A few weeks ago we spent a weekend in the pretty Georgian city of Bath. This is one of my favourite city breaks as Bath has lovely independent shops and places to eat. I bought some books at Persephone Books and we walked around the Royal Victoria Park admiring the Georgian Royal Crescent. Whilst we were in the city we stopped just outside to visit The American Museum & Garden. As well as a great permanent collection they also have good temporary exhibitions, and I really wanted to go and visit the Quilts of Gee’s Bend. American Museum & Gardens The American Museum & Gardens is a unique museum of American decorative arts, housed in a gorgeous Georgian country house outside Bath. We’ve been fortunate to visit a few times and the kids have always enjoyed exploring the permanent collections too which include over 250 historic quilts. The garden has been developed since our last visit and the day of our visit was perfect for our visit. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed, which was a shame as our dog usually goes everywhere with us. Kith & Kin: the Quilts of Gee’s Bend at the American Museum Kith & Kin: the Quilts of Gee’s Bend opened in February and is on until the 21st June. Housed in the exhibition gallery in the grounds of the house, the exhibition celebrates the work of the African American women from a remote river island community in Alabama, where they have been making quilts for over 200 years. The women’s quilts are renowned for their bold colours, abstract designs, and improvisational style. On display were a number of quilts, as well as historic photos of Gees Bend and the process of making the quilts. Although the Gee’s Bend quilts are known for their  improvisational nature, I was drawn to the simpler ones, made with just one or two colours. Like this one by Loretta Pettway Bennett in 2003 This one by Qunnie Pettway in 1982 The choice of colours is really eye catching. We also liked the re-use of material, such as denim, in some of the quilts. Altogether an inspirational experience. I would love to make a big quilt like this one day for our home.

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I have been keeping a scrapbook for a few years now. I have always loved to keep everyday keepsakes, such as programmes, tickets and ephemera and have several boxes of these. In the last few years, I decided to keep them in a scrapbook, although it is harder and harder to collect paper ephemera as so much is digital which is not so easy to collect and keep. Creative Junk Journalling: How to collect everyday keepsakes and cherish your memories I recently heard about Creative Junk Journalling: How to collect everyday keepsakes and cherish your memories and I thought this would be a wonderful way to improve my scrapbooking hobby. I love hands-on activities and tend to do much better engaging with something physical than spending time on screens. What is Junk Journalling? According to the author, junk journalling is a patient process and perfect if you are looking to unwind and embrace slowness. It is a fantastic way to celebrate the mess and memories with an intentional process of making something from something which usually gets thrown away. It’s a form of art, but one where you can make the rules, or ignore the rules! I’m the first to admit my scrapbook is a little plain and simple. Primarily it’s a place for me to record a significant event, such as a concert or keeping my daughters’ paper number from her latest athletic competition. Junk journalling differs from scrapbooking, in that where scrapbooking can focus on s big life event such as your year/holiday/birthday, junk journalling is more creative (and fun!) as well as often focussing on the smaller things. It can also include elements of journalling, so you end up with happy mash up of scrapbooking, journalling, and junk journalling. Any way you look at it, there is a chance to record things which may you happy in a fun, colourful and creative way. I hope it is clear I’ve learned a lot from the book already. The book is well laid out with sections on what you need to get started, loads of ideas and layouts, as well as some fun craft ideas. The end of the book includes perforated pages with stickers, cut outs and backing papers, which is a terrific way to get started and see what you enjoy. There are even some suggestions for those who want to explore the digital world of junk journalling. Altogether Creative Junk Journalling is a wonderful way to explore the craft of junk journalling and bring more creativity into your life. I tried the custom mini tin craft. My daughter told me about this a few months ago and I bought a couple of tins for us to experiment with. She made some lovely tins filled with stickers and small items. I failed miserably with mine until I read the book and tried again. I used the backing papers and cut outs to customise my tin until I was much happier with it. If you take a look on Pinterest there are so many fun ideas to explore! Creative Junk Journalling: How to collect everyday keepsakes and cherish your memories by Natasha Ahmed. Published by Rock Point on 11th June 2026. The book is priced £18.99 and available from all good book shops.

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The manner in which you enjoy your coffee tends to grow along with you: from brewing it black straight in a cup to ultimately getting around to buying your very first bean-to-cup coffee machine… Wherever you are in your coffee journey, a dedicated home coffee corner is a great way to make your daily cup of joe that much more enjoyable. Great news coming ahead: your very own home barista setup doesn’t have to take up a lot of space or cost you a fortune! If you’re ready to take the next step in your quest for the perfect home-brewed cuppa, you’re right where you need to be—we’ve got some excellent tips that will help you do just that. Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves A great home coffee corner is one that fits your lifestyle and your brewing habits. Before you begin setting yours up, ask yourself: how do you like to brew your coffee? Are you a proud owner of an espresso or bean-to-cup coffee machine? Or are French presses your thing instead? Whatever it is, your favourite brewing method is your best starting point when it comes to building your home coffee corner. Next up (for those of you who aren’t opting for a bean-to-cup coffee machine anyway) is a coffee grinder. In fact, some people argue that how you grind your coffee is actually more important than how you brew it! No wonder: it’s a well-known fact that freshly ground beans are superior to pre-ground alternatives. If you’re looking for something compact and affordable, a manual grinder might be your best bet; but if you’re chasing maximum precision, consider investing in an electric grinder.  Photo: pexels.com Now stock up on your favourite coffee, get a canister to store it in, and that’s the essentials covered! Anything else can only enhance your home café further: for example, fans of milk-based drinks will definitely make use of an electric milk frother, while perfectionists may appreciate a coffee scale. Grab a couple of coffee syrups, have some cinnamon or cocoa powder ready, perhaps add a tin of cookies too… What’s next on the list is figuring out where you’re going to place them. Location, Location, Location When it comes to the ideal spot for your personal coffee corner, there are plenty of options to choose from: what about that forgotten little corner of your kitchen, the free area on your countertop, an empty windowsill, or the awkward little nook that’s always been a bit of a nuisance? You don’t need lots of space at all: in fact, some of the best home coffee stations are surprisingly compact. Photo: pexels.com Convenience is absolutely key here. Choosing a place near a water source, with easy access to a few power outlets, will help your daily coffee routine go off without a hitch. Lighting is important too: while you can add a couple of cosy little lamps later, nothing beats natural light. It’ll make your at-home coffee space feel that much more open and inviting.  Those who are really short on space need not despair either! What about a mobile coffee bar set up on a charming little rolling cart? That way, you’ll be able to bring your coffee wherever it’s needed most, be it your kitchen, your living room, or your home office.  Getting Your Coffee Corner Organised To create a truly convenient coffee corner, some organisation is required. You want your brewing routine to go smoothly, so arrange your tools and appliances in a way that makes sense. It’s a great idea to have specific areas for different brewing stages: for example, here’s your bean-to-cup coffee machine at the very centre, with coffee beans, a scoop, and a scale on the left, and a couple of gorgeous mugs with a selection of syrups and spices on the right.  Proper storage is just as important for a clutter-free, hassle-free home coffee station, so stock up on some pretty tins, jars or ceramic bowls. Trays can also come in handy, especially when it comes to separating one zone from another: why not arrange all of your barista tools on a nice wooden tray instead of having them scattered here and there?  Photo: pexels.com If you’re still struggling to get everything you need onto the little table you’ve designated as your coffee corner, make use of vertical space too! You’ll be surprised what a difference a shelf or two, or some pretty vintage hooks for your mugs, can make. From Practical to Pretty Your coffee corner is fully functional—now let’s make it fabulous as well! Here’s where your creativity can truly blossom: whether it’s a contrasting colour scheme, an impressive mug selection, a couple of sleek art prints, a vintage frame, a few small plants, a chalkboard to announce your current coffee menu on, or a little something you’ve handcrafted yourself.  You can look online for some inspiration, but don’t limit yourself to the suggestions you get: after all, it’s YOUR coffee corner, so let it reflect your unique personality!  Ready to Set Yours Up? While some people say there’s nothing better than a morning cuppa, you’re about to find out otherwise: what’s better is a morning cuppa coming straight out of a home barista corner you’ve lovingly set up yourself. Now go ahead and start creating your own personal café!   

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Studying GCSE Chemistry outside a traditional classroom has become a realistic option for many UK families. Online provision has grown considerably, and with it the range of delivery models on offer, from self-paced video courses to fully timetabled, live teacher-led lessons that mirror the structure of a school day. For a subject like Chemistry, where topic sequencing, practical understanding, and exam technique all need to build on one another, the delivery model matters as much as the content itself. Queen’s Online School is a live-taught online school for primary through Sixth Form, part of Cambridge Online Education Group and approved by Pearson Edexcel. This guide explains what live teacher-led Chemistry lessons look like in practice, how a structured GCSE timetable supports progress in a science subject, and what families should check before choosing an online GCSE courses UK provider. What Live Teacher-Led Lessons Actually Look Like The word “live” can mean different things across online education providers. Some apply it to pre-recorded videos with a comment function. Others use it for scheduled, interactive sessions where a qualified teacher is present, responding to questions in real time and adapting the lesson as it moves. For GCSE Chemistry, that distinction matters. Topics such as atomic structure, bonding, and quantitative chemistry require stepwise understanding, and gaps that go unnoticed in a self-paced model can compound over time. Families looking for live GCSE lessons online will find that Queen’s Online School, part of Cambridge Online Education Group and approved by Pearson Edexcel, delivers GCSE Chemistry through scheduled, teacher-led sessions on a fixed weekly timetable. Students attend at set times, interact with their teacher during the lesson, and receive feedback on their work throughout the course. A live lesson in Chemistry at Queen’s follows a clear pattern. The teacher introduces or revisits a topic, works through examples on screen, and checks understanding before students attempt similar problems. Questions are answered in real time, and the teacher can spot when a concept has not landed and address it before the lesson moves on. That cycle of explanation, practice, and correction is difficult to replicate through recorded content alone. Class Sizes and Direct Teacher Access Small class sizes allow teachers to monitor each student’s engagement directly. A teacher can notice when someone is not following and respond with a targeted question or a brief one-to-one explanation. For GCSE Chemistry, where students often struggle at the same conceptual points (mole calculations, ionic equations, rates of reaction), a teacher who can identify confusion early and address it during the lesson makes a measurable difference to how students move through the course. How a Structured GCSE Chemistry Timetable Supports Learning A structured GCSE timetable means lessons happen at fixed times, topics follow a planned sequence, and the course builds toward the exam in a logical order. This differs from a drop-in or self-directed model, where students log on when convenient and work through content in any order. For Chemistry, sequencing is not optional. Atomic structure underpins bonding. Bonding connects to properties of materials and then extends into reactivity and rates. A student who misses or skips an early unit will encounter problems further into the course. Following the Pearson Edexcel Specification At Queen’s Online School, the GCSE Chemistry programme follows the Pearson Edexcel specification across both assessed papers. Each lesson fits into the overall plan, so no topic is missed or covered out of order. Students joining in Year 10 work through every required unit before exams begin. The Pearson Edexcel match also benefits students who have been studying the same specification at a mainstream school, since there is no adjustment required when they continue their studies online. For families comparing online GCSE courses from UK providers, exam-board continuity is worth checking early. Switching specification mid-course can mean revisiting content already covered or encountering gaps in topics the new board requires. A provider that publishes its exam board clearly and maps its lessons to the specification gives families a straightforward way to assess fit before enrolling. Lesson Cadence Across the Two-Year Course The GCSE online Chemistry programme at Queen’s is designed so that the lesson cadence across Year 10 and Year 11 keeps pace with the specification. Students cover the required content at a rate that allows time for consolidation and revision before the exam series. Regular attendance tracking and ongoing feedback from teachers means that any student falling behind is identified early, giving time to address gaps before they become a bigger problem. How Live Lessons Address the Laboratory Work Requirement Laboratory work is a genuine concern for families considering GCSE Chemistry outside a physical school. The Pearson Edexcel specification includes required experiments, and students are expected to understand experimental methods, data analysis, and sources of error. At GCSE level, Pearson Edexcel does not require a separate endorsement for experimental work. These skills are assessed entirely through written questions in the exam papers, which means the preparation approach for online students is the same as for those studying at a traditional school. Preparing for Experimental Exam Questions Through Live Instruction At Queen’s, preparation for experimental exam questions is built into the live lesson programme rather than treated as a separate add-on. Teachers work through required experiments using virtual demonstrations and guided walkthroughs, covering experimental design, variables, and data interpretation as part of regular lessons. Students practise the written formats those experiments take in the exam, so they are not encountering question types for the first time under timed conditions. Teacher-led discussion of common errors and how to account for them in written answers is part of how the course addresses this area. A student who can explain why a titre result might be anomalous, or describe the controls needed for a rate-of-reaction experiment, is prepared for the relevant questions on both papers. That preparation comes through repeated exposure in lessons rather than a single revision session at the end of the course. Exam Entry and Choosing an Approved Centre A student studying GCSE Chemistry outside a mainstream school is classed as a private candidate. Exam entry needs to be arranged independently rather than through an automatic school registration. The key requirement is finding an approved examination centre that accepts external candidates for the relevant specification. What to Check Before Starting an Online GCSE Chemistry Course Before committing to any provider, a short set of practical questions helps establish whether the course is genuinely structured or self-directed in practice. Ask how many live lesson hours per week are included per subject. A specific answer, broken down by subject, gives a clearer picture of teaching contact than a general course description. Ask how class sizes are capped and how the teacher monitors individual progress during lessons. How to Take the First Step Towards Live GCSE Chemistry Lessons Studying GCSE Chemistry online with live teacher-led lessons is a practical option when the provider offers a fixed timetable, Pearson Edexcel specification coverage, and clear exam-centre access. The structured GCSE timetable, lesson cadence, and approach to experimental exam question preparation all shape how well a student progresses through the course and how prepared they are when exams arrive. Checking the published timetable, fee bands, and exam-centre arrangements alongside that taster gives a complete picture of what the course involves.

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There’s something oddly comforting about a tidy home—especially when the drawers finally close properly, the surfaces are clear, and you’re not constantly tripping over “things to sort out later.” But there’s one area many of us forget to tackle: old tech. You know the one. That drawer full of chargers, cracked screens, and phones you’ve promised yourself you’ll deal with “one day.” The good news? That forgotten tech isn’t just clutter—it can actually be turned into cash or given a new life. Why Old Phones Deserve a Second Look We tend to think of old phones as useless once they’ve been replaced, but in reality they often still hold surprising value. Even if the battery doesn’t last as long as it used to, or the screen has a few scratches, many devices can be refurbished, reused, or recycled for parts. That means your unused gadgets aren’t just sitting there—they’re quietly losing value every month they stay forgotten. So instead of letting them gather dust, it might be time to rethink what they’re really worth. Turning Clutter Into Cash (Without the Stress) If you’ve been putting off dealing with your old devices because it feels like a hassle, you’re definitely not alone. Life gets busy, and sorting tech rarely feels like a priority. But the process is much simpler than it used to be. If you’re thinking about a trade in iphone, for example, many services now offer quick online valuations, prepaid postage, and fast payments once your device is received. No listing, no negotiating, no waiting around for buyers. The same goes for Android devices too. Many people are surprised to learn they can still get money back from older models that have been sitting unused for years. Don’t Forget About Samsung Devices It’s not just Apple phones that hold value. If you’ve upgraded from a Samsung device, a samsung trade in programme can be a really simple way to recoup some of the cost. Even older Galaxy models are often accepted because they can be refurbished or broken down for parts. As a result, what might feel like an “old phone” to you could still be useful in someone else’s hands—or contribute to new devices being made more sustainably. A Gentle Approach to Digital Decluttering Unlike big clear-outs or home renovations, sorting your tech doesn’t need to be overwhelming. It can actually be a nice little weekend task, especially if you break it down: Gather all unused devices in one place Check which ones still power on Decide what can be sold, recycled, or donated Wipe personal data safely before sending anything off There’s something quite satisfying about seeing that pile of forgotten gadgets turn into a smaller, more intentional set of belongings. It’s Not Just About Money While getting a bit of extra cash is always nice (especially with rising household costs), there’s another benefit to trading in old tech: sustainability. Modern electronics contain valuable materials that can be reused, and recycling or refurbishing helps reduce waste and the need for new raw materials. Many phones traded in through schemes like trade in iphone or samsung trade in programmes are refurbished and passed on to new users, extending their lifespan rather than sending them straight to landfill. It’s a small change, but when lots of people do it, it adds up. Making It Part of Your Home Routine If you enjoy seasonal decluttering—spring cleans, autumn resets, or even just a Sunday tidy-up—adding a quick tech check-in can be really helpful. Ask yourself: Do we still use this device? Could it be worth something? Is it just taking up space “just in case”? More often than not, the answer is surprisingly clear. A Kinder Way to Let Go of Old Tech Letting go of things isn’t always easy, especially when they’ve been part of daily life. Phones in particular hold memories—photos, messages, moments we don’t want to lose. But backing everything up and passing the device on doesn’t erase those memories. It simply frees up space for new ones. So instead of that old phone sitting quietly in a drawer, it could be helping someone else, being responsibly recycled, or even funding your next upgrade. And that feels a lot more satisfying than clutter ever could. Final Thought If you’ve been meaning to clear out that “tech drawer” for months (or years), this might be your gentle reminder. A trade in iphone or samsung trade in doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be a small, simple step towards a tidier home—and a slightly fuller wallet too.

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Starting my week with the Weekly Edit is a ritual I’ve kept for years. It’s my favourite Monday morning anchor—a chance to slow down, celebrate the ‘small wins,’ and gather the smiles from the week behind us. Part reflection and part record-keeping, it’s my way of documenting our family’s adventures before the next chapter begins. The Weekly Edit {Week 22/2026} I enjoyed a few days away with the youngest teen on the Isle of Wight. The weather was hot and sunny and we enjoyed some lovely meals out including lunch at The Garlic Farm, and lunch at Quarr Abbey – two of our favourite places. I tried the delicious black garlic and chocolate ice cream. I’m really enjoying my new camera, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo. I’ve relied on my iPhone camera for so long, so it’s odd to remember to pick up a camera when I head out. It’s worth it to have fun photos and they are great for my junk journalling hobby. My daughter took part in an athletics competition. I was really glad the weather wasn’t quite so hot. It was lovely to see her enjoying herself, and I think she may have got a new personal best! We went out foraging for elderflower so we could make our own elderflower cordial. There are plenty of blooms around where we live so we took the dog for a walk and collected a bag full of them. We left them to stew overnight and they filled the house with such a gorgeous scent. To escape the heat we enjoyed a few cinema trips last week, the films couldn’t have been more different! I went to watch The Sheep Detectives with one teen and The Mandalorian and Grogu with the other!

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I love the start of a new year. Each month I love to write a round up of what I’ve been making and my analogue hobbies. This helps me to see what I’ve made, and holds me accountable for projects half started or bought. This year I’m calling my series The Monthly Thread. May’s post is all about outdoor art & a new camera. The Monthly Thread: May’s outdoor art & new camera Baking My teen made the most amazing Pretzel Rice Krispie Cakes, the recipe was from a supermarket magazine. These tasted so good, we will definitely be encouraging her to make them again. Making I love trying new crafts so bought a sweet little watercolour paint book from Sostrene Grenes to try. Each page features a different picture to paint and a built-in selection of solid watercolour paints. It’s super easy to activate the paint, by simply dipping your paintbrush in water, wet the dry paint pans in the book, and mix to the desired shade. I had fun with another 1000 piece puzzle from Happily featuring all kinds of objects from the 70s including a lava lamp, Pet Rock, Spirograph and slinky. I’ve finished about six of these puzzles now, they are a really enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. I’ve been junk journalling for a few years now so have been enjoying using the new Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo I bought recently. I’ve printed out some of my favourite photos to use in my junk journalling. Reading I read two great books in May, and started a third book too. The first book was a cosy crime novel, Shrink Solves Murder by Philippa Perry which was really fun. The second book was The Lost Château by Dinah Jefferies, which I also really enjoyed, as it felt like a historical crime novel. I’ve recently been sent some lovely new craft books to review, Air-Dry Masterpieces and Creative Junk Journalling, so I will be sharing those with you next month. Out and about There have been some beautiful historic houses, thanks to our National Trust membership, as well as a trip to the theatre to see Uncanny: Fear of the Dark. We also managed to walk most of the free The National Gallery Art On Your Doorstep Newport art trail. This was a lovely trail featuring 18 life-size replicas of world-famous masterpieces woven throughout the town’s historic streets, alleyways, and harbourside.   The Monthly Thread: April’s quilts & cake The Monthly Thread: March’s punch needle & sashiko The Monthly Thread: February’s lino cuts & an Irish Chain mini The Monthly Thread: January’s embroidery sampler & linen collage

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Source: Pexels European cities have quickly become one of the most popular playgrounds for family travel. In fact, research shows that Europe earns billions of dollars for overnight trips across the continent. Therefore, Europe is one of the best places to take your kids for vacation. That’s more so during city breaks. Read on to learn how you can make your European tour actually fun for kids. Getting the Whole Family Connected the Moment You Land When travelling with kids, you need to know that constant navigation is essential. That’s because you’ll need to find the nearest park, locate family-friendly restaurants, and share locations with split-up groups. This is why you need your whole family to be connected. The connectivity will give you internet access, which you’ll use to access maps and other navigation apps. And the best way to stay connected while in Europe is through the Holafly eSIM. This eSIM is an effortless data solution for families exploring Europe and other countries of the world. It allows your whole family to be connected from the moment you land. For example, Holafly eSIM in the UK will ensure you are connected to UK local networks from the moment you land. On the other hand, Holafly eSIM Nigeria will ensure you connect to local Nigerian networks. This means that it facilitates an affordable and stable connection. What’s more, it comes with an automatic 1GB monthly backup that ensures parents always have a live connection even after a heavy-duty day of: ● Maps ● Translation apps ● Keeping the kids entertained. European Cities With Surprisingly Good Things to Do With Children There are several European cities that offer surprisingly good things as you travel with toddlers or older children. One of them is Copenhagen. It boasts the Tivoli Gardens, an aquarium, beaches, and over 140 playgrounds where kids can enjoy. Also, there is Lisbon in Portugal. It has one of the best aquariums in Europe, the Oceanario de Lisboa. How to Pace a City Break So Kids Don’t Hit a Wall by Day Two Source: Pexels You may be tempted to squeeze in museums, landmarks, playgrounds, beaches, shopping streets, and guided tours in one day. That can be overwhelming for kids. To avoid that? Pace your city break so kids don’t hit the wall by day two. Do that by: ● Engaging in one major activity per day. ● Having regular downtimes so kids can reset between sights. ● Building a flexible itinerary. Finding Family-Friendly Food When You Don’t Speak the Language Another thing that you can do to make your European city break fun for kids is to find family-friendly food, even when you don’t speak the language. The easiest way to do that is to go for the universal food, such as potatoes, pasta, grilled meat, rice, bread, soup, yoghurt, fruit, and plain kids-friendly sides. Also, when you are unsure, ask for plain, no-spice, or on the side dishes. Making City Breaks Feel Like an Adventure Rather Than a Chore Adults tend to approach travel with checklists. On the other hand, children go for experiences that feel playful, surprising, and interactive. So, when you use that adult approach, your kids may end up feeling like the European city break is a chore rather than an adventure. The solution? Take your kids through interactive places and experiences, such as science museums, boat rides, food markets, street performances, aquariums, and public playgrounds.

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Starting my week with the Weekly Edit is a ritual I’ve kept for years. It’s my favourite Monday morning anchor—a chance to slow down, celebrate the ‘small wins,’ and gather the smiles from the week behind us. Part reflection and part record-keeping, it’s my way of documenting our family’s adventures before the next chapter begins. The Weekly Edit {Week 21/2026} We started the week with yet another school trip. My daughter went to Silverstone Museum for a STEM day with some of her classsmates. Last week I told you how we started to strip the wallpaper in our living room. We got someone in to clean the radiators so these can be drained and replaced before we finish painting the walls. The house is so dusty and messy but hopefully it will be worth it. The whole family is into photography so I jumped in and bought myself a new camera, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo. It’s a cute little hybrid camera, I can choose to print the photo or save the digital image to my iPhone. I use the camera on my iPhone a lot, but wanted to be able to print photos as I love to collage and scrapbook too. The film cartridge is good for 10 photo prints. We re-visited Montacute House using our National Trust membership. The weather was hot and sunny so we sought the shade in the garden, and opted for ice creams in the courtyard. My reading has slowed down a little as we’ve reached half term but I’m enjoying Greengates by RC Sherriff at the moment (the beautiful Persephone grey copy, obviously). I loved A Fortnight in September by RC Sherriff, and this is just as good so far.

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I’ve been enjoying reading a lot recently. Perhaps it’s the cooler weather, or just that I’ve found some great books, but it feels like I’m reading a lot. Actually I’ve read 8 out of my 24 target for the Goodreads 2026 Reading Challenge, which I’m pretty pleased with. I’m not sure how I discovered Dinah Jefferies, but I usually enjoy her historical novels a lot. Her latest novel is The Lost Château and is published next month. The Lost Château by Dinah Jefferies A secret lies behind every door… The Dordogne, 1936 Amid tangled gardens and crumbling walls, Chateau Rousseau guards its secrets well. Pushing open its faded door, Thirza Caruthers arrives to care for her great-aunt. She’s made a promise – unaware of what awaits. As the skies darken above Europe, the chateau begins to reveal its secrets: stories of forbidden love, devastating betrayal, and a child who vanished years ago. But in uncovering the truth, Thirza may lose herself forever.   I think this may well be my favourite Dinah Jefferies novel so far. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of The Greek House (see my review here), The Lost Château successfully carries on with the story of Thirza and Emilio. This time round, the plot is so much stronger and really drives the narrative. It’s a fantastic page turner, set against a wonderfully picturesque backdrop that spans the Spanish Civil War and the lead up to the Second World War in Europe. The Lost Château by Dinah Jefferies published the 4th June 2026 by HarperCollins UK. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC. You may be interested in my other reviews of books by Dinah Jefferies: The Greek House by Dinah Jefferies Night Train to Marrakech by Dinah Jefferies The Hidden Palace by Dinah Jefferies Daughters of War by Dinah Jefferies The Tuscan Contessa by Dinah Jefferies The Missing Sister by Dinah Jefferies The Sapphire Widow by Dinah Jefferies Before The Rains by Dinah Jefferies The Tea Planter’s Wife by Dinah Jefferies The Silk Merchant’s Daughter by Dinah Jefferies

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