Highlights of 2018

I can’t believe it’s 2019. 2018 has passed so quickly. This year has been full of exciting moments, some lows as well, but as I said I focus on the good things and I’d like to share them with you guys. 

-       In January and March we had our Musical Classics concerts with the choir. We sang songs from Les Misérables, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Lion King and Mamma Mia. It was fab! The highlight and I am still very grateful for it: I sang a little solo (At the End of the Day in Les Misérables) together with my mum. My dream has come true!

-     In February my mom and I went to Milano for a few days. Shopping, chatting ad just some quality time. 

-       On Good Friday our choir had the possibility to sing the Messiah byHandel again at the Easter Festival in Andermatt. We travelled there for the day, had a rehearsal in the church, enjoyed a tea at the Chedi hotel and then sang in the evening. During the day it also started snowing and after the concert we were lucky to make it home, a few hours laterthe roads were closed. 

-       In April I travelled through California, Arizona and Nevada with my contiki family. Westarted in LA, went to San Diego, then Phoenix, The Grand Canyon, Vegas, Yosemite and San Francisco. These three weeks have been full of highlights: Hot air ballooning over the Sonoran Desert, The Grand Canyon, flying in a Helicopter over the GC, Yosemite National Park (it’s beautiful) and San Fran (my new fave city)! I could go on…

-     At the end of April another one of my dreams came true. I finally got to see a Bundesliga game of Bayern München in the Allianz Arena. We also spent the day in Munich, just fantastic!

-       In the beginning of June I finally got to sing the Latin Jazz Mass by Martin Völlinger in the choir I helped out at, that was a lot of fun. 

-     Malta: In July I spent a few days in Malta with two of my friends. It was my first time in this beautiful country. We saw so many places and we had so much fun! 

-       Also in July I spent some days in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. This area is so wonderful. We also went to some concerts: James Blunt and Sunrise Avenue (with The Script and Adel Tawil). I loved it! Shopping in Como, enjoying the sunshine and much more. 

-       In August I visited my bestie Maryline in Belgium. I loved catching up with her and juszt spend time together. We visited Antwerp and Brugge and just explored the area. I miss her!!!

-       Seeing Matilda for the second time in London was fabulous and very special. I just adore this musical, it’s one of my faves.

-       One of my best friends moved to Bern last year and I finally had some to visit her in this great city and spend a fab day with her. 

-       On my birthday we went up to the Bürgenstock for a little hike to explore ad enjoy some drinks. Switzerland has so much to offer. 

-       The “Zuger Chornacht” (choir night) finally took place in September. I was part of it with the choir and the theatre group. With the theatre group we did a Les Misérables medley with choreography adeverything.The people freaked out. With the choir we sang in the end in the big church, first from the benches in between the audience and then accompanying ourselves with water glasses.

-       In October we went to Barcelona with the choir and sang the Rutter Requiem. It was also my first time in this fab city,I loved exploring it together with my mom.

-     Of course moving was a big highlight for me in October. It all started in July already when I discovered the apartment and applied for it. Choosing furniture was a wonderful experience and decorating as well. 

-       November was full of music. First the John Rutter Requiem in my home church. 

-     And then The Secret Garden, the musical we did in the same church. I just adore being on stage and singing. The Secret Garden was very special!

-       Seeing Sweeney Todd in the Opera House in Zurich for the first time! The music and lyrics of this musical are fab, loved it. 

-       My team at work: They are fabulous, we get along so well and have so much fun, whatever we do. 

-     Bliss is my fave Acapella band and I saw them perform live twice in 2018. 

-       Showing friends and family my apartment and seeing their reactions.  

I could add more here (like my Sushi nights, coffee dates with my girls etc.), but then I’d never stop. There were lots of little highlights as well, just as important as the others of course. I have them all in my heart and I think that’s the essential thing about them. 

What were your highlights of 2018?

It’s been a while...

Happy 2019!

It’s been a while, since I have published a „real“ blog post, I know. All I have posted were book reviews and yesterday my Books of the Year 2018. 

Ever since I moved into my own apartment, I didn’t have time and other things were more important. I had ideas for blog posts, but no motivation to write them down.  I have also become a very slow reader. Yes, I have read, but only published a hand full book reviews, no book oft he month posts or a Fashion Corner. 

I guess you could call it a blogging and reading slump. I still love my blog very much and see 2019 as anew beginning and new chance. 

I will post whenever I want to and have a review ready. I will do blog tours, but not too many. I also have set myself a low (for me) reading goal), I just want to enjoy reading again. 

There is still a Barcelona Travel Diary post hiding in my drafts, just didn’t hit publish. I also want to really take my time with posts, read through them again etc. There will be Fashion posts again, I still have lots of outfits, who want to be seen.

I hope you all understand and you are still happy that I am back. 

Now, let’s talk about 2018. A lot has happened. 

The year has been full of traveling: California, Malta, Belgium, Barcelona and more. I visited my bestie in Belgium, spend fab days in the Italian part of Switzerland, visited Malta with two friends and had the best three days traveling around in California. 

Of course a big part has been moving. I gave myself a lot of time for this step, because I wanted to find the right place. It’s not easy to find something in the area I wanted for a reasonable price. I loved getting all the furniture and decorating the whole place. Watch this space for more infos soon ;). 

I finished another year of teaching and it has been hard for the last couple of months with my class. I was happy to have the support of the whole team and the principal. This years class consists of 12 boys and only 3 girls. They are hard work, but it’s still fun getting to know them and teaching them. 

2018 has been full of music and singing. I sang in over 10 concerts and it was so much fun. Also a lot of work in my choir committee, but it was fab. We also had our first choir night in the area, which was born from an idea of a friend and me. More in my highlights. 

I have become a very slow reader as I already mention. I wanted to read 90 books this year and didn’t even manage 70. It’s ok, because I have learnt not to put myself under pressure when it comes to reviewing. 

So let’s see what 2018 has in store for me! Definitely lots of books and blogging, but also work, singing and traveling.Nothing really planned yet, except for a few days in London in February, I can’t wait!

The next two posts will be my highlights of 2018 and goals for 2019, so watch this space. 

My Favourite Books of 2018

It's the time of the year again. Here are my books of the year 2018. I won't list all my books of the months here, especially since I didn't post them for the last three anyway. So without further ado: 
- Five Years From Now by Paige Toon - Our House by Louise Candlish - A Royal Shade of Blue by Aven Ellis - You, me, Everything by Catherine Isaac - While I Was Sleeping by Dani Atkins - Daisy's Vintage Cornish Camper Van by Ali McNamara - Somewhere Beyond the Sea by Miranda Dickinson - One in a Million by Lindsey Kelk - One Thousand Stars and You by Isabelle Broom - Absent in the Spring by Carrie Elks
Five Years From Now by Paige Toon

It’s a bittersweet story, which shows that love doesn’t always end with a happy end.  Beautiful, emotional and touching!!!

Paige Toon has an amazing writing style. It’s natural, elegant, fresh, unique, vivid and really authentic. 

This book has everything: romance, passion, grief, friendship, family relationships, love and so much more. I laughed, cried and just got so absorbed by this story - My Review

Our House by Louise Candlish

Wow, wow, wow!!!!

This book has blown me away! Louise Candlish has created a real masterpiece here!!

BRILLIANT, COMPLEX, CLEVER and just FABULOUS!!! I have found a new favourite author - My Review

A Royal Shade of Blue by Aven Ellis

A royal romance?! Hell yes!!!! Aven Ellis managed to create this wonderful now world, fab characters, brilliant storyline, humour and just PERFECT!!! It’s fresh, new, exciting, gripping, vivid and full of so many great details. Aven Ellis just has a gift for capturing feelings and emotions in such an authentic, passionate and real way - My Review

You, Me, Everything by Catherine Isaac

An amazing story, full of fascinating details!! BRILLIANT and BEAUTIFUL!!!

The book includes so much: difficult topics, family, memorable scenes, wonderful characters, love and so much more. The way the story is told, makes the reader hooked and it's a place you never want to leave again - My Review

While I Was Sleeping by Dani Atkins

This book absolutely touched my heart. I don’t think I ever cried so much, reading a book. It’s heart-breaking, poignant, moving and tear-jerking. The ending of the book made me speechless!!!

it was absolutely BRILLIANT!!! On so many levels… - My Review

Daisy's Vintage Cornish Camper Van by Ali McNamara

I went through all the emotions reading this book; I laughed, I cried, I felt happy, sad etc. Ali McNamara’s writing is full of passion and heart. I felt so close to the characters and I was really rooting for Ana. The book includes mystery, romance, friendship, love, beautiful settings and amazing moments - My Review

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by Miranda Dickinson

The setting is magnificent, Miranda Dickinson’s descriptions are on point, I felt like being there with the characters. The book is about love, hope, loss, grief, friendship and much more. Miranda Dickinson put a lot of passion and love into it and I really hope we will see these characters again - My Review

One in A Million by Lindsey Kelk

Lindsey Kelk's writing is absosultey hilarious, romantic, passionte and just fantastic. She really understands how to engage a reader. 11 out of 10 points for this book for sure!!!!!BRILLIANT!!! - My Review

One Thousand Stars and You by Isabelle Broom

This book is absolutely gorgeous and stunning!! It tells the journey of self discovery, travel, friendship, love and romance. It’s the perfect mixture and you can dive right into the story and I guarantee you never want to leave again. It’s very moving and yes I had to cry. The way Isabelle Broom plays around with words is fabulous, a very talented author indeed - My Review

Absent in the Spring by Carrie Elks

This book has it all: love, passion, drama, friendship, secrets, family insights and much more. A FANTASTIC book!!!! Carrie Elks did a fab job with all the different locations and settings, the way she described them was perfect - My Review

Book of the Month - July

The books I read this month:

-      The Forgotten Guide to Happiness –by Sophie Jenkins 3/5

-      A Summer Scandal– by Kat French  5/5

-      One in a Million – by Lindsey Kelk 5/5

-      Somewhere Beyond the Sea –by Miranda Dickinson 5/5

-      The Book Ninja –Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus 3/5

-      Happily Never After –by Emma Robinson 4.5/5

-      My Very Italian Holiday –by Sue Roberts 3/5

Two of these books really stood out to me: 

One in A Million – Lindsey Kelk

The bit on the back:

Everyone wants that special someone….

Annie Higgins has given up on love: she’s too busy trying to get her tiny business off the ground. Infuriated by the advertising agency across the hall making fun of her job, Annie accepts their crazy challenge – to make a random stranger Instagram-famous in just thirty days.

And even when they choose Dr Samuel Page PhD, historian and hater of social media, as her target, Annie’s determined to win the bet – whether Sam likes it or not.

But getting to know Sam means getting to know more about herself. And before the thirty days are out, Annie has to make a decision about what’s really important…

Funny, real and heart-meltingly romantic, Annie and Sam’s story is My Fair Lady for the social media age – and the perfect feel-good read.

My opinion:

Lindsey Kelk's writing is absosultey hilarious, romantic, passionte and just fantastic. She really understands how to engage a reader. 11 out of 10 points for this book for sure!!!!!BRILLIANT!!!

Full review: http://simonascornerofdreams.blogspot.com/2018/07/one-in-million-by-lindsey-kelk.html

Lindsey Kelk on Twitter: @LindseyKelk

Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US

Somewhere Beyond the Sea – Miranda Dickinson

The bit on the back:

Can you fall in love with someone before you’ve even met?

Seren MacArthur is living a life she never intended. Trying to save the Cornish seaside business her late father built – while grieving for his loss – she has put her own dreams on hold and is struggling. Until she discovers a half-finished seaglass star on her favourite beach during an early morning walk. When she completes the star, she sets into motion a chain of events that will steal her heart and challenge everything she believes.

Jack Dixon is trying to secure a better life for daughter Nessie and himself. Left a widower and homeless when his wife died, he’s just about keeping their heads above water. Finding seaglass stars completed on Gwithian beach is a bright spark that slowly rekindles his hope.

Seren and Jack are searching for their missing pieces. But when they meet in real life, it’s on the opposing sides of a battle. Jack is managing the redevelopment of a local landmark, and Seren is leading the community campaign to save it.

Both have reason to fight – Seren for the cause her father believed in, Jack for his livelihood. But only one can win. With so much at stake, will they ever find what they are really looking for?

Miranda Dickinson's Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a sparkling tale of love, life and finding magic where you least expect it.

My opinion:

The setting is magnificent, Miranda Dickinson’s descriptions are on point, I felt like being there with the characters. The book is about love, hope, loss, grief, friendship and much more. Miranda Dickinson put a lot of passion and love into it and I really hope we will see these characters again. 

Review: http://simonascornerofdreams.blogspot.com/2018/07/somewhere-beyond-sea-by-miranda.html

Miranda Dickinson on Twitter: @wurdsmyth

Website: https://miranda-dickinson.com

Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US

Book of the Month - June

The books I read this month:

-      Theo –by Amanda Prowse 4.5/5

-      The Little Cornish Kitchen –by Jane Linfoot 3/5

-      Daisy’s Vintage Cornish Camper Van –by Ali McNamara 5/5

-      Best Practice –by Penny Parkes 4.5/5

-      While I Was Sleeping –by Dani Atkins 5/5

-      The Cottage on Sunshine Beach –by Holly Martin 5/5

-      The Happiness List –by Annie Lyons 5/5

-      The Summer Getaway –by Tilly Tennant 4.5/5

Two of these books really stood out to me: 

Daisy’s Vintage Camper Van – Ali McNamara

The bit on the back:

Welcome to the gorgeous Cornish town of St Felix, where there's magic in the air...

When Ana inherits a broken-down camper van from her best friend, she takes the chance for a quick trip to Cornwall - some sea air and fish and chips on the beach is just the tonic she needs. 

But St Felix has bigger plans for Ana. She discovers a series of unsent postcards, dating back to the 1950s, hidden in the upholstery of the van. Ana knows that it's a sign: she'll make sure that the messages reach the person that they were meant for. And as the broken-down van is restored to gleaming health, so Ana begins to find her way back to happiness.

My opinion:

I went through all the emotions reading this book; I laughed, I cried, I felt happy, sad etc. Ali McNamara’s writing is full of passion and heart. I felt so close to the characters and I was really routing for Ana. The book includes mystery, romance, friendship, love, beautiful settings and amazing moments. 

Full review: http://simonascornerofdreams.blogspot.com/2018/06/daisys-vintage-cornish-camper-van-by.html

Ali McNamara on Twitter: @AliMcNamara

Website: http://www.alimcnamara.co.uk

Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US

While I Was Sleeping – Dani Atkins

The bit on the back:

A brand new and brilliant emotional family drama for fans of Jojo Moyes and Dorothy Koomson, from the bestselling author of Fractured.

I don't remember what happened or what has changed.

I can still hear your voices but you can't seem to hear me.

I was about to be married and had everything to look forward to.

Now I have to find a way back - to you, to our family, to us.

My opinion:

This book absolutely touched my heart. I don’t think I ever cried so much, reading a book. It’s heart-breaking, poignant, moving and tear-jerking. 

The ending of the book made me speechless!!!

it was absolutely BRILLIANT!!! On so many levels…

Review: http://simonascornerofdreams.blogspot.com/2018/06/while-i-was-sleeping-by-dani-atkins.html

Dani Atkins on Twitter: @AtkinsDani

Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US

Book of the Month - April

The books I read this month:

-      You Me Everything –by Catherine Isaac 5/5

-      The Holiday Cottage by the Sea –by Holly Martin 4.5/5

-      A Royal Shade of Blue –by Aven Ellis 5/5

-      Paris Ever After –by K.S.R. Burns 2/5

-      Gone Viking –by Helen Russell 3/5

Two clear winners! They are very different from each other, but very special: 

You Me Everything – Catherine Isaac

The bit on the back:

You and me, we have history.

We have a child together.

We have kept secrets from each other for far too long.

This summer, in the beautiful hills of the Dordogne, it is time for everything to change.

You, Me, Everything is a heartfelt and unforgettable novel about the lengths we are prepared to go to for those we love.

My opinion:

An amazing story, full of fascinating details!! BRILLIANT and BEAUTIFUL!!!

The book includes so much: difficult topics, family, memorable scenes, wonderful characters, love and so much more. The way the story is told, makes the reader hooked and it's a place you never want to leave again. You Me Everything - Review

Catherine Isaac on Twitter: @CatherineIsaac_

Website: https://www.catherine-isaac.com

Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US

A Royal Shade of Blue – Aven Ellis

The bit on the back:

When art history student Clementine Jones receives a message complimenting her latest internship project, she doesn’t hesitate to answer it.
She never dreamed that this decision would not only change her life but the future of the British monarchy as well.
Her response leads Clementine to the mysterious CP Chadwick, a British man studying history at Cambridge. Clementine finds CP charming, smart, and unlike any man she’s ever met. Most of all, when she confides her medical past to CP, his perception of her doesn’t change. He doesn’t treat her as fragile like her parents do. CP sees her as normal, which is something she cherishes.
Clementine, however, has no idea that CP is actually Prince Christian of Wales, who has never had a “normal” life. Christian is at a crossroad. His destiny is to be a working royal, but he is desperate to fill that role in his own way. Wary of others, he’s kept himself closed off from the world—until he lets Clementine in.
A royal romance is never a fairy tale, but Clementine and Christian are determined to write their own version. Can they overcome their own fears—as well as the constraints of a royal life—to reach their own happily ever after? 

My opinion:

A royal romance?! Hell yes!!!! Aven Ellis managed to create this wonderful now world, fab characters, brilliant storyline, humour and just PERFECT!!! It’s fresh, new, exciting, gripping, vivid and full of so many great details. Aven Ellis just has a gift for capturing feelings and emotions in such an authentic, passionate and real way. 

Aven Ellis on Twitter: @AvenEllis

Website: http://avenellis.com

Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US