This is a local pub that attracts a wide assortment of customers from the local area and further afield. The bar area is popular for the sports on their huge tv's. The dining area is also fairly large and welcomes children. Prices are very reasonable, with the pub employees all very friendly. I tend to use this restaurant with family and friends, and the large car park is handy for all my friends to park safely.

Do you find that you get cold very quickly when you are just sitting writing, reading, or even watching television? I was getting so cold and could never get my feet warm. I invested in one of these heated throws, not really knowing what to expect, but I was really pleased. The heating area is almost as big as the throw, which is 130cm x 160cm.

Check out My 2025 Year in Books on Goodreads!

I have posted about these before, but they are worthy of another post as they are so brilliant. I must add that my granddaughter does them for me, but they can also be done by yourself. The choice of nail colour and styles is huge, with new ones being added all the time. As some places have snow, I thought these would be nice for the cold January.

I have just started this book by CATHERINE STEADMAN, LOOK IN THE MIRROR. I liked the sound of this when I bought it, and so far it is not letting me down. I am hoping to get a good grip on it over the weekend, as I am staying in. The weather is cold, and my new hip does not seem to like the cold.

PUBLISHED BY AUTHOR GATE ON THE 5th NOVEMBER 2025 My first book of the year to read, which was given to me by the author to review, it took me six days, and it is a type of book that I have never read before. The concept behind the story is unique, so it will be very popular. The main person is Clara, who is going to be killed by a very unhinged man.

I received the full set of L'Oréal skin care from my sister for Christmas, so I'm expecting wonderful results! Have you tried any of these? I am particularly interested in the laser eraser as my eyelids have too much skin. I will let you know if it works. The creams, especially the night cream, has a nice feel and really soak into your skin.

I received three books over christmas two from my sister and one from the author G.A. Wooldridge. This is the one I am reading first, which I started yesterday, Footsteps of the Dead. From what I have read so far, it is an excellent story for a first-time author. I just want to stay in and read it all, so that is my weekend planned!

THE WEDDING HITCH  ARE YOU MY HALLEY HART? These books were given to me by Claire McCauley at the Meet Cute Book Festival I went to back in the summer. Which will be on again next year and is really worth getting tickets for, as it was one of the best book events I have ever been to. I enjoyed both these books, which were nice, smooth reading for December and the run-up to festivities.

This Bohomoon jewellery is superb. I have bought a few bits from them, and they do keep their shine, unlike a lot of jewellery. It arrives in a plastic wallet, which is very handy to use for holidays to keep your jewellery from getting tangled. I particularly like the small plastic pocket and find it ideal to keep your earrings in.

I am friends with Jo's mum, Linda, so we popped along to this event the other night, which was my first time out since my full hip replacement. A much-needed escape from the walls of my flat! We had an enjoyable time; the acts were fun and provided a good mixture of laughs that everyone enjoyed. I am definitely looking forward to more of these in the New Year.

I have found two Christmas-themed books on my bookshelf, so I am reading them to get myself motivated for the holiday season and all it entails. Do you read books that are linked to the season? CHRISTMAS IN PEPPERCORN STREET BY ANNA JACOBS This is a feel-good book that will keep you turning the pages as you eagerly await the happy ending.

You cannot beat a personalised story for children. Storybug have the best selection for you to choose from, so you get the one that suits the reader. These books are of really good quality; the paper is thicker, so it cannot be torn easily, and you could probably wipe them over if sticky fingers get on the pages. I love the pictures; these keep the child entertained while you read to them or they read to you.

Published by Hodder Paperbacks on 10th April 2025 This was a good 5-star read that I could not put down. Surprises all the way through, and you were never sure what way it would go, then a twist. Big characters that really did the job, surprising you at times. Just goes to show you cannot trust anyone! Definitely a good present for the bookworm or a Christmas read.

    The Marlow in Canterbury was showing the Tina Turner life story, and Kara and I went to see it the other evening. It was very good, the singing was amazing, and how they portrayed the problems in her early life was very well done. She really was an amazing woman and very talented. The theatre was packed, I had never been to the Marlow before, it is very nice, and we found parking close by.

I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa a couple of weeks ago as she was talking at The Sandgate Literary Festival. It was such a pleasant afternoon. What a lovely lady she is. So down to earth, no wonder she writes such great books. I bought Breaking the Dark, and I loved it. Very different to her normal style of writing, as she collaborated with…

This was so unbelievable that I just had to write about it! LOL I saw that a local place was advertising their festive lunches, so my friends and I thought we would book that for our December Christmas get-together. We had to pay a £5 deposit each. I  went to the bar to book. I was then told I had to book online, but after I book online, they can then take the deposit.

A few events are taking place in Sandgate this weekend, with some still having tickets available, so get in quick if you're interested. The children's events look excellent, and who doesn't like a couple of hours to chill with no questions, even if it is just to have a coffee in peace. I am loving the look of this. What a super way to spend Sunday afternoon with your family and friends.

PUBLISHED BY PENGUIN ON THE 31st JULY 202 Ruth Mancini is an author and criminal defence lawyer. Her background as a solicitor adds authenticity to her crime and psychological fiction. She has spent two decades representing those accused of crimes, navigating courtrooms and police stations. Her storytelling prowess and legal background combine to create thrilling reads that will keep you guessing until the very end.

CATHY BRAMLEY I write uplifting, heartwarming romance novels. My stories are about people I’d want to be friends with, characters my readers will root for. They are often ordinary women doing extraordinary things. I want my books to help readers find joy in everyday moments and to cherish life's unpredictability. I've been a lover of stories since I was tiny and used to beg my mum to take me to the library because I’d finished all my books and was desperate for new ones.

PUBLISHED BY AVON ON THE 31st JULY 202 Hannah Brennan lives in South East London, where she was born and raised. She studied English Literature at Durham University – alongside British Sign Language, which she uses in her role as a trustee for the Royal Association for Deaf People. After returning from the North East, Hannah has turned her love of pubs into a career, working in marketing and technology for many fantastic British hospitality brands.

 Published by Pan Macmillan Ltd This is a series of three books that went viral on TikTok, and I can see why now. THE FLOCK 19-year-old Cecilia has to go and live in the country with her father for a year, and then she will be given her inheritance, which she hopes to help her mother and pay for her college.

PUBLISHED BY AVON ON THE 25th JULY 2025 This book received a lot of publicity as the author was seriously ill in the hospital during its publication. Many authors, bloggers, and publishers shared the book on his behalf. I thought that was such a lovely thing to do, and I am sure it helped in his recovery, as he wouldn't have had to worry about his book launch.

My flowers are doing very well this year, with brilliant colours, such as the lilies. We have had gorgeous sunshine, so hopefully it will carry on for the school summer holidays. I have been a bit quiet lately, as when I went for my steroid injection in my hip, he scanned it. He said there was inflammation there, so no injection.