Looking back over the year, it’s been an incredible journey filled with amazing books! While I only started recording my reads halfway through the year – after a challenging start to what turned out to be my best year yet – there’s so much to celebrate. My review page is brimming with all the wonderful books I’ve devoured and shared since 2016. I’ve also had the pleasure of joining some fantastic book tours and readalongs with fellow bloggers (though not every experience was stress-free—live and learn!). Excitingly, there are plenty more events on the horizon, including new tour hosts I’m especially thrilled to about. Check out the events page to see what I have planned for 2025 and stay tuned for even more bookish adventures!
My 2024 Best Reads
🚨 ZER0 RI$K by Simon Hayes
When I first picked this one up, I was daunted by its chunky pages and the intricate themes of finance, cybercrime, and cryptic clues. But within the first few chapters, I was hooked. Hayes’s gripping storytelling makes even the most technical concepts accessible, sweeping you into a plot that’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. Set against a snowy London backdrop during a high-stakes 10-day investigation, this book left me questioning: Could this really happen? It’s intense, smart, and unforgettable. A must-read for anyone who loves a thriller that stays with you long after the last page. 📚 @mysimonhayes
❤️The Secret Christmas Bookshop by Cressida McLaughlin
This has everything I love in a holiday read—cozy, heartwarming, and brimming with festive charm! Set in a picturesque seaside village, this story wraps you in a warm blanket of love, friendship, and unexpected emotional depth. I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with Sophie, Harry, and (of course) the delightful Felix! Perfect for fans of Christmas happy-ever-after, this book is a feel-good treasure you won’t want to put down. Light a candle, grab a cup of tea, and prepare to be enchanted! 🎄
@cressidamclaughlin
🌸 All That Matters by Sir Chris Hoy
This is more than a memoir – it’s a masterclass in courage, resilience, and living fully in the present. I expected a story of sporting triumphs, but what I found was a deeply personal, profoundly moving journey through life’s challenges: a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis, his wife Sarra’s battle with MS, and the unwavering love that binds their family. From tears in the opening chapter to hope in the Blossom Tree project, this book left me inspired and grateful. Hoy’s honesty and optimism shine through, making it impossible to put down. If you need a reminder of life’s beauty amidst adversity, this is it. 🌺 @sirchrishoy1
My 2025 Recommendations
📖✨ Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney – coming January 2025
Alice Feeney does it again! Beautiful Ugly is an unputdownable psychological thriller that will leave you questioning everything. Set on the eerie, windswept island of Amberley, this story oozes atmosphere – think crashing waves, creeping mist, and crackling walkie-talkies. As Grady Green searches for answers after his wife’s mysterious disappearance, the twists come fast and relentless, keeping you hooked until the jaw-dropping conclusion. If you love unreliable narrators, richly crafted settings, and mind-blowing twists, this book is a must-read.
Pre-order now—this one is going to be HUGE! 🌊📚
@alicewriterland
💖 The Book of Kindness by Stephanie Butland – coming April 2025
The Book of Kindness is a heartwarming gem that will stay with you long after the final page. September’s journey—starting with a mysterious inheritance and leading to life-changing discoveries about her family—is both touching and transformative.
The dual timelines bring Great-aunt Lucia’s warmth and wisdom to life, while September’s present-day struggles feel so real and relatable.
Filled with emotional depth, richly crafted characters, and the magic of connection, this novel is a celebration of compassion and possibility.
Coming April 2025—mark your calendars for this unmissable story! 🌟📚
@stephaniebutlandauthor
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