I wrote this review about a wonderful character called Elizabeth before the sad news about Queen Elizabeth II was announced yesterday. Today feels strange and emotional.

Marking the seasons brings a sense of calmness. We've enjoyed the hazy, lazy days of summer which brought heatwaves and days spent relaxing by the sea. Now is the time for Autumn, probably my favourite season.

Remember when I used to do a monthly wrap-up and then I went back to work and had less time to read......well that. But I do like a wrap-up so going forward I figure I would do this at the end of each season.

After the blazing heatwave we have all experienced, I am getting ready for Autumn. Already I am dreaming of crisp mornings, scarves and an autumnal coffee or two. Obviously this will be punctuated by our second summer

At the time of typing this up, the UK is in yet another heatwave. Hosepipe bans are looming and we are trying to work out the best formula for keeping the house cool. (Blinds down, windows closed open everything at 7.30pm).

I've spoken about my love for the novels of Douglas Kennedy already on this blog. Kennedy is an author I first discovered in my early days as a bookseller when I was asked to read his novel

At the time of writing, we are at the end of a week where the UK has seen record-breaking temperatures. I left work on Tuesday and could feel the 40 degree heat bouncing off the asphalt.

Have you been watching the latest series of 'Between the Covers', the BBC programme all about lovely books complete with a celebrity panel and hosted by Sara Cox?