Toni's Book Corner

Tag: recommendations

  • 6 Non-Romance Books with a strong Romance Plot

    6 Non-Romance Books with a strong Romance Plot

    The familiar is comforting, and often we stick to what we know. It can be daunting to try something new for fear we will not like it. In case of reading, this can pertain to genres. There are many genres of books, and as readers we have our preferences. But, if you never try something new, you won’t know if you like it. What can help when trying new genres is to find books of other that have elements of the ones you already know and love. Many books of all genres have love or romance in them, so if you are a romance reader who wants to branch out to other genres, these books might be perfect for you.

    True Colours by Kristin Hannah

    True Colours is a contemporary fiction novel, but has a considerable portion of romance in it. The story is about three sisters, growing up on the family’s ranch. Their stern father is the only parent they have after their mother passed away when they were younger. The girls have always had each other to lean on, but when they get older this starts to change. Vivi Ann, the youngest, continues working on the ranch with her father and is clearly favoured by him, but also by many people in town. Winona is the eldest, and has always struggled with her self-worth and winning her father’s approval, which facilitates feelings of jealousy towards Vivi-Ann. Aurora is always playing the peacekeeper between her two sisters, keeping her own struggles to herself. When a mysterious stranger arrives, he stirs up the town gossip and sweeps one of the sisters off her feet, but then something terrible happens. Can the sisters put aside their grievances and stick together once more, or will their bond be forever broken? 

    While there is a focus on the theme of family and sisterhood that is very prevalent, an important part of the plot also involves a very passionate and strong romantic love. Therefore, it is the perfect book for romance lovers who want to dip their toe in a contemporary fiction. 

    Frank & Red by Matt Coyne

    It all started with a trampoline…Frank & Red is a beautiful story about a grumpy old man and an enthusiastic six year old with a trampoline.The story follows an old man, Frank, whose deeply rooted sorrow in losing his wife has made him secluded and a real grump. One day, six year old Red moves in next door with his mom, since his parents just got divorced. They are both struggling in their own way, and find unexpected companionship in each other. Despite Frank’s reluctance to let Red in, the latter’s persistence eventually warms the old man up. When Red discovers something about Frank’s past, he decides to take matters into his own hands, but that just might be the opposite of what the old man wants. 

    While it is not at the center of the story, the beginning of the books shows flashbacks to when Frank met his wife Marcy, and she is prevalent throughout the entire novel in a way. Frank is the way he is because of her, and therefore this is an important part of the plot. Their love is tangible throughout the entire book, and adds a spark of romance to this contemporary fiction novel. 

    Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo

    Set in 1946 Genoa Italy and 2017 New York, this dual timeline story about two lovers is a historical fiction. However, the plot revolves around Vicenzo and Giovanna who fall in love despite their differences in descent. He is the son of a count and she is the daughter of a tailor, but their connection is so strong that they do everything to make it work. When political tensions rise, the couple is faced with difficult choices, and when betrayal comes to light, their future is shattered. Dozens of years later, a young engaged couple brings their grandparents together to pose for a portret, and past and present come together. 

    Set against a historical and political backdrop, this is a historical fiction that has a plot centering around romance.

    Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

    When a young woman goes through a divorce, a depression, and another failed love, she lost track of her dreams, her goals and her identity. She makes the drastic decision to quit her job and travel the world to re-find her own happiness and fulfilment by going on a literal and spiritual journey of one whole year. She documented her journey of self-discovery and published it in her memoir: Eat, Pray. It reads away as a fiction novel, with the added depth of realising this is a true story. It is also a story filled with love and romance, so it is the perfect place to start for readers who want to discover memoirs, and for romance readers. 

    Days at the Torunka Café by Satoshi Yagisawa

    Welcome at the Torunka Café, hidden away in a small alleyway that branches off of the market street. People who are meant to find the place will see a tabby cat, that they only have to follow to stumble upon this haven of peace. Come inside, enjoy a warm cup of coffee and find peace. 

    The novel is made up of three stories following different protagonists, that show how lives can run divergent, but how they can also come together at a certain point, as if decided by fate. This healing fiction novel advocates for life to slow down in a world where speed and productivity are often celebrated. While it is not a romance novel, all three of the three stories involve feelings of love and romance in some way, and Yagisawa gives readers that farm and fuzzy feeling that romance readers often enjoy. 

    The Favourites by Layne Fargo

    This novel is currently relevant for people who have been watching the Olympic winter games and especially enjoyed the figure skaters. The Favourites got very popular last year and Layne Fargo has created a stunning debut with this one. Following Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha, this novel not only shows the ruthless way to the top for a professional athlete, but also the passionate relationship between the two protagonists. If you have read Wuthering Heights, you will know that this modern day adaptation of the classic won’t be a traditional love story, but rather involves, passion, rivalry and drama. If you want to read a book that will hook you from the start, draw you into a world of skating and competition and one that is filled with intense love, The Favourites might be your next favourite. 

  • Book Review: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

    Book Review: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

    With all the times I have mentioned Hannah and her books on my blog, it is strange that I have only one review of her posted. The most recent book I read by her is Winter Garden, a book about The Great Terror and War in Russia.

    The story follows a dual timeline, the first one set in the present. Sisters Nina and Meredith are completely different from each other, and after the passing of their father, it feels like their family is falling apart. Their mother has been cold and distant their whole life, the only exception being when she used to tell her daughters a Russian fairy tale. Now that the three of them are left, they seem to float away from each other, except that they made their dad a promise on his deathbed: Anya would tell the fairy tale, but this time the whole story. Both sides are reluctant at first, but when Anya finally starts to talk, the whole story pours out in bits and pieces. The girls come to realise that this is no ordinary fairytale, as they slowly uncover their mother’s past in Leningrad Russia, during the siege. As they near the ending, they will discover if the heartbreak is too great to bear, or if the unveiling of the secrets will finally bring them closer together.

    For the first time ever after finishing a Kristin Hannah book, I am torn. On the one hand, the story of Meredith, Nina and their mother moved along really slowly, and though I usually like this since it gives you time to really get to know and connect with the characters, it felt a bit too slow for me. On the other hand, I was completely enraptured with the story of Leningrad, which made me fly through the book as a whole, because I always wanted to get to those parts of the story. While Hannah’s strength lies in carving out complete and rich characters and making you connect to them, Anya in the past felt like a completely different person from Anya in the present. I couldn’t connect to the woman telling the story. As we get further into the ‘fairytale’, we learn more about how she came to be like this and the trauma she went through. My heart really broke for her in that part of the story, and I understand how events like that can completely change a person.

    However, I found the ending a bit difficult to grasp. It filled me with a lot of sadness, for obvious reasons I cannot say without giving away spoilers, but also for the years lost with Nina and Meredith. The relationship with their mother has always been very cold and difficult, and though her story does give an explanation for her behaviour, I don’t feel like it makes up for it. She was able to open up to her husband, but not to her daughters until it is almost too late. Nina and Meredith show a lot of compassion and understanding for their mother after hearing what she went through, understandably so, but the book made it seem as if this erased all of their previous suffering, which I didn’t find as realistic. It all felt resolved in the end, while I think some degree of complex feelings would remain.

    That being said, this was the only thing that bothered me while reading this book, because as I said before the historical part of the novel was wonderful. The descriptions felt incredibly vivid and my heart breaks for anyone who lived through this, anyone who has family or friends who lived through this, or anyone who is going through something similar. reading books like these allow me to learn more about the world and history, which is incredibly important and gives me a better understanding of other people.

    I have not read a single Kristin Hannah book that I have not thoroughly enjoyed, and although this one is not my favourite by her, it is still no exception to this. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in this part of history and who enjoys an intense character build-up.

  • Favourite Book of March: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

    Favourite Book of March: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

    You may have seen this title floating around lately, either as a book cover or as a movie poster with Ryan Goslings face on it. Project Hail Mary has taken both book- and movie lovers by storm lately as the space story of the year. While the book has been out for some time now, the movie released on March … and has brought the book into the spotlight again. I encountered the title before I knew it was being made into a movie and it already peaked my interest, but when I saw the film came out soon I picked it up immediately. And while I was spoiled for choice in terms of picking a favourite book out of the ones I read in March, Project Hail Mary launched its way right to the top. By reviews I had seen before, I was pretty confident I was going to like this book, but I could not have predicted how much I was going to love this book. This sciencefiction novel takes place mostly in space, which is a topic I have never read about, and it surpassed all of my expectations. I am thoroughly impressed with Weir’s ability to create an emotional story about a setting that is so foreign to most of us, and imbue it with science that elevates the story, but in a way that is graspable for most readers. And, while I am excited to watch the movie now that is has come out, I am hesitant that it can do the book justice, because this story was truly wonderful.

    Plot

    When scientists discover a new form of life in space, the first reaction is of course elation. But excitement at the discovery quickly turns sour when it becomes clear that these micro-organisms are effectively eating the sun’s energy. This will have a mountain of negative effects on the earth’s climate, ecosystems and life, meaning human rage wouldn’t survive. The micro-organisms spread from star to star, and all solar systems fall victim to this ‘infection’, except for one star. Why is that star not infected? That is exactly what Ryland Grace is sent to find out. The only problem is that when he wakes up aboard the Hail Mary, he has no idea who he is, where he is, let alone that he is responsible for saving the entire earth. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Ryland will have to remember the past and save the future. But maybe he is not alone in this endeavour after all.

    One of the qualities that made this book so enjoyable the whole way through, is how funny the protagonist is. Waking up alone in outer space with no idea about who or where you are? Leave it to Ryland Grace to make even this situation funny. He is also one of the most resourceful characters I have ever read about, which is arguably a great trait to have when on a space mission to save humanity. As a problem-solving mindset and a dosis of humour is probably well suited when hurtling through space on a huge ship on your own, he was the perfect main character for this book.

    I also gravely admire Weir’s ability to explain scientific topics in a way that is graspable for laymen reading this book. I felt like I could actually understand everything going on with both the space ship and the organisms, even though I have no scientific background. And even when things got too complicated, he would summarise in no uncertain terms. For instance, he would explain a lot of technical things, and then say: basically, the engine is broken. This makes the book perfect both for people who like to exercise their mind while reading and learn new things, and people who just want to enjoy the story without having to strain their brain.

    Characters

    While I have already talked about the protagonist, who takes up most of the story as he is alone in space, there were other characters explored in the flashbacks of him getting back his memory. Start is tasked with orchestrating a solution for this problem and the one who recruits Ryland for the mission. She is a morally grey character, which was very interesting to both read about and to follow along her arguments. Some of her choices were questionable, but it does make us think about the circumstances in which laws and morality should be bent. She was a powerhouse of a woman though, getting where and what she wanted, admitting she would deal with the consequences of her actions later.

    Ilyukhina was another character I enjoyed, as she had an interesting attitude towards the whole mission. All of the astronauts who volunteered to give up their own life in order to save everyone else are really admirable and it made me happy to think there would actually be people like that if a similar situation were to arise.

    !!SPOILERS!!

    (don’t read past this point if you haven’t read the book or watched the movie)

    Now, Rocky was my absolute favourite character out of all of them. When I said Ryland was a resourceful character, Rocky was even more so and the two really complemented each other, both in terms of knowledge and skill, and in terms of comfort. I thought it was wonderful to see their connection grow and find their friendship to be at the heart of what makes this novel so incredible. Their way of communicating was also interesting, and the way Rocky’s sentences were written gave him a lot of character. He is one of the things I am most excited to see adapted to screen.

    When I truly enjoy a book and more specifically its characters, I always find it a bit hard to say goodbye at the end. I really felt that with Project Hail Mary, especially since the ending was left a bit open. There was no true happy ending possible for me, as it either meant one of them would never see their own civilisation again, or that they would never see each other again. Of course, the happy ending lies in both of them saving their planets, and while I was happy to see Grace live on their planet for a few years, I couldn’t help thinking it must be so lonely to never see humans again, never feel a touch again, and never have the satisfaction of showing earth you survived against all odds. The ending leaves the possibility of him returning open, but even then he would again lose years in his travels, not being certain he would even survive, and having missed decades on earth. Perhaps this impossibility of a true happy ending is why Weir left it slightly open, but regardless I was relieved when Grace went back to save Rocky and that he managed to eventually survive on their planet. 

  • Get to know my booktaste

    Get to know my booktaste

    I have been posting on my blog for a few weeks now, and I thought it could be a good idea to expand on my personal book taste. That way, you know if my taste aligns with yours and if any recommendations I give would please you too. Preferences are so personal, that someone can recommend a book with all of their praise, but someone else can think it is the worst book they have ever read. Therefore, in this article, I will highlight the genres I enjoy reading, some of my favourite authors and books and some extra things that define my book taste. Hopefully you can still find some common ground and enjoy my future reviews and recommendations.

    Genres

    This is the most difficult category for me, since I enjoy a lot of different genres and as I get older my preferences change. Although I don’t have a favourite genre and it switches throughout the year in terms of what is going on in my personal life, I feel like lately anything fiction-adjacent has been at the top. Let me expand on this vague description. While I do occasionally read books that are fully contemporary fiction, I enjoy books with a mix of genres far more. For instance, I recently read and loved The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (review to come), which is classified as literary fiction, contemporary fiction, music fiction and rockstar romance. Another example is Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone, which took me so completely by surprise that I cannot stop talking about it. I initially expected this to be a contemporary romance, which is not untrue, but a very prominent part of the book leans closer to emotional fiction than romance. These are the books I thoroughly enjoy. As you can find out from going through my blog, Kristin Hannah is heavily featured on here, which is because she is heavily featured on my list of favourites as well. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction, the latter one of my favourite genres as well because it allows me to travel through time and learn more about other cultures. Another genre I have discovered recently is healing fiction, but I want to dedicate an entire post on this genre soon, so I won’t expand too much on it here.

    I have always been a thriller reader as well, which I like to switch up with some heavier books to have variation between easy breezy reads and more dense books to dive into and analyse. Some of my favourite fiction authors are Riley Sager, Lucy Clarke and Freida McFadden, who have never let me down with one of their books yet.

    While I don’t read too much fantasy, I do enjoy the genre occasionally, and once I get sucked into a world I am there to stay. Sarah J. Maas is one of my all time favourite authors, and although I have never read any fantasy like her books, I have found some other great reads to sweep me away from reality for hundreds of pages at a time.

    Finally, classic books will always have a special place in my heart as well, although I believe a classic book is not the genre of the book. There are thrillers, romances, sciencefiction, satires and many other genres that make up the list of classical books. That being said, I did want to include them in books I like to read, because people often view them as a separate group. As a literary major, I have read and analysed a lot of the most ‘famous’ books, and after graduating I have slowed down in reading these. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into analyses in class and learning more about the books, authors and time periods than I ever could by reading them on my own, but I have come to realise that I don’t need to pressure myself into understanding every hidden meaning or commentary, as long as I just enjoy the book. Therefore, I have a number of classics that I haven’t yet read on my list to read soon.

    While these are the genres I read most often, I dabble in many more occasionally. I recently read Project Hail Mary, which is a sciencefiction novel and my favourite of the month. Andy Weir has now expanded my list of books to read by writing such a masterpiece, because obviously I now have to read his other books as well. I have also started to read more non-fiction lately, mostly memoirs, but I am open to exploring more.

    Authors

    This is such a difficult list to set up, because I have read and loved so many books. For the purpose of not making this article too long, I have listed the ones I thought of first and authors I have read more than one book by, the only exception is when they only have one book out yet (because I had to include Matt Coyne). I will add them in list form, because I simply cannot expand on them all if I don’t want to keep writing until tomorrow.

    • Sarah J. Maas
    • Kristin Hannah
    • Matt Coyne
    • Beth O’ Leary
    • Freida McFadden
    • Riley Sager
    • Cara Bastone
    • Jane Austen
    • Jessa Hastings
    • Jennifer Saint
    • Emily Brontë
    • Shakespeare
    • Katy Brent
    • Elin Hilderbrand
    • Fredrik Backman
    • Emily Henry
    • M.J. Alridge
    • Abby Jimenez
    • Lynette Noni
    • Louisa May Alcott

    Various

    Here are some things I love, either in books or about books without too much extra context. Firstly, I love fleshed out characters that show growth, no matter what genre they are in. When I get to connect to characters in a way that makes me sad the book is over because I miss them, I know it is a great book. What truly makes a book stand out to me besides its characters, is its depth. Lately I have been reading books that either explore some more difficult topics like grief, or show different sides of humanity when put in different situations, and these are the stories I love. Reading makes us understand other people better, because we see things we would never encounter in real life. While I enjoy some books to take me out of reality and whisk me away in a world of adventure, drama or fantasy, I also enjoy books grounded in humanity that show hopeful stories of heartfelt and true connections.

    While I can keep going, there are too many things to list and I don’t want my post to go on forever. This article is like a moment in time for me, because if I revisit this in a few years’ time, I am sure my feelings and tastes have changed once again. If after reading this article, you have any tips or recommendations for me of books you think I would love, please let me know down below.

  • Six Romance Books for Spring

    Six Romance Books for Spring

    Now that it’s officially spring, it is time to recommend some spring books to read, and today those are specifically romance books. As summer, far and winter (particularly the holidays) are more popular for books tailored to that season, I did my best to find books that really embody spring. To me, that means happy, lighthearted vibes, growth and new things. But most of all, to me spring is the season of hope and feelings that bloom. Here are my recommendations for romance books that perfectly encapsulate those exact feelings.

    Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

    Unlike most romance novels, the love interests in Out of the Woods are already a couple at the start of the book. Bonam-Young introduces Sarah and Caleb in her first instalment of this interconnected standalone duo logy, Out on a Limb. The high school sweethearts have been married for quite a while and still love each other strongly. However, getting together at such a young age is a challenge to their own identities: where do their individualities end and where does their relationship begin? Who are they without each other? To find their way back to each other and themselves, Sarah and Caleb partake in a week-long hiking retreat to help struggling relationships. Will they find their way back, or will their love get lost in the wilderness? Spring is all about growth and hopeful new beginnings, sentiments that Out of the Woods perfectly embodies. This novel explores themes like identity, love in longer relationships and independency versus trust. Since a large part of the book also involves hiking and camping out in nature, the setting is also perfect for spring.

    First Time Caller by B.K. Borison

    Not only does First Time Caller take place in the spring, but Borison has given readers a very original romance plot with this book. Radio host of Baltimore’s romance hotline, Aiden Valentine, has lost his love for love, and his job is starting to suffer from it. That is until one night, the radio receives a call from a young girl, asking for dating advice on her mother’s behalf. Listeners go wild for the ensuing conversation between Aiden and Lucie Stone, who eventually agrees to be set up on dates for the program. But when romance starts to stir, it might not be between her and the gentlemen taking her out, but rather with the charismatic radio host who starts to dislike his own new segment more and more with each passing date. First Time Caller is often associated with Valentine’s Day, however, I think it is filled with hopeful new beginnings, and fits the spring season perfectly.

    The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

    As you may know, I cannot recommend any type of romance book without including anything by Beth O’Leary. She has some very unique concepts for her novels, and her debut, The Flatshare, is no exception. When Tiffy needs to find a new apartment to get away from her cheating ex-boyfriend, she ends up sharing a flat with Leon. The catch? The apartment only has one bedroom. The solution? Tiffy takes the flat from the evening until the morning, while Leon, who works the night shift, uses the fact during the day. The new roommates get to know each other through a series of notes, and despite never meeting each other, their connection starts to grown. The Flatshare is a lighthearted, sweet romance, that literally feels like a sunny, bright spring day.

    Swear On This Life by Renee Carlino

    Emiline works as an adjunct writing instructor in stead of having the flourishing writing career she’s always dreamed of. When a young new author suddenly gains popularity with a debut novel, she is reluctant to read it, but when she finally starts the novel, she is taken aback. Reading about the story of two childhood best friends falling in love and dreaming of a better life together sounds a little bit too familiar to be coincidental. Realising that the author has used a penname and is actually Jackson, a person from her past, she is furious that he has used that painful past to write his novel. The only way to move forward is to confront her beginnings, but is she ready to face the boy she once knew, or will the ending of their real story be an unhappy ever after? Carlino utilises flashbacks to tell both timelines, so it is not just set in one specific season or year. It is a story of second chances, staring anew and hoping for connection.

    Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    This novel is a classic, so many people will already know it, but it is so perfectly fitted to the spring season that I had to recommend it. Set in nineteenth century England, a mother with five daughters’ main goal is to ensure they are all married to a rich and respectable husband. When a wealthy gentleman moves into the estate near them, Mrs. BEnnet is confident one of her girls will marry him. While Jane, the eldest, forms an early attachment to the newcomer, Lizzie is less impressed with his stern and unsociable friend, Mr. Darcy. The two find themselves in each others company more often than expected, and are not amiable to say the least. But, when feelings start to stir, will Mr. Darcy’s pride stand in the way of true love? Or will it be Lizzie’s prejudice that proves too strong to overcome a genuine connection? This literary masterpiece covers a budding, growing attachment between the two main characters that is parallel to the feeling spring often brings out.

    Once upon a broken heart by Stephanie Garber

    Although this is not technically a romance, Garber has written a fantasy novel where romance is an important part of the plot. Evangeline Fox is heartbroken when the love of her life is suddenly marrying her sister. To fix her devastating situation, she decides to do the one thing all the fairytales have advised against: making a deal with a Fate. She quickly realises the warnings were not unfounded when she gets increasingly tangled up in the web of plans and schemes that is Jacks, the Prince of Hearts. This whimsical romantic fantasy is filled with magic, fairytales and love, perfect for the spring season and letting your imagination run wild.

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  • Authors I wish had more books out

    Authors I wish had more books out

    When I find a new favourite book by an author I have never read before, I always look up other books they might have written. It is no given that you will like all of their books, but the chances are high if the writing style and type of content is similar. Sometimes I am lucky enough to find a new favourite author who has a bunch of books out already, like Kristen Hannah or Freida McFadden. But often I find a debut that has no follow-up out yet, or an author with a short backlist. It does however give me new authors to follow in their growth and I alway keep an eye out to pick up on any of their new releases. In this article, I will list authors that I wish had more books out. These authors have one or two books out that I have read and enjoyed so much that I am certain I will enjoy their other books as well.

    Matt Coyne

    Here I am again, talking about Frank & Red, because it is one of my absolute favourite books and I cannot stop recommending it. If you want my full review you can read it here, but let me just repeat that this is one of the most wonderful, heartwarming books I have ever read. Frank & Red is about the unlikely friendship between a grumpy old man and a young boy, who are both going through struggles that come with different stages of life. Coyne’s character work is excellent and the way his story grips you is unparalleled, which is why I am convinced I will like any of his books. So far Frank & Red is his only adult book out, but I can’t wait to read more of his masterpieces.

    Katie Holt

    Holt’s debut novel came out in 2024 and I read it before I even saw it recommended anywhere. Not in My Book has gained some popularity and rightfully so. The plot is unique, with the protagonists who are in a writing class together not getting along at all, and as punishment having to write a book together. I enjoyed the city setting and Rosie’s Peruvian background. Her culture added depth to her character and I always love learning new things when I read. Furthermore, Aiden felt like such a mature and steady character, which I really enjoyed in this story. Rosie’s fire and Aiden’s calm matched each other perfectly and I had a really great time reading this book. Though it is Holt’s first and only book currently out, she has a new publication planned for May, so her publication list is currently expanding.

    Sonoko Machida

    The Convenience Store by the Sea is her debut novel and has many great qualities. It is similar to both Welcome to the Hynam-Dong Bookshop and Days at the Torunka Café in that they are all comforting and show the positives of slow and conscious living in stead of a fast and efficient lifestyle. The focus on human connections grounded me and made me feel very present when I was reading this book. There is a sequel out which I have not yet read, but plan to soon. I hope more of her books will appear in the future.

    Maggie Knox

    I stumbled upon Maggie Knox when I was looking for a holiday romance to get into the festive spirit a few years ago. She has two of those out, All I Want for Christmas and The Holiday Swap, and they were both so enjoyable. They were fun and festive, but not too cringe or stereotypically Hallmark and I was sad to find she has no other books published. I hope in the future she decides to put out more books, because I would love to see what else she has to write.

    Katy Brent

    I have mentioned Brent before on my blog, and she does have three books currently out with a fourth on the way. But, her books are so entertaining and humorously thrilling that I cannot put them down and want to read so many more of them.

    Hwang Bo-Reum

    Welcome to the Hynam-Dong Bookshop is a comforting read that feels like a warm hug and someone telling you that everything will be allright. This is one of the books I want to re-read this year, because I have come to really enjoy this healing fiction genre. Bo-Reum has a short story collection out, which I do plan to read, but I hope she will come out with more fiction books in the future as well.

    M.L. Rio

    I have not actually read all of the books Rio has out currently, but I read If We Were Villains and loved it so much. As a graduate in English Literary studies, the Shakespeare references that were woven throughout the entire book were a path straight to my heart and I could not put the book down. While I am not sure her short story Graveyard Shift is for me, I want to read Hot Wax as soon as possible (if only there weren’t so many great books out there). I look forward to seeing more of her work in the future.

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  • 8 Books and their perfect snack

    8 Books and their perfect snack

    If you are like me, you enjoy having a snack and a drink with your book. While I try to read whenever I have a bit of time, the best feeling is when you get to sit down for an extended period of time, focus wholly on your book and get immersed in that world. It gets even more enjoyable if you create a cosy atmosphere: light a candle, play some soft music and enjoy a drink or snack. In this article, I will pair some books with the perfect drink, snack or food to heighten your reading experience even more.

    The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs and a Martini

    The cover of this book speaks volumes already, and while any cocktail would do, a martini is the perfect fit. After three husbands’ bad investments robs their wives of the carefree futures they deserve, the women have to come up with a retirement plan of their own. The inspiration? Finding out their husbands have very expensive life insurance’s. The plan? Planning three murders, with a refreshing alcoholic beverage on the side.

    One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune and chocolate cake

    Even if it is not your birthday, you should have a huge cake on hand when you are reading this book. Set during summer at a lake, it is a beautiful love story between photographer Alice, who goes back to her Nan’s cottage to care for her after an operation, and Charlie Florek, who has been summering there for decades. It is a perfect book to read on a warm and sunny day, and I can also recommend listening to the audiobook. However, I was unlucky enough to be listening to this book while I was not at home and a birthday was taking place. Fortune’s writing is fantastically immersive, but in my case it was too immersive, because the chocolate cake she was describing was making my stomach grumble and my salivary glands tingling. I therefore recommend everyone who reads this book to have a chocolate cake at hand, so the same unfortunate circumstances don’t befall you as they did me.

    Days at the Torunka Café by Satoshi Yagisame and a cup of coffee

    This will come as no surprise to anyone who has read my review on this book, or read the book itself. Nestled in an alleyway that branches off of the market street, people who are meant to find the place will stumble upon the Torunka Café. The book is filled with warmth, lovely characters and heartfelt advice disguised in three different stories about love and life. All of this takes place while the café owner pour a mean cup of coffee that will heal your soul.

    The Reunion by Bronwyn Rivers with a lot of water

    Ten years after their friend Ed passed away, Hugh, Charlotte, Alex, Laura and Jack go back to his childhood home to remember him with his mother Mary. She, however, is convinced the five people she has invited are keeping secrets about what really happened all those years earlier, and she will stop at nothing to find those out. Set in the Australian outback, tensions are not the only things that rise and survival makes us reach back to the basic necessities. Trust me, you will want a glass of water next to you when reading this book.

    People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry with ice cream

    As you might be able to guess, a big portion of this book takes place on vacation. Poppy and Alex meet on a road trip home from college, and while their initial connection leaves things to be desired, they become fast friends and make a pact: once a year, every year, they will go on a vacation together, somewhere in the world. As years pass and destinations get crossed off, they draw closer to finding out if there is more than friendship between them, or if they are doomed to fall apart. The perfect snack to accompany a summer vacation book? Ice cream, of course.

    Breathless by Amy McCulloch with a hot tea or soup

    A thriller set on one of the highest mountains in the world, where journalist Cecily Wong goes to interview internationally famous mountaineer Charles McVeigh. To make or break her career, Cecily bets everything on this article, including her life, by climbing Manaslu. When one climber dies, it can still be seen as an accident, but when a second climber dies, one thing is certain: there is a killer on the mountain. Set in an icy world of snow, wind and cold, this book pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or a bowl of nourishingly warm soup.

    If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia with a cinnamon roll

    Michelle, after losing her mother and divorcing her husband, moves from Seattle to Vermont, to temporarily run her late mother’s bed-and-breakfast, until her sister graduates and can take over. Her new neighbour is a single dad and runs a bakery, but he still finds the time to help her get settled in the bed-and-breakfast and offer companionship. They quickly develop a strong friendship, but as the end of Michelle’s three months in Vermont nears, they wonder if their relationship can blossom into something more than friends. Not only is the male main character a baker, Michelle is also constantly trying out new recipes to offer her guests warm and yummy pastries, to a cinnamon roll or any other baked good would go perfectly with this book.

    Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe with popcorn

    When Margo falls unexpectedly pregnant, she has to find a way to provide for her child and herself, and quickly. She decides to make an OnlyFans account and with the help of her estranged father, crafts a series of videos starring a compellingly curious character. When her account skyrockets into succes, she has to ask herself if this is truly the answer to her problems, or just a temporary fix. The story was so entertaining, that it feels just like watching a reality series or something equally compelling, and what is more perfect to go with that than popcorn?

  • 5 Great Audiobooks

    5 Great Audiobooks

    In the digital age, there are more than one ways to read a book. Besides a physical copy, there are also ebooks and audiobooks. While I prefer reading a physical book, there are many advantages to its digital counterparts. An ebook is smaller, easier to bring along wherever you go, especially when you need multiple books. They are light and easy to hold, and many editions have built in light which makes it easy to read at night. I got into audiobooks a bit later than ebooks, because I sometimes find it hard to keep my focus on the story. I usually listen to audiobooks when I am doing something else, so it is easy to let my thoughts drift off and go on autopilot. The more books I have listened to though, the more I have started to enjoy them. It is wonderful to be able to listen to a book when you are doing something else like commuting, cleaning up, cooking, exercising, etc. I have found that some books lend themselves better to be read as a physical copy, ebook or audiobook, so in this article I will recommend some books that I found perfect in audiobook form.

    I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

    I have mentioned before how I enjoy listening to memoirs, and I think this is the genre I like the most for audiobooks. Especially when it is narrated by the author themselves, which is the case for McCurdy’s book. Hearing her tell her own story makes Jennette’s voice even more prominent than if I were to read the book and added a layer of emotion and depth that I really enjoyed. It is not an easy story, and it felt even more real by hearing it said out loud. In case you want to read more about my thoughts, you can read my article on my favourite memoirs.

    The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

    Similar to McCurdy’s book, this is also a memoir narrated by the author herself. Not only is Bishop telling her own life story in this book, but she is also a fabulous actor, with a voice that perfectly fits the topic of broadway and her rise to fame. I won’t elaborate on my thought too much, because it is also featured in my article on memoirs, but I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much as I did if I had read it physically, rather than listened to the audiobook

    Promise me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

    I listened to this audiobook very recently, and it actually inspired me to write this article. It was the first book I had read by Bastone, and she did not disappoint. The book follows Lenny after she has just lost her best friend and has to figure out how to live again without her. When she meets Miles during a nannying gig, she does not realise he is her saviour just yet. As he helps her find the surface and breathe again after drowning for so long, she starts to realise he might be more than just a friend. Not only is this a wonderful book exploring grief in a heartbreaking and simultaneously beautiful way, but I think the voice actress did a terrific job. She portrayed all of the emotions in such a striking way, that I was never bored or distracted while listening to this book. Every character had a different voice register and inflection, which made the whole experience immersive, and made them feel like real people. Alex Fink has narrated all of Cara Bastone’s books, so I plan on listening to those very soon, because I truly enjoyed the ride.

    Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

    While I have tried and failed to read some fantasy books as an audiobook, Fourth Wing was so compelling that I got lost in this world immediately. The book gets thrilling almost right from the beginning and is not too complex in its world building that it is difficult to understand without being able to leaf back to pages with important information. I listened to the regular audio, but I think the dramatised version would be even more immersive and make it feel as if you are actually there, experiencing things alongside with the characters. They also used different voice actors for the point of view of the two main characters, which I always enjoy immensely. I still have to listen to part three of the series, but I will be sure to do it in audio version.

    The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

    Although I don’t always enjoy listening to a romance book, the voice actors for the Paradise Problem were such a great fit that I flew through this one in a couple of days. Both the female and male main characters were voiced by different actors, which is a recurring theme in whether I really enjoy an audiobook or not. It always adds a layer of reality, although some actors are talented enough to create many different characters and make each of them as realistic as the other. Patti Murin’s voice was the embodiment of the bubbly, positive main character and Jon Root the perfect counterpart. This audiobook made me feel like I was on a tropical island with them, and made my commute to work feel like a preview to the summer holidays. The execution of this audiobook was absolutely wonderful, so I would strongly recommend it for romance lovers.

  • Book Review: The Favourites by Layne Fargo

    Book Review: The Favourites by Layne Fargo

    They were an obsession, then a scandal, and ultimately… a tragedy

    A glittering world of competition, a destructive love inspired by a decades old classic, and a devastating moment that had the whole world hold their breath. That is what you will get into if you read The Favourites. The story is complex and compelling, and full of themes of love and betrayal. I promise you will not get bored.

    Plot

    The Favourites is about Katarina Shaw, who knows from a young age that she is meant to compete at the Olympics in ice dance, and Heath Rocha. He is a lonely kid stuck in the foster-care system, and when Kat and Heath meet each other, their connection is instant. Their chemistry continues onto the ice as they grow from childhood sweethearts to a force to be reckoned with on the ice. Already notorious in the public eye for their beautiful ice dancing, rebellious streak and up-and-down relationship, everything explodes when a dramatic turn of events at the Games themselves destroys their partnership in front of the whole world. No one truly knows what happened, so when ten years later a tell-all documentary is released, everyone is eagerly watching. Will Kat break her silence and change her narrative? Or is the truth as scandalous as everyone believes it to be?

    By now, I’ve hear it all: Katarina Shaw is a bitch, a diva, a sore loser, a manipulative liar. Cold-blooded, a cheater, a criminal. An attentions whore, an actual whore. Even a murderess. Call me what you want. I don’t give a damn anymore.

    My story is mine, and I’ll tell it the same way I skated: in my own way, on my own terms. We’ll see who wins in the end.

    Narration

    Told in a documentary style, the people close to the protagonists Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha, or the people who were involved in what happened ten years earlier each tell their version of events, filling in the blanks to finally share with the world, and the reader, how it all went down. This type of narration makes the story extra compelling and immersive, and heightens the pacing. You are constantly getting a new point of view, receiving more information and hearing different voices, so it never gets boring. You can almost hear the crowd roaring in the distance, see the camera flashes, and feel the cold of the ice on your face while reading. The way this story is told fits perfectly with the scandalous nature of the plot and really took the novel to a higher level.

    Former olympic ice dancer Ellis Dean speaks to an interviewer in a West Hollywood bar.

    Ellis Dean: We used to joke they were going to die in each other’s arms or kill each other with their bare hands. Nothing in between.

    Figure skating coach Nicole Bradford is interviewed in her suburban Illinois kitchen.

    Nicole Bradford: They were the most talented skaters I’ve ever worked with, no question. But looking back… yes, I could see the signs of trouble to come.

    Characters

    There were a lot of different characters in this book, both because of the style of narration and the competitive world of fame and elite sports. The protagonists and main side characters were well fleshed out, and the inspiration from Wuthering Heights is especially visible in the characters of Kat and Heath. While Heaths temper is reminiscent of Heathcliffs violent nature, he is more mellow than his original, but because of the modern setting that was a good thing. He was similar enough that his and Kats characters clashed when they had to, but dialed down enough that he is palatable for a modern context where too much temper or even violence would not be accepted by readers for a protagonist. Kat was just as selfish, venomous and manipulative as Brontë’s Catherine, but her reasons for acting that way were always there. We can see how she grew up and got to where she was, and how the competition and rise to fame get to her. Though we can see how Kat and Heath are not always good for each other, I was still rooting for them to make it. They truly met their match in each other.

    The many side characters support the character arc of our protagonists, because they enable the situations they get in. It feels like a chain reaction of people setting each other off and starting the development of events. The twins and their mother were important side characters, who are also clearly inspired by Brontë’s original, but Fargo made adjustments where necessary for them to fit into this modernised story and steer Kat and Heath to where they needed to be. I feel like she made the perfect balance in retaining elements from the original and changing key elements in both the characters and the plot, to make everything fit together perfectly.

    Final thoughts

    This is as much as I want to give out on The Favourites without risking spoilers. It is truly one of the best books I have ever read, and as I said in my previous post on 7 books I want to read again, I also read it in just over a day. I was so completely immersed in this world that I could not put it down. Wuthering Heights is also one of my favourite books, so for me those elements enhanced the reading experience even more. However, it is more of an inspiration than a complete retelling, so if you have not read Brontë’s book or you did not enjoy it, I am sure that won’t influence your reading experience of Fargo’s book. If you are as fascinated by ice skating as I am, you are in for a treat because both the beauty and intensive training of this sport are highlighted and I have gained a lot of respect for professional skaters. If you are ready to get truly swept up in this whirlwind of a book, do pick it up, and let me know if it is one of your new favourites.

  • New Releases to add to your TBR

    New Releases to add to your TBR

    I might be a bit late with this post, since the beginning of the year is a time people look for the new releases that are coming out and it is already March. Some of the books I was excited for in 2026 have already come out, though I have not yet read all of those, but spring and summer are also popular periods to publish books. In this article I will share which releases in the coming months I am looking forward to.

    MARCH

    You With The Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate (March 3)

    This one actually just came out, but is still new enough for me to include in this list. As I have mentioned in my article about inspiring memoirs, it is a genre I have come to enjoy and appreciate more recently. I am always looking for inspiring stories of different people and to learn from them. I was really entranced by Kelly Bishops recounting of her life in the showbusiness, so I hope to find something similar in Applegate’s book. The memoir will also talk about her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, an illness that many people deal with and that I imagine to be quite painful, so I want to learn more about it to understand what some people go through.

    Starside by Alex Aster (March 24)

    I have read the Lightlark series and Summer in the City by Aster, and enjoyed both of them. Though I have yet to read Crowntide, I am curious about Starside and what exactly she will do with it, since it is her adult fantasy debut.There are some similarities with Lightlark from what I can tell by the blurb. It is about a land split in two, where every fifty years the gates separating them open and fifty challengers can go on a quest for magic, wealth or an extended life. Aris, the protagonist, is not after the glory or prize, she wants vengeance on the gods and is joining the quest to kill them. I expect this to be a thrilling fantasy and am curious to see what Aster does with the plot, and how she differentiates from her YA fantasy.

    The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez (March 31)

    Abby Jimenez is an author whose new releases I will always want to read. Her writing style is engaging and her characters are always fleshed out, which I often look for in the romance genre. Her books are usually interconnected standalones, and this one is in the same world as her previous book, Say You’ll Remember me, so I am excited to see the cameo of those characters in her new book. I am a bit apprehensive about the plot itself, since it is the main character’s boyfriend’s best friend, but I trust Jimenez in writing this well. And bonus: this one again includes a dog, which is an instant win in my book.

    APRIL

    The Name Game by Beth O’Leary (April 7)

    If you have read almost any of my posts, you will know that I am a big fan of O’Leary’s books, so I will read all of her releases. Her newest one is coming out in April, and it is about Charlie Jones who arrives on a small island, Ormer, to embark on a new life. When she arrives at her new job, she finds that she is not the only Charlie Jones. Both of them are supposed to start this same job, but there is only one position available. Once again, I find this premise intriguing, and the cover promises a beautiful island setting.

    Wolvers by Taylor Brown (April 7)

    Although I have not read anything by Brown before, the blurb of Wolvers peaked my interest. It is described as a beautiful story of pursuit, survival and redemption between two species: human and wolf. Trace Temple is hired to take down the most notorious wolf of the area, but after a harrowing incident, he has a change of heart. He joins two others in protecting both the wolves and the wilderness area against a ruthless hunter and assassin. Brown is an award-winning author, and I hope to really enjoy this book.

    MAY

    The Shippers by Katherine Center (May 19)

    While I have currently only read The Romcommers by Center, I have wanted to read some of her other books for a long time. The Shippers is a romance book, set on a cruise, featuring a wedding and what promises to be a messy, chaotic situation. This will be lovely to read away on a sunny day in May.

    JUNE

    Shadow Reaper by Lynette Noni (June 16)

    After finishing her Prison Healer trilogy, I have wanted to read something else by Noni, but I have not gotten around to it yet. Reeve Ashton is a reaper, one of the deadly creatures plaguing the city of Aravell. Viri is a reaper hunter, wanting nothing more than to capture their leader who has killed her parents. When she captures the leader’s right hand, Reeve, he offers her a bargain to avenge her parents. Trusting a reaper does not only come with a high risk, but also with a heavy cost. Will she finally avenge her parents, or will she loose everything, including her heart…

    JULY

    Hot Girl Murder Club by Ashley Winstead (July 14)

    I was actually more excited for her other new release, The Future Saints, but when looking this one up, I found out she has another new release in 2026. This one seems more similar to In My Dreams I Hold a Knife, as it tells the story of Scout Sage. Aspiring singer-actress, the one thing plaguing her past is the mysterious death of her sister Georgia. When years later, murders in LA are making the headlines and Scout is pointed to as the killer, she will have to prove her innocence. In trying to discover the true murderer, the detective on this case unearths secrets that are way in the past, secrets not even Scout knows. This feels like a mystery thriller heavily entwined in Hollywood culture, which is right up my alley.

    AUGUST

    The Unknown by Riley Sager (August 4)

    To be honest, I had not even read what this book is about before putting it on my future tbr list. I have not read a single book by Sager that I have not enjoyed, so whatever he comes out with, I am bound to like. In function of this post, I have looked up the blurb and it has made me even more convinced that this is a book I will enjoy. For a role in a movie about an unsolved mystery, actress Marin Keane is required to go to the island the mystery took place at to do research. That way, she can be fully emerged in the part. The island is one with a history of spiritual mediums, who disappeared without a trace, except for their dresses, hanging from a tree branch. Consider me intrigued.

    To All the Men I’ve Killed Before by Katy Brent (August 27)

    This is the third in the series of How to Kill Men and Get Away With It. I have not seen many people mention Katy Brent, but I wildly enjoyed all three of her novels. While I wish she wrote something new, like her second book The Murder After the Night Before which is not a part of the series, I am curious to see how she continues Kitty’s adventures. I hope the series is not dragged out unnecessarily, and that the book introduces an interesting new plot, but Brent’s writing is truly captivating. Her books are original, and they always make me laugh while being entirely engaging, so I will definitely read her new release.

    Bonus: Sarah J. Maas!

    Now, originally I wanted to stop at August, since September introduces us to a new season of reading, but after the news of this week I had to include Sarah J. Maas’ new releases. I have read all of Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City, and like many of us, have been (im)patiently waiting for a new book by her, whatever it would be. We have been graced with not one, but two release dates for the continuation of ACOTAR, the first on October 27th and the second on January 12th of next year. Needless to say, I will definitely be reading these as soon as they come out.