Dear Emily, concerning book buying: last year I bought a lot of books on Vinted, I admit I regret some of those expenses now. They were impulse buying mostly and this year I want to focus on the unread books I have on my shelves. If I want to read something new I will pick it up at my local library. In the past I used to read more from the library and if I really loved a book then I will purchase it. Today unfortunately buying books seems just another trend ( like fast fashion in some ways). I want to be more mindful this year, read at my own pace and avoid book hauls video as much as I can.
I would browse new releases on publishers websites but I don't want to be caught again in the trap of pretty covers, books on trend right now ect.
Hi Lara, this is exactly how I feel. I really just want to be mindful, instead of impulsive. I definitely want to use the library more too - I always think libraries are such magical places! It never fails to amaze me that we can just walk in, and armed with nothing but a library card we can walk out with books for free.
I am glad we have each other to help along the way!
Also I am so so so thrilled to have you join me on my membership Slow & Steady - thank you . I am so looking forward to what we have in store, and so pleased to have your company.
What a fabulous collection of books you read last year Emily. I loved The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan and set in the heart of Edinburgh too. Perfect!
Winter Solstice is gorgeous. I will probably try and read this again next Winter. I hope you enjoy it.
I'm looking forward to hearing about your reads throughout this year. I too am endeavouring to read more in 2025.
Thank you Debbie! I may be biased, but I thought so too! I like to try and read a mixture of classics and more recent books and I do like mixing up the genres too.
I am really enjoying Winter Solstice, I am enjoying quite a slow reading pace this month which is also lovely too. Feels like the perfect gentle read.
So looking forward to seeing where our reading takes us this year, it is lovely to have company along for the ride.
I really need to read Rebecca, and Little Women. My own favourites of 2024 would probably have to be Writer by JM Burgoyne, Season of the Swamp by Yuri Herrera and Opposite the Cross Keys by Sylvia Haymon. Oh, and Miranda July's All Fours.
For 2025 (besides the two books I've got coming out myself, plug plug), I'm probably going to get properly stuck into Frank Herbert's Dune series and some Wilkie Collins.
I enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, I don't know too many people who did? I'm interested in Scripted by Fearne Cotton? What did you think? On my TBR list for 2025 is Scripted, The Women, All fours and Intermezzo.
I think it can be a little divided, but I love it! A solid 4 star read for me.
I have to be honest, Scripted was not the best … it felt unfinished in a lot of ways. I think I gave it 2 stars!? It just didn’t deliver what it promised. I do recommend The Memo by Lauren Mechling and Rachel Dodes - I think it was a 3 star read, a lot more enjoyable than Scripted.
I ordered at my local library The reappearance of Rachel Price since I really liked A good girl guide to murder and two non fiction of Haemin Sunim (the things you can see only when you slow down and love for imperfect things)
Anna Karenina might be the next classic!
I will try to keep my tbr short because I don't want to be overwhelmed and think about the next book!
One of my favorite reads of last year was Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison. This year I'm looking forward to book 5 of the Mile High series by Liz Tomforde Rewind It Back.^^
I loved Big Magic when I read it a few years ago and am referencing it in a post I'm currently writing on what it means to be creative. It helped open up my mind to what counts as creativity (spoiler: I never thought I was creative). I have On Writing on my list for this year.
I have had Big Magic on my bookshelf for nearly the entirety of 2024 and so it is long overdue for me, but I think part of me wanted to wait til January to read it.
Oh you'll have to let me know when you start On Writing!!! Have you read many King books?
Welcome back my favourite writer. Oh we've read the same amount of books in 2024 yeay!
My favourite was When The Body Says No. I don't think I'll veer into something quite different this year as my reads in 2024 have covered fiction and non-fiction alike, with diverse authors' background. But I'll read more slice-of-life books as they're my current comfort reads :)
I saw we both read 40! From my 13 books in 2023, I still can't quite believe it. I feel like 40 is a good amount for me, I see other people clocking in big numbers and I just can't wrap my head around it! I feel like 2-4 books a month will be a good goal.
I am looking forward to sharing our reading together this year!
I signed up for a trial of Audible over the Christmas holidays. I'm currently listening to Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher. (I might look for Winter Solstice when I've finished that.)
What did you think of Rewitched by Lucy Wood? I bought it, mainly because I watch her on YouTube, but haven't read it yet.
Thank you Sarah, that is so kind. It is lovely to be back again! I hope you had a good Christmas/NY?
I am really enjoying Winter Solstice so far - I had heard it was a slow start, and takes a while to get into, but I am quite enjoying the gentle start to the story. I will let you know what I think once I am finished. I'd also love to hear what you think of Coming Home!
I loved Rewitched. You can really tell she poured herself into it. I had a lot of fun reading it and was surprised by how much heart and emotion was in there. I also enjoy Lucy on YouTube!
Christmas and New Year have been lovely, thank you. I hope it's been the same for you.
Coming Home was a similarly slowish start. I watched the TV version years ago with Emily Mortimer, Keira Knightley, Paul Bettany and Joanna Lumley, among others. I eventually found it on DVD and watch it quite often. I love the story. The book is a little different and obviously has quite a bit more detail but I'm really enjoying it.
I'll have to read Rewitched once I've finished Coming Home I think. 😊
I think I am going to really like Rosamunde Pilcher’s writing! Thank you so much for mentioning Coming Home, when discovering a new author it is so nice to have other recommendations from people.
Brilliant post with so much juicy info. It’s great to see you! I love the book hamper - what a fab gift idea. I’m currently listening to Big Magic by Liz Gilbert on my dog walks. It’s excellent. I’m also currently finishing The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan. She writes good, wholesome feel good books with happy endings. Our local library is currently under refurb and reopens I’m April. So, I mostly buy my books from The Works, and our local charity book shop. I buy a book for £3 or 3 books for £7.50 and then when I’m done I return them so they can resell. It’s for our local cancer hospice. I have to admit last year was the first time I rediscovered my love of reading because I had been spending too much time online. It’s for that reason that I favoured a real book in my hand. I also find it comforting. That comes from childhood. I got rid of FB and Insta, filling that space with bedtime reading. Although since joining Substack I find myself on here more and more! I’m still trying to embrace the Kindle and like you have purchased lots of 99pdeals. You are right, they are irresistible! Wishing you a happy 2025 😊💕🙏✨
Thank you Lisa! The book hamper was such a treat - but I am so glad I treated myself. I just really liked the idea of challenging my reading, and reading 12 books I maybe wouldn't have chosen for myself.
The Works is actually so great for books - I also love wandering round charity shops looking for books too. I am often reminding myself of the quote, 'reading and buying books are two entirely different hobbies'!
I feel the same, and I am sure those small changes are why I read more last year. It is a constant desire to use technology less, especially when it comes to my phone.
I am glad you also find the 99p deals as irresistible as me!
Welcome back Emily. My favourite book was probably Weathering by Ruth Allen. Haven't read either of the books about writing although they do sound interesting!
I tend to buy books from charity shops and also vinted. I've already bought quite a few books this year, so really need to restrain myself until I've managed to read quite a few of them!
Thank you Hayley. It is so nice to be back. I just looked up Weathering, and it looks so good. I love that look of it. This may have to go on my wish list, and I will check my local library too. Thank you for mentioning it!
I hadn't thought about vinted for books, that is a great idea.
My last book of 2024 was Matt Haig’s The Life Impossible. I would recommend if you liked The Midnight Library - his writing is wonderful. I also just finished Things I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci, which was also good and am now reading Dark Skies by Tiffany Francis-Baker, which I am loving so far. I can’t wait to delve into some of the books on your list. ☺️ Welcome back - you were missed. x
Thank you Victoria. I hope you had a nice Christmas/NY too?
Do you know I have seen The Life Impossible so much lately... I may see if my library has it. I have not read any other of Matt Haig's books so I will definitely add this to my wish list.
I also love Tucci and I am a massive foodie, so that is a great recommendation for me too! Thank you!
Dear Emily, concerning book buying: last year I bought a lot of books on Vinted, I admit I regret some of those expenses now. They were impulse buying mostly and this year I want to focus on the unread books I have on my shelves. If I want to read something new I will pick it up at my local library. In the past I used to read more from the library and if I really loved a book then I will purchase it. Today unfortunately buying books seems just another trend ( like fast fashion in some ways). I want to be more mindful this year, read at my own pace and avoid book hauls video as much as I can.
I would browse new releases on publishers websites but I don't want to be caught again in the trap of pretty covers, books on trend right now ect.
Wish me luck! Take care 🌈
Hi Lara, this is exactly how I feel. I really just want to be mindful, instead of impulsive. I definitely want to use the library more too - I always think libraries are such magical places! It never fails to amaze me that we can just walk in, and armed with nothing but a library card we can walk out with books for free.
I am glad we have each other to help along the way!
Also I am so so so thrilled to have you join me on my membership Slow & Steady - thank you . I am so looking forward to what we have in store, and so pleased to have your company.
Yes! If you think about that it's just magic and so democratic, anyone can borrow a book no matter their conditions/possibilities!
Awww thank you ! 💖 I am so happy to join your subscription, can't wait to read you soon!
What a fabulous collection of books you read last year Emily. I loved The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan and set in the heart of Edinburgh too. Perfect!
Winter Solstice is gorgeous. I will probably try and read this again next Winter. I hope you enjoy it.
I'm looking forward to hearing about your reads throughout this year. I too am endeavouring to read more in 2025.
Thank you Debbie! I may be biased, but I thought so too! I like to try and read a mixture of classics and more recent books and I do like mixing up the genres too.
I am really enjoying Winter Solstice, I am enjoying quite a slow reading pace this month which is also lovely too. Feels like the perfect gentle read.
So looking forward to seeing where our reading takes us this year, it is lovely to have company along for the ride.
I really need to read Rebecca, and Little Women. My own favourites of 2024 would probably have to be Writer by JM Burgoyne, Season of the Swamp by Yuri Herrera and Opposite the Cross Keys by Sylvia Haymon. Oh, and Miranda July's All Fours.
For 2025 (besides the two books I've got coming out myself, plug plug), I'm probably going to get properly stuck into Frank Herbert's Dune series and some Wilkie Collins.
I think you will really enjoy Rebecca! It didn’t quite make it to 5 stars for me (I am so stingy!) but it was very very close.
Thank you for sharing your book recommendations, noted them all down!
Oh plug away, it is sooooo exciting! 2025 is looking pretty good for you already!
Yeah, exciting times ahead!
Hi Emily! 👋 So lovely to see you on video 😊 Looking forward to the year ahead.. welcome back 👍🥰
Oh thank you Eva - it is lovely to be back too. Oh I keep meaning to ask - what did you think of your Jolabokaflod book? Happy New Year!
I enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, I don't know too many people who did? I'm interested in Scripted by Fearne Cotton? What did you think? On my TBR list for 2025 is Scripted, The Women, All fours and Intermezzo.
I think it can be a little divided, but I love it! A solid 4 star read for me.
I have to be honest, Scripted was not the best … it felt unfinished in a lot of ways. I think I gave it 2 stars!? It just didn’t deliver what it promised. I do recommend The Memo by Lauren Mechling and Rachel Dodes - I think it was a 3 star read, a lot more enjoyable than Scripted.
Happy new year Emily!
My best reads of 2025 have been Small things like these and Foster by Claire Keegan, two little gems for me.
My 2025 will be a year for Classic Books, just started Les miserables!
I wish you a slow and gentle January!
Happy New Year Lara! I love that you are reading classics this year, what else is on your list?
Hello Emily!
I ordered at my local library The reappearance of Rachel Price since I really liked A good girl guide to murder and two non fiction of Haemin Sunim (the things you can see only when you slow down and love for imperfect things)
Anna Karenina might be the next classic!
I will try to keep my tbr short because I don't want to be overwhelmed and think about the next book!
Have a fabulous start of the year!
One of my favorite reads of last year was Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison. This year I'm looking forward to book 5 of the Mile High series by Liz Tomforde Rewind It Back.^^
Oh thank you Nika, another one to add to my list! I love hearing what everyone has been reading, it is such a fun part of reading and books!
So true! And sometimes it brings me one book more on my tbr😂
I loved Big Magic when I read it a few years ago and am referencing it in a post I'm currently writing on what it means to be creative. It helped open up my mind to what counts as creativity (spoiler: I never thought I was creative). I have On Writing on my list for this year.
I have had Big Magic on my bookshelf for nearly the entirety of 2024 and so it is long overdue for me, but I think part of me wanted to wait til January to read it.
Oh you'll have to let me know when you start On Writing!!! Have you read many King books?
Welcome back my favourite writer. Oh we've read the same amount of books in 2024 yeay!
My favourite was When The Body Says No. I don't think I'll veer into something quite different this year as my reads in 2024 have covered fiction and non-fiction alike, with diverse authors' background. But I'll read more slice-of-life books as they're my current comfort reads :)
awwww thank you Sekar.
I saw we both read 40! From my 13 books in 2023, I still can't quite believe it. I feel like 40 is a good amount for me, I see other people clocking in big numbers and I just can't wrap my head around it! I feel like 2-4 books a month will be a good goal.
I am looking forward to sharing our reading together this year!
Happy New Year to you!
I absolutely love reading your posts! 🥰
I signed up for a trial of Audible over the Christmas holidays. I'm currently listening to Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher. (I might look for Winter Solstice when I've finished that.)
What did you think of Rewitched by Lucy Wood? I bought it, mainly because I watch her on YouTube, but haven't read it yet.
Good to see you back!! 😊
Thank you Sarah, that is so kind. It is lovely to be back again! I hope you had a good Christmas/NY?
I am really enjoying Winter Solstice so far - I had heard it was a slow start, and takes a while to get into, but I am quite enjoying the gentle start to the story. I will let you know what I think once I am finished. I'd also love to hear what you think of Coming Home!
I loved Rewitched. You can really tell she poured herself into it. I had a lot of fun reading it and was surprised by how much heart and emotion was in there. I also enjoy Lucy on YouTube!
Christmas and New Year have been lovely, thank you. I hope it's been the same for you.
Coming Home was a similarly slowish start. I watched the TV version years ago with Emily Mortimer, Keira Knightley, Paul Bettany and Joanna Lumley, among others. I eventually found it on DVD and watch it quite often. I love the story. The book is a little different and obviously has quite a bit more detail but I'm really enjoying it.
I'll have to read Rewitched once I've finished Coming Home I think. 😊
I think I am going to really like Rosamunde Pilcher’s writing! Thank you so much for mentioning Coming Home, when discovering a new author it is so nice to have other recommendations from people.
Please let me know what you think of rewitched!
Brilliant post with so much juicy info. It’s great to see you! I love the book hamper - what a fab gift idea. I’m currently listening to Big Magic by Liz Gilbert on my dog walks. It’s excellent. I’m also currently finishing The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan. She writes good, wholesome feel good books with happy endings. Our local library is currently under refurb and reopens I’m April. So, I mostly buy my books from The Works, and our local charity book shop. I buy a book for £3 or 3 books for £7.50 and then when I’m done I return them so they can resell. It’s for our local cancer hospice. I have to admit last year was the first time I rediscovered my love of reading because I had been spending too much time online. It’s for that reason that I favoured a real book in my hand. I also find it comforting. That comes from childhood. I got rid of FB and Insta, filling that space with bedtime reading. Although since joining Substack I find myself on here more and more! I’m still trying to embrace the Kindle and like you have purchased lots of 99pdeals. You are right, they are irresistible! Wishing you a happy 2025 😊💕🙏✨
Thank you Lisa! The book hamper was such a treat - but I am so glad I treated myself. I just really liked the idea of challenging my reading, and reading 12 books I maybe wouldn't have chosen for myself.
The Works is actually so great for books - I also love wandering round charity shops looking for books too. I am often reminding myself of the quote, 'reading and buying books are two entirely different hobbies'!
I feel the same, and I am sure those small changes are why I read more last year. It is a constant desire to use technology less, especially when it comes to my phone.
I am glad you also find the 99p deals as irresistible as me!
Happy New Year Lisa
Welcome back Emily. My favourite book was probably Weathering by Ruth Allen. Haven't read either of the books about writing although they do sound interesting!
I tend to buy books from charity shops and also vinted. I've already bought quite a few books this year, so really need to restrain myself until I've managed to read quite a few of them!
Thank you Hayley. It is so nice to be back. I just looked up Weathering, and it looks so good. I love that look of it. This may have to go on my wish list, and I will check my local library too. Thank you for mentioning it!
I hadn't thought about vinted for books, that is a great idea.
My last book of 2024 was Matt Haig’s The Life Impossible. I would recommend if you liked The Midnight Library - his writing is wonderful. I also just finished Things I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci, which was also good and am now reading Dark Skies by Tiffany Francis-Baker, which I am loving so far. I can’t wait to delve into some of the books on your list. ☺️ Welcome back - you were missed. x
Thank you Victoria. I hope you had a nice Christmas/NY too?
Do you know I have seen The Life Impossible so much lately... I may see if my library has it. I have not read any other of Matt Haig's books so I will definitely add this to my wish list.
I also love Tucci and I am a massive foodie, so that is a great recommendation for me too! Thank you!
I am so looking forward to reading it! Have you read any more Stephen Kings?