I’m 52 years old and live in Lincolnshire with my husband and two stepdaughters, and a few pets. I have worked for several years in the mental health sector with local mental health teams, voluntary groups and an MS Therapy Centre. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition when I was 21 which led to me retraining as a counsellor. I have a degree in English Literature and provided courses in writing therapy. When I became too ill to work around eight years ago I was looking for something to use my skills and became interested in reviewing books as I’ve always been a voracious reader. I’d had my own monthly book club for a few years, then I met Anne Cater and with her encouragement I started a book blog about six years ago.
My blog is called The Lotus Readers – I felt at the time, a little like one of Tennyson’s Lotus Eaters but my particular vice was lounging around and reading books.
Blog: The Lotus Readers – Book Blogging from a Therapist’s Perspective
X: @hayleylotusflo1
Instagram: @hayleylotus
Facebook: Lotus Flower Book Club
Bluesky: @lotusbooks.bsky.social
I started posting on social media around eight years ago and blogging around six years ago
Meet Hayley
Questions on Reviewing
What made you start a book blog and/or book review social media account?
I started reviewing books I already had and posting on social media about eight years ago when I had to stop working. Then I developed the blog as part of my writing therapy website and it’s grown from there.
What have you learned about the writing/publishing industry since reviewing?
So much! That a manuscript doesn’t have to be perfect and is developed with help from editors, beta readers etc. That even if you feel you’re writing rubbish just keep writing. That I am not an objective judge of my own work.
Are there any authors or books you have discovered through reviewing that you might have otherwise missed out on?
Again there are just so many. I love that it’s taken me to indie publishers like Northodox Press and Orenda Books, I read much more fiction in translation too.
What do you think makes a great book review?
My blog reviews are a little different because they look at the relationship dynamics and psychological aspects of a book, as well as a straight forward review of plot, character, structure etc. A good review needs to give you just enough information to be intrigued it not so much that you might as well not read it! Sometimes that’s a hard balance. I tend to vary it depending on the book. I struggle with books that don’t have enough to get my teeth into when it comes to the characters and their issues. I’m not a simple book sort of woman
How do you handle reviewing a book you dislike?
I find this really tough because I do write myself and I know how much goes into every page. I never trash a book, so if I simply hate it I would email the publisher or author and say I’m sorry this wasn’t for me. If I’m on a blog tour I have said I can’t review positively and dropped out. I happily point out which bits of a book worked for me and which didn’t if it’s only minor points. I want to shout about books I love and I don’t get paid so I do it my way – this does seem to arouse a lot of aggression in male reviewers who think I’m not doing my duty by not giving negative reviews! I genuinely don’t think I’m so important that I’m compromising my ‘journalistic integrity.’
Is there anything that puts you off reviewing a book or author?
If they want final say so on the review or to control what’s in it I wouldn’t work with them in the future. I wouldn’t say I avoid specific genres but tend to know if it’s a book that’s not for me.
Questions About Books
Firstly, the most important question, what books are currently ‘by your bedside’?
My current reads are The Night Stairs on NetGalley, The Other Bennett Sister in paperback. I have an anthology of women’s writing and a book of Donna Ashworth’s poetry by the bed at all times.
What children’s book would you recommend all adults read?
I love The Velveteen Rabbit. It teaches a lot about love, growing old, illness and loss.
What was the last book you read that you would recommend?
It’s been a good year so far Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra and Paper Sisters by Rachel Canwell.
Is there an author you always read?
I religiously read Doug Johnstone, Patrick Gale, Maggie O’Farrell, Jessie Burton, Joanne Harris, Polly Crosby, Louise Hare, Zoe Somerville, Nydia Hetherington, Louise Beech, Julie Owen Moylan, Will Dean.
Who is your literary icon?
That’s a tough one! Probably Louise Beech because she’s local I see more of what she does in the community, festivals and events etc. She’s a really friendly author, brilliant with meaty issues and her characters are great. Her memoir about her mother was incredible.
How do you sort your books?
I never have enough shelves, it’s not a perfect system really but here goes – by genre:
Literary, contemporary and historical fiction in the study/library
Crime fiction and thrillers on the landing
Memoirs and writing therapy in the office
Romance in the bedroom of course!
I have a display case of collectible books in the living room plus my tbr shelf. I also have a proof trolley that rolls around the house.
What underrated book should more people read?
Definitely some of the translated fiction – Lilja Sigursdottir, Eva Bjorg Aegisdottir, Jenni Lund Madsen, Agnes Ravatn.
What are three books or genres that define your taste as a reader?
Historical fiction, Gothic fiction, and Crime fiction.
And finally…
Do you have any other reviewers or bloggers you would recommend?
Anne Cater – Random Things Through My Letterbox
Jen Meds Book Reviews
Emma’s Biblio Treasures
Years of Reading Selfishly
Elspells Book Reviews
Rutherford Reads
Brown Flopsy Book Burrow
Thank you Hayley😊
Books By Your Bedside 