When thinking about the first posts I wanted to write upon my return, my instinct was to come home to my roots and chat books so, let’s do it!
My relationship with books, my adoration for reading and buying and listening to and staring at books has remained constant and something that will always bring my joy. However, I haven’t always been able to read lots and currently I’m sitting at only 8 books read this year. I say ‘only’, knowing its more than more, but for me, for what I used to read, its just not many. I originally set my goal for this year at 100 and quickly realised it was giving me more stress and taking away a pinch of enjoyment from realising so instead I’ve set on 33. My goals in life are simply to find contentment and to grow. Subsequently 33 was chosen, quite simply being one more book than I read last year and suddenly I feel excited and eager to read and see if I can do it, with much less pressure. Sure, if I magically read 100 books throughout 2026, I would absolutely jump for joy, but I’ll be perfectly happy with 33.
I set a second goal this year around books also – to read more new books instead of simply re-reading my favourites. I absolutely love re-reading books for the nostalgia and comfort, but it doesn’t bring quite the same level of excitement as exploring a new story and characters and diving into a whole new world. I am eager to report that out of the 8 books I’ve read this year, so far, 6 were new to me. Did I enjoy them all? Absolutely not – I in fact DNF’ed (did not finish) 2!
So where am I going with all this? Well, I thought I’d share what I have read this year so far, a brief review and what I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the year.
I started the year with Holding the Reigns by Paisley Hope (Silver Pines Ranch series) and absolutely adored it – it was the perfect first book of the year for me. Now if you know me well you’ll know that Cowboy Smut is my absolute jam and I have no shame in saying this. This was by far my favourite Cowboy smut I have ever read, scoring it 4.5 stars! There were also some country music references throughout which I loved too! I’m so excited to read the next in the series.
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn was my second and I was just engrossed. It was absolutely beautiful and I fell in love with Kate & Anthony (if you loved their Bridgerton TV series I highly recommend this – its sooooo much better!). There is also a beautiful second epilogue which you must read, it was just perfection. (4 stars).
My 3rd unfortunately was a DNF. I decided to try The Magicians Nephew by C.S. Lewis and I just could not get into it. I’m unsure whether it’s worth instead just skipping it entirely and going on to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe or whether I should try this one again in the future – does anyone suggest one over the other?
Now for the fourth and absolute top book of the year so far – The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods. I read this as part of a book club I’m part of (more on that another time) and just couldn’t put it down. I actually struggle to explain how much it blew me away and to put into words how wonderful it was. I do want to note that it touches on some really heavy topics so please approach with caution but I personally feel they were handled wonderfully. I cannot wait to read more from Evie. (A very easy 5 stars!).
That’s a Great Question, I’d Love to Tell You by Elyse Myers was up next. I went into this with low expectations, truthfully unsure why I’d preordered it having only known Elyse from online circles. I did however really enjoy this – it was funny and well-written but also very familiar and healing as a fellow neurodivergent person. I’d be keen to read any future works! There was also a stunning quote that I will share at the end of this post – it resonated so deeply. (3.5 stars).
Following this I was seeking nostalgia and comfort and a hint of childhood so the next two were re-reads and ones I’m sure I’ll re-read again. Firstly I read Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne and it was the perfect before-bed, comforting book; I actually listened on audible which I highly recommend. (3.5 stars). Then I re-read Matilda, one of my all time favourite novels and one I would recommend to absolutely everyone. It always makes me cry and was just exactly what I needed – 5 stars!
Sadly, my most recent read was the second DNF of the year – The Great When by Alan Moore. Despite trying both audiobook and paperback I just could not get past the first pages. This was one for book club hence I tried so many times but I just don’t think its for me. I would however like to see some of his Comic works because I think they’d be substantially better!
In terms of my TBR (to be read) pile it is frankly as long as my arm so I’ll just pick a few to mention. I definitely want to continue the Silver Pines Ranch series with the next title being Training the Heart. Speaking of series, I am now on my 3rd in the Bridgertons series (An Offer From a Gentleman) and its fabulous – I am keen to read the whole set. In terms of book club books I know our next two are: Uprooted by Naomi Novik and Terry Pratchett’s The Bromeliad Trilogy and I am confident I will enjoy both. Speak of book club books I also was recommended quite a few including As Many Souls as Stars and The Golem and the Djinni so hopefully I will get around to them soon. I’ll leave this here for now but I’m certain I’ll be back to ramble about books again soon.
‘Books, just all books in general, thank you for saving my life’ – Elyse Myers.
365 days of Char 