This is the third book I've read this year. This was funny, crazy sex included, and a book I don't think I could write. I like to read something a little out of my comfort zone. The next book, is bound to be that too. Jill Smith's Reviews > Dead Over Heels Dead Over Heels (Wyndham… Continue reading Book Review -Dead Over Heels…
New book in my Collection…
Yes, I've another children's YA book to add to my collection. I'm sure I'll read it in a zap. The cover enticed me with 'The Ickabog' title, and J. K. Rowling is the author, illustrated by Ben Mantle. My heart is happy. You will see the review after I catch up with my BookFest books.… Continue reading New book in my Collection…
More YouTube Travel friends- Lucas T Jahn…
This guy and his partner are recent discoveries for us on YouTube. We love the scenery and wild walking adventures of colder climates. https://youtu.be/QrhR9cCLpI0 Follow us on our roadtrip around Sweden! 🇸🇪 Sweden is a verdant oasis, a kingdom of quiet, where vast woodlands, tranquil lakes and open tundra embody the wild spirit of Scandinavia.… Continue reading More YouTube Travel friends- Lucas T Jahn…
What I’m reading next -House of Secrets…
Here's the next book I've added to my 'currently' reading list. I hope to finish three more books in the next week, then go to this one. Fingers crossed! The YouTube promotion has me salivating. You won't have to wait too long to see my book review. House of Secrets #1 House of Secrets Chris Columbus, Ned… Continue reading What I’m reading next -House of Secrets…
More You Tube travellers – Walk with me Tim…
Walk With Me Tim @WalkWithMeTim Walk with me, Tim, is another travel blog. The Hotel reviews, extravagant locations, family-friendly locations', for his family, Gabby his wife, and son, Casper. He reviews expensive top-of-the line resorts, unique places to stay, such as a converted aeroplane, a crane, and an underground cave motel. It's quite different to… Continue reading More You Tube travellers – Walk with me Tim…
More YouTube friends – Steve Marsh…
Following on from a post about Memory Seekers a couple of days ago. This guy, Steve Marsh, and his partner Alicia, are firm favourites we watch. They do travel journals that cover walks, hiking, bus trips, train trips and sleepers, ferry rides, ship journeys and everything Scottish. They also travel to Spain, as he went… Continue reading More YouTube friends – Steve Marsh…
Thinking holidays…
Yes, we're planning an escape. Wouldn't it be lovely? We won't be going to this island paradise, but we can dream, can't we? Remember when we travelled with our cruising friends? We're set to do it again. Yipee! Back to books or something a little different. - Jill
YouTube friends – Memory Seekers…
Now for something completely different. When I'm not reading, I enjoy watching YouTube with my husband. We have particular favourites, travel journalists, YouTube posts, travel docos and whatever takes our fancy. I'll share these with you over the next few days. Memory Seekers memoryseekers.net MemorySeekers Description The Best of Great Britain and Beyond! Join our… Continue reading YouTube friends – Memory Seekers…
What I’m reading next, Dead Over Heels…
Undead #6.5 Dead Over Heels MaryJanice Davidson Three all-new paranormal stories of lust, laughter, and love from the New York Times bestselling author, including an original novella featuring Undead queen Betsy Taylor.With her trademark "sassy dialogue, lusty lovemaking [and] irreverent humor"* New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson delighted fans with her wickedly sexy and wildly funny anthology, Dead and Loving… Continue reading What I’m reading next, Dead Over Heels…
A new book in my collection…
This is my latest addition to my book collection. You'll be seeing the review in the future. Modern Magic: A contemporary fantasy novel Beth Williams Magic? Check. Dragons? Sure. Deadlines? Endless.Ivy Armstride dreamed of wild, dangerous spellcraft. What she got was paperwork, malfunctioning magic, and a tiger with an identity crisis.As a junior mage at… Continue reading A new book in my collection…
Book Review- Fat Chance by Deborah Blumenthal…
I've read some scathing reviews of this book. I found it light and funny. Yes, there were lots of dieting tips, and a get-thin regime, but, there was a lot about self-love too. I found it funny. My Review Jill Smith copyright January 5, 2026 An hillarious read, with a message for overweight or plus-size,… Continue reading Book Review- Fat Chance by Deborah Blumenthal…
12 Days of Christmas writing prompts Day 12…
Today is the last day of the Writing Prompts. Marking the 12 days of Christmas, I packed away my Festive Decorations. Now it looks a bit bare. Welcome to Day 12 of the 12 Days of Christmas for 2025. This is the final prompt for this round. I'm sending the email earlier today as I'm… Continue reading 12 Days of Christmas writing prompts Day 12…
12 Days of Christmas writing prompt Days 11…
Welcome to Day 11 of the 12 Days of Christmas for 2025. It's Sunday today. I'm still getting my head around the days of the week following Christmas!Today's Prompt: Day 11Write a story about a perfect Sunday morning. Your story could be any Sunday and set anywhere in space and time (I think I've been… Continue reading 12 Days of Christmas writing prompt Days 11…
12 Days of Christmas writing prompts Days 9&10…
Welcome to Day 9 of the 12 Days of Christmas for 2025. I live in San Remo, in Victoria. Every day, except for Christmas Day, there is Pelican-feeding at 12 noon. On Boxing Day, we went down to watch them. The photo below is my view. If you zoom in, as well as the crowds… Continue reading 12 Days of Christmas writing prompts Days 9&10…
Book Review-C is for Corpse…
This is the second book I've read this year. I enjoy these Kinsey Millone, Private Investigator books. Jill Smith's Reviews > C is for Corpse C is for Corpse (Kinsey Millhone, #3)by Sue Grafton Jill Smith's review copyright Jan 07, 2026 Kinsey Millhone is a licensed private investigator. She met Bobby Callahan in the gym on Monday… Continue reading Book Review-C is for Corpse…
12 Days of Christmas 2025 days 7 & 8…
12 Days of Christmas 2025 days 7 & 8… Welcome to Day 7 of the 12 Days of Christmas for 2025. It's New Year's Eve. Most years, I spend New Year's Eve at home reading a book or watching a movie, then go to bed early. Staying up to midnight is too late for me.… Continue reading 12 Days of Christmas 2025 days 7 & 8…
12 Days of Christmas 2025 days 5 & 6…
12 Days of Christmas 2025 Day Welcome to Day 5 of the 12 Days of Christmas for 2025. It's been a tradition on day 5 to share a last line prompt. This is where I give you the last line for a story, and you write what happens before that moment. The line for today… Continue reading 12 Days of Christmas 2025 days 5 & 6…
2025 My Goodyear in books…
Here we are. I did reach my target of 120 books. Shortest Book 8 pages Longest Book 816 pages Average book length in 2025 239 pages Most Shelved - The Lost Bookshop 837,939 people also shelved My average rating for 2025 4.0 Highest Rated on Goodreads it was amazing 5.00 average My first review of… Continue reading 2025 My Goodyear in books…
Book Review – the Thieving Collectors of Fine Children’s Books…
It's New Year's Day! (as I'm writing this, you may see it a little in the future) I wish all my family, friends and blog followers a wonderful, safe and happy 2026. This book is the final book in my 2025 reading challenge. The Thieving Collectors of Fine Children's Books Adam Perry Jill Smith's Reviews >… Continue reading Book Review – the Thieving Collectors of Fine Children’s Books…
12 Days of Christmas Writing prompts – Days 3 & 4…
Melissa Gijsbers - Author, Speaker, Booklover Welcome to day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas. Today, write something featuring leftovers of some kind. The leftovers can be anything from food from Christmas to something else you can think of. Have fun Melissa Gijsbers - Author, day 4 Today we have a random word prompt.… Continue reading 12 Days of Christmas Writing prompts – Days 3 & 4…
12 Days of Christmas Writing prompts 2025/2026 Day 1&2…
Welcome to Day 1 - Christmas Day - Today's Prompt:Write a story inspired by a memory of Christmas past. Welcome to Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas for 2025. Write a story that features a box. The box can be anything at all, from a moving box to a gift box to a… Continue reading 12 Days of Christmas Writing prompts 2025/2026 Day 1&2…
Book Review – Famous Five go to Smuggler’s Top…
This is likely to be my last review of 2025. I may miss my Goodreads Target by 1. https://youtu.be/rqciRHxLIrI Jill Smith's Reviews > Five Go To Smuggler's Top (The Famous Five #4) by Enid Blyton George, Ann and the boys go back to Kirrin Cottage. Its been very windy and the trees are blowing a gale.… Continue reading Book Review – Famous Five go to Smuggler’s Top…
12 Days of Christmas Writing prompts 2025/2026…
I'm starting Melissa Gijsbers, '12 days of Christmas Writing Prompts' again this year 2025/2026. These begin on Christmas Day and go for the 12 days after that. This is her invitation to join. I would also like to invite you to join in my 12 Days of Christmas program. This is a free program where… Continue reading 12 Days of Christmas Writing prompts 2025/2026…
Happy New Year 2026 & book review Five Run Away Together #3…
Wishing all my followers, family, friends and writing gurus a wonderful 2026! Here's another book review for 2025. It's book #3 of Enid Blyton's Famous Five. Jill Smith's Reviews > Five Run Away Together (The Famous Five #3) by Enid Blyton Five Run Away Together (The Famous Five #3)by Enid Blyton Jill Smith's review copyright Dec 28,… Continue reading Happy New Year 2026 & book review Five Run Away Together #3…
History – The Black Country Bugle…
This is a Christmas present we really enjoy. Our family in Dudley sent a copy of The Black Country Bugle Annual 2026. There is fantastic reading within these pages. As my husband's family are from the area, Clive was born in Dudley, and his sister in Wolverhampton, it's great to see all the historical snippets… Continue reading History – The Black Country Bugle…
Book Review -The Sneaky Sweet Stealer…
Goodreads reading challenge, 116 of 120. Will I do it? CHAE STRATHIE (author) Chae Strathie is an award-winning author and journalist who grew up in the beautiful World Heritage village of New Lanark in central Scotland. When he left school, he moved to Edinburgh to study film and photography. He went on to work as… Continue reading Book Review -The Sneaky Sweet Stealer…
Book Review – The Famous Five – Five on a Treasure Island…
The Famous Five #1 Five on a Treasure Island Enid Blyton Book Review - The Famous Five - Five on a Treasure Island... Julian, Dick and Anne were going on holiday at their Aunt and Uncle’s in Kirrin Bay, and their cousin Georgina. The girl didn’t welcome them, insisting they call her George because she’d rather… Continue reading Book Review – The Famous Five – Five on a Treasure Island…
The Collected Regrets of Clover (audio book)…Boxing Day…
Jill Smith's Reviews > The Collected Regrets of Clover copyright 24Dec25 The Collected Regrets of Cloverby Mikki Brammer (Goodreads Author) This is an audiobook I listened to. The story is about Clover, who is a Death Doula. She is a loner whose parents died when she was six and is sent to live with her Grandfather in New… Continue reading The Collected Regrets of Clover (audio book)…Boxing Day…
Christmas Day 2025 –
May your Christmas Celebration be filled with love and fun. We are looking forward to going to our friends' homes to party. For those who love books like me, I hope you are treated to some special reading. The Ten Penners wish you blessings, joy and super fun tomorrow. Eat, Drink and be Merry! copyright25Dec25… Continue reading Christmas Day 2025 –
Christmas Eve…
Happy Christmas Eve, Book Lovers. I'll be cooking a Turkey Breast today to take to our friends for lunch tomorrow. I hope all my family, friends and followers are looking forward to a fun-filled and loving Christmas and New Year celebration. What I'm reading now and next. After reading the Miss Marple collected short stories,… Continue reading Christmas Eve…
Book Review-miss marple complete short stories…
Miss Marple #0.5, 13 Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories Agatha Christie At last - all 20 Miss Marple short stories in a single volume!Jane Marple is from the village of St Mary Mead and applies her skills of observation and deduction to a wide variety of mysteries. Several of the supporting characters appear in many… Continue reading Book Review-miss marple complete short stories…
Just Write for Kids interview…
#TheQuickSixInterview with Renee Price! We're thrilled to welcome author and storyteller, Renee Price. This is reblogged from Just Write for Kids' recent post. About The Author https://www.justkidslit.comRead on blog or ReaderThe Quick Six Interview with Renee Price on Mrs Claus By justwriteforkids on December 18, 2025Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Renee Price!We're thrilled to welcome author and storyteller, Renee Price, to the blog, to… Continue reading Just Write for Kids interview…
Just a Dog -Michael G Bauer…
Reblogged post. I simply adored 'Just a Dog'. This is a sad book, but Mr Mosely is the family dog that helps hold the family together. I wasn't sure I could do justice to this story, as yet, I've not put a full review on Goodreads. That simply means, I have to get a copy… Continue reading Just a Dog -Michael G Bauer…
Final Christmas outing #5…
Here is another Christmas outing we enjoyed with our friends. The next time we eat and drink too much while laughing will be on Christmas Day. Surfers Paradise Jill & Clive with friends RHS - Gold Coast Racecourse and canals Below -HOTA coloured building (home of the arts) Thank you, blog-following friends, for reading my… Continue reading Final Christmas outing #5…
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2025…
Currently, 111 books read. My target 120! Just 9 books to go. Will I do it? Currently reading - Up to Page 25 Audio book Up to Page 8 Not yet read Only 8 pages into Miss Marple, and I'm asking myself, why haven't I read these before? I love a good 'Who Done It,'… Continue reading Goodreads Reading Challenge 2025…
Book Review-The Shack on Serenity Mountain…
Here's another review of a very Australian story. I could relate to the characters, and enjoyed the bloke's journey, and the love story. The Shack on Serenity Mountain Grahame Moore Jill Smith copyright December 16, 2025 This is a unique love story set in the Atherton Tablelands.I enjoyed the journey of exploring life and discovering… Continue reading Book Review-The Shack on Serenity Mountain…
Book Review – CRADLE…
This book was a slow read for me. I read two other young adults' books while I was wallowing in the details of this book. In the end, it was good. Aruthur C Clarke, was a very famous best Sci-Fi writer of a generation. I'm not certain Gentry Lee did justice to his work. Jill… Continue reading Book Review – CRADLE…
Christmas Catchup #4…
Many moons ago, I used to work at a Pay TV company called 'AUSTAR', which became 'FOXTEL'. I was there for over twenty years. Each year, we have a Christmas catch-up with people from the Team, I worked in, mainly Collections. Colleen, Wendy, Ilona, and Jill. Back to books tomorrow, blog followers. - Jill
Book Review-Ella at Eden, Puppy Rescue…
Ella at Eden, Puppy Rescue #10 by Laura Sieveking Book Review - by Jill Smith copyright 13/12/2025 Ella and her friends were helping their classmate Grace with her homework. None of them wanted her to be kept down in Grade 7 rather than graduate. The students were all excited about doing a 'Service Learning Project' in… Continue reading Book Review-Ella at Eden, Puppy Rescue…
Book Review- Frances Bloom #1…
Here's a children's book that I read today. It was great. It's also the start of a series, so watch out, for more. Frances Bloom Katrina Nannestad, Marina Zlatanova (Illustrator) Jill Smith copyright December 11, 2025 Frances Bloom is unique and fun-loving. Her parents were bossy, so she posted them in a large box, to the South… Continue reading Book Review- Frances Bloom #1…
Another Christmas catch up…
This time, with the ladies I used to work with at Vinnies. It was another chat, and chat some more get together. More tomorrow, blog followers. - Jill
The Ten Penners Christmas meeting…
We had a fantastic brief meeting at our usual room, then went across to Club Helensvale for a delicious meal. A word game and laughter. We are a crazy bunch. More tomorrow, friends! Jill Smith, Coordinator, The Ten Penners.
The Lost Bookshop book review…
This is my latest read and book review. I've enjoyed so many good books this year. This is another forever keeper. Jill Smith's Reviews > The Lost Bookshop The Lost Bookshopby Evie Woods (Goodreads Author), Jill Smith's review Dec 06, 2025 really liked it Opaline London 1921, was in her bookshop, doing what she loved. Her brother Lyndon… Continue reading The Lost Bookshop book review…
12 Days of Christmas writing prompts start here…
Welcome!A month or so ago, I went to my local library and requested as many picture books as possible, with positive representation about autism, and ADHD. I already own a lot of picture books, and this was for work with a client. The librarian was amazing and it didn't take long for books to start arriving… Continue reading 12 Days of Christmas writing prompts start here…
Melissa Gijsbers prompts – 12 Days of Christmas writing prompts…
Melissa Gijsbers writes prompts throughout the year. Here are a couple of her offerings. I can't wait for her '12 days of Christmas' prompts to start, from Christmas Day. Writing PromptUsing the house in the picture, write a For Sale ad, or the story of the people moving in or out of this house! Writing… Continue reading Melissa Gijsbers prompts – 12 Days of Christmas writing prompts…
12 Days of Christmas 2025/26
Every year for many years, I've followed and written stories from Melissa Gijsbers writing prompts. I love her, 12 days of Christmas prompts. This is the start of this years prompts, and for those who haven't done these before, if you join her list you get the updates. The prompts begin on Christmas Day. 12… Continue reading 12 Days of Christmas 2025/26
The Boy Who Lost His Laugh…
Dimity Powell is a fantastic friend who inspires me to write from the heart. I love her books. 'The Boy Who Lost His Laugh', is bound to be another heart-warming book for children. I have read and reviewed many of Dimity's delightful picture books. I've been her book launches, purchased copies of her books, and… Continue reading The Boy Who Lost His Laugh…
FantaSciiCon Workshops, Panels & Talks Part 3…
Here is more about FantaSciicon Workshops coming up on WHEN: 13TH - 14TH DEC 202510AM - 5PM DAILY AT SOUTHPORT Community Centre6 Lawson St, Southport, GOLD COASTAUTHORS | ARTISTS | MAKERS | ROLEPLAYERS Nicole Walsh: Spinning Dark, Steamy, and Imaginative Tales For readers who love stories that push boundaries and blur genres, Nicole Walsh is an… Continue reading FantaSciiCon Workshops, Panels & Talks Part 3…
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