the year in books: august

By the skin of my teeth. My year in books August post. Last month I read That Summer at Hill Farm by Miranda France. It is a well written first novel set on a farm in the English countryside.

The main plot centres around Hill Farm and Hayes, the farmer, his wife Isobel and their three children. The village inhabitants, who are a little stereotyped, play a role in the drama which unfolds in this idyllic rural setting.  The author has a natural writing style which I really enjoyed. She eloquently describes life in the countryside. Both the good and bad.

The novel does drift occasionally though and comes to an unresolved end which left me feeling slightly shortchanged. Despite this, That Summer at Hill Farm is worth reading. I'd definitely read future novels by Miranda France.

For the year in books in September I've chosen Perfect by Rachel Joyce. I'm hoping it lives up to its recommendation from The Times. 'You will end up recommending this wild, searching book to everyone you know.' I'll let you know next month if I reckon a recommendation is deserved.

Joining in as always with Laura.

simple pleasures

Simple pleasures which made me happy recently.

: :    All the blues. Skies, sheets and pegs.

: :    Bees and butterflies on the oregano. 

: :    The scent of thyme flowers. 

A record of these simple happy things. So reminiscent of summer as the seasons begin to change again. The weather here is blustery at best and has been properly cold some days. 

Autumn is my favourite season. But shouldn't we have just a little more summer? What do you think? Are you looking forward to the change of season?

holiday snaps

This week, one month ago we were in beautiful South Wales. For seven lovely days. I left a little piece of my heart there. We all loved it so much. Our return has been planned.

These photos are an edited selection of hundreds taken. I didn't want to bore you all to tears so chose just a few. I think they capture our fun in the sun.

The colours in these pictures please me no end. So many perfect blues and greens. My favourites.

I can't believe how long it has taken me to get this post together. This summer is running away from me.