Book Review: The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore
Christmas has come early with the third Dream Harbour instalment of the Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore.
Book Review: What I read in AUGUST
August has slipped by and I have read coastal romances to historical fiction undercover espionage in this thrilling selection of books.
Review: Jorvik Viking Centre, York
Take a trip to tenth century York and weave between the folds of history at Jorvik Viking Centre.
Review: Barbie The Exhibition, Design Museum
Barbie: The Exhibition at the Design Museum in London showcases Barbie from 1959 to the present day.
Book Review: What I read in JULY
This month’s reading wrap-up will be a mix between books and tv that transcends across comedy, a Shakespeare love story, a Tudor court and a villain fantasy.
Review: My Lady Jane, Amazon Prime
The Tudor fantasy romance of My Lady Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows has recently been adapted for screen by Amazon Prime and is sweeping fans off their feet.
Book Review: What I read in JUNE
June involved some highly anticipated reads and whisked my away to historical Venice, magic filled London and on a treasure seeking adventure.
Book Review: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store takes readers back to the beloved town of Dream Harbour and follows bookseller Hazel and fisherman Noah in this treasure seeking adventure.
Book Review: The Greek Villa, by Sue Roberts
Books on Tour with Bookouture – The Greek Villa by Sue Roberts. A vibrant romance with a sizzling setting.
Book Review: What I read in MAY
May has been a month of fantasy, love and magic.
Read the book reviews for May.
A dyslexic writes a novel…why?
Every wondered why someone wants to write a book? is it for fame? money? or maybe just spite…and of course to inspire those with dyslexia.
Review: Return to Azkaban At Harry Potter Studio Tour
Review of the Return to Azkaban at the Harry Potter Studios that celebrates 20 years.
Book Review: What I read in APRIL
April was a month filled with romance from first loves to cursed true love to second chances. This was a month with an eclectic mix of romance from YA fairytale fantasy, paranormal fantasy and escaping to Tuscany.
A day in Brussels, Belgium
I hopped on the Eurostar from London with an early start at 2am and headed for a day trip to Brussels, Belgium.
Here’s what I got up to!
Book Review: Saltblood by Francesca De Tores
Saltblood is a historical fiction that recounts the life of notorious female pirate, Mary Read. I have mix feelings with this book and how Read is portrayed.
Read my book review to find out more.
Book Review: What I read in MARCH
Spring is well on its way – finally! March has been a journey of knight school and disgraced viscounts, a baking competition that reveals a dark secret, a voyage with infamous pirate Mary Read and first loves.
Happy World Book Day!
In celebration of World Book Day I’ve selected several books that hooked me onto reading as a teenager.
Book Review: What I read in FEBRUARY
My February reads were a month of dreaming of hotter climates in the Tuscan sun, I took a trip back in time to eighteenth century Mount Vesuvius and visited a bookshop in Dubrovnik with a mix of non-fiction and fiction that whisked me away on multiple adventures.
Review: Visiting Windsor Castle
I visited the historic and imposing fortress that is Windsor Castle. Read my review to discover my honest thoughts.
Book Review: What I read in JANUARY
January has felt like an eternity and as February is in sight, I have compiled the books I read to help me fight off those January / post – Christmas blues. This month I was approved for several exciting ARCs on Netgalley that I sunk my teeth into, with espionage of historical fiction, romance and an archeological dig with a curse castle.
Book Review: The Shadow Network by Deborah Swift
The Shadow Network is the second in the ww2 Secret Agents series. Swift crafts a compelling love triangle entangled with a saboteur lurking in plain sight.
Are Booktok books worth the hype? *Honest opinion*
Booktok popular books are dominating the market, but are they worth the hype? I explore the ‘fast fashion’ of publishing.
Hello 2024! goals, reflections, books
Hello 2024! I list my goals, aspirations and reflections for another year of books, writing and content creation.
Book Review: What I read in DECEMBER
My December reads whisked me away to Lake Como in Italy, then to the Lake District and then a gentle stroll through a fairytale Christmas town primed and ready to film a Hallmark Christmas film. This month was all about reading for pleasure and dependent on my mood.
Review: Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park London
December is here and so is the return of Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London. I visited the festive attraction and write my honest thoughts on the park.
Review: Royal Pavilion, Brighton UK
The Royal Pavilion is a feast for the eyes that showcases an unusual and unique style of Palace.
Read my review to discover more.
Book Review: The Lost Gift to The Italian Island by Barbara Josselsohn
The Lost Gift to the Italian Island by Barbara Josselsohn is a heartwarming and gripping novel that expertly weaves between fact and fiction. This is the second book in the historical fiction, Sisters of War series.
Read the book review to find out more.
Book Review: What I read in NOVEMBER
November was an experimental month of reading. I wanted to broaden my reading sphere and explore plots that were a curve ball to my usual reads. And I did just that…albeit I didn’t like it but sometimes its good to try new things – or so I’m told.
Book Review: Central Places, by Delia Cai
Central Places by Delia Cai explores themes of vulnerability, race and family dynamics of growing up with immigrant parents.
Read my review to find out more.
Review: Nothing But Thieves, Wembley Arena. 10.11.23
Nothing But Thieves played a sold out show at the iconic OVO arena, Wembley in London. Read my review to find out more.
Book Review: What I read in OCTOBER
October Reading Review – all the books I read in OCTOBER from Adult high-fantasy, romance to a festive romcom.
Review – Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour At VUE cinema. 29.10.23
I attended a viewing of Taylor’s Swift’s highly anticipated ‘Eras Tour’. Read my review to find out more.
Review: An evening with Cassandra Clare – London 25.10.23
I attended Cassandra Clare’s Sword Catcher Q&A signing hosted at St James’s Church, London. A wonderful venue with insightful conversation and an unforgettable meeting with the author.
⚔️Unboxing⚔️ SWORD CATCHER by Cassandra Clare
I unbox the Waterstones Special edition of Cassandra Clare’s new high-fantasy novel, SWORD CATCHER.
Novel Writing Update – 70k words
Here’s another writing update for my debut novel – 70k words is amazing and I’m so close to the ending!
The Great September Reading Slump
September has been a month of trying to gather the motivation to read. I explore the reasons why I have experienced a reading slump and how I plan to crawl out of the void.
Book Review: Playing the Witch Card, by K.J. Dell’Antonia
Playing the Witch Card is a novel exploring motherhood and starting a new life. However, when Flair’s past starts knocking – or decorating cookies in her sleep – she must make a choice to tame her past to create a future of her own making.
Read the review to find out more.
Review: Grease the musical, London. 16.9.2023
Grease: the musical at the Dominion Theatre in London was just as energetic and dazzling as one would expect. The cast were high energy and every scene was packed full of animation and dialogue.
Recipe Review: Miraculous Cat Noir Cookies
I tried making these Cat Noir Cookies from one of my favourite tv shows ‘Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir’ featured in the Miraculous magazine. I love to bake and love Cat Noir, so why not combine the two!
Short Story: Ruins of Popularity
The Ruins of Popularity is a short story set in Ancient Rome inspired by Giovanni Panini’s painting, ‘Roman Ruins with Figures’, 1730.
Read the story.
Book Review: Ranking the Harry Potter books
The 1st September is when Harry Potter goes back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and in celebration of this fictional day I ranked the Harry Potter books in order of ‘Best to Least Favourite’.
Book Review: What I read in AUGUST
The books I read in AUGUST included a murder mystery ARC ebook and a romcom set on the gardens of a vineyard.
Read the review to find out more.
Writing Update! Debut Fantasy Novel
At the start of 2023 I decided to set myself a goal to write a novel by the end of the year. Its now August 2023 and I’m 50k into my draft.
Book Review: Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons
Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons is a retelling of William Shakespeare’s famous love play Romeo and Juliet.
Read the review to discover more.
Review: The Spongebob Musical, UK Tour 2023. 
I visited The Spongebob Musical UK tour 2023. Read about my journey to Bikini Bottom.
Book Review: The Silk Code, by Deborah Swift
The Silk Code by Deborah Swift is an immersive historical fiction full of deception, espionage and romance.
Read the book review.
Thoughts: Harry Potter Reboot. Good or Bad?
We’re off to Hogwarts once again! Recent news of a HBO reboot of Harry Potter has caused divides between fans. I weigh in on the debate.
Book Review: Books I read in JULY
July Reading Review – all the books I read in JULY from historical fiction, romcom to time travel.
Work Experience at Penguin Random House UK
In July I completed a work placement at Penguin Random House UK. Here’s an insight into my experience.
Book Review: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe 
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore is a beautiful and cosy read that is perfect to curl up in a blanket and hot drink.
Read the review to find out more.
Review: Bastille ‘BAD BLOOD X’ Tour at Ally Pally; 14 July 2023
In celebration of 10 years of Bastille’s iconic number 1 album ‘Bad Blood’ the band perform at Alexandra Palace, 14 July 2023.
Read the review of the high-energy event.
Portugal diary 3; Visit the Zoomarine, Algarve
In the Portugal Diary 3, I visited the Zoomarine, Algarve to swim with dolphins in their Dolphin Emotion Experience. A wonderful and thrilling day out in the Algarve.
Book Review: Books I read in JUNE
This month I read a variety of exciting unpublished ARC ebooks approved by Netgalley and new releases from espionage and dazzling soirées of historical fiction, romantic comedy of a marriage of convenience and a fantasy world of bookshops and friendship.
Review: The Wizard of Oz at The London Palladium, 24 June 2023
The Wizard of Oz at The London Palladium, 24 June 2023.
Read the dazzling review.
Short Story: Life’s a lottery
A creative writing piece inspired by Giovanni Paolo Panini’s painting ‘The Lottery in Piazza di Montecitorio.
Review: Hallyu! The Korean wave @ the V&A Museum
I visited ‘Hallyu! The Korean wave’ at the V&A, London. The exhibition was informative, compelling and brought South Korea’s vibrant and fast-paced popular culture to life.
Book Review: Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree is a funny, light-hearted and fun novel that explores the power of books and friendships.
Read the review to find out more.
Review: SUGA | AGUST D TOUR ‘D – DAY’ IN JAPAN: LIVE VIEWING
BTS’ Suga also known as Agust D performs an unforgettable and passionate show on his tour in Japan. Read a review of the tour’s live stream on 4 June 2023.
Book Review – Books I Read In MAY
May Reading Review; The Poison Keeper by Deborah Swift, Secrets of the Italian Island by Barbara Josselsohn and The Spanish love deception by Elena Armas.
Sword Catcher (SAMPLER) by Cassandra Clare
I was privileged with the opportunity to read and review a short sample of Cassandra Clare’s upcoming high fantasy novel, Sword Catcher.
Albufeira Museum, Portugal Diary 2
I visited the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia in Old Town, Albufeira while on holiday. It was a compelling insight into the town’s history.
Read the review to find out more.
Måneskin at the O2 arena, London – 8 May 2023
Måneskin delivered an incredible performance that showcases the band’s talent and command of the stage.
Read the concert review to find out more.
Book Review: Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller
In this epic sequel, Daughter of the Siren Queen, Alosa struggles to master her abilities and discovers the depths of her father’s deception.
Read the book review of Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller.
Book Review: Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
The daughter of the Pirate King is set a mission of the highest importance – to get caught on purpose and stay a prisoner on the Night Farer.
Read the book review of the Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller.
From the archive: Inspiring Walt Disney
The inspiration for Disney classics, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast are explored in The Wallace Collections exhibition.
Read the review of the Inspiring Walt Disney exhibition.
Book Review: Me vs Brain by Hayley Morris
Hayley Morris’ debut book, Me vs Brain explores her relationship with her Brain, anxiety and how to navigate the world of fart etiquette, identity, therapy and much more.
Read the book review of Me vs Brain.
Submission to the RA Summer Exhibition 2023
‘STRUNG ALONG’ – submission to the Royal Academy of Arts’ Summer Exhibition 2023.
Read about Amy’s inspiration and the deeper meaning of the artwork.
🏛 ARTEFACT SPOTLIGHT 🏛
🏛 ARTEFACT SPOTLIGHT 🏛 Portrait of Joshua Ward (1686 – 1761) by Agostino Carlini displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), London.
Short Story: What lurks beneath the stormy sky
A picture tells a thousand words. In this creative writing series, I am inspired to write a short story in a thousand words using famous artwork housed in art galleries as inspiration.
Inspiration: A shipwreck in stormy seas, 1773 by artist Claude-Joseph Vernet on display at the National Gallery, London.
Book Review: Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare
Cassandra Clare’s final instalment Chain of Thorns is the battle to end all battles, the love that will conquer all and the unburdening of secrets. An epic final instalment that divides and conquers.
Read the Chain of Thorns book review.
Art debate: Is Michelangelo’s ‘David’ inappropriate?
Is Michelangelo’s famous sculpture ‘David’ inappropriate? What do you think?
Should art be used as political tools to support contemporary narratives and ideas?
Blood And Battle: Dissecting The Life Of William Beatty
The Battle of Trafalgar is an event that is synonymous with Admiral Horatio Nelson. However, there is another figure that should be given respect and attention – William Beatty, HMS Victory’s ship surgeon.
Read this review of Blood and Battle: Dissecting the life of William Beatty at the Old Royal Naval College, London.
Theatre Review: The Great British Bake Off Musical
On your marks, get set, REVIEW!
Does this production live up to the hype? Can a baking contest turn up the heat in London’s west-end?
Read this theatre review of The Great British Bake Off Musical.
Mini review: The Cambridge University Botanic Gardens
Nature is a calming and an unpredictable force that we should respect and find restful moments to relax. The world around us can be chaotic and stressful with busy lifestyles, politics and drama.
I visited the The Cambridge University Botanic Gardens and travelled the world through botanical excellence.
Read this mini review of the gardens.
Short Story: The Ice Cube Murder – the party to end all parties.
This is an excerpt from a short story where a detective has been chasing a criminal mastermind for years with no real evidence, but a gut-feeling that Mortimer Lantana is playing games, always one-step ahead, until now. The detective has cornered the mastermind and for once is winning the battles of will – or so he thinks.
A crime that is committed in plain sight and in the most public of scenes is the hardest to solve. Mortimer is the flaneur of every soirée.
The party guests have disbursed and leave the trail of their hedonism in their path, the world is quiet outside, but the noise is deafening in the detective’s mind, the clues and failures all start to slot into place and he confronts the one who always haunted the loudest and outrageously scandalous parties, never alone but always distant.
Who will win the battle that is already won? The war of deceit and charm is intoxicating.
Read this chilling short story excerpt of The Ice Cube Murder.
Book Review: Beyond the Wand, by Tom Felton
Stories are the life-blood of life and power the world we live. J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series has captured the imaginations of generations and the films have also enriched so many people’s lives and shaped their childhoods. Tom Felton, who played the sneaky and cunning Slytherin Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise, recently published the highly anticipated autobiography Beyond the Wand, 2022.
Read the magical book review of Tom Felton’s Beyond the Wand.
Theatre Review: Beauty & the Beast at The London Palladium
A tale as old as time dazzled at The London Palladium, Beauty & the Beast, June 2022.
Read a review of the magical and enticing performance of an iconic Disney classic.
Review of the London Transport Museum
Are you visiting London and want to learn about the rich network of history above and below ground?
The world is traffic-jammed with transportation from aeroplanes, cars, boats, trains and bicycles that allow everyone to travel long and short distances. It is often difficult to imagine what life was like throughout history connecting the world under and over the ground.
Read a Museum Review of the London Transport Museum
Welcome to the World of amyleighchandler!
Do you want to read captivating reviews of literature, theatre, museums and galleries? Are you a history enthusiast and adore reading books? amyleighchandler’s blog is the space for you where the imagination meets honest reviews and discussions.