Hi all! I’ve been seriously slacking with my blog lately and I’m hoping to get back into it now! My blogging slump has gone on long enough and I luckily saw Frappes & Fiction’s 30 Post Ideas for Book Bloggers post which has given me lots of ideas! Look out for some posts in the near future.
I thought this tag would be a great place to start as I’ve read quite a few books this year and had a relatively mixed bunch of reads. There are some clear favourites that have stood out for me, which I’m going to talk about in a new post soon.
Best Book You’ve Read So Far
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I am probably the last person on the planet to read Evelyn Hugo but wow what a book. I was honestly lost for words with this one when I finished and I will probably go as far to say it is in my Top 5 favourite books of all time! I’ve never read a book like this and I’m not sure I will ever read a book like this again. I definitely need to get more of TJR’s books because her writing style and characters are *chef’s kiss*. This was an easy 5 stars from me!
Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far
The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson
I’m renaming this one ‘the only sequel you’ve read so far’. I haven’t been the biggest reader of series as I prefer standalones, however, I’m making a point to try and finish at least 2 series this year. I’ve finished the Truly Devious series and I absolutely loved it! The Vanishing Stair is such a great book and we get so many questions answered, but new questions to ask. I loved the development of plot and characters and immediately went on to the next book because I just needed to know what happened! I’d highly recommend this if you’re looking for a YA mystery series.
Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year
As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson
It couldn’t be anything other than As Good As Dead. I absolutely LOVE the Good Girl’s Guide series so far and cannot wait to see how it all draws to a close. Holly Jackson is such a talented writer and I love how she cleverly weaves all of the strands of the mystery together. I may re-read Good Girl, Bad Blood before this one arrives though.
New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
When I saw the tagline ‘Get Out’ meets ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ I just knew I had to pick this one up. It sounds really gripping and the premise sounds great. Since buying this, I’ve seen some mixed reviews so I definitely want to read it soon and see what everyone is talking about!
Biggest Disappointment
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
I’ve had this book on my TBR for a very long time and when a friend of mine suggested we do a buddy read I was excited to finally read it. I’d watched the TV show when it came out years ago and thought it was amazing, from the cast to the mystery everything was crafted so intricately and so I had high hopes for the book. However, I just felt that the book was far too long and it could have been done in fewer pages. I hate to say it, but the TV show was better!
Favourite New Author
Taylor Jenkins Reid
You probably saw this one coming, but I loved Evelyn Hugo so much and I definitely need to get Malibu Rising soon – it just gives me all the summer vibes!
Biggest Surprise
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
Hamnet was my university book club’s April Book and I absolutely loved it. I’m a big Shakespeare fan and going into it I thought it was going to be a fictional tale about the infamous bard – but I was so wrong. This story is beautifully written and I felt the emotion on every page. I truly felt like I was in Stratford in the 16th century and I’d highly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of character-driven books. I’m usually a big fan of plot-driven books, which is why Hamnet was a big surprise. I’m definitely going to pick up another of Maggie O’Farrell’s books soon!
A Book I Must Read By The End of the Year
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama is a queen and I’ve had this since Christmas so I definitely need to read this at some point. I might read it at the end of the summer! I want to read more non-fiction this year and I know this is a great place to start. I’d love some nonfiction recommendations :).
Books and Baking 
Ah thanks so much for the shout-out! I also am eagerly anticipating As Good As Dead but I have been seeing some mixed reviews and people saying it’s really dark and not the way they expected the series to go so I am nervous for Pip! I have been seeing lots of 5 stars though
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You’re welcome! Oh no, really? I’m a little nervous for Pip now too! Fingers crossed it’s a great ending to the series
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