September Wrap Up (and one book from August)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back, with my first wrap up since February! 

This would be my September Wrap Up, except for the fact that I managed to finish a book in three days in August, so I'll be including that as well! 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy it! 

(This one is going to be a long one- I've finished eight books since finishing SP!)

1. Tilt, by Emma Pattee

This is truly a book set in a disaster. 

Picture this: you're 37 weeks pregnant, out buying a crib you've been saving up for, for nearly nine months- and then the Earth starts crumbling around you. Next thing you know, you're in complete darkness. 

Now, I won't share too many of my thoughts on this, because I'm planning a review sometime soon. But an earthquake would be terrifying for anyone. Not least a 37 weeks pregnant woman, seperated from her partner. 

Tilt is absolutely ground-breaking. Pun intended. 

I will be recommending this to everybody that asks for a suggestion in the near future. You can guarantee that. 

2. Rebel Rising, by Rebel Wilson

A book that (metaphorically) had been collecting dust on my Audible shelf for months. At risk of losing my Audible streak, I decided to pick this up, instead of purchasing the audiobook for The Miniaturist, my current read (that I was struggling with at the time). 

Actually glad I picked this up. 

Granted, it's not the most compelling, most interesting, thought-provoking, or emotional memoir I've read, but it's a stellar, 4 star read. 

If you get the feeling from Rebel Wilson is an up-front, honest person, from her characters/ public appearances, you are absolutely right, and this book is proof of that. 

This was exactly what I wanted when I picked it up. I got to learn more about Rebel Wilson. I learned that I had in fact, watched all of her most noticed films like Bridesmaids, and of course the Pitch Perfect movies, but this made me want to check out her earlier comedy programs as well, before she made it big time. 

Also, like most author narrated autobiographies, I could not stop listening once I started. There was one part towards the end that, I felt, went over the same points a couple more times than was needed, but other than that, no repetition, no rushed chapters, nothing that wasn't needed. 

Worth the read if you're curious about her story at all, and definitely doesn't deserve the hate it receives. 

3. Journey to the Centre of the Earth, by Jules Verne

I've only had this a short time, but when my boyfriend surprised me with this, from the mysterious phonebox on the way home, I knew it wouldn't be long until an opportunity presented itself to read this. It didn't take me long to figure out: Journey to the Centre of the Earth is the perfect read-a-thon, because of how short it was. 

Perfect timing as well, I'd planned to wake up at six, a couple of days after my birthday, and read as much as I could. 

So, on Wednesday 16th September, I made a start. 

Now, honestly, the fact that it was written in 19th century, was a very large obstacle. I read an average of 30ish pages an hour working through this, it was that wordy. 

Nevertheless, like every difficult read, there were some points I loved, and flew through- and others, where I was near tearing my eyes out and praying to whatever God there is, that this book would soon be over. 

Once I got past the first part, and to the actual expedition, I definitely picked up speed. 

One thing I will say, is it definitely doesn't feel like a book that's under 200 pages. Believe me when I say, there's so much packed in! If you can withstand the roundabout style of story-telling, you will thoroughly enjoy this novel. There is no book like it. 

4. Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk

After grinding for hours at Journey to the Centre of the Earth, I was ready for something a bit less taxing. Ever since seeing this in Kibworth Books a few months ago, I have been extremely curious about this book. Obviously I'd heard of the film, starring Brad Pitt, but to me, it didn't make sense that it would come from a novel first. Fight Club is 200 pages exactly, which is why I selected it for my 18-hour-readathon. 

This book blew my mind. The ending was the best part. Every so often, my mind wanders to the ending of this book, and the realisation, and I can't help but reel at how it all worked out. 

Everybody I ask remembers seeing the film, but can't remember whether the film was the same as the book which, let me tell you, is very frustrating. 

You know when a book doesn't quite make sense at the start, but then you progress, and suddenly every weird thing, or description that didn't quite ring true, makes sense? That was this book for me. 

I think I need to distance myself from how amazing this book was before I watch the film, but don't doubt, I will watch this film, as soon as I'm able to. 

 

5. Long Way Down, by Jason Reynolds

Book three of eighteen-hour-readathon. Having finished two books, and feeling pretty fatigued, and bordering on a reading slump, I decided to pick up a quick and easy book that I was familiar with (and one I'd been thinking about a fair bit recently). 

Basically, this follows fifteen-year-old Will, in the lift, with his gun in his pocket, about to avenge his brother. Who has just been murdered. 

See, there are three rules in his neighbourhood- that everybody live by when the worst happens. 

1. No crying. 

2. No snitching. 

3. Always get revenge. 

And Will is just about to do that. 

Except, people keep getting into the lift with him. 

Dead people. 

The mentor of Will's brother. A childhood friend. His Uncle Mark. His Dad. The guy that killed his brother's mentor. Even his brother. 

Question is, can they persuade him to turn around, or will he follow down the same path as the ghosts around him?

Every time I read this, it takes me about an hour. It's so fucking powerful, so bloody real, and despite what it's about, it's more hopeful than you'd think. One of the best graphic novels I've ever read, truly. 

6. Every Heart A Doorway (Wayward Children #1), by Seanan MccGuire

I read a number of these very short, very dark novels about six years ago, very quickly. I then got bored of them, and now I'm probably three books behind. 

I picked this up, so I could re-introduce myself to this wonderful, mystical series, in order to continue at my own pace (also to continue my Audible streak, which is now at 10 weeks). 

It was such a relief to merge back into this series. 

The Wayward Children series starts at Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, and it is for children that have seen doors, in their ordinary homes, and those doors have taken them to other places, sometimes for years at a time, that suits them better than any other place could. 

They have then come home, and are not able to deal with it. 

On the whole, so creative, so imaginative, and very very dark. Couple that with the fact that, on 1.7% speed, I can finish each book within three hours, then what's not to like?

(Also, it helps my Goodreads Reading Goal a lot, because I'm only five books away from finishing.)

7. The Miniaturist (The Miniaturist #1), by Jessie Burton

8. The House of Fortune (The Miniaturist #2), by Jessie Burton

I FINALLY GOT TO THESE! 

If you didn't know, I first read The Miniaturist back in 2019, after a Waterstones member of staff recommended it to me. Wasn't the sort of book I typically gravitated towards. 

To my surprise, I really enjoyed it. Historical fiction standalone. Great. 

Until I came across the sequel, The House of Fortune, in July 2022. 

Remembering how much I enjoyed the first one, I purchased it, thinking I would need to re-read The Miniaturist first. 

And now, four years later, I finally finished it! 

Oh, by the way, totally worth waiting four years to re-read book one, and then read The House of Fortune. Much like The Miniaturist, once you get past a certain point, you can't help but read the second half of book two, in one afternoon. 

The House of Fortune will most definitely make my favourites list at the end of the year. 

It's so well-written, so compelling, without being too similar to the prequel, but you definitely cannot read book two without reading book one. 

Even having written all of the above, I feel I still haven't scratched the surface with these two. Anybody want to say review? I'm definitely considering it. 

9. Down Among the Sticks and Bones (Wayward Children #2), by Seanan McGuire

At the time of writing this sentence, I haven't even started this yet. 

This is my next audiobook, and with the correct reading speed, last approximately 2.5 hours. Peace of cake. 

Down Among the Sticks and Bones takes place in the timeframe, before book 1. This is where Jack and Jill's world is, after they go through the door. 

And fast forward to the next day, when I have finished said book. My God, was this book good! Just, so good. 

The Moors. Filled with creatures. Vampires, re-awaken, werewolves. And two very different twins. 

At this point, I doubt the series could get any better. 

So short, but so enticing. 

Just as good as the first book. 

I know it's been years since these books were released, but if you like a bit of horror, a bit of murder, some dark tales, that are short and sweet (with a bit of magic on the side) then this is the series for you. 

Okay! Those are all of the books I read in September (and one in August too). Audiobooks were at an all time high for this month, with me finishing my fifth tonight. 

Let's hope the saga continues. 

So, that is all that I have for you today! I hope you enjoy it, and feel free to comment below! I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I'll see you all soon with my October TBR! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxx

Anticipated Releases (October-Decemeber 2026)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back, with the last 2026 Anticipated Releases post! 

I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised to see how many of my old YA favourites were releasing books towards the end of this month! If you follow bookstagram much, you may have heard of these, and be just as overjoyed as me. 

Of course, different people have different tastes, so there may be some that you're looking forward to, that I haven't included. Please do let me know in the comments, what your anticipated releases are, as I would love to hear about them! 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy! 

~October~

1. The Pools, by E. Lockheart 

Release date: 6/10/2026

A new book from the author that wrote, possibly, the biggest plot twist in YA history? Of course this is going on my anticipated releases list! 

I think the easiest way to talk about what this book is about, is to just quote the blurb. I don't want to confuse people, by mixing the tenses up, and this one flows in and out of the present so much, I can't even be sure where it's at. 

"Once, in a small New England town known for it's hot springs, something terrible happened. 

Something that should have been a warning to stay away from the pools, if the stories were to be

believed. 

But no one is afraid of the water anymore, even if they should be. 

When new girl Lexie meets golden boy Chester, their chemistry is undeniable. She's running from a 

glittering life she won't speak about. He's hiding secrets of his own. Their connection feels bigger 

than both of them, despite their damage. 

One frigid winter morning in that small New England town, five people go for a swim in the pools. 

Five people, including Chester. What happens there sends shock waves through the town, changing

life as Lexie knows it forever."

Now, it says on the cover that this is a love story. Honestly, I don't fully believe that. Based off of the type of storyteller I believe E. Lockhart to be, I get the feeling that somebody dies in those pools. Also, how big are these pools? How much can actually go on, without someone noticing? I guess we'll find out. 

2. The Sixth Faction (The Sixth Faction #1), by Veronica Roth 

Release date: 6/10/2026

I love the comments on Goodreads on this book's page. Those commentors are not holding back. 

Okay, so what I know about this book, is that, Tris has already decided what faction she wants to join- Dauntless. Then something happens- which hasn't been revealed yet, and she's thrusted into an underground rebellion- and into the path of a boy with secrets as dangerous as her own- with only a number for a name. 

The Sixth Faction is the first book in a duology, the second book expecting a release sometime next year- and to quote Minne (Back :))- This is either going to fix everything or prove that girl was doomed no matter what. 

No idea to be honest, but I'm excited to find out. 

3. Victorious (Villains #3), by V.E. Schwab 

Release date: 6/10/2026

It's been eight years since book 2 of this series came out. Nowhere near as long as the wait for graphic novel Saga, Volume 10 to come out, but close enough. 

Will definitely need to re-read book 1&2: Vicious & Vengeful, but as it didn't take me long to read those the first time, it should be the same the second time around. 

Very simple premise, with a very simple meaning behind the title. Victorious: who will be the final winner. 

"Eli Ever. Victor Vale. 

Two men, first best friends, then mortal enemies, each destined to be the other's shadow. 

One left standing- but the game isn't over yet. 

Against all the years- and the odds- a group of allies and archrivals meet on a chessboard set by

an opponent they couldn't have predicted... to see who will be victorious."

I definitely need to re-read the first two, or else the big reveal will never have as much impact as it could (forgotten all of the characters, apart from our main two). 

4. It's Only Dancing, by Jasmine Guillory 

Release date: 6/10/2026

After reading this through a couple of times, I'm getting (clean version) Dirty Dancing vibes. 

-Katherine (Kitty to family and friends) wants to spend the last summer before her senior year working for an important organisation or doing something impressive- but instead is forced to spend it with her family at a camp in Southern California. 

-First night, she catches a glimpse of a staff party- where the entire staff are dancing freely, without a care in the world. Kitty is envious, especially as the last time she danced like that was when she quit ballet two years, sick of the insults that were constantly directed at her. 

-When she and Jordan, hip hop dance instructor extroadinaire, start to fall in love, she starts lying to her family, in order to spend more time with him. Eventually, she realises that spending too much time with Jordan could tarnish her reputation, and so, she is left with a choice: what is she willing to risk in order to feel free? And is it possible that dancing with Jordan could reignite her love for dancing once more?

Anybody else? 

Honestly, it's been so long since I read a book like this. I think the last one was Instructions for Dancing, by Nicola Yoon, which was back in 2021. This might just be the perfect book to go next to that one. 

5. Wondrous, by Heather Fawcett 

Release date: 6/10/2026

Simple premise, this. 

Timed to the 75th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland, this is the perfect for the Halloween season, if you want something more action, and less creepy. 

This is the sequel to the original, with an Alice, who is now eighteen, and feels much more secure in Wonderland, than in the 'real world'. After all, in Wonderland, no one will judge you for being weird. 

Until the most weird thing to ever happen in Wonderland... happens. Two other Alices, claiming to be the 'real' Alice, also arrive. And all three are frogmarched to the Queen's castle. 

The Queen explains that it has been prophesized that one day, a 'blue Alice' will save Wonderland from terrible peril. Ever since, the White Rabbit has been opening portals, in order to pull any children, dressed in blue and called Alice, down to Wonderland. 

And now there are three dragons, running rampant around Wonderland. The first Alice to slay all three dragons is the 'real' Alice. The others- cast off forever. 

Is Alice the real Alice, or is she just a footnote in someone else's story?

Okay, maybe not so simple a premise, but this story is so good, it was worth writing all of that out. 

Like I said before, seems like the perfect Halloween-action tale full of whimsical, and exciting characters. Looking forward to this coming out.

 

6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Illustrated Edition (Harry Potter #6), by J.K. Rowling (author) & Levi Pinfold (illustrator)

Release date: 6/10/2026

It's been at least two years since the last one came out. I may have read the physical book already, but there was no way I wasn't going to include this on today's post. 

7. As We Fall Through Time, by Claire North 

Release date: 13/10/2026

A new Claire North book! I haven't read one of her books since A Sudden Appearance of Hope, in 2017!

Another time travelling book, but this sounds bloody good. 

This is the story of what happens, after the world ends. 

When time traveller Cal, meets a soldier of the French Revolution, he knows his lover is going to die. But what's the point of being a time traveller if you can't make a couple of tweaks along the way- if only to save the one you love? 

When Fadimmatu walks into a museum in 2018 to find her own corpse, she sets herself in a path to a betrayal that has already killed her, and a murder that has not yet come to pass. 

In arranging these tweaks, these moments in time rip a hole in the very fabric of time, breaking both past and future. In order to re-store time, they must reckon with death foretold, love forsaken, and a secret that will shatter time itself. 

This, like A Sudden Appearance of Hope, feels like it's going to be a 500+ page book, and I am absolutely here for it! 

8. Queen of Lombard Street, by Lisa Kleypas

Release date: 20/10/2026

I love the idea of this book. Upon hearing about it, all I knew from the description was that it was about a woman, wanting to make the first female bank, in the Victorian Era, and her struggles to establish this against the pressures and restrictions in that time period. 

After reading about it on Goodreads, I learned: 

1. Women weren't allowed their own bank account, let alone their own bank. Reina, our protagonist, knows better, after being raised by her spanish mother.

2. The mentor she built the idea with is a criminal, and may be responsible for the biggest financial heist of that century. 

3. Her mentor needs her expertise in concealing potentially criminal files, which means that Reina is left with a choice: Does she betray her mentor, or abandon the families that she has been working with since the beginning. Either way, her dream of owning a bank one day may well be over. 

I really am a sucker for a woman independence story. 

 

9. Whale Harbor, by Mary Beth Keane

Release date: 20/10/2026

I don't know what drew me to this book, but something about it felt real to me. It tells the story of a father, a father and his eleven grieving sons. In the wake of tragedy, he makes a decision regarding his boys. Of the eldest half, they are all to emigrate to England to work, whereas the younger of the sons are to stay behind. 

Second eldest, Macdara is offered the chance to work on a Montana cattle range, and is ready to leave on the off. His younger brother, Rian, begs to come along. When he's older, Macdara says, and leaves before he can change his mind. 

But then one day, Mac gets the call that Rian has gone missing, without a trace. 

This call will haunt the family for generations. 

Set in 1960s Ireland. 

Why on Earth did I think this family were African? My head is all over the place, I swear. 

Anyway. This feels like the type of book that's going to be one of Waterstones' Book of the Month when it comes out, to be honest. It fits right for Fiction. 

It feels like a best-seller to me. 

Just a gut feeling. 

~November~

1. Orlando, by Harry Whittaker 

Release date: 5/11/2026

After dedicating over a year, reading all of Lucinda's Riley's books a couple of years ago, there was never a question as for whether this was going to be included on this list. Orlando is a side character in the third Seven Sisters book, The Shadow Sister. This takes place after that book, with Star and Orlando working together to uncover secrets that start with the arrival of a new A Christmas Carol...

Feels like the perfect winter book to me, to be honest. 

2. Murmuration , by T.J. Klune

Release date: 17/11/2026

Despite only reading the one book, I know that whatever I pick up, I will love when it's written by him. 

Murmuration takes place in a small town called Amorea, in 1954. I haven't read many books set in that time period, nearly 10 years after the war, so this sounds interesting. 

"In the small mountain town of Amorea, it's stretching towards autumn of 1954. The memories of a

world at war are fading in the face of a prosperous future. Doors are left unlocked at night, and

neighbours are always there to give eachother a helping hand. 

The people here know certain things as fact: 

Amorea is the best little town there is. 

The only good Commie is a dead Commie. 

The women's club of Amorea runs the town with an immaculately gloved fist. 

And bookstore owner Mike Frazier loves that boy down at the diner, Sean Mallard. Why they 

haven't gotten their acts together is anybody's guess. It may be the World's longest courtship, but no 

one can deny the way they look at each other. 

Slow and steady wins the race, or so they say.

But something's wrong with Mike. He hears voices in his house late at night. There are shadows 

crawling along the walls, and great clouds of birds overheard that only he can see. 

Something's happening in Amorea. And Mike will do whatever he can to keep the man he loves." 

~December~

1. Slow Burn, by Trinity Nguyen 

Release date: 29/12/2026

There's not really much I need to say to describe this:

-Hate to love romance. 

-Two characters, Lizzie Ly, and and Ethan Huang, both want to win the cooking competition they were invited to participate in, on tv, a program called Sweet Heat. First prize is a mentorship under top chef Harrison Moss. 

Lizzie Ly wants to win, so she can help contribute to her family's struggling cooking business; and Ethan wants to win, to prove that his cooking hobbie is more than, well, a hobbie.

This seems like the perfect book to pick up in the cold winter months, when we're all craving a hot meal. 

And it might encourage me to actually try some of the hot meals I've got collected on my instagram account too. 

What's not to love about this book?  

Okay! Those are all of my Anticipated Releases for the last three months of the year! I hope you enjoyed reading about them, and feel free to note them in the comments below! 

I hope you have a lovely evening, and I'll see you soon with another story entry! 

Byeeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxx

Rebel Rising, by Rebel Wilson

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm here with a surprise review! 

If you've seen the title, you might be wondering why I would read such a book, much less write a review for it. 

The reason being, maybe I want to convince people that this autobiography isn't as bad as the majority of people seem to think it is. Maybe I just have a lot of thoughts on it, good or bad. 

I'll let you decide. 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy it. 

Title: Rebel Rising

Author: Rebel Wilson

Genre: Autobiography

Status: Standalone

Release date: 25/4/2024

Pages: N/A

Blurb: "For decades, Rebel Wilson has single-mindedly focused on her career, making a name for herself through her iconic roles in Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids, and Isn't it Romantic. Now, she's ready to chronicle the emotional and physical lessons she learned, as well as her most embarassing experiences. A malaria enduced hallucination? An all-style martial arts fighting tournament? Junior handling at god shows? And this was all BEFORE she moved to Hollywood!

Rebel Rising follows Rebel Wilson's incredible journey of 'making it', constantly questioning, 'Am I good enough? Will I ever find love? Will I ever change and become healthy?' Rebel writes for the first time about the most personal and important moments in her life- from fertility issues, weight gain and loss, sexuality, overcoming shyness, rejections, and well... okay, there's at least one story thrown in about Brad Pitt! It's all here. This memoir shows us how to love ourselves while making us laugh uncontrollably." 

My Thoughts

Trigger warnings: Child abuse, emotional abuse, fatphobia, sexism, loss of a parent, addiction. 

Actually not as bad as people think. Honestly, not the most ground breaking, emotional autobiography I've listened to in my life, but it was definitely one of the most honest and to-the-point autobiographies I've read. I enjoyed it more than I was expecting to. 

Honestly, I went from thinking 'do I pay money to listen to something else' to 'okay I don't want to read anything else until I finish this' (it was the type of book where you don't realise how quickly you're making progress until you're halfway). 

In fact, the whole novel really does show you that Rebel Wilson is, wholeheartedly, like a regular person. She doesn't hold back on the personal stuff: the struggle with unhealthy habits with her eating; with her struggle to connect with anybody, let alone entertain the possibility of finding the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with; parental issues, which, lets face it, most adults struggle with something to do with their upbringing. And that's not even the half of it. 

Genuinely, her highs, her lows, and everything in between, you're there with her. 

There are no cover-ups in this novel. None. 

And all of it is done with that classic Rebel humour that we've all come to know and love. 

The novel jumps back to certain experiences within a chapter, but the transition it seamless. I was never confused as to where I was within each side story, within a chapter, so that worked. 

Also, surprise surprise, Rebel Rising makes me want to go back and watch Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect again, as well as everything else she's been in.

Basically, when I watched her in Bridesmaids and the Pitch Perfect movies, I assumed that she had been in more big time movies before, but that they just hadn't crossed my radar. Now, having read her autobiography, and now I know those were her big breaks, I want to go back and not only re-watch those movies, but be able to appreciate her earlier tv shows, to see her progression. 

Still not decided yet on Cats though. 

The only negative point I will make is, there's always the feeling that whatever hardships you're reading at any given point in this book, there's always the feeling that things will always work out in the end. At no point in this book did I start to think that maybe Rebel wouldn't lose the weight, find the person she was meant to be with, or deal with what she was going through at the time. 

But part of the reason why I fully believed that, was the incredible work ethic she had throughout. 

If you didn't know, Rebel Wilson is a fully qualified lawyer. It may have taken her double the time it would normally take, as she was juggling rent and working as an actor throughout, but she has the smarts and the work ethic to react that status. And becoming a qualified lawyer is mind-numbingly hard by itself, let alone with other problems thrown into the mix. 

So in the end, although I never questioned that she would, eventually, get everything she had been working towards, the reason why is a positive. 

So I guess, what I've been leading up to with, well, all of the above, is that this novel has given me new found respect for Rebel, all she's had to go through, how's she dealt with things, got on with it, and come out the other side. 

Also, did I mention how normal she is? She loves dogs, her family ran a dog accessory business, selling them, going to Dog shows, she went to an all girls school, wasn't thrown into show business like a lot of celebrities' parents, actually worked for it herself, and became as well-known as she was, through her own merit. 

Not to mention, having to fight twice as hard to be taken seriously as an actor, because of how much people saw her as nothing more than the fat, funny friend. 

I hope I've at least convinced some people to give this book a try- granted, I doubt just my word will be enough, but maybe I've helped some people to at least download the audiobook, for the next time they don't have any books in mind. 

I really do recommend the audiobook, by the way. It's recorded by RW herself- it's quite the listen. 

Okay! Those are all my thoughts on Rebel Rising- not going to lie, I feel like I'll come up with more, the minute I post this- been feeling a bit distracted tonight- but I'll add more soon if I do. 

I hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts on this, honest, funny, and fulfilling autobiography- I have a feeling this may start a trend. 

That will be all tonight, though. I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx