Ana Huang has become perhaps one of the most recognised romance authors of this generation with her Twisted series being a fan-favourite, which Netflix has decided to adapt for the screen. As a reader, there are a lot of authors that I have come to love and admire. These authors vary in genre from thrillers and crime novels to romance and fantasy books, but one author I love in particular is Ana Huang. I had the pleasure of meeting Ana when I attended RARE London 2023, and I'm so glad I did because she has become one of the most popular romance authors across BookTok and Instagram. She has also featured on American chat shows, such as Good Morning America and The Drew Barrymore Show . But now her next venture is perhaps one that most writers dream of: Seeing their books be adapted for the big screen. Ana Huang announced that her romance book series, Twisted , will be gracing our screens as a TV show on Netflix. Variety confirmed the news and stated that it's a seven-figure deal between the streaming service and the author. The news follows popular book-to-television adaptations, such as Bridgerton, Harlan Coben's novels and the Spanish romance trilogy, Culpa Mía, although this is on Amazon Prime. As of yet, there is no release date and there is yet to be a cast announcement. However, fans of the series, on Bookstagram and BookTok, including myself, have speculated and shared their fan casts on social media. But for those of you who don't know much about Ana Huang and her books, let's get into what the Twisted Series is all about. Twisted series guide The Twisted series by Ana Huang consists of four books, each focusing on a particular couple. Each book could be read as a standalone but they are all interconnected, so for the best reading experience, I'd recommend reading them together. Variety described the logline as being: " A steamy new adult series that follows the lives of four best friends and their brooding love interests, riddled with dark secrets from their pasts, as they overcome the obstacles keeping them apart to fall in love." The four books in the series are: Twisted Love Twisted Games Twisted Hate Twisted Lies Twisted Love Protagonists: Ava Chen and Alex Volkov Tropes: Billionaire Romance, Brother's Best Friend, Grumpy-Sunshine Nicknames: Sunshine Summary: Ava Chen has been haunted by a childhood trauma that she can't remember for a long time. But, despite her challenging past, Ava is full of optimism and sees beauty in the world and in others, even the brooding billionaire, who just so happens to be her brother's best friend. And her neighbour. Alex Volkov is a man of few words and even less love, but fate has other plans for "the devil blessed with the face of an angel". Much like Ava, Alex is cursed by his past, but when Ava comes into his world and he's forced to protect her, his cold heart starts to warm. Twisted Games Protagonists:  Bridget von Ascheberg and Rhys Larsen Tropes:  Bodyguard x Princess Romance, Forbidden Romance, Forced Proximity, Enemies-to-Lovers with an Age Gap Nicknames:  Princess Summary: Princess Bridget von Ascheberg has dreamed of independence, freedom and a love that she chooses. But unfortunately, we don't always get what we want and when her brother abdicates, Bridget's future is written for her as Queen of Eldorra. And then Rhys Larsen joins the show. Rhys is broody, cocky and never ever gets emotionally attached to his clients. As a bodyguard, his job is to protect people, not fall in love with them. But when it comes to Bridget, the rules slowly disappear and soon, the protector and his princess have to hide their love or risk destroying everything. Twisted Hate Protagonists: Jules Ambrose and Josh Chen Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Best Friend's Brother, Forced Proximity Nicknames: Red Summary: Josh Chen, Ava's brother, is on his way to becoming a doctor whilst Jules Ambrose, one of Ava's best friends, is focused on becoming a lawyer. The two have never seen eye to eye and the animosity between them is palpable. Jules has never been charmed by Josh and she has been a thorn in his side since they met, but one night their animosity turns to passion. Neither of them needs a relationship, but a fun arrangement could help them both get each other out of their systems. Except, feelings start to form the more they get to know each other. Side note: I received an ARC for this book and absolutely loved it! You can read my review here . Twisted Lies Protagonists:  Stella Alonso and Christian Harper Tropes: Fake Dating Billionaire Romance Nicknames: Butterfly Summary: Stella Alonso is a sweet girl, who showcases her life on social media, despite being shy. With her work, Stella has little time for anything else, but a threat forces her into the life of Christian Harper, a dangerous, mysterious "monster dressed in the perfectly tailored suits of a gentleman". Christian is smart and charming, but he's also deadly. He doesn't care for love, but the pull he feels towards Stella intrigues him so much that he offers her a deal. Soon, their love blossoms but the lies and secrets threaten to ruin it all. Overview Ana Huang has created an addictive book series full of diverse characters and intriguing plot lines that will leave you hooked and reeling for days. I love Ana's writing and the Twisted series is such a good series of books. Yes, they're steamy and centred on romance, but there is emotion, mystery, and friendship. If you have read Ana's books before, let me know which one is your favourite. And if you haven't but are a fan of romance novels, maybe give them a try. I'm going to reread the Twisted series this year to refresh my memory on what happens before the Netflix adaptation comes out. Hopefully, there'll be more news on the series soon. Until next time...

Do you fancy a fun Valentine's Day read? Look no further as I've got some Valentine's Day novellas that will deliver lots of romance and banter without taking up too much of your time. Valentine's Day is just a few days away and if you're a romance reader, you may be searching for the perfect Valentine's Day read. There are, of course, plenty of full-length romance novels to sink your teeth into, but some of us may want something shorter. Novellas can be just as good as novels and I've got a list of novella recommendations perfect for reading this Valentine's Day. With a novella, you'll still get all the romance and banter, especially when they're set around Valentine's Day, but you'll also be able to read them quickly and have a blast while doing so. Here are 14 Valentine's Day novella recommendations for a quick and fun read this week. Valentine's Day Novellas The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez Tropes: Forced proximity, neighbours-to-lovers, stalker Where to read: Amazon first reads The Fall Risk follows Seth and Charlotte, two people not looking for romance on Valentine's Day, but fate has other plans. When they're trapped on their apartment floor with no way down, the pair start to embrace their situation and learn to trust and open their hearts once more. The Bossy Billionaire's Last Valentine by Erin McCarthy and Lili Valente Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, Billionaire romance Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited as The Bossy Billionaire's Best Enemy The Bossy Billionaire's Last Valentine is novella three in The Billionaires of Jingle Bell Junction series. It follows Kay as she tries to win over Bran in order to get what she wants for her resort, but things aren't all that easy as feelings start to come into play. The Booty by Willa Nash (aka Devney Perry) Tropes: Small town romance, Instalust Where to read: Amazon or Willa Nash's newsletter The Booty is an exclusive short story set in the world of Calamity, Montana, and follows Lola Jennings on Valentine's Day. Lola is ready for a good book and good wine on Valentine's Day, but instead finds herself in the arms of Aiden Archer and things start to get interesting. Till Cupid Do Us Part by Hannah Cowan Tropes: Small town romance, Valentine's Day getaway, Age gap Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited Till Cupid Do Us Part is a sequel novella to Snow Harm, No Foul, which follows Ivy and Nick. This novella follows them as they navigate now being parents, struggling with still being themselves and having a Valentine's Day getaway to help with that. The Forever Experiment by Sarah A. Bailey Tropes: Second-chance romance, Accidental marriage, Friends-to-lovers Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited The Forever Experiment is a second-chance novella that follows Maya and Easton ten years after they hooked up in college. After a night on the strip, the two of them find themselves married and whilst Maya wants an annulment, Easton persuades her to give their marriage a proper chance. A Big Surprise for Valentine's Day by Jackie Lau Tropes: Friends with benefits, Brother's best friend Where to read: Amazon and Kindle A Big Surprise for Valentine's Day is novella four in the Holidays with the Wongs series and this one focuses on Amber Wong after she runs into Dr Sebastian Lam, a close friend of the family. The two start an arrangement, neither of them wanting anything serious, but after spending time together, they start to question whether it would be so bad if they committed to a relationship. Puck Shy by Kayla Grosse Tropes: Workplace romance, Hockey romance, Secret Identity, Forbidden romance Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited Puck Shy is a novella that tells the story of a famous hockey player attending a masked Valentine's Day party and meeting a mysterious stranger in red. But when identities are revealed, Lucas isn't ready to give up Stevie and is determined to show her how he really feels. Petty Cupid by Sarah Blue Tropes: Fake dating, Paranormal romance, Opposites attract Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited Petty Cupid is a paranormal romance about a cupid and a grim reaper going together to the Valentine's Day Ball in Cupidale. But what starts out as a little bit of fun, turns into something unexpected. The Improbable Meet-Cute Series: The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren Tropes: Friends-to-lovers, Email pals, Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited The Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez Tropes: Anonymous notes, Rom-Com vibes, Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne Tropes: Opposites attract, Firefighter romance, Love at first sight Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited Drop, Cover and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory Tropes: Forced proximity, Grumpy-sunshine Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited With Any Luck by Ashley Poston Tropes: Valentine's Day wedding, Search for love, Missing groom Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson Tropes: Princess in disguise, Hidden identity, Forbidden romance Where to read: Amazon and Kindle Unlimited If you're looking for a quick, but fun read this Valentine's Day, I hope these recommendations help. 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Fancy a film to watch whilst snuggling up with your partner this Valentine's Day? I've got some recommendations for you. The day of celebrating love is fast approaching with Valentine's Day coming up next Friday. It's a day of love, happiness and romance; or for some, it's a day of friendship, embracing being single and solo dates. Whatever your plans are for Valentine's Day, or Galentine's Day, if you fancy snuggling up with your partner, chilling with your friends, and watching a movie, I've got a whole range of movie recommendations for you. On the list, there are of course classic romance films, some romantic comedies, and some modern classics. But that's not all, there are some tear-jerker recommendations, a couple of horrors so you can both hide behind a cushion and some good old-fashioned action movies. Valentine's Day Classics Valentine's Day The clue for this film is in the name. How can you celebrate Valentine's Day without at least having watched Valentine's Day once? It has a star-studded cast from Bradley Cooper to Jamie Foxx and Julia Roberts to Taylor Swift. With several couples having their own storylines, it follows them all as they face the struggles of romance whilst others try to find love. Notting Hill Julia Roberts is known for many films, but with both her and Hugh Grant starring in Notting Hill, it is a classic. Anna Scott, a Hollywood icon, has an encounter with William Thacker, in his bookstore. But their relationship isn't all that private with the paparazzi fascinated by Anna. When Harry Met Sally When Harry Met Sally is a well-known romance classic and it is full of love, laughs and chemistry. If you fancy a good old-fashioned rom-com, infamously known for the restaurant scene, this Valentine's Day, then look no further. Bridget Jones's Diary I've put Bridget Jones's Diary in this category because I do think the series is a romance classic, from the books to the films. Bridget Jones has a rollercoaster of a love life and the latest instalment comes out this Valentine's Day. Galentine's Day Movies Pitch Perfect Pitch Perfect is a great trilogy for Galentine's Day with song, dance, comedy and a little bit of romance sprinkled throughout the franchise. But most of all, it focuses on female friendships and the true power and meaning behind sisterhood. How to be Single I feel like this one is pretty self-explanatory with the title. If you're single this Valentine's Day, then this film is for you because it tells the story of how four friends approach singlehood. Someone Great After being dumped, a music journalist decides to go on one last adventure with her two best friends. Someone Great is perfect for those who have been single for a long time or are recently single. Whatever your situation, it'll make you smile and appreciate your friends just a little bit more. Book Club Fancy watching a group of lifelong friends read Fifty Shades for their book club and embark on "outrageous decisions" as a result? Book Club is a film full of friendship, laughter and finding joy in life. Romantic Comedies Shotgun Wedding The first time I watched this film, I loved it so much I persuaded my parents to watch it too. Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel star in an action-comedy on a tropical island, moments away from getting married when gunmen take the wedding guests as hostages. They're forced to save the day whilst not killing each other first. The Back-up Plan This is another J-Lo film, but this time, she plays a woman who's decided to become a single mother after failing to find love. But after Alex O'Loughlin tries to steal her taxi, she has a change of plans. With this film, it is definitely a romantic comedy, and I remember being in hysterics after watching it. Hit Man One of my favourite actors of the modern age is Glen Powell and Hit Man just showcases the talents that man has. Playing a professor moonlighting as a hit man, Powell changes identities but the mission takes a turn when he falls in love with one of his clients. This film is pure action and pure comedy. Anyone But You Another Glen Powell movie, but this time, it is all about the romance. Starring with Sydney Sweeney, Anyone But You is a perfect rom-com for Valentine's Day. With romance, enemies-to-lovers vibes, fake dating and a wedding in Australia, what more could you want? Tear-Jerker Romance Movies The Notebook A classic romance movie that will most certainly make you cry with the story of Noah and Allie that spans decades. Purple Hearts If you want a modern film with a little bit of sadness to make you feel all the emotions that a relationship brings, Purple Hearts is the one. A singer and a soldier come together to help each other out but the difficulties of health and war change things. Titanic Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet stunned audiences in this cinema classic and it's still loved today. Titanic is a film about romance, but one that will leave you teary-eyed at the end. The Vow Rachael McAdams and Channing Tatum star in this romance that tells the story of what a wedding vow really means, even when life puts obstacles in the way. Action Movies Top Gun Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. A motorbike ride with a sunset. Top Gun is a classic film and whilst it is action, there is the subplot of romance between Maverick and Charlie that makes the film even better. Ghosted Who would've thought that Captain America would need saving? Chris Evans falls for Ana de Armas in this 2023 romantic action-comedy and is swept up in an international adventure once he discovers that the girl he likes is actually a spy. Carry On This movie is a bit more serious, and whilst it is technically set at Christmas, it could still be a Valentine's Day movie because it focuses on a couple, played by Sofia Carson and Taron Egerton. Think Die Hard, but modern. Back in Action I recently watched this film, starring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz as spies, who went off the grid to start a family. It's a modern, action-packed comedy that will make you laugh and smile, and have a good Valentine's Day. Horror Movies Heart Eyes - slasher Heart Eyes is a new horror movie coming out that twists the traditional love story. If you want to cuddle up to your partner with a pillow hiding the screen, watching a movie about a masked maniac tormenting unsuspecting couples on Valentine's Day could be for you. Scream But if you fancy a traditional horror, the Scream franchise could be up your alley. After all, it all started with a relationship between Sidney Prescott and Billy Loomis going wrong. So if you fancy watching a movie this Valentine's Day, hopefully, this list has given you some inspiration about what to watch. If you would recommend other films for Valentine's Day, feel free to leave a comment below. Until next time...

This week is National Storytelling Week, so I thought I'd share some of my favourite books on the craft of writing and storytelling. From February 1st to February 9th in the UK, it is National Storytelling Week. It is an annual event, run by the National Literacy Trust, to celebrate all things storytelling. The idea behind National Storytelling Week is for people to celebrate and share their love for stories but also the power that stories have. Stories aren't just for escapism; they help transform and shape people, cultures and societies. For 2025, the theme of National Storytelling Week is 'Reimagine your world'. What this means is that there is inspiration everywhere. As a writer and Creative Writing student, I can attest to that. In every part of our lives, there is inspiration for a story. We might walk past an abandoned building; we might overhear a conversation in a café; we might encounter something unexpected. Whatever it may be, there is a story. But, there are some techniques, conventions, and rules to writing. So, having studied the craft of writing, whether it be prose or script, I thought I'd share some book recommendations from renowned writers, all on the way to excel at storytelling. Books on the craft of writing On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King Stephen King is a prolific writer with numerous best-selling novels to his name. He is known for his spooky horror novels, some of which I have read, but when it comes to writing advice, his name is often one that pops up. In particular, his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft is one of the most useful writing guides for aspiring authors, and even experienced writers. The book is non-fiction and it is "part memoir, part masterclass". King delves into his life growing up, sharing tales from his childhood and the start of his career. He shares advice and gives readers practical tips to help hone and develop their craft. And just like his creepy novels, On Writing draws you in and makes you want to keep reading. Get Started in Writing Young Adult Fiction by Juliet Mushens I'm currently studying writing for young adults and I'm working on a YA novel, and there has been nothing more helpful than this book by Juliet Mushens. Get Started in Writing Young Adult Fiction is not only a book with advice; it has focus points, key quotes from authors, workshops and writing exercises to help you put what you've just learnt into practice. It covers all key areas of storytelling from getting started to characters to breaking writing rules. There is even a section on finding an agent and the different types of publishing. If you're planning on writing for a young adult audience, I would highly recommend getting this book to help you craft your stories. Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott Anne Lamott has published a writing guide that differs from others. Bird by Bird is a book full of anecdotes, jokes, and shared experiences, told in a down-to-earth manner. It teaches us about the fundamentals of writing and whether you're an aspiring writer, or an experienced one, there is something to learn from Lamott. But what I really loved about Bird by Bird is that the main message is, commitment. To be a writer, you have to be committed to writing. With five different parts – Writing, The Writing Frame of Mind, Help Along The Way, Publication—And Other Reasons to Write and The Last Class – you'll be sure to find several useful lessons from Lamott. Write Right! by Jan Venolia Write Right! isn't actually a guide on how to tell stories. Instead, it is a guide on how to ensure you format your story correctly. I have the fourth edition of Write Right! and on the cover, it describes the book as, "A Desktop Digest of Punctuation, Grammar, and Style." So, if you have a story idea in mind, and you have strong writing skills, but you still aren't too sure what punctuation needs to go where and whether or not all of your grammar is correct, then this guide will be very useful for you. Writers' and Artists' Guide to Writing for Children and YA by Linda Strachan Similarly to Mushens' book above, the Writers' and Artists' Guide to Writing for Children and YA is aimed at writers who are targeting a younger audience. It is a fairly thick guide and contains 22 different sections. It goes into detail about the essential storytelling tools, such as characters, dialogue, and settings, but it has advice on more technical aspects. For instance, there are chapters on the different age ranges – Writing a picture book; Writing for younger readers (5-7) etc. – and on writing non-fiction or series. Plus, there is a chapter on Wellbeing for writers, which details things such as writers' groups, how to handle rejection and writer's block. Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting by Syd Field If you study scriptwriting or are in the world of scripts and cinema, then it's likely that you would have heard about Syd Field. But if not, then Syd Field is a renowned author, who has published several books on the craft of storytelling for the big screen. He has even been nicknamed "The guru of all screenwriters". His book, Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting is as it says on the cover: A step-by-step guide from concept to finished script. It teaches you what exactly a screenplay is, the essential aspects of a script, and what to do after it's written. I've used Field's book throughout each scriptwriting unit I've studied for my degree, and I will continue to use it in the future. It is definitely a must-have if you fancy writing a script. Now Write! Screenwriting, Edited by Sherry Ellis and Laurie Lamson Now Write! Screenwriting is not only a book full of advice for screenwriters. It is a practical guide that will allow you to put your skills to the test. With over 300 pages of useful advice, Now Write! Screenwriting includes screenwriting exercises from the writers of some best-selling films and TV series, including, Terminator 2, Groundhog Day, Reversal of Fortune and Lost. Each chapter in the book is in-depth and along with Syd Field's book, this is a go-to writing guide for me when I'm working on my scripts. Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder / Jessica Brody Blake Snyder came up with an idea of how to format a screenplay and he named it the Save the Cat! method. Soon after, Jessica Brody adapted the Save the Cat! method but for novel writing. I don't have Snyder's version, but I did complete a course by Brody and I do use the Save the Cat! method to plan out my novel's plot. Whether you're an author or a scriptwriter, invest in either one or both of these books because the way they break the method down is easily digestible. So, those are eight recommendations of books on the craft of writing for National Storytelling Week. If you want to start crafting stories, whatever the genre may be, I hope these books can help develop your skills even further. Until next time...

Play Along by Liz Tomforde is the fourth book in The Windy City series and once I started reading it, I was obsessed. Last year, I read the first three books in The Windy City series by Liz Tomforde. They were Mile High , The Right Move and Caught Up , and I wrote a blog review for each of them. Since then, the fourth book has been released. I read Play Along in January and so far, it is my favourite book of the year. And I'm going to tell you why. Review of Play Along - Windy City #4 Genre: Sports Romance Tropes: Fake dating Forced proximity Workplace romance He falls first / boy-obsessed Accidental marriage Overall Rating: 5 stars Play Along follows on from book three in the series, and it tells the story of Isaiah Rhodes and Kennedy Kay, who you meet in the previous books. Much like Caught Up , it's a sports romance focusing on baseball (MLB). Synopsis: " Kennedy: I’m the only woman on staff for the Windy City Warriors, and after years of putting up with a sexist lead doctor, I’m desperate to land my dream job with a new team next year. All I have to do is maintain my professional reputation for my final season in Chicago. But a Las Vegas run-in with the team’s shortstop threatens it all, leaving me with a fuzzy memory and a ring on my left hand. Now, not only am I legally bound to the most persistent man I’ve ever met, but thanks to Isaiah’s scheme to save my job, I have to pretend the whole thing was a planned elopement and not a drunken mistake. Isaiah Rhodes is reckless, impulsive, and frustratingly charming. He’s also my brand-new husband. They got the saying wrong. What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas… sometimes it follows you right back home. Isaiah: As the shortstop for Chicago’s professional baseball team, I’ve had my fair share of fun. But that all ended the day Kennedy Kay became a single woman. I’ve crushed on the team’s athletic trainer for years. I’ve flirted to no avail, so imagine my surprise when I woke up in Sin City with a ring on my finger and my favourite redhead in my bed. We agree to stay married for one baseball season, just long enough to keep her job safe, but in my mind, I’m using our time together to prove to her I’m husband material. Kennedy might be reluctant to join in on our game, but it’s one I refuse to lose. So come on, wife… play along." Edit Credit: WriteWatchWork I absolutely love it when characters in a book have to fake date, and in Play Along , it was even better than I could have hoped. Isaiah and Kennedy are forced to pretend to be married, which differs from Ryan and Indy's fake dating in The Right Move . There's something about a fake marriage that soon turns real that just scratches my brain. But the reason why I loved this book so much was because of the protagonists. Isaiah Rhodes and Kennedy Kay. We meet both these characters in the previous book, and it's clear even then, that Isaiah has a crush on Kennedy. But she thinks that his crush is just that, a silly little crush that came about because she kept telling him no and he wants what he can't have. Add to the fact, that she was previously engaged, and Kennedy's point becomes more valid. However, in Play Along we soon learn more about both characters and their origin story. Edit Credit: WriteWatchWork Isaiah Rhodes is the shortstop for Chicago's MLB team. He's cheeky, he's charming and he is always up for a good time. Having suffered loss as a child, Isaiah has always tried to make others laugh because that's how he and his brother, Kai, survived difficult times. As an adult, he's no different. Positivity and humour are what he's known for, but outside of the public eye, Isaiah is sensitive, emotional, and quite possibly the most caring and kind-hearted man in a book — he bought Kennedy Vans and picked her Louboutin's out of the trash whilst drunk on their 'so-called' wedding night. He tries to hide this part of himself from his teammates and those around him, but drunkenly marrying Kennedy turns out to be the best decision he ever makes because she sees him. Kennedy sees past the facade he puts on and is there for him when he needs her. This brings me nicely to Kennedy's character. Edit Credit: WriteWatchWork Kennedy Kay comes from a rich family, all about appearances and power. After her arranged engagement ends, she's finally ready to start finding out who she really is and what she really wants. But Kennedy didn't expect to end up married to Isaiah. They've always flirted with each other and Isaiah has always tried to shoot his shot, but Kennedy turns him down. Except, as his wife, she finds it harder to do so, because he gets her to open up and try new things. Isaiah helps Kennedy explore her desires and supports her in whatever decisions she makes. I loved Isaiah and Kennedy together. Their dynamic was so good! The banter was bantering, the chemistry was off the charts, and the wholesomeness was so sweet. There's more to each of them than initially meets the eye and I really enjoyed the character development of them both throughout the novel. Seeing Kennedy learn to stand up for herself and be open to leaning on Isaiah was just so good, and likewise, watching Isaiah overcome his anxiety and his fears and make himself vulnerable. I actually read this book on the Kindle (I don't have any of the Windy City series in paperback, but I desperately need them, lol) while reading a paperback of a completely different genre. And since finishing it, I haven't been able to start a new book on the Kindle. I just needed to take a few days after reading it to gather my thoughts because it is an all-consuming, emotional read that won't take you very long at all. Intrigued? If my review of Play Along by Liz Tomforde has persuaded you to either read book four of The Windy City series or simply, give the series a go, then let me know in the comments. You can get Play Along on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited by clicking here . Until next time...

Virgin River on Netflix is a popular, small-town television show and has just been renewed for season seven. The reason why I named my website WriteWatchWork was because those three words summed me up in a nutshell. I love to write and I love books, I love to watch good television and cinema, and I work a lot and I do enjoy it. But I realised I hadn't actually written a blog recently in the 'watch' category. So, here we are. For the new year, I wanted a little bit of a change, so I moved my television in my room into a different position that now means I can watch TV in bed. Whilst I was unwell a couple of weeks ago, I decided to watch the first episode of a TV show I hadn't seen before. I watched the pilot episode and I was hooked. That TV show was Virgin River and since then, I can't stop thinking about it. And because I love it so much, I thought I'd do a blog review of the show, up to where I've got up to. There are seven seasons (seven is yet to be released), but I am only on season two. However, as an avid TV watcher and as someone studying scriptwriting, I wanted to share my thoughts. Review of Virgin River Genre: Romantic drama series Where to Watch: Netflix Seasons: 6 What's it about? Virgin River is an American drama series that follows the story of Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner. Mel, suffering from loss, moves to a small town, named Virgin River, after taking a job there with a one-year contract. However, whilst there, Mel and Doc Mullins, otherwise known as Vernon, don't get on. But Jack Sheridan, the local bar owner and good-looking, happy-to-help ex-marine is the first friend that Mel makes in Virgin River. In cahoots with the mayor, Hope, Jack tries to persuade Mel to stay in Virgin River. Over time, the two become close friends, possibly even more, and Mel finds her place in the small town. My thoughts The reason why I sat down and watched Virgin River was because I in fact wanted to rewatch Hart of Dixie . But, I didn't have the DVDs with me at the time. So, I decided on Virgin River instead because the two shows are actually quite similar and I knew that if Hart of Dixie is one of my top five shows, then there's a good chance I'll enjoy Virgin River too. And I did. From a technical point of you, I absolutely loved the plot. The idea of a woman moving to a town she's never been to before to help her deal with her grief intrigued me and the progression of each episode has me hooked. There's a general rule in scriptwriting that states to get into a scene late and get out early. This means that you want to cut to the chase of the dialogue, action, etc., so that the audience doesn't get bored. Virgin River does that very well. It uses flashbacks within the present storyline to fill you in on the important context of Mel's character, but it does it in a way that isn't confusing and is very seamless. Virgin River kept me hooked with a balanced pace and some definite high-tension moments. I'm on season two, episode five (as of writing this) and I love it. There aren't any major time jumps between the first two seasons, so it is a continuation, which is quite nice because the storyline doesn't feel rushed and you get to know the characters really well. This brings me to my next point. I love the cast of characters. Admittedly, there are some characters I'm not a huge fan of but that's good because I'm pretty sure they're the antagonists. But I really enjoy the dynamic of Mel and Jack's characters and watching them progress with their character development. Neither of them are simple characters; they are complex, multi-dimensional, and have flaws that only make them more relatable. Doc and Hope are also some great characters. They kind of mirror Mel and Jack, but they're just older in age. A funny thing about Doc, though, is that the actor Tim Matheson is also in Hart of Dixie . In Hart of Dixie , Matheson plays the small-town doctor who isn't happy when the new city girl comes to town and works at his practice—the only difference is that in Hart of Dixie, Zoe Hart is a doctor, whereas, in Virgin River , Mel is a nurse and midwife. The whole show has a sense of familiarity, even though you may not have watched it before or know anything about it. It reminds me of those typical comfort shows, like Gilmore Girls , that are perfect to watch when the weather isn't so great and you need cheering up (despite the sometimes sombre storylines). So, if you need a new TV show to watch, and you have access to Netflix, give Virgin River a go. It won't be for everyone, but in my opinion, it is a very good show. Until next time...

For 2025, vision boards have been replaced by the classic bingo card as a way to manifest your goals. At the end of 2023, I sat down with my laptop, opened Pinterest and Canva and began creating my own vision board for 2024. I had never created a vision board before, but I'd seen lots of people on social media doing so and wanted to give it a try. I created a collage of images depicting how I wanted 2024 to look. I included images of nature walks, workout aesthetics, finished manuscripts, knitting, and Taylor Swift. I achieved some of it, but life did get in the way at times, and I often forgot to take photos of myself doing something from my vision board. So, when I saw the growing popularity of 2025 bingo cards, I decided to hop on the trend. Following Christmas, I thought of 25 goals I wanted to achieve in 2025 and got to work. This time, I didn't focus on finding graphics and images that visually defined my goals. Instead, I wrote a few words for each goal and kept the bingo card simple. At the bottom of my bingo card, I have some positive words that I'm hoping will be ethos for the year. By creating a 2025 bingo card, I have set myself some achievements to work towards. I've made a plan of what I want to complete before Christmas this year and by having them laid out in a grid, it'll be more manageable. Each goal has its own square, making it easier for me to identify them. But it will also help me when I've achieved them because I can easily tick them off one by one—the satisfaction from completing a line, a row, and the entire grid is something else to look forward to. However, when I was creating my bingo card, I had to think hard about what I actually wanted to achieve and what was realistic. I saw lots of other bingo cards that had things such as 'Buy a house' or 'Visit the Maldives', and whilst I would love to do those things, they aren't realistic for me. So, on my 2025 bingo card, I have things like Finish my manuscript Complete a new crafting project Go to Waterstones Piccadilly Build confidence driving Attend an author event I have also created a second bingo card, which is my '2025 Bookish Bingo Card'. It includes all things book and writing related. My 2025 Bookish Bingo I loved creating these bingo cards because they made what was in my head more manageable and achievable. So if you like to manifest and create aesthetics for the year ahead or set yourself goals, then maybe give bingo cards, or vision boards, a go. Think of some things you want to achieve and do this year. If you do create a bingo card or vision board, feel free to let me know what you put on yours. Until next time...

I Will Find You by Harlan Coben is the perfect read if you love thrillers and want to start reading books by Harlan Coben, who is a master of storytelling. How far would you go to prove your innocence? What would you be willing to do to find out the truth? Those two questions are explored in I Will Find You by Harlan Coben. I finally decided to jump on the Harlan Coben bandwagon and I'm glad I did. I Will Find You was my second book of the year and the first thriller I've read in a while. Reading Harlan's work just reminded me why I love thrillers and has definitely put him on my list of authors I love. And because I loved reading I Will Find You , I thought I'd do a book review to entice those of you who have yet to discover Harlan's work to give it a go. Also, I recently discovered that I Will Find You is set to join some of Harlan's other books as a Netflix adaptation , which I am very excited about. But first, what is I Will Find You actually about? Novel Synopsis I Will Find You is a fast-paced thriller that tells the story of David Burroughs, a man imprisoned for murdering his three-year-old son. Only, David knows he didn't commit the murder, despite what the evidence says. After five years in prison with no visitors, his ex-sister-in-law, Rachel, arrives. During her visit, she shows David a photograph of a friend at a theme park, and in the background, a little boy looks oddly familiar to David — it's Matthew. With the hope that his son is now alive, after all this time, David hatches a plan to escape prison and venture on a mission to prove his innocence, find his son, and uncover the truth of what really happened the night he woke to find himself covered in blood over the body of his supposed son. My Review - I Will Find You by Harlan Coben Genre: Thriller Rating: 4.5 Stars I went into reading I Will Find You with balanced expectations; I was aware of the hype surrounding Harlan Coben, but I also wanted to make my own opinion without outsider influence, hence why I read this before starting to watch the adaptation of Missing You on Netflix. Sometimes, when there are a lot of high expectations about a particular author or book, it can be scary to start reading them because what if you don't like it? However, I didn't have that problem and I don't think many people would with Harlan's novels. I absolutely loved I Will Find You . It did take me a little longer than I would've liked to read it, but I was very ill once I'd reached 40% of the book and I couldn't read any of it for a few days. Once I'd recovered though, I devoured it. The thing that made me decide to read I Will Find You was the plot. The whole idea of an innocent father trying to prove to everyone that his son is alive and that he is innocent, even when they don't believe him, intrigued me. As a creative writer myself, I understand the power of an interesting and exciting premise and this book had that. Throughout the book, I didn't find any flaws in the plot. I thought it was a well-paced book that wasn't too fast so you powered through it without understanding things and that wasn't too slow so you got bored. From the get-go, you empathise with David as a reader, even if you're not a parent yourself. His first-person narrative gives you insight into his thoughts, and you're taken on this journey full of ups and downs with him, right until the very end. And the plot twists... After reading I Will Find You , I think Harlan is a master at planting threads throughout the story, giving you multiple to follow, hinting at things to come, and surprising you with the truth. I wasn't only hooked on David as a character, but the mystery surrounding it all. Of course, David is the protagonist, but the book isn't told solely from his perspective, and I think that made it more enjoyable as well because there was an extra layer of complexity added. In a third-person narrative voice, we get to see the perspectives of the FBI agents investigating David's escape from prison, we see Rachel's perspective of helping her incarcerated brother-in-law, and we eventually get insight into a couple of other perspectives that — without spoilers — relate to the truth of what happened that fateful night. I Will Find You had not only a great plot but also a cast of good characters, some humour, emotion and lots of surprising events. If you've read some of Harlan Coben's books, let me know what you thought and if you haven't yet ventured into the world of Harlan Coben's books, hopefully, I've persuaded you to give them a go. You can read I Will Find You by Harlan Coben on Amazon, here . Until next time...

2025 is all about embracing new opportunities and trying to live a life I'm excited to live, all thanks to a Christmas movie. Hello, readers! Welcome back to WriteWatchWork for 2025. I hope you all had a Happy New Year and have enjoyed the first couple of weeks of January. Unfortunately, this year kicked off with me falling ill, which, quite frankly, put a spanner in my plan for the start of 2025. Having made a bingo card for the year with goals, both personal and professional, for me to achieve, I was eager to start working and ticking off things. However, I was forced to spend a week sleeping and resting. While initially frustrated, it probably did me a world of good to have a week of purely doing nothing but resting and giving my body and mind a break. Thankfully, I'm now fully recovered and am more than ready to embrace 2025. And one thing I will be focusing on is my happiness. Now, I understand how that may seem like an obvious thing to work on each year because of course, everyone should be happy. But what I mean when I say I want to prioritise my happiness is that I will be working on doing things for myself and things that will help me in all avenues of my life. In the past, I've been a bit of a people-pleaser and have sometimes not prioritised myself. However, in 2025, I'm going to work on ensuring I do what I want and do things that will help me get to where I want to be. After watching the movie Red One, starring Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson, I became inspired to always invest in showing up for myself. The movie was a great Christmas film to watch (if you're a Die Hard fan, I'd recommend it), but most of all, what stuck with me was some of the dialogue. There was a scene pretty early on in the film with Dwayne Johnson's character talking to J.K. Simmons' character and something they said was along the lines of the below: We choose every day who we want to be. This stayed with me and it inspired me because it's such a simple sentence that holds a lot of weight. Yes, society can impact who we become and how we act on a daily basis, but ultimately, it is down to ourselves. Therefore, for 2025, I'm going to make decisions for myself that will help me become a better version of myself and help me reach the goals I want to achieve. However, I'm not going to put pressure on myself; if there's one thing I've learned since the end of 2024, it's that sometimes things happen that we can't control and it's always for a reason. So, with that said, I hope 2025 is a year full of promise and happiness for you all. Until next time...

Need some new book recommendations? I've got you covered with a book haul ranging from festive reads to cosy mysteries. By now, if you know me, you know that I love books. Reading has always been a huge part of my life and sitting down with a good book is something I never tire of. It was no surprise when on my birthday list this year, I suggested some books. And it was no surprise when my family and friends gifted me with some books. Eleven books, in fact (one was a literary puzzle book). I was overwhelmed with gratefulness when celebrating my birthday this year, and also a little bit of stress because new books meant rearranging my bookcase. We do have a library in our house, but I also have a tall bookcase in my room, which is for my absolute favourite books. Unfortunately, I have too many favourite books, and authors, that they don't all fit on the allocated shelves. So I had to do some reorganisation. It was a good time for it as well because I had received some Christmas books for my birthday, which led to me rearranging my Festive Reads shelf. And I love how it turned out. But I thought that since I know many of you like to read as well, I'd do a book haul and share the books I was gifted for my birthday to give you some recommendations to add to your TBR or perhaps, even your Christmas list. Book Recommendations The Dream Harbor Series by Laurie Gilmore Technically, this recommendation is a series and technically, I didn't get all three books for my birthday. But I did get the second and third books - the first novel I got last year. The Dream Harbor series is a small-town, easy-read romance series. Each book is an interconnected standalone and follows a different couple each time. This series is perfect for Autumn and Christmas because the first three books are titled as follows: The Pumpkin Spice Café The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore The Christmas Tree Farm They just sound delightful, and I promise you, when you read them, they will be so good. This series is wholesome, sweet, and romantic. How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang This book I actually received as part of a 'Blind Date with a Book' package. I hadn't heard of Yulin Kuang before, but I am glad I was gifted this book. Kuang is a screenwriter - she's adapting Emily Henry's novels - and How to End a Love Story is her first novel, which features two writers, an author and a screenwriter. With a complex history, Helen and Grant are forced to confront the past and their potential future when working together on the TV adaptation of Helen's books. There is a lot of angst and a lot of tension, but a whole lot of love. It is a dual POV book and sometimes it isn't necessarily clear when the POV changes, but that aside, I did enjoy reading this. A warning though, there is an emotional moment at the beginning that is a subplot throughout the novel, so make sure you read the author's note at the beginning. Consider Me by Becka Mack I first read this book a couple of years ago and I loved it. I devoured this hockey romance book but never actually bought it in paperback. Until my friend gave me a book voucher and I snapped this up. Consider Me is a spicy, banter-filled romance novel that explores the relationship between a famous ice hockey star and a local teacher. I laughed so much when reading this and often revisit different chapters from the book, so it was no surprise when I picked it up off the shop's shelves. I definitely recommend this book if you love a good spicy romance. Home for Christmas by Heidi Swain If you've read my interview with Heidi Swain, you know I love her books. Especially, her Christmas books. Swain's latest novel, Home for Christmas , was always going to be on my birthday list and I'm so glad I received it. It is part of her Wynbridge series, but I believe you can read it as a standalone. In fact, if you did read it as a standalone, it'd probably make you want to explore the world of Wynbridge more. Home for Christmas follows Bella and her Spaniel, Tink, as they cohabit with freelance author, Jude, in her family's house over Christmas, which is a holiday that Jude isn't a fan of (don't worry, this is in the blurb!). I'm so excited to dive back into Wynbridge and meet the Connelly Clan again, so this cosy, Christmas read will certainly be one I enjoy. The Christmas Cottage by Sarah Morgan Much like Heidi Swain, Sarah Morgan is a go-to author of mine for Christmas books. I haven't read a Christmas book of hers I haven't liked. And The Christmas Cottage , her latest release, seems like the perfect escapist festive novel to snuggle up with this Christmas. It tells the story of Imogen, a busy working woman who has been hiding some of her past from those she works with. But over Christmas, Dorothy, a client of hers, invites her to a cottage in the Cotswolds with the potential for a new romance, but also, secrets from the past being unburied. I love how the blurb gives a mix of romance and mystery vibes, and how when I read 'cottage in the Cotswolds', I immediately thought of Jude Law and Cameron Diaz in The Holiday. So, I'd say, if you love that film, you'll probably love this book. The Secret Christmas Bookshop by Cressida McLaughlin Again, Cressida McLaughlin is one of my favourite authors and I've loved the Christmas novels she's released so far. So when she released a new novel that combines Christmas and books - two of my favourite things - I couldn't say no. The Secret Christmas Bookshop is set in a seaside village and follows Sophie and Harry as the two of them learn "that good stories can take on a life of their own...". I can't wait to start reading this and add it to my 'Festive Staple Reads'. A Merry Little Christmas by Cathy Bramley Now, I must admit that I've never actually read Cathy Bramley's work before, but my mum has and she seems like the kind of author I'd enjoy. A Merry Little Christmas is set in Wetherly, a market town, and the protagonist, Merry, combined with her best friend Nell, has to navigate the trials and tribulations that the festive season throws at them with motherhood on the horizon and past secrets coming to light. On paper, it doesn't sound as cosy as perhaps some of the others on this list, but it does still sound like an enjoyable read with some Christmas magic and some family drama. The Comfort Food Café by Debbie Johnson Debbie Johnson's The Comfort Food Café series is one I've had for a while. I even remember reading book one at my grandparents' house, smiling giddily and my grandparents finding it funny! So, it was no surprise that when I discovered a new edition of the series, I asked my parents for it. I'm currently reading The Comfort Food Café and I'm loving it. It is so enjoyable and such a great read in the build-up to Christmas. It is funny, it is heart-warming and it is romantic. Plus, it will make you want to go to the Comfort Food Café and have your favourite comfort food. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo I've read this book before. And I've reviewed this book before . But I've never received a special edition of it until my birthday this year. My friend, who was the one who introduced me to Six of Crows in the first place, bought me the Collector's Edition. And I love it! The cover. The sprayed edges. The entire design is beautiful. I'm not even going to read this copy. It will simply be a centrepiece on my bookcase to admire. But for you readers, the recommendation is the special edition, but mainly the fantasy book, Six of Crows . It has everything you could possibly desire from a fantasy book and I will never stop talking about it. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie If you think I was excited at the Six of Crows special edition, just wait. My sister, the amazing human that she is, bought me the special edition of Agatha Christie's famous And Then There Were None for my birthday. I really like Christie's novels and have a small collection on my now 'Agatha Christie Shelf', and this new book is paired very nicely with another book I got for my birthday, which is The Official Agatha Christie Puzzle Book. But the reason I'm so excited about And Then There Were None and why I'm recommending it to you is because there is an envelope at the back of the book with the killer's identity concealed inside. The only way to find out whodunnit is to read the novel, make a guess and then open the envelope. It all feels a bit Cluedo-like and I am here for it. I honestly can't wait to put on my detective hat, embody Miss Marple, and solve the case, and you should try it too! So, if you're stuck for books to read or books to put on your Christmas list, perhaps try some of these. If you do, let me know in the comments what you think. Until next time...

A retreat for teenagers. Unsettling challenges. A dark experiment. All to combat the epidemic of unhappiness. This is HappyHead . For part of my degree, I have to study and analyse young adult literature. As I'm writing a dystopian novel, I tend to lean more towards reading dystopias and my most recent read is Josh Silver's debut novel, HappyHead . My tutor recommended this novel to me and after getting it from the library, I can safely say, I will be getting the sequel. HappyHead is the first book Silver has published, but you wouldn't think that by reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into the dark and twisted world Silver's created and thought it definitely deserves to be reviewed on here. The synopsis of the novel is: "We are in an epidemic. An epidemic of unhappiness. Friends, here is the good news: HappyHead has the answer. When Seb is selected for an innovative retreat designed to tackle teenage unhappiness, it's his chance to finally be good at something. Getting close to the troubled Finn is definitely not part of the plan. But the challenges the participants must undergo become more unsettling by the day. And together the boys start to question the true nature of the experiment. What is it that HappyHead really wants from them? And will they even make it out alive?" That's the blurb on the back of the book. It's accompanied by quotes from others who have read it, which say it's "an unforgettable debut that recaptures the thrills and spills of great YA dystopian fiction" and "Like Hunger Games but better". As a fan of dystopian novels, the blurb and the cover copy intrigued me. Especially since Hunger Games was such a successful phenomenon when it was released. Having now read the book, I can confirm that the praise for HappyHead is warranted. And I'm going to tell you why. Review: HappyHead by Josh Silver Genre: Young Adult Dystopia Sub-genre: Thriller Rating: Five stars HappyHead is a first-person, present-tense novel aimed at young adults. It follows teenager, Sebastian, as he arrives at HappyHead, a government-run retreat, aiming to eradicate teenage unhappiness. From the very start, the creepy vibe is evident with a black smiley face after an introductory letter, inviting Seb to the retreat. And throughout the novel, the dark and ominous atmosphere only intensifies. As Seb is the sole protagonistic narrator, the focus is on him. The readers get an insight into his thoughts and his mind as the novel is told from his perspective. The present tense adds a sense of immediacy to the action and puts us as readers right into the action, allowing us to watch it unfold with a sense of suspense because we don't know what will happen. The book starts with Seb and his family driving to HappyHead. It's clear through the interactions that his parents are hoping that this retreat, whatever it may entail, will finally be something that Seb is good at and can make them proud. His sister, Lily, is a little prickly, but it's through her that we learn Sebastian is gay, but his parents do not know. This information is subtly revealed but plays an important part in the trajectory of Seb's character arc throughout the book. Seb isn't given much of a choice about attending HappyHead. When he leaves his parents and, accompanied by Mark - Antiseptic to Seb - enters the retreat, Seb meets the enigmatic Finn. An introductory assembly is given to all the teenagers, who vary in levels of excitement at being at HappyHead and having no outside-world contact for two weeks. From there, each person is assigned a bedroom. They undergo a quick procedure to insert a chip into their clavicle. And the experiments begin. Seb is put in a group with Finn, Eleanor, and Ash. The four characters are very different and none of them are perfect, even Seb. But that just makes him an even better narrator. As the book develops, so do the challenges and when reading it, I was taken on a tumultuous journey with Seb that sees him battle internally. He wants to do his parents proud and that means succeeding at HappyHead. Even if he has to suppress a part of himself. Even if he has to put himself in danger. And even if he has to befriend the very suspicious, overly eager and untrustworthy Eleanor. The plot was amazing; HappyHead is a real page-turner that I couldn't put down. It's a strong dystopian novel with elements of the thriller genre and there is plot twist after plot twist followed by a cliffhanger at the end. But what I loved the most about this book was Seb. As a protagonist, I thought he did a great job. He isn't a perfect character. He has his flaws and he knows that and isn't afraid to admit it. But he comes across as very real and very authentic as a teenager. His narrative voice was so enjoyable to read because it was chatty and conversational in places but also serious as well. Humour and sarcasm were used a lot throughout and that put me right into Sebastian's mind and immediately gave me a sense of him as a person and what he was thinking. And that window into Seb's internal monologues was present throughout the entire book. Pair that with the non-stop action and the increasing suspense and tension, in terms of both the mystery of what HappyHead actually is and Seb's relationship with Finn, and you've got an enticing young adult novel that will keep you reading until the very end. So if you fancy a dark, thrilling and compelling read, give HappyHead a go. You can read it on Amazon here . If you do give it a read, let me know in the comments what you think. Until next time...

This week is Banned Books Week, and I'm here to tell you why you should celebrate it. One of the skills children learn early in their lives is to read. Parents tell them bedtime stories; teachers read them books in class; and once they're capable enough to read on their own, children can pick their own books to read. But reading isn't only applied to books. We have to know how to read signs, letters, text messages, and so much more in every day life. It is an essential skill and it carries so many benefits, not only for adults but for children too. However, not only have there been conversations recently about altering books, such as those by Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton, but books have continued to be banned across the world. And in the United States, this week (September 22nd to September 28th) is Banned Books Week. Banned Books Week is an initiative that was first established in 1982. It was founded as a way to respond to the many challenges against books. The goal of the week is to "highlight the value of free and open access to information and bring together the entire book community". As an avid reader, writer and publishing hopeful, this week resonates with me because I love being able to read a plethora of books and I think the value different stories have is immeasurable. But alas, some places in the world aren't as fond of books as I am. So, for this year's Banned Books Week, I wanted to take a moment and just remind my readers and myself of the joy that books can bring to a person's life. Why books should be celebrated and not banned In the world of literature, there are set genres and there are typical plotlines. However, two individual writers' interpretations of the same genre and plotline will not be the same. In fact, I recently heard the phrase: You can copy an idea, but not the execution of the idea. And that's true. Think of how many romance novels are out there where boy meets girl, they get together, something happens, they break up, but then ultimately get back together in the end. It's the same basic plot foundation, but if you compare Cressida McLaughlin to Elsie Silver, they're completely different books. And this just proves the magic of books. Every book is unique. Each story is different. Readers are taken on a journey with the characters and are given the chance to live a thousand different lives and step into someone else's shoes. Having books banned and removed from public access limits the opportunities readers have. Books can shape lives. They give people the chance to learn and see more about different cultures and people as well as finding themselves in characters they read about. Readers can learn so much not just from the words they read in a book, but from discussing with fellow readers. Having the ability and the freedom to choose something to read and being able to share that love and those ideas with others is something special. If you're on social media, the popularity of reading is as clear as ever with Bookstagram and BookTok becoming more prevalent. And it's amazing to see because books are powerful. Having books, such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Hate U Give, being challenged because they represent tough topics like racism, police cruelty, LGBTQIA+ and mental health disorders, is such a shame. Books with content like this, sure may not be suitable for everyone, but they deserve to be out there. People can deepen their knowledge and gain a better understanding of the world around them through content such as that. So for Banned Books Week, I'm supporting all kinds of books. Until next time...