• Book Blogger Hop: The Kind of Book to Curl up with in the Winter

    Book Blogger Hop: The Kind of Book to Curl up with in the Winter

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    Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop! Hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer this week the prompt is:

    “What kind of book do you like to curl up with in the winter?“ – submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

    Honestly… I am torn between two choices. I either love a cosy fantasy book or I love a good romance. I never used to read wintery/christmassy themed books but this year I have so many lined up that I am excited for.

    In the winter, I find myself reaching for cosy fantasy because it feels like stepping into a warm refuge from the cold. There’s a gentle comfort in wandering through whimsical worlds and watching the magic unfold.

    There’s also something magical about winter that makes me crave a good romance book. When the world outside feels quiet and cold, I love curling up in bed and diving into a great story. The contrast between the frosty weather and the emotional warmth of a romance book feels like the perfect seasonal comfort.

    From looking at my TBR for this year, a good romance book seems to be outweighing every other genre. I have six books I want to get to… five of them are romances and one of them is a cosy fantasy. The five romance books are all Christmas themed whereas the fantasy one is not.

    What book do you like to curl up with in the winter?

  • Christmas in Chestnut Springs by Elsie Silver | Book Review

    Christmas in Chestnut Springs by Elsie Silver | Book Review

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    Christmas in Chestnut Springs by Elsie Silver
    Series: Chestnut Springs #5.1
    Genre: Romance
    Pages: 43
    Published: 25th November, 2023
    Format: Ebook
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    Get it for FREE here by signing up to Elsie Silver’s newsletter!

    Book Synopsis:

    T’was the night before Christmas . . . in Chestnut Springs! Check in with the Eaton family to see holiday pranks, new friendships formed, and maybe even a new baby born. Five chapters as told by five of your most beloved heroes.


    Book Review

    Let me tell you that when I heard this book existed, I’ve never subscribed to a newsletter fast enough! I generally really dislike subscribing to newsletters but I just had to for this one as it’s the only way to get the free book. I am so glad that I did though ahhhh! I’ll be keeping this review short and sweet to match the book.

    This is a short novella that follows on from the Chestnut Springs series. It’s formatted so that each chapter follows the perspective of a different MMC from the OG series. It wasn’t a collection of short stories; instead, it told one story through different perspectives. When I think of the Chestnut Springs series, I see each book as its own separate unit rather than something intertwined through loving family dynamics.” So this book was refreshing to see them all come together and interact as a family.

    I enjoyed how lighthearted and fun this book was. It had me giggling and smiling all the way through. My favourite chapters were Rhett and Cade’s. Beau’s felt a little lacklustre in comparison but I was a nice way to finish off the novella. I was glad to see a little interaction with Harvey during Theo’s chapter as I’ve always found him such a loveable character and he had me giggling the most.

    This book has really put me into the Christmas spirit. I loved all the vibes it was giving off in such a short amount of pages. The winter vibes, the festive spirit and the family interactions were great.

    The drop of .5 in rating is purely because of the fact this book was so short. I finished it wanting so much more! I loved being back in Chestnut Springs and didn’t want it to end. If you’ve read this series already then I’d definitely suggest reading this novella. It was such a fun time and perfect for the festive season.

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
  • November Reading Wrap-up

    November Reading Wrap-up

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    November was a great reading month for me — I was able to read 7 books in total!

    Pages read: 1,992

    Off to the Races by Elsie Silver (BUDDY READ) – Started: 2nd November – Finished: 6th November.
    This is book #1 in the Gold Rush Ranch series which I read physically. I read this book as part of a buddy read over on Instagram and really enjoyed it. Definitely need to get the next book in the series ASAP.

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    Sally’s Lament by Mari Mancusi – Started: 11th November – Finished: 13th November.
    This is book #19 in the Disney Twisted Tales series which I read physically. I’m glad I read it this month because the vibes were giving both Halloween and Christmas. I really enjoyed this book!

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    Reunion Cruise by Maria A. Palace (GIFTED) – Started: 14th November – Finished: 19th November.
    This is a standalone book which I read as an eBook on my Kindle. I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review as it is due to release on 9th December. I was surprised with how much I ended up enjoying this book.

    Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

    Cold Clay by Juneau Black – Started: 20th November – Finished: 21st November.
    This is book #2 in the Shady Hollow series which I read physically. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first one but it was still a fun time. I will definitely be continuing on with the series.

    Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

    Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay – Started: 21st November – Finished: 21st November.
    This is a standalone book that I read physically. It was a very short festive read but enjoyable and had me giggling yet shocked throughout at some of the stories being shared. Very insightful and captivating.

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – Started: 24th November – Finished: 25th November.
    This is a standalone book that I read physically. This had been on my TBR for 5 years but I’m so glad I finally got around to it. It’s a book that’s going to stick with me for many years to come.

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    Grey Hunter by William King – Started: 22nd November – Finished: 29th November.
    This is book #3 in the Space Wolf series which I listened to on Audible with my boyfriend. This is my favourite book so far in the series and I’m really looking forward to getting to the next one!

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    I’ve completed my Goodreads goal for the year and I am already over by 8 books at the end of November. I wonder how many more I can go over by in the last month of the year…

    What was your best read for November? Are you on track to reach your reading goal?

  • Birthstone Book Covers – December: Blue Zircon & Blue Topaz

    Birthstone Book Covers – December: Blue Zircon & Blue Topaz

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    Well, it is officially December! Can’t believe we only have 1 month left of the year…

    Leslie at Books Are The New Black hosts this fun monthly theme and I had a look at December which in fact has two birthstones… I love the colour birthstones this month has so I decided to combine both for this post!

    The rules are simple:

    • Mention the creator (Leslie @ Books Are The New Black) and link back so she can see your post!
    • Pick 5+ book covers that match the current month’s Birthstone.
    • HAVE FUN!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY…

    to all the December babies out there!

    I chose to use both Blue Zircon and Blue Topaz for December and after doing a little research, I found some interesting information on this website for what they mean…

    “Some scholars believe it comes from the Arabic word zarkun, meaning “cinnabar” or “vermilion.” Others think the source is the Persian word zargun, or “gold colored.” Considering the broad color palette for this December birthstone – red, orange, yellow, brown, green and blue – either derivation seems possible.”

    “Some believe the word “topaz” comes from the Sanskrit word tapas, which means “fire.” Others trace it back to the Greek topazos.The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength. From the 1300s to the 1600s, Europeans thought it could thwart magic spells and dispel anger. For centuries, many people in India have believed that topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty and intelligence.”

    Right, lets get onto the book covers that I was able to find from books I’ve read on my bookshelves and my TBR cart… I found this quite easy to complete for December and I’m glad I chose both.

    1. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena (Read – still own)
    2. Go the Distance by Jen Calonita (Read – still own)
    3. Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce (Read – still own)
    4. Be If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy (Read – still own)
    5. Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paige Toon (TBR)
    6. Meet Me at the Wedding by Georgia Toffolo (Read – still own)
    7. The Reappearance by Rachel Price by Holly Jackson (TBR)
    8. The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary (Read – still own)
    9. A Song of Me & You by Mike Gayle (TBR)

    This was a lot of fun to take part in for December and I’ve already taken a sneak peak for January which will be a difficult one but I’ll try to take part in!

    What blue zircon or blue topaz books would you recommend? What would you add to the list?

  • The Friday 56 – 28th November 2025

    The Friday 56 – 28th November 2025

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    This is a new weekly meme that I saw Top 100 Books take part in and I thought I would join in too! This is entry #1 in The Friday 56. It’s hosted by Freda at Freda’s Voice, but she is taking a break. Anne at My Head is Full of Books has taken on hosting duties in her absence.

    To do this simply:

    • Grab a book, any book
    • Turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader (If you want to improvise, go ahead!)
    • Find a snippet you like that jumps out at you, but no spoilers

    “What do you want with me? You said you’d tell me here. So tell me.” Rhys leaned back in his chair, folding powerful arms that even the fine clothes couldn’t hide. “For this week? I want you to learn how to read.” – page 56.

    A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
    626 pages, Paperback
    Romantasy, Young Adult

    Blurb –

    Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she’s now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people.

    As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre’s hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil.

  • The Fault in Our Stars by John Green | Book Review

    The Fault in Our Stars by John Green | Book Review

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    The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
    Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult
    Pages: 316
    Published By: Penguin on 3rd March, 2022
    Format: Paperback
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    Book Synopsis:

    I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once.

    Despite the tumour-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis.

    But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

    Book Review

    I’m ashamed to say that this book had been on my TBR for 5 years up until this point… I watched the film years ago and enjoyed it. Therefore, I was intrigued to see what I would think of the book itself.

    Although I went into the book knowing exactly what would happen, I enjoyed how the first half kept a generally light-hearted tone despite the grim situation. I found myself giggling at Augustus and Isaac’s dry humour. Even as the story grew more serious, the author still sprinkled in some humour.

    The pacing of this book is good as it literally took me 2 days to read. Now I usually find YA books quick to read. However, this one turned into a real page-turner even though I knew what would happen. I grew quite invested in the main characters and their love story, which made me want to keep reading.

    From the subject matter I knew that it would be sad and I thought I would end up sobbing… but I didn’t. I found myself tearing up/getting emotional at parts towards the end but it wasn’t particularly for the characters. It was more for the crappy situation that they were in. Cancer sucks!

    The book is beautifully written, and its metaphors hit with real power. I don’t normally annotate in books but I couldn’t help myself with this one. — some quotes just hit me right in the feels. In my opinion, Green did a wonderful job with this book at tackling quite a difficult topic.

    My only critique—and the reason I didn’t give it five stars—is that the frequent use of the word “said” became distracting at times. It felt very repetitive. I think if Green had been a bit more creative with how characters said things it could have added more texture to the conversations.

    Overall, I think book will stay with me for many years to come. I’m so glad I finally stopped neglecting this book!

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
  • Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay | Book Review

    Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay | Book Review

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    Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay
    Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir
    Pages: 144
    Published By: Picador on 17th October, 2019
    Format: Hardcover
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    Buy on Amazon (not affiliated)

    Book Synopsis:

    Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat … but 1.4 million NHS staff are heading off to work. In this perfect present for anyone who has ever set foot in a hospital, Adam Kay delves back into his diaries for a hilarious, horrifying and sometimes heartbreaking peek behind the blue curtain at Christmastime.

    This is a love letter to all those who spend their festive season on the front line, removing babies and baubles from the various places they get stuck, at the most wonderful time of the year.

    Book Review

    Having read This Is Going To Hurt back in 2021 and absolutely loving it, I was very much excited to read this little festive book in the run-up to Christmas.

    He perfectly combines his sense of humour with his compassionate side as he recounts the different Christmasses he has spent working in hospitals. I really like the balance in his entries… some were incredibly sad whereas others had a much lighten tone and had me giggling.

    I really appreciated that Kay had footnotes throughout to help further understand some of the medical terms he was using. If the book didn’t have this I would’ve been constantly googling which would take away from the immersive reading. There’s also cute little hospital-themed festive illustrations dotted throughout, which I loved and added a nice touch to the vibes of the book.

    My only complaint is that it’s SO short. I completely get that he may not have had many Christmas-related stories to tell but this book left me wanting more! It was such a quick book to read, it only took me just over a couple of hours I think. The shortness of the book is what dropped the rating for me…

    This would be a great stocking filler for those who work within healthcare – or just anyone who wants to have a laugh! I think this was a great festive, informative read that highlights the importance of the NHS, not just at Christmas but all-year round.

    Rating: 4 out of 5.
  • Winter/Christmas Books on my TBR

    Winter/Christmas Books on my TBR

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    Seeing as it’s Tuesday, I thought I would do a little TBR Tuesday post!

    As the weather gets colder and the nights grow longer, there’s nothing better than curling up with a blanket, a hot drink, and a stack of festive reads! My winter TBR is packed with cosy romances, magical adventures, and a few heartwarming Christmas stories that perfectly capture the season’s spirit. I thought I’d share what’s on my TBR in case you’re also looking for something seasonal to curl up with.

    5 out of the 6 books I have on here are fairly new additions to my TBR because I don’t normally read specific books for the season. However, I thought I would change that this year!

    Conceal, Don’t Feel by Jen Calonita – This is a Disney Twisted Tale based on Frozen. I knew I had to add it to my TBR for the wintery vibes. It has been sitting on my TBR cart for far too long.

    Mint to Be by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc – This is a fairly recent purchase from back in September. I saw this at the school book fair and had to pick it up because it sounds very cute and cosy.

    Good Spirits by B.K. Borison – This is a new purchase from earlier this month. I’ve been seeing this all over social media and been feeling at little FOMO (fear of missing out). When I saw the sprayed edges in The Works, I caved and picked it up.

    Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison – This is a new purchase from earlier this month. I’ve been looking at this series since I went to York in September but was unsure whether to pick it up. However, I’ve agreed to do a buddy read for this with someone over on Instagram. This finally gave me an excuse to pick it up.

    Christmas in Chestnut Springs by Elsie Silver – I did not realise this existed until someone mentioned it over on Instagram a few weeks ago. I loved the Chestnut Springs series so I had to fit this very short novella onto my TBR.

    A Merry Little Christmas by Rosie Green –This is also very new to my TBR from earlier this month. A blog tour came through for this and I just couldn’t turn down a short cosy winter romance book.

    What would you prioritise off this list?
    Have you already read any of the ones I’ve mentioned? If so, what did you rate them?


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