Monday, 17 August 2026

A Sign for The Times...

Long Ramble time, hurrah!

And what's the topic this month? We'll get to that in a sec. First off, check out this headline... 


If you click the link AND subscribe to The Times, you can read the whole thing. Sadly, I ditched my access to The Times after far too many front pages slagged off Angela Rayner for something that seemed innocuous at the time and has since proven to be, but I digress.


The head of a teenage girl is closeup on the cover of a book. She's holding a magnifying glass to her eye, which is magnified larger than the rest of her face. The book is called, Leeza McAuliffe is Branching Out and the author is Nicky Bond.
The literary love child of 
Judy Blume and Adrian Mole 
That headline describes a book by Lissa Evans called My Name is MacKenzie Bly. I don't know much more than that, but it sounds great. 'An entertaining novel for older children and adults' is what the thumbnail says. Right up my street, I reckon. 

The reason is simple. It's exactly the kind of thing I write, isn't it. I often describe my books as the literary love child of Judy Blume and Adrian Mole. It's a pithy way to make clear what a load of waffle doesn't. Waffle like 'I write about the ups and downs of pre-teen and early teen life, through the character of Leeza and her diaries, including family dynamics, puberty, friendships, school dramas, community events, and exploding hormones.' Not so pithy when I say it like that, is it?

As I close the promotional period of Leeza McAuliffe is Branching Out and turn my thoughts to planning the next book, I thought I'd share some of the feedback this particular book received. Call it closure, call it the end of a chapter, or call it me blowing my own trumpet and being chuffed to bits at how the latest Leeza adventure was read. Check out some of the lovely reviews below.


A review from an Amazon customer. 'Third book in the series that continues to being hope and joy. A book about growing up that is also about how we STOP growing up. These are characters that you want to spend tome with. They are the best of people even when they're flawed and angry and hurt. A book to read if you want reminding that life can be beautiful. IT is funny and heartwarming and a wee bit emotional. It's more than a book for kids/teens about kids/teens; it's a reminder that life can be full of adventure and excitement and love. Oh I adore these books.


'While I'm technically much closer to Leeza's mum's age these days, there was something so lovely about reconnecting with my younger self through her. Leeza is the kind if character who reminds you what it felt like to be young, hopeful, slightly awkward and excited about the world.

This is such a lighthearted, charming YA read, especially when the worked is in never ending chaos. I can absolutely see myself recommending Leeza to my own daughter when she's older. I hope she finds the same joy in there story - and in Leeza - that I did.'      

Jessie Farley on Amazon


An Amazon review from What Lou is Reading. 'This is the 3rd book in the the series and it does not disappoint. This is such a great book not just for teenagers or young adults. I loved this book, it almost reminded me of reading Judy Blume when I was younger. This book takes us through being a 13 year old, school trips, friendships, and all the ups and downs of a typical 13 year old, whilst solving her own mystery. It made me smile this book with Leeza's relationship with her mum and the bickering. It made me remember being a teenager and the bickering I used to do with my mum. This book is written with pure joy and I will definitely be reading more.'


'My daughter and I love read about Leeza. We read the first books and adored them, especially with the details we get about her life and the things she has to work through both at home and at school. It is a fun series and I e that helps young people look at life and how they are going to navigate issues.'  

Pause_theframe on Instagram


I hadn't realised this was the third book, for some reason, however now that I know, I will definitely be going back to read the other ones.This has been such a cute story and I like the way that the story is told entirely in diary entries. It's just different and fun! Being the oldest of six, I can understand Leeza's pain and frustration. I was also (and still am an avid reader) and love to start a book in the evening and stay up as late as possible to get the whole thing read.'

“I was just trying to make my outsides match how my insides feel.” 🥹 This line hit me so hard! The author captures the mindset and voice of a 13-year-old so accurately that I kept forgetting this was written by an adult. It reads almost like literary fiction with how deeply it explores the coming-of-age thinking process, adolescent identity, and changing family dynamics. Leeza is such a relatable, real protagonist, and watching her take control of her life while figuring out who she is was so satisfying! A wonderfully fun, thoughtful, and engaging read!                                      

ekaurbook on Instagram


Ok, Ok, I'll stop there. It's really quite unseemly, isn't it, all this praise sharing. Such anathema to my self-deprecating, piss-takey self. I can only apologise and normal service will resume next week. The trouble is, if I don't signpost people to these marvellous reviews, how on earth will The Times ever find out that there's another Gen Z answer to Adrian Mole?

Actually, screw Gen Z, they're old news now. It's Gen Alpha that I'm writing about. Get with the times, The Times. Leeza McAuliffe is where it's at. You should defo give her a read. 

Have a lovely week, folks.
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