I was thrilled to have spent yesterday at the ‘Meet Cute Festival’ held at Home Farm in Elstree, near Borehamwood. My day started extra early as I needed to deliver my dog to his ‘home from home’ boarding for the night. But once he was settled, I packed my car ready for a day trip along the M1.
 
The sun was shining, Pink! was singing at her best and I had my usual Maccy’s breakfast for a fabulous day. I arrived just as the festival opened at 1pm and was greeted by the smiling faces of a posse of author-friends, who I haven’t seen in many years. I think it ranged from 5 – 7 years for some folks. Regular followers will know that the past few years have dealt me some unfortunate life cards regarding health issues and relationships – but now, I’m back! I can’t explain how delighted I was to see my tribe again. Though I think the smiles in the photos below says more than I ever could! 
 
There were many book lovers and published authors mingling throughout the day – which was wonderful. The event was very casual and informal which matched the ‘glamping’ setting perfectly. 
 
The timetable of events were organised to occur at various locations simultaneously. I attended a group participation session hosted by Sarah Bennett, where authors Donna Ashcroft, Jules Wake and Leonie Mack planned a novel – which was hilarious and gave the readers in the audience an insight into the world of a creative. Cressida McLaughlin, Heidi Swain and Jessica Redland were interviewed by the adorable Kathleen Whyman, about their writing careers and experiences in the published world. The bookworm, Kim Nash interviewed author Kirsty Greenwood about her publishing success and writing process – very insightful. After which, I attended a ‘Mastermind-like’ session hosted by Alison May in which three authors, Philippa Ashley, Kerry Barrett and Jennifer Page bravely took the hot seat to answer questions on the topics of Jane Austen, Jilly Cooper and Board games. The three authors were incredible by scoring between 12 - 14 points each out of 15!  
 
I came away exhausted by the high energy and yet uplifted by the vibe! I took a slow drive towards home, back up the M1, and stopped for tea … another Maccy’s at the same location as breakfast. And arrived home, tired but happy. Thank you to everyone that I spoke to – you each played a part in my weekend of happiness!
 
Though my true happiness was collecting my beloved dog the next morning, after his mini-staycation with a fabulous couple called Simon and Phillipa! A girl’s not a girl until she’s got her dog by her side!

Today is the longest day. An incidental occurrence for most people but for me a significant day in the calendar. Why? Because I simply adore Stone Henge – which you’ll know if you follow me on Twitter/X. I won’t explain my reason why - that’s personal to me. But for as long as I can remember these distinct stones have brought me joy. And today, is their day of beauty. 
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This morning, I was chatting ‘books’ with someone who enjoys reading. I don’t like recommending titles as we’re all so different in our choices and tastes. All too often I’ve had people say to me ‘you must read (insert book title) – it’s the best!’. I’ve then read the said title and thought it totally naff! Worse still, I’ve wanted to bill someone for the twenty hours I’ve wasted, plus the cost of the book. Shame that isn’t a thing in life? As a result, I tend to mention books which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and which have stayed with me long after the final page. I tend to give the briefest outline highlighting what I liked. I’d happily scrub these five books from my memory enabling me to read and enjoy them again for the first time! Below, I’ve provided the beginning of the official blurb too.  
 
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – you knew it would be there! I simply adore it. I’ve read this novel so many times since I was a teenager and I still find something new every time. I’m rereading it at the moment, just because I can!  
The official Blurb:  Jane Austen's much-adapted novel is famed for its witty, spirited heroine, sensational romances, and deft remarks on the triumphs and pitfalls of social convention.
 
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot – this book truly amazed me. I had never heard of HeLa cells before but was gripped with this real-life story. And, very grateful!
The official Blurb: Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her enslaved ancestors, yet her cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in medicine. 
 
Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owen – set in the ‘deep South’ – this book reminded me of Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill A Mocking Bird’ - the tone, the style, the injustice of life.  
The official Blurb: For years, rumours of the “Marsh Girl” haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet fishing village. Kya Clark is barefoot and wild; unfit for polite society. So in late 1969, when the popular Chase Andrews is found dead, locals immediately suspect her.
 
The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini – set in Afghanistan in 1975, a country I knew very little about. Filled with beautiful descriptions of landscapes, kite flying and cultural tradition. Warning: one scene contains a sexual assault/violence – just saying as I wouldn’t wish for anyone to be emotionally triggered or affected, if you’ve experienced this in life. 
The official Blurb: The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. It is about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons—their love, their sacrifices, their lies.  
 
We Need To Talk About Kevin – Lionel Shriver – having worked in schools and met many adorable pupils … well, I couldn’t put it down! 
The official Blurb: Eva never really wanted to be a mother - and certainly not the mother of the unlovable boy who murdered seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker, and a much-adored teacher who tried to befriend him, all two days before his sixteenth birthday.    

I'm frequently asked for my book titles in publication order so here's a little reminder. Whether you're seeking a lengthy stay in Shetland, a summer break in Brixham or village life in the heart of England - there's an Erin Green book waiting to welcome you!

Link: Amazon