Wrap Up: October 2026

Hi everyone

How is it November already? We’re moving into my least favorite months of the year (November through February), because I suffer from seasonal depression and our winters are dark, rainy, and cold. But dark evenings are the perfect excuse to curl up under a blanket with tea, chocolate, and a book. My eldest really enjoys it when I read books she loves, and I absolutely love to share this with her too so I read two of her books as well.

Here's what I read:

- Katherine Addison: The Angel of the Crows  

- Andrea Stewart: The Bone Shard Daughter 

- Roald Dahl: The Witches 

- Thea Stilton: Drama at Mouseford 

- Virginia Evans: The Correspondent 

- Shari Franke: The House of My Mother 

- Nnedi Okorafor: Akata Witch 

- Robert Jackson Bennett: Foundryside  

- Ed McDonald: Daughter of Redwinter 

How was your month? Have you picked up any cozy or dark reads to match the season? I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Wrap Up: September 2026

Hi everyone

Hard to believe it’s officially October now. Although "hard to believe" isn’t the correct phrase because life has been a whirlwind with homework, school, the girls’ hobbies, family, and my new job. School started a month ago, and I can already see how much my girls have grown. But autumn still makes me want to curl up under a blanket with a cup of tea, maybe a piece of chocolate, and a good book so while we still have some sun in Belgium; I'm enjoying the autumn vibes.

My eldest daughter started in het vierde leerjaar (fourth grade), and her new teacher is a big fan of Roald Dahl. Naturally, my daughter got excited and wanted to read more of his books, and then, of course, I wanted to (re)read them too! We’ve been enjoying searching for specific books in the library together. It’s been such a lovely way to bond over stories and books. 

Here's what I read in September. 

- A.J. Hackwith: The Library of the Unwritten

- Stephen King: Firestarter  

- Roald Dahl: De GVR

- Roald Dahl: De tovervinger

- Roald Dahl: De reuzenperzik

- Amy Bloom: In Love 

- James Islington: The Will of the Many 

As for books I didn’t like, I DNF’d three (!) books this time.

- Marisa Crane: I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself 

- Mel Robbins: The Let Them Theory

- Christopher Ruocchio: Empire of Silence 

What are you reading this autumn? Have you picked up any cozy or thrilling books to match the season? I’d love to hear your recommendations! 

Happy reading! 
Helena 

My Favorite Books of 2025

Hi everyone

Looking back at my reading year, I realize I must have been very critical in 2025. Out of the 95 books I read, only 13 earned the full five stars from me. But those five-star books; they were so worth it!

Here are the stories that stole my heart, made me think, or just swept me away completely:

- Katherine Addison: The Tomb of Dragons  

- Ilona Andrews: Magic Strikes 

- Becky Chambers: A Prayer for the Crown-Shy 

- Roald Dahl: Matilda 

- Jonathan French: The True Bastards 

- Eowyn Ivey: To the Bright Edge of the World  

- Cameron Johnston: The Maleficent Seven 

- Brian McClellan: Promise of Blood

- Harriet Muncaster: Isabella Maan gaat naar de kermis 

- Emma Newman: Before Mars

- Terry Pratchett: The Fifth Elephant 

- Dennis E. Taylor: Not Till We Are Lost  

- Jen Williams: The Ninth Rain 

Each of these books stood out for a reason; whether it was the characters, the world, or the way they made me feel. They’re the ones I’ll remember, recommend, and reread for years to come.

What were your favorite reads of 2025? Did any of these make your list too? I’d love to hear what five-star books you (re)discovered! 

Happy reading!
Helena 

Wrap Up: December 2025

Hi everyone

December is always one of the busiest months in our house (and I suspect it’s the same for most of you!). Between Sinterklaas, Christmas decorating, ordering and wrapping gifts, writing holiday cards, entertaining family, and visiting loved ones, it’s a whirlwind. 
But we managed to end the year on a high note with a short getaway to Center Parcs with our children, and we had a really, really lovely time. 
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season too! 

Even with all the holiday hustle, I still found time to squeeze in some reading. Here’s what I dove into last month:

- Debbie Mirza: The Covert Passive Agressive

- Brian McClellan: The Crimson Campaign  

- M. R. Carey: Echo of Worlds 

- Claire Keegan: Small Things Like These 

- Roald Dahl: Matilda

- Sequoia Nagamatsu:Where We Go When All We Were Is Gone 

- Lindsay C. Gibson: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents

- Leslye Penelope: Daughter of the Merciful Deep 

- Ilona Andrews: A Questionable Client 

- Samantha Harvey: Orbital

- Ilona Andrews: Magic Strikes

- Ilona Andrews: Magic Mourns

- Ilona Andrews: Magic Dreams 

Did you find time to read in December, or were you too busy with holiday prep? Did you discover any new favorites or reread old ones? I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading!

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