Reading Round-Up: June

On By booksandbakes1In Books, Literature, Reading, Reading Round-Up5 Comments

Hello Loves!

First of all, I just wanted to start with an apology for my absence! It’s been such a busy time at school with exams, and I’ve been working all hours recently. I’ve tried my best to keep up to date with everything whenever I could.

Today I’m here to share my June reading round-up. It definitely wasn’t my most impressive reading month, but that’s fairly normal for me at this time of year!

I’ve got some big reading plans for the summer break, which I’m really looking forward to, and I’ll be sharing them with you over the holidays too.

Throughout June I managed to read four books. Definitely not my best month by a long way! However, I did read some fantastic books that I can’t wait to share with you. Let’s check out the shelves!

Don’t these look brilliant?! Here goes!

  1. Before I Knew I Loved You – Toshikazu Kawaguchi is book six in the series, and it’s just as magical as the previous five. The special seat in the Tokyo café, where people can travel back to the past, this time welcomes a girl hoping to make amends with her mother, a man who never received a reply from his girlfriend, a woman wanting to see the future, and a student who travels back to meet his father once again. The beauty of this series lies in its simplicity.
  2. Vivian Dies Again – C. E. Hulse. I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Vivian Slade is a walking cautionary tale. No longer the life and soul of the party, she’s hoping to start afresh by attending a family gathering where she isn’t welcome. Someone must really hate her because she dies. Then she wakes up. Then she dies again, and so the cycle begins. The only person who seems able to help her is a waiter from the party, but who is so desperate to get rid of her?
  3. The Name Game – Beth O’Leary. Who doesn’t love diving into an Emily Henry novel? Charlie Jones arrives on the island of Ormer ready to start life again. There’s just one problem: another Charlie Jones has arrived on the island for the very same job and the very same chance at a fresh start. And so begins a heartwarming, funny, and charming story about the two Charlie Joneses.
  4. A Plot to Die For – Ardal O’Hanlon. First of all, this just looked adorable on the shelf, and thankfully the story was just as good! Celebrity gardener Finn O’Leary returns to Abbeyford to help his ageing mother and is quickly roped into the Tidy Towns competition, a fiercely contested contest between towns and villages across the country. However, when someone suddenly drops dead, there’s far more at stake than the competition, and it’s up to Finn to uncover what really happened.

These four books have all been brilliant reading experiences, and I highly recommend every one of them. After all, what’s life without an ever-growing to be read pile? Happy July, everyone!

Big love all xxx

London 🐻

On By booksandbakes1In Days Out, London, Musicals, UK13 Comments

Hello Loves!

I’m genuinely so excited to write this little post today all about a day trip to London that I took with my dad to see Paddington the Musical at the Savoy Theatre.

The Story

Paddington was inspired by a lonely bear left on a shelf in Selfridges on Christmas Eve in 1956. Michael Bond transformed that moment into the much-loved character and stories that generations of us have grown up with and continue to adore today.

The Show

The show itself was absolutely magical. The cast were phenomenal from start to finish, bringing so much heart, warmth and energy to the stage. I love Victoria Hamilton-Barritt – she’s one of my favourite West End stars – and she was brilliant as always. Special mention also has to go to Arti Shah, who brings Paddington to life on stage in such a believable and endearing way.

I’ve genuinely never heard cheers from an audience quite like the ones that erupted when Paddington first appeared. It was one of those theatre moments that gives you goosebumps. I’ve also never seen an entire theatre rise to its feet so quickly for a standing ovation at the end. There were smiles, tears and so much joy throughout the auditorium.

Final Thoughts

The whole production felt incredibly emotional, nostalgic and wholesome. Whether you grew up reading the books, fell in love with the films, or are introducing Paddington to a new generation, there’s something truly special about seeing his story brought to life on stage. After experiencing it for myself, it’s no surprise at all that the show has received so much acclaim and won so many awards.

For more information click here!

Big love all xx

Reading Round-Up: May

On By booksandbakes1In Books, Literature, Reading, Reading Round-Up11 Comments

Hello Loves!

What a blissful week we’ve been having! I’ve really enjoyed the beautiful weather and the week off from school. I’ve done lots of reading and spent plenty of time embracing the British weather.

Today, I can’t wait to share my reading round-up for May with you. April was super impressive; May was a little less so, but I still managed to read 10 books, which I’m really pleased with.

Just a quick word on April’s reading challenge: I’ve read so many beautifully covered books that I completely overwhelmed myself and couldn’t decide on a winner. I’ll get on with this as soon as possible and share my choice and review with you all.

Anyway, back to May and these fabulous books. Let’s check out the shelves!

I feel like my reading this month has been quite eclectic, with a real mix of genres and styles. My top three books for May are as follows:

  1. The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke. This has been one of my favourite books so far this year. World-famous writer Arthur Fletch is dead, and his final novel remains unfinished. As the most anticipated book in publishing history, leaving it incomplete simply isn’t an option.
    Six struggling authors are invited to Fletch’s private Scottish island and presented with the opportunity of a lifetime: write a worthy ending, receive two million dollars, and secure a book deal. They have 72 hours, a typewriter, and everything to prove. They say starting is the hardest part, but this time, the ending could be murder.
  2. People Pleaser by Bryany Gordon. I loved this book because I could relate to it in so many ways. Olivia Greenwood has spent so much of her life making other people happy that she’s completely forgotten about herself. After a crushing career disappointment, she decides to take back control and start putting herself first for a change. After a particularly wild night out, Olivia wakes up the next morning with the mother of all hangovers. However, what seems like a terrible start to the day soon becomes a turning point in her life, as she realises it’s finally time to stop pleasing everyone else and focus on what makes her happy.
  3. The Midnight Train by Matt Haig. This was beautiful. If you had the chance to revisit the past, would you take it? Wilbur’s happiest days were spent with the love of his life, Maggie. But the choices he made cost him everything, and he longs for the chance to go back and live that life differently — to risk it all for love. When The Midnight Train offers him the opportunity to do exactly that, it seems too good to be true. But every second chance comes at a price.

May has been a brilliant month: my blog’s birthday, some amazing books, and spending time connecting with my wonderful friends here too. I hope you all have a lovely Sunday!

Big love all xxx

Reading Challenge 2026: Margot’s Got Money Troubles – Rufi Thorpe

On By booksandbakes1In Book Review, Books, Literature, Reading, Reading Challenge 20264 Comments

Hello Loves!

Happy half term! It’s the first time we’ve had glorious weather during a school holiday in ages. Dare I say it, it’s been a tad too warm at times — but it’s definitely given me such positive vibes.

I’ve got some catching up to do with my reading challenge and today I’m sharing an amazing book that everyone seems to be talking about recently. The prompt was: read a book that has been made into a film or play. Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe is about to hit Apple TV+, so I’m counting a TV series for this one!

What’s it all about?

The novel follows twenty-year-old Margo Millet, who unexpectedly becomes pregnant after an affair with her English professor. Suddenly left trying to raise a baby with very little money, no real support system and absolutely no idea what she’s doing, Margo is forced into survival mode. Things become even more chaotic when her estranged ex-pro wrestler father reappears in her life.

Struggling to pay rent and support her son, Margo eventually starts an OnlyFans account after realising she can use the internet — and her growing audience — to make money. What I really liked was that the story doesn’t sensationalise this part of her life. Instead, it focuses on the realities of financial insecurity, motherhood and the pressure to constantly perform a version of yourself that people want to consume.

“There was no clean version of survival.”

One of the things I loved most about this book was how flawed and realistic Margo felt. She makes impulsive decisions, she struggles constantly and she often feels completely overwhelmed, but that’s exactly what made her feel believable. I was rooting for her the entire time, even when she was making terrible choices. My heart really went out to her because of those choices and the feeling that she had very few options available to her.

“Everyone wanted a version of her they could understand.”

This definitely won’t be a book for everyone because it deals with some difficult topics, including sex work, shame, financial struggles, complicated family relationships and the realities of motherhood. However, I thought Rufi Thorpe handled these themes with honesty, humour and a surprising amount of tenderness.

Final Thoughts

I loved this book for its raw honesty. It’s smart, current and deeply emotional. Ultimately, it’s a story about survival — about digging deep and trying to build a life when everything seems to be against you. A brilliant book for our times.

Enjoy the rest of the week everyone!

Big Love xxx

My Blog Turned 11!

On By booksandbakes1In Blog, Follows38 Comments

Hey loves!

Well, the name of this post really does give it away, but yesterday my tiny piece of the internet turned 11 years old. I can’t quite believe it!

I remember the day I started my blog. My school was closing down, and I just felt at a loss about what to do. I threw myself into reading (as always), but I also wanted a place online to keep those memories for myself. I never expected people to follow along or even communicate with me here. Yet, 11 years later, I’m proud to know some of the best people through this space.

For those who have been with me from the start — thank you for seeing me grow, and for your patience and kindness. To newer friends, I appreciate you just as much. What a journey!

I also had a lovely lunch yesterday with one of my nearest and dearest to celebrate this, the half term, and the glorious weather.

Keep cool everyone!

Big love. Xxx

Reading Round-Up: April

On By booksandbakes1In Books, Literature, Reading, Reading Round-Up9 Comments

Hello Loves!

Happy May Bank Holiday weekend!

I hope you’re all well and are managing to have a lovely time this weekend, whatever you’re up to. I’m having a break from school by seeing my family and (trying) not thinking about work at all. I’ve got a couple of posts I need to get done as well – this is one of them!

April was a mega reading month for me – probably because I had Easter break for half of it. Regardless, I managed to read 21 books which I’m just so proud of! I don’t think I’ve ever had a month where I’ve read so much and so many brilliant books too. Let’s check out the shelves!

There’s so many to choose from so it’s made it tricky for sure. I genuinely enjoyed reading all of them. However, here’s my top three books.

  1. Wild Dark Shore – Charlotte McConoughy. There’s been a lot of hype around this book and absolutely deservedly so. It gave me Crawdad vibes which is one of my favourite books ever. Dominic Salt and his three children are the caretakers of Shearwater – a small island that has the brutalist weather and the largest collection of seeds. At risk of permanent flooding, everyone has left apart from the family. The worst storm in living history washes up a woman, Rowan, and they nurse her back to health. But something is off. She isn’t telling the truth about why she is there. The family have their own secrets too. What a breathtaking book this is!
  2. Swept Away – Emily Henry. Sometimes you just need a heartfelt love story and this was that. Lexi wants some fun and freedom. She meets Zeke who wants love. After spending the night together, the two realise that they’re literally all they have as they become stuck at sea on Zeke’s houseboat. This book gave me all the feels. Emily Henry sure knows how to create relatable characters and exciting plot lines.
  3. A Murder in Eight Cocktails – Kelly Mullen. I stumbled across Kelly Mullen by pure accident and I’m so glad I did. I loved both of her books but this one pipped it for me. Willa Keane is in a bit of a rut. Retired from interior design, she’s become an influencer at the age of 55, determined that life begins again. She’s invited to the opening of the hottest bar in town only to find it’s being hosted by her charming ex-husband. The night is thrown into chaos as between the 8 cocktails they are there to sample, the owner is murdered. Willa knows she can solve this but is all really as it seems? A brilliant ‘whodunit’ from an exciting new writer.

What a month! I’ve really enjoyed reflecting over those books this morning. What a treat! I’m also really impressed at how much I’ve got down my TBR shelves. As I said before, I had a blast this month and I’m so lucky that I get the time to just read and be.

Wishing you all the very best bank holiday weekend!

Big love all xxx

The Hyena’s Daughter – Jupiter Jones

On By booksandbakes1In Book Review, Books, Literature, Reading2 Comments

Hello Loves!

I’m here on this sunny Sunday to share something a little different from what I normally read, but still a fascinating piece of work. The Hyena’s Daughter by Jupiter Jones explores the sisterhood of the daughters of Mary Wollstonecraft. A huge thank you to Claire at Field PR for providing me with a copy of this incredible book.

What’s it all about?

On the surface, this is a historical piece of writing. However, it explores so much more than that. The literary sisterhood of Fanny Imlay, Claire Clairmont and Mary Shelley is mostly overlooked. However, this retelling reimagines their lives with emotional precision.

Rather than offering a conventional historical retelling, Jones structures the novella in brief, fragmentary chapters that mirror memory itself—fleeting, intimate, and often unresolved. This stylistic choice allows the reader to experience Fanny’s life not as a straightforward biography, but as a gradual unfolding of feeling, perspective, and quiet tragedy.

“One sent away feels alone. Two left at home feel incomplete.”

What emerges most powerfully is Fanny’s voice—observant, sensitive, and increasingly isolated as the narrative progresses. Jones positions her not in the shadow of her more famous sister, but at the emotional center of the story. Through her, we witness the tensions between intellect and emotion, freedom and constraint, that defined the lives of women in a revolutionary yet still deeply restrictive age.

The novel vividly evokes a world of radical ideas and literary brilliance, while never losing sight of the personal costs behind them.

“…a new way of thinking, a new-world independence, a revolutionary world.”

The presence of Percy Bysshe Shelley looms large, though often indirectly. His influence—intellectual, emotional, and disruptive—threads through the sisters’ lives, shaping their relationships and intensifying the novel’s undercurrent of instability. Yet Jones resists turning him into the focal point; instead, the emphasis remains firmly on the women, their bonds, and their divergences.

Final Thoughts

This book is what I would describe as powerful, emotive, and captivating. The female voices are not overshadowed—quite deliberately. I found myself at the end before I even realised it, becoming completely entrapped in their voices and stories. It’s unlike anything I’ve read, and it definitely wasn’t what I was expecting either.

Thank you again to Claire. I hope you all have a brilliant week next week!

Big love xxx

Meet The Newmans – Jennifer Niven

On By booksandbakes1In Book Review, Books, Literature, Reading14 Comments

Hey Loves!

I hope you’re all well and had a lovely Easter break. I’m delighted because I’ve spent my time reading and relaxing—just what I wanted! In fact, I brought a bag of books home with me and nearly ran out at one point, so I had to buy more. I really can’t wait to share one of these books with you today. Meet The Newmans by Jennifer Niven is a book that has been on my mind since I finished reading it. I also managed to get a beautiful hardback copy with a really interesting sprayed edge too!

What’s it all about?

Very simply, Meet The Newmans is a historical fiction novel set in 1960s America. It explores the gap between public image and private reality. At the heart of the story is the Newman family, stars of a popular television show in which they each play the perfect version of themselves. However, as society changes, the family begin to feel outdated, and their idealised image no longer reflects the world around them. This causes cracks to appear both in their show and in their real lives.

“Why should a woman accept this picture of a half-life, instead of a share in the whole of human destiny?”

Dinah Newman, the mother of the family, is known on screen as the perfect housewife, yet she feels trapped and disconnected from her true, authentic self. Her husband, Del Newman, controls the show—making all the decisions and writing the script. However, he has a secret, and that secret threatens to destroy the whole family. They have two sons, Guy and Shep, who also struggle with their own identities. Guy hides an important truth from everyone, while Shep begins to spiral as he grapples with the realities of fame.

However, it is the arrival of Juliet Dunne, a fresh, young journalist with modern feminist views, that creates the most tension. She prompts Dinah to question her own role and place within society, as well as the traditional image of womanhood she presents within the home.

“Here’s the thing about girls – sometimes we’re stronger than you think…”

As society continues to evolve, the family find themselves at a crossroads: change or risk being cancelled. Losing sponsors adds further pressure. When Del is involved in a car accident that leaves him in a coma, the family are forced to make a decision. With only one episode remaining—potentially their final one—Dinah takes control and, alongside Juliet, writes the script. As they work together, long-hidden family secrets begin to surface, and the perfect image they have maintained for years is at risk of collapse. The novel builds towards this final episode, which symbolises the choice between maintaining a false image or embracing change and honesty.

“It’s important to give of yourself, … But you have to keep something for yourself.”

Final Thoughts

I loved it. It really is as simple as that. In fact, I devoured it. I think the novel is both emotional and thought-provoking, with strong character development—particularly in Dinah, who grows into a more independent and self-aware person by the end. I’m sure you can see why it’s been on my mind ever since I finished it!

Additionally, Meet The Newmans effectively captures the cultural changes of the 1960s, showing how shifting attitudes towards women’s roles and personal freedom impact the Newman family. Through Dinah and Juliet’s contrasting viewpoints, the reader sees the tension between traditional expectations and emerging modern values. It becomes clear that these characters need each other to become the versions of themselves they ultimately grow into.

I really enjoyed this book, and it’s one I will definitely be recommending. After all, we should all strive to be our true, authentic selves. Also, I just love my edition of it too! I mean, isn’t this one of the best sprayed edges you’ve seen?

Big love xxx

Book Chat: The Joy of Signed Books

On By booksandbakes1In Book Chat, Books, Literature, Reading71 Comments

Hey Everyone!

When I picked my next book to read this morning, I noticed I had a signed copy, which I love. This got me thinking back to my experiences of signed books and the stories behind them, inspiring this post.

Books featured heavily in my childhood. It’s a gift that I will be forever grateful for. I still have my first signed book. I remember going to Waterstones in Stratford-upon-Avon, queueing outside to meet my childhood hero, Jacqueline Wilson. I was only 11 at the time, and I remember feeling so excited yet so nervous to speak. I was meeting someone I loved and admired—someone who created so many worlds for me to explore, like she did for so many other children.

Getting a signed book used to be really difficult. The majority of book signings were in London or in faraway places I couldn’t get to. Thankfully, obtaining signed copies now is relatively easy—you just need to be quick with preorders. As much as I like how accessible signed books are, I do think there’s something really special about having a dedication that’s just for you. I have some I’m really proud to own.

These signed books all tell a story. I haven’t met the writers, but I love owning something completely unique to me (unless another Charlotte has a copy—but you get the idea!).

I also really appreciate it when writers sign books with something that relates to the plot, just like this one from Kelly Mullen in my copy of This Is Not a Game.

It’s interesting because I remember wanting to meet my favourite writers and wanting them to sign my copy of their book. Now that we have access to this, I find myself wanting something different in my copy so it still feels personal to me—like it truly belongs to me. My guess is that it’s just another example of life: as soon as we get something we want, we start wanting something else. What do you think?

Big Love xxx

Reading Challenge 2026: Judge Stone – James Patterson & Viola Davis

On By booksandbakes1In Book Review, Books, Literature, Reading, Reading Challenge 20263 Comments

Hello Loves!

I hope you’re all well and finding a little bit of time to read amongst everything else going on. I’m settling into my reading routine, which occupies the majority of my holidays, I’ll be honest!

As promised in my previous post, I wanted to share with you my reading challenge topic and book. The random generator selected: read a book with more than 300 pages. There’s plenty on the shelf that meets that requirement, but I really wanted to get my teeth into Judge Stone by James Patterson and Viola Davis.

What’s it all about?

This is a typical Patterson book: pacy chapters, thrilling developments, but with more emotional depth than some of his others — clearly Viola Davis’ input.

Judge Mary Stone is a respected figure in Alabama who finds herself in the middle of the most controversial trial of her career, one that impacts her both professionally and personally. The case: an abortion performed on a thirteen-year-old girl by Dr Bria Gaines. The penalty: 99 years in prison.

This book doesn’t just explore the case; it explores the weight of responsibility, the pressure of being the one to make the big decisions, and ultimately the toll of being the person who has to make the “right” call. It’s an open-and-shut case in the eyes of the law, yet Judge Mary Stone feels it goes far deeper than that.

‘I can carry a lot. That’s why I stay so busy, work hard. I can shoulder everything. But not my own pain.’

As a character, Judge Stone is incredible. She feels very real — someone who just wants to do a good job and make the right decision. She’s determined to do the right thing, despite the immense pressure on her shoulders.

By the end of the book, a number of difficult topics are explored with empathy and care. I absolutely don’t want to spoil it for you, but I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

‘In this job, I can’t make everyone happy. It would be dangerous to try.’

Final Thoughts

This was a really enjoyable read, and I found it so easy to get into and finish. I don’t know how Patterson does it, but fair play to him! It’s perfect for anyone who loves a thriller or a crime novel, and it leaves you feeling satisfied—and even a little relieved—by the end.

I really hope you have a brilliant rest of the week!

Big Love xxx