Although most of you will know me for my fruit and vegetable growing adventures, I also spend a significant amount of my time reading. Quite a few years ago now, I graduated from The University of Edinburgh with an MA in English Literature. I then pursued a career in teaching, where I spent 13 years as an English Teacher and then, in 2023, moved into the role of Principal Teacher of Guidance. Within my school, I run training sessions for newly qualified teachers where we discuss a range of issues which relate to teaching pedagogy and literacy and I also co-host a staff book club where we, as a group, are keen to explore a range of fiction and non-fiction texts with pertinent themes and interesting characters. I love reading a range of genres but historical fiction is my absolute favourite, with crime and literary fiction a close second and third. I also really enjoy reading non-fiction books about history, society and politics, gardening, sustainable living and nature.
At present, I am a part of the Bloomsbury Creator’s Circle and also the Penguin Influencers’ Group. I am also active on Netgalley and regularly read and review upcoming titles for numerous publishers, such as Penguin, Headline, House of Zeus, Random House and Canongate.
Here are some of my favourite reads so far…
I also regularly write reviews about the books I receive, especially advanced and proof copies. You can find some of those here:
