A dreamy afternoon: a sweet, funny novel, a cup of my favourite tea in my favourite mug, and my favourite chocolate treat.

It's Pancake Day and Valentine's Day this coming week - I feel sick just thinking about the sugar! 

I know that Valentine's Day gets a bad rap for being overly commercial (name me a holiday that isn't), but it's a great excuse for a little celebration regardless. February 14th might not be up there with the big boys (Christmas/Easter) but it can have a unique, quiet charm to it. This year, I'm not going in for the mad gift giving, tack-tastic trinkets or romantic weekends away (I WISH) - Robin and I will probably be going down the (more recession friendly) soppy movie, bottle of supermarket wine and takeaway route. You never know, I might even splash out on a bunch of flowers for the dining room table... 

I've been feeling rather loved up and soppy all weekend thanks to a little parcel which arrived in the post from Mills & Boon. One of the things I like most about Mills & Boon novels is that it's always easy to find one which fits in with the season, and gets you feeling ready for whatever festivities are on the horizon. I adored the novel they so kindly sent me to read over the Christmas break, and was delighted to receive a copy of the one above to get me in the Valentine's mood. Reading a book is such a relaxing and inexpensive way to create an ambiance; after finishing it I am ready to spend a week eating heart shaped chocolates, snuggling with my other half and annoying everyone at work by humming the I Will Always Love You over and over and over.

So, a short review of the novel? It's funny, it's charming, it's witty, and the dialogue is amazingly well written. If it was a movie it would probably star someone like Arnold Schwarzenegger and would have been made in the 80s (I mean that as the highest of compliments). Best enjoyed on a crisp, sunny afternoon off and complimented by a cup of tea and a chocolate treat. It would make a great Valentine's present too - so if you haven't found a gift for your loved one yet I would definitely recommend this - click here to buy.

A sales person called my office today and, after asking my name, said "Oh, you're the Mills & Boon girl!?". I was confused but amused by this - now I'm wondering whether it was just a good sales technique of whether I really have earned myself a reputation (kinda hoping it's the latter, tbh).

What Valentine's plans do you have this week? I hope that - regardless of your relationship status - you'll eat lots of chocolate, cry at a soppy romance movie, and drink a glass of wine or two... :)

P.S. Please visit the wonderful tumblr Books on the Underground; so great! What a way to brighten up a miserable morning journey!