I really loved the whole weekend. I was nervous going into it, as a quiet introvert, but my intention was to just be there, just as I am, and not feel the need to change myself in anyway. The retreat was a really safe space for me to do that. As I said earlier, I've been looking to make some new friends who share the same interests as me (I'm on different paths to my best friends in this current season of life) - Sophie and I met up for a sea dip and a coffee at the coast on Sunday morning and we have so much in common - so thank you for making this happen : )

It's hard to sum up the retreat in words, but I think one thing I really loved was being able to just be. There was never any pressure to do anything, we were always encouraged to go slow.

I joined for community and spending time with likeminded people. And having accountability for reading, I love it but get so easily distracted when I’m not on holiday, so it gives me a reason to actually finish a book as I look forward to the debrief!

The atmosphere which was created was just MAGIC. I think starting activities with a meditative moment (like the book club) was gold dust, it helped me to feel present and to ground in the moment.

Seeing different peoples perspectives on the book can almost make you enjoy it more even after you’ve finished reading it. I think you create a space where people can give honest opinions with no judgement. The meditation at the start is really grounding too and I feel more at ease straight away.

I made connections at all different levels, and absolutely got what I hoped for. I don’t know how you did it but you brought together the most wonderful group of women.

I left feeling so optimistic, relaxed, supported and just incredible. Thank you so much!!!

I'd been wanting to join a book club in Nottingham to meet new people and read more. I'd seen a few, but they didn't feel right for me. When I found the Story Social Book Club on my feed, I knew it was perfect for me!

I didn’t expect the community part of it, that was really special to me as I’ve struggled to find my tribe and make friends in the past. It was lovely to connect with likeminded people! I also really enjoyed the creative sessions which surprised me as I don’t consider myself to be particularly creative and thought I’d find them stressful.

Wanted to thank you SO much for hosting such a great book club meet up this evening, I SO enjoyed it. You did such a fantastic job at steering the convo and creating a great atmosphere. I’ve only recently moved to Notts, and it was lovely to speak about books with some lovely, insightful people. Will deffo try to keep nabbing tickets!

It was really enjoyable to have the time allocated to spending it on myself, with no guilt attached. I liked the light structure which encouraged me to engage with planned activites and other women but I never felt forced to do anything I didn't want to do.

Highlights - connecting with like-minded women, in a space where you could be totally and authentically yourself. Sharing conversations, interests and good food. I have discovered new things which I'd like to do more of, including journaling and meditation. It felt good to spend time exploring those things, and carving out time to bring a sense of control and calm to my mind. I feel like we all came away from the weekend feeling being bonded together, which is rare with people you have only just met.