October 2022 Wrap-Up

Welcome to my first monthly wrap-up!

October was full of new discoveries, Kindle Unlimited, and 10 books read.

This month I’ve delved into the world of Audio Books and have shocked myself by enjoying them so much.

Each book details the format, where I got them, a genre overview, my rating, and a mini review (and a little picture for visual effects)!

Let’s get into it!

Light Through The Vines, Fiona Valpy

eBook, Kindle Unlimited, Romance/General Fiction, 4/5

A beautiful tale of second chance romance in France. Fiona Valpy has such a wonderful way of writing, I’ve not found a “bad” book of hers yet!

As a part of the Escape To France short stories, we follow Gina as she moves from England to start afresh after multiple heartbreaks. We also meet some other characters from Valpy’s other French novels.

Broken Summer, JM Lee

eBook, Kindle First Reads, Literary Fiction, 3/5

Artist Lee Hanjo is at the peak of his fame. But a 26 year old secret, death, and a lie threaten to come crashing down around him.

This was quite short, and free, so it was okay. I didn’t love it but I liked it. The plot was great and I found myself very interested in the progression.

The Last Sister, Kendra Elliot

eBook, Kindle Unlimited, Crime&Thriller, 4/5

The Mills/Barton family have had their fair share of tragedy. Then, when a murder occurs in their small town, the past is dragged back up to the surface as FBI agents arrive and notice an odd coincidence.

I really enjoyed this! It was a great story and I loved the mix of POVs. This is part of a series and I’m planning on reading more.

TW: Abuse, racism, mentions of racist organisations, hanging

Crime Against a Book Club, Kathy Cooperman

Audio Book, Kindle Unlimited, Crime/Fiction, 3/5

In the affluent town of La Jolla, two best friends concoct a plan to sell overpriced face cream to the richest of the rich. But the face cream contains a, not-so-legal, secret ingredient.

I listened to this audio book on my drive to and from work. I really liked the narrator and thought it fit the book well. My main critism is the MEN in this book. They have nothing but audacity. If they had been removed, I would’ve been much happier.

TW: Drug and Alcohol addiction, infertility and mentions of miscarriage

I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette McCurdy

Hardcover, WHSmith, Memoir/Non-Fiction, 5/5

A harrowing true-story from the star of iCarly as she tells her childhood and the abuse she faced at the hands of an overbearing mother.

A fascinating read with a brilliant writing style. It really felt like a work of fiction except it’s all true. I hope Jennette will write more, she has a natural talent for it.

TW: Eating disorders, sexual abuse, emotional manipulation.

A Long Shadow, David Beckler

eBook, Kindle First Reads, Crime/Thriller, DNF @ 8%

I had to really power through that 8%. I just didn’t enjoy it. I didn’t feel involved in the narrative or plot – I’m still unsure what it’s even meant to be about. Not for me. Like, who is this woman and why is SHE the main focus of a series? Baffling and I wasn’t into it.

Sorcery of Thorns, Margaret Rogerson

eBook, Kindle, YA Fantasy, 4/5

Elisabeth was always taught that sorcerers are evil. But when an act of sabotage occurs in her beloved library, Elisabeth – implicated in the crime – has to learn to trust her sworn enemy.

I loved this! I was so pleased to find it on Kindle Book Deals. Strong autumnal vibes with magic and mystery. I’m always very impressed with a stand-alone fantasy that can give enough information without scrimping on details (plot/character development/relationships/etc.) I didn’t feel like anything was missing and was perfectly rounded off within the singular book.

How (Not) To Be Strong, Alex Scott

Hardcover, Amazon, Memoir/Non-Fiction, 5/5

Absolutely fantastic! I didn’t know much about Alex Scott outside of seeing her as a TV Sports Pundit.

It was fascinating to read about her childhood and how she defied all odds and expectations to propel women’s football into a new orbit. Alex was the first female pundit to cover a men’s game! I couldn’t believe it. She is an absolute inspiration.

Definitely worth a read, even if you’re not a particular fan of football. It was so interesting to learn more about well-known names: especially Tony Adams! I had no idea he had a charity for Sports Stars. Brilliant.

Alex put her whole heart into this and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about her.

TW: Substance and alcohol abuse, domestic violence

She’s Up To No Good, Sara Goodman Confino

Audio Book, Kindle Unlimited, Fiction, 4/5

Hilarious and totally feel good! I read this using the audio book. I must say, I found the narration difficult to get into at the beginning. I found that the narration voice and Jenna’s voice didn’t have too much of a difference. But, after a few chapters, I was used to it and was able to tell the difference.

We flip-flop in time between Present Day (first person) and the 1950s (third person). We were introduced to new information slowly through the flashbacks which is a technique I enjoy.

I did find Jenna, our main character, quite annoying. I just felt like a lot of the problems were simply due to miscommunication (I HATE the miscommunication trope. It’s the worst). I much preferred being in the flashbacks.

Overall, very fun and enjoyable as an audio book.

Until I Met You, Amber Rose Gill

eBook, Kindle, Romance, 2/5

I’m actually so disappointed with this book. Usually I love a silly little rom-com but I did not vibe with this book at all. It took me ages to read and was actually pulling me into a slump.

All the usual romance bits I normally love felt so cringe-worthy. I had to skim over the huge “pep talks” because it felt so unrealistic and forced. The whole premise is based on secrets, half-truths, and insta-love. All the things I dislike in a book.

I also didn’t love the continued mention of the pandemic. Yes, it happened, but I’d rather not re-live it whilst I’m reading – especially when I’m reading fiction.

The writing wasn’t great and I just didn’t like it as much as I’d expected.

Good Girl Complex, Elle Kennedy

eBook, Kindle, Romance, 4/5

I definitely shouldn’t have liked this book as much as I did! It mainly focuses on cheating and using a woman as revenge which I usually hate. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It was the silly rom-com I’d been wanting and it didn’t disappoint. I thought it was well written and I genuinely liked the characters.

Would be a perfect holiday read, although I loved the summer vibes in autumn.

Very sweet and very fun: just what I was looking for!

‘Tis The Season…

… For Murder?

It’s October! Spooky Season is on the horizon and all the shops are slowly (but surely) bringing out the Christmas decor. The leaves are changing colour, the nights are longer, it’s darker earlier, and Pumpkin Spice is back at Starbucks (and Strictly Come Dancing is back, much to Father Janman’s disgust).

I came home from a lovely holiday at the end of September and had the most persisting urge to read a gold ol’ Crime novel. Prior to this, I could not pick up a crime/thriller for love nor money.

Is it the cold nights that makes me want to curl up with a coffee and a murder? Or is it simply that no one seems to get whacked in the summer?

The vibe must be universal because even the Kindle Book Deals (that refresh at the beginning of the month) are FULL of Crime, Thrillers, Psychological Thrillers, and Murder Mysteries. Go on, have a look if you don’t believe me. I’ll wait…

Now you’ve seen it with your own eyes, let’s get into some recommendations!

• DI Helen Grace Series, MJ Arlidge: As always, I will recommend this till I’m blue in the face. The series starts with Eeny Meeny, but all books follow a different crime so could – technically – be read in any order. However, there are continuing relationships and other storylines so I’d recommend reading them in order.
• The Last Sister, Kendra Elliot: This is a very recent read for me and is on Kindle Unlimited. It is also part of a series, but I’ve not got to the next ones yet. We follow an FBI Agent as he helps a rural police station to solve a crime that, suspiciously, mirrors one twenty years before. But they convicted the killer… Didn’t they?
• Rock Paper Scissors, Alice Feeney: A romantic trip to Scotland intended to help repair a fractured relationship. Sounds idllyic, right? Brilliantly written and a shocking plot twist to end all plot twists!
• Hostage, Clare Mackintosh: A deeply twisted and disturbing read. A flight attendant is making the first ever non-stop flight from the UK to Australia. Then she faces a harrowing decision – help hijack the plane or her daughter dies.
• A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder, Holly Jackson: A fabulous, witty trilogy following a teenage girl as she attempts to clear the name of a classmate’s brother. I know there is a UK and US version of these books but you MUST read the UK version, as Ms Jackson intended.
• The Girls I’ve Been, Tess Sharpe: Nora grew up as an accessory to her mother’s con schemes. Now, stuck in a hostage situation, that’s nothing to do with her! Promise! She has to use her unique – and bizarre – set of skills to get her and her friends out alive.
• Crime Against A Book Club, Kathy Cooperman: Bit of a wildcard suggestion but hear me out! Lighthearted in nature, there are no deaths. Just two desperate women trying to raise enough money for IVF treatment and Autism Therapy. They concoct a plan to sell a dud face cream to the uber rich at an extortionate rate. But, there’s a not-so-legal secret ingredient that could bring the scheme crashing around them.

We’ve discussed some recommendations so I hope that’ll scratch the Thriller itch which has, undoubtedly, appeared in all of us at this time of year.

Now, go! Go get your book, a coffee, a blanket, and curl up in front of the fire (real or Netflix, it doesn’t matter) and enjoy the vibes!

Honey, I’m Home!

Well, hello there!

I know, I know, it’s been ages. Long time no speak.

I disappeared without a word, I know. And I’m sorry. Before I get into my explanations/reasonings/plans for the future, I think I’d better update you with what’s going on in my life:

• I’m 21! I had my birthday in September on a lovely family holiday to Greece. It was fantastic!
• My partner and I are in the process of buying a house… I know! How grown up! I still can’t believe it!
• I got a promotion at work: you are now looking at a TEAM Administrator. Not just an assistant, I’m the TEAM Administrator!
• At this current point of writing, I have read 160 out of my target 100 books this year. That’s a little bit insane.
• I’ve discovered a new love for non-fiction and memoirs… Trust me, I’m just as shocked as you are.
• I’ve been under the tattoo needle TWO more times, much to my grandad’s disappointment.
• I’ve seen about a bajilion more Musicals/Plays and I’m not stopping anytime soon!
• I’ve had 3 great holidays: Tenerife, Scicilly, and Rhodes.

Now we’ve got that out of the way, I suppose I should start my explanations as to why I suddenly vanished off the face of the earth.

My love for reading didn’t change. I still love reading as much as I always have done and will continue to. I just found my “brand”, if you will, was causing some stress and I simply wasn’t enjoying myself. As much as I like having a chat about books, reviewing every single book I’ve read (we’re at 160 now) was too much. This decision came as a bit of a surprise. I was on holiday in March, read about 12 books, and just… Didn’t review any of them.

I couldn’t bring myself to review TWELVE books, and that’s not even including the ones I hadn’t finished before leaving for holiday. It wasn’t what I wanted to do.

As much as my hiatus came as a shock, my return was a snap decision. I missed writing and then, suddenly in the shower, I had a great idea for a blog post. Not a review, per se, a blog post!

So, that’s where we’re at now. I’m going to aim to post every week (ish) and post what I’m wanting to write about. My posts will include recommendations, as always! I will also do more of a “review” post in my monthly wrap ups.

I’m excited to get writing again and rejoin the book community as a participant, rather than a silent viewer!

I hope you can forgive me for my extended leave and I can’t wait to pick share what I’ve been reading.

Thank you for your support,

Hannah x

The Unhoneymooners, Christina Lauren

Brief Overview

Olive and Ethan hate each other so, of course, when a prepaid, non refundable honeymoon is nearly put to waste they just HAVE to go.

The Review

Very sweet and lovely – just what I wanted!

Typical enemies to lovers trope. The “oh no there’s only one bed” trope came up too. However, I knew it was going to happen and was very much expecting it.

There was some miscommunication that DROVE ME INSANE but it was all resolved – of course.

It wasn’t all happy sailing: there was some heartbreak in there that honestly brought me to tears.

I loved the characters and the plot and the set-up and the ending.

Overall a great story that was well written and I’d definitely recommend for when a cheeky bit of romance is needed.

Warning: gaslighting; emotional abuse

Recommendation

4/5

Clap When You Land, Elizabeth Acevedo

Brief Overview

Camimo and Yahaira are sisters separated by an ocean and a sea of lies.

The Review

I was very surprised when I reached the end of the book. Not because it was abrupt, but because I could’ve carried on reading about their lives for even longer.

I did have to read the synopsis after the first two chapters because I was very confused if these two POV were meant to be the same person. I think this was just a format issue on Kindle, and wouldn’t be an issue with a paperback.

Even though it was written in a poetry style, each of the sisters had an individual voice and was easy to distinguish their chapters.

The writing was so engaging with nothing feeling rushed or thrown in for the sake of it. I started and finished in a day.

Really enjoyable and definitely recommend!

Warning: sexual assualt; mentions of cancer

Recommendation

5/5

The Love Hypothesis, Ali Hazelwood

Brief Overview

In the midst of Stanford’s biology department, Olive makes a HUGE mistake.

The Review

A tiktok sensation and I can see why.

I’ve been in desperate need of quick, easy, and lighthearted reads and this book was perfect.

The characters were great and the banter between them actually made me laugh (instead of cringe).

The plot was predictable and we all knew vaguely how it was going to end but I didn’t care. I demolished this in about 4 hours and loved every page.

The writing style was relaxed and chatty in third person but focused on Olive’s POV.

I could’ve happily read about Olive and Adam for 300 more pages.

Warning: sexual assault; mentions of cancer

Recommendation

5/5

Forgive Me, Susan Lewis

Brief Overview

Linked by one irrevocable act of violence, Archie and Claudia’s lives intertwine. Is forgiveness the only way to truly move on?

The Review

So dramatic! So many twists and turns and new information that was being dripped in.

I loved the format of letters (depicting events that had already happened that the reader hadn’t been told) and narrated chapters that were taking place now.

I was absolutely gripped and couldn’t put it down. I loved the format. The characters were great and the plot was so intense it was brilliant.

I’ve not read a lot of Susan Lewis, but I’m really enjoying her writing style and plots.

The whole book focuses heavily on forgiveness which was so interesting and made me question myself and my abilities to forgive.

Overall, I loved it and would definitely recommend!

Warning: arson; emotional abuse; heavy scarring

Recommendation

4/5

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, Stuart Turton

Brief Overview

Evelyn Hardcastle is going to die every night at 11pm. It’s Aiden Bishop’s job to find the killer.

The Review

I wasn’t sure how this was going to start or even how it was going to go. I was quite surprised by the opening chapters but found that it was brilliantly written.

I loved the switching between characters and each person’s new personality.

The plot was great and I genuinely had no idea what the ending was going to be. I was so surprised but in such a good way.

A really fun idea that was so well executed and retained my interest the entire way through.

I liked the writing and narration and the linking of clues throughout.

Some of the characters were very frustrating and annoying but that was definitely the point.

Warning: suicide; murder; assault

Recommendation

4.5/5

SERIES REVIEW: The Poppy War, RF Kuang

I’ve seen a lot of great things about this series so I decided it was time to try it myself.

I absolutely loved it! I loved the characters and felt their pain alongside them. Even though the books were 500-600 pages a piece, I wouldn’t have minded them being even longer.

I do wish that there had been some more time at Sinegard because I felt like the time went really fast and a bit more at the school would’ve helped me understand the time frame.

A brilliant plot line and I even managed to guess the ending (not because it was predictable but because that was the only logical ending). I loved learning about Chinese culture and the mythology surrounding the gods.

Quite clearly historical fiction but I couldn’t place it in time. Parts were suggestive of a historically accurate war, but I’m not confident enough to make that assumption.

Shamanism was so fascinating to learn about as it was something I’d never even heard of before!

Please check the trigger warnings! This is definitely NOT YA. Topics/scenes: sexual assault and rape; famine; graphic torture scenes.

I can honestly say I really enjoyed it.

Recommendation

5/5

The Ex Hex, Erin Stirling

Brief Overview

Who would’ve thought that hexing your ex would have repercussions?

The Review

Fun, fresh, and exciting.

I absolutely loved this.

Lovers to enemies to lovers. Very cute and I really enjoyed the fact it was set during Halloween.

I thought all the characters were great – well developed and very funny.

A quick read that I’d definitely recommend. I didn’t read this over Halloween (it’s not as big a celebration in the UK as it is in US), so is definitely suitable for all time of the year.

My biggest “plus” for this was the fact that the characters were OLDER. There was a 9 year gap between the prologue and the main novel which I loved – it felt a lot more real.

Warning: blood

Recommendation

4/5