Monday 8th June 2026
Hi my wonderful band of sailors,
I, your lady Captain would just like to say a massive thank you to you for simply being there for me. There are so many doldrums around the corner, but thank you for keeping me above the water. I really mean it. The simple act of putting words on here, or putting pen to paper, is really helping me escape my head and my worry over my health. I know for the last couple of chats I have been self indulgent and I hope you are all okay?
Let me explain, if I can. My right hip is causing me a lot of pain. It’s coming out of the socket by 70%. I have been having Steroid injections, to try to numb my pain levels. I have had three but they are no longer effective. Don’t worry though, I am going to have an operation to make my right leg better. I wouldn’t be able to do it without my amazing support system. I just wanted to explain in case I have seemed a bit sad on here recently. We are all sailing on a ship into the unknown future. One sure thing though, is I will always have you lovely bookworms to discuss books and nosh with. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Before we say ‘Book Ahoy!’ I want to just take a minute to say, ‘I CAN’T believe I am 27!’ I started in the blog industry when I was ten. My fabulous sister, Jess, set me off and I was away. I have always found comfort in sharing my love of books with others. It’s just a shame the other blogs are missing in our new home. Maybe I should bring some back? What do you think?
Anyway my birthday. Age is just a number baby. It was such a lovely day with a few of my many loved ones and a scrummy cake. I love a lemon cake.
Feast your eyes on this.
My mum’s moreish cake
Me with the cake
I also just to say that I really appreciate all my gorgeous presents and the time you guys spend with me. I just wanted to show you how beautiful one particular gift looks around the outside of my house.
Fantastic Fairy lights
Thank you for these glowing lovely lights my oldest friend, Kate. You mean the world my love.
I will show you more presents in the future.
Talking of strong bonds, shall we dive back into The Joubert Chronicles with the third installment of the quartet?
‘Ay Captain.’ I hear you say.
Author: Kate Mosse
Series: The Joubert Chronicles (Book 3)
Title: The Ghost Ship
Publisher: Pan MacMillan
Imprint: Pan Books
Audiobook
Length: 15 hours
Narrator: Hattie Morahan
Case cover
Ways of reading: Audiobook/Paperback
Started reading: 25th October 2025
Finished reading: 5th November 2025
Genre: Adventure/Romance
Publication date: 12th June 2024
Book buddy shout out
To my marvel Mum and swashbuckling sister Jess. Thank you, without you guys I never would have met the Joubert generations. This was a brilliant book.
Number of pages: 512
Would I recommend? Highly!
Reading ease: 5/5
Enjoyment level: 5/5
Stars: *****
Review
Of the four books of this diaspora, this has been the easiest to follow so far. I can’t believe I only have one left.
I cam see the female generation of the Reydon-Joubert family growing stronger and stronger. Kate Mosse allows women to shine by making them equal to any man. I have made myself a mantra. Be more Louise. I am my own ship’s Captain.
‘”I understand that, for many of you, this will be unthinkable. A woman in charge, such a thing does not happen. I understand. I give you my pledge, I will be as fair as any man, and I will reward handsomely all who serve me. Though I have not spent much of my life at sea, it is in my blood as much as it is in yours…”’
‘”it is why,” Louise continued, “with the authority vested in me through my ownership of the Old Moon and my close relationship with mevrow Van Raay, I am taking it upon myself to assume command of the Old Moon.”’
I can’t wait to meet the next generation of the Joubert family and explore Africa, having left Amsterdam and France behind in 1661. This is why I love reading because it takes me to places I have never been, or teaches me to look at where I have had the pleasure to discover with new eyes. When I set foot on the Cape of Good Hope in 1688, they will be wide open.
The Map of Bones awaits.
I really enjoyed this one. I am sorry it has been so long since I have seen you, but I promise it won’t be so long before our next Library visit. I hope you get a chance to read some Kate Mosse because she is fabulous.
See you really soon
Land Ahoy!
From Captain Hatty
Hatty’s Reading Corner 
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