely time, playing Uno while we munched our way through so much food! I have to admit we did take some home as there was too much to eat. The salmon sandwiches were my favourite, with cream cheese and cucumber.

Do you keep a tally of what books you have read each year? I used to do it on Goodreads, but they have changed the way they record things, so I now have a book journal where I list my books and how long it took me to read them. This is the book I am just about to start, and it is my 31st book of the year 2026. I am looking forward to going to bed to get a start on this one. What are you reading?

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing Kate Dramis is an Atlanta-based writer whose obsession with fantasy worlds and with escaping into a good love story eventually drove her to pursue her dream of becoming an author. She is the author of the instant #2 Sunday Times bestseller, The Curse of Saints. When she's not busy writing banter that makes her laugh embarrassingly loudly, you can find her impulse-booking her latest travel adventure, snuggling with her dogs and cat, or tormenting her growing legion of readers on TikTok and Instagram with vague book teasers.

METAL GARDEN GLASSES My daughter-in-law was telling me about her new glass, how it was made of metal, so it kept the Prosecco cold when out in the sunshine. It also comes in a variety of colours. How ...

Published by Harpeth Road Pres Kristina Thornton writes fun and emotional romantic fiction full of self-discovery, friendship, and drama. Her second novel, FORTY GOING ON NINETEEN, is a swoony, funny, small-town, second-chance romance (Harpeth Road Press, July 2026). Kristina’s first book, CLAIRE MORRIS IS COMPLETELY LOST (Northodox Press, July 2024), was shortlisted for two Romantic Novelists’ Association awards: The Debut Romantic Novel Award 2025 and The Joan Hessayon Award 2024.

This is situated on the seafront road in Deal. I popped in there with Kara last week as Enzo went to a football club for the morning. We had things to do, so we just wanted somewhere to sit quietly and have a coffee. The outside space was perfect and half in sun or shade. This was exactly what we were looking for, and the staff were nice, the coffee superb.

Published by Hodder & Stoughton Since The Firm in 1991, John Grisham has published a number-one bestseller every year. His books have been translated into 45 languages and have sold over 350 million copies worldwide. Nine have been adapted to film, including The Firm, The Pelican Brief and A Time To Kill. His first work of non-fiction, The Innocent Man, was adapted into a six-part Netflix docuseries; his second, Framed, highlights work with organisations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted.

I do love having a look around Marks & Spencer every so often as they have some different bits to try. This strawberry and cream dip was delicious; I paired it with the mini shortbread fingers. A perfect sweet treat for a buffet or even a movie night. This perfume is one of my favourites for everyday wear. They have a very good selection of beauty products. M&S Beauty website here. M&S food website here.

I took Kara and Enzo over to the pub for dinner the other day; it's Enzo's favourite place to go at the moment. He takes his little football as there are always some kids to play with, so it keeps him amused, and he always eats all of his kids' meal. This comprises a chicken burger, chips and beans, a drink and a big ice cream; he eats it all every time.

  I met Lynda for lunch and shopping last week. We met in Canterbury so we could go to Bill's again, as it was Lynda's turn for the free birthday Prosecco.  Lunch here is very good, especially in this warm weather, so you can sit outside. Service is always excellent, but we did get caught out the first time we went there as they only take cards to pay, no cash accepted.

Published by Cassie Steward Cassie Steward writes rich, character-driven fiction that explores family, relationships and secrets. Her debut novel, Number Thirty-Two, became a TikTok sensation, praised by readers around the world for its emotional depth and memorable characters. Before writing, she worked as a celebrity make-up artist, a job which took her around the world meeting amazing people and seeing incredible places.

Published by Poisoned Pen Press #1 New York Times, #1 Sunday Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and internationally bestselling author Freida McFadden is a physician who lives in Boston with her family. Freida is the winner of the International Thriller Writer Award for Best Paperback Original, the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Thriller, and was honoured as one of TIME 100’s most influential people in the world for 2026.

Published by Poisoned Pen Press Dear Debbie made the Sunday Times Bestsellers list shortly after its release in February 2026 #1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Sunday Times, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Freida McFadden is a physician who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humour novels. Freida is the winner of the International Thriller Writer Award for Best Paperback Original, the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Thriller, and was honoured as one of TIME 100’s most influential people in the world for 2026.

The weather has been superb, so I have been reading in the garden. Sorry for all the book reviews in one go. I like to do a word search or crossword sometimes. When I saw this puzzle book for the garden, I could not wait to have a go. I am still trying to plough through it. I got some great books for my birthday.

Published by Michael Joseph S.M. Govett read Law at Trinity College, Oxford, before qualifying as a solicitor in the City. After realising that didn't suit her, she started tutoring before turning her hand to writing, which she discovered was her true calling. She has since authored several bestselling YA novels, including The Territory trilogy and We Go On Forever. She also co-wrote the screenplay for the feature film, T.I.M., which was the No.

Published by Hodder Paperbacks Helen Cooper is a writer of psychological thrillers living in Leicester, UK. She has taught English and Academic Writing in both Further and Higher Education and was Head of Learning Enhancement at the University of Birmingham. She has a Master's Degree in Creative Writing from Nottingham Trent University and has been published in Writers’ Forum, Mslexia, Woman, the Lincolnshire Echo and Derbyshire Life.

Julie Wassmer is a UK TV drama writer who wrote the BBC series EastEnders for almost 20 years until becoming the author of the popular Whitstable Pearl Mystery crime novels - now a major new TV series, Whitstable Pearl, starring Kerry Godliman, Howard Charles and Frances Barber. In 2010, Julie's memoir, More Than Just Coincidence, entered the Sunday Times Best Selling Non-Fiction Top 20 and became Mumsnet Book of the Year.

Published by Piatku Elsie Silver is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of sassy, steamy, small-town romance. She’s a born-and-raised Canadian girl who loves a good book boyfriend and the strong heroines who bring them to their knees. Her books promise banter, tension, and a slow burn that comes to a screeching halt. I think this is the first book I have read by this author.

Published by Hut 22 Book Jo Bavington-Jones lives on the Kent coast with her partner, the photographer Dirk Seyfried, and the neighbours' cats. And sometimes a very friendly fox called Samantha. Jo came to writing late in life after many years of working to pay the bills and bringing up her son. After learning her craft writing women's fiction, Jo finally turned to a life of crime during the first Covid lockdown, and The Write Way to Die series was born.

Published by Poisoned Pen Pres #1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Sunday Times, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Freida McFadden is a physician who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humour novels. Freida is the winner of the International Thriller Writer Award for Best Paperback Original, the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Thriller, and was honoured as one of TIME 100’s most influential people in the world for 2026.

The ladies that lunch had a day out to Margate, and we went to the amazing Shell Grotto. This is certainly worth going to see. What they built years ago with shells is just so beautiful. 4.6 million shells arranged in so many artistic designs that they just take your breath away. There is also a grotto shop with many unusual products you can purchase.

BROCKHILL YOUNG FARMERS What a brilliant day at The Kent Show, and the sunshine made it so lovely. Mia (granddaughter) was in one of the first classes with the two pigs, Tom & Jerry. Waiting is the hardest part, then the judge has a good look and feel of the pigs, then he comes back again for another look! She won a 1st! 

Published by Simon & Schuster UK Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times and International bestselling author of multiple novels and novellas. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. She is the founder of The Bookworm Box, a non-profit book subscription service and bookstore in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Colleen is another favourite author of mine; her writing is so heartfelt, with this story really pulling at your heartstrings.

What a super day we had yesterday; apart from the rain, it was so lovely to see everyone. We did have two ladies who could not make it, and they were missed. As usual, there were plenty of laughs and sharing of news. The food was lovely, all cooked fresh by Kara. Most had the vegetable quiche or jacket potato. Lynda and I had the sharing board with a bottle of wine for £35.

I went for something a bit different this time, as I have some days and nights out coming up because it is my birthday next week. I  do like the white tips on nails; these are chrome with tips. I think they will go with whatever I am wearing. These nails are so easy to put on, and if you don't do a lot of washing up or gardening, they do last well over three weeks.

During May, I went with Kara to a craft fair in Hythe on the high street, where she sold a lot of the cakes she makes under Everlasting Events by Kara There was a great selection of stalls, and it proved to be a very popular day. The things some people make are amazing; they really are very talented. I liked the name tags for your vegetables that you grow, as the plastic ones end up with very faded writing that you cannot read.

Do you get fed up going to the same garden centres? I know I do, so I did a Google search to find all the ones in Kent. This is the one that came up that I had never heard of, so I was eager to pop over and have a look round. What an amazing garden centre! So many plants, spread over a large area, and the best part is that there were so many that I had not seen before.

SPIRITUAL EVENTS AT THE COTERIE! Thursday evening was something very different; Georgie, our host, has her own way of doing things, which is different- well, it was for me. The spiritual evenings I have been to involve a 1-1 reading of cards or a group setting where it is just luck if you are picked for a message. I realise many are sceptical about these evenings, but I like to go just out of interest about what they say.

The theme for this year’s National Writing Day is Write A Book by Its Cover.  Schools! Win £100 of National Book Tokens for your library!

This is one of my favourite refreshing drinks in the hot weather, and we have had some very hot, sunny days here last month. This drink comes in teabags or loose, so I make a huge pot with about five bags; you can change the amount to how strong you like it. Then put it in a jug or container in the fridge to cool.

I always have problems with the stones in the garden moving, leaves dropping on them, and generally looking untidy. I was so pleased when I found this solution: you tip it into a watering can and spread it over the stones. The first attempt used up the whole container, as it all came out so fast. When I opened another container, the spreading was much slower, as some of the holes were blocked up with the solution.

I love the Chelsea Flower Show, which is held every year in London. I have been once; it is a super day out with so much to see. It always spurs me on to get my own garden ready for the summer. This year I wanted to create a bit of a Zen garden after seeing some ideas in Spain.

This looks to be a fun evening; I love things like this. It gets you out, and they tend to be very good. I have not met Georgie before, so I will let you know how it goes.

It was great to see that the council had at last given us a new library after months of arguing about the old building on Grace Hill, which I must admit was a lovely building, but the repairs were just too much. The opening last week was well attended by local people, with many children listening to stories. The place had been well arranged, with all services back up and running smoothly.

SINGLES NIGHT! This is a splendid cocktail bar, air-conditioned, so great in this hot weather. The staff are all very friendly, giving advice on cocktails. I had the Hugo spritz. I keep seeing it online, so I thought I would try it, so pleased I did, as it is very nice. A chilled mint flavour over ice with Prosecco. Tim, the owner, has really done well with this small bar, making use of every space.

Published by Storybug Every year on Father's Day, I used to end up buying the same sort of novelty presents that the shops seem to be full of now. I mean, how many Daddy socks, deodorants, mugs and keyrings can one person have? This year, I have found a book that has the children's names inside and a personal message that you can write yourself when ordering.

I spent the weekend with Enzo at his house, as mum was working. It was super to spend time with him after being away for a couple of weeks. We played a good game of chess Saturday night, with only a tiny bit of cheating, not by me! A dinner of KFC. A lolly that made everything turn blue. Then it was bedtime.

Just before we came home, we decided to treat ourselves to our favourite Indian. The deal they offer is really good and far too much for us to eat, and we couldn't take it home as we were flying the next day. Poppadoms and chutney, the mint one is always different wherever you go. This was very refreshing, and the mango chutney was smooth with no chunks in it.

Relaxing on holiday is the main thing you do when getting older. This place is super for shade sitting, sitting in the sun or laying down sunbathing. The first couple of days we did have some rain but then the sun came out for us to enjoy. Some days you get a bit of cloud going over but it allows you to cool down from the intense sunshine.