March Wrap Up (2025)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm here with possibly the best reading month I've had in a while (other than my HP re-read, because that was hard). But I managed to finish my first series this month, I started the Series of Unfortunate Events series, and I didn't fall into a reading slump! 

Not to mention, it's finally Spring and the sun has been shining! 

Without further ado, here's what I read this month! 

I hope you enjoy it, and of course, feel free to post in the comments what you all got up to this month! 

1. The Mapmakers (Cordelia Hatmaker #2), by Tamzin Merchant

Having bought the first book in the series purely so I could get to this one, I think it's safe to say I was expecting a lot. And although I enjoyed it, I feel like my expectations were a bit high for this. 

I enjoyed the coming together of all the maker families, that it was the children that finally brought everything together, and the fact that the storyline in the first book was resolved, but I was starved of the ship jounrey that I thought I would be getting in the first book. Like with the first book, great storytelling, with a plot that moved forward gradually, but didn't feel rushed, I was a firm fan of Tamzin Merchant by the time I finished this. (So much so that I had the third book ready to go when I felt the need to pick it up- which happened to be later that month.)

2. The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events #1), by Lemony Snicket

3. The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events #2), by Lemony Snicket 

 

With 80 books as my Goodreads reading goal this year (thanks again, Jordan), I knew I needed to have a few tricks up my sleeve this year. Cue the fast paced, exciting, unfortunate, 13 book series that is Series of Unfortunate Events, by Lemony Snicket! 

Reading 13 all in one go felt a bit overkill, so I planned to read the four smaller books in March, then three per month until I finish in July. 

I read both of these within a day of starting them, absolutely flew through them, much to my delight. 

I have to say, it was absolutely lovely be introduced to the Baudelaire orphans once more, and read about the start of their adventure/misery- especially after I realised that it had been six years since I'd read them last. 

4. The Troublemakers (Cordelia Hatmaker #3), by Tamzin Merchant

After the plot for the first two books was resolved in The Mapmakers, I found myself wondering what would be in book three. 

I was still invested in Cordelia's story, along with her family, all of her new friends and their family, but I was a little hesitant to pick this third and final book up, in case I didn't enjoy it as much. 

Little did I know, it would actually become my favourite of the three. I finally got my boat trip journey, but it was much more intense than I thought, filled with plot twists and unpredictable characters, that were as savage as the waves of the ocean. 

I found myself wishing that the book was longer, that I got to spend more time with Cordelia Hatmaker and her ship of stowaways, but at least I get to read about her ancestors- in a book called The Mythmakers, which is out in early July. 

5. The Wide Window (A Series of Unfortunate Events #3), by Lemony Snicket 

6. The Miserable Mill (A Series of Unfortunate Events #4), by Lemony Snicket 

After finishing The Reptile Room, I wanted nothing more than to marathon the rest of the series, and forget about everything else. But, I was already in the midst of the Cordelia Hatmaker trilogy, so I took a short break from these so I could focus my attention on that. 

Of course, after finishing The Troublemakers, I immediately started on The Wide Window. 

Surprisingly, these two are the novels I struggle to read the most. Because the 2004 film covers the first three novels, I find those to be almost too familiar. As for The Miserable Mill, it always feels like a book I need to finish before events of the overall story start to unfold. In The Austere Academy, which is the next book in the series, you meet some very important characters that help shape the rest of the books. The Miserable Mill feels like it follows the same linear direction as the first three. Nevertheless, I enjoyed them all the same, and I'm eager to continue on. 

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

I'm sue I'm of of just one of many that has already read this and loved it. From what I've seen, people bought and read it on the day of release. Some of us have even starting constructing their own dream cast for the film, which I love the idea of. 

I will be writing a review for this in April, so forgive me if I don't give you many details now, but I promise, they're coming. All I will say now is, President Snow is the worst, Haymitch is such a readable character, I was engrossed from page one, and I gave it 4.5 stars. Genuinely made me want to re-read the original trilogy again, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to. 

Okay! Those are all the books I read in March! I'm very happy I managed 7 this month, and I'm very much hoping for another successful reading month in April! As always, if you read lots, some, enjoyed one particular book-or hated one- let me know in the comments! 

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

Byeeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Anticipated Releases (April-June 2025)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And April is just round the corner, which means one thing- there's a whole stack of new books being released. 

I'm back with my next quarterly anticipated releases post, for the next three months, and trust me when I say, there was a lot to sift through! 

I hope you enjoy reading my post, as always. 

~April~

1. Swept Away, by Beth O'Leary 

Release date: 1/4/2025

It might seem a bit stupid to add the new release of an author you currently have two unread books by, but here we are. 

Swept Away is about Zeke and Lexi, two people that wake up on a boat after a one-night stand- to nothing but boundless ocean. 

Going back to a boat with a stranger seems like the perfect answer to forgetting Zeke and Lexi's problems- at least for a few hours. But with an innocent case of miscommunication, during a dark and foggy night, means nobody tied the houseboat the dock. 

With just a few provisions on this small boat, Zeke and Lexi must figure out how to get back to land. But they have an even bigger challenge- not getting too swept up in the other person- and definitely not falling in love. 

When I was looking for potential books for this list, and I was drawn to this, I knew I probably shouldn't. But, I'm about to read one of my current Beth O' Leary unread books, that counts. Doesn't it? Besides, Swept Away sounds like a fun, survival book, with a romance. Perfect for the Spring months. Why not?

2. Strangers in Time, by David Baldacci 

Release date: 15/4/2025

At this point in time, I have way too many historical fictions on my TBR to add another one. But with Strangers in Time, I will make an exception. 

Fourteen-year-old Charlie is up to no good, but for a very good reason. Without parents, or any sort of guardian, Charlie is living day by day, stealing food, and just getting by until he's old enough to enlist to fight the germans. After barely surviving the blitz, Charlie knows more than anyone that the next bombing could well be his last. 

Fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield has just returned to a nearly unrecognisebale London. Being one of the million children shipped away as part of the 'Operation Pied Piper' evacuation, Molly has been away from her home-from her parents- for nearly five years. Even worse, she arrives to less than perfect news: both her parents are gone. 

Without guardians and stability, Charlie and Molly find an ally in Ignatius Oliver, and solace in his bookshop, The Book Keep, where a book a day keeps the bombs away. Mourning the recent loss of his wife, Ignatius forms a kin-ship with Charlie and Molly, and in each-other, and they begin to rediscover the spirit that each family has lost. 

But Charlie's excapades have not gone unnoticed- and someone has been following Molly until she arrived home- Ignatius himself has been harbouring a secret himself- one about his wife- that ultimately killed her and resulted in his world being turned upside down. 

As bombs continue to cascade over the city, Ignatius and the two children find that their companoinship might be just what they need to keep them alive. 

Like I said- couldn't resist. David Baldacci isn't known for his historical fiction, which I found out the other day when I came across his crime series' in Waterstones, but this one sure sounds like a winner to me. Released mid April. 

~May~

1. My Friends, by Fredrik Backman 

Release date: 6/5/2025

I genuinely don't think I'll be able to describe what this story is, as well as the author does on the Goodreads page, so I would urge you all to go to the Goodreads page and read the blurb there. 

If you're not able to do that, I'll give you the shorter version of what it is. 

-A work of art, created by four completely different teenagers in a summer where they found hope, at the beach, at peace, telling stories. 

-Joar, who never backs down from a fight; quiet and bookish Ted who is mourning his father; Ali, the daughter of a man that never stays in one place for two long; and finally, there's the artist, who hoards sleeping pills, who's gift might just be his ticket out of town- creating a bond that changes the course of a person's life, twenty-five-years later. 

1,088 people have read the ARC of this book, and 770 have rated it 5*. That is unheard of. I cannot wait to read this 'unforgettable funny, deeply moving tale' that Fredrik Backman has created. 

2. The Names, by Florence Knapp 

Release date: 6/5/2025

Three stories. The same characters. The same important event, with three different journeys. 

In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter Maia, to register the name of her newly-born son. Her husband Gordon, a well-respected doctor, but agressive and controlling husband at home, expects their son to be named after him. But when the registrar asks for his name, Cora hesitates. 

What follows are three different stories, based on what she decides- a story that spans thirty-five years. In richly worded prose, The Names explores the repercussions of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, the possibility of autonomy and healing. 

With exceptional sensitivity and depth, Knapp's debut novel forces to confront a number of what if moments, and consider the 'one... precious life' we are given. 

If you know me in person, or you've been following my blog for a while, you know I love these kinds of books. I'm very much into choice based video games, and seeing how decisions play out in books, so this is one book I'm really, very excited about. 

3. Saga Volume 12, by Brian K. Vaughan 

Release date: 13/5/2025

I mean, I know I still haven't read Volume 11 yet, but there's no way this wasn't going on my Anticipated Releases post. 

I'm genuinely waiting for the right time to marathon the whole thing again. 

4. Aftertaste, by Daria Lavelle

Release date: 20/5/2025

I was a little bit on the fence as for whether to include this or not. But I will thank the ARC readers, and their reviews, for persuading me to keep it on here. 

In short, Aftertaste is an epic love story, a dark comedy, and a synesthetic adventure about food and grief. 

Konstantin Duhovny is a haunted man. Since his father died when he was ten, he has always been able to tell when a spirit is present. Flavours of food he has never tasted will appear in his mouth- he can never see the ghosts though- just taste their favourite foods. It's a clear sign that a ghost is nearby. Through the years, he has always kept the aftertaste a secret, until one night, he decides to act on it. And everything changes. 

Kostya discovers that he can reunite people with their lost loved ones- at least for the length of time it takes them to finish the meal he has prepared. He thinks his life's purpose is to give closure to the people of New York, to help them speak to the people they've lost just one more time. But what he can't see is the catastrophe he's caused in the Afterlife- while he's busy helping people. And the one person that has the ability to tell him might just be falling in love with him. 

This sounds like a sensitive, yet unique story that deserves a good following. 

I'm curious as for how well received it is upon publication, and how my opinion differs. 

~June~

1. Atmosphere, by Taylor Jenkins-Reid

Release date: 3/6/2025

It's perfect timing for another Taylor Jenkins-Reid book to be released- I've just finished my fourth book by her, and I want more! 

Atmosphere is about Joan Goodwin, professor of Astronomy and Physics at Rice University, and she has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. However, she is perfectly content with her life, her job and her family. That is, until she sees an advertisement from NASA, seeking women researchers for their new Space Shuttle Program. Suddenly, Joan is desperate to be one of the few people to go to space. 

Selected from a pool of over a thousand applicants, Joan is invited to train at Houstan's Johnson Space Centre, along with an exceptional group of other candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and Scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easy going, even when the stakes are at sky level; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard, and too long to play nice; warm-hearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is harbouring secrets of her own; and Vanessa ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautic engineer, who is able to fix any engine and fly any plane. 

As the new astronauts form an unlikely friendship and prepare for their first flight, Joan finda a passion and love for this new world that even she didn't expect. In this new light, she starts to question everything she thought she knew about her place in this observable universe. 

But then they take off, and everything changes. 

I've been transported into the lives of a famous tennis player, a starlet, a band in the 60s, and the children of a world-class singer,  and now I'm visiting the life of an astronaut. I truly believe that Taylor Jenkins-Reid can write about anything, and I will be waiting with my money, on release day. Her books are fast paced, easy reads, with well-crafted characters and a message, and I cannot wait for this release. 

2. Nobody in Particular, by Sophie Gonzales 

Release date: 3/6/2025

I haven't read a book by Sophie Gonzales since 2021, but and I only gave that 3.5 stars. But when I heard about Nobody in Particular, I just couldn't resist. It's basically a f/f romance, in a boarding school. 

With her reputation currently in shatters, Rosie is staying in the background, just trying to keep her head down and not make her country more ashamed of her- than she has already. Having lost her best friend in the process, she can't afford distractions. However, when an atractive new girl starts at her school, she finds herself very distracted indeed. 

Attending Brampath College on a music scholarship, talented pianist Danni fully expects to be the oatcast in the group of welathy girls she attends the school with. She doesn't expect to be taken in by the ex-best friend of the princess. Or to become quite as fascinated by the princess as she is. 

When someone witnesses something they shouldn't, Rosie and Danni have two choices: they must either try to deflect the rumours that are circulating the school; or call things quit for good. What they do know is that Rosie's reputation cannot take any more hits- unless they want the palace to make sure they stay seperate. 

I haven't really thought about Sophie Gonzales since reading Only Mostly Devastating- but this sounds interesting. A perfect read for the upcoming months. I look forward to reading it. 

3. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, by V.E. Schwab 

Release date: 10/6/2025

Now, it wouldn't make sense to try and change the words for the blurb for this book, because it's so short. So I'm just going to quote them:

'Santa Domingo de la Calzada, 1532. 

London, 1837. 

Boston, 2019. 

Three young women, their bodies planted in the same soil, their stories tangling like roots. 

One grows high, and one grows deep, and one grows wild. 

And all of them grow teeth.'

I definitely wouldn't have thought that this book was about vampires, except the Goodreads genre has the word VAMPIRE, in straight black and white. 

I might not read this right away, because it's giving me nightmare halloween vibes, but you can bet I'll be eager to sink my teeth into this as soon as it starts getting dark in September. 

*Pun intended.*

4. The Girls Who Grew Big, by Leila Mottley 

Release date: 24/6/2025

I don't know what it was that made me remember it, and want to read it, out of all the seemingly millions of books being released in June, (and it did seem like millions-for all three months actually) but there was something about how the premise was written really stuck. 

After sixteen-year-old Adela Woods finds out that she is pregnant, she is shipped away from her comfortable home in Indiana, to her grandmother's home in small beach town Padua Beach, Florida. There, Adela meets Emory, who brings her newborn to school, determined to graduate, and defy all odds in the process; Simone, mother of four-year-old twins, who is surprised to discover that she will be expecting a further child and is struggling to figure out what to do; and a collection of young mums trying to raise their children in the back of Simone's red truck. 

When society thinks these young mums have lost their way, these resilient women are proving the opposite: they are in fact, finding their way, finding love and establishing a new life for them and their children. 

This sounds like a powerful, heart-warming, but raw novel that I genuinely can't wait to pick up. 

Okay! Those are all of my Anticipated Releases for the next three months! 

I have to say, I'm so happy I persevered with writing this- I didn't just forget about it for a week- I made a conscious effort to progress with writing it whenever I got the chance, and I finally finished! 

I'm probably going to go and take a nap now- marathon training is wooping my ass- but I hope you all have a wonderful evening, and I will see you all soon with my March Wrap Up! 

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxx

March TBR (2025)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with my third post in a week (there's a part of me that worries I'm about to burn out, but right now I feel fine). If you haven't guessed from the title, it's my March TBR- and I have a whole heap of different books to talk about. 

I hope you enjoy it. 

1. The Mapmakers (Cordelia Hatmaker #2), by Tamzin Merchant

2. The Troublemakers (Cordelia Hatmaker #3), by Tamzin Merchant

I'm just over halfway through The Mapmakers, and because of how much I'm enjoying it, and not wanting a break from it, I went ahead and bought the third book this afternoon. It's been ages since I've wanted to continue a series immediately (that wasn't a re-read) but there's just something so addictive about Cordelia and her journey, refusing to accept her father's death, that I want to find out if it's true or not. 

The Cordelia Hatmaker trilogy is full of excitement, action and great characters, and I recommend it to anyone who wants a light, exciting read. 

3. The Bad Beginning (Series of Unfortunate Events #1), by Lemony Snicket 

4. The Reptile Room (Series of Unfortunate Events #2), by Lemony Snicket

5. The Wide Window (Series of Unfortunate Events #3), by Lemony Snicket 

6. The Miserable Mill (Series of Unfortunate Events #4), by Lemony Snicket 

Is this just a way to get more books under my belt so I can take my time with others? Absolutely. But I really want to re-read this series, because I've been thinking about it a lot recently. 

HOLY SHIT. 

The last time I read this series was back in 2018. 

Genuinely didn't even know that. 

For those of you that don't know this series, you really need to. It's about three siblings, the Baudelaire siblings: Violet, Klaus and Sunny that lose their parents to a terrible future. Over the next thirteen books they are shipped off from guardian to guardian, constantly pursued by the terrible Count Olaf- who is only after their fortune. 

This is a dark, entertaining series that passages a reader from middle grade to young adult novels. I love Voilet, but as a reader, I'm definitely more like Klaus. I highly recommend this series if you haven't read them yet. 

7. Rachel's Holiday (Walsh Family #2), by Marian Keyes

This is the chunker of the bunch. The Troublemakers and The Wake-Up Call are just into the 400 page count, and the Series of Unfortunate Events books range from 162- 214 pages. Rachel's Holiday comes in at a whopping 681 pages, and as such, is the book that will likley take the most amount of time. 

However, I'm not exactly worried. 

I absolutely loved Grown Ups (the only Marian Keyes book I've read) and I fully expect to love this one too. Marian Keyes writes characters, and realtionships so well, I fully expect to fall in love with them all. 

As you might have guesses, we follow Rachel, who after losing her job, her boyfriend, and most of everything she knows, she is frogmarched to Dublin's cold turkey house- thrusting her from addiction to the unfamiliar life of adulthood. But Rachel treats the whole thing as a holiday, after all, where better to get over recreational drugs than a place full of jacuzzis, gyms and rock stars going through exactly the same thing as her?

Although I didn't know that this was part of a series, it looks like each of the walsh family books has a different protagonist. They all seem to be set in Dublin, all from the same family of course, but I'm guessing it's fine to read them out of order. 

That's what I'm doing anyway. 

8. The Wake-Up Call, by Beth O' Leary 

It's been the longest time since I've read a Beth O' Leary book, and I miss her storytelling. I've been thinking about how much I enjoyed The Flatshare and The Switch recently, and with two Beth O' Leary books collecting dust on my bookshelf, I think it's the perfect time to pick one up. 

The Wake-Up Call is about Izzy and Lucas, two sworn enemies that both work at Forest Manor Hotel. It's the busiest time of the season, and the hotel is basically crumbling around them. But when Izzy returns a lost wedding ring, the reward convinces management that this might be the way forward to saving the hotel. With four more rings currently in lost-and-found, Izzy and Lucas find themselves forced to work together to track down their owners. 

As Izzy and Lucas' resentment becomes something more complicated, Izzy and Lucas start to wonder if there's more at stake than just their jobs. Can Izzy and Lucas make it through the season with their hearts intact?

This is giving me Act Your Age, Eve Brown vibes, and I am here for it. I'm ready for a light-hearted funny romance, and this book could be just what I need. 

Okay! Those are all the books I'm thinking of picking up this month- they definitely seem the most appealing. It'll be interesting to see whether I stick with- or just marathon the entire Series of Unfortunate Events series- I guess we'll see. 

Let me know in the comments what you're planning in the month of March, and we can talk about it! 

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

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxx