Last year, “The Catch” by T.M.Logan was one of our Bookclub reads. Now, with his latest book due for release in just over a week, Tim has kindly agreed to answer some questions for us!
Book Review | Reader, I Married Me!
“If you managed to get out of bed this morning, you’re winning.”
I’ve had a tune going around my head this morning, a lovely upbeat number from Avenue Q, “…everyone’s a little bit racist, it’s true…”, except in my head I’ve been swapping out ‘racist’ for ‘anxious’, and I think on some level, it is true! May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a lot of people in my circles are preparing to go all out to raise funds and awareness, so mental health and self care is at the forefront of my mind. I have been lucky to receive ‘Reader, I Married Me!’ from Author Sophie Tanner in the post, and yes, it took me less than 48 hours to read it! I’ll be honest, I had read the description and blurb on the back of the book. However, for some reason, I pictured it as a non-fiction self help type book. Wrong! It is one of the most delightful Chick-Lit that I’ve read in a while.
DECEMBER BOOK CLUB PICK 2021 | JUST HAVEN’T MET YOU YET BY Sophie Cousens
Welcome to the final book club review of 2021! How did we get here already? It’s been an amazing first year; we have a fantastic club full of beautiful, intelligent women and a huge year with even more bookish fun lies ahead. Our first ever book club pick back in January this year was This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens, so when we heard that her second novel, Just Haven’t Met You Yet, was being published in November, fate had decided on our final book club pick of 2021.
20 Hauntingly Beautiful Books To Read In The Winter
Winter is here! While the biting wind is whipping against the window panes, there is nothing more comforting than curling up under a huge blanket and reading chillingly beautiful stories. I don’t know about you, but this time of year is perfect for reading books with haunting tales and ghostly happenings. Keep reading to see TWENTY books that we recommend this Winter.
THE BOOKS WE READ IN NOVEMBER 2021
RACHAEL
It’s time to share the books we read in November! This month I’ve managed to read 6 books, which I am pretty impressed with! I’ve read some great books which i’m incredibly excited to share with you all, including some brand new favourites.
NOVEMBER BOOK CLUB PICK 2021 | LITTLE WOMEN BY LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
At That Bookish Club we don’t find ourselves reading classics very often. This month the members decided to try something a little out of their comfort zone. Together we hand-picked Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, where we decided to review both the book and the most recent movie adaptation (Little Women 2019).
END OF YEAR READING LIST
Rachael’s End of Year Reading List
The final month of the year is just days away and with that comes the pressure to read the books I am desperate to read before the year is over! I hit my Goodreads reading challenge goal a few months ago; it was set at 52 and as I’m writing this I’ve managed 65! So I am super happy, however I thought I would share my end of year reading list and the books I am hoping to finish in December.
Our Favourite Children’s Christmas Books
The spirit of Christmas comes in many forms. The presents, the lights, the snow, as well as the music and getting together with family; just to name a few. At TMC we’re all about books and we’re all about our kids, so we love discovering the spirit of Christmas between the pages of a book at story-time. If you’re after some gift-worthy, festive books to tuck into with the little ones this season, here are a few that must make your list.
Twinkly Twinkly Series by Usborne
By Sam Taplin and Allison Friend
Age 0-5
The gift of an Usborne book is a treat with in itself but their collection of Twinkly, Twinkly books really takes the cake for being the ultimate Christmas books. There are three titles in the series, Twinkly, Twinkly Fairies, Twinkly Twinkly Christmas Tree and Twinkly Twinkly Nativity. Not only do the pages of these books don beautifully drawn images, they tell the perfect stories. What’s more, each page has magical lights built into each page which really bring the story to life. These will be a hit with the kids at Christmas season storytimes and you’ll love them, too.
The Christmas Pine
By Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandoy
Age 3-7
Julia Donaldson is a household favourite and it’s clear to see why. Between the amazing images and her quirky, rhyming style her books are popular with children of all ages. So it’s no surprise her Christmas title, The Christmas Pine, is becoming a seasonal favourite. This hearfelt story follows a little tree with a special destiny to be the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square and is actually based on the true story of the Mayor of Oslo and Norway’s tradition of presenting Britain with a spectacular Christmas tree as a symbol of peace and friendship. And if you’re a stickler for packaging, it comes presented in a gold-foiled dust jacket.
Sold?
Because we are.
The Christmasaurus
Tom Fletcher and Shane Devries
Age 3-7
This best-selling story by Tom Fletcher has been adapted into a picture- book and it does not disappoint. The Christmasaurus is a rhyming picture book about a dinosaur who wants nothing more than to be able to fly to help pull Santa’s sleigh across the sky on Christmas Eve. With a pitch-perfect, rhyming style this is a truly fabulous story and lesson in believing anything is possible.
And isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
On the First Day of Christmas
Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake
Age 0-5
The legend that is Roald Dahl has done it again with this Christmas picture book. This twist on the classic Christmas song “12 Days Of Christmas” combines all the Roald Dahl characters with nostalgic illustrations. From golden tickets to fabulous friends, this is a great book to introduce young readers to first numbers. We don’t know about you but this book makes us want to be kids again.
There’s An Elf in Your Book
Tom Fletcher and Greg Abbott
Age 3-6
Also another Tom Fletcher favourite, this Christmas book is part of a popular series “Who’s In Your Book?” The story introduces a little elf who is trying to find out if the reader has been naughty or nice by asking some questions. We’re all for interactive reading! Adding this fun, festive book to your bookcase will give a whole new meaning to “Elf on the Shelf”.
Peep Inside Christmas
Anna Wilbourne and Emma Allen
Age 0-5
This brilliant series from Usborne Books has sparked the imagination of young readers all over. Lift flaps and peep-through holes reveal a magical winter wonderland. Kids can explore the pages to find reindeer, Mrs. Clause working on the sleight and even see Santa flying through the sky. The interactive pages have a magical scene laid out on every one and every time you read it you may discover something new. This book is the perfect way to celebrate the excitement of Christmas.
Bear Stays Up For Christmas
Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
Age 2-5
If you’re looking for a book that will be a treat to read all year long, then this one is for you. A refreshing diversion from Santa Claus and Elves, this book also tells the story of a bear who wishes to hibernate over the winter, missing Christmas but is encouraged by his woodland friends to stay up and take part in Christmas festivities. It is a beautifully written story about friendship as well as not being alone around Christmas time. All while highlighting the true spirit of Christmas- giving!
Paddington And The Christmas Surprise
Michael Bond and R.W. Alley
Age 2-5
The U.K.’s most beloved teddy bear in a Christmas book? We approve! This story follows Paddington and his family as they go to a Christmas grotto and explore the beautiful sights of the winter wonderland. Paddington goes on a festive adventure and discovers why Santa Claus makes Christmas so special. We’d happily swap out mince pies for marmalade sandwiches if it means getting to spend Christmas with Paddington.
Christmas Wishes
Enid Blyton
Age 5-7
Yet another beloved author, Enid Blyton wondrously presents 30 Christmas stories in this delightful book. From a dog who discovers the joy of Christmas to Santa Claus and friends getting out of a muddle, you can embrace the spirit of Christmas every time you turn the page. With 30 stories, each at just the perfect length for a bedtime read, the children will be nestled all snug in their bed in no time.
A Boy Called Christmas
Matt Haig
Age 7-9 years
You are about to read the TRUE STORY of FATHER CHRISTMAS. If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away.
(Because this book is FULL of impossible things.)
Are you still reading? Good. Then let us begin…
So whether you’re giving this season or looking to indulge in some of your own Christmas cheer, the pages of these books are sure to keep you feeling merry and bright. What’s your favourite Christmas Book?
OCTOBER BOOK CLUB PICK 2021 | LOCK EVERY DOOR BY RILEY SAGAR
Can you believe that 2021 is almost over?! As we stepped right into spooky season this October, the TMC Book Club delved into the chilly and macabre this month, with Riley Sager’s ‘Lock Every Door’.
KIDS HALLOWEEN BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
We have another Halloween post for you & today’s is all about kids Halloween book recommendations! We have put together our top picks of all the Halloween books out there for children. We have a mixture of books suitable for toddlers and ones for slightly older children who love a good story. Reading a bedtime story is a part of all our daily bedtime routines and we love switching things up with the seasons.
Don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune on books; make use of your local library! We love visiting ours every week and seeing what books they have for us to pick. We’ve found some new favourites that we never would have bought ourselves!
THIS BLOG POST AND SHOP WIDGET MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, TO LEARN MORE PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER
1. HEY DUGGEE – DUGGEE’S HALLOWEEN
2. ROOM ON THE BROOM
3. TEN LITTLE MONSTERS
4. THE MIST MONSTER
5. THERE’S A WITCH IN YOUR BOOK
6. OLLIE’S LOST KITTEN
7. GUSTAVO THE SHY GHOST
8. HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH A GHOST
9. THE SCARIEST BOOK EVER
10. BONAPARTE FALLS APART
11. MOTHER GHOST
12. BOO
13. GHOST AFRAID OF THE DARK
15. PICK A PUMPKIN
We hope you have found some new ideas based on our kids Halloween book recommendations!
11 BOOKS TO CURL UP WITH THIS AUTUMN
THIS BLOG POST AND SHOP WIDGET MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, TO LEARN MORE PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER
Autumn for us begins on the 1st September – BRING ON THE PUMPKINS, and as a book lover it is only right that I share my favourite books to curl up with this Autumn. I have included a mixture of genres including heart-warming fiction and atmospheric thrillers so there is something for everyone. What is your favourite season to read? I personally love nothing more than curling up on the sofa, with my Autumn candles lit, with my book (once the kids are in bed of course, it’s just not the same vibe when they are charging around after each other LOL).
THE BEST BOOKS TO READ THIS SUMMER
This past 18 months has seen more & more people looking for a form of escapism and my personal favourite way is through reading. What is better than fully immersing yourself into a new world, other people’s lives and relationships and escaping the mundane. We are here to recommend the best books to read this summer. We have a whole variety of genres from romance to eerie thrillers- all make for easy reading.
JUNE BOOK CLUB PICK 2021 | THE WHISPER MAN BY ALEX NORTH
This blog post may contain affiliate links. To learn more, please read our disclaimer.
I can’t quite believe we are over half way through the year already – and that we have been running our book club for 6 months! Our June book club pick was The Whisper Man by Alex North. After the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son Jake heal. A new beginning, a new house, a new town: Featherbank. Featherbank has a dark past. Twenty years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed “The Whisper Man,” for he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night. Just as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, a young boy vanishes And then Jake begins acting strangely. He hears a whispering at his window.
WHAT WE READ IN MARCH
Another month over, another reading wrap up! How the hell we are in April already I really don’t know. I managed to read nine books in March, a mixture of; physical, kindle & audiobooks. We hope you are excited to find out the books we read in March.
WHAT WE READ IN MARCH
FEMINISTS DON’T WEAR PINK AND OTHER LIES CURATED BY SCARLETT CURTIS // LINK
TRIGGER WARNINGS – RAPE, FGM, HOMOPHOBIA, SEXISM & TRANSPHOBIA
Feminists Don’t Wear Pink is a collection of writing from extraordinary women, from Hollywood actresses to teenage activists, each telling the story of her personal relationship with feminism.
I listened to this via audiobook after owning it for over a year. On the whole, I really enjoyed it, however I was slightly disappointed that it wasn’t narrated by the host of people who contributed to the book, but I definitely recommend listening via audio! This book would especially be amazing for young teens, to learn all about feminism and how amazing & empowering it is, however saying that – I learnt so much & I am 28 years old!
THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT BY FARRAH ROCHON // LINK
What happens when three women get screwed over by one guy? They become best friends and form the boyfriend project of course!
This story was predictable as hell but I did enjoy it and would recommend if you want something super easy to read. I loved the friendship that Samiah, London & Taylor formed. They decide to swear off men and focus on themselves are their careers. Enter Daniel… smart, sexy & kind. Samiah is in troubleeee. If you enjoy fun, light hearted and sexy reads – give this a go!
OTHER WORDS FOR HOME BY JASMINE WARGA // LINK
We follow Jude who leaves her homeland of Syria – leaving behind her much loved brother & dad – to live with relatives in Cincinnati, after her hometown becomes too volatile. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US—and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before. But this life also brings unexpected surprises.
I listened to this & absolutely loved it, I have completely fallen in love with middle grade books this month & this is one I really recommend. It is a heart warming & thought provoking read, the book really highlighted the importance of respecting and loving another person’s culture and differences. I do feel the story lost some of it’s focus & flow in the second half, which I really wish it hadn’t as the first half of the book was so hard hitting. However I honestly can’t recommend it enough!
A BEAUTIFUL SPY BY RACHEL HORE // LINK – GIFTED COPY
The story begins in 1928 & we see the story of Minnie, an ordinary young woman, become a spy for the British government.
Sounds intriguing right? WRONG. This is possibly one of the dullest books I have read. It had SO much potential but the plot went absolutely nowhere! I really wanted to DNF it but knew I would be disappointed if I missed out on all the action or a big reveal. I didn’t connect with, or like the character at all and the plot fell flat. I think if you really enjoy historical fiction, you’ll possibly enjoy this! However it is not a genre I usually read, so it could all be down to personal preference.
THE LAST BEAR BY HANNAH GOLD // LINK – GIFTED COPY
There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that’s what April’s father tells her when his scientific research takes them to a faraway Arctic outpost. But one night, April catches a glimpse of something distinctly bear shaped loping across the horizon. A polar bear who shouldn’t be there—who is hungry, lonely and a long way from home.
Another middle grade and possibly one of my favourite books of 2021. This book perfectly blends a story of friendship whilst raising awareness for environmental in a way children will understand. I absolutely loved Hannah’s writing style and it was really fast paced, such a lovely easy read!
THE GOOD SAMARITAN BY JOHN MARRS // LINK
The people who call End of the Line need hope. They need reassurance that life is worth living. But some are unlucky enough to get through to Laura. Laura doesn’t want them to hope. She wants them to die.
I absolutely LOVE John Marrs, he is one of my favourite authors and I will read everything he writes. If you enjoy fast paced, twisted & dark thrillers – he is the perfect author for you. He writes the most incredibly unique plots with the best twists in them. A lot of thrillers have a slow build up to the actual story however this gets into the action STRAIGHT away. This wasn’t my favourite of his books but i’d recommend it 100%!
ALLEGEDLY BY TIFFANY D JACKSON // LINK
Mary B. Addison killed a baby. Allegedly. She didn’t say much in that first interview with detectives, and the media filled in the only blanks that mattered: A white baby had died while under the care of a churchgoing black woman and her nine-year-old daughter. The public convicted Mary and the jury made it official. But did she do it? She wouldn’t say.
This is the second book I have listened to by Tiffany D Jackson and it’s another I enjoyed! It is dark, gripping & disturbing. The plot was so intriguing however the end of the book fell kind of flat, which is also what happened in Grown, the other book I read by the same author. The plot had so much oomf throughout and then completely changed in the last chapter. That being said, it is a book that will definitely stick with you and it gives you an insight into how messed up the system is.
OPEN WATER BY CALEB AZUMAH NELSON // LINK
Two young people meet at a pub in South East London. Both are Black British, both won scholarships to private schools where they struggled to belong, both are now artists – he a photographer, she a dancer – trying to make their mark in a city that by turns celebrates and rejects them. Tentatively, tenderly, they fall in love. But two people who seem destined to be together can still be torn apart by fear and violence.
This was slightly out of my comfort zone as I knew it would be quite… lyrical writing, which I am not a fan of and the fact this is told in SECOND person was a whole other element I am not used it and it did take me a while to get in. It explores identity, what it is to be a young black Londoner, the nature of masculinity, the excruciating exhaustion and trauma of racism, the police brutality, and of constantly not being seen. As much as this was out my comfort zone, I am SO glad I read it!
TELL ME YOUR SECRET BY DOROTHY KOOMSON // LINK
Our book club pick for March! A thriller set in Brighton, a body of a woman has been found in the park. This seems to be the latest victim of a serial killer who abducted women and then set them free if they kept their eyes closed while they were with him. Now he is targeting his past victims and killing them one by one. Pieta, a reporter was one of his previous victims but has never reported it and is now being sent to interview a another of the victims. Jodi is a detective determined to solve the case. You can read my full review here, along with snippets of those from our book club members.
There you have it! All the books we read in March. We hope you find something that takes your fancy. Have you read any of these?
– SHOP THE BOOKS –
MARCH BOOK CLUB PICK 2021 | TELL ME YOUR SECRET BY DOROTHY KOOMSON
It is already time to review our March book club pick, I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown! In March we read Tell Me Your Secret by Dorothy Koomson, a thriller set in Brighton, a body of a woman has been found in the park. This seems to be the latest victim of a serial killer who abducted women and then set them free if they kept their eyes closed while they were with him. Now he is targeting his past victims and killing them one by one. Pieta, a reporter was one of his previous victims but has never reported it and is now being sent to interview a another of the victims. Jodi is a detective determined to solve the case.
WHAT WE READ IN FEBRUARY
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Happy March! I can’t believe we are here already, I for one am very happy about it as march for me means Spring and fresh beginnings. It is time for my next monthly reading wrap up and sharing what we read in February. This month was a little up & down for me when it came to reading. There were days when I could read all day every day and others where I picked my book up for five minutes and just couldn’t get in the mood. I did however manage 8 books this month – a mixture of physical, kindle & audiobooks!
MR RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET BY KATHRYN FREEMAN // LINK
We follow Mia who has recently moved to Manchester, and Luke who lives in the flat opposite. This is a really fun romance and I loved all of the characters, however it was OVERLY cheesy. I like a sprinkling but this was like taking a bath in grated cheddar LOL. I really enjoyed the fact that the book was based in Manchester (as that is where I am from) so I recognised a lot of the places they spoke about. If you love super easy, quick to read romances, I definitely recommend this!
FIGHT OR FLIGHT BY SAMANTHA YOUNG // LINK
We follow brooding Caleb & Ava, who meet at an airport and sleep together on a layover they both have. They decide to have a “friends” with benefits relationship. I say friends loosely because they REALLY didn’t like each other at first. Enemies to lovers is my favourite trope and this was deliciously good! Caleb is the perfect Scottish, brooding love interest and Ava is such a solid, strong female lead! They are the perfect romance characters. Samantha Young is one of my favourite romance authors. Her writing is addictive and she adds such depth to her plot lines.
GROWN BY TIFFANY D. JACKSON // LINK
TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR : GROOMING, SEXUAL ABUSE, MANIPULATION, DRUG USE, PEDOPHILIA AND ADDICTION
When legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots Enchanted Jones at an audition, her dreams of being a famous singer take flight. Until Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night. Who killed Korey Fields? Before there was a dead body, Enchanted’s dreams had turned into a nightmare. Because behind Korey’s charm and star power was a controlling dark side. Now he’s dead, the police are at the door, and all signs point to Enchanted. This book was such a hard reading experience, but an essential one. I listened to this in two days which is the quickest I have ever listened to an audiobook, the writing was fast paced and the chapters were incredibly short, which I am a fan of.
The book LOOSELY follows the predatory behaviour of R.Kelly and I really felt that throughout the book. The only flaw I found is that the ending was incredibly built up throughout the story and then it just fell flat, it wrapped up really quickly and a little too easy. I expected something a little more shocking.
RHAPSODIC (BOOK 1 IN THE BARGAINERS SERIES) // LINK
Fantasy romance series following Callypso (a siren) and Desmond (The Bargainer/Fae) as they join forces to defeat evil and solve a mystery. Yes it is as cheesy as it sounds. This series has been compared to A Court Of Thorns & Roses, and absolutely NOT. It is nothing like my FAVOURITE series. I am not mad that I read it but it is also hugely underwhelming. The romance isn’t great and I didn’t care much for the characters. The plot had SO much potential but went absolutely nowhere.
THE SILENT PATIENT BY ALEX MICHAELIDES // LINK
We follow Theo, a criminal psychotherapist who is determined to get to the bottom of why Alicia Berenson murdered her husband years ago, and hasn’t spoken a word since. This was probably one of my most anticipated books on my TBR and I couldn’t wait to finally pick it up and see what all the hype was about. I was left feeling slightly disappointed! I found the plot was SO slow and didn’t grip me at all until the last 100 pages, when things really picked up. However this is also the point where I guessed the “big twist” at the end. As much as I wish I had been surprised by the ending, I did enjoy watching it all unfold and come together. I’d definitely recommend this book to people who don’t read a lot of thrillers as I think the ending will definitely be less predictable.
A COURT OF SILVER FLAMES BY SARAH J MAAS // LINK
I can’t say too much about this as it is the 4th book in the A Court Of Thorns & Roses series, WHICH I RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE PLEASE READ IT. We follow Nesta as she deals with trauma and grief, it really shows a darker side to trauma and mental health. I absolutely love Nesta as a protagonist and she adds so much depth to her character – you really understand why she is the way she is and her relationship with Cassian is so special to see. This is my favourite book of the year so far, which I knew it would be. It was sexy, action packed and I was so glad to be back with the Inner Circle. There were moments that were slightly predictable but that didn’t ruin the experience at all.
THIS TIME NEXT YEAR BY SOPHIE COUSENS // LINK
Quinn and Minnie are born on New Year’s Eve, in the same hospital, one minute apart. Their lives may begin together, but their worlds couldn’t be more different. Thirty years later they find themselves together again in the same place, at the same time. What if fate is trying to bring them together? Maybe it’s time to take a chance on love. We read this as our first That Mama Book Club pick, you can read my full review here, along with other members of our book club. We also have an exclusive interview with Sophie Cousens.
STAY GOLD BY TOBLY McSMITH // LINK
TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR: transphobia, homophobia, dead naming, bullying, suicidal thoughts, outing, transphobic violence.
Tobly McSmith delivers a coming-of-age teen love story about a transgender boy who’s going stealth at his new Texas high school and a cisgender girl who is drawn to him, even as she’s counting down the days until graduation. I listened to this via audiobook and LOVED it, we have dual narrators as the chapters flick perspective between Pony & Georgia. This is such an important own voices read that encompasses compassion and understanding. The plot is so much more than the book’s synopsis will have you believe, it isn’t a super sweet teen romance – it tackles such hard topics and really tough scenes. I can’t speak for the representation but I have read other reviews by Trans readers who said this book really captured a certain experience for them that resonated with their teenage lives. I absolutely loved Pony’s relationship with his sister and how supportive she was, it was really special to read.
SHOP THE SHELF
INTERVIEW WITH SOPHIE COUSENS, AUTHOR OF THIS TIME NEXT YEAR
Our first book club pick was the incredibly heart warming and romantic, This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens. Sophie has kindly agreed to answer some questions for us!
FEBRUARY BOOK CLUB PICK 2021: THIS TIME NEXT YEAR BY SOPHIE COUSENS
It is time to review our January/February book club pick, our first TMC read of 2021! This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens. How exciting!
We follow the story of Minnie & Quinn who are born at the same hospital, on the same day – New Year’s Day and (by chance) meet on their thirtieth birthday. We follow them over the span of one year and they discover that their paths have crossed many times before!