Reading Round-Up: May

Hello Loves!

Oh how I love half term! I’ve had a really super time in London so I’m playing catch up again but I know I won’t finish my book today so I thought I’d check in with you all and post my round-up!

I really do like the month of May because the sun tends to be shining and the daylight hours are continuously extended, little by little. Reading wise, it’s been a joy as well. I’ve managed to read 12 books this month which I’m pleased about. You’ll notice a particular type of book this month too. Let’s check out the shelves!

I did warn you that there’s a particular type of book this month but there’s been some great ones here actually. Here’s my top three!

1. Humble Pie – Gordon Ramsey. I am a huge Gordon Ramsey fan so when I stumbled across this in a second hand book shop, I just had to get it. I loved this book because it was just so refreshingly honest. He’s got a clear persona for TV but loyalty to his staff shines through. A really great non-fiction read!
2. A Secret Garden Affair – Erica James. I really do like the writing style of Erica James and I also think she’s the queen of character creating. I found this story completely compelling and I couldn’t put it down. Beautiful cover too!
3. The Miseducation of Evie Epworth – Matson Taylor. You may remember another Matson Taylor book and that’s because it appears that I’ve read these the wrong way round! It didn’t do any harm though and I loved this just as much as All About Evie.

This month appears to have been good but my brain hasn’t really got to grips with lengthier or complicated plots. In fact, some of these are rather simple picture books. Paris is a beautiful book and I love the affirmations from. She Believed She Could and All on the Board. Sometimes you just need the simpler things. Reading is reading. It’s about the pleasure of it.

Like I said in my previous post, I’ve seen a number of shows that I want to catch up with you all about and of course, my trip to London. It’s been a blast. Here’s to the next half of the week!

Big love all xxxx

Reading Round-Up: April

Hello Loves!

The sun is shining! However, for those in education it’s exam season! SATS and GCSE exams have started so it means it’s the time of peak pressure really. I love exam season for so many reasons. I love being able to have those reassuring conversations so students know I’m right there with them. Mine are telling me I’m more worried than they are! To all my fellow educators, we’ve got this. 💜

Anyway, it’s time for me to catch up with my reading round-up. April was the Easter holiday so it meant I got a lot of reading done which was excellent. I’m so thrilled! There’s been some excellent books as well that I cannot wait to share with you all. It felt like I was on fire as I managed to read 17 books. Let’s check out the shelves!

Oh my days picking three out of these is really difficult but there are some that stand out and some that I’ve already reviewed. This month really has been stellar! I’ve loved it. Here goes…

1. Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers – Jesse Sutanto. How can you not love Vera Wong?! What a protagonist! She’s easily one of my favourites. As a dead body ends up in her world famous (questionable) tea shop, she feels like she’s got to solve the mystery. A cracking read. One of my favourites this year so far!
2. Surviving to Driver – Guenther Steiner. A lesser known fact of mine is that I’m a F1 follower. I always have been from being a child as it’s something we would watch as a family. Guenther Steiner is a massive hit following the Netflix series about F1 and to be honest, I think he is hilarious. This book is so good, it felt like his voice was inside my head. A really super piece of non-fiction if you’re interested in racing driving at all. Warning: he does swear a lot.
3. The Mother – T.M. Logan. One of my favourite writers with another excellent thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end. BUT I also want to include The London Seance Society – Sarah Penner because I love her writing too. Her new book is just as exceptional as The Lost Apothecary which was one of my favourites from last year.

So there we have it! A bit cheeky putting another little number in there so I’ve got four but I really couldn’t not. There wasn’t a way to pick between them. I’m trying to champion non-fiction a bit more as well as my other favourite reads. I feel much better that I’m all caught up too! Finally!

I’ve got a couple of shows I want to tell you all about and some really interesting books I’ve been reading but I’ll save that for next time.

Big love all xxxx

Reading Round-Up: March

Hello Loves!

Well, it’s Easter break so I’m really relieved. It means I’ve got chance to catch up with you all and also get through some books. Everything has come to a halt with me. I’ve properly gone off the pace with it. I’ve been poorly again and work has been really challenging. This is the time now for me rest, recover and read. All the Rs! Thank you for stopping by and sticking with me, even when I’ve been so behind. For the next two weeks I’m hoping to fill up your screens with posts galore.

This month was a slow one for me. I only managed to read 7 books. There’s been a number of children’s books this month which has been lovely. It’s all about inspiring the next generation of readers after all. Let’s check out the shelves!

1. Poems in Progress – Alexandra Ault & Laura Walker. I got this from the British Library (review coming up next week) and it really is the most fascinating book. It’s all about draft manuscript copies of poetry covering a range of writers and themes. It’s a real treat for any poetry lover.
2. Me vs Brain – Haley Morris. Haley Morris is someone I follow on Facebook but she’s known from TikTok. She’s hilarious and honest and this book was just so refreshing. As a fellow over thinker, I could relate to so many scenarios in this one.
3. Strange Weather in Tokyo – Hiromi Kawakami. I picked this for my reading challenge so a review is incoming. I have a real love for translated novels and this really didn’t disappoint either. I loved the ebb and flow of the story.

Well, I’m hoping to read more and catch up with my many reviews in my two weeks off. I can’t wait to get back on top form with both! I’ve missed you all dearly.

Big love all xxxx

Reading Round-Up: February

Hello Loves!

Did anyone else blink and miss February? I feel like I did. I know there’s only 28 days but still, I feel like it’s gone super quick. However, it’s been a great reading month. I’ve had half term as well where I spent time pottering around and I noticed that it was getting brighter earlier and for longer. The spring flowers are arriving too. Exciting times ahead!

In February I managed to read 13 books which I’m really chuffed about. I’ve read some absolute crackers too. I’ve just noticed that they’re all similar colours: oranges, reds and yellows. Clearly I’ve been (unconsciously/subconsciously?) looking for some bright colours to perk the season up! Anyway, enough jabber! Let’s check out the shelves!

1. Love & Saffron – Kim Fay. Food and friendship, what’s more to love? This story is heartwarming and I really enjoyed it. I also loved that it was all letters! Joan and Imogen remind us that friendship and food are the most important things. A gorgeous little read.
2. The Measure – Nikki Erlick. This book really intrigued me. In a nutshell, small wooden boxes are left outside doors all around the world containing one thing: a string showing how many years you’ll live. Do you open it? What if yours is a short string? Totally captivating and a genius idea of a plot!
3. The Love of my Life – Rosie Walsh. I love Rosie Walsh’s writing, she never disappoints. It was a safe bet buying and reading this book and I really didn’t see the plot unravelling like it did. There’s lots of twists and turns but ultimately, are you really who you say you are?

What a brilliant reading month and of course, more pennies into my savings account too! I can’t wait to see what March brings. I need to self care because it’s mock exam season so reading hopefully will be the best medicine for this! Have a great reading month everyone! I’ll see you next time for my book choice for my reading challenge for February!

Big love all xxxx

Reading Round-Up: January

Hello Loves!

Well, I wasn’t expecting to be so absent for the month of January. I’m really sorry. Since I’ve been back at work, it’s felt like one thing after another. My head feels full of fog. I’ve been reading but I’ve not been writing much at all. Hopefully, with the half term holiday in sight, I might start to feel a bit better.

I wanted to spend the last day of January with my round up for this month. 2023 promises to be an amazing year of books, let’s face it. I really can’t wait to get down my pile, read some new titles and branch out more. I need to get back on here more too!

Anyway in January I managed to read 11 books. Considering I went back to work straight after New Year, I am quite pleased with my progress there. There’s always room for improvement and my poor little blog needs some attention but I’m okay with it. Let’s check out the shelves!

I’ve not reviewed anything so it’s been quite tricky to decide however, I think I’m there!

1. That Green Eyed Girl – Julie Owen Moylan. Oh gosh, I loved this one so much. Really gritty and compelling characters with a well thought out plot. What’s not to love?!
2. The Ink Black Heart – Robert Galbraith. I absolutely love the Galbraith series. They’re just so incredible. This one even included dialogue from chat rooms which was a new reading experience for me. As always with Galbraith, I couldn’t work it out. I wasn’t even close.
3. The Accidental Medium – Tracy Whitwell. I really find mediums incredibly interesting so this book appealed from the cover alone. However, I really enjoyed reading it! It’s an easy read with some likeable characters who try to use their skill for good. It’s what I’d call a weekend read.

There’s an elephant in the room (so to speak) with Spare. I wanted to read it so I could be fully equipped rather than just see the media interpretation of events. I feel more informed which does help. I do have an issue with the media representation of events. However, I have nothing but respect for our Royal Family. It’s definitely a controversial book, that’s for sure.

I’ll see you at the weekend where I’ve got to review the book I chose for my reading challenge. See you then darlings!

Big love all xxxx

Reading Round-Up: 2022

Hello Lovelies!

Happy New Year! I am super excited to round up on last year and also launch with you my reading challenge for 2023! 2022 was a great year for my little blog because I found that I really enjoyed posting more. I hope you didn’t get sick of me in the process though! I’m on a particular high today because I should have gone back to school but the heating had broken! Yes! An additional day off. More reading time for me!

First of all, I want to round up 2022. I was really pleased to see that I managed to read 145 books in 2022. Definitely down from 2021 but that’s because we weren’t stuck at home! You can remind yourself of last year here, should you wish to. Along the way, there have been some amazing books. I’ll give you my top 5 later but I’ve honestly loved it. It’s all been about trying to get down my to be read pile and I’ve put a dent in it, that’s for sure! It hasn’t been easy, like most readers there have been slumps along the way and the inability to find a book I can get into. There’s so many factors in play at times so I don’t tend to share which books I didn’t finish because I know it isn’t the book, usually it’s me. But, I am ruthless. I do give up and move on because life is too short.

Regardless, let’s check out the books of 2022!

1. Appanah, Nathacha – The Sky Above the Roof
2. Tattersfield, Eleanor – Lockdown Secrets
3. Rauf, Onjali Q – The Lion at the Door
4. Colwin, Laurie – Happy All The Time
5. Grisham, John – The Racketeer
6. Flack, Caroline – Storm in a C Cup
7. Patterson, James – The Last Days of John Lennon
8. French, Dawn – Oh Dear Silvia
9. Jennings, Luke – Codename Villanelle
10. Priestley, J.B – An Inspector Calls
11. Tremayne, S.K. – The Assistants
12. Hazelwood, Ali – The Love Hypothesis
13. Morris, Heather – Three Sisters
14. James, Erica – Mothers and Daughters
15. Wilson, Antoine – Mouth to Mouth
16. Hitchings, Henry – Love Letters to Bookshops Around the World
17. McCartney, Sophie – Tired & Tested
18. Dowd, Siobhan – The London Eye Mystery
19. Zgheib, Yara – No Land to Light On
20. Lepionka, Kristen – The Last Place You Look
21. Halls, Stacey – Mrs England
22. Prose, Nita – The Maid
23. Donaldson, Julia & Scheffler, Axel – The Gruffalo
24. Debona, Katherine – Love Me, Love Me Not
25. Allen, Anthea – Life, Death and Biscuits
26. Ware, Jessie – Omelette
27. Shrager, Rosemary – The Last Supper
28. Schwab, V.E. – Gallant
29. Halls, Stacey – The Foundling
30. Ryn, Jessica – The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside
31. Logan, T.M. – The Curfew
32. Maher, Kerri – The Paris Bookseller
33. Penner, Sarah – The Lost Apothecary
34. Blackburn, Lizzie Damilola – Yinka, Where is Your Husband?
35. Hockney, David & Gayford, Martin – Spring Cannot be Cancelled
36. Mas, Victoria – The Mad Woman’s Ball
37. Strout, Lucy – My Name is Lucy Barton
38. Cox, Katy – M is for Mummy
39. Osbourne, Bella – The Library
40. Wahrer, Caitlin – Damage
41. Ireland, Sandra – The Unmaking of Ellie Rook
42. Gold, Hannah – The Last Bear
43. Williams, Candice-Carty – Queenie
44. Keyes, Marian – Rachel’s Holiday
45. O’Leary, Beth – The No-Show
46. Grohl, Dave – The Storyteller
47. Hargrave, Kiran Millwood – Julia and the Shark
48. Gold, Hannah – The Lost Whale
49. Steinbeck, John – Cannery Row
50. Fforde, Katie – Saving the Day
51. Keyes, Marian – Again, Rachel
52. Lockhart, E – We Were Liars
53. Hawkins, Paula – Blind Spot
54. Buchanan, Daisy – Insatiable
55. Vine, Lucy – What Fresh Hell
56. Craven, M.W. – The Cutting Season
57. McCaughrean, Geraldine – The Supreme Lie
58. Sams, Saba – Send Nudes
59. Wilson, A.K. – The Manager
60. Sims, Gill – The Saturday Night Sauvignon Sisterhood
61. Oseman, Alice – Nick and Charlie
62. Patterson, James – Honeymoon
63. Bennett, Alan – The Uncommon Reader
64. Malik, Ayisha – Sofia Khan and the Baby Blues
65. Paris, Helen – Lost Property
66. Wilson, A.N. – Lilibet – The Girl who Would be Queen
67. Carvan, Tabitha – This is not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch
68. Hogan, Ruth – The Keeper of Lost Things
69. Buchanan, Daisy – Careering
70. Benson, Jen – The Wild Year
71. Han, Jenny – The Summer I Turned Pretty
72. Cox, Sara – Thrown
73. Sutanto, Jesse – Dial A For Aunties
74. Wickers, Kate – Shape of a Boy
75. Chen, Kirstin – Counterfeit
76. Stonex, Emma – The Lamplighters
77. Candlish, Louise – The Other Passenger
78. Heydenrych, Amy – The Pact
79. Sunim, Haemin – The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down
80. Cha, Steph – Your House Will Pay
81. Backman, Fredrik – Anxious People
82. Bly, Mary – Lizzie & Dante
83. Takhar, Helen Monks – That Woman
84. Heller, Miranda Cowley – Paper Palace
85. Campbell, Michele – A Stranger on the Beach
86. Jewell, Lisa – The Family Upstairs
87. Corry, Jane – We All Have Our Secrets
88. Cave, Jessie – Sunset
89. Han, Jenny – It’s Not Summer Without You
90. Hui, Angela – Takeaway
91. Swanson, Peter  – Before She Knew Him
92. Rowell, Rainbow – Fangirl
93. Han, Jenny – We’ll Always Have Summer
94. Mulhern, Stephen – Max Magic
95. Osman, Richard – The Man Who Died Twice
96. Newson, Karl & Anganuzzi, Clara – The World at Your Feet
97. Sutanto, Jesse – Four Aunties and a Wedding
98. Jestin, Victor – Heatwave
99. Brook, Kate – Not Exactly What I Had In Mind
100. Bourne, Holly – How Do You Like Me Now?
101. Bochis, Iulia – The Sun, The Sea & The Stars
102. Hazelwood, Ali – Love on the Brain
103. Taylor, Matson – All About Evie
104. Kay, Adam – Undoctored
105. Norbury, James – The Journey
106. Gayle, Mike – The Museum of Ordinary People
107. Felton, Tom – Beyond the Wand
108. Kawaguchi, Toshikazu – Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Tales from the Café
109. Shakespeare, William – Macbeth
110. Kawaguchi, Toshikazu – Before Your Memory Fades
111. Murray, Lily & Surplice, Holly – Five Little Penguins
112. Tucci, Stanely – Taste: My Life Through Food
113. Osman, Richard – The Bullet That Missed
114. Sanghani, Radhika – Thirty Things I Love About Myself
115. Doughty, Louise – Platform Seven
116. Theroux, Louis – Theroux the Keyhole
117. Du Beke, Anton – We’ll Meet Again
118. Moore, Ian – Death and Papa Noel
119. Donati, Alba – Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop
120. Kemp, Roman – Are You Really Ok?
121. Coles, Richard – Murder Before Evensong
122. Bennett, S.J. – Murder Most Royal
123. Miller, Madeline – Galatea
124. Swanson, Peter  – Rules for Perfect Murders
125. Sharma, Nisha – Dating Dr. Dil
126. Smith, Alex T – The Twelve Days of Christmas
127. Dickens, Charles – A Christmas Carol
128. Jewell, Lisa – The Family Remains
129. Collins, Bridget & co – The Haunting Season
130. Duffy, Carol Ann – Advent Street
131. Herron, Mick  – Slough House
132. Grimm Brothers & co – A German Christmas
133. Pooley, Claire – The People on Platform 5
134. Taylor-Bessent, Mel – The Christmas Carrolls
135. Sampson, Freya – The Girl on the 88 Bus
136. Macomber, Debbie – Jingle All The Way
137. Ayoade, Richard – The Book That No One Wanted to Read
138. Herron, Mick – Stanging By The Wall
139. Du Beke, Anton – Ballroom Blitz
140. Dean, Will – The Last Thing to Burn
141. Carroll, Lewis – Through the Looking Glass
142. Hendricks, Jaime Lynn – His Missing Wife
143. Lockhart, E – Family of Liars
144. Perry, Matthew – Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing
145. Garmus, Bonnie – Lessons in Chemistry 

I think we can all agree there’s some incredible books here! Picking a top five is tough but they are:

• Beyond the Wand – Tom Felton. When I reviewed it, I called it. I just knew that it was going to take a really special book to beat it.
• Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing – Matthew Perry. I’m a huge Friends fan so I couldn’t not read this book. It was utterly heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time.
• Paper Palace – Miranda Cowley Heller. One of my summer reads that I couldn’t put down. I absolutely loved it. It gave me Crawdad vibes that I’d been desperately looking for!
• The Lamplighters – Emma Stonex. Another beach read that I reviewed but fell in love with the plot after the first few pages.
• The Lost Apothecary – Sarah Penner. A beautiful cover, a wonderful story with strong female characters.

That’s it! There’s so many others that I could have chosen but I decided to stick with these. What do you think? Have you read any of these?

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2023: My focus has now changed to 2023 and what exciting books the future holds for me here. I’ve decided I need to continue with my efforts of getting down my to be read pile. Whilst going through my monthly reading challenge last year, I spotted that some of the criteria were quite similar so I’ve worked on it and please let me introduce to you all, the reading challenge for 2023!

I’ve tried to make sure that I’ve got some things that motivate me (e.g. a beach read. Who isn’t longing for summer?) as well as things that will definitely challenge me and broaden my reading horizons. Feel free to join in with this and make suggestions for me! I get a lot of my reading list from you guys so I’m keen for any books you think are good! I really hope you join in with me!

So, onto the next book and preparing myself for the next half term.

Big love all xxxx

Reading Round-Up: December

Hello Loves!

I literally cannot believe it’s New Years Eve! Time has a really funny habit of running a way with us, for sure. I don’t think I’ll finish another book today so it’s time for my reading round up of the month. To be honest, I’ve read some excellent books in December. Holidays do provide me with the best time to relax and read and I’ve definitely been doing just that (and eating far too much…) Please tell me you’re all like me!

Anyway in December I managed to read a total of 16 books which I’m super pleased with. There’s been times when I’ve finished a book I’ve started in the same day. It’s been joyous to really get down my reading pile and enjoy reading some of the books from my advent calendar. I’ve got plenty still to keep me going though, that’s for sure! I can’t hold off any longer, I’m just too excited. Let’s check out the shelves!

I’ve written reviews of three of these already and have plans for more so this is going to be quite tricky. Lessons in Chemistry was previous post here – I just love that book. I’ve also reviewed Advent Street here too along with The Haunting Season over here and Slough House right there. It makes it a bit easier to pick a top three outside of these, that’s for sure!

1. Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing – Matthew Perry. As a huge Friends fan, I had this on my list as soon as I saw it’s publication date. I hope to review it properly but I found it to be raw, moving and brutally honest.
2. The Family Remains – Lisa Jewell. Another absolute classic from Lisa Jewell. Again it was quite a hyped up book for me so I took me some time to get to it. However, it was so worth the wait.
3. The Girl on the 88 Bus – Freya Sampson. This book filled my heart and soul with unrivalled joy. If you’re needing a little pick me up, go for this one. You won’t be disappointed.

What a month! I’ve had one of the best months for reading so I’m feeling quite pleased with myself. I’m really excited for my reading challenge next year which I can’t wait to share with you (I’ve not finished it yet so any categories are welcome!) and to share more books with you too.

Have an excellent New Years Eve and of course, a very Happy New Year. I wish you all the very best for 2023! I’ll see you next year, probably tomorrow (see what I did there?!) for a roundup of the whole year, my favourites and thank yous as well as the future plans for my little blog. Until then…

Big love all xxxx

Reading Round-Up: November

Hello Loves!

Happy Advent Eve! I love December so I am very excited about it approaching. Have you got your advent calendars and candles ready? I definitely have! I’ve got a very exciting advent treat that I can’t wait to share with you too. However, it’s sat in a Royal Mail depot somewhere at the moment due to the strikes – along with my book choice for October and November… I solemnly swear that I will catch up on my reading challenge in the next week!

Anyway, November has been quite a good reading month for me, despite being mock season at school. I’ve also found the lack of daylight really difficult – I miss the sunshine! I’ve been struggling a little but my books have kept me going – that and getting excited for Christmas to be honest! I’m super pleased that I managed to read 12 books this month. I had a little slump in the middle because I was stressed about my reading challenge but I decided to read anything that takes my fancy and it really did take the pressure off. I’ve neglected my blog a little but I can’t wait to show you these 12 amazing books. Let’s check out the shelves!

November gave me a real mix of titles really and to be honest, I’ve loved it! Picking a top three is always difficult but when there’s been a slump in the month, I’m always grateful to the books that have pulled me out of it. Anyway, here’s my top three – what do you think?

1. Are You Really Ok? – Roman Kemp. There’s one main reason why this is the top of the list and that is because it raises the importance of mental health, especially in men, and the need for friendship groups to open those lines of communication to be there for each other. It was really moving and as a teacher in an all boys school, really important.
2. We’ll Meet Again – Anton Du Beke. Most famous for being on Strictly Come Dancing, I was lucky enough to receive the first few books prepublication. I LOVE them. The setting, the glitz, the characters, the dancing and the wartime background mean these really are the perfect read. They’re usually set in Christmastime too (just saying…) I must admit, if you read this get some tissues ready – I sobbed.
3. The Twelve Days of Christmas – Alex T Smith. First of all, there is nothing to not love about this book. The illustrations are incredible, each page is a pop of colour and character but also, I just love the premise behind it. We all know the popular Christmas song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, but do you remember what each day brought? If not, this quirky, hilarious take on this book is for you. It’s also excellent for little readers too.

There we have it! Another excellent month of reading even though I didn’t get to my book for November. I will make sure that happens this weekend as well as my new post, especially for the advent period. I cannot wait to show you that! I plan to post most days too so stay tuned! I’m genuinely so excited about it.

I hope you all have a wonderful start to December. Thanks for being there with me, even when I don’t quite reach my own goals that I set for myself.

Big love all xxxx

Reading Round-Up: October

Hi loves!

Happy Sunday! I hope you’re all well rested and enjoying the weekend.

Whilst the rain is lashing down my windows, I thought now would be a good time to share with you all my round-up for October. October was a great month for reading which I’m really pleased with. I’m also surprised because even though I had half term, I was in London so only read one book! Anyway, there were some great books last month and some potential Christmas presents if you’re needing ideas! I do have to admit something though, I didn’t manage to get my book read for the book bingo but that’s ok!

So, I managed to read a thrilling 13 books in October. To be honest, I’m really chuffed! I’m desperately trying to get down my to be read pile and not buy anymore so I’m pleased with the progress I’m making, albeit quite slowly! Let’s check out the shelves.

I’ve already blogged and reviewed a couple of these: The Journey and Beyond the Wand. I absolutely loved both of those books and highly recommend them. However, I’ve picked a top three that lies outside those two.

1. The Bullet That Missed – Richard Osman. The third book in the series and this was just as witty, thrilling and well developed as the others. Featuring our favourite Thursday Murder Club and another mystery that needs solving.
2. Platform Seven – Louise Doughty. I received this in my halloween subscription box and it really didn’t disappoint. It’s just as gritty as Apple Tree Yard and I found myself falling into the depths of the murky world of murder. (Do not read if you’re planning on travelling around via train – I read this in London when I was hopping on and off tubes and I became super paranoid.)
3. All About Evie – Matson Taylor. This book really was a breath of fresh air. It was utterly delightful and charming and I absolutely loved the character of Evie. A feel good read for those times when you really want one!

And there we have it! 13 fabulous books including one I’ve got for the tiny human in my life: Five Penguins. I must admit, it’s got beautiful illustrations and is perfect for the little ones. Who doesn’t love penguins as well?!

All in all, October was a brilliant reading month and I’m really excited about seeing what November brings on the reading front. It’s getting a bit exciting now with all the books being advertised for Christmas. I just need to resist temptation and get my pile down a bit more…

See you next time where I promise I’ll catch up the book I should have read for October and share with you some of the wonderful experiences of London.

Big love all! Xx

Reading Round-Up: August and September

Hey Loves!

Well, it appears that I’ve dropped a bit of a clanger… I didn’t seem to do my round-up for August! So today, I’m going to share with you the books I read in August and September so we are all back up to date. I cannot believe I’ve done that! I guess life gets in the way sometimes but still I’m super disappointed in myself really. I hope you can all forgive me and hopefully this acts as some form of redemption…

Anyway, let’s start with August. Like the end of July, I spent the majority of August on holiday which was excellent. I had a fabulous time but looking back now, it feels like such a long time ago. In August I managed to read a total of 16 books which I am really pleased with. There were some excellent ones here too. I’m surer you’ve got to them already but I’m still really excited to share them with you. Let’s check out the shelves!

Picking a top three from this lovely bunch is going to be really difficult. I enjoyed the majority of them so much to be honest! I’ll give it my best shot though.

1. The Paper Palace – Miranda Cowley-Heller. For me, this had real Crawdad’s vibes and I utterly ate it up. I couldn’t put this book down. I loved the characters and the story and found it to be my favourite book of the summer.
2. The Family Upstairs – Lisa Jewell. I think I said before that I am relatively new to Lisa Jewell but I really enjoyed this one and cannot wait to progress onto the next one in the series. Long term followers know that I absolutely love a psychological thriller and this was just that. Edge of the seat kind of stuff really!
3. Takeaway – Angela Hui. I blogged about this book because I absolutely loved it and I’ve decided that this is my favourite non-fiction book of the year so far. It talked about Chinese culture, that food is the language of love and the importance of family. It was an excellent read and one I couldn’t recommend highly enough.

Now onto September. September was a much slower month for me. I was back at work, with the relentlessness of the daily grind and reading went out of the window. Then I was completely thrown by the death of a Queen and finally I got poorly. How the mighty have fallen! Upon reflection, I always tend to read more when it’s holiday time. It’s a shame that during the most stressful times, the one love I have, seems to vanish… Does anyone else have the same issue?

Anyway, in September I managed to read 8 books. This was a real surprise because there was about two weeks where I didn’t pick up a book. Regardless, again there were some good choices here and writers that I know I enjoy so that helps also. Let’s check out the shelves!

It’s a little easier this time to pick my top three because there’s less to choose from and there’s a couple I wasn’t too keen on. I read them but they aren’t books I’d rave about, if that makes sense? I did blog about The Sun, The Sea & The Stars previously, so I’ll leave that out.

1. The Man Who Died Twice – Richard Osman. I was a little late to the party with this one but they are excellent books. I love the characters, I love the group and I love the mystery. All completely relatable and remarkable. 
2. How Do You Like Me Now? – Holly Bourne. Wow! I’d never heard of Holly Bourne but I absolutely love her writing style. I felt like it was hearing my own thoughts but being voiced much more eloquently. 
3. Four Aunties and a Wedding – Jesse Sutanto. I got the first book, Dial A For Aunties, in a book subscription box and then I saw that the next one was out. I find the writing style really funny and this book was a easy read. I also love the fact that the characters were larger than life and completely out there. 

The round-up has been really strange for me. I feel like I’ve messed up but I do enjoy looking back and seeing what I’ve read. Bring on October with autumn leaves, scarves and hopefully more books. My aim is to read the book choice for September as soon as possible and get blogging about it. It’s time to prioritise my blog and I again!

Until next time my dears.

Big Love xxxx