Top Fifteen Books of 2015!

It’s been a long time since I last blogged - sorry! - but I’ve had a lot going on and it is very difficult with my schedule the way it is to blog as regularly as I’d like to. But I’m making it one of my new year’s resolutions to make more time for my blog, so fingers crossed!

Basically, I got really behind on my reviews and as they mounted up, I got more and more worked up and it made me procrastinate majorly. So for my return to blogging, I decided to do a post about my favourite 2015 releases that I read. They’re in no particular order but they were all released in 2015 and I haven’t included any I am yet to read (that post is coming!)

Remix by Non Pratt

After Trouble, I wondered what Non would write next. When I found out it was set at a music festival, I could not place a pre-order fast enough. I loved the characters, Kaz and Ruby, as Non writes teenagers so well it’s hard not to feel like they actually exist. Her humour is right up my street and I couldn’t put this book down. I can’t wait to read what she writes next.

The Fill-in Boyfriend by Kaisie West

This was my second Kaisie West book, my first being The Distance Between Us, and she’s become one of my favourite writers. This story was so different to anything I’d read before and I love the characters Kaisie creates. On The Fence is on my reading list for 2016.

Things We Know By Heart by Jessi Kirby

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2015, I was hooked from the first time I heard about it and I started to read it the same day it arrived. It was such a heart-warming story, and such an interesting concept. I would definitely recommend this book to you all!

Simon and the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I loved this book so much that I lent it to two of my closest friends after reading it, and they loved it so much that they had to buy a copy for themselves. I had been following people’s reviews of it before reading it myself and I didn’t come across anyone who disliked it.

The Last Leaves Falling by Sarah Benwell

Sarah is my auntie’s best friend, and she’s a lovely person who I’ve met on several occasions now. Her debut novel was a great success, and I wish her all the best for her next release. My copy is extra special, as not only is it signed, it also wishes me happy birthday whenever I open it. ^^

The Sin Eater’s Daughter by Melinda Salisbury

Not being biased or anything, but Mel is one of the greatest people in the universe. And I am writing this not long after securing a seat at her book launch in February! I am so proud of her and how well her books are doing, can’t wait to see you and give you presents.

All I Know Now by Carrie Hope Fletcher

I didn’t know much about Carrie before I heard about this book, and since then a lot has changed. I’ve read this amazing book, I watch her videos and I’ve even met her. Every young girl needs to read this book growing up, it’s so so important.

Air by Lisa Glass

Sequel to the amazing Blue, this is a surfing novel which I actually bought for my best friend who is a surfer. I didn’t even know much about surfing, but I feel that Lisa’s books have taught me a lot about it - not enough to try it for myself yet though!

The Next Together by Lauren James

This is a beautiful reincarnation love story, that my not-so-inner history nerd really enjoyed. Lauren is such a lovely girl, who has achieved so much in such a short time and I am immensely excited to read the sequel!

Geek Girl: All That Glitters by Holly Smale

The Geek Girl books are definitely one of my favourite series, and not a year goes by when one of them doesn’t make my top reads of that year. Harriet and her family keep me reading past my bedtime, and make me forget all my adult responsibilities. I can’t wait for the next instalment. 

Me and Mr J by Rachel Mcintyre

I’ve never encountered a YA novel with a teacher-student love story before, and though a sensitive subject, I thought it was handled delicately and thoroughly enjoyed it. Was overjoyed when Rachel remembered me when I met her this year too.

Under My Skin by James Dawson

I am incredibly proud of this person, for being brave enough to announce their transition and do so in a way that will educate the masses of the struggles of transitioning. It is not an overnight thing, and there will be a lot of changes. Yesterday, it was announced that Juno Dawson is going to be releasing a new book next year which I am simply cannot wait for!

Vendetta by Catherine Doyle

Literally just pre-ordered the sequel, Inferno, because I forgot it is being released in a few days time. This book has everything, from love to gangsters, and I loved it so much. It read just like a film and I really hope it gets adapted one day!

Counting Stars by Keris Stainton

I feel like Keris is a part of my family now, our exchanges never feel like author and blogger, and I definitely consider her to be a friend of mine. I love every book of hers I read, including her christmas book that I recently finished, Lily and the Christmas Wish. This was an adult book rather than a YA and it kicked ass!

Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman

Alice is definitely one of my favourite authors, Solitaire was one of my favourite books of last year and I was spoiled by her releasing two novellas following on from the story this year. I also won a signed print from her to celebrate the release of this book. It’s been a very good year for me.

So there was my return to blogging, short and sweet. I’m hoping to post another blog post on New Year’s Day to really get me into it. Sorry for being away for so long, I’ve missed you all so much.

Twenty Boy Summer - Sarah Ockler

I usually don’t read the same author twice in a row, but I wanted to fit in as many summery reads into August as possible - what was left of my summer TBR will have to wait until next year.

Twenty Boy Summer is about Anna’s trip to Zanzibar bay with her best friend, Frankie, who proposed they meet one boy every day in order to find their summer flings - a twenty boy summer.

But Anna cannot focus on their twenty boys and summer flings, as she’s been keeping a secret from her best friend that’s eating away at her. Frankie’s brother, Matt, and Anna were secretly dating and didn’t get around to telling Frankie before Matt died in a car crash.

So when one of the summer boys, Sam, captures Anna’s attention, she worries it will make her forget about Matt, when she doesn’t want to. And deep down Anna knows she needs to tell Frankie, despite promising Matt she wouldn’t.

I really enjoyed this book, the flashbacks interspersed with the present worked really well and it got to me that Matt had died, because the more I read about him the more I wanted to see of him and Anna as a couple. A brilliant read ★★★★★

I’m really ill today but I’m still blogging! I’ve decided that since I still haven’t posted my August wrap up that I will have to put the books I read in with the ones I read in September. I’m sorry I’ve not been that active recently but my life is really crazy right now.

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The Summer of Chasing Mermaids - Sarah Ockler

I’m actually ashamed of myself for how long it has taken me to review this beautiful book. I had been looking forward to reading it for months, so I started as soon as it arrived. I’ve just been in a bit of a reviewing slump recently, for which I apologise and I hope to pick up the pace now I’m feeling better.

Elyse d’Abreau was going to be a world famous singer with her sister, up until she lost her voice in a boating accident. With her dreams crushed, she leaves her family in Tobago for Atargatis Cove, Oregon, a small town named after the first ever mermaid.

Here in Oregon, Elyse meets Christian Kane - he’s a well-known player, and she knows she should stay away from him. But he’s honest with her, and doesn’t treat her like she’s fragile - like everyone else - just because she can’t speak. 

Elyse also bonds with Christian’s younger brother, Sebastian; they hunt for mermaids, and he convinces himself that she is one, too, and Elyse helps him fulfil his dream to dress up as a mermaid. Meanwhile, she helps Christian prepare his boat for the Pirate Regatta, and finds herself falling for him in the process.

This book wasn’t what I expected at all, but I really enjoyed it. I loved Elyse and her story touched me. Sarah writes beautifully and I can’t wait to read more of her books. ★★★★★

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YAShot Blog Tour - Q&A with Sarah Sky!

Welcome to lize bronwen reviews, and today I’m honoured to be a part of the blog tour for YA Shot - a YA and MG festival taking place in Uxbridge on Wednesday 28th October. Sadly, I cannot make it, but I hope everyone who goes has a wonderful time!

So as part of the blog tour, today I will be interviewing the wonderful Sarah Sky, author of the Jessica Cole: Model Spy Series, which so far consists of three books; Code Red Lipstick, Fashion Assassin and Catwalk Criminal.

1) What made you decide to become a writer?

I've always wanted to be a writer - ever since I was a child. I used to carry a notebook around with me so I could jot down notes for stories - something I still do. When I was about seven, I tried to get my first book published. It was called The Moondrop Family and I'd written and illustrated it myself. I had a very nice rejection letter from a publisher saying 'no' but not to give up. I didn't and was thrilled to be able to write the Jessica Cole: Model Spy series for Scholastic - Code Red Lipstick, Fashion Assassin and Catwalk Criminal.

2) Did you like to read or write as a child?

Reading and writing were my favourite pastimes at school - as well as outside school. I used to read vociferously - all the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and Enid Blyton books I could get my hands on, particularly the Famous Five and Secret Seven. I also loved A Little Princess, Anne of Green Gables and The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. I used to write lots of stories as a child and I never stopped.

3) Are there any authors who you are inspired by?

There are lots of authors I'm inspired by - I always find it fascinating to see how other authors plan and structure their books. I think Malorie Blackman is a huge inspiration - she's achieved so much in her career and really put YA books in the spotlight by launching YALC last year. I hope it continues to run every year as it's great to bring so many amazing YA writers together in one event.

4) What gave you the idea for the Jessica Cole series?

I read a diary kept by a teenage supermodel during Paris Couture Week, which was published in a Sunday magazine. I found it fascinating to see how she could be modelling for huge designers one minute and then scuttle off the catwalk to catch up on her GCSE homework the next. It made me start to wonder about the double life a model could lead: could they be doing something else that no one else knew about at a fashion show? It suddenly struck me that being a fashion model would be a great front for working for MI6. It would give a teenage girl the perfect opportunity to travel the world, working for different photographers and designers, while spying for the Secret Intelligence Service.

5) Do you have any other books planned?

I'd love to write more books in the Jessica Cole: Model Spy series. I have plenty of ideas for further books.

I've recently finished writing a new YA book, which I'm very excited about. It's about love and friendships and secrets - and not a spy in sight! I'm also working on quite a dark thriller - the research is fascinating. I'm really enjoying exploring very different characters.

I’d just like to thank Alexia Casale and Sarah Sky for making this blog post possible, I love you both!

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Open Road Summer - Emery Lord

This was another summery read for the month of August, and it’s such a shame that Birmingham hasn’t had the weather to match! But here’s some good news - I’m out of my reading slump!

Reagan O’Neill is on tour for the summer with her country superstar best friend, Lilah ‘Dee’ Montgomery. One summer, twenty-four cities.

Reagan is ready to ditch her bad behaviour this summer, as she’s finally rid of her bad-news boyfriend - with only a broken wrist to remember him by.

Dee is also nursing a broken body part - her heart. Her high school sweetheart, Jimmy, loves her but doesn’t want to hold her back, and they’ve broken up.

When the press release a false scandal about Dee, and reveal Jimmy to the world, it destroys her reputation. A young musician on her music label is invited onto the tour to do damage control.

Matt Finch is nothing like the guys Reagan usually goes for, but there’s just something about him that she cannot resist.

Only one problem - they have to keep their romance secret as the press think he’s dating Dee, and he’s saving her reputation by pretending so.

I really enjoyed this book, but I don’t know why I envisioned Dee and Reagan as Hannah Montana and her best friend Lily!

I wish I could have a romance like Reagan and Matt - I was so jealous! This book broke my heart in places but it’s a perfect read for the summer. ★★★★★

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The Princess Diaries - Meg Cabot

I received an electronic copy of this book for Netgalley and in return, here is my honest review of the book.

Before now, I had never read a book in the Princess Diaries series, despite the film being one of my favourite films of all time. I love the book just as much.

In order to review this book, I’ve compared it to the film. So if you haven’t read the book or watched the film, read at your own risk as there will be spoilers. 

It shocked me that the film is so different to the original story, although this doesn’t make the film, or the book, bad. It just means that some details have been changed that change the story somewhat.

The plot is the same; a geeky girl discovers she is the heir to the throne of Genovia, gets a makeover and is outed to the public. The characters have the same names for the most part, except the bodyguard is not Joe and I loved Joe in the film.

The book is set in New York City, rather than San Fransisco. I can’t decide which works better, but it made scenes harder to visualise because I remember the conversations being had riding down the hills of San Fran rather than walking down Manhattan. But I love both places so ultimately I didn’t mind.

Her ‘outing’ is done by a completely different, and unexpected, person - which came as a complete shock to me as I didn’t expect that detail to be changed. I think the film works better in that respect.

The biggest shock of the book is that Mia’s dad is alive. In the film, he died a few months ago, prompting her grandmother to visit and announce that she is now the sole heir to the throne. In the novel, there is less urgency to get her ready to be royal, as she has both her grandmother and her father to follow before she would become Queen.

Another thing that surprised me was her relationship with Michael, as it was portrayed a lot differently in the film. In Mia’s diary entries, you can see that there are some feelings lingering under the surface for Michael, whereas in the film it seems he likes her and she is completely oblivious. I suppose going from book to screen with diary entries is problematic, and it was easier to show the romance through Michael’s eyes.

I found it funny that the Queen demands that Mia addresses her as Grandmére, and I wish that it had been included in the film. I could imagine Julie Andrews doing that in her role as the Queen, but then again the family dynamic is slightly different from book to screen. In the film, she had never met her grandmother, whereas in the book, she saw her every holiday.

This was a wonderful, hilarious book that I am so glad I got around to reading, and despite it’s differences I loved it just as much as the film. I can’t even decide which I prefer! I will definitely be reading the others in the series. ★★★★★

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That Summer - Sarah Dessen

This was my first Sarah Dessen novel, and it did not disappoint. I expect her books will be cropping up on my TBR piles in the future.

Haven is fifteen and her whole life is changing; her dad is getting remarried, her mother is still heart-broken that he left, and her sister Ashley is getting married and moving out. 

With her family split into two, Haven wants to hold onto the past. When Sumner, Ashley’s ex-boyfriend, comes back to town, he reminds her of the good times before her dad left.

What I really liked about this book was that Haven and Sumner can just be friends without any romantic attachment. It was such a refreshing change.

When Haven’s best friend, Casey, is having troubles of her own and isn’t there for Haven. Sumner appears out of the blue to help - and expects nothing in return.

But Haven doesn’t know the reason Ashley broke up with Sumner, and wonders why she feels nothing at the mention of his name.

I really enjoyed this book. It was short, making it quick to read, and Haven’s story was so easy to get in to. I would definitely recommend this book to someone looking for a summer read. ★★★★

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Top Ten Tuesdays - Fairytale retellings

Welcome to another Top Ten Tuesday! This week’s topic is my top ten fairytale retellings which I’ve either read or want to read - this is so much fun for me! However, I’ve only read one of the books on this list, so it’s mainly a TBR Top Ten Tuesday. Enjoy!

1. Uprooted

I’m a massive fan of Rapunzel, so this is right up my street. It’s the fairytale retelling I am most excited to read - but I’m waiting patiently for the paperback.

2. Beastly

I haven’t read this book yet, but after writing this I’ve decided to order it. I really enjoyed the film adaptation, as it’s a really interesting take on Beauty and the Beast.

3. A Court of Thorns and Roses

this retelling is in my TBR pile, and has been for a while, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to get around to reading it either this month or next.

4. Cinder

I’m intrigued by this series, as each book is a different fairytale retelling, and I’m wondering whether to buy it next time I visit Waterstones.

5. Bewitching

this book really intrigues me, as it follows a witch over three hundred years of here life and has fairytale themes in it. I need to buy this right away!

6. Towering

that’s three Alex Flinn books in one post, but I really want to read all of her books - they sound brilliant and exactly what I’m looking for!

7. Dorothy Must Die

I’m struggling to think of them now, so I’m stretching the boundaries. My friend bought me this book for Christmas and I can’t wait to read it.

8. Tiger Lily

Peter Pan is my favourite children’s book, so it’s no surprise that I already have this book! I’m so excited to read it.

9. Alice in Zombieland

this is the only book on this list that I’ve read! It was very strange, a lot different to Alice in Wonderland, but it was a very good read.

10. Shadow and Bone

this was recommended to me in Waterstones last weekend as a good fairytale retelling - I can’t wait to check it out!

I hope you enjoyed reading this list, and let me know what you thought of any of the books I’ve mentioned! :)

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My August wrap-up!

Well, another month is over and here is my reading wrap-up! I didn’t get to read as many books as I wanted (only four paperbacks and two kindle novellas) due to working so much, but I’m hoping I can get out of my slump next month!

The Last Summer of Us by Maggie Harcourt

three best friends go on a road trip through Wales, to forget about their problems and… fall in love? ★★★★

The Potion Diaries by Amy Alward

when Princess Evelyn takes a love potion and falls in love with herself, Sam joins a competition to be the alchemist to cure her…against a boy she likes ★★★★

Happy Again by Jennifer E. Smith

Ellie and Graham are back, and it’s been a year since they unexpectedly crossed paths. But long distance isn’t ideal for everyone… ★★★★★

Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman

revisiting characters from Solitaire, Tori’s brother, Charlie, and his boyfriend Nick are struggling to come to terms with their imminent separation when Nick goes to university in September ★★★★★

Lorali by Laura Dockrill

when Rory finds Lorali, a naked human girl, lying under the pier in his hometown, he has no idea what she really is… a mermaid princess ★★★★★

The Wanderers by Kate Ormand

when Flo accidentally exposes the shape-shifter circus in a stunt gone wrong, the hunters come after them and no one is safe ★★★★★

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The Wanderers - Kate Ormand

Those of you who read my post about YALC will know that I won an advanced reading copy of this book from Kate herself. Needless to say, I started to read it straight away.

Flo is a shape-shifter - she turns herself into a horse - and travels with a circus of shifters. Now that Flo is sixteen, it is time for her to start performing - but she doesn’t feel ready.

Her performance involves jumping through a flaming hoop, and it won’t be lit until the performance. Practicing obsessively one day in the woods, she finds someone watching her from the trees - and they probably saw her shift.

This mysterious figure was most likely a hunter, who kill shifters. Naturally, the circus erupts in panic. Her boyfriend, Jett - a bear - wants to take her somewhere safe. But the elders don’t agree.

Flo worries so much about the possibility of hunters coming for her, that she messes up her routine. This gives the hunters a chance to make their move, and now the whole circus is in danger...

This book was so well-written and fast-paced, I was nearly late for work finishing chapters and wanting to go straight on to the next one. It was so difficult to put down!

I got so attached to the characters and their stories - how they came to the circus, what happened to their parents - especially the romance between Flo and Jett, who were my favourite characters.

Everything was well-thought out and thoroughly explained, so I never found myself getting lost or confused. I’d never read a book about shape shifters either, so for me, it was a new, fresh read.

I love this book so much. It isn’t out until September 1st, but please pre-order it here and support Kate. It’s such a brilliant story that you cannot miss out on! ★★★★★

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Top Ten Tuesday - Characters That Are Fellow Book Nerds

It’s another Top Ten Tuesdays, and this week’s post is ten characters that are fellow book nerds. This was much harder than I thought it would be, but it was so much fun to do! 

1. Matilda Wormwood

This was an obvious choice, but I idolised Matilda as a child. Roald Dahl taught me that reading was the perfect escape from any situation, no matter how bad.

2. Hermione Grainger

This is another obvious one, but I was just like Hermione when I was at school. And thanks to J K Rowling, I could be proud of being nerdy.

3. Klaus Baudelaire

Fictional boyfriend goals! I do love boys who read, and Klaus read any book that was given to him. That's what happens when you grow up with your own library, I guess.

4. Hazel Grace Lancaster

Hazel only reads two books throughout the Fault in our Stars - but the fact that she obsessively reads An Imperial Afflictiom just screams book nerd to me!

5. Cather Avery

Even though Fangirl focuses on Cath's love of fanfiction, she loves a book enough to want to write more about it, which makes her a nerd in my book (pun intended).

6. Tyrion Lannister

He may not be a nerd, but he sees the importance of books in the pursuit of knowledge, which is good enough for me!

7. Liesel Meminger

A girl that risks her life to get books surely must count as a book nerd! And her desperation to read those books is so touching.

8. Isla Martin

Isla loves reading books, especially ones with a happy ending! Like Matilda, she's looking for that perfect escape from reality.

9. Alaska Young

Alaska collected books, and had stacks of them in her room that she accumulated from libraries and other places. Imagine her book hauls!

10. Charlie Kelmeckis

I always liked how Charlie read above and beyond what was expected of him at school, with the help of his English teacher. He discovered so many great books that way.

I hope you enjoyed reading this, let me know in the comments what you thought! :)

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Nick and Charlie - Alice Oseman

This is IN NO WAY biased, even though I think Alice Oseman is the BEST AUTHOR EVER, and that Solitaire is my FAVOURITE BOOK OF ALL TIME. :)

For those of you who haven’t read Solitaire, what are you doing? Buy it now! It follows Tori Spring as she takes her A-levels and deals with Solitaire - a secret organisation that is sabotaging her school. Solitaire was described as ‘The Catcher in the Rye for the digital age’ by The Times newspaper, and I couldn’t agree more. Tori hides behind her tumblr account, which actually exists! Those who grew up with tumblr, like I did, will absolutely love Tori.

But this novella isn’t about Tori. She’s mentioned briefly, which is lovely because she’s one of my favourite characters in literature and I’d missed her terribly, but the Charlie of ‘Nick and Charlie’ is Tori’s younger brother. 

Nick and Charlie have been going out for two years now. Nick is a year old than Charlie, and will be leaving soon to go to university. He is really excited, and that’s bumming Charlie out massively. Anyone who has gone through a similar situation, myself included, will relate to one or both of the boys as they struggle to keep their feelings to themselves.

This novella is available as an ebook on amazon, and at only 82 pages it’s a nice little read for over dinner or before bed. Sadly I had work, so I had to keep stopping - but it killed me to put the story down. It was so good, I loved both characters and I really hope Alice writes some more of Tori/Charlie/Nick...ANYTHING. I will read anything she writes.

You may notice I’m heavily fangirling in this blog post, but that’s because a few days ago I actually met Alice for the first time, and she was so amazing. I wish we could be best friends and go to Disneyland together, she’s THAT awesome.

And, I was also very lucky to win a piece of art that she made for the release of Nick and Charlie, and I’ll be showing you all either on Tumblr or Instagram when it arrives. Thank you so much Alice!

Nick and Charlie is amazing, so if you haven’t read Solitaire - read that, and then read Nick and Charlie. Because feels. ★★★★★

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My YALC highlights!

Last weekend, I went to the Young Adult Literature Convention (YALC) at London Film and Comic Con (LFCC). I would be here forever if I blogged absolutely everything, so I am going to just tell you my highlights of the weekend. This was really hard as I met so many lovely people that it was hard to choose who to include! All of the pictures are on my instagram if you’re interested.

I finally met Alice Oseman.

Many of you know will know that Alice is my favourite author. She was so lovely, and the panel she was on - YA: The Next Generation - was so interesting. I have my copy of Solitaire signed now, and this brilliant picture of the two of us - I’m going to have it printed and put on my bedroom wall.

I got my first ARC!

When I was scrolling through twitter on the beanbag chairs in the reading zone, I noticed that Kate Ormand was doing a giveaway of her upcoming book. The first person to ask her to join their circus would be given an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) of her book, The Wanderers. I looked up, and Kate Ormand was stood against a wall, so I sheepishly went up to her and forgot what I had to say because I was so shy! But I said it, and she was so lovely. I’m reading it now and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on it with all of you! 

Seeing Keris Stainton again

I absolutely adore Keris, I think she’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I was so overwhelmed when she ran at me and hugged me on Saturday, because I knew then that our friendship was mutual. I am so lucky to know someone as amazing as her, and she kept checking on me over the weekend because I was rather ill (and still am, sadly).

Meeting Louise O’Neill

As soon as I found out Louise would be coming to YALC, I knew she was a priority to meet. I absolutely loved her book, Only Ever Yours, and now I have a signed copy to cherish forever. She was so nice, and she deserves all the love and recognition she is getting for her amazing book. I can’t wait to read Asking For It.

Meeting Carrie Hope Fletcher

I haven’t been a ‘Hopeful’ that long, but I was overjoyed to meet Carrie after not being able to go to her book signing in Birmingham. She signed my Elsa phone case, which has now been taken off my phone and is awaiting a replacement case. And she wanted to hold Pascal in the photo, which I think makes the picture even better.

Seeing Melinda Salisbury again

Mel is one of those people, that you don’t realise what you’ve been missing in your life until they’re standing right in front of you. She’s so witty, and such a wonderful role model (even if she is a Slytherin) - she gave me brilliant advice about my migraines and made me laugh out loud when she stood on a chair in the pub to make a point. I just love her millions.

Meeting Lauren James

I cannot wait for Lauren’s book, and she was such a sweetheart for sending me a signed bookmark for having already pre-ordered her book. After missing her a few times over the weekend, I finally got a chance to talk to her and have a picture, and she is so lovely. I hope we meet again in the future.

Seeing James Dawson again

I saw James on the Saturday, but didn’t get a chance to speak to him, so I queued to meet him on the Sunday. He was in an amazing cosplay, naked Dany from Game of Thrones, and he absolutely killed it. I love his humour, and being around him always makes me smile - we always have artistic photos together.

Seeing Non Pratt again

It’s always a pleasure seeing Non, this is our third meeting now and I was so overwhelmed when SHE recognised ME! We talked about how much I loved Remix, and she was shocked to learn my favourite band is Bon Jovi. Yep, I was born long after my time... But Non, you’re incredible and I can’t wait to see you again!

Seeing Alexia Casale again

I love Lexi, and it’s always so lovely to see her. It seems incredible to think I’ve only known her a year, and I get on with her better than people I’ve known my whole life. That’s how lovely Lexi is, she will be nice to anybody. And her costumes were amazing!

I narrowed it down to ten things or else we’d be here forever! Thank you to everyone who made it such an incredible weekend, it really took my mind off things and I was so happy to be in a community where I belonged!

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