#12booksof2025
Halfway through the year & my favourite book of June was a stunning West African inspired fantasy novel - which admittedly hooked me with a comparison to Howl‘s Moving Castle & an absolutely stunning cover BUT the story itself is absolutely glorious and I look forward to reading more by the author.
pickFun, sort of cozy horror fantasy? Very strong Howl‘s Moving Castle vibes, which is always a good thing. The ending was a little unsatisfying and I felt it could have had more depth, but there is a most excellent talking cat.
pickA very sad drama about an Irish family. It centres on Patrick, who in his 50s finds love in a 2nd marriage and the joy of a longed for son after a 1st marriage with 3 daughters. Rebecca, his adult 1st child, resents her father being able to remember the troubles of her early years. I'm catching up on pre Xmas reading, and this had been a charity shop punt. Sad, but I like a bit of family melodrama occasionally.
pickThis book was a bit annoying. She gets to Alaska and sees a moose and freaks out and the MMC makes fun of her. Everyone knows moose are scary and can be very dangerous…. Apparently this one isn‘t. Luckily for the most part I could gloss over the Taylor swift stuff.
Romance set in remote Alaska. No WiFi, lots of outdoor activities. Low pick.
pickDash is wandering the stacks in the Strand when he comes upon a red notebook. He opens it and reads, “I‘ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page.” Lily, who is having a bummer of a Christmas, has left this notebook at the Strand in the hopes that her future soulmate will pick it up and play the game. The two teens pass messages and dates back and forth via the red notebook in a very grumpy/sunshine-holiday spirit kind of way.
panNot my cup of tea. Though Simone makes consent and agency crystal clear, the repetition broke the flow for me. Add in Tyler‘s constant rush to judgment, Poppy‘s questionable choices, and a few plot points that made me roll my eyes, and the story never fully clicked. I see why others love it, but it wasn‘t in my wheelhouse.
pickOkay, I absolutely loved this book! I went in with zero expectations and it blew me away! A dark fairy tale retelling was excellent writing and interesting characters! 💕📚
