Wrap Up: July 2026

Hi everyone

July has flown by, and I can’t believe we’re already halfway through our children’s summer vacation. The last week of July we spent at home, with some small trips, some tinkering around the house and garden, lots of playing, puzzeling and reading. And now we’re on holiday! With both our daughters celebrating their birthdays in August, we have a lot of fun lined up so plenty of reasons to enjoy our time together.

I read a lot in July, so here’s the list of books I finished:

- Stephen Baxter & Alastair Reynolds: The Medusa Chronicles  

- Robin Hobb: Blood of Dragons 

- Richard Osman: The Thursday Murder Club 

- Toshikazu Kawaguchi: Before the Coffee gets Cold  

- Sue Johnson: Hold Me Tight

- James S. A. Corey: Memory's Legion 

- Neil Gaiman: Norse Mythology  

- Jen Williams: The Poison Song

- Rivers Solomon: The Deep

And I had to DNF one book: 

- Richard Matheson: Hell House

I’d love to hear from you: How was your July in books? Did you discover a new favorite, or did you struggle to finish anything? Let me know; I’m always excited to hear your recommendations and thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Wrap Up: June 2026

Hi everyone

June has flown by, and as we start a new month, I like to look back on the books I read the previous month. June brought sunshine, and a real heatwave here, so no reading outside for me! Instead, I snuggled up indoors with some great stories (and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark).

Here's what I read, with links to the reviews. 

• Harriet Muncaster: Isabella Maan onder de zee 
• Stephen Aryan: The Warrior 
• Ilona Andrews: Magic Slays
• Richard Swan: The Justice of Kings
• Bill Watterson: The Complete Calvin and Hobbes
• Harriet Muncaster: Isabella Maan gaat kamperen 
• Katherine Arden: The Warm Hands of Ghosts
• Emma Donoghue: Akin
• Anne McCaffrey: Dragonflight

What books did you read in June? Did you discover any new favorites, or revisit old ones? I would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations!

Happy reading!
Helena 

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: April 2026

Hi everyone

April was a month of contrasts. There was stress, sleepless nights, anxiety, and bleak moods; but there were also wonderful moments with my husband and children, more sun than I expected, the spring flowers (always make me happy), and the promise of a new start. Through it all, I read a lot (the upside of having trouble sleeping, I suppose)! 😊 Honestly, this was a great reading month. I stumbled upon some really, really good books that made everything feel a little lighter. And that was much needed. 

Here's what I read in April:

- Brian McClellan: The Autumn Republic 

- Jonice Webb: Running on Empty 

- Eowyn Ivey: Black Woods, Blue Sky 

- Dennis E. Taylor: Roadkill  

- Jim Butcher: Twelve Months  

- Ernest Hemingway: The Torrents of Spring 

- Jonice Webb: Running on Empty No More 

- John Gwynne: The Fury of the Gods

- Naomi Alderman: The Power 

What did you read in April?  I’d love to hear about your books. Let’s swap recommendations!

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: February 2026

Hi everyone

The end of February always takes me by surprise, even though it’s only two days shorter than other months, it still feels like it sneaks up on me! And honestly? I’m glad it’s over. The cold, dark days really bring me down, so I’m ready for March, with its promise of sun (even if it’s just peeking through all the Belgian rain) and longer, brighter days.

But even if the month felt short, I packed in some great reads! Here’s what I dove into: 

- Stephen Aryan: The Coward

- Sarah J. Maas: A Court of Thorns and Roses

- John Gwynne: The Hunger of the Gods

- Stephanie M. Kriesberg: Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers

- Julie Leong: The Keeper of Magical Things

- Richard Matheson: Nightmare At 20,000 Feet 

How was your reading month? Did you discover a new favorite, or revisit an old beloved book? I’d love to hear your recommendations, what should I add to my list for March or beyond? Maybe something light and uplifting to chase away the last of the winter depression?

Happy reading! 
Helena 

Wrap Up: January 2026

Hi everyone,
The first month of the year (and, let’s be honest, my least favorite month) is finally over! But even though January can feel a bit dreary, it’s always a great time to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea or coffee. So, I wanted to share a Wrap Up of the books I read this month.

Here's what I read:

- Terry Pratchett: The Truth

- Christopher Buehlman: The Blacktongue Thief

- Naomi Alderman: The Future

- Stephen King: Under The Dome

- Karyl McBride: Will I Ever Be Good Enough?

- Ray Celestin: Palace of Shadows

Did you read anything amazing in January? Or maybe you’re starting the year with a new favorite? I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading!

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: 2025

Hi everyone

Happy new year!

2025 had its ups and downs, like every year, but I’m grateful to say there were no major problems in our family. Instead, it was a year filled with lots of fun together; family time, cozy evenings with just my husband and me, catching up with extended family, and, of course, plenty of me-time with a book nestled in bed or on the couch.
For me, reading is my perfect way to recharge; curling up with a blanket and a cup of tea, especially when the world outside is cold and rainy. And in 2025, I did a lot of that.

I read a total of 95 books in 2025, not counting the books I didn’t finish.  

Series I started reading:

- Ilona Andrews: Kate Daniels 

- Jim Butcher: Codex Alera 

- Robin Hobb: The Rain Wild Chronicles 

- Benedict Jacka: Inheritance of Magic 

- Brian McClellan: Powder Mage

- Jen Williams: The Winnowing Flame 

 

Series I continued reading:

- Ben Aaronovitch: Rivers of London 

- Terry Pratchett: Discworld 

- Patrick Rothfuss: The Kingkiller Chronicle 

- Dennis E. Taylor: Bobiverse 

 

Series I finished reading:

- Katherine Addison: The Cemeteries of Amalo 

- Peter Brown: The Wild Robot  

- Becky Chambers: Monk and Robot

- Emma Newman: Planetfall

- Shelley Parker-Chan: The Radiant Emperor 

- Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter: The Long Earth

- Dennis E. Taylor: Quantum Earth  

Series I started and finished reading:

- M. R. Carey: Pandominion 

- Jonathan French: The Lot Lands

Series I quit reading:

- Joe Abercrombie: The Age of Madness

- Trudi Canavan: Millennium's Rule 

- Glen Cook: Chronicles of the Black Company 

- David Dalglish: Shadowdance 

- Fonda Lee: The Green Bone Saga  

- Tasha Suri: The Books of Ambha 

- Rebecca Thorne: Tomes & Teas 

- Martha Wells: The Rising World 

Here are all the books I read this year with a link to the review.

- Benedict Jacka: An Inheritance of Magic 

- Eowyn Ivey: To the Bright Edge of the World 

- Fredrik Backman: A Man Called Ove 

- Grant Snider: I Will Judge You By Your Bookshelf 

- Rebecca Thorne: Can't Spell Treason Without Tea 

- Jonathan French: The Grey Bastards 

- N. K. Jemisin: Emergency Skin 

- Greg Pizzoli: Worstje en zijn vrienden

- Robin Hobb: Dragon Keeper

- Sam Harris: The End of Faith

- Sarah Andersen: Adulthood Is a Myth

- Fonda Lee: Jade City 

- Ilona Andrews: Magic Bites

- 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

- Dennis E. Taylor: Earthside

- Terry Pratchett: The Last Continent 

- Becky Chambers: A Prayer for the Crown-Shy

- Stephen King: The Dark Half 

- Neil Gaiman: The Ocean at the End of the Lane 

- Bessel van der Kolk: The Body Keeps the Score

- Richard Matheson: A Stir of Echoes

- Peter Brown: The Wild Robot Escapes

- Terry Practhett & Stephen Baxter: The Long Mars

- Jim Butcher: Furies of Calderon 

- The Poetry of Emily Dickinson

- Harriet Muncaster: Isabella Maan gaat naar de kermis

- Harriet Muncaster: Mirabelle heeft een slechte dag

- Paul van Loon: Birthday Surprise

- Paul van Loon: Full Moon

- Shelley Parker-Chan: He Who Drowned the World

- Emma Newman: Before Mars

- Rachel Joyce: Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North

- Yoko Ogawa: Revenge 

- Stephen Aryan: Of Gods and Men

- Jonathan French: The True Bastards

- Trudi Canavan: Thief's Magic

- Martha Wells: Witch King 

- 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 

- T. J. Klune: Under the Whispering Door

- Tommy Orange: Wandering Stars

- Neil Gaiman: Coraline 

- Glen Cook: The Black Company 

- Vernor Vinge: A Fire Upon the Deep 

- Katherine Addison: The Tomb of Dragons

- Brandon Sanderson: Tress of the Emerald Sea

- Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter: The Long Utopia 

- Lori Gottlieb: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

- Brian Jacques: Redwall

- Robin Hobb: Dragon Haven

- M. R. Carey: Infinity Gate

- Jim Butcher: Academ's Fury

- 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 

- Jen Williams: The Ninth Rain

- Emma Newman: Atlas Alone

- Patrick Rothfuss: The Narrow Road Between Desires

- Werner Herzog: Of Walking in Ice

- Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter: The Long Cosmos

- Nikki Erlick: The Measure

- Benedict Jacka: An Instruction in Shadow 

- 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 

 

I already have a list (of course I do!) with about 25 books I definitely want to read in 2026. But aside from those, I plan on reading whatever I want. Because reading should be fun, not a chore.
In 2025, I reread some children’s books with my eldest daughter and even read a few of her favorites just because I wanted to. It reminded me that there’s no “should” in reading. Never let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn’t read! I try to live by the saying: “You do you.” 

Do you have any book recommendations for me? Or did you read something amazing in 2025 that I could add to my list for next year? Let me know in the comments; I’d love to hear from you!

Wishing you all a wonderful 2026 filled with incredible books and cozy reading moments. Here’s to another year of adventures between the pages!

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: November 2025

Hi everyone

November has arrived, and with it, the start of the cold, dark, and wet months here in Belgium. October usually treats us to a few sunny days, but by November, those are few and far between. To chase away the gloom, we’ve put up fairy lights around the house, I’m drinking more tea than ever, and my blankets are always close by; ready to snuggle under with a good book.

Here's what I read last month: 

- Jen Williams: The Ninth Rain

- Emma Newman: Atlas Alone

- Patrick Rothfuss: The Narrow Road Between Desires

- Werner Herzog: Of Walking in Ice

- Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter: The Long Cosmos

- Nikki Erlick: The Measure

- Benedict Jacka: An Instruction in Shadow 

How was your reading month? Did you discover any new favorites, or revisit an old one? I’d love to hear your recommendations; what should I add to my list for December or next year?

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: September 2025

Hi everyone

September flew by in the back-to-school and -hobbies chaos, rainy Belgian weather, and weekends filled with fun excursions. The girls seem to have grown at least 10 centimeters since the end of the last school year. They astound me with their growth and their amazing personalities.
Now that fall is officially here, I’m looking forward to even more reading time (preferably under a blanket with a cup of tea and a peace of delicious chocolate).

Here's what I read:

- Lori Gottlieb: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

- Brian Jacques: Redwall

- Robin Hobb: Dragon Haven

- M. R. Carey: Infinity Gate

- Jim Butcher: Academ's Fury

How was your month? What did you read? Let me know; I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Wrap Up: August 2025

Hi everyone

August flew by in a blur of laughter, cake, and way too many books! We went on a family holiday, celebrated my daughters turning 8 and 4 (how are they growing so fast?!), and my husband and I toasted to 11 years of marriage. Summer was packed with joy, and now we’re easing back into the school routine—though the Belgian weather seems determined to remind us that autumn is just around the corner.

As always, I found rest, relaxation and adventure in the pages of some wonderful books. 

Here's what I read last month:

- T. J. Klune: Under the Whispering Door

- Tommy Orange: Wandering Stars

- Neil Gaiman: Coraline 

- Glen Cook: The Black Company 

- Vernor Vinge: A Fire Upon the Deep 

- Katherine Addison: The Tomb of Dragons

- Brandon Sanderson: Tress of the Emerald Sea

- Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter: The Long Utopia 

What about you? Did August bring any gems your way? Or maybe a new favorite? Let me know! I’m always on the lookout for recommendations!

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: June 2025

Hi everyone

June has flown by. Summer vacation has started for the children, my husband and I are still working but in a couple of weeks we'll be going on holiday and we're all looking forward to that.

Here's the list with links to the books I read in June.

- Rachel Joyce: Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North

- Yoko Ogawa: Revenge 

- Stephen Aryan: Of Gods and Men

- Jonathan French: The True Bastards

- Trudi Canavan: Thief's Magic

- Martha Wells: Witch King 

Did you read anything amazing in June? I’d love to hear your recommendations, especially if you’ve got a hidden gem I should add to my list!

Happy reading!
Helena 

 

Wrap Up: May 2025

Hi everyone

May was a good reading month. Because I didn't really enjoy Parker-Chan's He Who Drowned the World; I read a few children's book alongside and I really liked this combination.

Here's what I read: 

- Terry Practhett & Stephen Baxter: The Long Mars

- Jim Butcher: Furies of Calderon 

- The Poetry of Emily Dickinson

- Harriet Muncaster: Isabella Maan gaat naar de kermis

- Harriet Muncaster: Mirabelle heeft een slechte dag

- Paul van Loon: Birthday Surprise

- Paul van Loon: Full Moon

- Shelley Parker-Chan: He Who Drowned the World

- Emma Newman: Before Mars

How was your month? Did you read anything you'd like to recommend?

Happy reading!
Helena

Wrap Up: April 2025

Hi everyone

April was wonderful; we had plenty of sunshine breaking through the typical Belgian grey skies, and I read a ton too! I’m excited to share what I dove into. 

Here's what I read:

- Dennis E. Taylor: Earthside

- Terry Pratchett: The Last Continent 

- Becky Chambers: A Prayer for the Crown-Shy

- Stephen King: The Dark Half 

- Neil Gaiman: The Ocean at the End of the Lane 

- Bessel van der Kolk: The Body Keeps the Score

- Richard Matheson: A Stir of Echoes

- Peter Brown: The Wild Robot Escapes

What about you? How was your reading month? Did you find any new favorites or re-read an old beloved book? I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading!

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: February 2025

 Hi everyone

February is finally over and honestly, it felt like double its actual length, just like January. The cold, grey, and rainy Belgian autumn and winter have a way of making time drag, but they also gave me plenty of cozy evenings (after my daughters were asleep) curled up on the couch with tea and a book. There’s something so very comforting about that, isn’t there?

Here's what I read in February:

- Greg Pizzoli: Worstje en zijn vrienden

- Robin Hobb: Dragon Keeper

- Sam Harris: The End of Faith

- Sarah Andersen: Adulthood Is a Myth

- Fonda Lee: Jade City 

- Ilona Andrews: Magic Bites 

What did you read in February? Did you discover any gems last month? Or maybe you revisited an old favorite? I’d love to hear about your February reads!

Happy reading! 
Helena