B O O K     R E V I E W |• How to Get Away with Murder by @tambarnettbooks 3.5⭐

Disclaimer| This was very nearly a 4⭐ book and it was only one scene and personal feelings that stopped it. 

TW| murder, domestic abuse, mental health, r*pe, medication, animal murder, historical murderers mentioned. 

Oh my gosh where do I begin? 

We had rival journalists with history, a friendship trio that had a toxic element to it, confusion, and more twists than a rollercoaster! 

I could hardly keep up with the plot twists, but they worked so well, just when you thought you had it figured out, a twist would take you in a completely different direction and then just as you were getting comfy, nope, twist again. It kept the story going and the pages kept turning. I read this in a weekend. 

We meet the lead character Kelli, a journalist who once worked for the nationals and is now freelance, who caught a serial killer a while back. She's been visiting him in prison keen to keep her name in the spotlight by writing a book all about the murders he committed. They develop an "understanding". 

Meanwhile, near to where she lives bodies turn up and she's using her journalistic nose to try and crack the case - albeit whilst fighting off her ex colleague who is an annoying pain in her neck. However it gets far too close to home. 

The method of killing, the location, the timing, the weapon, it's all starting to freak Kelly out and she even thinks maybe she's the killer. Or is she just fascinated with what would drive someone to murder? 

Her friends are...well, one in particular is going through a tough time, abusive, and her own past keeps coming back to haunt her in more ways than one. 

I didn't see it coming. It shocked me. And the absolute ending, that kept me reading to the very last page was utterly brilliant. I can still imagine Kelli screaming now. 

❤️❤️❤️

Thank you to @theboldbookclub for sending me a ebook ARC (last year 🫣😇) via @netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review 

Hello, and I hope you all had a lovely Christmas time. 

I spent Christmas prioritising self care, relaxation and calm time as I find this time of the year overwhelming emotionally. 

However, we've now got the thoughts of finishing our TBRs before midnight strikes on NYE, and planning to open a new book, turn a fresh page, start chapter 1 come January 1st. So, naturally a lot of us will be thinking about our reading goals for 2025, and I'm sharing my top tips to ensure we spend 2025 enjoying every page we turn, rather than getting burnt out or losing our reading mojo 😳  

As I said, as a new year begins, many of us feel the urge to set ambitious goals, but when it comes to reading, why not prioritize joy and relaxation? Setting cozy and calm reading goals for 2025 is about creating space for stories that nourish your soul, spark inspiration, and fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. This guide will help you craft reading goals that feel manageable, fulfilling, and perfectly tailored to your preferences.

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1. Reflect on Your 2024 Reading Year

Before setting goals for 2025, take time to evaluate your reading habits from the past year.

What did you enjoy most? Think about the books, genres, or themes that brought you joy.

What didn’t work? Consider the reading challenges or expectations that felt overwhelming or unachievable.

What did you wish you had more of? Identify the gaps, whether it’s exploring new genres, reading more diverse authors, or simply carving out more time to read.

Why It Matters: Reflection helps you understand your preferences and ensures your 2025 goals align with what truly makes you happy.

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2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Instead of focusing on how many books you’ll read, consider the experience of reading.

Set a smaller goal: Instead of committing to 100 books, aim for 25–50 thoughtfully chosen titles.

Embrace slow reading: Allow yourself to savor each story without the pressure of rushing to meet a target.

Focus on meaningful reads: Choose books that align with your interests, values, or long-term reading aspirations.

Cozy Tip: Select one or two long classics or literary works that you can read slowly throughout the year.

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3. Create a Cozy Reading Atmosphere

Your reading goals should feel like an indulgent escape rather than another task on your to-do list.

Build a reading sanctuary: Invest in comfortable seating, soft lighting, and warm blankets.

Pair books with ambiance: Light a candle, brew your favorite tea, or play soft background music to set the mood.

Why It Matters: A cozy environment enhances the reading experience, making it easier to stick to your goals.

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4. Embrace Themed or Seasonal Reading

Create goals that align with your moods and the seasons.

Winter: Cozy mysteries, heartwarming romances, or atmospheric classics.

Spring: Uplifting contemporary fiction or stories of growth and renewal.

Summer: Beach reads, fast-paced thrillers, or adventurous fantasy.

Fall: Dark academia, psychological thrillers, or historical fiction.

How to Start: Plan a seasonal TBR (To Be Read) list with 5–10 books that fit the theme for each quarter.

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5. Incorporate New Genres or Authors

Step out of your comfort zone by exploring unfamiliar territory.

Try one new genre per quarter: If you usually read romance, consider trying historical fiction or sci-fi.

Diversify your bookshelf: Include books by authors from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Why It Matters: Trying new genres keeps your reading fresh and introduces you to stories you might never have discovered otherwise.

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6. Set “Time-Based” Goals Instead of Numbers

If tracking the number of books feels stressful, focus on the time you spend reading.

Daily reading habit: Aim for 20–30 minutes of reading per day.

Weekend reading ritual: Dedicate Sunday mornings or evenings to uninterrupted reading time.

Why It Works: A time-based approach emphasizes consistency and enjoyment rather than productivity.

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7. Mix Formats to Match Your Lifestyle

Don’t limit yourself to just print books—embrace audiobooks, eBooks, and graphic novels.

Audiobooks: Perfect for multitasking during chores, commutes, or workouts.

eBooks: Convenient for travel or reading on the go.

Graphic novels: A quick and visually engaging way to add variety to your reading list.

Why It Matters: Multiple formats make it easier to fit reading into your daily routine, no matter how busy you are.

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8. Track Your Reading Progress Mindfully

Choose a tracking system that feels fun and motivating.

Physical journal: Create a beautiful reading log with notes, favorite quotes, and reflections.

Apps and websites: Use tools like Goodreads or The StoryGraph to track your progress and discover new recommendations.

Visual tracker: Try a book bingo or create a colorful bookshelf tracker to fill in as you complete books.

Cozy Tip: Focus on celebrating milestones rather than obsessing over unfinished goals.

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9. Join a Reading Community or Challenge

Enhance your reading journey by connecting with others.

Book clubs: Join a local or virtual group to discuss books and share recommendations.

Reading challenges: Participate in challenges like the Popsugar Reading Challenge or themed Instagram prompts.

Why It Works: A sense of community adds motivation and fun to your reading goals.

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10. Give Yourself Permission to Adjust

Life happens, and your goals should be flexible enough to adapt to changes.

Reassess quarterly: Check in with your progress and adjust your goals as needed.

Abandon guilt: If a book isn’t working for you, set it aside without regret.

Why It Matters: Reading should always feel like a joy, not a chore.

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Final Thoughts

Setting cozy and calm reading goals for 2025 is about embracing the joy of storytelling in a way that feels meaningful and sustainable. By focusing on quality, creating a warm reading environment, and incorporating flexibility, you can make reading one of the most fulfilling parts of your year.

What are your reading goals for 2025? Do you have a favourite tip from this list? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re planning your reading year!

Happy Reading,

– Dawn-Tracie xoxo

 Today is the publication day for a book I'm close to finishing as I write this. I was hoping to write a full review for today but I think what I've read so far can provide enough of an insight without risking any spoilers because I simply don't yet know how it ends. 

Keep Her Secret is the first book I've ever written by Mark Edwards, but from what I can tell from the book community it's definitely not his first novel. His other books have some amazing reviews so I'm sure this release has been highly anticipated by his fans of previous works. Whilst I can't compare or say in my opinion whether this is; as good, better or not as good as previous titles, I can say that if you're new to his work like I am then this is as good a novel as any to begin with. 

The book begins with two friends who have recently rekindled their connection heading off to Iceland as their first holiday as a couple. When they were younger they used to date, but life has happened in between (just how *much* has happened in Helena's life we can only prepare for). 

Events happen during this week away, and it's like one near miss just rolls into other forms of *snowball incidents* - it really becomes the get-a-way that keeps on giving. 

Helena opens up to Matthew about her past in a confessional that I doubt he was ready for, yet it doesn't phase him, is that the mark of true love holding hands with unapologetic acceptance, or is there another reason behind the sheer lack of 'I need to think about this'? I honestly don't know, I'm not at the end of the book yet. 

As I'm reading the eBook version I'd say I got to around 40% before the pace quickened. So definitely stick with it because all is definitely not as it seems, and whilst at the start it may appear to be heading in one direction and seem to be resembling a calm chaos, it quickly pulls the rug from beneath you and sharply changes direction. My head definitely got a shake up, and I wanted to storyboard it out and tap into my inner Vera (ITV detective series) and see how this all plays out. 

The character development is unexpected. The saying; 'You think you know someone ..' certainly comes to mind, as does "you don't know someone unless you follow them home...(or they follow you!) Helena seems to be a kind woman who happened to end up with the wrong man, and Matthew seems to be the one that got left behind, Lee (Helena's husband) seems a piece of work...and Devon (she was on the Iceland trip) seems just like an ordinary traveller who happens to be on the same guided trip as Helena and Matthew. 

I used one key phrase there: SEEMS TO BE

All in all, I am enjoying this read, eagerly swiping the pages to get to the next chapter where I might uncover the plot ... and the extent to these secrets. 

I'm awarding it 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ but it could easily grow to 4.5 

Read on below for the synopsis

*Thank you to Thomas and Mercer for allowing me to have an advanced readers copy via Netgalley*

SYNOPSIS

After twenty years apart, Matthew and Helena have rekindled their college romance and are away in Iceland on their first holiday together. Swept up in the romance on a mountain hike, one moment they are taking the perfect photo, the next Helena is hanging from the cliff edge…

Terrified, Matthew almost misses Helena’s sudden and shocking confession—but what he hears chills him to the bone. And when Helena reveals the full truth Matthew is horrified, not only by what she’s done, but why she did it. Does he really know her at all?

His shock turns to horror when, back in England, they discover that someone not only overheard Helena’s confession but plans to blackmail her. Now Matthew must decide whether to go to the police or help Helena keep her secret—and as events spiral out of control, how far is Matthew willing to go to protect his ‘perfect’ girlfriend?

Author | Sarah Morrell 

Publisher | Hashtag Press 

Availability | eBook, Paperback

My Rating | 4/5  

Fleur is used to balancing her two different cultures from her English Mum to her West Indian Nan but when she discovers that she can talk to animals she finds herself in a whole new world! Can her new powers help her take down Celeste 'The Best' the hockey-loving, ankle-smashing new girl, once and for all?

'A Head Full of Magic' was a delightfully, charming read that would be a perfect addition to any child's classroom or personal home library. 

I wasn't sure what to expect from the story at first, but once the foundations were laid it was really heart warming to read such a story. The characters were authentic, from the loving Nan who played chess with Fleur, to the school bully Celeste who made Fleur's school days somewhat less than ideal. 

This story contained the right balance of addressing key real life issues such as bullying, loved ones being unwell, self discovery, and a good dose of magic and escapism for any child (or adult).  

We meet Fleur who is a "normal" 10 year old girl, just trying to do her best and be a 10 year old. Along with losing friends, Fleur also is leaving Primary School and heading to High School, something we can all relate to. But things turn unexpectedly when she realises she can hear Nan's African Grey Parrot talk - and it doesn't stop with him - Sir Barclay - she can hear ALL animals talk. You'd be forgiven for thinking of Dr Dolittle here, but this is fresh, new, and exciting. This makes children feel that magic exists, that anything is possible.  

There were important key points in this story that really stood out to me; 

• it involved a mixed race family, and that's unfortunately what we don't read alot of in middle grade and/or adult books, Sarah Morrell did a wonderful job or portraying the family, and I felt an instant warmth towards them
• bullying happens far too much to far too many children, yet it's something that can do the most damage to children - I particularly enjoyed how well written the supportive elements were in this book addressing the bullying Fleur encountered. She was clearly supported by those around her, and that is something not all children have - but to read this book during a difficult time in their life may well give them the courage and strength to speak out and stand up to bullies
• Fleur's nan - reading the scenes where she's playing chess with her granddaughter brought back memories of me playing connect 4 with my nan - it was the highlight of my day at 3 years old

A Way Back To Happy by Olivia Spooner

Published by Aria & Ares

Edition Read ~ eBook

ISBN ~ 9781800249462

Price ~ £2.99 (GBP)

Book Description