When I hop over to Charley’s blog I’m instantly transported. The beautiful stories about her travels, the pictures, and of course the books she reads and reviews are totally captivating. I’ll admit that I only found out how wonderful she was because of the name of her blog Books and Bakes. It turns out she and I share a love for CAKE! If you haven’t been to her blog, please click the link below, but come back and read her answers to my ten questions.

Books and Bakes1

Alright Charley, here we go!

Blogging is universal and even though we inhabit the same community, we don’t always live in the same country. What country do you live in? 

I live in the United Kingdom but my time is split between two very contrasting places: Stratford upon Avon and Hull. Stratford is William Shakespeare’s home town so he is referenced everywhere – even in the pavements which feature famous quotes from the playwright himself as well as his plays. Hull is basking in the afterglow of City of Culture, where the city has changed so much over the past couple of years. I’m incredibly lucky to be a part of both of these places. 

What is the view outside your front door? 

This depends very much on where I am! However, when I open both doors I see lots of green which I love. I’m also quite excited today as it’s a really sunny day. It feels like Spring is in the air.   

Most blogs have a fun story of origin. Please share the story behind your blogs name and/or why you started blogging.

My blog name came to me quite naturally because it includes two things I absolutely love: books and bakes. I love reading and I love cake and I’m particularly happy if the two are combined! I came into blogging after reading 60 Postcards by Rachael Chadwick. Then it turned into a little space for me to write about all the things I’ve loved and enjoyed.  

Describe where you write your blog.

I write my blog on my iPhone but this can be in a variety of places. Usually, it is on my sofa in the lounge. However, I have been known to write posts in my car as I’ve been travelling to and from different places. It really depends on when I feel the need to whip it out and start typing. Despite being ridiculously organized in my everyday life, I’ve never scheduled a blog post. 

Most of us have a stack of books sitting next to our couch or bed waiting to be read. What books are in your stack?

I dedicate a whole bookshelf to the books I want to read (so much for a stack!) However, I am currently on holiday so I do have a stack. I find myself reading more non-fiction which is quite strange for me. Nevertheless, my stack is looking quite eclectic which I’m rather pleased about.

<a href=”http://A Pinch of Magic“>A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison

Synopsis:

Three sisters trapped by an ancient curse.

Three magical objects with the power to change their fate.

Will they be enough to break the curse?

Or will they lead the sisters even deeper into danger? …

<a href=”http://The Familiars: A Novel“>The Familiars by Stacey Halls

Synopsis:

IN 1612 IN LANCASTER, ENGLAND, THE HUNT FOR WITCHES IS RAMPANT…

BUT IN A TIME OF SUSPICION AND ACCUSATION, TO BE A WOMAN IS THE GREATEST RISK OF ALL

1612 Pendle Hill

Young Fleetwood Shuttleworth is with child again. As the mistress of Gawthorpe Hall, she is anxious to provide her husband with an heir. But none of her previous pregnancies have come to term. Then she discovers a hidden letter from her physician that warns her husband that she will not survive another pregnancy.

Distraught over the frightening revelation, Fleetwood wanders the woods of Pendle Hill, where she meets a young local woman named Alice Gray. A midwife, Alice promises Fleetwood she can help her deliver a healthy baby. But soon Alice is drawn into the frenzied accusations of witchcraft sweeping the countryside. Even the woodland creatures, the “familiars,” are suspected of practicing the dark arts. Can Fleetwood trust that Alice is really who she says she is?

As the two women’s lives become intertwined, Fleetwood must risk everything to prove Alice’s innocence in order to save her own unborn child. The hunt for witches reaches fever pitch. Time is running out. The trials are about to begin. Both their lives are at stake. Only they know the truth. Only they can save each other.

Set against the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, this rich and compelling novel draws its characters from historical figures as it explores the lives and rights of seventeenth-century women, ultimately raising the question: Is witch-hunting really just women-hunting?

If you have had a bad day and want to spend an hour reading a book, what is your go to genre or favorite book that will lift your mood?

I tend to pick up the book I am reading at the time. I’ll always deviate to Harry Potter though. Their just so magical to me still, I absolutely love them. 

When you aren’t blogging, how do you spend your time? Work, Play, School? 

Being an English teacher takes up 98% of my time so I’m usually at school quite late each day. When there are moments of free time I try and read or visit the theatre. I am also quite happy in the garden or talking long walks in the countryside. I’m a member of the National Trust too so I like to take advantage of that and go exploring. 

What is your favorite blog post you’ve ever written? Please include the link!

My favourite blog post is coincidentally my most popular post which was all about my visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London.

Find the link here: https://booksandbakes1.wordpress.com/2018/02/04/harry-potter-studio-tour/

I really love my post on my favourite book of 2018 too: The Toy Makers. Cheeky to have two, but why not! https://booksandbakes1.wordpress.com/2018/03/01/the-toy-makers-robert-dinsdale/ 

Have you ever met one of your favorite authors? If so, what did you say to them? Looking back, what do you wish you had said instead?

One of the first authors I ever remember reading was Jacqueline Wilson. I was a young girl, I really loved her stories and felt like I was friends with each and every character. I especially loved The Lottie Project, but was desperately sad that she wasn’t called Charley like me! I did meet her when I was about 6 or 7 years old. She was so so lovely and she even signed two books for me. I’ve kept them to this very day. Also, she is still the only author I’ve ever met. 

If you could sit down with an author for a slice of cake and a question,  who is the author, what kind of cake would you serve, and what is the first question you’d ask?

I’d love to meet J K Rowling. What a remarkable woman she is! I’d thank her immensely for not only my life, but every life who has been touched by Harry Potter in some way or another. We’d have hot chocolates, scones, cream and jam. Then we would follow with chocolate cake. The more cake the better in my opinion!

Wow, Charley, if I had that view outside either my front or back door I think I’d stare in a stupor out the door all the time. Gorgeous! I think you would have to stand in a queue to get a chance to sit down with JK Rowling. I’d be standing in it right along side you! She is so iconic, and I agree, the more cake the better! Thanks for participating in my series!

If you’re interested in being featured in Blogger to Blogger, please reach out! I’d love to hear your answers.

Deb