Anticipated Releases (Jan-March 2025)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And for once, I'm actually making an effort to work on these posts more! 

Just as well it's December, with this Anticipated Releases needing to be written, as well as my Favourites List and yearly wrap up! 

I hope you're all having a lovely December, with all things Christmas circling around once more. 

I'm trying not to think about how much I still have to do, but more about the people I'm happy to spend it with. 

Because Christmas is for people we consider family- wherever we might have come from. 

Anyway, without further ado, here are my Anticipated Releases for the first three months of 2025- I hope you enjoy reading about them, and maybe pick up a couple yourself! 

~January~

1. The Assassin's Guide to Babysitting, by Natalie C. Parker

Release date: 07/01/2025

I admit, I didn't think I would be adding a book like this when looking for what to add to this list, but I'm honestly intrigued as for where this story is headed. 

The Assassin's Guide to Babysitting follows Tru, who has been hiding herself- and her Bastion ability from people for as long as she can remember. Even her closest friends don't know her true ability- or even her true name. That's what killed her parents. 

On a random night, during a babysitting job- set up from BountyApp- where lethal hunters find work and babysitters for their kids- Tru flees with a one-year-old strapped to her chest, and her head is filled with questions. Whom can she trust? What does it mean to be a bastion, and why is it so feared? And is it ever okay to kiss the girl that's on your tail, intent on murdering you? 

This sounds an excitement packed- fun story that I can soar through, and the right story, so as to get me in the right frame of mind to have a great reading year. 

2. After Life, by Gayle Forman 

Release date: 07/01/2025

Gayle Forman has a new book out! I haven't read a new book of hers in so long, I genuinely can't wait to see her name back on my shelves again. 

Life Again follows Amber, arriving home on her bike, after a perfectly normal day at school. 

Except, when her mother sees her, she doesn't welcome her warmly. She screams- because Amber died seven years ago- in a car accident, on the very same bike she's just arrived home on. 

This amazing return of Amber doesn't just have an impact on her. It effects the entire family- her younger sister Melissa, now seven years older, must be a new kind of sibling to Amber. Their parents are also damaged by her return as well, even her ex boyfriend, or people she's only met briefly- are effected by her phenomenal return. But in the midst of it all, Amber has questions of her own- who was she, before she died? And why was she given a second chance?

This sounds like a sensitive and emotional story, and that is what Gayle Forman does best. I am genuinely excited for the release of this. 

3. A Sea of Unspoken Things, by Adrienne Young

Release date: 07/01/2025

When Adrienne Young popped up on the list of new releases in the upcoming year, I knew I'd come across her name somewhere, but wasn't sure where. Turns out, she is the author of Fable, Namesake and Deep in the Sky, all YA releases I'd expressed an interest in, upon their releases, but never picked up. 

Once more, A Sea of Unspoken Things pyked my interest, and so, I'm adding it to this. 

A Sea of Unspoken Things is about James Golden, twin of Johnny, and the two of them have always been closest with the other- to the point where James can feels what Johnny feels- and vice versa. 

So when James gets a phone call, she knows that he is dead before she's even told. And she is alone for the first time ever. 

When James arrives in the rural town of Hawthorne, California, to settle her brothers affairs, she comes face to face with Micah, the only other person to know the Golden siblings' secrets- and the only person James has ever loved. 

Soon James discovers that her connection with Johnny isn't truly gone- and the more she immerses herself into his world, the more secrets of his she discivers. And in the end, it will be up to her to decide what secrets she decides to uncover to the rest of the world. 

This sounds so gripping, so addictive, but I have no doubt that this kind of subject matter will be handled sensitively- I just know. 

Never mind that I've never read a book of hers- I am ready.  

4. Sweet Fury, by Sash Bischoff

Release date: 07/01/2025

In a nutshell, Sweet Fury is about movie star Lila Cryane and her new film director fiancé, taking on a new project: a feminist version of Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night, with of course, Lila taking on the lead. 

To prepare for her new role, Lila signs up to a series of therapy session, to dig into her childhood trauma, working with the charming and accomplished therapist Jonah Gabriel. Soon, Lila's perfect and glittery life is starting to unravel, on the comfort of Gabriel's couch (or sofa). But everyone has a secret, and nothing is as it seems. 

This reminds me very much of The Midnight Rose, by Lucinda Riley, one of her standalones that I read this year, but with a bit more tension and dark themes in it, and honestly, I'm excited. I've never heard of Tender is the Night, so maybe this book will encourage me to pick it up sometime in the future. 

5. The Ends of Things, by Sandra Chwialkowska

Release date: 14/01/2025

Another thriller this one, it seems. January seems to be releasing a lot of them in 2025- there are over one hundred books being released next month and most of them- happen to be thrillers! 

The End of Things follows Laura Phillips, embarking on a holiday with her boyfriend Dave, to the remote island of Eleuthera, in the Bahamas- she has always wanted to travel the world, but would never dare to go it alone. 

Almost instantly upon arrival, her and Dave are led to a luxurious suite and handed cocktails garnished with little umbrellas- it's a lover's paradise. Which makes the fact that they see a woman holidaying alone, on the pristine beach, all the more unusual. Intrigued, Laura approaches the woman, and instantly warms to her. Her name is Diana and, before she knows it, she finds herself spilling secrets she's never told anyone. 

And then Diana disappears. And she realises she barely knew anything at all about the woman she was spending her time with. 

The police think Diana might be in danger, and as more time passes, worry turns into obsession for Laura. As she tries to make sense of what has happened- as well as prove her innocent- she quickly realises that there is nobody she can trust, and that everyone is hiding something. What started as a perfect paradise is quickly turning into a terrifying nightmare... 

6. Clever Little Thing, by Helena Echlin 

Release date: 14/01/2025

I'm sure you guys must be tired of hearing of all the thrillers I'm looking forward to reading, but I'm about to throw another one at you. 

Clever Little Thing is about Charlotte, a mother, whose daughter Stella is often described as sensitive and brilliant. Then her babysitter dies, and Charlotte begins to be increasingly concerned with her daughter's behaviour. She starts to mimic her, using specific phrases in her accent, changing her personality from disruptive and anti-social to docial and agreeable, even having cravings for Armenian meat, having been brought up vegetarian. 

Charlotte is pregnant with her second child, and sick and weak with the stress of it all. She is convinced that Blanka is at the source of all of Stella's behavioural changes. She wonders how Blanka still seems to be part of their lives, despite being dead. Has Blanka somehow possessed Stella? Has Stella somehow become her? Charlotte becomes increasingly obsesses, convinced she is the only one that can save her, yet her husband seems to think it's all in her head. 

If this book was in front of me right now, I definitely wouldn't be tying this. I'd be picking it up and reading it without a moment's hesitation. 

~February~

1. Our Infinite Fates, by Laura Steven 

Release date: 01/02/2025

A couple of years ago, I read Laura Steven's The Exact Opposite of Okay, and absolutely loved it. Now, I follow her on Instagram, so of course I'd heard that she's been releasing fantasy novels, but I didn't know if it was my cup of tea, having loved her contemporary novels so much. 

But then I read the synopsis, and I just couldn't resist adding this to the list. 

There's no way to write my own version of what this story is, so I'm just going to quote it all:

"The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue meets This is How You Lose The Time War in this fantastic love story that defies death as two souls reincarnate through the centuries. 

They've loved each other in a thousand lifetimes. They've killed each other in every one. 

Evelyn remembers all her past lives. She also remembers that in every single one, she's been murdered before her eighteenth birthday by Arden, a supernatural being whose soul- and survival- is tethered to hers. 

The problem is that she's quite fond of the life she's in now, and her little sister needs her for bone marrow transplants in order to stay alive. If Evelyn wants to save her sister, she'll have to: 

1. Find the centuries-old devil who hunts her through each life- before they find her first. 

2. Figure out why she's being hunted and finally break their curse. 

3. Try not to fall in love." 

2. Dating and Dragons, by Kristy Boyce

Release date: 04/02/2025

Okay, so I've never played Dungeons and Dragons (sorry guys, I know it excists, just never really had a passion to learn how to play it) but this sounds good enough to replace the Maple Hills series. It;'s got the same feel, (not to mention the first book in the series is about a kid that wants to be a director on Broadway), so this series is one I really don't mind starting the first one, and then continuing on to this one. 

If the cover doesn't tell you much, it's a dungeons and dragons, YA romance. That's all I know or need to know about it. 

3. All Better Now, by Neal Shustermann 

Release date: 04/02/2025

Now, for those of you that have been following this blog for a while, you'll know that I was less than in love with the Scythe trilogy, so I was extremely hesistant to add this to my list when I came looking for anticipated releases. But having read what it's about, it sounds absolutely amazing. 

An unprecedented condition is on the rise. It starts with a fever, and finishes with total peace and serenity. Everybody that catches this virus-like-condition revels in catching this condition. Until people in power realise just how much it would impact their money empires, that they've worked so hard to achieve. They start to spread the word that without fear, anxiety and stress, the world would cease to function. Worse than that- the world would descend into chaos. 

With the world at odds, and everyone with their own agends, two people- that have had the virus affect them in phenomenally different ways- go on a search to find the truth. What will they uncover, under all the lies?

This book sound immensely complicated and intricate and I genuinely can't wait to sink my teeth into it. 

4. The Other March Sisters, by Linda Epstein, Ally Malinenko, Liz Parker

Release date: 25/02/2025

I've never heard of any of these authors, but that just means I get to see what they're like with a completely blank slate. Linda Epstein, Ally Malinenko and Liz Parker have joined forces to write Meg, Amy and Beth March's stories, while Jo is off writing elsewhere. I don't really have one particular story that I'm drawn to the most, maybe because it was Jo that comandeered all be attention when I read Little Woman, so it'll be exciting to see whose story I'm drawn to the most. 

The Other March Sisters deals with subjects such as motherhood, social strictures, queer love, chronic illness, artisitic ambition, and more. 

I can't wait to delve into this periodic novel and explore the world through new eyes. 

~March~

1. Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games #0.5), by Suzanne Collins

Release date: 18/03/2025

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who started jumping up and down at the news that this book would be released. For those that didn't know (I'm sure most people do) this is Haymitch's hunger games. He won the 50th Hunger Games, otherwise known as the 2nd Quarter Quell. The Quarter Quell introduces certain twists, and in this case, the 2nd Quarter Quell had twice the number of tributes.  

That's really all it's about. But I know that I'm not alone in my anticipation for this book to be released. 

2. Serial Killer Support Group, by Saratoga Schaefer

Release date: 18/03/2025

DEBUT NOVEL ABOUT SERIAL KILLERS. DEBUT NOVEL ABOUT SERIAL KILLERS. DEBUT NOVEL ABOUT SERIAL KILLERS.

Okay I'm done. 

When Cyra Griffin's younger sister is murdered, and the police have started to cool their heals, convinced they'll never find the killer, Cyra takes matter into her own hands. 

Using insider information, she manages to infilitrate into a serial killer support group, by pretending to be one herself. Her optimum goal is to uncover who murdered her sister, and find out why. 

But the further she goes, the deeper she searches, the harder she finds it to keep ahold of her humanity... 

This sounds unique in the best way. I have NEVER heard of this type of book and it get the feeling it'll be a hit wherever it's released. 

3. Tilt, by Emma Pattee

Release date: 25/03/2025

I LOVE books like this. Crazy world disaster, the whole world thrown of it's hinges, and people clutching at whatever they can to survive, and get to safety. Survival books. (I promise I'm not horrible, but if anyone has any recommendations about say 9/11 as an example, let me know in the comments please.)

Annie: nine months pregnant, shopping for a crib at IKEA when a massive earthquake hits Oregon, Portland, and the whole city is thrown into chaos. With no way of reaching her husband, no phone or money, all there is to do is walk. 

Making her way across the wreck that is now the city, Annie experiences strangers offering help, a riot at a shop, and a friendship with a young mother. As she walks, she reflects on her struggling marriage, her disappointing career, and her anxiety about her upcoming baby. If she can just make it home, she's determined to change her life. 

4. A Heart Full of Hatred (Skulduggery Pleasant #18), by Derek Landy 

Release date: 27/03/2025

No idea why there isn't a cover for this on Goodreads yet, but I know this book is being released: there was a reveal on instagram from Derek Landy himself. I found this picture on another website. 

A Heart Full of Hatred continues on from A Mind Full of Murder almost immediately- there's a hunter, out there, killing sorcerers- and Valkyrie is next on his list. 

While hunting down a group of magical terrorists, Valkyrie and Skulduggery stumble upon a case remarkably similar to the case they just solves- in with Valkyrie and her girlfriend nearly paid the price. 

With the body count rising, a special night approaches- a night where these magical terrorists will be present. They make speeches, drink champagne, and witness a ceremony that will change the face of the society forever. 

No-one is safe. And not everyone will make it out alive. '

I have been reading Skulduggery Pleasant since I was twelve years out. I will always be excited about every new release, and every new plot twist. That is just a fact. 

Okay! Those are all of my anticipated releases for January- March of next year. Bear in mind that these are all of mine, but there are literally over 100 books out over the next three months, so it's worth looking through the list. 

With that, I'm signing off, but I'll be back for my Favourite Books of 2024- soon! I hope you have a lovely evening and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeeeee! 

-Abi xxxx

December TBR (2024)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with my December TBR- the last one in 2024! 

Jesus, where has the year gone? 

But, there's no use saying goodbye to the year yet- there's still another month! 

Without further ado, here's my TBR- and don't forget to comment yours below! 

1. The Ballad of Dorothy Wordsworth, by Frances Wilson

Knowing I only had to finish two books this month to be averaging a book a week in 2024, I decided to make an effort with this. This is the third and final book I bought at Dove Cottage when I went to Lake District last July, I've been picking each book up as and when I feel in the mood to read them. 

The Ballad of Dorothy Wordsworth is a biography, analysing what Dorothy Wordsworth was like, what she was feeling, based off of the Alfoxden and Grasmere Journals during her time at Dove Cottage, from the time he met Mary Hutchinson, and all of their years working with Coleridge on their Lyrical Ballads. 

I'm working through it little by little, not pushing myself to read it too much, and honestly, if it takes me the entire month to finish it, then so be it. I just want to say I finished it in 2024. 

2. Malibu Rising, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I received this for my birthday in September from one of my friends- and since finishing Queenie (gifted from the same friend) I've been eyeing this up. 

Malibu Rising takes place in August 1983, the day of Nina Riva's end-of-summer party. Everybody who is everybody wants to be at this prestigous party. They want to be around surfer and supermodel Riva, and her famous brothers. Not to mention they are the children of the legendary singer Mick Riva. 

By midnight, the party will rage out of control. 

By sunrise, the mansion will have burned down to the ground. 

But before that, music will flow, alcohol will be consumed, and buried secrets will bubble to the surface. 

Malibu Rising sounds mysterious, dramatic and fast paced, and I have a feeling this might just be one of my favourite Taylor Jenkins Reid books- if I can finish it before the month is out, it might just make my favourites list! 

Wait to find out! 

3. The Mercies, by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

The Mercies is probably one of the first adult Historical Fiction novel I remember reading, and one of the first to make me want to learn more about the time period, and it's subject matter. It's been over four years since I picked this up, and upon reading it, I know it was going on my re-reading list when I was in the mood for some re-reads. 

The Mercies takes place in the 17th century, in Finnmark, Norway, where the Vardø Storm wipes every male that lives on the island, leaving the women on the small town of Vardø to fend for themselves.

Three years later, a sinistter figure appears. Absalom Cornet has travelled to the island from Scotland, where he burned women at the stake for their villainous witchcraft. Along with this devil figure, is his wife Ursa, who is both heady with his authority- and terrified. 

Maren Magnusdatter was on the island three years ago when the storm broke, and with it she saw the deaths of both her brother and her husband. Upon meeting, Ursa sees something she isn't used to seeing in Maren- independance. As Maren and Ursa are drawn to each-other, in ways that surprise them both, the island begins to close in on them, with Absalom's iron rule threatening Vardø's very existence. 

The Mercies is a book based on real life events such of the Vardø Storm and the 1621 Witch Trials, and with that comes a story of love, power, obsession and evil. 

4. The Light Between Oceans, by M.L. Steadman 

I've talked about this re-read enough times, that if you're not completely new to this blog, know what it's about. If you are completely and haven't heard of this, or even seen the film, (me among you), this is what it's about: 

• Tom and his wife Izzy, alone on an island, in the middle of nowhere. Taking care of the lighthouse and the island. 
• A boat washes up on shore. A dead man and a baby. After some misfortune regarding Tom and Izzy never becomimg parents, they're about to make a devastating choice. 

As you can probably tell, The Light Between Oceans is a devastatingly emotional book, and I wept a number of times when I was reading it. 

To be honest, I doubt I'll get to it this month, but I'm putting it on here just in case. 

Okay! Those are all the books I hope to get to in December! I know there isn't many, but I truly have no idea how long The Ballad of Dorothy Wordsworth is going to take. 

I hope you have a lovely evening and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

 

November Wrap Up (2024)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm here with my November Wrap Up (2024)! 

I basically read exactly what I planned to this month, AND I managed to finish everything too! 

I read a total of four books, starting off at a strong start, getting slower towards the middle of the month, but then finishing strong by reading lots yesterday! 

Without further ado, here are my thoughts on all the books I finished. 

I hope you enjoy it. 

1. Daydream (Maple Hills #3), by Hannah Grace

I didn't think it was possible to like a duo more so than Rory and Russ in Wildfire... but then I met Hayley and Henry, and I completely forgot all about them. 

Bookish and overcommitted to helping everyone around her, Hayley has decided, after being broken up with, to put herself first, focus on herself for a change. All of that goes right out the window when she meets Henry, whose last minute attitude has landed him a slot in his least favourite class, with his least favourite teacher. Hayley agrees to help him pass the class, in exchange for experiences that will help her with her brand new project: writing a book to submit, to win a place on a top-notch writing class in the summer. Although Hayley and Henry agree that all of this is for the purpose of the novel, that they will always stick to the rules they've laid out at the start of this deal, sometimes dates turn to feelings. 

And it's not long before the rules go completely out of the window- and then they're in for a whole host of trouble. 

I'm sure anyone who has read this book will agree: it is so easy to fall in love with both of these characters, and their story is so wholesome and cute, you so easily get hooked in their story, it's hard to put this book down once you get started. 

Not only that, but characters from the first two novels are more involved, so you get to see what happens with other characters you've connected with in Wildfire and Icebreaker, so it's sort of an ending for everyone. My only critique is that I can't read this whole series with fresh eyes, and experience it all again. 

I can't wait to see what Hannah Grace comes up with next. 

2. Queenie, by Candice Carty-Williams

After finishing Daydream, I wasn't quite sure what I was in the mood for. I had a few books that I was feeling in the mood for, and then I thought, fuck it. And I picked up the book I thought I was going to have the most trouble with getting into. Little did I know, I was about to finish the whole thing within two days. 

Right now, I have so many thoughts whizzing around my head, I have no idea what to say first. All I know is, I will be doing a full review of this at some point. I'm not sure when, because I have more posts than usual that I want to write this month, since it's December. But rest assured, it's coming. 

There are a lot of good reviews for this book, and there are a lot of bad ones too. Queenie definitely got a lot of attention upon it's release, and the fact that it won two categories means people were always going to read this book. Basically its about a woman who is on a hiatus with her boyfriend that wants to check in in a couple of months. He is genuinely awful, but poor Queenie is suffering an awful lot, thinking it's her that's the issue. She finds comfort in some of the worst places she can, from various different men, and trying to make sense of why she feels so miserable all the time. This is a book about growth, seeing Queenie pick herself up and try to start again when she's dealt a bad hand. I highly recommend if you're in the mood for a raw, heartfelt read that will have you gripped from the first page. 

3. Think Again, by Jacqueline Wilson

After Queenie, I knew I needed something a little lighter, a little funnier, than the book I'd just finished. Think Again was exactly what I needed. In Think Again, we're going back to the life of Ellie Agard, from the Girls series, Jacqueline Wilson had written back in the early 2000s. But this time, Ellie has just turned 40, and has a teenager daughter, in her second year of University! 

Think Again gives us a chance to fill in the gaps of where Ellie, Magda and Nadine's lives led to, after the original series, which honestly, I didn't know I needed until I found out about it. 

I liked the feeling of the book, I liked the nostalgic feeling of reading from Ellie's perspective, I liked meeting some of the new characters, as well as seeing what had happened to Magda, Nadine, and her family- Eggs, her Dad and Anna. 

Although some bad events happen to Ellie in this book, they never really felt as dire as they could have been- that's my only issue. It was a fun, easy read for the most part, one that I enjoyed picking up- I'm glad I got the chance to do so- but it wasn't mind-blowing. 

Thankyou Jacqueline Wilson, for the chance to find out what happened to one of my favourite trios growing up. 

4. The Girl on the Cliff, by Lucinda Riley

Finally! The last Lucinda Riley book- finished! I finished it right on the brink of November/December as well. 

To be honest, I forgot it was the last book the minute I picked it up, I just got so invested in the story. 

The Girl on the Cliff follows Grania, who has escaped to her homeland- the cliffs of Ireland- to try and figure out what to do next. Out on a leisurely walk, she comes across a girl called Aurora, who has just moved back to their house, after years of being away- just like Grania. 

Mysteriously drawn to Aurora, Grania discovers that their families' history is deeply entertwined. As Grania finds out more about what happened in the past, Grania must find out if there is a way to change the future, by understanding the past? 

Even two days later, it still hasn't fulled sunken in that I've finished every Lucinda Riley book that currently exists. The Girl on the Cliff felt like the perfect book to finish on, because part of it is about acceptance and moving on. Of course I loved it. 

What next? I can only hope that Lucinda has more unfinished work that her son can edit. 

Her books have had a massive impact on me for the last 16 months, and I am so glad that I had the pleasure of picking them up. 

Okay! Those are all the books I finished this month! 

I'm pretty happy with my strong start and finish, and with how much reading I managed in general. 

I hope you were happy with your reading month too. 

I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I'll see you all soon with my December TBR (2024)- the last month of the year! 

See you guys- byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Near the Bone, by Christina Henry

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back! After three weeks, mostly full of work, but ready to post twice in a week! 

I've been reading so many amazing books recently, that I just feel in the mood to review them all. 

Look at me, two reviews in two months, when last year that was basically all I posted in terms of reviews! 

Without further ado, this review is about the most Halloweenish book I've read this year. 

You already know which one I'm talking about, if you've read the title, so here's my review of Near the Bone, by Christina Henry. 

Title: Near the Bone

Author: Christina Henry 

Genre: Horror

Release date:13/4/2021

Status: Standalone.

Pages: 363

Blurb: "Mattie can't remember a time before she and William lived

alone on a mountain together. She must never make him upset. 

But when Mattie discovers the mutilated body of a fox in the 

woods, she realised that they're not alone after all. 

There's something in the woods that wasn't there before, 

something that makes strange cries in the nights, something 

with sharp teeth and claws. 

When three strangers appear on the mountaintop looking for

the creature in the woods, Mattie knows their presence will 

anger William. Terrible things happen when William is angry." 

My Thoughts

Despite reading many fantastic (and diverse) recently, the roar for Near the Bone will simply not be silenced until I've shared my thoughts. 

Going into this, I wasn't really sure which fairytale Near the Bone was based off of. It felt a bit like Little Red Riding Hood, but I knew it was unlikely to be, because of The Girl in Red. I never really did figure it out, because it felt like a number of fairytales combined, spun into a web, and turning into it's own beast. It held it's own against some of my favourite classic horrors, because of how brilliantly written it was. (And because I find Henry's books surprisingly easy to get into.)

Near the Bone follows Mattie, who has lived with her husband William for as long as she can remember. They are completely isolated, with no human contact, high up on a mountain, in plain sight. Our story begins when Mattie comes across a mutilated fox, realising that maybe they're not as alone as they originally thought. 

From the opening scene, I thought I had an inkling about what direction the story was going to take. I also thought William was her brother. When I learned that he is in fact her husband, and the life that they live together, my predictions went straight out of the window. 

I thought Mattie was going to be pursuing this mysterious beast, side by side with Willam, finding out why it would threaten their small dwelling. But honestly, I felt sympathetic with Mattiew from the start. I won't spoil it, but Near the Bone is more about Mattie piecing together the puzzle parts to who she was when she was a young girl, and simply trying to survive the desperate circumstances she finds herself in. 

I enjoyed reading about these other characters too. I wasn't super happy about their turn of events, but I enjoyed getting to know them, they didn't feel rushed, and I was rooting for their survival. They were, after all, just a group of kids, looking to do some research about unique monsters. 

I've enjoyed every single Christina Henry book in the past, and although it might not have been my favourite Christina Henry book (sometimes you just gel with the characters and the plot), I will say that I've never felt this kind of urgency to find out what happens next, with one of her books. 

Near the Bone is only 363 pages, so I think it'll be perfect for newby readers that like the odd horror film or two. Not to mention it introduces them to a whole load of other creepy-ish, atmospheric reads that have enough pacing to keep you interested. 

To wrap up, I wish I hadn't read this book, just so I could pick it up with fresh eyes and read it for the first time over. Maybe in a few years, when I've read more, and forgotten some of it, I'll go back. 

And maybe it's time to pick up some of my other Christina Henry books now as well... 

Okay! That is all I have for you all today! I hope you enjoyed the post, comment down below if you've read any Christina Henry books, and if you have any recommendations for creepy, atmospheric reads! 

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I'll see you all soon with my November Wrap Up (2024)! 

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxx

November TBR (2024)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with my November TBR (2024)! 

With another trip to Cardiff on the cards, I'm expecting to get a lot of reading done. 

(Not that I need to, since I'm nearly at the same page count as last year, even with two months left to go!)

But anyway, I have some cracking books on my list for the month, so I best get on! 

I hope you enjoy it, and as always, feel free to comment down below, what books are on your list! 

1. Daydream (Maple Hills #3), by Hannah Grace

I'm just under halfway through with this, and with how much I'm liking this, and how long the train journey is to Cardiff on Wednesday, I thought it best that I get this TBR out before then, so I was able to include it. 

Daydream was the novel every Hannah Grace fan was begging her to write, the minute we all put down Icebreaker, way back when. Because every fan fell in love with Henry, even though he wasn't the main focus. Now I'm reading his book, his and Halle's, I think this might be my favourite of the lot. 

I know I'm going to be extremely sad when it sinks in that I don't have another Maple Hills book coming out after this but I'm enjoying it so much, I don't mind that I'm racing through it. 

I'm curious as for what Hannah Grace releases next, but whatever it is, I know I'm going to love it. 

2. Queenie, by Candice Carty-Williams 

I don't quite know what to make of this book. I know it's a very important, casual read book that deals with some serious issues- I became interested in this book because I know it has a good amount of representation in it- but I've heard it hasn't been structured as well as it could be. 

Overall, I'm intrigued as for what I'll think of it. 

I received this for my birthday in September, and out of all of the books I received, I think it's the one I'll have to work the hardest to pick up, which is why I'm choosing to read it first. 

What I know of the plot is, Queenie has recently gotten out of a long-term relationship, and is trying to deal with it. It was a messy break-up, and Queenie makes some very questionable decisions whilst trying to get past it. It's got a light-hearted feel, but I know it goes to some extremely dark places. 

Queenie doesn't feel like a book I want to book, but more like a book I need to read. I hope I enjoy it. 

I know a lot of you guys may have read this book, it was a big thing when it came out in 2019. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, if you have?

3. The Girl on the Cliff, by Lucinda Riley 

Somehow, I managed to run out of days before getting to this in October. So I'm including it in November's list. This is the last Lucinda Riley I have to read before I'm all caught up, and I'm finishing it with one of her earlier novels. No exact reason why, it just so happened to be the one Lucinda Riley book my colleague didn't own. 

Part of me will be glad when I've finished her entire completed work, but I know it might take me a while to get over it too.  
The Girl on the Cliff, is set in Ireland, it's about a girl and a woman that meet on a cliff, and when they get to know each-other, the impact they have on each-other's lives is ground-breaking. Because their two families lives are intertwined throughout history. 

That's all I know or want to know. I know there's death within this book, and I know it'll be emotional. I'm ready to finish the saga of books I've been hooked to, for the past 15 months. Wish me luck, everyone. 

4. Think Again (Girls), by Jacqueline Wilson 

I was scrolling through some of the reviews on Goodreads when I first heard about this book, and the top comment is: "reads synopsis 'oh thank god she's no longer with that prick Russel'" and I genuinely burst out laughing. Bloody hell, the nostalgia is strong with this guys. 

If you didn't know, the Girls trilogy was released back in the early 2000s, and Think Again follows the same characters; Ellie, Magda and Nadine, but as adults. I was so happy to know we were going to get answers about how Ellie, Magda and Nadine turned out as adults, I forgot to find out when it was actually out! But it's here, and it's in my hands. 

I can't wait to pick this book up. I really can't wait. 

And I don't even think I've gotten fully excited yet. 

Okay! Those are all the books I'm hoping to get to in the month of November- I'm genuinely hoping I stick to the TBR this time- because I truly love this selection of books. 

I hope you have a wonderful evening- don't forget to comment down below- and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

October Wrap Up (2024)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And with the end of October comes another wrap up. 

Nowhere near as long as September's list, but I read a solid amount this month anyway. 

I read a total of four books. 

I hope you enjoy it. 

1. The Hidden Girl, by Lucinda Riley 

The most recently released Lucinda Riley book, edited by her son, Harry Whitaker. I didn't realise she still had more unpublished book, and I was fortunate enough to borrow my work colleague's copy. Spending several on a train jounrey to Cardiff and back was enough for me to start and finish this, it turns out. Of course I was sucked in almost immediately, with the centre of the story being about a young girl called Leah, from Yorkshire. Almost by chance, she is discovered by the husband of a famous modelling agent, and as she is whisked away from her life on the moors, events start to take place, as Leah starts to see for herself what the world of modelling is really like. Leah is very much the centre of the story, but she isn't the only character. I read from the POV of her mother, her employer and her family, and they all play their part in this very intricate story that takes place over centuries. 

2. A Mind Full of Murder (Skulduggery Pleasant #16), by Derek Landy

It's October, I pick up Skulduggery. It's like bread and butter. Skulduggery Pleasant and October. 

A Mind Full of Murder kicks off the third phase of books following SP and Valkyrie Cain, with a magical being killing off seemingly random mortals. They have powers that have never been seen before, and seemingly can't be stopped. Never one to walk away from a challenge, our heroes are on the case once more, and we get to be with them for the ride. 

Whatever happens, I know I will always be entertained, enthralled by whatever magnificent story Derek Landy has cooked up. 

3. The Haunted House on Hollow Hill (Skulduggery Pleasant), by Derek Landy

I came across this on holiday in Cornwall and figured, since I was already reading A Mind Full of Murder, it was the perfect opportunity for me to catch up on the series, since this had just been released. 

The Haunted House of Hollow Hill isn't part of the main series, more like a side story that can take place at any point during the third phase. It takes place in one night, in a hotel- The Hollow Hotel. The hotel has a gruesome history, about two lovers that became trapped in the maze of the hotel (as ghosts) that was made by an ex-betrothed. Not only that, someone is going round murdering the guests. 

So all in all, a bunch of crazy murders, ghosts scaring the guests, and a criminal running riot- makes for an extremely interesting read. 

4. Near the Bone, by Christina Henry 

After finishing The Haunted House on Hollow Hill, I had just over a week left until the end of October. 

Wanting to be in the spooky theme for a bit longer, I picked up Near the Bone, by Christina Henry, having bought it for October specifically. 

I became engrossed immediately. 

To be honest, I have no idea what fairytale this book was based off of. We follow a young girl called Mattie, who lives on a snow covered mountain with her husband, completely isolated from the rest of the world. Until Mattie uncovers a dead fox, and realises they're not alone after all. 

There's something in the woods that growls, unlike any human or animal, something with shrap teeth and claws. 

When three humans arrive at the mountain, looking for the creature, Mattie knows she needs to keep them a secret from her husband, William. Because William will get angry. And terrible things happen when William gets angry. 

This book goes in a different direction to what I thought it would. I thought Mattie would be stalking the creature, figuring more about it. I don't want to give anything away that would give a clue as to what this is about. I want you all to read it. If you like fairytales with a hint of classic horror, then this book is for you. Of course, read up on adult themes within this book before you do, because there are a few. 

As you can tell, I have a lot of thoughts for the this book, and you should expect a review soon! 

Okay! Those are all the books I finished for the month of October! I started out strong, and fizzled a bit in the middle, but managed to finish another book on the cusp, so I'm hoping for another good month in November! TBR up soon! 

I hope you have a wonderful day and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

The Women, by Kristin Hannah

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm here with another review! A rare post, I know, but when I read this book last month, and I knew I wouldn't be able to full process this book until I noted all my thoughts down on here. Because there are a fair few of them. 

You all know which book I'm talking about, if you've read the title, so I don't know why I'm hammering on, but I hope you enjoy it. 

Here are my thoughts and feelings on The Women, by Kristin Hannah. 

Title: The Women

Author: Kristin Hannah 

Release date: 6/2/2024

Status: Standalone

Pages: No idea, I read the audiobook. 

Blurb: "Women can be heroes. When twemty-year-old nursing student Frances 'Frankie' McGrath hears

these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and 

sheltered by her Conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in

1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a future for herself. When 

her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. 

As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over-whelmed by the 

chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal, friendships 

run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets- and becomes one of- the lucky, the 

brave, the broken, and the lost. 

But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home 

to a changed and divided America, to angry protestors, and to a country that wants to forget 

Vietnam. 

The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put

themselves in harm's way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been 

forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story 

with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era." 

My Thoughts

I will say, I picked this book up because I wasn't sure what I was in the mood for. It was the most appealing audiobook on my unread list, which is why I picked it. 

But honestly, once I started it, I felt little interest in doing anything other than reading it. I became completely engrossed, and ended up finishing it in 3/4 days, despite it being about 10 hours long at my listening speed. 

Not only that, I felt so many feelings reading this. Horror and fear at the gruesome injuries in terrible conditions that Frankie and the other nurses had to deal with, but also fear and sadness at what the civilians had to live through at the hands of the Soviet Union. I felt fury at how Frankie was treated upon returning home after her contract ended, when she was told time and time again that 'there were no women in Vietnam' or when the work she had put in to save the lives of soldiers was simply brushed under the carpet. 

Frankie- instantly likeable- I loved her instinct, her need to make a difference, and her grit, to survive whatever was thrown at her, even when she was plunged right into the action of Vietnam. 

I related to her in her distaste for girlish dresses, for not wanting to brush what she had done under the carpet, despite everyone's apparent disgust. I never got bored of her as a main character, mainly because every situation she encountered (mostly post-war contract, I'm referring to here), felt like a very normal way to try and endure what she was going through. 

There are a lot of serious issues within this book, so it's best to be aware of them before jumping straight in. It of course discusses war conditions, injuries, life and death, and war. But it also deals with addiction, PTSD, alcoholism, unhappy relationships, protesting, violence, miscarriages and depression. 

There are some happy themes as well, but just be aware of the above mentioned. 

Okay, on to the other characters. Her Veteran friends, Barb and Ethel were amazing. End of. The three of them made up our main three. Of course, going to war as a nurse, your fellow nurses are your sisters. You experience pain, loss, death, and endure hell and back together. These three were one of the main reasons I was so excited to pick The Women up, day after day. And when each of them made their exits from Vietnam, the fact that they remained there for eachother, through thick and thin, was lovely to see.

I liked her family enough, as frustrating as they were. Thinking about the way Frankie's parents must have been brought up, and the world they grew up in, you can understand why they reacted to Frankie and her achievements the way they did. Doesn't make me happy about it though. 

Maybe my one critique of this book was how frequently romance and relationships occurred. There were a number of romantic interests in this, and although I know it's easy to form relationships when you're surrounded by so much horror (and trying to find comfort when you can), a new person of interest did crop up more than I expected. That's all I'm going to say about it. 

I loved this book, for the pure reason that it gives the nurses of Vietnam, or even the women that played their part in the Vietnam in general, a voice, a way to be heard, and not be forgotten for everything they did in Vietnam, for the sake of their country. 

Overall, The Women broke me. I couldn't think about anything, besides this book, for like a solid couple of days after finishing it. It whooped me emotionally, and I was ready to start the rest of Kristin Hannah's novels immediately after. Not done that yet, but I will. 

If you've been following me long enough you'll know what I mean when I say I want to do another Alice Oseman, but with Kristin Hannah books. 

So, read every single one of them, basically. 

This will definitely be on my Favourites list for 2024. 

I wonder what else will... 

Okay! That is my review for The Women, by Kristin Hannah! I hope you enjoyed reading about my thoughts and feelings regarding this book, and if you did, comment below! (You know, if you feel like you might give this a go.) 

I hope you have a wonderful day and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx