May 2026:

May certainly had its hat on this month, what amazing weather we have had! I am glad to say that Spring has finally sprung and is hopefully here to stay!

This month has seen some exciting events and updates. This first one being work. During May, I have finally gotten over my lack of motivation/writer’s block and I have been able to complete my thorough plan of my fifth book and start writing it!! I am already ahead of schedule for my writing plan which I’m very relieved about because I think the next couple of weeks are going to be very busy – all will be revealed! I think being able to work outside has also helped to boost my mood and help me to focus on work – despite getting sunburnt in the process (always wear SPF people!!)

Mum and I had a trip or two during this month. Our first trip was to see the Michael film again, which was just as brilliant as the first time if not better! I do think it is the kind of film you have to watch a few times to fully absorb what went on. Although it may not be in cinemas now, if you didn’t get to see it then I highly recommend getting it on DVD or renting it when it becomes available, it is a well-worth watch! Our second trip out was to our local pub for a spot of afternoon tea which was gifted to Mum by my sister – thanks for that sis!! The tea setup was lovely, I felt like I was in a Miss Marple film having afternoon tea whilst gossiping about the latest murder in our village. But instead, Mum and I were sat discussing our latest read (which was still a murder so same thing really). The food was delicious and just enough for the two of us, though there were three different levels for afternoon tea (bronze, silver and gold). We had bronze, but both silver and gold came with hot food as well, so maybe next time we will have to branch out to try one of the other ones.

Our main exciting trip of this month was a little overnight stay at Scarborough. We travelled there on the Sunday and came home again Bank Holiday Monday. It was lovely to get away, but of course it will come as no surprise to you when I say that we went to Scarborough for a concert…. and yes it was The Drifters. We decided to broaden our horizons when it came to travelling and what better way then a little trip to the seaside; and Bertie loves the beach so I don’t think he minded. Our little Airbnb was lovely and the perfect size for the three of us. Now the only thing I wasn’t aware of when it came to Scarborough was the hills, and was there a lot of hills. In fact it seemed to be that the whole of Scarborough is set on a hill, and walking up a very steep hill during the blazing hot sun isn’t ideal, but we managed it! ( Big shoutout to my mum who managed to walk up the hill – well done you!) And again, this will come as no surprise to you when I say that there was only one of us who didn’t have to walk up the hill because he had the advantage of a stroller… I’ll give you a clue… 🐾. But other than the hills, we had a lovely time and I’m sure we will go back again, just maybe not during the bank holiday. But the concert was amazing, a thoroughly enjoyable night. As I always say, if you fancy a night out stepping back in time to the 50’s/60’s, then check The Drifters website to see if they are performing in a theatre near you and get yourself a ticket! 🎟️

Continental night took place on Saturday (the Saturday I am writing this in fact). Every last Saturday of the month, Mum and I plan to cook a dinner inspired from another country. Tonight was Italian, so we made a tagliatelle al de pomodoro followed by homemade pizza (yes you heard me right, I did create the dough myself using yoghurt and self-raising flour) and I must say it was delicious, if I do say so myself of course! Next month is Mexican!

Bertie’s slideshow of May:

And now to a BIG announcement! I am doing something I have never thought I would do, and that I was too scared to do before. But I am finally listening to people’s advice and putting myself out into the big world… and I am attending my first book festival as an author… and I have a stall!!!! I have been waiting to share this news and now I have been given the green light!! So if you haven’t bought my books up until now, or you fancy coming along and saying hello, then get yourself down to the County Assembly Rooms in Lincoln on the 19th September from 11-5pm! I can’t wait to see you there!

A quick little note to add in here: If you still haven’t ordered yourself a pre-order of my latest book ‘Deadly Greetings’ then you will need to order it by the end of May (possibly end of first week of June) if you want to have your copy on the day of release. My reasoning for this is because I am away on holiday when the book is released so will be packaging up all the pre-orders and taking them with me to post from the nearest post office. So please, if you’re looking to order the book – please order it soon!!

Comments Conversation: How did you spend your Bank Holiday and the recent warm days? I have been spending it either climbing hills in Scarborough (which as I have said before is not a sensible thing to do in the hot sun), or I have been in the garden working and trying not to get burnt (which I failed to do).

Until next time!

See you soon!

TTFN – Love Hannah ❤️

Written: 30th May 2026.