April TBR (2025)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And OMG- we're in the second quarter of the month already?! How did we get here?!

I'm a wee bit nervous at the moment- Boston (Lincolnshire-I'm not that speedy) marathon is less than two weeks ago and I'm bloody nervous. 

But enough about that. I'm sure it'll go fine (I hope). This post is about my April TBR.

I hope you enjoy it. 

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

I always knew it was going to be a stretch to finish this in March, especially after I picked up Sunrise On the Reaping (review is definitely coming, I promise). But so far, I'm just shy of 200 pages into this, and I'm really enjoying it. Getting the feeling that I'm only on the tip of the iceburg with this, which I love. Rachel is such a relatable protagonist, still in the denial phase that she has a drug problem, I can't help but love her. It depends on how the rest of the book goes, and what the ending is like, but I can't help but think that I'll be pursuing the rest of the Walsh Family books before long. 

If you're not familiar with this series, there are three Walsh sisters, so the Walsh Family series is a trilogy. You don't have to read them in order (I think), but I think each sister makes an appearance in the other two books. Rachel's Holiday is about Rachel being shipped off to a rehab in Dublin, her homeland, after she loses her boyfriend, her job, and her entire life in one night. Forced to confront her demons in what she thought would be something like a five star hotel, but was actually just a normal rehab centre, Rachel takes her shaky first steps to restart her life. 

2. The Austere Academy (A Series of Unfortunate Events #5), by Lemony Snicket 

3. The Ersatz Elevator (A Series of Unfortunate Events #6), by Lemony Snicket 

4. The Vile Village (A Series of Unfortunate Events #7), by Lemony Snicket 

I'M SO EXCITED FOR THESE IT'S RIDICULOUS. These are the three books that move the story along the most, in my opinion. We meet so many awesome/ nasty/ selfish/cowardly, just wonderfully written characters, and meet so many twists and turns, I can hardly wait. 

5. The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1), by Suzanne Collins/ Slated (Slated #1), by Teri Terry 

I've always been loath to start more than one series at a time, but it seems to be all I'm picking up this year! I'm drawing the line at two, but I have no idea which one of these I'm in the mood for the most. 

The Hunger Games is, of course, inspired by my recent read of SOTR, but I've been thinking about certain chapters in the Slated trilogy, one of my favourite series' for the past month. 

I may even have to put a poll up on my instagram if I'm still unsure when I get to these. I have a pretty good idea of how that poll will go, so I'll see, but look out for it if you follow my Instagram. 

Anyway, the bottom line is, am I more in the mood for a dystopian re-read, or a Sci-fi one?

6. American Gods (American Gods #1), by Neil Gaiman 

Yes, I'm aware of the allegations against Neil Gaiman. 

No, I do not support him, or anything he does. 

But I was gifted a few of his books in September last year and they need to be read. 

Glad I said that. 

I didn't originally ask for American Gods to be an option for my birthday, but my friend went above and beyond, and bought me a whole selection of his books. 

And out of all of his books, that I could choose, I of course wanted to read the fucking largest. 

American Gods follows Shadow Moon, who, after three years in prison, is finally free to leave. However, hours before his release, the news of his wife's unexpected death reaches him. Numb with grief, he boards a plane, and meets an eccentric stranger- one who claims to be an ancient god- and King of America. 

Together they embark on a strange and surreal road trip, coming into contact with some twisted individuals, and stopping at some absurb locations. 

War is coming, a scrappy struggle to control the very soul of America. And Shadow is standing squarily in it's path. 

This book is a mighty 635 pages, and on top of everything else, I highly doubt I'm going to finish it. But I'm sure going to try. 

Okay! Those are all the books I plan to read this month! It looks like it'll be a pretty big page count, but they're all so interesting, I'm bound to fly through some of them! 

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I'll see you all soon with my SOTR review! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxx

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

February Wrap Up (2025)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with my first 2025 Wrap Up... in February. 

Hey, it's okay! I was reading Harry Potter for the entirety of January- it's fine. 

I read a total of 6 books in February, and considering it's only 28 days, I'm happy with that. 

I was hoping it would be 7, but I will hopefully be finishing my CR by the end of the week. 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this. 

1. Friday Black, by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

I haven't thought about this book since, maybe a few days after finishing it at the srtart of the month, but seeing the cover has brought it all back. Friday Black is only a series of short stories, but they sure do pack a punch. In only a few pages, each story makes you feel something. With some, it's anger. With others, you feel sorrow. With a couple, you feel fear. They each hold their own, none is better than the other. 

Based off of the title, I'm hoping you'll be able to tell what some (not all) are about. It's true, some of them raise the issue of racism, which is present, even decades after people started standing up for people of colour. Other stories are about greed, about violence, about most of the injustices that are present in society today. 

This book is extremely short, but if you care about anything I have said about this book today, do yourself a favour and read it. You won't regret it. 

2. Malibu Rising (Reidverse), by Taylor Jenkins-Reid

I don't know how I did this, but I read this in three days. There was something just so readable about this that made me not want to put it down, or at least, pick it up whenever I had a spare moment. Malibu Rising is very much a family orientated book, focusing on each of the children of world-famous single Mick Riva. They each have their own lives, their own journeys that their on- and their own secrets. Secrets that will bubble to the surface at their annual end of summer party- a party that's very much in the public eye, as anybody whose everybody will be there. 

Drinks will be poured, secrets will be washed up, and before dawn, the house will go up in smoke. But it's what happens before that, that changes everything. 

With this book, we follow the Riva family, from when the Riva children's parents fall in love, when each of them is born, all the struggles and hardships they go through, all the way to the legendary party, as grownups. Maybe it was the urge to find out what happens next, what it was that contributed to all of these dark secrets. But whatever it was, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Riva children, and their missing father. 

3. What Does it Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella

If you didn't know, What Does it Feel Like was one of the books on my Anticipated Releases post for October-December for last year. It's based on Sophie Kinsella's own diagnosis and recovery of her malignant brain tumour, back in 2022. It's told in a series of anecdotes and conversations, starting right when she's writing the first draft of a new book, when the book is released, when it becomes a film, and then after surgery, and her recovery. It's so simply written, so matter of fact, that it almost feels blunt when you realise what's happening. 

The word for this book, like Psycho, is concise. What Does it Feel Like does not tread lightly. But hope is threaded into the story as well, as the story goes on, that Eve will grow stronger, get her memory back, beat the odds. It's such a simple story, but it's powerful. I hope this isn't my last Sophie Kinsella book. 

4. The Pieces of Ourselves, by Maggie Harcourt

I must have really been in the mood for emotional books this month, this is the fourth one on the bounce! I ordered this immediately after finishing my re-read of Theatrical, and finding out that I wanted more of Maggie Harcourt's writing. It didn't matter to me that it wasn't about theatre, and backstage, I just wanted more. That's when I came across this. 

The Pieces of Ourselves is about a girl called Flora, who is trying to piece her life back together after a devastating 'incident' that apart her life as she knew it. It's a year later, and Flora is struggling to come to terms with her diagnosis, and trying to establish what's usual for her. She's working at a hotel, just trying to get through the day, when she's tasked with helping a young man, trying to find out more about a couple he know had something to do with the hotel. That's the starting point. 

What happens next is a story about Flora's own self discovery, as she delves deeper and deeper into this mysterious couple's lives, along with Hal, and their journey as they become closer. It's a truly beautiful story, that deals with sensitive subjects, and has a small amount of romance in it, but it's not the main focus. 

This is only my second Maggie Harcourt book, and I have no doubt that I will be reading the others soon. 

5. Psycho (Psycho #1), by Robert Bloch

Hey guys, I have a review for this. It's linked into the title. 

You don't need to read the same words twice- go and read the review if you're interested in this. All my thoughts are there. 

6. The Hatmakers (Cordelia Hatmaker #1), by Tamzin Merchant

If I'm honest, it was the second book that caught my attention. I thought it was a standalone, it looked like a standalone. 

Then I read the blurb and realised that 1)it was in fact a series, and 2) The Mapmakers was actually book 2. So what did I do? Naturally, I bought book 1. 

I've completely forgotten about how excited I was for book 2, because I was so invested in this. 

Cordelia Hatmakers is from the Hatmakers family (of course, it's literally in her surname), and is one of the five exclusive maker families in England. She is desperate to show how good she is, by finally making her own hat, until all her hopes are washed away- word is sent that the boat her family owns, currently out at sea, collecting a feather for the King's Royal hat has sunk, with everyone, including her father, on it. Aside from this devastating loss, someone is robbing all the Maker families, and trying to start a war between France and England. 

Cordelia is convinced her father is still alive somewhere- but how can she convince her family of that when she has no way to prove it? Especially as these weird robbings keep happening...

The Hatmakers is a fun, fast paced story, full of magic, interesting characters and well thought out plot. I kept wanting to get to my next available moment so I could see what happens next. 

On to book two... 

And those are all of the books I read in February! I'm sure you can guess what the next one would have been if I had finished seven, but you won't have to wait long, because my TBR should be out within a couple of days! 

As always, feel free to comment what books, or even videogames/tv shows/ films you watched in February! 

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

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Psycho (Psycho #1), by Robert Bloch

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm coming at you today with a review- very much a surprise review, one even I wasn't expecting to write. But, nevertheless, here I am. 

Psycho! One of the ultimate horror book/film duo! 

This might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I'm writing this anyway- because I have a fair few thoughts on it- which is surprising for a 185 page book. 

I hope you enjoy it. 

Title: Psycho 

Author: Rober Bloch

Genre: Horror

Release date: 10/4/1959

Status: Book in the Psycho series

Pages: 185

Blurb: "She was a fuguive, lost in a storm. That was when she saw the

sigh: MOTEL-VACANCY. The sign was unlit, the motel dark. She

switched off the engine and sat thinking, alone and frightened. 

She had nobody. The stolen money wouldn't help her, and Sam 

couldn't either, because she had taken the wrong turning; she

was on a strange road. There was nothing she could do now- she

had made her grave and she'd have to lie in it. 

She froze. Where had that come from? Grave. It was bed, not

grave. She shivered in the cold car, surrounded by shadows. Then, 

without a sound, a dark shape emerged from the blackness and

the car door opened..." 

My Thoughts

I picked this up because even though it's only February, I'm already sick of deciding what it is that I want to read next. Not a good feeling when my Goodreads goal is 80 books for the year. 

My partner was actually the one that suggested I read it. When I said that I didn't think I owned it, he said that he did. Upon striking a deal with him that if he found the book by the end of the day, I'd read it, I was not-so-surprised when he found it five minutes later. 

So that's how I found myself picking this up. 

Now, anyone who has a slight horror interest will have seen this, me included. I was familiar enough with the film to feel a sort of melancholy, as I tried hard to forget the sorts of events that would be occuring within the pages. Please tell me I'm not alone in feeling like this with certain books, feeling an emotion immediatly upon starting?

Another thought that struck me at the very start, was how similar the book, and then the film, was. That might have been why I felt the way I did, right at the start to be honest. 

Anyway, Psycho follows Mary (Marion in the film) as she's forced to stop at Bates Motel in Fairvale, California, because of the horrendous storm that's descending around her. From there we meet Norman, find out why Mary is where she is, and the story goes on from. 

One thing I loved about this story, was that each character was introduced at exactly the right time. They all fit right into the story, and nobody felt like I was reading them for too long, or was unclear as for why they were being introduced. I admired Lila for her fearlessness when taking steps to find out what happened to her sister, especially when nobody else seemed to be. 

 I will also point out, one thing this book does well is GETTING TO THE POINT. So few words, so few pages, just 185, and I knew exactly what part each character was there to play, what kind of person they were, why they did what they did (Mary especially), and what they were going to use next. The word for this book is concise- and to finish- none of it felt rushed. 

My only critique was that I wish I'd had more on Norman and his mother- their relationship when Norman was growing up, and what led to the character we meet at Bates Motel, on that fateful night when Mary shows up. Of course the film more than fills in the gaps, I think having a bit more background in the book would have been a lot more detailed. 

Overall, I'm so glad I picked this one up- I haven't read a whole lot of classic horror, unless you're counting Stephen King and The Midwich Cuckoos, but I think this book might just have sparked a lot more interest in the genre. 

Okay! Those are all the thoughts and feelings I have on Psycho! If you've read it, or seen the film, or just have an opinion on Psycho, let me know in the comments! 

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

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxx

Harry Potter Ideas

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm guessing if you've been on this blog at all, you might know that in the month of January, I endeavored to read the entire HP series- which I did- for the record. 

But now, I want to write a post for it. 

Not specifically about the story, but more, about the aspects I want to know more about, within the Harry Potter series. 

I know I won't be alone in thinking some of these things, so I encourage you all to write something in the comments: what would you like to know more about, what character origin stories, what concepts? Let me know. 

I hope you enjoy this post, as it's a little different to my usual ones (I need ideas for extra posts somewhere.)

1. Marauders Adventures

The legendary four. How these tremendous wizards met, and bonded, creating the Marauder's Map, sticking with Lupin upon finding out he was a werwolf, figuring out how to become animagi, and then running riot in the grounds afterwards. 

How could I not want to know more about this unique group of wizards? 

2. The Creation of Hogwarts

I want to know what led to the creation of hogwarts, right up until Slytherin leaves the school. I want to know how the decision to create a wzarding school was made, how the four founders worked in harmony to educate the next generation, even enchanting the Sorting Hat. 

Having done some research on time frames, it is unclear as for whether the Bloody Baron/ Helena Ravenclaw/ Rowena Ravenclaw story is in this time frame, but I would think not. 

Honestly, that doesn't matter (though it would be nice if it was within that time frame). It sure would be interesting to find out more about the people the houses are named after. 

3. Professor McGonagall origin story

I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting to know more about Professor. McGonagall growing up, as the sorting hat takes 5 and a half minutes (making her one of the few Hatstalls in Hogwarts' history) deciding whether to place her in Ravenclaw or Gryffindor; seeing her rise through the school, being especially talented at Transfiguration, and then her career after leaving. 

Although it might be a long story, I think the ideal time to finish might when Harry Potter joins the school. 

4. DUMBLEDORE ORIGIN STORY

Do I really need to explain this one?

Any part of Dumbledore's origin story would be fine:

-Student at hogwarts

-Time with Grindelwald

-What he did before finishing Hogwarts, but before teaching

-Family life

-Maybe even his interactions with Tom Riddle 

Literally any part. 

5. Concepts:

There are certain concepts, certain pieces of magic that are fascinating to me, which I just want more information on: These are:

1. The Mirror of Erised

2. The Philosopher's Stone

3. Wand lore- everything to do with making them, maybe with a focus on Ollivander

4. Floo powder

5. Brooms 

6. How Quidditch was established

I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting to know more about the wizarding world, and if I thought about it all for longer, I'm sure I could come up with half a dozen more aspects I would like to know more about. 

But don't let it be just me coming up with ideas, let me know what you want to know more about, in the comments below! 

That's going to be it for the post today, but hopefully I'll see you all soon, maybe even with a review, or a tag! 

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

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx