Wrap Up: May 2026

Hi everyone

May is my favorite month of the year. There’s lots of sunshine, warmer weather (but not too hot for a walk), and flowers and greenery everywhere, so what’s not to love? 

Here’s what I finished this month:

- Lara Taveirne: De kinderen van Calais

- Rebecca Yarros: Fourth Wing

- Shauna Lawless: The Words of Kings and Prophets 

- John Scalzi: Redshirts

- Harriet Muncaster: Isabella Maan gaat logeren

- Kristin Hannah: The Great Alone

- Gareth Brown: The Book of Doors

- Ben Aaronovitch: Tales from the Folly 

Sadly, I did not finish two books:

- Ferdia Lennon: Glorious Exploits

- Ken Liu: The Grace of Kings 

Did you read any of these? Loved them, hated them, or somewhere in between? Let me know, I’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy reading!
Helena  

Wrap Up: March 2026

Hi everyone

Spring is finally here, and I can already feel the longer days and sunshine lifting my spirits, and, I suspect, yours too! 
I’ve been diving into some fantastic books lately, an old favorite, some new discoveries, and even one I had to let go of. 

Here’s a quick roundup of what I’ve been reading in March.

 - Shauna Lawless: The Children of Gods and Fighting Men 

- Neil Gaiman: The Graveyard Book 

- Robin Hobb: City of Dragons 

- Ilona Andrews: Magic Bleeds 

- Jen Williams: The Bitter Twins 

- Terry Pratchett: Thief of Time  

-Charles Dickens: Hard Times

- Lize Spit: Autobiografie van mijn lichaam  

Sadly, I had to quit a book I really didn't like.

- Simon Jimenez: The Spear Cuts Through Water 

What did you read in March? Any hidden gems I should add to my list?

Happy reading!
Helena 

Wrap Up: October 2025

Hi everyone

October has been the perfect month for cozy evenings in; rainy, dark, and chilly. There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch with a good book, a warm cup of tea (or a diet soda, if I’m feeling rebellious), and maybe a little snack. Wrapped in a blanket, lost in another world, what could be more perfect? 
And I read some great books!

Here's what I read. 

- Mark Manson: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

- Cameron Johnston: The Maleficent Seven

- Ben Aaronovitch: The Masquerades of Spring

- Roald Dahl: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

- Jonathan French: The Free Bastards 

- Terry Pratchett: The Fifth Elephant

- Grant Snider: The Art of Living 

- Delia Owens: Where the Crawdads Sing

- Dennis E. Taylor: Not Till We Are Lost 

And there was one book I could not finish

- Michaeleen Doucleff: Hunt, Gather, Parent 

How was your reading month? Did you discover any new favorites or revisit old ones? I like rereading and discovering new books. What about you? I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Wrap Up: July 2025

Hi everyone

July was a fantastic reading month for me! We were on holiday for two weeks, which meant fewer chores and more time to relax; especially in the evenings. With two daughters (3 and 7) and plenty of fun activities during the day, finding quiet time to read can be a challenge, but I managed to sneak in some pages whenever the girls were playing together. And, of course, once they were in bed and everything was tidied up, it was my time to dive into a book and my husband's time for gaming or watching a series.

Here's what I read in July:

- Brian McClellan: Promise of Blood

- Yuval Noah Harari: Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow

- Ilona Andrews: Magic Burns

- Peter Brown: The Wild Robot Protects

- Christian White: The Nowhere Child

- Terry Pratchett: Carpe Jugulum 

- David Dalglish: A Dance of Mirrors 

- Marie Brennan: The Waking of Angantyr 

- Margaret Atwood: Surfacing 

And there's one book I didn't finish:

- Blake Crouch: Dark Matter 

How was your reading month? Did you find more time to read, or did life get in the way? Do you read more or less when you’re on holiday? I’d love to hear how you balance reading and relaxation!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Wrap Up: March 2025

 Hi everyone

I read more than expected last month! March 2025 was a great reading month for me, and I’m excited to share what I dove into. 

Here’s the full list

- Tasha Suri: Empire of Sand

- Philippa Perry: The Book You Want Everyone You Love To Read

- David Dalglish: A Dance of Blades

- Darren Hardy: The Compound Effect

- Julie Leong: The Teller of Small Fortunes

- Joe Abercrombie: The Trouble With Peace

There was also one book I could not finish.

- Nick Cutter: The Troop 

Did you read anything amazing in March? Or maybe you discovered a hidden gem? I’d love to hear about your favorite reads; let’s swap recommendations!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Wrap Up: October 2024

 Hi everyone

Last month, October 2024, I read and finished 6 books.

Here's the list in chronological order along with links to the reviews I wrote for each:

- Shelby Van Pelt: Remarkably Bright Creatures

- Gretchen Rubin: Better Than Before

- Alice Hoffman: The Museum of Extraordinary Things

- Travis Baldree: Bookshops & Bonedust

- Devin Madson: We Ride the Storm

- Christian White: The Wife and the Widow

 And sadly there's one book I could not finish:

- R. F. Kuang: Babel

What did you read this month? Anything you loved, hated, or want to recommend? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena